The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

To all those in Club Loop and for those who enjoyed Triangle:


Chris Smith, the director of Triangle, has a new film coming out in March. The film is called "Black Death" and stars Sean Bean. Not surprisingly, the film is about the bubonic plague. So far, the reviews of the film have been very very good, standing at 75% on RT with 20 reviews so far. Can't wait to see this film.


http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_death-2010/

Thanks.

I like what this critic says...

I'd bet good money that Black Death is still finding new fans five or ten years from now.

[Riff Magnum]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Oh yes indeed.

Remember how Marley and Me was mismarketed as a comedy and people were upset at the surprise? I was unaware of this when I had this experience...

I was leaving the theater (alone) and I spotted a little boy about seven or eight years old sitting all alone on a bench in the lobby. He looked too young to be all alone and his face was wrought with despair. I was worried for him so I went over and knelt down in front of him (mindful not to sit next to him or touch him) and asked if he was OK. He said "NO!" I asked him what was wrong. He said "I just saw marley and me". I asked if he liked it. He said My Mom and Dad took me to see it (obviously not knowing the story) to make me feel better because my dog died last week!" and he began to wail with true pain and sorrow. He was just in so much grief. I wanted to scoop him up and console him and help find his parents. But, I didnt. I backed off. Everyone in the crowded lobby was looking our way. The light bulb went off in my head. Great, an old man is making that little boy cry.

Hey Mr., is that your kid?

No.... I was just...

"Hey somebody, call the cops".

It just could have gone SO wrong. Society is so quick to point a finger and condemn. I cant blame them because a kids safety is the most important thing. Its just sad that an innocent gesture of kindness could have been miscontrued as an evil deed. I chose to play it safe for selfish reasons, but it made me sad that I "had" to make that choice.

That's a pretty touching story. Really.
Yeah, I try not to get too uptight about my kids ya know? Parents can be weird.
Once, the mother of my wife's best friend (got that?) was watching our children while both of us worked. I came home to a ruckus. She said,"They were great all day, but now Kavan (my son) is hiding under his bed and he won't come out and apologize." I say, "Apologize for what?" "Well, we were playing squirt guns and he soaked my blouse to the bone." She was obviously wet and heaving some pretty heavy cleavage, btw. I replied,"So what's the problem exactly?" Ya know, i thought the irony was just quite obvious, but it didn't make a dent in her expression and she was obviously not amused. I didn't make him apologize, although i later had some slight regret on that decision. Not to teach him a lesson or anything, but just to placate her and make her feel better about me as a parent since i sometimes watch her grandchild (the 4 year old son of my wife's best friend).
Once i was watching him and he hurt his head on something. I scooped him up, hugged him, gave him a kiss on the head while i applied an ice pack (parents best friend). He recoiled. I don't think a man had ever shown him anything close to that kind of affection before. I was waiting for the backlash on that one, but it never came.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I liked it too. Haven't seen my blu-ray copy yet though (got it for $8). I initially thought I had the whole movie figured out from the trailer, but it offered much more than that. Great performances all around too.

I thought so too. It wasn't exactly what I expected to get.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

That one is really good and left me

I really enjoyed it!

Some of the stuff that is mentioned throughout made me , and

It's incredible...yet frightening...what we have the means to do.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

The original ought to be a must-see. The SFX there are still smashing.

I did like the remake for one or two things (so much CGI... ), but it's nothing like the original story.

I'm going to check it out right now actually

I'll get back with my thoughts.

Right on!

[Hep]

The Social Network

If you don’t know the story of The Social Network, then you probably aren’t looking in this thread for a summary; so I won’t belabour this with a long set-up of the plot. The terrific success of this movie isn’t what Aaron Sorkin has written in the way of plot, but rather how he and Fincher transmitted and amplified it into a full-on commentary of core western values. Ambition marches through the characters until it culminates in betrayal within Mark Zuckerberg’s own social network.

The acting is spot on. This is one of those movies where it’s difficult to consistently empathize with any single character, yet we can empathize with nearly all of the characters at various points. I think that is where I got drawn into this film. In reality no one is right all the time or consistently makes the right choices. In the end it left me without any great emotional attachment to the characters, but rather intellectually involved in the events and what it says about business ethics and morality.

That is not to say there is no emotional involvement in the film. By the end of the film, the tone established is so intense and the events so substantial, they provide all the required queues to produce a cathartic reaction.

I believe this success includes many different aspects of the movie. The photography is steady and simply beautiful. The score is brilliant. Being a Trent Reznor fan, I purchased the blu-ray audio of the score months ago in anticipation of watching the movie. The score is at times delicate but more often extremely tense and edgy. It is wholly atmospheric and a key element of the emotional connection I felt. The AQ on this disc is incredible; while Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker are talking at a night club the bass is so guttural that I’m surprised more people haven’t reported involuntary bowel movements.

The PQ is very nice but my concentration on the story didn’t afford me the capacity (or desire) to analyse it in any meaningful way.

This movie comes very highly recommended. 5/5

[Show spoiler]
...sorry I couldn’t find a shot with a knife stabbed into the baby back ribs .

[Diesel]

The Time Machine

• 1960 | G | 103 Minutes
  
  
• Director: George Pal
  
  
• Starring: Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux
  
  
• Adventure | Romance | Sci-Fi
  
  
• First Time Viewing

Al was correct, the 60s film is better than the 2002 film.

The general premise is of course still the same so I won't go into that again. But the story of the film is pretty different. Instead of going through time for a personal reason but to learn and to bring back knowledge of what he finds.

The story as a whole was just more interesting in this one than in the other.

Taylor was good in his role but I would have loved for this story to be the one of the 2002 film to see Guy Pearce take a crack at that role in that story.


Another one of those movies that the entire thing is on Youtube

Rating - 4/5

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Oh yes indeed.

Remember how Marley and Me was mismarketed as a comedy and people were upset at the surprise? I was unaware of this when I had this experience...

I was leaving the theater (alone) and I spotted a little boy about seven or eight years old sitting all alone on a bench in the lobby. He looked too young to be all alone and his face was wrought with despair. I was worried for him so I went over and knelt down in front of him (mindful not to sit next to him or touch him) and asked if he was OK. He said "NO!" I asked him what was wrong. He said "I just saw marley and me". I asked if he liked it. He said My Mom and Dad took me to see it (obviously not knowing the story) to make me feel better because my dog died last week!" and he began to wail with true pain and sorrow. He was just in so much grief. I wanted to scoop him up and console him and help find his parents. But, I didnt. I backed off. Everyone in the crowded lobby was looking our way. The light bulb went off in my head. Great, an old man is making that little boy cry.

Hey Mr., is that your kid?

No.... I was just...

"Hey somebody, call the cops".

It just could have gone SO wrong. Society is so quick to point a finger and condemn. I cant blame them because a kids safety is the most important thing. Its just sad that an innocent gesture of kindness could have been miscontrued as an evil deed. I chose to play it safe for selfish reasons, but it made me sad that I "had" to make that choice.

that's a great story Squid and I agree 100%! It's so sad that people have to worry about every little thing today because someone somewhere is going to point a finger!! Just sad...

[Marcus Wright]

Robin Hood.

I loved this movie. Ridley Scot's signature was everywhere.
It had probably one of the highest production values in Hollywood ever. The ancient scenery was breathtaking with all the small details there.
The camera work was really good. Action scenes where done very very well.
Liked both Russel Crow as well as the supporting cast.

I really dont understand why people didnt like this movie. I mean its certainly not a movie for everyione, but considering its target audience, everyone should have loved it.

My rating.

4.25/5

[Diesel]

Batman: Under the Red Hood

• 2010 | PG-13 | 75 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Brandon Vietti
  
  
• Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles
  
  
• Action | Animation | Crime
  
  
• First Time Viewing

I love me some Batman animation (just don't bring up Gotham Knight ); so I've been wanting to see this one since it came out and got the chance to tonight. And I loved it

The story is great and they pack a lot in there in the 75 minutes, but its not rushed or cramped. One key component was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning (that

[Show spoiler]Jason was Red Hood

) but that doesn't matter for this movie, no points off for that.


The voice actors were all really good. But for me it is an automatic complaint when Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill aren't brought in for the Batman/Joker voices

But Greenwood should be the go to guy if Conroy is unavailable, he was very good as Bale.

DiMaggio was also really good as Joker. There was a little Mark Hamill in there along with a tiny bit of Heath Ledger mixed in with his own take.

And Neil Patrick Harris has a few moments as Nightwing.


If you like the animated series (), the animated movies, Batman in general or some good animated crime/action, then I DEFINITELY say check this one out


Rating - 4.5/5

[LordCrumb]

Let Me In

Finally saw this tonight, as an admirer of the original swedish film, I was looking forward to checking out 'Hollywoods' version. I was pleasantly surprised! Aside from a few moments, it was almost identical to the original.

The use of CGI did seem unnecessary,

[Show spoiler]especially in the scene that involved Abby attacking the man in the alley

but overall I liked it a lot. Chloe and Jodi did a fantastic job. 5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The Time Machine

[Show spoiler]

• 1960 | G | 103 Minutes
  
  
• Director: George Pal
  
  
• Starring: Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux
  
  
• Adventure | Romance | Sci-Fi
  
  
• First Time Viewing

Al was correct, the 60s film is better than the 2002 film.

The general premise is of course still the same so I won't go into that again. But the story of the film is pretty different. Instead of going through time for a personal reason but to learn and to bring back knowledge of what he finds.

The story as a whole was just more interesting in this one than in the other.

Taylor was good in his role but I would have loved for this story to be the one of the 2002 film to see Guy Pearce take a crack at that role in that story.


Another one of those movies that the entire thing is on Youtube

Rating - 4/5

Sweet!

Originally Posted by Diesel

Batman: Under the Red Hood

[Show spoiler]

• 2010 | PG-13 | 75 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Brandon Vietti
  
  
• Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles
  
  
• Action | Animation | Crime
  
  
• First Time Viewing

I love me some Batman animation (just don't bring up Gotham Knight ); so I've been wanting to see this one since it came out and got the chance to tonight. And I loved it

The story is great and they pack a lot in there in the 75 minutes, but its not rushed or cramped. One key component was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning (that

[Show spoiler]Jason was Red Hood

) but that doesn't matter for this movie, no points off for that.


The voice actors were all really good. But for me it is an automatic complaint when Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill aren't brought in for the Batman/Joker voices

But Greenwood should be the go to guy if Conroy is unavailable, he was very good as Bale.

DiMaggio was also really good as Joker. There was a little Mark Hamill in there along with a tiny bit of Heath Ledger mixed in with his own take.

And Neil Patrick Harris has a few moments as Nightwing.


If you like the animated series (), the animated movies, Batman in general or some good animated crime/action, then I DEFINITELY say check this one out

Rating - 4.5/5

Ah man, this is one "Batman" movie I still haven't bothered looking into. Reviews have been good all around I will check it out!

While I'm at it, I might rent some of the other ones too...

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

just don't bring up Gotham Knight

Too late.

“Batman: Gotham Knight.”

Just like with “The Animatrix,” this is a collection of animated shorts in the style of Japanimation. Six directors gathered to spin six different tales in and around the Batman lore. As expected, the result is a mixed bag, in terms of both content and art.

Each story within this feature is short and digestible, with some bursts of action. For the most part, the action comes secondary to the character developments, drama, and the visuals. Watching it all at once, there may be some parts that drag, but at the very least most of it is cool.

Here are the standouts: “Have I Got a Story to Tell You” is the first of the lot, showing four kids recounting an encounter with Batman and coming up with different interpretations; this story has a strong “Tekkonkinkreet” vibe, which is funky and stylish, but rather entertaining. “Crossfire” features the most action and it is a blast. “Deadshot” is pretty darn cool. “Working Through Pain” stands out to me as well, for it provides some additional insight on how Batman’s past and philosophy. All together, I believe these stories provide an interesting portrait of the Batman character and his environment.

All stories feature quality artwork and quality voice-acting. Styles and designs vary from one story to another, and are all quite interesting. Music is not bad either.

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, stories: 4/5, films: 4/5)

Recommendation: "Batman" fans and anime fans can rent it, see what you think.

This Blu-Ray offers decent quality; the picture looks quite sharp and clean, with solid colors. Contrast has one or two weak spots, some shots may appear soft, some shots may have grain/noise, and some shots may show pixilation. But for anime, it’s pretty strong. Sound quality seems good.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5

[menaceuk]

Brothers 4.5/5


Must say I am Surprised at how much I like this movie. Toby Maguire is pretty convincing in his role.

The Latter part of the movie is very dramatic, The Pacing is Superb.

Going to have to buy it now

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

To all those in Club Loop and for those who enjoyed Triangle:


Chris Smith, the director of Triangle, has a new film coming out in March. The film is called "Black Death" and stars Sean Bean. Not surprisingly, the film is about the bubonic plague. So far, the reviews of the film have been very very good, standing at 75% on RT with 20 reviews so far. Can't wait to see this film.


http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_death-2010/

Just saw that he also directed that film called Creep back in 04. I never seen it but heard good things about it. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Robin Hood.

I loved this movie. Ridley Scot's signature was everywhere.
It had probably one of the highest production values in Hollywood ever. The ancient scenery was breathtaking with all the small details there.
The camera work was really good. Action scenes where done very very well.
Liked both Russel Crow as well as the supporting cast.

I really dont understand why people didnt like this movie. I mean its certainly not a movie for everyione, but considering its target audience, everyone should have loved it.

My rating.

4.25/5

This movie was wasted talent! Got Em!!

[Foggy]

Black Death is already avalible on Blu-Ray over here!

I don't know if it's region free or not, you guys will have to find out on your own

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Sweet!



Ah man, this is one "Batman" movie I still haven't bothered looking into. Reviews have been good all around I will check it out!

While I'm at it, I might rent some of the other ones too...

You should really enjoy it

My favorite of the animated movies before this one was the Batman Beyond one, Return of the Joker.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Too late.

“Batman: Gotham Knight.”

[Show spoiler]Just like with “The Animatrix,” this is a collection of animated shorts in the style of Japanimation. Six directors gathered to spin six different tales in and around the Batman lore. As expected, the result is a mixed bag, in terms of both content and art.

Each story within this feature is short and digestible, with some bursts of action. For the most part, the action comes secondary to the character developments, drama, and the visuals. Watching it all at once, there may be some parts that drag, but at the very least most of it is cool.

Here are the standouts: “Have I Got a Story to Tell You” is the first of the lot, showing four kids recounting an encounter with Batman and coming up with different interpretations; this story has a strong “Tekkonkinkreet” vibe, which is funky and stylish, but rather entertaining. “Crossfire” features the most action and it is a blast. “Deadshot” is pretty darn cool. “Working Through Pain” stands out to me as well, for it provides some additional insight on how Batman’s past and philosophy. All together, I believe these stories provide an interesting portrait of the Batman character and his environment.

All stories feature quality artwork and quality voice-acting. Styles and designs vary from one story to another, and are all quite interesting. Music is not bad either.

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, stories: 4/5, films: 4/5)

Recommendation: "Batman" fans and anime fans can rent it, see what you think.

I HATED Gotham Knight. Could not get into it at all.

Originally Posted by menaceuk

Brothers 4.5/5


Must say I am Surprised at how much I like this movie. Toby Maguire is pretty convincing in his role.

The Latter part of the movie is very dramatic, The Pacing is Superb.

Going to have to buy it now

Originally Posted by Foggy

Black Death is already avalible on Blu-Ray over here!

I don't know if it's region free or not, you guys will have to find out on your own

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Black...Blu-ray/13338/

Says Region B but I don't know if its been tested by someone here.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Black Death is already avalible on Blu-Ray over here!

I don't know if it's region free or not, you guys will have to find out on your own

Nice! Yeah, the trailer is pretty poor but so was Triangle's. I never expected that film to be good and look how much of a firestorm it caused.

Btw, I saw Inception last nite and will post my thoughts later.

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Nice! Yeah, the trailer is pretty poor but so was Triangle's. I never expected that film to be good and look how much of a firestorm it caused.

Btw, I saw Inception last nite and will post my thoughts later.

Are you guys talking about this movie


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1187064/

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

That's a pretty touching story. Really.
Yeah, I try not to get too uptight about my kids ya know? Parents can be weird.
Once, the mother of my wife's best friend (got that?) was watching our children while both of us worked. I came home to a ruckus. She said,"They were great all day, but now Kavan (my son) is hiding under his bed and he won't come out and apologize." I say, "Apologize for what?" "Well, we were playing squirt guns and he soaked my blouse to the bone." She was obviously wet and heaving some pretty heavy cleavage, btw. I replied,"So what's the problem exactly?" Ya know, i thought the irony was just quite obvious, but it didn't make a dent in her expression and she was obviously not amused. I didn't make him apologize, although i later had some slight regret on that decision. Not to teach him a lesson or anything, but just to placate her and make her feel better about me as a parent since i sometimes watch her grandchild (the 4 year old son of my wife's best friend).
Once i was watching him and he hurt his head on something. I scooped him up, hugged him, gave him a kiss on the head while i applied an ice pack (parents best friend). He recoiled. I don't think a man had ever shown him anything close to that kind of affection before. I was waiting for the backlash on that one, but it never came.

What the hell is wrong with your son? Playing squirtguns and he had the audacity to get her wet. Should have made her apologize.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Today's first movie:

Shutter Island

Rating - 4/5

i gave Shutter Island a 3/5. it was made well and whatnot. and interesting. just didn't hook me and after awhile i didn't really care about Leo's character or anything else that was happening. i may pick it up if it ever hits like $7 or so because i would like to see it again remembering it's supposed to have goofy 50's like mystery music because that's what Scorsese wanted. missed that the first time

Originally Posted by Diesel

Today's second movie:


Brothers

I would put it at #4 on my list for 2009 behind Star Trek, Taken and The Blind Side.

Rating - 4.75/5

glad you enjoyed it!
a very underrated film i think. i don't hear too much ever being said about it. and while i was unsure of Maguire, i think the review for the BD on here nailed it perfectly. it's not that he's a bad actor, it's just that his physical features make him look like he's 12! so playing a marine at first i thought was gonna be awful, but he nailed the role. and later on in the film, i really was a bit by him. his can be very creepy and distant if the character asked for it, i never expected that.

can't wait to pick this up... once it's not $25 everywhere

and Natalie Portman is a godsend

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by menaceuk

Are you guys talking about this movie


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1187064/

yep!
a great, great film. easy 5/5 in my book.