The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Hep

The Crow

[Show spoiler]I was finally able to spend some time with my new German The Crow disc. The story is a simple revenge tale of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) coming back from the dead to avenge his brutal murder, and that of his fiancé. This has been a favourite “cult” film of mine since its theatrical run. I love the music. I love the atmosphere. I love the story. I was hooked the first time I witnessed Brandon painting his face to The Cure’s Burn, then it bleeding right into NIN’s rendition of Joy Division’s Dead Souls while he leaps across rooftops. Revisiting this film now, I have reconfirmed my love of it. I will freely admit it is not perfect. For every few lines that ring like a finely tuned bell ("They're all dead. They just don't know it yet") there is theatrical dialogue that serves to undermine to seriousness of the theme (most of the cop banter, over-the-top deliveries of “Fire it up”). That aside, it is still a very satisfying film for those who dig vigilant justice and the gothic ambience. I give the movie 4.5/5.

Unfortunately, the technical qualities of the disc itself are average fare. It is certainly a marked improvement over my DVD version in terms of both PQ and AQ, but I certainly think a better result is possible. In my understanding, this German disc betters the UK version by providing 1080p/24 vice a 1080i/50; although it still barely uses more than 25G of disc space. It appears to me that an existing DVD master was used, complete with the usual tweaking (some sharpening and mild DNR). None of it was over the top or particularly distracting, but wholly unnecessary. Detail was uneven, but much improved in many scenes. I also have a feeling that some of the softness is inherent in the source. By most accounts the Japanese version is still the one to beat. (PQ 3.5/5)

The audio is an adequate improvement, and I was certainly happy to listen to this film’s soundtrack in all its lossless glory. The surrounds were active, the bass seemed tight (especially in the mid ranges), and dialogue was clear. That is not to say this is reference material; it won’t compete with the audio mixes from today’s blockbusters by any means, but still satisfying. (AQ 4/5)

I have no troubles recommending this disc to any fan of the film. For the casual Crow enthusiast I would recommend waiting for a North American release and hope for a new HD master. Also note that the German disc is region locked (B).

4/5

about that region B lock.
one of my childhood favorites. which may sound odd because my dad showed me this when i was about 7 and i loved it. it just feels so grimy and real it's almost disturbing. and incredibly sad that it was Brandon Lee's last film. he was gonna be something special

i don't have a region free player (yet) but i always worry that as soon as i buy one then all the titles i want will get a U.S. release

[Hep]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

about that region B lock.
one of my childhood favorites. which may sound odd because my dad showed me this when i was about 7 and i loved it. it just feels so grimy and real it's almost disturbing. and incredibly sad that it was Brandon Lee's last film. he was gonna be something special

i don't have a region free player (yet) but i always worry that as soon as i buy one then all the titles i want will get a U.S. release

The Japanese release is region A, if you're willing to spend the coin to get it. My weakness for pretty SteelBooks was the reason I went for the German version (until we get a better quality release here).

[Gamma_Winstead]

Up In The Air.

This brilliant film really struck a chord with me. I felt connected to each and every character. The plot is simple on the outside, complex on the inside. The veteran teaches the rookie the ropes of the trade, while learning something new himself.

However, it's the performances and script that make it emotionally resonate. George gives a damn fine performance here, while Anna Kendrick give a performance that should have got her the Oscar. (I'm not a fan of Mo'nique or Precious.)

Vera's performance is surprisingly as layered as George and Anna's due to the amount of depth she is given to play with. The script based off the novel of the same name has a heart that is rare to see in many films. It gives weight and believability to the characters and their actions.

This also shows through the secondary character such as the ones played by Jason Bateman or Danny Mcbride. Their screen time is small, but their parts are meaningful and add to the narrative.

Reitmans dircetion is suitably subdued. Nothing flashy, but his camera captures what it needs to. He let's his scenes play out almost like a stage performance and I love that. It just works.

The film as a whole is excellent and well worth a watch. Highly Recommended!

Film: 9.5/10
PQ: 8/10
AQ: 7.5/10

[Diesel]

The King's Speech has finally shown up at my local theater. Going to check it out sometime this week, not sure which day yet, Thursday at the latest.


There's also this movie that's about ballet or something lame like that

[Show spoiler]Squid

[volcomsocal]

Enter The Dragon - 1973

If it wasn't for the end fight scene, I'd rate this movie a 1.75/5

Overrated film imo. Felt like a 007 rip off. (Villain's clothes, villain's white cat, underground lair, dumb henchmen, etc...)

But because of the end fight scene, I'll rate this movie 2.25/5

Bruce Lee might be a legend, but the movie pretty much sucks.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The King's Speech has finally shown up at my local theater. Going to check it out sometime this week, not sure which day yet, Thursday at the latest.


There's also this movie that's about ballet or something lame like that

[Show spoiler]Squid

so, let me get this straight... you're interested in some boring, foreign looking film about a guy who can't give a speech and NOT two gorgeous actresses in a psychological thinker / thriller directed by one of the best directors around?

[Show spoiler]NSE definitely!

[Show spoiler]

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by gamma626

Up In The Air.

This brilliant film really struck a chord with me. I felt connected to each and every character. The plot is simple on the outside, complex on the inside. The veteran teaches the rookie the ropes of the trade, while learning something new himself.

However, it's the performances and script that make it emotionally resonate. George gives a damn fine performance here, while Anna Kendrick give a performance that should have got her the Oscar. (I'm not a fan of Mo'nique or Precious.)

Vera's performance is surprisingly as layered as George and Anna's due to the amount of depth she is given to play with. The script based off the novel of the same name has a heart that is rare to see in many films. It gives weight and believability to the characters and their actions.

This also shows through the secondary character such as the ones played by Jason Bateman or Danny Mcbride. Their screen time is small, but their parts are meaningful and add to the narrative.

Reitmans dircetion is suitably subdued. Nothing flashy, but his camera captures what it needs to. He let's his scenes play out almost like a stage performance and I love that. It just works.

The film as a whole is excellent and well worth a watch. Highly Recommended!

Film: 9.5/10
PQ: 8/10
AQ: 7.5/10

Good review, great movie.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The King's Speech has finally shown up at my local theater. Going to check it out sometime this week, not sure which day yet, Thursday at the latest.


There's also this movie that's about ballet or something lame like that

[Show spoiler]Squid

Yeah, you wouldnt enjoy it. It has a story.

I'd recommend that you skip The Kings Speech as well. Not a single robot or shoot out or car chase.

Stupid movies, both of them.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I never got around to reviewing this. I gave it 1 1/2 (out of 4). Your first line sums it up perfectly--the movie is very awkward. So many times it's obvious that the lines are supposed to be funny, but they aren't and nobody in the theater laughed. I liked Kutcher in Butterfly Effect but he's pathetic here--and I mean pathetic. His acting is atrocious and cringe-worthy. The film has some funny parts but they're few and far between. Just embarassing imo. How Roeper thought it was one of the best rom coms in years is beyond me.

Very true. The failed jokes followed by silence definitely upped the discomfort level. As far as Kutcher, his acting didn't bother me like it did for you but I could see where you're coming from. He wasn't bad in portraying the difference in perspective between the two

[Show spoiler](i.e. you can tell he's in love the whole time).

I did think he was pretty funny, but the jokes I found funny were more attributable to the script than the actor.

[Show spoiler]

• The "Congrats!" balloon after sex.
• The yellow U-M sweater at the funeral.
• "It looks like it's coming right at me!"

I saw it with a few female friends who found the menstrual cycle scene to be the funniest thing on Earth. "It's like a crime scene in my pants!"
Them: Me:

I did like the carrot-flowers. Cheesy but good.

I don't understand where all these glowing reviews are coming from either. The most unbearable joke I could think of was

[Show spoiler]when they were having breakfast at the end and Kutcher says, "You eat like a baby dinosaur." Terrible. Just terrible. The ghetto stage director was also pathetic.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i'll buy this eventually because it has Portman in it () but i already planned on waiting until it hit $10 or so. it definitely didn't seem very good through previews

It's okay, if you don't end up liking it, her Black Swan co-star is in the exact same movie with Justin Timberlake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2xbNX9lSzU&

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

so, let me get this straight... you're interested in some boring, foreign looking film about a guy who can't give a speech and NOT two gorgeous actresses in a psychological thinker / thriller directed by one of the best directors around?

[Show spoiler]NSE definitely!

[Show spoiler]

+1

When I came back from seeing it, did I say the dancing was beautiful? Did I say all the pretty stuff was dainty and devine? Did I say it was cute and romantic?

NO! I said it scared the crap out of me and the tension was almost beyond coping with and the score ripped my skull open.

I think I know the REAL reason Diesel doesnt want to see it. Imagine this scenario... A guy who is paralyzed from the waist down and has a passion for Motocross might not want to see a film about how awesome the sport is. Its like gladiators suiting up in special armour and heading out on visious machines to engage in epic dangerous battles. The guy might feel sad because he knows deep down in his heart that he will never be able to compete. It would be very sad for him.

Same for Diesel. He doesnt want to be subjected to 2 hours of the lovely little toe shoes, the pretty ribbons around the ankles, the pink tights, the fluffy and frilly skirts and the Tiara. As much as Diesels heart yearns to one day don the outfit and strike the pose, he knows society will frown on him. His life long desire to be tossed and spun through the air will never be fulfilled. His entire soul wants to share his Allegro, to feel the serenity of a well executed Arabesque, to feel the air beneath him during his Brise', and to finish it all with a comanding Demi Detourné (from 5th position). Alas, Diesels dreams are crushed by a judgmental society. He'll never feel the smoothness of the tights adorning his thighs, nor will he ever feel the delicious satin ribbons caressing his ankles, nor the musclar hands of a Danseur noble supporting him. The poor guy would be crushed sitting through two hours of heaven, knowing that his dream, his lifes passion... to be the Prima... will never be.

Like a diabetic leaving a candy store empty handed, Diesel would leave Black Swan yearning, damaged, a broken soul robbed of his true calling. A tragic finale' indeed.

We cant expect him to put himself through that, now can we?

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

+1

[Show spoiler]When I came back from seeing it, did I say the dancing was beautiful? Did I say all the pretty stuff was dainty and devine? Did I say it was cute and romantic?

NO! I said it scared the crap out of me and the tension was almost beyond coping with and the score ripped my skull open.

I think I know the REAL reason Diesel doesnt want to see it. Imagine this scenario... A guy who is paralyzed from the waist down and has a passion for Motocross might not want to see a film about how awesome the sport is. Its like gladiators suiting up in special armour and heading out on visious machines to engage in epic dangerous battles. The guy might feel sad because he knows deep down in his heart that he will never be able to compete. It would be very sad for him.

Same for Diesel. He doesnt want to be subjected to 2 hours of the lovely little toe shoes, the pretty ribbons around the ankles, the pink tights, the fluffy and frilly skirts and the Tiara. As much as Diesels heart yearns to one day don the outfit and strike the pose, he knows society will frown on him. His life long desire to be tossed and spun through the air will never be fulfilled. His entire soul wants to share his Allegro, to feel the serenity of a well executed Arabesque, to feel the air beneath him during his Brise', and to finish it all with a comanding Demi Detourné (from 5th position). Alas, Diesels dreams are crushed by a judgmental society. He'll never feel the smoothness of the tights adorning his thighs, nor will he ever feel the delicious satin ribbons caressing his ankles, nor the musclar hands of a Danseur noble supporting him. The poor guy would be crushed sitting through two hours of heaven, knowing that his dream, his lifes passion to be the Prima... will never be.

Like a diabetic leaving a candy store empty handed, Diesel would leave Black Swan yearning, damaged, a broken soul robbed of his true calling.

We cant expect him to put himself through that, now can we?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Hep

The Crow

[Show spoiler]I was finally able to spend some time with my new German The Crow disc. The story is a simple revenge tale of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) coming back from the dead to avenge his brutal murder, and that of his fiancé. This has been a favourite “cult” film of mine since its theatrical run. I love the music. I love the atmosphere. I love the story. I was hooked the first time I witnessed Brandon painting his face to The Cure’s Burn, then it bleeding right into NIN’s rendition of Joy Division’s Dead Souls while he leaps across rooftops. Revisiting this film now, I have reconfirmed my love of it. I will freely admit it is not perfect. For every few lines that ring like a finely tuned bell ("They're all dead. They just don't know it yet") there is theatrical dialogue that serves to undermine to seriousness of the theme (most of the cop banter, over-the-top deliveries of “Fire it up”). That aside, it is still a very satisfying film for those who dig vigilant justice and the gothic ambience. I give the movie 4.5/5.

Unfortunately, the technical qualities of the disc itself are average fare. It is certainly a marked improvement over my DVD version in terms of both PQ and AQ, but I certainly think a better result is possible. In my understanding, this German disc betters the UK version by providing 1080p/24 vice a 1080i/50; although it still barely uses more than 25G of disc space. It appears to me that an existing DVD master was used, complete with the usual tweaking (some sharpening and mild DNR). None of it was over the top or particularly distracting, but wholly unnecessary. Detail was uneven, but much improved in many scenes. I also have a feeling that some of the softness is inherent in the source. By most accounts the Japanese version is still the one to beat. (PQ 3.5/5)

The audio is an adequate improvement, and I was certainly happy to listen to this film’s soundtrack in all its lossless glory. The surrounds were active, the bass seemed tight (especially in the mid ranges), and dialogue was clear. That is not to say this is reference material; it won’t compete with the audio mixes from today’s blockbusters by any means, but still satisfying. (AQ 4/5)

I have no troubles recommending this disc to any fan of the film. For the casual Crow enthusiast I would recommend waiting for a North American release and hope for a new HD master. Also note that the German disc is region locked (B).

4/5

I've never seen this.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Imagine it. Watching everything you have ever dreamed of, your entire life, majestically portrayed, bigger than life, on the silver screen, the lights, the makeup, the sights, the sounds, the smells, and then ripped from your grasp.

Dreams and goals are all we have. To live life without them would be devastating. No need for a reminder of his doomed existence as a "regular guy". Too much pain. Too much sorrow.....

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I've never seen this.

add it to the queue NOW! and move it up to the top spot asap.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Imagine it. Watching everything you have ever dreamed of, your entire life, majestically portrayed, bigger than life, on the silver screen, the lights, the makeup, the sights, the sounds, the smells, and then ripped from your grasp.

Dreams and goals are all we have. To live life without them would be devastating. No need for a reminder of his doomed existence as a "regular guy". Too much pain. Too much sorrow.....

can regular joes like Diesel even feel normal feelings like us normal people? does he even know what 'devastating', 'sorrow' and 'pain' are and mean and how they effect them? i don't think Diesel has time for all this "nonsense" with his shooting aliens and racing cars and whatnot.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

add it to the queue NOW! and move it up to the top spot asap.

Its been on my "to see" list for years and years. I am waiting for a blu at this point.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

can regular joes like Diesel even feel normal feelings like us normal people? does he even know what 'devastating', 'sorrow' and 'pain' are and mean and how they effect them? i don't think Diesel has time for all this "nonsense" with his shooting aliens and racing cars and whatnot.

Behind those shiney eyes and beneath that Brunswick dome is a very delicate and sensitive person, longing for an audiences love. To be..... perfect.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

add it to the queue NOW! and move it up to the top spot asap.

I was just thinking about how many good movies came out in '94. I always forget about The Crow.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Behind those shiney eyes and beneath that Brunswick dome is a very delicate and sensitive person, longing for an audiences love. To be..... perfect.

hmm... so instead of him bringing life to an animated creature (Iron Giant) the animated creature is bring life to him... awww...