The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[jvince]

Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy / Western / Mystery
Synopsis: An ordinary chameleon accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff.
Running Time: 107 minutes

Director: Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl)
Writers: John Logan (Gladiator), Gore Verbinski, James Ward Byrkit
Stars: Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands), Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), Ned Beatty (Network), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Timothy Olyphant (Go), Ray Winstone (The Departed)

It's amazing how the most original and most mature works coming from Hollywood nowadays are animated films. While studios seem content rehashing the same old shit for their live-action films, animation wizards like Pixar and Dreamworks are hard at work producing high-quality magic on the screen.

Now, into the game comes Nickelodeon and the under-appreciated Gore Verbinski with "Rango," a wonderfully surreal Western noir and honestly, that description alone is all I really have to say and all you need to hear in order for you to get up and gather your family and friends to the theaters. Rarely do we see a surrealist, a Western, or a noir in the cinemas these days, and having all three rolled into one crazy animated movie is a huge blessing from the movie gods.

The synopsis may sound like nothing special and the basics of the story may be familiar, but it is the unique and ingenious ideas and imagery that make the whole an amazing experience. Kudos to Verbinski and his team for having the balls to throw in all the unbelievable craziness into an animated PG-film and make it work perfectly. I just find it incredibly baffling how underrated a director Gore Verbinski is. With "Rango," he once again proves his mastery and versatility, combining beautifully bizarre visuals with good old storytelling, creating an animated masterwork that is sure to entertain children and adults alike. There are no gimmicks or 3D effects to be found here; just pure, fun magic. "Rango" is modern mainstream artistry at its best, and you should make sure to see it as soon as possible.

Rating: **** out of 5

[Diesel]

When A Stranger Calls

• 2006 | PG-13 | 87 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Simon West
  
  
• Starring: Camilla Belle
  
  
• Thriller | Horror
  
  
• Repeat Viewing

First thing's first: if you haven't seen this movie do NOT watch the trailer. It gives away a key plot point and whoever made that decision was hopefully fired.

I'm also going to put this out there early: this movie has most of the cliché from this genre present in its short run time.

My favorite example:

[Show spoiler]if there's a cat in a movie, 99.9% of the time it will jump out at you at some point.

It's not the most predictable movie of its kind that I've seen, but you won't be scratching your head wondering what's going to happen next most likely.

It would have been better if

[Show spoiler]the killer was from the same town as the during credits murder we are shown.

It would have obviously been better if they had avoided most of the clichés that they used.

And there are definitely other problems...yet, for some reason I do enjoy this movie. Probably more than I should.

It's got a decent amount of suspense; it's never actually scary but it does achieve a time or two and it is interesting imo.


Squid's girl Camilla does well enough at being a scared teenager. Whoever does the voice on the phone does actually sound creepy and...well no one else is in the movie for more than 45 seconds


Do I recommend it? Yea sure, rent it and check it out. It's decently entertaining. I own the DVD because my brother bought it and didn't want it anymore after a few months.


Rating - 3.75/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Excellent segway. But how on Earth can you watch that crap?

[SquidPuppet]

The Yellow Handkerchief

2008 PG-13 96 minutes

DVD

William Hurt, Kristen Stewart, Eddie Redmayne and Maria Bello star in this indie road trip/ romantic drama kinds sorta flick.

Hurt is leaving prison and hitches a ride with the two young ones. Stewart is a bit troubled, but fond of Hurts gentle nature. Eddie is a quirky loner oddball. Everyone carries some lonliness and sadness inside. Hurt tells his story to the kids through a series of flashbacks and the kids really care about how things will pan out for him in the future.

Nothing was exceptional in this picture, but it kept my interest the entire time and I really enjoyed it. There is nothing new or special, but it just worked for me.

3.75/5

For a DVD it looked and sounded damn good.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

There was no music in that scene. I thought that was really odd.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Diesel

[Show spoiler]When A Stranger Calls

• 2006 | PG-13 | 87 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Simon West
  
  
• Starring: Camilla Belle
  
  
• Thriller | Horror
  
  
• Repeat Viewing

First thing's first: if you haven't seen this movie do NOT watch the trailer. It gives away a key plot point and whoever made that decision was hopefully fired.

I'm also going to put this out there early: this movie has most of the cliché from this genre present in its short run time.

My favorite example:

[Show spoiler]if there's a cat in a movie, 99.9% of the time it will jump out at you at some point.

It's not the most predictable movie of its kind that I've seen, but you won't be scratching your head wondering what's going to happen next most likely.

It would have been better if

[Show spoiler]the killer was from the same town as the during credits murder we are shown.

It would have obviously been better if they had avoided most of the clichés that they used.

And there are definitely other problems...yet, for some reason I do enjoy this movie. Probably more than I should.

It's got a decent amount of suspense; it's never actually scary but it does achieve a time or two and it is interesting imo.


Squid's girl Camilla does well enough at being a scared teenager. Whoever does the voice on the phone does actually sound creepy and...well no one else is in the movie for more than 45 seconds


Do I recommend it? Yea sure, rent it and check it out. It's decently entertaining. I own the DVD because my brother bought it and didn't want it anymore after a few months.


Rating - 3.75/5

Basically it's a cookie cutter horror film that you'll enjoy if you like seeing Camilla Belle in tight form-fitting clothes.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Diesel

When A Stranger Calls

[Show spoiler]

• 2006 | PG-13 | 87 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Simon West
  
  
• Starring: Camilla Belle
  
  
• Thriller | Horror
  
  
• Repeat Viewing

First thing's first: if you haven't seen this movie do NOT watch the trailer. It gives away a key plot point and whoever made that decision was hopefully fired.

I'm also going to put this out there early: this movie has most of the cliché from this genre present in its short run time.

My favorite example:

[Show spoiler]if there's a cat in a movie, 99.9% of the time it will jump out at you at some point.

It's not the most predictable movie of its kind that I've seen, but you won't be scratching your head wondering what's going to happen next most likely.

It would have been better if

[Show spoiler]the killer was from the same town as the during credits murder we are shown.

It would have obviously been better if they had avoided most of the clichés that they used.

And there are definitely other problems...yet, for some reason I do enjoy this movie. Probably more than I should.

It's got a decent amount of suspense; it's never actually scary but it does achieve a time or two and it is interesting imo.


Squid's girl Camilla does well enough at being a scared teenager. Whoever does the voice on the phone does actually sound creepy and...well no one else is in the movie for more than 45 seconds


Do I recommend it? Yea sure, rent it and check it out. It's decently entertaining. I own the DVD because my brother bought it and didn't want it anymore after a few months.

Rating - 3.75/5

I also like this film for some reason but its very shallow in story and doesnt give any info as to why things are taking place like the original which is a much better film. But as I have said I do like the film myself. Got Em!!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

There was no music in that scene. I thought that was really odd.

I seem to remember a lot of the fights, chases, action scenes in the Sean Connery and Roger Moore movies don't have much music. I suppose it's a little duller in a way, but I think it's kinda classy.

Real movies don't need music!

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I seem to remember a lot of the fights, chases, action scenes in the Sean Connery and Roger Moore movies don't have much music. I suppose it's a little duller in a way, but I think it's kinda classy.

Real movies don't need music!

As someone who usually doesn't notice music in movies I would almost agree, if I didn't enjoy the work of John Williams, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I seem to remember a lot of the fights, chases, action scenes in the Sean Connery and Roger Moore movies don't have much music. I suppose it's a little duller in a way, but I think it's kinda classy.

Real movies don't need music!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

When A Stranger Calls




Squid's girl Camilla does well enough

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

Basically it's a cookie cutter horror film that you'll enjoy if you like seeing Camilla Belle in tight form-fitting clothes.

Also an appropriate review

Originally Posted by CZAR

I also like this film for some reason but its very shallow in story and doesnt give any info as to why things are taking place like the original which is a much better film. But as I have said I do like the film myself. Got Em!!

I haven't seen the original.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by Diesel

When A Stranger Calls

[LIST][*]2006 | PG-13 | 87 Minutes


,
Rating - 3.75/5

I liked this one as well-- it's one of the better horror remakes out there-- I thought both versions kind of lost steam during the final acts so I give them both the same ratings (good)

[vega2K]

Plot:
From IMDb: Lara Brennan is arrested for murdering her boss with whom she had an argument. It seems she was seen leaving the scene of the crime and her fingerprints were on the murder weapon. Her husband, John would spend the next few years trying to get her released, but there's no evidence that negates the evidence against her. And when the strain of being separated from her family, especially her son, gets to her, John decides to break her out. So he does a lot of research to find a way.

Stars:
Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Neeson (for about 3 minutes)

My Take:
I really got into this one. The premise is pretty cool, not an original story but it had it's uniqueness. I don't know about you, but I really like Russell Crowe's acting, he makes me feel what he is supposed to feel - you feel the frustration, despair, helplessness, anger and hope. I especially like "fat/average" Russell, which he is in this movie. I was riveted throughout most of the movie and luckily, I had no idea where this was going. A few times I thought the movie was about to end, and then I checked the time remaining and there was a lot more to come, in a good way. Brian Dennehy is also in this one and man have I missed him. He is such a cool older actor. He shows-up a few times (more times than Neeson) and barely speaks, but his gestures, body language, looks, speak volumes. I really liked his brief appearances. Elisabeth Banks was just okay, to me, many actresses could have done as well. But Russell carries the whole thing.

Bottomline:
Yeah, it was not perfect. Some of the situations made me think "yeah right", but it was very entertaining and I liked Russell in this role. To me, the mark of a good movie is one that makes me want to buy it, and I plan on buying this one. I recommend it!

PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: 4.5/5 (the usual awesomeness of lossless)

Overall: 4/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

As someone who usually doesn't notice music in movies I would almost agree, if I didn't enjoy the work of John Williams, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I might have to take my comment back, given the next movie...

Next greatest rental: "Control" 2007.

The sad truth is, even though I have some New Order songs, and a couple of remade songs (NIN’s “Dead Souls” and Moby’s “New Dawn Fades”), I never really heard any of Joy Division’s music until now. Never knew about the background of the band or their impact on the industry. But after seeing this movie and reading up a little more on it, I feel a little more enlightened, and I might just have to download some JD songs (or buy their CDs).

Anyway, the other sad truth is that “Control” is not the type of movie that would normally thrill me, much less maintain my interest or gain replay value. It’s pretty darn slow, with lots of soft dialogue and long silent pauses. But, I did find that it became rather immersive as it went on, and I was into it by the end. It has some strong dramatic moments, some cool scenes with the music, and some visually impressive scenes.

The story takes precedence, and it is worth telling. It’s not much plot-wise (as it is with most biopics), but the characters are strong, deep, real, emotional, and ultimately very interesting. It’s very gripping, invoking, and thought-provoking to watch the main character’s issues (internal, external, real, perceived, mental, physical, everything!) tear at him little by little.

As a film, it looks gorgeous with pure black-and-white photography, and the camera is very solid and steady. Acting looks perfect all around; very subtle, nuanced, and believable. Production value seems good for what it’s supposed to be. And I was digging the music (will probably get the soundtrack, at the least).

Could this be the most manic depressive film ever?!

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

Recommendation: Yes.

[volcomsocal]

Everybody's Fine - 2009

This is one of the most emotional movies I've ever seen. It's a great story and character based drama that deals with a family's relationship. Robert DeNiro plays a recently widowed father who plans on getting his family together at his house, but certain problems arise. I can't say anymore or else I'd spoil the movie. It's a very heartfelt and emotional movie that is very well done. The pace of the movie is great and DeNiro's acting is superb.

This was a dvd, so PQ and AQ are N/A

5/5

[P@t_Mtl]

The Losers

2010, directed by Sylvain White with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Idris Elba

I suppose everyone is familiar with this movie and with the comic books by now. I got to see this one very late since I got it on my movie channel, they have movies close to a year after they came out.

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. This may no be the greatest story ever made with the most amazing cast of actors in history but it does what it does extremely well. The movie move's along goo, the story was interesting and did not drag much, the actors were good in their roles and enough action to keep one happy without going over dose on it Some of the stuff is a bit over the top but that is to be expected for this type of movie In fact I found this to be even better then The Expandables which I also enjoyed but found The Losers did a better job on certain aspects of the movie.

I would recommend this movie to anyone but of course I would add that it's better you enjoy the type, action with comedy and some over the top stuff. If this is something you don't really like then better not waste your time with it.

[Batman1980]

Morning Glory - 4/5
I think this is the least I've liked Rachel McAdams in a role, including Regina George in Mean Girls. Just tries too hard to be liked and too wrapped up in her job but this is still a fun ride from start to finish. Was fun seeing the old legends Keaton and Ford in a movie again, although

[Show spoiler]I am surprised they didn't fall in love in the movie like I thought they would.

PQ and AQ 4/5 Recommended to all.

[Diesel]

The Day After Tomorrow


Previously reviewed.

Score is being bumped up a tad.


Rating - 4.25/5

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The Day After Tomorrow


Previously reviewed.

Score is being bumped up a tad.


Rating - 4.25/5

Like 2012 Roland Emmerich just cramp too many "" moments in these two movies for me They are not bad but not movies I can see myself watching again.