The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Marcus Wright]

Saw The Fly 2 after Fly 1.
Just as great of a movie.

Both movies have some of the most sad moments I have ever seen in a movie.

[Show spoiler]I was so devastated for the dog in The Flly 2

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Adventureland

year: 2009
director: greg mottola
starring: jesse eisenberg, kristen stewart, and bill hader

[Show spoiler]
come one, come all to what happens when you market a film for the completely wrong market!

this may sound harsh, but whomever marketed this film should be terminated. at least not in charge or allowed to market a film by themselves for about 15 years so they can learn how to actually do such a thing because whoever advertised and marketed Adventureland completely dropped the ball on this one.

let's point out some mistakes on the cover!

1. it says "from the director Superbad"

2. the caption on the bottom says "truly hilarious" by Ann Hornaday

3. the cover art itself is goofy and has Ryan Reynolds, Jesse Eisenberg and Bill Hader with a killer mustache on it, emphasizing big laughs and a raunchy comedy.



just because Mottola directed Superbad doesn't mean you should advertise that here. that's like saying if Nolan directs a slow burning romantic comedy the cover should say "from the director of THE DARK KNIGHT & INCEPTION!". yes, that may sell some copies, but it will piss people off because they will be expecting that.

of course, Adventureland wasn't a big release so they probably did put Mottola / Superbad line on the cover to catch attention and sell units, but still...

but that's not at all what Adventureland is about. and while i, and many others love the film for what it is - with it's terrific score by many great musical acts, 80's setting, moody atmosphere, slow burning story and melancholy characters - i can only imagine how many walked away pissed, confused and bored because this didn't turn out to be "Superbad 2.0" which is a real shame because this is a hell of a film!

almost impossible for me to explain how much i connected with Adventureland on my first viewing months ago, and now again tonight but i just did. i was born in 88 so i wasn't alive during this time. i never worked at an amusement park. and i never had a relationship with a girl that looked and acted like Kirsten Stewart (who really isn't a good actress, but i really like her character and performance here, which is odd, because this is essentially what all her performances are like). yet, i looooooove this film.

the dialogue is wonderful and real, the characters are flawed, honest and feel like genuine people, and the relationship between Eisenberg and Stewart's characters is great and has a real chemistry of a girl that seems to know what's going on and a guy who's new to and awkward with relationships.

there is humor, but most of it is not in the typical stupid "dirty" humor. of course, there is that one character that does all the cliched "dumb teenager" gag humor but it's actually pretty funny since it comes in waves and is not relentlessly annoying

first viewing i gave it a 4.5/5 although i had no real flaws with the film. same goes for this viewing, but i'm only gonna move it up a bit to 4.75/5 for the time being. although, in all likelihood this will become a 5/5 as it is already in my personal top 50. love it

highly recommended!

4.75/5

I love Adventureland as much as you do. I likely wouldn't have felt the same if he went a different route and made it the way it was marketed. It is also a plus that I used to go to the amusement park it was filmed in pretty much every year when I was younger.

Speaking of marketing the film, I agree with your opinion. The movie is nothing like what they marketed it as, which is a shame. I knew what to expect before I watched it for the first time, but I am sure a lot of people who did would have obviously expected it to be like Superbad and it was far from it. I love Adventureland and Superbad, but for different reasons.

"Jesus F***ing Christ! They play this song like 20 times a day!"

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by killowertz

I love Adventureland as much as you do. I likely wouldn't have felt the same if he went a different route and made it the way it was marketed. It is also a plus that I used to go to the amusement park it was filmed in pretty much every year when I was younger.

Speaking of marketing the film, I agree with your opinion. The movie is nothing like what they marketed it as, which is a shame. I knew what to expect before I watched it for the first time, but I am sure a lot of people who did would have obviously expected it to be like Superbad and it was far from it. I love Adventureland and Superbad, but for different reasons.

"Jesus F***ing Christ! They play this song like 20 times a day!"

"They were doing push ups in his car... and he didn't have any pants on."

[Diesel]

I mentioned this before but we (the friends I watched it with and myself) didn't even finish Adventureland. I thought it was dreadful

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

"They were doing push ups in his car... and he didn't have any pants on."

"We are doing the work of lazy, pathetic morons."

Originally Posted by Diesel

I mentioned this before but we (the friends I watched it with and myself) didn't even finish Adventureland. I thought it was dreadful

Yes, we know...

[Show spoiler]

It might have helped if you knew what to expect going into it, which is of course not your fault.

[CZAR]

Saw III - 2nd time viewing this film and there were certain things I didnt remember. Pretty good 3rd film in the series but not sure where I rank it overall yet until I finish the series again. I liked how they tied up everything in part one atleast up to this point. Lynn Denlon is a cutie and was pretty much the only eye candy of the film. The concept was a bit different from the others especially on how it played with Jigsaw but still interesting. All in all a fun and entertaining sequel and although I dont have them securely ranked I dont think it is the best sequel in the series however. Got Em!!

Film Rating - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Adventureland

year: 2009
director: greg mottola
starring: jesse eisenberg, kristen stewart, and bill hader

come one, come all to what happens when you market a film for the completely wrong market!

this may sound harsh, but whomever marketed this film should be terminated. at least not in charge or allowed to market a film by themselves for about 15 years so they can learn how to actually do such a thing because whoever advertised and marketed Adventureland completely dropped the ball on this one.

let's point out some mistakes on the cover!

1. it says "from the director Superbad"

2. the caption on the bottom says "truly hilarious" by Ann Hornaday

3. the cover art itself is goofy and has Ryan Reynolds, Jesse Eisenberg and Bill Hader with a killer mustache on it, emphasizing big laughs and a raunchy comedy.



just because Mottola directed Superbad doesn't mean you should advertise that here. that's like saying if Nolan directs a slow burning romantic comedy the cover should say "from the director of THE DARK KNIGHT & INCEPTION!". yes, that may sell some copies, but it will piss people off because they will be expecting that.

of course, Adventureland wasn't a big release so they probably did put Mottola / Superbad line on the cover to catch attention and sell units, but still...

but that's not at all what Adventureland is about. and while i, and many others love the film for what it is - with it's terrific score by many great musical acts, 80's setting, moody atmosphere, slow burning story and melancholy characters - i can only imagine how many walked away pissed, confused and bored because this didn't turn out to be "Superbad 2.0" which is a real shame because this is a hell of a film!

almost impossible for me to explain how much i connected with Adventureland on my first viewing months ago, and now again tonight but i just did. i was born in 88 so i wasn't alive during this time. i never worked at an amusement park. and i never had a relationship with a girl that looked and acted like Kirsten Stewart (who really isn't a good actress, but i really like her character and performance here, which is odd, because this is essentially what all her performances are like). yet, i looooooove this film.

the dialogue is wonderful and real, the characters are flawed, honest and feel like genuine people, and the relationship between Eisenberg and Stewart's characters is great and has a real chemistry of a girl that seems to know what's going on and a guy who's new to and awkward with relationships.

there is humor, but most of it is not in the typical stupid "dirty" humor. of course, there is that one character that does all the cliched "dumb teenager" gag humor but it's actually pretty funny since it comes in waves and is not relentlessly annoying

first viewing i gave it a 4.5/5 although i had no real flaws with the film. same goes for this viewing, but i'm only gonna move it up a bit to 4.75/5 for the time being. although, in all likelihood this will become a 5/5 as it is already in my personal top 50. love it

highly recommended!

4.75/5

Eh. I thought it was decent at best. Very little characterization is its major flaw.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Realist01

I saw that you have Deer Hunter on your wish list, why don't you just buy the region free studio canal release?

I've considered it, but I figured I might as well wait for a domestic release, as opposed to ordering one from Amazonuk. Not the best reason, but I'm patient

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I found some other essays and musings on The Double Life of Veronique. If you haven't seen the film, I strongly suggest ignoring these thoughts until you have as it would ruin the experience.

The fact that I have spent at least three hours this morning reading thoughts on the film says a lot.


What We Talk About When We Talk About Fate:
A quick thought on a darker reading of The Double Life of Veronique by Steven Carlson

The Double Life of Veronique – #359
from Jamie S. Rich’s Criterion Confessions

The Double Life of Veronique
Review by Independent Film Review critic Todd Conrad.

The Double Life of Veronique: Kieslowski and Pure Emotion
Kevin Pearson in Alternate Takes

The Double Life of Véronique
Jenny Dediny in Not Coming to Theater Near You

The Double Life of Veronique: Through the Looking Glass
By Jonathan Romney

Soul Sisters
post by Glenn A. Buttkus in blog Tacoma Film Club Annexe

Roger Ebert 1991 review

Roger Ebert 2009 Great Movies review

Blu-ray.com review

Kieslowski wrote, “I think that if you go to the cinema you want to give in to your emotions. But I am not saying that everybody has to like VERONIQUE. On the contrary I think it is a film for a very limited group of people. I don’t mean an age group, or a social group—but a group of people who are sensitive to the sort of emotions shown in the film. And such people can be found among the intelligentsia, among workers, among the unemployed, among students, and among old age pensioners. I do not think it is a film for the elite, by any means—unless we call sensitive people elite.”

Great links about a great film.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight - I miss the Tales From the Crypt series and wished there couldve been more movies made. This was a fun film with a very entertaining performance from Billy Zane. He was perfect for the villain in this film and loved his sarcasm. Cordelia looked very sexy and of course Jada was very good as she usually is. Definite recommendation to all horror fans. Very fun film.

Film Rating - 4 stars (out of 5)



The Social Network - Finally got around to see what all the hype was about and if it was true. Well the film is definitely over hyped but so are most "best picture" nominations. I still thought it was a solid film but nuthin extraordinary and it definitely wasnt best picture material in my book. Jesse Eisenberg did deserve his nomination as he was damn good. Even thought Timberlake and Garfield were very good also. So the acting was top notch or atleast very good. The film at tomes dragged and got a bit sleepy but what else would u expect in a film about a lawsuit over a website. I did manage to get through the whole film and like I said I thought it was a solid film but nuthin I would watch again and to me the film has no replay value at all. All in all I would say atleast rent it as it should be seen by most.

Film Rating - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

What ten films would you have nominated over it?

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

What ten films would you have nominated over it?

Well Im sure I could come up with 10 films I like better for sure for 2010 but then again I dont usually like many of the Oscar nominated films as a ,ot of films they choose dont interest me and there are a lot of films that get overlooked for whatever reason. So again I could name 10 films but Im sure u wont agree as me and u are very different on film taste. I mean I know we do like some of the same films but just going buy post and seeing films u reply with etc....your taste is still quite different then mine. Not a good or bad thing just how it is. The Social Network was solid and thats it for me. Got Em!!

[SquidPuppet]

Hiroshima Mon Amour

One thing has become glaringly clear to me, I am without doubt, Not Sufficiently Evolved to appreciate this film (and French new wave in general).

I feel torn about reviewing the film here. I know this thread is for discussion, good and bad, but I really believe that if I share all my analysis that it will come across as thread crapping.

I'll just bow out with my score and leave it at that.

1.5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I mentioned this before but we (the friends I watched it with and myself) didn't even finish Adventureland. I thought it was dreadful

big surprise Diesel. Let's remember, we've been through this: if a movie doesn't have explosions, car cashes or giant fighting robots, you won't like it!

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

big surprise Diesel. Let's remember, we've been through this: if a movie doesn't have explosions, car cashes or giant fighting robots, you won't like it!

I think it may be because Diesel wasn't alive in the 80s so he may not be able to appreciate a movie that captures the look and feel of that decade.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

big surprise Diesel. Let's remember, we've been through this: if a movie doesn't have explosions, car cashes or giant fighting robots, you won't like it!

Yea you have a point....I mean, who DOESN'T love that car crash in 3:10 to Yuma!

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

I think it may be because Diesel wasn't alive in the 80s so he may not be able to appreciate a movie that captures the look and feel of that decade.

Yea...that's why...

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Yea you have a point....I mean, who DOESN'T love that car crash in 3:10 to Yuma!

[Show spoiler]

Yea...that's why...

I like it quite a bit, it's not Super Bad but it's still a very good movie and it captures the look and feel of the 80s quite well, plus you kind of get an inside look at an amusement park.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Hiroshima Mon Amour

One thing has become glaringly clear to me, I am without doubt, Not Sufficiently Evolved to appreciate this film (and French new wave in general).

I feel torn about reviewing the film here. I know this thread is for discussion, good and bad, but I really believe that if I share all my analysis that it will come across as thread crapping.

I'll just bow out with my score and leave it at that.

1.5/5

Wow a Jhiggy recommended film with that low of a score? U will have sum splaining to do! lol Got Em!!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Hiroshima Mon Amour

One thing has become glaringly clear to me, I am without doubt, Not Sufficiently Evolved to appreciate this film (and French new wave in general).

I feel torn about reviewing the film here. I know this thread is for discussion, good and bad, but I really believe that if I share all my analysis that it will come across as thread crapping.

I'll just bow out with my score and leave it at that.

1.5/5

Go ahead...rip it to shreds

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Go ahead...rip it to shreds

Yeah it can't be as bad as 3:10 to Yuma, can it?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I mentioned this before but we (the friends I watched it with and myself) didn't even finish Adventureland. I thought it was dreadful