The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[dallywhitty]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Black Swan

I cant find words to match Riffs, so I'll just describe it as Requiem for a Nightmare. Yes, it was that intense, and an even more disturbing journey. To my surprise, I was fightened more frequently and more deeply than during the best horror films. I had my knees to my chest and covered myself with my coat like a child protects himself in bed when he is afraid. I felt like I was in danger. Aronofsky yo-yos between scenes of intensity and scenes where a viewer can recover and breath. As the story advances, the (needed) restful gaps between the intense scenes become briefer and less frequent. All culminating to a point where I almost couldnt handle the constant barage, the uninterupted onslaught of insanity being shoveled onto my emotional well being. I felt fragile and damaged by the end. I cried, yet I felt a sense of freedom and release. If only to have made my escape.

Technically, I noticed dozens of small and subtle things effectively employed simply to keep me disturbed.

The score was unreal. Imagine wading ankle deep in a river swollen to capacity by rains and melting snow. It's raging and violent. It's a living thing, a beast. Now wade in to your knees. Take a few more steps...and it takes you. It owns you. It engulfs you and makes you a part of it. You can paddle and kick all you want, but its futile. You are at the mercy of its rage, and it WILL abuse you. It will drag you and heave like a ragdoll. It will bring you to near death, and then allow you another moment of hope. Yes, that is what the score did to me. It is Ballet afterall.

Portman? During the final 15 minutes something happened. Something foriegn occupied Portmans body. Not the character, but Portman herself. When the character "Let go", Portman simultaneously became something beyond an actress in a role. She went beyond an actress portraying and actress. She became something so haunting that I cant even put my finger on it. She wasnt Natalie any longer.

I missed my off-ramp on the drive home. At the next off-ramp I turned the wrong way. I felt disoriented. I still do.

I shed a few more tears when I got home too. It makes me so happy that there are still people like Aronofsky who CARE so much about their final product. You just cant make a film like this without being monumentally passionate, and it shows.

5/5

This, ladies and gentleman, is how you review a film.

[Q?]

squid

I'm pretty sure Aronofsky won't dissapoint me but damn, your review made the wait unbearable and my expectations unfair.

Strange Al, maybe you'll enjoy Skyline, the effects were pretty good, although there wasn't much "diversity", just spaceships and monster aliens, and it was a little hard for me to really make out what they really looked like, too much detail or something like that. CGI never really looks real for me, much prefer practical effects.

Hopefully this week my german limited edition copy of Enter The Void will arrive, I'll write a review of it here definitely.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

This, ladies and gentleman, is how you review a film.

Ya, he school's us in the art of reviewing all the time,

[Show spoiler]but be careful not to over-stroke his ego

.

[iam1bearcat]

why are we all suddenly bringing up a squid review from weeks ago? some of you fools need to stay on top these posts!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Q?

Hopefully this week my german limited edition copy of Enter The Void will arrive, I'll write a review of it here definitely.

super anxious to rent / blind buy this soon

[Q?]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

super anxious to rent / blind buy this soon

My most anticipated movie at the moment for me

[iam1bearcat]

Dog Day Afternoon [124 minutes]

year: 1975
director: sidney lumet
starring: al pacino, john cazale, charles durning, and chris sarandon

ATTICA! ATTICA! ATTICA!

another amazon blind buy ($9.99) and another major, major success!

i haven't seen any sidney lumet films before Dog Day Afternoon (plan on blind buying Network and have been anxious to see it ever since i learned it was Paul Thomas Anderson's favorite film) but after watching this, i'm definitely curious to see what else he has directed.

the story, at least the only thing i knew, is that Dog Day Afternoon is based on a true story and follows the story of a man named Sonny who along with his pal Sal attempts to rob a bank in 30 minutes. but very quickly the plan goes awry and a 24 hold up involving police, family, media and hostages takes place that shocks, amazes, surprises, confuses and humorously explores almost every wicked avenue of lifestyles possible.

i've also never been one to be a big fan or Al Pacino or even really see a lot of his work when he was younger (or in general), but much like how i've been extremely impressed with De Niro's earlier work, Pacino also has now amazed me and deserves a standing ovation for his portrayal of Sonny

Pacino... just wow. he was outstanding. absolutely riveting. every scene he was in, every time he was on screen my eyes light up anxious to see what he was going to do next. playing a character that isn't your typical bank robber was awesome to see. he's more than just a loose cannon. frenetic, anxious, spastic, tired, wreckless, worrisome, at times psychotically crazy but also a normal guy who connects with people and is a regular joe.

but more so than anything is the energy Pacino brings to the film. the story is riveting and exciting and curious (especially once we learn WHY he is robbing a bank... ) but Pacino's constantly moving about in a scene. jumping around, pacing back and forth, talking fast, huge eyes... the man had to have been on drugs because he it looked like he was about to die of exhaustion by the end of the film. i can't imagine how he did that day in and day out and talk about giving a role 100%. simply put: PACINO OWNED.

i loved the film, and only a few minor quirks i had with the film. all of which are mainly just a tragedy of the time (being filmed in '75) but none of which wreck the film:

mainly, the biggest issue is the extras. some of the police, bystanders, random ass people in the street... they just look so goofy and act so out of place and stupid it's hard to take the film seriously. Pacino is working his ass off and then there are stupid "cops" who hold their guns wrong, or are standing out of place, or don't act like actual cops. a few times might be fine, but this happens a lot and it really started to bug me lol.

only other issue is the extras dialogue, background dialogue, constant screaming in the street between Sonny and the lead sergeant, Moretti. some of it is mildly annoying. other times extremely distracting and awful

but honestly, those are my only issues. i loved how Sonny connected with the bank tellers and the relationship dynamics that are established. few films take the time to show such things, which is why i loved the Lumet did this. it really felt real, and didn't feel like Inside Man or any other heist movie where the robbers know exactly what to do and are programed like machines. Sonny is no machine, he's a normal (well, in a way lol) guy that makes mistakes and over thinks some things, just like the rest of us.

enough blabbering

a great film. glad i bought it. definite keeper. can't wait to listen to the commentary, watch the "making of" feature and learn more about the true story of what happened here.

PQ: 4/5 extremely solid. extremely clear. lots of detail
AQ: 3.5/5 some crappy "old school" sound effects and some dialogue / screaming is way too close and gets noisy

4.5/5 loved it

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Dog Day Afternoon [124 minutes]

year: 1975
director: sidney lumet
starring: al pacino, john cazale, charles durning, and chris sarandon

ATTICA! ATTICA! ATTICA!

another amazon blind buy ($9.99) and another major, major success!

i haven't seen any sidney lumet films before Dog Day Afternoon (plan on blind buying Network and have been anxious to see it ever since i learned it was Paul Thomas Anderson's favorite film) but after watching this, i'm definitely curious to see what else he has directed.

the story, at least the only thing i knew, is that Dog Day Afternoon is based on a true story and follows the story of a man named Sonny who along with his pal Sal attempts to rob a bank in 30 minutes. but very quickly the plan goes awry and a 24 hold up involving police, family, media and hostages takes place that shocks, amazes, surprises, confuses and humorously explores almost every wicked avenue of lifestyles possible.

i've also never been one to be a big fan or Al Pacino or even really see a lot of his work when he was younger (or in general), but much like how i've been extremely impressed with De Niro's earlier work, Pacino also has now amazed me and deserves a standing ovation for his portrayal of Sonny

Pacino... just wow. he was outstanding. absolutely riveting. every scene he was in, every time he was on screen my eyes light up anxious to see what he was going to do next. playing a character that isn't your typical bank robber was awesome to see. he's more than just a loose cannon. frenetic, anxious, spastic, tired, wreckless, worrisome, at times psychotically crazy but also a normal guy who connects with people and is a regular joe.

but more so than anything is the energy Pacino brings to the film. the story is riveting and exciting and curious (especially once we learn WHY he is robbing a bank... ) but Pacino's constantly moving about in a scene. jumping around, pacing back and forth, talking fast, huge eyes... the man had to have been on drugs because he it looked like he was about to die of exhaustion by the end of the film. i can't imagine how he did that day in and day out and talk about giving a role 100%. simply put: PACINO OWNED.

i loved the film, and only a few minor quirks i had with the film. all of which are mainly just a tragedy of the time (being filmed in '75) but none of which wreck the film:

mainly, the biggest issue is the extras. some of the police, bystanders, random ass people in the street... they just look so goofy and act so out of place and stupid it's hard to take the film seriously. Pacino is working his ass off and then there are stupid "cops" who hold their guns wrong, or are standing out of place, or don't act like actual cops. a few times might be fine, but this happens a lot and it really started to bug me lol.

only other issue is the extras dialogue, background dialogue, constant screaming in the street between Sonny and the lead sergeant, Moretti. some of it is mildly annoying. other times extremely distracting and awful

but honestly, those are my only issues. i loved how Sonny connected with the bank tellers and the relationship dynamics that are established. few films take the time to show such things, which is why i loved the Lumet did this. it really felt real, and didn't feel like Inside Man or any other heist movie where the robbers know exactly what to do and are programed like machines. Sonny is no machine, he's a normal (well, in a way lol) guy that makes mistakes and over thinks some things, just like the rest of us.

enough blabbering

a great film. glad i bought it. definite keeper. can't wait to listen to the commentary, watch the "making of" feature and learn more about the true story of what happened here.

PQ: 4/5 extremely solid. extremely clear. lots of detail
AQ: 3.5/5 some crappy "old school" sound effects and some dialogue / screaming is way too close and gets noisy

4.5/5 loved it

I've gone on record as stating that this, imo, is Pacino's best acting performance.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Dog Day Afternoon [124 minutes]

i haven't seen any sidney lumet films before Dog Day Afternoon (plan on blind buying Network and have been anxious to see it ever since i learned it was Paul Thomas Anderson's favorite film) but after watching this, i'm definitely curious to see what else he has directed.

4.5/5 loved it

I love Dog Day Afternoon.

Maybe it's time to give Lumet's first feature another try?

12 Angry Men

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Yea I prefer Kate to Lilly as well. I havnt seen Red yet but heard it was good. Got Em!!

That's what I've been told as well. I'll have a review up on Wednesday after I see it.

Originally Posted by kpkelley

Entertaining film, but it's nomination at the Golden Globes was even more suspect than the ones dished out to The Tourist. Not that surprising that the only other nominations it received were from the Satellite Awards.

That's all I'm expecting, so that's good to hear

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

haha i think that's what i guessed as well. i'm good
i also hated the accent Diaz had. hell, everyone i know that's seen it says, as soon as it ends, "that accent was terrible" and it was. as well as incredibly pointless lol.

glad you enjoyed it to an extent and didn't hate it

I know right? Horrible accent...so annoying.

I'm going to go back and look at your review for the film now that I've seen it.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i thought this said Diane Keaton and i was about to lose all respect for you Czar

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

that's how i feel about Lilly

dumbest character ever! i will never let that go

my friends, who never buy blus, bought it day 1 because they loved it so much. so... yeah, they liked it a little but i haven't seen it yet. had no interest really, but will rent it when i lowers to a buck at the rental store.

A friend of mine told me it was really good as well. No one has told me it sucks yet, so I guess there's a good chance I'll like it

Netflix predicts a 3.5/5 for me.

Originally Posted by killowertz

It doesn't happen that often for me either, unless you count DVD's I rent to watch with the family. The majority of the Blu-rays I rent from Netflix rarely turn into purchases. I might end up buying Machete, but the last and only one I remember actually buying after renting it on Blu-ray from Netflix is Shoot 'Em Up.

Underworld and How to Train Your Dragon are the first ones that comes to mind of recent movies I've rented and bought (meaning within the last year).

Well, somebody rented it and you watched it. Close enough.

Fair enough

You already know my opinion on it, which is pretty positive.

It better be more A-Team between us than Losers between us



_______


I didn't write a review (because I forgot I had seen it over the weekend) but I watched Orphan. It was pretty bad I thought. 1/5 (Happy Bearcat?)

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Underworld and How to Train Your Dragon are the first ones that comes to mind of recent movies I've rented and bought (meaning within the last year).

Not a bad duo there.

If you count DVD's, my last two rentals that ended up being purchases were The Expendables and The Karate Kid.

It better be more A-Team between us than Losers between us :whip

I'd be surprised if it wasn't. RED is a better movie than The Losers in my opinion.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I didn't write a review (because I forgot I had seen it over the weekend) but I watched Orphan. It was pretty bad I thought. 1/5 (Happy Bearcat?)

Orphan is a great horror film. Are u a big fan of horror films in general? I ask because I havnt seen u do many reviews on horror films and also I remember u dont like bad language, gore etc......That may play a part in u not liking a film like Orphan. Got Em!!

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Orphan is a great horror film. Are u a big fan of horror films in general? I ask because I havnt seen u do many reviews on horror films and also I remember u dont like bad language, gore etc......That may play a part in u not liking a film like Orphan. Got Em!!

Orphan is a poor mans Omen (original of course)

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

Orphan is a poor mans Omen (original of course)

Its been many years since Ive seen the Omen but I loved Orphan especially the twist which I thought was brilliant. I think thats what made the film great is the twist. If u got it and liked it then the film was great, but if u didnt like it then of course u most likely wouldnt like the film. Got Em!!

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Its been many years since Ive seen the Omen but I loved Orphan especially the twist which I thought was brilliant. I think thats what made the film great is the twist. If u got it and liked it then the film was great, but if u didnt like it then of course u most likely wouldnt like the film. Got Em!!

it was an interesting twist.. the only thing that really annoyed me that pretty much ruined the movie for me was

[Show spoiler]the fact that the husband did not listen to anything HIS WIFE had to say, it got to the point where i was like this is ridiculous, another thing drunk or not. not skinny little girl 30 or not will be able to man handle a grown ass man... Childs Play was more realistic

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

it was an interesting twist.. the only thing that really annoyed me that pretty much ruined the movie for me was

[Show spoiler]the fact that the husband did not listen to anything HIS WIFE had to say, it got to the point where i was like this is ridiculous, another thing drunk or not. not skinny little girl 30 or not will be able to man handle a grown ass man... Childs Play was more realistic

But u have to remember that when it comes to kids,

[Show spoiler]thats how some protective parents get. They will always give the kids the benefit and wont assume they can do any bad. Thats why it didnt bother me. Not to mention the chick used to have a drinking problem and he caught her with that wine so he didnt trust her anyway.

Got Em!!

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by CZAR

But u have to remember that when it comes to kids,

[Show spoiler]thats how some protective parents get. They will always give the kids the benefit and wont assume they can do any bad. Thats why it didnt bother me. Not to mention the chick used to have a drinking problem and he caught her with that wine so he didnt trust her anyway.

Got Em!!

[Show spoiler]but he was caught cheating.. i know you're a parent so tell me this. if your wife was like "the little master" is doing bad things i have a feeling, and told you this a few times during the week. Your'e telling me you'd be like hunny don't worry about it's nothing serious! especially when people are showing up dead and strange things are happening

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

[Show spoiler]but he was caught cheating.. i know you're a parent so tell me this. if your wife was like "the little master" is doing bad things i have a feeling, and told you this a few times during the week. Your'e telling me you'd be like hunny don't worry about it's nothing serious! especially when people are showing up dead and strange things are happening

[Show spoiler]Well no one showed up dead actually. Pops didnt know anything and to him the girl was as sweet as can be so as a parent especially of a daughter who is sweet, its gonna be hard to convince a father otherwise.

Got Em!!

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by CZAR

[Show spoiler]Well no one showed up dead actually. Pops didnt know anything and to him the girl was as sweet as can be so as a parent especially of a daughter who is sweet, its gonna be hard to convince a father otherwise.

Got Em!!

[Show spoiler]They knew the Nun was dead! and about the little girl being pushed off the playground, and all the other weird signs that were obvious

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

[Show spoiler]They knew the Nun was dead! and about the little girl being pushed off the playground, and all the other weird signs that were obvious

[Show spoiler]Even if they knew the nun was dead no one is gonna think a kid did it haha. Cmon man. As a viewer its easy to think he would believe her about the kid based on what we see, but u have to put yourself in his shoes.

Got Em!!