The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

After not 1 but 3 people I know telling me how good this was I just ordered it on Amazon--

Salt

I didnt finish it.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

My only complaint? I wanted the movie to be longer. It was that good.

That's a good complaint to have

Originally Posted by Foggy

It was an

[Show spoiler]Evil Demon Spider Nun

- and yes, if you are going to watch it, that is the reason why

I think it was more

[Show spoiler]monkey than spider

personally

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

WTF, I don't remember any of this!

Clearly you didn't make it to the end of the film

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Next greatest rental: “RED.”

[Show spoiler]Following what appears to be an uneventful phone conversation and a few minutes of Bruce Willis wandering around his house, the film explodes into action and hardly lets up! There are loads of gunfights, where bullets are a’ spraying and empty shells are raining down on everything! There are huge ‘splosions ripping through everybody and everything! Cars are ramming into each other! Spies and fugitives pursue each other with frenetic pace, before clashing explosively. And yet, even if it is rather over-the-top or absurd, it’s never overblown or overly hyper. It’s perfectly entertaining; I’d say it’s about as much fun as “Lucky # Slevin.”

The story involves more stuff about spies being hunted

[Show spoiler]because of some evil jerk of a politician

…this kind of story treads on the same territory most other modern spy flicks (like the “Bourne” trilogy, “Salt,” etc) have covered lately. But, the film doesn’t take itself that seriously. In fact, there are some parts to it that are stupid, silly, absurd, or totally unrealistic. The lighthearted undertone, combined with a solid cast of characters, the badass action, slick style and SFX, and overall direction, keeps it freshly entertaining. In somebody else’s hands, this probably would have been dull. But as it is, it’s surprisingly fun story.

The film has strong, stylish photography, some flashy editing, and plenty of quality special effects. Acting is pretty fun: Bruce Willis is still cool as a hero, Morgan Freeman is…himself, John Malkovich is…himself, Helen Mirren is surprisingly wicked, Mary-Louise Parker is pretty good, and Karl Urban is great as the villain. Production value is pretty high. Music is great, I wish there was a soundtrack.

4/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 4/5)

I will own it!

Perfect review for the film

I LOVED how Willis

[Show spoiler]stepped out of the car and started shooting while it was spinning

; it was SOOOOOO incredibly ridiculous

Originally Posted by killowertz

I also love this movie. I give it a 5/5.

If I hadn't moved into the 21st century and started using .25 ratings I would give it a 5/5 as well

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

You and Diesel seem to think this was fun. I like the cast too, so I am going to give it a rent.

Definitely do

Just remember...do not take it too seriously because then it will be horrific. Just "go with it" and you should enjoy the ride

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I LOVED how Willis

[Show spoiler]stepped out of the car and started shooting while it was spinning

; it was SOOOOOO incredibly ridiculous

My fave part of that film is the

[Show spoiler]reveal of the piggy and it's content

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Foggy

My fave part of that film is the

[Show spoiler]reveal of the piggy and it's content

I had no idea

[Show spoiler]if there was going to be something insane in there....or if it was going to just be a regular piggy

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Clearly you didn't make it to the end of the film

I made it...and didn't care. Or pay attention. I don't know, something happened and I forgot. Another viewing should be in order...later.

Originally Posted by Diesel

Perfect review for the film

I LOVED how Willis

[Show spoiler]stepped out of the car and started shooting while it was spinning

; it was SOOOOOO incredibly ridiculous

That made me laugh, but it was slick. Best thing since "Wanted," when Angelina Jolie swooped up the guy with her car.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I had no idea

[Show spoiler]if there was going to be something insane in there....or if it was going to just be a regular piggy

I thought it was

[Show spoiler]a regular piggy right until he whipped that grenade launcher out of it

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

My fave part of that film is the

[Show spoiler]reveal of the piggy and it's content

[Show spoiler]She called me an old man!!!

[Evra]

No Strings Attached (2011)

I'll hate to admit it but I really, really enjoyed it. There may have been a growing trend in Hollywood these days for Hollywood to churn out R-rated comedies that are so tame that one has to wonder why the studios insisted on keeping the R-rating that would have hindered the film's commercial prospects. No Strings Attached happens to be the second film in less than a year that falls in to the aforementioned category (the first being Going the Distance) and like the former, both films unnecessarily spices things up by adding scenes depicting some 'raunchy' dry humping as well as exploring unconventional forms of maintaining relationships.

There are many things going against the film. Many of the jokes and sexual innuendos are the sort that belongs in the 'been-there-done-that' category and I cannot help but wonder if the film had a better lead opposite Natalie Portman, we would have had a great film. Ashton Kutcher is so bland that much of the film is carried by Portman's strong performance. Physically, Kutcher looks a chiseled specimen fit to be Michelangelo's subject but unfortunately, Kutcher is no match opposite Portman and the pair rarely hit the same notes (all of it due to Kutcher's limitations as an actor). The supporting actors behind Portman do whatever is required to provide little gags here and there and special praise to Ludacris who never fails me up whenever he is on screen.

People have mentioned many a time on how Natalie Portman resembles a young Audrey Hepburn and I never really believed that to be so apart from some physical resemblance. And in my defense, of all the films in Portman's filmography, she has either been brilliant (Leon, V for Vendetta, Closer and Black Swan or mind-numbingly annoying and boring (Star Wars, Star Wars and Star Wars). It is hard for me to say more and not spoil the film but Natalie Portman at the end of the film shows shades of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast in Tiffany's.In No Strings Attached, I believe she shows her that fun and sexy side that we have not seen from her previously in the same way Hepburn let loose in Roman Holiday. It is easy to see why she has taken on such roles and personally, I am glad to see her taking on such roles in this film and the upcoming Your Highness even if they end up being box-office bombs.

No Strings Attached is an incredibly frustrating film to watch as Natalie Portman deserves better in this film. If the film had a better lead actor, if the script was a little tighter (there is one minor 'jealousy' subplot between Portman's male doctor colleague and Adam that is never developed and ends up being very pointless) and if the film ditched the pointless R-rating, I am convinced that No Strings Attached would have been a much larger commercial success and a better film at that. I believe that No Strings Attached happens to be Ivan Reitman's best film since Junior but if you were to look at his filmography since that film, you would realise that it is not much of a compliment.

7/10 (most of the 7 points lies in Portman's performance that undoubtedly makes the film).

NOTE: I don't think there has been a thread on this film. Would like to hear more opinions.

[Foggy]

I was going to pick up The Social Network and Buried tomorrow. But considering people are saying the UK edition has the screen cropped, I'm thinking of waiting on Buried and picking up a deal on 2 for £20 instead. What should I do, and what should I try and pick up.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

efinitely do

Just remember...do not take it too seriously because then it will be horrific. Just "go with it" and you should enjoy the ride

I will enter with the "Transporter" or "Shoot 'em Up" mindset.

[Batman1980]

A River Runs Through It - 5/5
Masterpiece set in Montana, centered around a preacher and his two vastly different sons. One is a disciplined, intelligent young man who becomes a professor, the other is a wild, fantastic fisherman who tends to get in trouble. Probably the best movie Robert Redford has directed, highly recommended to all who love movies about nature and fishing.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

If I hadn't moved into the 21st century and started using .25 ratings I would give it a 5/5 as well

[Show spoiler]

This is what I think of the .25 ratings scale and the people who use it...

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I will enter with the "Transporter" or "Shoot 'em Up" mindset.

Good call.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I will enter with the "Transporter" or "Shoot 'em Up" mindset.

Exactomundo!

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: “Seven Pounds.” I don’t know why it was on my list; I think I did it just to submit for a draw for a free rental. Whatever.

This is another fine heart-wrenching drama with one or two important messages. It is stylish, and bit intense, and moves at an adequate pace. There are quite a few interesting scenes here and there, and it all collectively presents some themes and ideas worth thinking about. I don’t find it 100% thrilling, but it is worthwhile seeing.

I feel that the story is rather uneventful, and at first glance the main character seemed very unlikable. But as it goes on, the character takes on a shape and form that the audience can’t help but to feel sympathetic towards. It also becomes clear that the film has a strong spiritual basis, with themes of life, death, redemption, and selflessness. At times there are individual scenes and lines that brilliantly underscore these ideas. Otherwise, it feels a bit aimless, especially with the use of staggered flashbacks and flashy editing.

As a film, it features quality photography with some gorgeous imagery at times. Will Smith and all other actors are good in their respective roles. Production value is good. Music is smooth (I especially loved hearing Muse’s rendition of “Feeling Good” in the mix).

In the end, as expected, this is a drama that I’m sure most other folks will love, but I find a little dull.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 3/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 4/5, intellectual/emotional impact: 3/5)

Recommendation: Rent it, see what you think.

[Diesel]

I made it 22 minutes into Date Night and shut it off.

I hadn't even thought about chuckling one time yet and Steve Carell was just as annoying as ever so I decided to not force myself through the rest of the movie.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I made it 22 minutes into Date Night and shut it off.

I hadn't even thought about chuckling one time yet and Steve Carell was just as annoying as ever so I decided to not force myself through the rest of the movie.

You are not the only one. A lot of people have trouble understanding the heavy themes and dealing with the complex layers. You have to be pretty sharp to keep up with it.

[Show spoiler]

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I made it 22 minutes into Date Night and shut it off.

I hadn't even thought about chuckling one time yet and Steve Carell was just as annoying as ever so I decided to not force myself through the rest of the movie.

"We know you're scamming us, but ok just in case, I'm going to give you $5 but I only have a twenty so I'm going to give you a twenty even though it should be a five and I know it's a scam."

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I made it 22 minutes into Date Night and shut it off.

I hadn't even thought about chuckling one time yet and Steve Carell was just as annoying as ever so I decided to not force myself through the rest of the movie.

can't blame ya. i found it to be incredibly disappointing on every single level. i think i gave it 2/5 and gave an additional point simply for the scene with Kunis and Franco. so yeah... terrible film.

i did finish it though because of Mila Kunis and if you can Diesel (don't know if you rented it, streamed it, DVR'd it, downloaded it, at a friend's house or whatnot) i would say to at least watch the scene with Kunis and James Franco. i think it's the best scene in the film. not the funniest thing ever, but Franco and Kunis briefly add a breath of fresh air - and COMEDY - to an otherwise complete disastrous outing by Carell.

it's films like this and Get Smart that make me wonder why he would leave The Office (where he's been his absolute best imo) to try and focus on Hollywood and writing scripts. he sucks when not playing Michael Scott.

only exception being his role in Anchorman, which was fantastically hilarious

but then again, that scene i'm referring to could probably be found on youtube as well if you'd be interested in it at all

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

You are not the only one. A lot of people have trouble understanding the heavy themes and dealing with the complex layers. You have to be pretty sharp to keep up with it.

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

That's two movies in a row that suck, I need to turn that around

Originally Posted by DjMethod

"We know you're scamming us, but ok just in case, I'm going to give you $5 but I only have a twenty so I'm going to give you a twenty even though it should be a five and I know it's a scam."

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

can't blame ya. i found it to be incredibly disappointing on every single level. i think i gave it 2/5 and gave an additional point simply for the scene with Kunis and Franco. so yeah... terrible film.

i did finish it though because of Mila Kunis and if you can Diesel (don't know if you rented it, streamed it, DVR'd it, downloaded it, at a friend's house or whatnot) i would say to at least watch the scene with Kunis and James Franco. i think it's the best scene in the film. not the funniest thing ever, but Franco and Kunis briefly add a breath of fresh air - and COMEDY - to an otherwise complete disastrous outing by Carell.

it's films like this and Get Smart that make me wonder why he would leave The Office (where he's been his absolute best imo) to try and focus on Hollywood and writing scripts. he sucks when not playing Michael Scott.

only exception being his role in Anchorman, which was fantastically hilarious

but then again, that scene i'm referring to could probably be found on youtube as well if you'd be interested in it at all

I haven't seen The Office....but I'm also not interested in it...sooooo....

At least I made it through Get Smart because of Anne Hathaway and the tiny roles of Dwayne Johnson/Terrence Stamp


And since I'm replying to you it made me remember....I had my DVR set to record Fight Club today I believe. Don't know when I'll get around to watching it though; possibly tomorrow night.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

A River Runs Through It - 5/5
Masterpiece set in Montana, centered around a preacher and his two vastly different sons. One is a disciplined, intelligent young man who becomes a professor, the other is a wild, fantastic fisherman who tends to get in trouble. Probably the best movie Robert Redford has directed, highly recommended to all who love movies about nature and fishing.

Fantastic film and a great blu release.