The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

2010 -
How to Train Your Dragon
Tangled
Inception
Social Network
Black Swan
Fighter

No, The Kings Speech?

I know you're not a fan of TS3, but I'd add it to that list.

[Steve46]

I actually think 2010 was the best year for a while. King's Speech topped my list.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

No, The Kings Speech?

I know you're not a fan of TS3, but I'd add it to that list.

I haven't seen the Kings Speech but once I do, I'll add it to the list most likely.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I believe it.

Do it on the big screen. If you see it on Blu-ray and enjoy it, you will be kicking yourself for not seeing it in all its Jumbo Glory.

My theater trip for this weekend (month actually) is already taken by Source Code; your review made me interested, but not enough to drop $7.50 on it

Originally Posted by kpkelley

No, The Kings Speech?

I know you're not a fan of TS3, but I'd add it to that list.

Indeed; Toy Story 3 topped my list for last year.

Originally Posted by Steve46

I actually think 2010 was the best year for a while. King's Speech topped my list.

I wasn't the biggest fan

I did like it though. Firth was the only thing that was fantastic about the movie imo; everything else was very good/solid.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I actually think 2010 was the best year for a while. King's Speech topped my list.

Fair enough. I think 2006 was a stronger year, with The Lives of Others, Pan's Labyrinth, The Departed, Letters From Iwo Jima, Little Miss Sunshine, Babel, Children of Men, The Illusionist, The Prestige, Blood Diamond, United 93, Apocalypto, etc.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Fair enough. I think 2006 was a stronger year, with The Lives of Others, Pan's Labyrinth, The Departed, Letters From Iwo Jima, Little Miss Sunshine, Babel, Children of Men, The Illusionist, The Prestige, Blood Diamond, United 93, Apocalypto, etc.

I must agree because I own nine of those

[Hep]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Sucker Punch

[Show spoiler]As a lot of you guys know, I am an "old" dude. Considering this, some of you might be surprised that I didnt write this off a video game/music video lame ass mindless action flick.

To the 100% contrary, I am tempted to descibe it using the "M" word.

There is a heart breaking, gut wrenching, meanigfull, heavy and deep story here. If you dont "get" it, or if you "miss" what Snyder is trying to say, the film may fall flat for you. And I'd call the storytelling itself, Expertly handled. If all you see is scantily clad hot chicks kicking ass, you have entirely missed the point.

The visuals, the worlds, the effects and the choreography are all at the next level of jawdropping. Yep, next level IMO.

Does it look like a video game? Sort of. So what? It looks beyond excellent.

Does it stream a constant barage of contemporary and classic rock in weird mixes? Yep. So what. Every tune is very fitting both in rythm, mood and lyrics for each scene. Awesome.

Right from the opening montage (which was awesome) I had great empathy for the lead protagonist Baby Doll. As the film progressed I learned more about the characters that joined Baby Doll in her quest and I cared about them too.

The acting by all the girls was top notch. Especially Sweet Pea. Damn good. And the lead villain did a fantastic job too.

I have read some people (who liked it) saying it was a bit messy and the deleted dance scenes hurt the film. NOT for me. The storytelling flowed so well that a rythm occurs and I sat with anticipation through the ebbs and flows. I believe that the way Snyder handled his (forced) edits of the dance scenes actually enhanced the mystery of those scenes.

Snyder took a truly powerful and tragic tale, violently combined genres, and told it using insane visuals.

It's kind of funny. I am far from the target demographic for this film, but I actually think an older audience will be able to appreciate the weight of the subject matter better than teen-twenties audience. Maybe. Depends on ones life experiences I suspect.

I will buy this on Blu-ray. The visuals and music are great, but I will enjoy revisiting this mostly for the story. Yep, the story.

4.5/5

Great news Squid! With a few days to ponder the movie I've already bumped my rating up a half a point to 3.5/5 . I've been looking forward to your reaction. BTW, I think you're completely correct that "the edits of the dance scenes actually enhanced the mystery of those scenes". That isn't were I felt the movie was missing info. I felt that the supporting characters weren't given enough time to breathe, and that there was something substantive missing from Babydoll's interation with the high roller. If adding that scene back in improves the proceedings, I'll gladly bump my score again . I'm really looking forward to checking out the DC on BD.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Hep

Great news Squid! With a few days to ponder the movie I've already bumped my rating up a half a point to 3.5/5 . I've been looking forward to your reaction. BTW, I think you're completely correct that "the edits of the dance scenes actually enhanced the mystery of those scenes". That isn't were I felt the movie was missing info. I felt that the supporting characters weren't given enough time to breathe, and that there was something substantive missing from Babydoll's interation with the high roller. If adding that scene back in improves the proceedings, I'll gladly bump my score again . I'm really looking forward to checking out the DC on BD.

I am very curious and eager as well.

What do you feel was missing? Conflict/confrontation? More tension. A heavier surrender?

I really liked Hamms (brief) performance during the

[Show spoiler]labotomy

. He displayed more emotion in that tiny moment than Don Draper has in three seasons.

Hep, did you ever get around to seeing Rango? I dont remember you posting your thoughts on that.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Sucker Punch

[Show spoiler]
As a lot of you guys know, I am an "old" dude. Considering this, some of you might be surprised that I didnt write this off a video game/music video lame ass mindless action flick.

To the 100% contrary, I am tempted to descibe it using the "M" word.

There is a heart breaking, gut wrenching, meaningful, heavy and deep story here. If you dont "get" it, or if you "miss" what Snyder is trying to say, the film may fall flat for you. And I'd call the storytelling itself, Expertly handled. If all you see is scantily clad hot chicks kicking ass, you have entirely missed the point.

The visuals, the worlds, the effects and the choreography are all at the next level of jawdropping. Yep, next level IMO.

Does it look like a video game? Sort of. So what? It looks beyond excellent.

Does it stream a constant barage of contemporary and classic rock in weird mixes? Yep. So what. Every tune is very fitting both in rythm, mood and lyrics for each scene. Awesome.

Right from the opening montage (which was awesome) I had great empathy for the lead protagonist Baby Doll. As the film progressed I learned more about the characters that joined Baby Doll in her quest and I cared about them too.

The acting by all the girls was top notch. Especially Sweet Pea. Damn good. And the lead villain did a fantastic job too.

I have read some people (who liked it) saying it was a bit messy and the deleted dance scenes hurt the film. NOT for me. The storytelling flowed so well that a rythm occurs and I sat with anticipation through the ebbs and flows. I believe that the way Snyder handled his (forced) edits of the dance scenes actually enhanced the mystery of those scenes.

Snyder took a truly powerful and tragic tale, violently combined genres, and told it using insane visuals.

It's kind of funny. I am far from the target demographic for this film, but I actually think an older audience will be able to appreciate the weight of the subject matter better than teen-twenties audience. Maybe. Depends on ones life experiences I suspect.

I will buy this on Blu-ray. The visuals and music are great, but I will enjoy revisiting this mostly for the story. Yep, the story.

4.5/5

Wow man. You really piqued my interest now.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Wow man. You really piqued my interest now.

I know you enjoy a good fight in movies. If you like his visual style, see it for those two things alone and you probably wont be disappointed.

The dozens of clock and steam powered Nazis being wasted by the girls were worth the price of admission for me.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I am very curious and eager as well.

What do you feel was missing? Conflict/confrontation? More tension. A heavier surrender?
I really liked Hamms (brief) performance during the

[Show spoiler]labotomy

. He displayed more emotion in that tiny moment than Don Draper has in three seasons.

Hep, did you ever get around to seeing Rango? I dont remember you posting your thoughts on that.

Yes, not to take anything away from Hamms fantastic performance, I would have loved to see more of Babydoll when she was

[Show spoiler]owning her destiny as it were

. I agree you could read it clearly on his face, and that was very effective. It may well be that simply knowing the scene exists has me wanting to see it so badly .

I did see Rango and I loved it. Fortunately, I didn't have the same aversion you did to the character design. I've been busy lately, so trying to find the time...

[AKORIS]

[QUOTE=SquidPuppet;4554021]I am very curious and eager as well.

What do you feel was missing? Conflict/confrontation? More tension. A heavier surrender?

I really liked Hamms (brief) performance during the

[Show spoiler]labotomy

. He displayed more emotion in that tiny moment than Don Draper has in three seasons.


I hope your not dissing MAD MEN Squid!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I know you enjoy a good fight in movies. If you like his visual style, see it for those two things alone and you probably wont be disappointed.

The dozens of clock and steam powered Nazis being wasted by the girls were worth the price of admission for me.

Sounds like a winner to me!

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Sounds like a winner to me!

I consider her the hottest Asian alive, hope she's in a lot of it.

[SquidPuppet]

[QUOTE=AKORIS;4554116]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I am very curious and eager as well.

What do you feel was missing? Conflict/confrontation? More tension. A heavier surrender?

I really liked Hamms (brief) performance during the

[Show spoiler]labotomy

. He displayed more emotion in that tiny moment than Don Draper has in three seasons.


I hope your not dissing MAD MEN Squid!

Check my collection darling. LOVE the show.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

I give Black Swan a 4.5/5, just a hair better than The Social Network, 2010 was a better year for movies than people admit.

Originally Posted by Steve46

1994 was the best year for movies:

Pulp Fiction
Three Colors: Red
Shawshank
Gump

Originally Posted by kpkelley

1939:
Gone With The Wind
The Wizard of Oz
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Wuthering Heights
Stagecoach
Ninotchka
The Rules of the Game
The Mikado
The Four Feathers
Of Mice and Men
The Women
Only Angels Have Wings
Dark Victory
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

2010 -
How to Train Your Dragon
Tangled
Inception
Social Network
Black Swan
Fighter

I'm probably not the best judge of what the best era in movies is. I've been told that 1938 was the best year ever.

Just judging films based on how well they entertain me, rather than which ones won the best awards or which actor was in what, my vote goes to 2008.

[Show spoiler]
Bolded the ones I really REALLY care about.

"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" (5/5)
"The Dark Knight" (5/5)
"Gran Torino" (5/5)
"Wanted" (5/5)
"Wall-E" (5/5)
"Bolt" (4.5/5)
"Chocolate" (4.5/5)
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (4.5/5)
"Ip Man" (4.5/5)
"Iron Man" (4.5/5)
"Kung Fu Panda" (4.5/5)
"Mesrine" (4.5/5)
"Red Cliff" (4.5/5)
"Tropic Thunder" (4.5/5)
"Waltz With Bashir" (4.5/5)
"The Wrestler" (4.5/5)
"Appaloosa" (4/5)
"Batman: Gotham Knight" (4/5)
"Burn After Reading" (4/5)
"Changeling" (4/5)
"Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (4/5)
"Death Race" (4/5)
"Doomsday" (4/5)
"Doubt" (4/5)
"Dragon Hunters" (4/5)
"Funny Games" (4/5)
"Get Smart" (4/5)
"Gomorrah" (4/5)
"The Good the Bad and the Weird" (4/5)
"Hunger" (4/5)
"The Incredible Hulk" (4/5)
"Indiana Jones and the KOTSC" (4/5)
"Machine Girl" (4/5) (saw it just recently, will need to review)
"Martyrs" (4/5) (also saw this just recently, will need to review)
"Midnight Meat Train" (4/5)
"Ponyo" (4/5)
"Quantum of Solace" (4/5)
"Rambo" (4/5, maybe higher)
"Resident Evil: Degeneration" (4/5)
"Slumdog Millionaire" (4/5)
"Taken" (4/5)
"Tokyo!" (4/5)
"Trick R Treat" (4/5)
"X-Files: I Want to Believe" (4/5)
"Body of Lies" (3.5/5)
"Day the Earth Stood Still" (3.5/5)
"Eagle Eye" (3.5/5)
"Hancock" (3.5/5)
"The Happening" (3.5/5)
"Horton Hears a Who" (3.5/5, maybe 4/5)
"Max Payne" (3.5/5)
"Mirrors" (3.5/5)
"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (3.5/5)
"Ong Bak 2" (3.5/5)
"Outlander" (3.5/5)
"Speed Racer" (3.5/5)
"Transporter 3" (3.5/5)
"Transsiberian" (3.5/5)
"21" (3.5/5)
"Valkyrie" (3.5/5)
"Zombie Strippers" (3.5/5)
"Babylon AD" (3/5)
"The Forbidden Kingdom" (3/5)
"Quarantine" (3/5)
"The Spirit" (3/5)
"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (3/5)
"10000 BC" (5/5!!! BEST MOVIE EVAR!!! )

[Batman1980]

A lot of people love Ponyo, I just don't see it, I am one of those who adore the popular to hate 10,000 BC though. Don't agree on Dark Knight, score on that one has actually dropped to 4/5, just not holding up well over the years at all for me.

[AKORIS]

[QUOTE=SquidPuppet;4554133]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

Check my collection darling. LOVE the show.

that's what I thought!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

A lot of people love Ponyo, I just don't see it, I am one of those who adore the popular to hate 10,000 BC though. Don't agree on Dark Knight, score on that one has actually dropped to 4/5, just not holding up well over the years at all for me.

Right on!

I naturally don't expect everybody to have the same scores as I do, especially since I know "Wanted," "Chocolate," "Indy 4," and many others got a lot of mediocre or mixed reviews. "The Happening," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Max Payne," and many others usually get negative reviews. Some of the ones I rated lower might be glorious masterpieces to others (like "10000 BC," which I thought was just okay ).

I know jhiggy made the claim before that "TDK" has iffy editing and whatnot, and many folks have brought up certain glaring plot holes; I can't argue against all of that. For whatever reason, it continues to resonate with me deeply; even after the credits roll, it's stuck in my head for days on end...

Whether good or bad, I've found most 2008 films enjoyable, and I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

I consider her the hottest Asian alive, hope she's in a lot of it.