The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

What about True Grit?

Fingers crossed. Black Swan should open wider and hit here next week or the 22nd.

I didnt get Buried either and I REALLY wanted to see that.

Kinda weird too. There are a few theaters here including a 14plex and the population in the immediate vicinity is well over a half a million, so its not like super podunk nowheresville.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

That's similar to mine, although I define "average" in two ways. My "average" score among all my scores is probably a 3.5 because I manage to stay away from most of the 1's. Average overall though (a "meh" score) is probably closer to a 3 as you put it. Here is an explanation I gave a few days ago: https://forum.blu-ray.com/movies/127...ml#post4121247

I agree with your previous assessment: anything less than a 3/5 falls into the below-average category in my book.

As far as 3/5 and 3.5/5 movies go (and certain 2.5/5 ones), it can be hard grading mediocrity. These ratings to me could mean either a film with bad qualities that I really really enjoy for some dumb reason (good examples being "The 6th Day," "Die Another Day," "10000 BC," "Lost in Space," etc) or a really prestigious top-quality film I dislike (like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Gone With the Wind," "The 400 Blows," etc). It's like the films evenly balanced out their qualities with their entertainment values to turn out just "okay." Doesn't mean they're unwatchable necessarily (heck, I wind up owning a lot of 'em).

Anyway, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!

[Al_The_Strange]

Saw this in the store today; a used rental copy for $15. I decided to take advantage, based on some of the high-scoring reviews around here (looking at you, CZAR… )

Next greatest blind-buy: “The Karate Kid” 2010.

Like everyone else, I had some reservations when I heard they were remaking a fine 80s film and shifting the entire focus to Chinese culture. What’s next, a remake of the “A-Team”? A sequel to “Tron”? Turning “Star Wars” to 3-D?! A third "Transformers" movie?!!!

Oh…wait…nuts…

Anyway, if there’s anything worth complaining about, it’s the fact that this is still called “The Karate Kid” when there’s no flippin’ karate in it. It’s all about Kung-Fu! Come on!

Seriously though, this film has its fair share of surprises. The film is surprisingly earnest and heartfelt. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan are surprisingly great in their respective roles. This film is surprisingly long.

The film is not as big on the actual fighting, but when it happens it is fast-paced and cool. For the most part though, it’s a drama filled with all kinds of conflicts and struggles. I could actually relate to the kid, being an American in a foreign country, confronting language and cultural barriers, having to put up with bullies. The film gets pretty deep with its story, digging up some very insightful themes about attitude, honor, respect, and discipline, and probably a bunch of other virtues I neglected. It has a lot of emotional moments (without being overly sappy) and a fair share of philosophical moments. There are even a few funny moments. Story-wise, it’s very satisfying.

The film is solid; the cinematography is distinctive and stylish without being overly hectic or frivolous. Acting is great all around; Jaden is only annoying a couple of times , but thankfully with good purpose, and overall he flexes a formidable acting muscle here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he grows up to become as fine of an actor as his father, if not better. Jackie Chan shows seems a little stiff at first, but shows tremendous emotion during one particular scene that really amplifies his character. All other performances are great. Production value is very strong, and it is particularly interesting seeing the different locales. Music is an interesting contemporary mix.

Finally, a remake that doesn’t totally suck!

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 4.5/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: Yep!

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Finally, a remake that doesn’t totally suck!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

[Show spoiler]

In retrospect, not all remakes suck.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I thought the objective was remakes that DON'T suck?

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I am constantly confused by rating systems on this forum-- if a 3.5 rating out of 5 is mediocre then I assume
4.0 is good, 4.5 is very good and 5.0 is great?

if that's the case
1.0 and 1.5 would be bad, what then merits 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0????

Thats why I said I gave the same score but it doesnt equate to medocrity. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

This is how MINE works.

* Hated it
** Disliked it
*** Liked it
**** Liked it a lot
***** Loved it

No half stars? Anyway here is mine basically. Got Em!!

0 stars – Beyond Atrocious



½ star - Atrocious



1 star – Horrible



1 ½ stars - Very Bad



2 stars – Bad



2 ½ stars - Not Good



3 stars – Decent



3 ½ stars - Cool



4 stars – Very Good



4 ½ stars - Great



5 stars - Masterpiece

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Saw this in the store today; a used rental copy for $15. I decided to take advantage, based on some of the high-scoring reviews around here (looking at you, CZAR… )

Next greatest blind-buy: “The Karate Kid” 2010.

[Show spoiler]Like everyone else, I had some reservations when I heard they were remaking a fine 80s film and shifting the entire focus to Chinese culture. What’s next, a remake of the “A-Team”? A sequel to “Tron”? Turning “Star Wars” to 3-D?! A third "Transformers" movie?!!!

Oh…wait…nuts…

Anyway, if there’s anything worth complaining about, it’s the fact that this is still called “The Karate Kid” when there’s no flippin’ karate in it. It’s all about Kung-Fu! Come on!

Seriously though, this film has its fair share of surprises. The film is surprisingly earnest and heartfelt. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan are surprisingly great in their respective roles. This film is surprisingly long.

The film is not as big on the actual fighting, but when it happens it is fast-paced and cool. For the most part though, it’s a drama filled with all kinds of conflicts and struggles. I could actually relate to the kid, being an American in a foreign country, confronting language and cultural barriers, having to put up with bullies. The film gets pretty deep with its story, digging up some very insightful themes about attitude, honor, respect, and discipline, and probably a bunch of other virtues I neglected. It has a lot of emotional moments (without being overly sappy) and a fair share of philosophical moments. There are even a few funny moments. Story-wise, it’s very satisfying.

The film is solid; the cinematography is distinctive and stylish without being overly hectic or frivolous. Acting is great all around; Jaden is only annoying a couple of times , but thankfully with good purpose, and overall he flexes a formidable acting muscle here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he grows up to become as fine of an actor as his father, if not better. Jackie Chan shows seems a little stiff at first, but shows tremendous emotion during one particular scene that really amplifies his character. All other performances are great. Production value is very strong, and it is particularly interesting seeing the different locales. Music is an interesting contemporary mix.

Finally, a remake that doesn’t totally suck!

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 4.5/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: Yep!

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

I knew u would like it. Its a very good film! Got Em!!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I thought the objective was remakes that DON'T suck?

They don't. Dammit.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by CZAR

I knew u would like it. Its a very good film! Got Em!!

Right on!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

They don't. Dammit.

Of COURSE they don't

[Show spoiler]

The other ones you listed that I've seen were good points though

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Of COURSE they don't

[Show spoiler]

The other ones you listed that I've seen were good points though

Right on!

I could have added some way worse ones though...

[Show spoiler]




I actually like some of these...wait, I own all of them!

[Jellybeans]

Salt

7/10

Was pleasently surprised!

The trailer didn't do anything for me. A friend told me to watch it and i did!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Right on!

I could have added some way worse ones though...

[Show spoiler]




I actually like some of these...wait, I own all of them!

[Show spoiler]I liked The Fog

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I thought the objective was remakes that DON'T suck?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Right on!

I could have added some way worse ones though...

[Show spoiler]




I actually like some of these...wait, I own all of them!

Quarantine does not equal suckage. No! I dont know if [rec] was better because I didnt see it, but Quarantine wasnt too bad.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Quarantine does not equal suckage. No! I dont know if [rec] was better because I didnt see it, but Quarantine wasnt too bad.

"Quarantine" gets a 3/5 for me. I didn't think it was that terrible either, but then I saw "[REC]" and found it was more intense. "[REC] 2" is better yet (and probably one of the scariest movies ever! ). Both "[REC]" movies come recommended, but I know most folks don't seem to like "Quarantine" much.

Come to think of it, I rated all of them kinda high. Just compared to the absolute best remakes ever...

[AKORIS]

No half stars? Anyway here is mine basically. Got Em!!

0 stars – Beyond Atrocious



½ star - Atrocious



1 star – Horrible



1 ½ stars - Very Bad



2 stars – Bad



2 ½ stars - Not Good



3 stars – Decent



3 ½ stars - Cool



4 stars – Very Good



4 ½ stars - Great



5 stars - Masterpiece

yeah, I skip most of the half stars-- my rating system--

1 star-- terrible

2 stars-- mediocre, "meh"

2.5 stars-- not a good movie but decent or "pretty good"

3 stars-- good

4 stars-- very good to excellent

5 stars-- outstanding

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

yeah, I skip most of the half stars-- my rating system--

1 star-- terrible

2 stars-- mediocre, "meh"

2.5 stars-- not a good movie but decent or "pretty good"

3 stars-- good

4 stars-- very good to excellent

5 stars-- outstanding

Haha only half star is a 2 1/2 star? Just make up your own rules then lol. Also your description for your 2 1/2 star is funny and kinda contradicting lol. "Not good but pretty good" I had to man. Got Em!!

[two40]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I am constantly confused by rating systems on this forum-- if a 3.5 rating out of 5 is mediocre then I assume
4.0 is good, 4.5 is very good and 5.0 is great?

if that's the case
1.0 and 1.5 would be bad, what then merits 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0????

I see a lot of high ratings here that even get into specific fractions like 4.75/5. I have a simple formula for this forum. Subtract 1 off each review and round it down. Even the 5/5's. hehe