The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i have Big Bang Theory playing on other tv's in the apartment while i watch BD's on the main tv



thanks Al some of those scenes look just amazing.

i wish there was a way you could take a snapshot of a film and instead of making it your background on your laptop you could go to like, Office Max and print off huge copies of it and make it a wallpaper like print out. that would be awesome! (and probably expensive lol) i can think of about 4 or 5 scenes in particular that would be a joy to wake up to in the morning and see. just the bright colors alone would be a great first sight in the morning

hmm... maybe that would be a good idea for a thread...

OMG yes! I used to capture images from DVDs and TV all the time to use on my desktop. With today's resolution it all looks like crud. I really wish I could capture images from BDs...

Anyway, maybe this thread can help :
https://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-ray-mo...rge-files.html

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

OMG yes! I used to capture images from DVDs and TV all the time to use on my desktop. With today's resolution it all looks like crud. I really wish I could capture images from BDs...

Anyway, maybe this thread can help :
https://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-ray-mo...rge-files.html

whoa. awesome! thanks for the link Al!

[LordCrumb]

Buried

[Show spoiler]Not as intense as the trailer makes out, but still, I enjoyed it, even though it had a slightly predictable ending...

Devil

[Show spoiler]Yay! an M Night film that has finally been good (since Unbreakable).. another claustrophobic film, with another let down ending.. but hey, the supporting cast on the outside of the elevator was good... I really wanted that chick to get ****ed up quite early on, she was annoying as hell... not really sure why though haha.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I guess they heard Inception was good from someone they trust. I didn't expect them to like it.

But I do and that's why it's in my collection. Along with the Matrix and tons of other sci-fi and Nolan titles.

lol.

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by KaiGusto

Buried

[Show spoiler]Not as intense as the trailer makes out, but still, I enjoyed it, even though it had a slightly predictable ending...

Devil

[Show spoiler]Yay! an M Night film that has finally been good (since Unbreakable).. another claustrophobic film, with another let down ending.. but hey, the supporting cast on the outside of the elevator was good... I really wanted that chick to get ****ed up quite early on, she was annoying as hell... not really sure why though haha.

Devil isnt an M. Night film... John Erick Dowdle is the director

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

THE LOVELY BONES

[Show spoiler](122 minutes)

Film #13

Year: 2010
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg,
Genre: Drama, Fantasy & Thriller

What Made Me Want to See This? Nothing, for the longest time. But heard great things about it.

What a weird little film this is!

I don’t really feel like writing a huge review, so here are some thoughts I had on the film.

POSITIVES
+ the score. It was awesome and amazing. It fit perfectly. There were two odd moments near the end that I was a bit puzzled by, but overall it fit the film incredibly well

+ the directing. Even though I may not be a big fan of Jackson’s films, his directing has always been terrific. And The Lovely Bones is no different. The man knows how to direct and make - on a technical level - great films.

+ the atmosphere. Incredible! I love it.

+ the imagination! I don’t know if this is based off of a book or what, but Jackson always has a quirky, visual flare for what we see. And the imagination in The Lovely Bones is just oozing off the screen. Have to respect and appreciate that since it seems no one else does and few directors have the imagination that Jackson seems to have.

+ the visuals. These go hand in hand with the atmosphere and really make the film feel special. Same goes with the color palette that Jackson shows us. In particular of course, is

[Show spoiler]the “waiting area” where Susie is

for most of the film.

NEGATIVES
- way too bloated. At 122 minutes it felt like Jackson adds way too much, way too much unnecessary scenes just for the sake of it. He may feel they’re necessary, I however, did not. Whereas Jackson is a great director that is shown in all his films, all his films also feel a bit bloated and longer than need be. He certainly likes taking his time…

- what am I supposed to take away from the film? is it teaching you how to move on and let things go? Is it showing us what Jackson believes happens after we die? Overall I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to feel or take away from the film. Didn’t hurt the enjoyment of the film, but seemed to be missing something that was suppose to strike a chord in me. Or maybe I missed it. Who knows. But it did seem like something was just a tad “off” or missing.

- wasn’t real happy with the ending of the film for one character’s story. Felt very cheap, clichéd, obvious, boring and just wrong because of what we’d gone through the last two hours. Very disappointed by it.

ODDS AND ENDS
Much darker and creepier than I ever anticipated. This of course, I think, is awesome and loved it. A few cringe worthy moments where we don’t see what happens, but if anyone knows the way the world works these days, when you put two certain individuals together in a isolated area, squirming is gonna happen because most are gonna assume the worst. Of course the character, score and mood also tell us something bad is around the corner.

The PQ on this BD are phenomenal!

It’s not a film I would watch very often, I know that. But I will probably be a purchase from me once I can pick it up around $10 or less. Jackson is a great director, just wish he could get over his knack for making overly long films, but his imagination and attention to detail is great.

Recommendation: Medium. Worth a rental if the story interests you.

PQ: 5/5
AQ: 4.5/5

Technical Score: 4/5
Enjoyment Level Score: 3.75/5 “really liked it”

Final Verdict: 4/5

Good review i too thought it was a bit long, and I believe the message of the movie is

[Show spoiler]Letting go of revenge and trying to finish what was started. She wanted that kiss more than anything, she no longer wanted her murderer to be brought to justice. That kiss meant everything, a kiss she would of never been able to experience.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Good review i too thought it was a bit long, and I believe the message of the movie is

[Show spoiler]Letting go of revenge and trying to finish what was started. She wanted that kiss more than anything, she no longer wanted her murderer to be brought to justice. That kiss meant everything, a kiss she would of never been able to experience.

I think you're partially right. I do think it's about letting go of revenge, but I don't think

[Show spoiler]she wanted her killer to escape justice, which is why he did NOT escape justice.

[lDlisturb3d]

Kung Fu Panda

Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Writers: Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger
Mains: Jack Black, Ian McShane and Angelina Jolie

"I Love Kung Fuuuuuuuu!!"

Plot (IMDb): In the Valley of Peace, Po the Panda finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior despite the fact that he is obese and a complete novice at martial arts.

My Take: Hilarious and it grows on you. This is about my 4th time viewing this movie and i love it more and more with every viewing. Its not perfect but very entertaining. The story is cool but the humor is very good. With the combination of good kung fu action and hilarious scenes this is a must see. The jokes aren't over the top and are performed in a way that kids and adults can laugh. Jack Black did a great job with the voice over and his voice really brought out the dumbness of his character.

Conclusion: This movie is a must see. If you like animation or Kung Fu watch it with high expectations. The movie is pure eye candy mixed with a good story. The characters are very memorable and funny at times to say the least. The animation is crisp and clean and the sound is in your face. Kung Fu Panda is nothing less that GREAT.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

4.5/5

Note: PQ and AQ are perfect 5/5

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Kung Fu Panda

[Show spoiler]Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Writers: Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger
Mains: Jack Black, Ian McShane and Angelina Jolie

"I Love Kung Fuuuuuuuu!!"

[

[Show spoiler]B]Plot (IMDb):[/B] In the Valley of Peace, Po the Panda finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior despite the fact that he is obese and a complete novice at martial arts.

My Take: Hilarious and it grows on you. This is about my 4th time viewing this movie and i love it more and more with every viewing. Its not perfect but very entertaining. The story is cool but the humor is very good. With the combination of good kung fu action and hilarious scenes this is a must see. The jokes aren't over the top and are performed in a way that kids and adults can laugh. Jack Black did a great job with the voice over and his voice really brought out the dumbness of his character.

Conclusion: This movie is a must see. If you like animation or Kung Fu watch it with high expectations. The movie is pure eye candy mixed with a good story. The characters are very memorable and funny at times to say the least. The animation is crisp and clean and the sound is in your face. Kung Fu Panda is nothing less that GREAT.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

4.5/5

Note: PQ and AQ are perfect 5/5

This is a 5/5 in my book.

Despite its humor, it also reminded me of Lion King in some way, and that alone is enough to make it 6/5.

[lDlisturb3d]

The Wrestler

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Robert D. Siegel
Mains: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood

"The only place I get hurt is out there."

Plot (IMDb): A faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.

My Take: Ok how do you spell GREAT! Darren Aronofsky is amazing!! This movie is nothing shorter than PERFECT. I didn't think i would like this movie as much as i did but you can ignore 3 major things about film. Acting, Direction and Camera Work. All 3 of these things are executed perfectly. The story is so sad! You want so bad for this good American man to be successful but it never works out his way. The funny thing about this movie is it all feel so so real. I love how Mickey Rourke plays this role, oscar worthy bottom line. Honestly from the beginning of the movie til the end my eyes were glued to the screen. For a second i forgot i was watching a movie. The story is soooo good and the acting is even better. Aronfsky shocked us with Requiem for a Dream but this movie was just as depressing. He brings you full speed into the life of a wrestler or any athlete that is struggling to stay in his or her prime.

Conclusion: This movie is nothing shorter than perfect. The story, the direction, the camera work, and the acting, ALL PERFECT. Im still shocked as i write this review. I'll be watching this movie again soon because its just that good. This movie is a MUST SEE and it comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by yours truly. I cant wait to see Black Swan because this director has put a warm gritty spot in my heart. The ending is something else, you either love it or hate it. I loved every second of this film and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5/5

Note: PQ and AQ where about average 4/5. AQ stood out strong during the wrestling matches though so ill bump it up a bit 4.5/5

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I think you're partially right. I do think it's about letting go of revenge, but I don't think

[Show spoiler]she wanted her killer to escape justice, which is why he did NOT escape justice.

Yeah you might be right about the

[Show spoiler]justice thing, it wasnt priority number 1 but im sure she would of wanted justice.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

This is a 5/5 in my book.

Despite its humor, it also reminded me of Lion King in some way, and that alone is enough to make it 6/5.

Im glad you liked it but how did it remind you of Lion King?????

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Im glad you liked it but how did it remind you of Lion King?????

It was very epic in scale, (it was actually) and it feeled very fresh too.
Plus, some very strong animal characters, both good and bad.

I dont know if you had that same feeling as me.?

[jhiggy23]

The Fighter (theater)


Film: 4 stars (out of 4)


Once again, I'll opt for random thoughts:


This is one of the best sports films of all-time, period. However, it's really a family drama masquerading as a sports film, and that's a big reason why it succeeds.

Christian Bale's supporting performance is the best I've seen in a long time and I would say he's a lock for the Oscar (and he already won a major award for it) but it seems like Rush for The King's Speech is getting a lot of buzz. Let me say this: Rush is a great actor and I'm sure he's great, but there's NO WAY he's better than Bale in this movie. Bale's physical transformation is a marvel, losing 30 pounds, but it's his mannerisms and speech that are truly astounding. The way he walks and carries himself is spot on with the real life Ecklund. All great actors have a role where you realize they've finally come into their own and this is Bale's role. Up until this point, he's been a very good actor, with his roles in 3:10 to Yuma, American Psycho, and The Prestige. However, this role takes him to a whole new level and puts him just below the best working today, like Day-Lewis. Now he needs to be smart about his role selection and challenge himself, like he does here.

Melissa Leo is fantastic as the mother and should be a contender for the Oscar. She really embodied the role.

Amy Adams was very funny in the movie and did a great job but wasn't given enough to do. I do think she deserved a nomination though, especially considering Mila Kunis somehow got one.

Walhberg is a very limited actor, but he's also very good within his limitations (as was evident in The Departed). He's in his comfort zone here and does a great job at being conflicted, albeit in a subtle way. He probably will get an Oscar nom but is no threat to win.

The boxing scenes are by far the most realistic I've seen, followed by Raging Bull and Cinderella Man. I loved how they were shot differently than the whole movie.

Russell absolutely deserves a best director Oscar nom.

Ebert was one of the few that didn't give this film a favorable review. Why? Because he thought the characters were unsympathetic. As most of you know, I'm a huge Ebert fan and agree with him most of the time. However, he's quite simply wrong here. Yes, the characters are unsympathetic in a traditional sense but that doesn't ruin the movie. It doesn't change the fact that the movie has incredible acting and directing. To be honest, it's a testament to Bale that you actually DO feel pity for him during the movie,

[Show spoiler]especially during the cake scene, when you think he might go back to drugs (although he did get arrested in real life in 2006 again)

This movie is a lock for one of the ridiculous 10 slots for best picture, and is also a lock for nominations in directing, supporting actor, actor, and at least one supporting actress. The only one it will likely win is supporting actor, however. This is a far better film than Black Swan imo, although I did like that film.

Side note: my girlfriend, a former ballet dancer at one of the companies in NYC, told me tonite that Black Swan is very realistic about what those companies are like.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Fighter

Short and sweet. I dug it. There is a (3 layer) story within a story within a story going on here. Cool.

Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), older brother to Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg), trains his younger sibling for boxing matches. Simple. But not really. The movie is about family and personal struggles. There is a ton of heavy and emotional stuff going on under the surface here. A family coming apart at the seams struggles to stay connected, but its tough, really tough. We get to watch all the highs, some very, and all the lows, some very very low.

For me, the movie was at least as much Dickys story as it was Mickeys. I deeply cared about each mans future and the challenges each faced. I felt a special empathy towards Dicky and I rooted for him all they way.

The film looks gritty, production values match the mood, and the soundtrack is from the era itself (1980s-1990s). All good stuff here.

Mark Wahlberg did a fine job here, as did Adams and the rest of the supporting cast.

But Bale, Oh My God. Right from the first moment of the film, Bale was off the charts great. Just unreal. He transformed himself into the character. Physically, emotionally, speech patterns, tics, body language, accent. Words dont work here. It had to be difficult because the character is the polar opposite of Bale in every way (except for anger issues ). I was blown away indeed.

5/5 Dont miss it.

Question for those who saw it.....

[Show spoiler]When Dicky was in prison and had finished the withdrawls, he walked down that hallway and dropped to his knees and adopted a "praying" position. To me, this moment was epic as he was surrendering and was breaking out of the denial of his drug addiction. He was coming to terms with the bad reality of his past, and the need to change for the future.

Is it me, or did the director cut away WAY TOO soon? I wish he would have let the camera linger a lot longer. I think it would have been way more impactful and poignant.

I think Russell could've lingered a bit longer but it didn't bother me. I think your intepretation of it is right. Keep in mind, however, that this is very different from reality. Ecklund was

[Show spoiler]imprisoned for very different things and in 2006 was arrested again for crack, and in 2009 was charged with domestic battery and attempted murder, although his gf has since retracted her story.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Fighter (theater)


Film: 4 stars (out of 4)

[Show spoiler]Once again, I'll opt for random thoughts:


This is one of the best sports films of all-time, period. However, it's really a family drama masquerading as a sports film, and that's a big reason why it succeeds.

Christian Bale's supporting performance is the best I've seen in a long time and I would say he's a lock for the Oscar (and he already won a major award for it) but it seems like Rush for The King's Speech is getting a lot of buzz. Let me say this: Rush is a great actor and I'm sure he's great, but there's NO WAY he's better than Bale in this movie. Bale's physical transformation is a marvel, losing 30 pounds, but it's his mannerisms and speech that are truly astounding. The way he walks and carries himself is spot on with the real life Ecklund. All great actors have a role where you realize they've finally come into their own and this is Bale's role. Up until this point, he's been a very good actor, with his roles in 3:10 to Yuma, American Psycho, and The Prestige. However, this role takes him to a whole new level and puts him just below the best working today, like Day-Lewis. Now he needs to be smart about his role selection and challenge himself, like he does here.

Melissa Leo is fantastic as the mother and should be a contender for the Oscar. She really embodied the role.

Amy Adams was very funny in the movie and did a great job but wasn't given enough to do. I do think she deserved a nomination though, especially considering Mila Kunis somehow got one.

Walhberg is a very limited actor, but he's also very good within his limitations (as was evident in The Departed). He's in his comfort zone here and does a great job at being conflicted, albeit in a subtle way. He probably will get an Oscar nom but is no threat to win.

The boxing scenes are by far the most realistic I've seen, followed by Raging Bull and Cinderella Man. I loved how they were shot differently than the whole movie.

Russell absolutely deserves a best director Oscar nom.

Ebert was one of the few that didn't give this film a favorable review. Why? Because he thought the characters were unsympathetic. As most of you know, I'm a huge Ebert fan and agree with him most of the time. However, he's quite simply wrong here. Yes, the characters are unsympathetic in a traditional sense but that doesn't ruin the movie. It doesn't change the fact that the movie has incredible acting and directing. To be honest, it's a testament to Bale that you actually DO feel pity for him during the movie,

[Show spoiler]especially during the cake scene, when you think he might go back to drugs (although he did get arrested in real life in 2006 again)

This movie is a lock for one of the ridiculous 10 slots for best picture, and is also a lock for nominations in directing, supporting actor, actor, and at least one supporting actress. The only one it will likely win is supporting actor, however. This is a far better film than Black Swan imo, although I did like that film.

Side note: my girlfriend, a former ballet dancer at one of the companies in NYC, told me tonite that Black Swan is very realistic about what those companies are like

.

I will probably just buy it on blu-ray when its released.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Fighter (theater)


Film: 4 stars (out of 4)


Once again, I'll opt for random thoughts:


This is one of the best sports films of all-time, period. However, it's really a family drama masquerading as a sports film, and that's a big reason why it succeeds.

Christian Bale's supporting performance is the best I've seen in a long time and I would say he's a lock for the Oscar (and he already won a major award for it) but it seems like Rush for The King's Speech is getting a lot of buzz. Let me say this: Rush is a great actor and I'm sure he's great, but there's NO WAY he's better than Bale in this movie. Bale's physical transformation is a marvel, losing 30 pounds, but it's his mannerisms and speech that are truly astounding. The way he walks and carries himself is spot on with the real life Ecklund. All great actors have a role where you realize they've finally come into their own and this is Bale's role. Up until this point, he's been a very good actor, with his roles in 3:10 to Yuma, American Psycho, and The Prestige. However, this role takes him to a whole new level and puts him just below the best working today, like Day-Lewis. Now he needs to be smart about his role selection and challenge himself, like he does here.

Melissa Leo is fantastic as the mother and should be a contender for the Oscar. She really embodied the role.

Amy Adams was very funny in the movie and did a great job but wasn't given enough to do. I do think she deserved a nomination though, especially considering Mila Kunis somehow got one.

Walhberg is a very limited actor, but he's also very good within his limitations (as was evident in The Departed). He's in his comfort zone here and does a great job at being conflicted, albeit in a subtle way. He probably will get an Oscar nom but is no threat to win.

The boxing scenes are by far the most realistic I've seen, followed by Raging Bull and Cinderella Man. I loved how they were shot differently than the whole movie.

Russell absolutely deserves a best director Oscar nom.

Ebert was one of the few that didn't give this film a favorable review. Why? Because he thought the characters were unsympathetic. As most of you know, I'm a huge Ebert fan and agree with him most of the time. However, he's quite simply wrong here. Yes, the characters are unsympathetic in a traditional sense but that doesn't ruin the movie. It doesn't change the fact that the movie has incredible acting and directing. To be honest, it's a testament to Bale that you actually DO feel pity for him during the movie,

[Show spoiler]especially during the cake scene, when you think he might go back to drugs (although he did get arrested in real life in 2006 again)

This movie is a lock for one of the ridiculous 10 slots for best picture, and is also a lock for nominations in directing, supporting actor, actor, and at least one supporting actress. The only one it will likely win is supporting actor, however. This is a far better film than Black Swan imo, although I did like that film.

Side note: my girlfriend, a former ballet dancer at one of the companies in NYC, told me tonite that Black Swan is very realistic about what those companies are like.

I pretty much agree with everything you wrote...but this I wanted to mention particularly as it was something I really loved in the film and mentioned in my review

[Diesel]

This is the format I'll be using for my reviews from now on (stole it from Bearcat mostly...hey he didn't copyright, its fair game)


__________


Open Range

• 2003 | R | 139 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Kevin Costner
  
  
• Stars: Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner
  
  
• Drama | Romance | Western

One of my buddies on the site recommended for me to watch this so I gave it a look tonight. Well, it ended up being a good recommendation.

I highly enjoyed this movie. It was okay at first, but around 30 minutes in the movie shifted gears and took off for me.


The story of the film is about a small group of free-grazers (Duvall, Costner, Luna, Benrubi) making their way through Montana in 1882 that come into conflict with the corrupt law and land owner in a small town.


Duvall plays Boss Spearman. Costner's Charley has been working with Boss for years, whereas the other two guys are more recent additions to the group.

The two work very well together and each has a character that is interesting. Charley has things in his past he'd rather not remember and this plays into his character in the film. I've not seen Costner in many movies, probably a handful at most, but I really enjoyed his work in this movie. He really made me like the character and had more than a few moments. Particularly when he

[Show spoiler]walks right up to the guy who killed Mose and puts a bullet into his forehead without hesitation or warning I said out loud, "DAAANG!!"

When Charley

[Show spoiler]finds out that Baxter's men killed his dog, I knew right away, "Oh crap...its go time!"

There's also room in his character for a little humor as well;

[Show spoiler]kicking Button off the horse when he said he stunk

was freaking hilarious and so out of nowhere

Duvall is very good as Boss as well. The character plays as somewhere between an older brother and a father figure for Charley the way I saw it. I don't enjoy his character quite as much as I do Costner's but he's definitely the #2 for me in the film. He's got his own past and secrets (much different than Charley) and also his share of moments.

The supporting cast of characters are all good; no one is really a standout (actor or character) but they all serve their purposes quite well.


Most of the movie is set inside the town, but the shots that we do get of the landscapes and the horizon are beautiful. Very well shot scenes


If you've never seen this movie, I definitely recommend checking it out. It most likely won't suck you in right away, but at the 20 or 30 minute mark you'll know if you are into the movie or not. It's available to watch on Youtube if you don't want to wait for that Netflix disc to arrive When I went to look up one of the names of an actor on IMDB I saw that it will be playing on AMC on January 7th as well.


Rating - 4.5/5

[LordCrumb]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

Devil isnt an M. Night film... John Erick Dowdle is the director

Its not? I'm sure M Night came up....... checking..... ok he wrote it

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by KaiGusto

Its not? I'm sure M Night came up....... checking..... ok he wrote it

He didn't write it, Bryan Nelson did.