The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by killowertz

While I didn't read much of your review since I haven't watched my copy yet, on the review. I'm glad you really enjoyed it.

i think you will enjoy it as well not as action filled as i thought going in, but very good. glad i bought it

And things were going so well...



I loved this movie, but I can cut you some slack on it since you did give it a shot and the movie is definitely not for everyone.

sorry
i am glad i watched it. it was fun and definitely different, just not something that i fell in love with. which, it seems is one of only two options for this film (love it or hate it). whoever wrote the novel though has quite the imagination though!

Originally Posted by Diesel

Even Fight Club?!

...maybe...



...but no...

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Even Fight Club?!

You need to see Blood Diamond and Gladiator to see more of Djimon Honsou.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The Island

[Show spoiler]Before I first saw The Island, Transformers was my favorite Michael Bay film (out of Transformers, Armageddon and Transformers 2). Then I saw The Island and I said it was my favorite. Then I watched Transformers again and I decided that, no, IT was my favorite. Since that time I've seen Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor and The Rock. After watching The Island again tonight, I'm going to flip back to The Island being my favorite Michael Bay film. A title that might sound like "the best of the worst" to some people, but not to me. I really like Michael Bay and enjoy his movies even if only three of them get a 4 or higher from me overall.

I really like the story of the movie with

[Show spoiler]the people actually being clones that are grown (illegally) and harvested for their organs to fix their rich natural counterparts whenever they need something.

I didn't know that was the case before I went into the movie. This was another one before I originally saw it that I didn't know much about it besides being a Bay film with Obi-wan Kenobi...I mean Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson. So when that was revealed I was actually a little I thought there was

[Show spoiler]actually going to be an Island of some sort

I really like the main characters and their actors in the film. There's nothing amazing about the acting in the movie but I personally think they do a good job.

Ewan McGregor is my favorite in the film and obviously as the lead has the most screen time for us to like the character. He has some pretty hilarious parts (WHAT'S WITH ALL THE WHITE?!....

[Show spoiler]He's taking a dump in a can?!

)
Though he's not the only person with humor, there's a solid amount of it in the film but its never too much.

Second would be Sean Bean because he's just really cool; I like when he's in a movie I am watching.

Then Djimon Hounsou who is just bad***. I've only seen him in this and Push. He was still pretty in Push, but that movie was way to crappy for him to save.

Then lastly of the main cast, Johansson. I've only seen her in this, The Prestige and Iron Man 2 and I like her in each movie.


I really enjoy the action in the film, as I almost always do in Bay's films because I have no problems keeping up and being able to understand what is going on. The train station piece, the highway chase, the final confrontation. I enjoy it all. Very fun and action to watch. Even with one of the biggest moments I've ever seen in a movie: when the

[Show spoiler]big R falls off the building and they survive without a scratch

I don't dislike it though, its just that its so far out there I have to roll my eyes at it every time.


Also something that I like is the difference in the color pallet of the two different places. The facility has a much cooler look to it than is usually seen in a Bay film; unless you want to count the space stuff in Armageddon
But the rest of the film has his typical warm, sun drenched look to it. I like both looks of the film and think they both work well for their respective sections.


So unless I decide to flip flop again next time I see Transformers, this is now atop my Michael Bay films list.

Rating - 4.5/5

__________________

If you like this movie and want it on blu-ray, I definitely suggest importing it from the UK. It's about $13.50 right now before shipping and I think it's worth it. I imported it in January for about a dollar more and was very happy with my purchase. Strong PQ and AQ (it's only lossy). Svet's review gives it a 4/5 for PQ and a 3/5 for AQ; but to me the PQ is a 4.5/5 and the AQ is probably a 4/5.
If you're looking for special features then you'll be disappointed as the only thing there is on the disc is a Making Of featurette, but it is interesting though.

i only saw this once and it was years ago before i even knew who Michael Bay or Johansson were (! i know!) and really enjoyed it i would like to watch it again before essentially blind buying it (remember about 5 mins of it lol), but i want to see it on blu and not dvd and i don't see a u.s. release ever happening (i remember we talked about this before with how much more it made overseas than in the u.s.) so i'll have to buy this soon and check it out again

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

You need to see Blood Diamond and Gladiator to see more of Djimon Honsou.

is this directed towards Diesel? or me?

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

is this directed towards Diesel? or me?

Diesel, I didn't reply to you after all. Not sure if I will watch National Treasure 2 or Devil Wears Prada next, leaning towards the latter.
Devil Wears Prada 4.5/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 3/5
Still my favourite Hathaway movie to date and I like quite a few.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Diesel, I didn't reply to you after all.

well since the post was directed towards me i wasn't too sure there...

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Still my favourite Hathaway movie to date and I like quite a few.

have you seen Love & Other Drugs yet? or waiting for the blu?

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

have you seen Love & Other Drugs yet? or waiting for the blu?

I'm waiting for the blu-ray, it looks like the kind of movie I will enjoy at home but wouldn't get much out of watching on the big screen if that makes any sense.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

I'm waiting for the blu-ray, it looks like the kind of movie I will enjoy at home but wouldn't get much out of watching on the big screen if that makes any sense.

it does. i know a bunch of people that only go for the big, loud blockbusters (Star Trek, the Harry Potter films and whatnot) because with tickets being so expensive, going to see a rom-com just isn't worth the price to them.

i'm also waiting for the blu. both leads i enjoy tremendously so i'm anxious to see it.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

it does. i know a bunch of people that only go for the big, loud blockbusters (Star Trek, the Harry Potter films and whatnot) because with tickets being so expensive, going to see a rom-com just isn't worth the price to them.

i'm also waiting for the blu. both leads i enjoy tremendously so i'm anxious to see it.

I go to rom coms in the theatres all the time and Hathaway will always be one of my favourite actors, I just don't go to the theatre a lot during the NFL season, do intend to go to one with the family on Christmas, though.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

You need to see Blood Diamond and Gladiator to see more of Djimon Honsou.

Completely forgot about him being in Gladiator

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i only saw this once and it was years ago before i even knew who Michael Bay or Johansson were (! i know!) and really enjoyed it i would like to watch it again before essentially blind buying it (remember about 5 mins of it lol), but i want to see it on blu and not dvd and i don't see a u.s. release ever happening (i remember we talked about this before with how much more it made overseas than in the u.s.) so i'll have to buy this soon and check it out again

Yea, I believe we did discuss it. You might be able to sell it in the Trade Forum if you buy it and decide not to keep it.

[volcomsocal]

Taken - 2008

I saw this movie earlier this year but not on blu-ray. In fact, I watched it online for free when it was still out in the theaters, so it was a marginal copy at best. You could say that this was my first real time watching it.

I would have to say that this is the BEST hour and a half movie I've ever seen. Right from the get go, we know the plot... the title of the movie says it all; it doesn't take a genius to figure that out. But that doesn't take anything away from how good this movie really is. Liam Neeson really sells the role of a

[Show spoiler]retired CIA spy who knows how to kick ass and track down the bad guys who took his daughter.

Taken starts out slow but within 25 minutes or so, it picks up some serious steam. The next hour is a roller coaster of a ride in terms of pure entertainment.

The only downside to this movie, to me at least, is that it ends too abruptly. I wanted another 5-10 minutes... but I guess that's how roller coasters end, abruptly.

PQ is very solid, but not the best that blu-ray has to offer.

PQ - 8/10

AQ is very good, especially when it comes to guns firing... your LFE will get a workout.

AQ - 8.5/10


Overall I really enjoyed this movie. It's one of the best action films I've seen. It has a good script, pretty good directing, great action and suspense, and really keeps you entertained from start to finish.

8.5/10











*on a side note, while I was watching Taken, I couldn't help myself but think about the Bourne Trilogy. I kept on comparing the quality of the action scenes and car chases between the two movies and came to a realization. The Bourne Trilogy really has set the bar and spoiled us with the best of what action movies have to offer us. I'm not saying Taken is bad, it makes me realize just how good The Bourne Trilogy really is, especially as a whole package.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The Island

[Show spoiler]Before I first saw The Island, Transformers was my favorite Michael Bay film (out of Transformers, Armageddon and Transformers 2). Then I saw The Island and I said it was my favorite. Then I watched Transformers again and I decided that, no, IT was my favorite. Since that time I've seen Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor and The Rock. After watching The Island again tonight, I'm going to flip back to The Island being my favorite Michael Bay film. A title that might sound like "the best of the worst" to some people, but not to me. I really like Michael Bay and enjoy his movies even if only three of them get a 4 or higher from me overall.

I really like the story of the movie with

[Show spoiler]the people actually being clones that are grown (illegally) and harvested for their organs to fix their rich natural counterparts whenever they need something.

I didn't know that was the case before I went into the movie. This was another one before I originally saw it that I didn't know much about it besides being a Bay film with Obi-wan Kenobi...I mean Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson. So when that was revealed I was actually a little I thought there was

[Show spoiler]actually going to be an Island of some sort

I really like the main characters and their actors in the film. There's nothing amazing about the acting in the movie but I personally think they do a good job.

Ewan McGregor is my favorite in the film and obviously as the lead has the most screen time for us to like the character. He has some pretty hilarious parts (WHAT'S WITH ALL THE WHITE?!....

[Show spoiler]He's taking a dump in a can?!

)
Though he's not the only person with humor, there's a solid amount of it in the film but its never too much.

Second would be Sean Bean because he's just really cool; I like when he's in a movie I am watching.

Then Djimon Hounsou who is just bad***. I've only seen him in this and Push. He was still pretty in Push, but that movie was way to crappy for him to save.

Then lastly of the main cast, Johansson. I've only seen her in this, The Prestige and Iron Man 2 and I like her in each movie.


I really enjoy the action in the film, as I almost always do in Bay's films because I have no problems keeping up and being able to understand what is going on. The train station piece, the highway chase, the final confrontation. I enjoy it all. Very fun and action to watch. Even with one of the biggest moments I've ever seen in a movie: when the

[Show spoiler]big R falls off the building and they survive without a scratch

I don't dislike it though, its just that its so far out there I have to roll my eyes at it every time.


Also something that I like is the difference in the color pallet of the two different places. The facility has a much cooler look to it than is usually seen in a Bay film; unless you want to count the space stuff in Armageddon
But the rest of the film has his typical warm, sun drenched look to it. I like both looks of the film and think they both work well for their respective sections.


So unless I decide to flip flop again next time I see Transformers, this is now atop my Michael Bay films list.

Rating - 4.5/5

[Show spoiler]__________________


If you like this movie and want it on blu-ray, I definitely suggest importing it from the UK. It's about $13.50 right now before shipping and I think it's worth it. I imported it in January for about a dollar more and was very happy with my purchase. Strong PQ and AQ (it's only lossy). Svet's review gives it a 4/5 for PQ and a 3/5 for AQ; but to me the PQ is a 4.5/5 and the AQ is probably a 4/5.
If you're looking for special features then you'll be disappointed as the only thing there is on the disc is a Making Of featurette, but it is interesting though.


______________________


My ratings for Bay's films:

• The Island - 4.5/5
  
  
• Transformers - 4.5/5
  
  
• The Rock - 4/5
  
  
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - 3.5/5
  
  
• Bad Boys II - 3.5/5
  
  
• Pearl Harbor - 3/5 (The attack portion / Doolittle Raid - 5/5; Almost everything else - 2/5)

I haven't seen Armageddon in a while, so I need to do so again before assigning a rating. I still need to see Bad Boys II.

First off i'll like to mention that i like the way you're doing your reviews . Second i think this is one of Michael Bay's better films. The Rock, Con Air, the this Feature. I love Transformers as well but i think these films are a bit better.

[lDlisturb3d]

The Wizard of OZ

Director: Victor Fleming
Writers: Noel Langley and Florence Ryerson
Mains: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan and Ray Bolger

"There's no place like home!"

There is no need for a detailed review on this movie because i'm pretty sure a great deal of people have already seen it. 1939 classic still is great and looks its best on blu. This was my first time ever seeing the Wizard of Oz and i can say that this movie was great and for all ages. I loved the sepia intro and the dynamic color change once Dorothy was in OZ. The sounds were very magical and full of life. Everyone in my household enjoyed this feature film. What stood out the most to me was the fact that the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow were already gaining what they wanted from the Wizard in there mission to save Dorothy. Great classic that has lived on through the ages and looks great on blu. This feature is most definitely a MUST OWN for you and your little ones.

MUST OWN

5/5

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD (119 minutes)

Film #2
Enjoyment Level Score" 2/5 “didn’t care for it”

Final Verdict: 2.5/5

Someones just moved right up my "too kill" list

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Someones just moved right up my "too kill" list

lol. I knew you would find your way in here.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

My ratings for Bay's films:

• The Island - 4.5/5
  
  
• Transformers - 4.5/5
  
  
• The Rock - 4/5
  
  
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - 3.5/5
  
  
• Bad Boys II - 3.5/5
  
  
• Pearl Harbor - 3/5 (The attack portion / Doolittle Raid - 5/5; Almost everything else - 2/5)

I haven't seen Armageddon in a while, so I need to do so again before assigning a rating. I still need to see Bad Boys II.

But, according to your list, you've already seen Bad Boys II.

Speaking of The Island, I really need to import that sometime next year so I can finally see it.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i think you will enjoy it as well not as action filled as i thought going in, but very good. glad i bought it

I'm glad that your first movie was a success. It wouldn't be the first movie that I really enjoy but expected it to be more action packed (The Book of Eli). Granted I know now The Town isn't and I didn't with The Book of Eli, but that's beside the point. I will be checking out the theatrical cut first whenever I end up actually watching the movie.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

sorry
i am glad i watched it. it was fun and definitely different, just not something that i fell in love with. which, it seems is one of only two options for this film (love it or hate it). whoever wrote the novel though has quite the imagination though!

I already said I was going to cut you some slack for not liking Scott Pilgrim. It's not a movie everybody can love, especially with you not being a gamer. It was definitely like nothing I'd ever seen before, which goes right in line with what you said about the novel that I haven't read either.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i'm also waiting for the blu. both leads i enjoy tremendously so i'm anxious to see it.

Same here. I'll be blind buying Love & Other Drugs since it looks like something I'll like and I also like both of the leads. Anne Hathaway is one of my favorite actresses and I'm liking Jake more now after Prince of Persia.

[Steve46]

Galapagos

A three-part documentary from the BBC. PQ is decent without blowing you away. I would say 4/5. Audio is good enough and 3/5.

It's narrated by Tilda Swinton. She does a good job, but this isn't her life's work. She doesn't have the passion for the material that David Attenborough has.

It lasts around two-and-a-half hours and is interesting. Certainly worth watching once. I wouldn't say it's an essential purchase like Planet Earth and Life, but you'll be happy if you are a fan of nature documentaries.

All you could ever wish to know about tortoises and iguanas and quite a lot of bird life. It suffers a bit from the lack of variety though.

3.5/5

[Steve46]

Summer Hours

Directed by Olivier Assayas
Starring Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling and Jeremie Renier
French with subtitles

This is a story about how three adult siblings deal with their mother's death. It leaves their lives forever changed. They were raised in France and their childhood home is left to them. They have to decide whether to keep it or sell it and also decide what to do with some of the valuable possessions left behind.

It's a snapshot into the three lives. The film is dialogue-heavy because it tries to show what's going through the minds of the three siblings.

It's also a commentary on the modern world. How everyone has a telephone and is always in touch with other things that are happening. Two of the siblings have made a life elsewhere; one in New York and the other in China.

How important is tradition, culture and their past to these people?

The film is shot beautifully and looks and sounds incredible. Whenever we are at the house, the air is filled with the sounds of birds.

Most people eventually face what the three face in this story. I remember having to deal with such things about 17 years ago. It's well told and interesting.

Like many Criterion titles, this isn't for everyone. If you like to think about life and people, it may interest you. If you need a more obvious story with a stunning conclusion, look elsewhere.

I fall into the first category.

4.25/5

[Steve46]

Revanche

Directed by Gotz Spielmann
Starring Johannes Krisch, Irina Potapenko and Johannes Thanheiser
German with subtitles

This is a story in two distinct parts. The film opens by showing a relationship between Alex, who works for a pimp; and Tamara, one of the prostitutes and his girlfriend. The two want to escape their unpleasant lives, so Alex devises a scheme to rob a bank. He takes Tamara along, although she's not involved in the robbery.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, something does. The story completely changes. Alex spends the rest of the film helping out his grandfather and living on a farm. Two other characters have prominent roles and affect the story in important ways.

It's an interesting look at how events can change people's lives. Also how strange bargains can be struck when the overall needs of the people involved are considered.

I have never seen anything quite like it. I think it will have a lot of replay value.

The presentation is just about perfect. Especially the shots in the countryside which make up over half of the film.

4.5/5