The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Riff Magnum]

[quote=jhiggy23;4798047]

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

Without a doubt Vladimir Nabokov, who wrote Lolita and Pale Fire. His command of the English language (despite being Russian and writing his first 9 novels in Russian) was unbelievable in its depth, eloquence, and style. McCarthy, while one of the greatest modern English-language writers, is not on the same level. Partially to blame is his spare prose, preferring simplicity (in a way that mirrors a more intelligent, darker, and cerebral Hemingway) to eloquence.

For a more modern author, I'd pick Don Delillo, although I'm personally not a huge fan of his novels. He's been ranked one of the top 4 greatest modern American novelists, along with McCarthy, Philip Roth, and one other.

If you care to venture outside America, the translations of Umberto Eco are absolutely gorgeous (he wrote The Name of the Rose, which was a well-known Sean Connery movie). He makes my brain want to explode because he is easily the most intellectually challenging author of the 20th century and possibly ever (an accolade he's been given by many).

Sweet!! I'm familiar with some of those names, but never actually read any of their books. Once i'm done with "Cities of the Plain" i'll be checking all that bizness out. Many thanks.
Btw, what's your favorite work by McCarthy?

[Riff Magnum]

Ok, so what we need is Seth Rogen and Meagan Fox to play friends that start to fool around and have casual sex. Hilarity and confusion ensues.
It'll be called "F#ck Buddies."
Jesus Hollywood, sometimes you suck really bad.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Here's today's blog rant:

My Neighbor Totoro (animation, adventure, family)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring the voices of Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly and Pat Carroll

Disney / Buena Vista | 1988 | 86 min | Rated G | Released Mar 02, 2010

The Film 5/5

[Show spoiler]Unlike all of my previous blog reviews, My Neighbor Totoro hasn’t yet been released on Blu-ray. Disney is working its way through the Studio Ghibli titles and has released most of them on DVD, but a Blu-ray release for this particular film is likely one or two years away. While I intend to own them all on the best possible format, I just had to buy Totoro on DVD until it sees a high definition release.

This is going to be a difficult review because my love for Studio Ghibli and its worlds is hard to put into words. I’ll do my best.

Hayao Miyazaki’s films aren’t for everyone. They should be, but it just isn’t the case. The reason is that we in North America have come to expect a certain style when it comes to animation.

Animated movies are typically fast-paced and filled with action. They have heroes, villains, chase scenes and conflict. What’s more, they are noisy. It seems that without constant action, there’s a fear that the audience might become bored. This is not a criticism, merely an observation. I’m quite happy watching such things as Kung Fu Panda, Megamind, Tangled or How to Train Your Dragon.

Miyazaki’s films don’t follow the typical Hollywood style. Until very recently, everything was hand-drawn. Each frame is like a watercolor painting and has a certain beauty. Those who only watch modern CGI animation may not appreciate the classic two-dimensional style.

Another huge difference is the pacing. Instead of constant action, you’ll see occasional shots of the countryside, a stream, an animal or clouds. It’s a cultural difference and reflects a society in which people are more in tune with nature and the simple joy of being alive. Miyazaki’s stories unfold gradually in their own time.

Like most Studio Ghibli releases, Totoro doesn’t contain any villains. We are shown situations that its characters encounter and have to figure out. It works because the characters are well-defined and we care about them. We want to see how they will proceed and whether they will succeed.

The story is set in the 1950s in a Japanese village and begins with Professor Kusakabe (Daly) arriving at his new house, along with daughters Satsuki and Mei (Dakota and Elle Fanning). Satsuki is about 10 years old and Mei around 4. The sisters are delighted with their new home. Mei mimics her sister’s actions and sometimes repeats what she says. I have never seen a more realistic depiction of how children think and behave.

The children are full of life and explore their new house with excitement. It’s rumored to be haunted, but they only encounter soot sprites which leave at the sound of laughter. The sprites are only visible to children. Another cultural difference is highlighted when the professor shares a bath with his daughters. His girls happily help with the chores before they run off to play. This is a world in which TV doesn’t exist. The children spend their free time playing outside.

Professor Kusakabe puts the girls on his bicycle and takes them to a hospital where their mother is being treated. Miyazaki’s own mother suffered from tuberculosis and, although it’s never stated, this is probably what Mrs. Kusakabe was recovering from. It’s not typical for animated films to deal with such themes as illness, but this is a realistic world and the situation fits. They learn that she’s almost ready to return home and see their new house.

Satsuki cooks for the family and her father works at home when he’s not lecturing at the university. It’s a benign world where children walk to school without any fear of abduction or similar dangers.

Mei isn’t yet old enough for school and plays outside while her father works at his desk. She views the world with the charming fascination of a child, exploring her surroundings and watching tadpoles swim in the stream. Then she sees a pair of white ears in the long grass, belonging to a creature resembling a rabbit. The creature scurries away from her alternating between visible and invisible. She tracks it into a tunnel formed by overhanging trees. After entering a hole in the trunk of a vast tree she emerges in a clearing occupied by a giant sleeping creature.

We are more than 30 minutes into the film before she encounters the sleeping totoro. The film takes its time and doesn’t feel the need to introduce the creature from the start. It looks like a cross between a cat, a teddy bear and an owl. She prods it inquisitively and it seems unconcerned by her presence. There’s no sense of danger and she simply curls up on top of it and falls asleep. Her father and sister notice she is missing and set out to find her. When they arrive, she’s sleeping on the ground in the forest with no sign of the totoro.

When she tells her unlikely story, her father and sister believe her. They accept that she wouldn’t lie. It’s very refreshing to see that kind of trust between adult and child. Professor Kusakabe speculates that the totoro can only be seen when he wants to be seen and that Mei was very lucky to have the chance. These simple words make her happy.

The film defies our expectations at every turn. When her father has to go to the university, Mei starts to miss Satsuki, so the old woman looking after her takes her to the school. Satsuki explains to the teacher that their father will be home in a couple of hours and Mei is allowed to stay with the older children. She feels important and quietly sits at her desk drawing a picture of the totoro.

I don’t want to give away the whole story, but the totoro has an important part to play in the lives of the girls. The most worrying part of the film lasts about ten minutes, but it’s a realistic situation and doesn’t contain any villains. Their friend the totoro is a reassuring presence and knows how to solve the problem.

The girls are very sweet, but it isn’t overdone. Little Mei is probably my favorite character in any animated film. She’s thoroughly adorable. Miyazaki’s drawings are quite simple, but he can convey emotion with just a few expressions. He varies the size of the children’s mouths and eyes according to the mood of the scene.

My Neighbor Totoro is set in a world that no longer exists. The parents care deeply for their children and the two sisters love and depend on each other. Villagers pull together in times of crisis and care about their neighbors. Children respect older people and there’s no sense of danger. It’s a warm and happy place to visit and I wish the real world were more like Miyazaki’s imaginary ones. This is what human beings are supposed to be like.

Miyazaki has a wonderful imagination and it’s even more prominent in fantasy worlds such as those encountered in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. All of his stories have warmth and heart. If you see him interviewed, it’s apparent that he loves what he does. His enthusiasm is infectious and he smiles when he talks about his worlds. He sees things that most of us take for granted and miss altogether.

I consider My Neighbor Totoro to be the perfect family film. It may also be the happiest film I’ve ever seen and the relationship between the sisters is wonderful to watch. They aren’t constantly bickering. If Mei gets tired, Satsuki carries her. Adults treat children seriously and genuinely want to know what’s important to them. In today’s world, with the pressures adults place on themselves, that isn’t always the case.

Miyazaki has crafted a film filled with wonder and a sense of discovery. It’s like returning to your childhood and seeing the world from that perspective. The expressions of concentration, determination and pure wonder on Mei’s face are depicted perfectly. The film is full of beauty. I don’t just mean the animation – although it is beautiful – I’m also referring to the actions performed by the people and creatures in the film.

The feelings created by the story are considerably enhanced by Joe Hisaishi’s haunting score. He’s responsible for the music in all of Miyazaki’s films and the two have established a good understanding. The melodies seem so simple, but it’s hard to imagine the film without their presence.

While I’m delighted that Disney is releasing the Studio Ghibli titles on Blu-ray, it can’t happen fast enough. Some will argue that the English dub of the film ruins the experience. The good thing about the recent releases is that the original Japanese version is included as an option. If you want to experience the film in its native language, you can now do so, with or without subtitles.

There’s also a short film set in the same world; Mei and the Kittenbus. It hasn’t been released commercially, but is sometimes shown at the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka, Japan. You’ll have to reserve a ticket in advance if you want to pay a visit. It’s a long trip to see a 14-minute short film, but it’s currently the only way to see it. My forlorn hope is to see the short included among the special features when the film is released on Blu-ray.

I would recommend Miyazaki’s films to everyone, although I realize that some people won’t connect with them. The potential reward is worth the time investment. If you have children, there’s even more reason to give one a try. Try to go in with an open mind. My Neighbor Totoro isn’t about constant action or conflict, but it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. It’s closer to a film like Bambi than Megamind or Despicable Me.

Just because a film is about young children, it doesn’t mean that the viewer has to be a young child in order to appreciate the story. Pixar has elevated North American films to new levels over the past two decades, but I can honestly say that Studio Ghibli, and Miyazaki in particular, has produced films with more heart. They are beautiful, magical and full of imagination. These stories matter to me and I can’t wait to see the next one.

I love Totoro. I want a big ass one in my room.

This is probably the movie I like the most from Miyazaki. Although, I must admit, Spirited Away is pretty unique and imaginative.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

GREAT review.

You should buy the original English-dubbed DVD. Far superior version.



That's precisely the reason. Japanese animation has an entire culture along with it so extensive that stereotyping only removes us from the core of what Miyazaki films have to offer. Even Disney's support, although enhancing the production quality (such as English dub, etc.), has been futile in spreading Miyazaki's magic to widespread American audiences. Personally, I would find it just as important for my own (future) kids to grow up with his films as with the essential classics from the Disney canon.

It's by far his most kid-friendly film.

I saw the one with the Fannings, the same one Steve saw. What are the differences?

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by jvince

I love Totoro. I want a big ass one in my room.

This is probably the movie I like the most from Miyazaki. Although, I must admit, Spirited Away is pretty unique and imaginative.

I would probably buy a giant 6 foot padded totoro costume. No idea where I would wear it though.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I love the videos from those guys

I actually just found them recently. They do a great job too.

Originally Posted by Steve46

I would like to hear the original English dub.

It's a shame that his movies aren't promoted better. I'm doing my best

As am I (hence the Princess Mononoke avatar ). And yes, I recommend it. Sadly, I doubt they will include it in any future releases so I would jump on that DVD. Even if it means a double-dip (only if you are that big a fan)--imo of course.

Originally Posted by jvince

I saw the one with the Fannings, the same one Steve saw. What are the differences?

More expression and greater emotional range. Also, some of the dialogue was changed in the redubbing to be more accurate in a literal sense, but much less effective. Though the Disney dub is certainly not bad. I know the differences because a buddy of mine rants about them because the original (VHS) has a lot of sentimental value from his childhood. Obviously a bias there, but I've seen both myself and concur. The original is the copy to own, imo.

Originally Posted by Steve46

I would probably buy a giant 6 foot padded totoro costume. No idea where I would wear it though.

Okay, that's straight up creepy.

[Show spoiler]

[P@t_Mtl]

The A-Team

USA 2010
Directed by Joe Carnahan
With Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson
Format: Blu-ray

In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team.

Thus each episode of the TV series started and one episode was pretty much like the next to the point where at 43 minutes in you knew some sort of vehicule would roll over from some sort of explosion. This movie start by how the team first meet and their years in the army. They are once more frame and do escape from prison to wreck havoc all over the world. Like the series everything is just pretty much over the top (the tank scene anyone ). I was alright with the actors, they did a pretty good job, not doing carbon copies of the original actor but keeping enough of it that an old fan like me good see them. The rest is typical Hollywood action. The story was not to bad either and I like how they show the planning of each mission. Since the series was far from being the greatest thing on TV but was just plain fun, this movie does the work well. Nothing ground breaking but fun.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Your Review



The End

10,000/5

Originally Posted by antmumford

The best review I've seen for this fantastic film. I totally agree with you

I am known to have a way with wor...smilies

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I actually just found them recently. They do a great job too.

Some are just okay, but some are really, really funny.

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The A-Team

USA 2010
Directed by Joe Carnahan
With Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson
Format: Blu-ray

In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team.

Thus each episode of the TV series started and one episode was pretty much like the next to the point where at 43 minutes in you knew some sort of vehicule would roll over from some sort of explosion. This movie start by how the team first meet and their years in the army. They are once more frame and do escape from prison to wreck havoc all over the world. Like the series everything is just pretty much over the top (the tank scene anyone ). I was alright with the actors, they did a pretty good job, not doing carbon copies of the original actor but keeping enough of it that an old fan like me good see them. The rest is typical Hollywood action. The story was not to bad either and I like how they show the planning of each mission. Since the series was far from being the greatest thing on TV but was just plain fun, this movie does the work well. Nothing ground breaking but fun.

That's what I was hoping you'd come away from it with

Certainly nothing truly amazing...but it's a good 2 hours to just sit and have some fun

The tank scene is too absolutely absurd to not love it

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The A-Team

USA 2010
Directed by Joe Carnahan
With Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson
Format: Blu-ray

In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team.

Thus each episode of the TV series started and one episode was pretty much like the next to the point where at 43 minutes in you knew some sort of vehicule would roll over from some sort of explosion. This movie start by how the team first meet and their years in the army. They are once more frame and do escape from prison to wreck havoc all over the world. Like the series everything is just pretty much over the top (the tank scene anyone ). I was alright with the actors, they did a pretty good job, not doing carbon copies of the original actor but keeping enough of it that an old fan like me good see them. The rest is typical Hollywood action. The story was not to bad either and I like how they show the planning of each mission. Since the series was far from being the greatest thing on TV but was just plain fun, this movie does the work well. Nothing ground breaking but fun.

Pretty spot-on review.

[volcomsocal]

Mercy - 2009

I'm starting to really love independent films. No boundaries, no limits, no stereotypes, no cookie-cutter formulas, NOT HOLLYWOOD.

Mercy plays out in a non-linear fashion which might turn off some viewers throughout most of the movie, but boy, does it pay off in the end. This is a movie about a writer (Scott Cann) who writes romance novels. The thing is, he's never been in love, nor has he had any real experience with it. Then comes along a stunning raven-haired beauty (Wendy Glenn) who turns his life around. He may have some real life experience to put to use in his novels now. Without getting into any further details, this movie explores love, friendship, family, and the sense of well being.

Through the first hour and 15 minutes, I just "liked" this movie. But then something happens. I get hit with a ton of bricks. Something extremely powerful rushes into my veins and catches me off guard. I go from liking this movie to falling in love with it. The payoff is incredible and powerful. Whether it's good or bad, I can't say.... that would ruin the movie for others who haven't seen it yet. But I haven't felt such a powerful ending to a movie like this in quite a while. Kudos to Scott Cann for writing Mercy. Job well done.

I've never heard of Wendy Glenn before, but I was simply taken back by her performance and her stunning beauty. She is drop dead gorgeous.

This was a dvd, so PQ and AQ are out the window.

PQ - n/a
AQ - n/a

4.5/5

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Diesel

That's what I was hoping you'd come away from it with

Certainly nothing truly amazing...but it's a good 2 hours to just sit and have some fun

The tank scene is too absolutely absurd to not love it

Originally Posted by killowertz

Pretty spot-on review.

Good movie, I enjoyed it a lot.

On an off topic subject, wish you guys a good month of June, I am off to Asia for 3 weeks and won't be too many movie watching for me (maybe in the plane depending what they have)

Take care guys!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Good movie, I enjoyed it a lot.

On an off topic subject, wish you guys a good month of June, I am off to Asia for 3 weeks and won't be too many movie watching for me (maybe in the plane depending what they have)

Take care guys!

Have a good trip!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Good movie, I enjoyed it a lot.

On an off topic subject, wish you guys a good month of June, I am off to Asia for 3 weeks and won't be too many movie watching for me (maybe in the plane depending what they have)

Take care guys!

Have fun!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Good movie, I enjoyed it a lot.

On an off topic subject, wish you guys a good month of June, I am off to Asia for 3 weeks and won't be too many movie watching for me (maybe in the plane depending what they have)

Take care guys!

Have a safe trip and enjoy.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Good movie, I enjoyed it a lot.

On an off topic subject, wish you guys a good month of June, I am off to Asia for 3 weeks and won't be too many movie watching for me (maybe in the plane depending what they have)

Take care guys!

You too and have a good trip.

[Steve46]

Today's blog entry heading into the weekend:

True Grit (western, drama, adventure)
Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Brolin

Paramount Pictures | 2010 | 110 min | Rated PG-13 | Released Jun 07, 2011

Video:
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Audio:
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles:
English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Discs:
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Digital copy
DVD copy

The Film 4.5/5

True Grit was nominated for 10 Oscars, but failed to win any. Jeff Bridges was unlikely to win after finally being recognized a year ago, but Roger Deakins (cinematography) and Hailee Steinfeld (supporting actress) were particularly unlucky to lose.

I’m generally not in favor of watching remakes, or Westerns, but this one is worth it. The Coens don’t make bad films. The acting is superb and there’s just the right balance between action, drama and humor.

The story is narrated and told from the viewpoint of Mattie Ross (Steinfeld), a 14-year-old girl who wants to hire someone to catch the man who killed her father. After hearing the qualities of the potential candidates, she approaches Rooster Cogburn (Bridges). He’s a one-eyed drunk with a reputation for getting the job done. Perhaps she wanted someone with the same strength of character as her own?

One of the best scenes in the movie comes early. Mattie argues with a horse trader, wanting compensation for a horse of her father’s stolen while under the trader’s care, as well as a refund for four ponies her father bought. This is where we see that Mattie, although young, is intelligent and capable of looking after her interests. The trader meets most of her demands and is relieved to see her leave.

Cogburn’s character is revealed when he gives evidence in court. It’s clear that he’ll kill if necessary, and that he thinks it’s often necessary. After another negotiation, Mattie secures his services to search for Tom Chaney (Brolin), her father’s killer.

The other main character is LaBoeuf (Damon), a Texas Ranger who has been tracking Chaney for another crime. He wants to team up with Cogburn as both have the same goal, but they are unable to convince Mattie to stay behind and the trio end up together.

The dialogue doesn’t follow that of traditional Westerns. The characters are generally well-spoken and intelligent and don’t use contractions. This has the effect of making the dialogue sound formal and more important. Some of the accents are thick, but you’ll soon get used to it.

After an argument with Cogburn, LaBoeuf departs and leaves Cogburn and Mattie to fend for themselves. They look for shelter and find a shack occupied by two men. Cogburn finds out some valuable information to aid the search and learns that Chaney has joined a gang which is due to arrive at the shack. Cogburn and Mattie hide and wait for them to show up.

LaBoeuf later rejoins the pair and the main action occurs when the trio meets the gang. Mattie proves her worth and both Cogburn and LaBoeuf have important parts to play in the conflict. Cogburn is not always drunk and proves very capable when the situation calls for it.

While not as quirky as other Coen films, True Grit contains plenty of humor. The dialogue is fast and the wits of the main characters are sharp. Each has some memorable lines. There isn’t a huge amount of action. It’s more about the setup and the dynamic between the trio. We see more of the journey than the eventual confrontation. It has the effect of making the story well-rounded and there’s enough background information for us to feel like we know the characters by the end of the movie.

The conclusion jumps forward 25 years and we are shown what happens to the characters. It's a good way to end the story.

Video Quality 5/5
The Texas and New Mexico locations look stunning in this presentation and colors are bright and well-defined. Fine detail is exceptional and you can clearly pick out patterns in the dirt and see individual pieces of straw. Grain is barely visible in the majority of scenes, but there’s no loss of detail. Paramount has delivered a wonderful transfer and I can’t think of a better-looking live action movie.

Audio Quality 5/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also shines. Whether it’s horses galloping, insects, wind or gunfire, everything sounds the way it should. What really impresses me is the depth of sound in quieter scenes. There is so much detail. The excellent dialogue is well-defined and there’s nothing to fault in the audio presentation.

Special Features 3/5

There are just over an hour of additional features on the release and all are in full HD:

Mattie’s True Grit (5:13) – Telling the story of Steinfeld’s audition, her preparation for the role and working with the Coen brothers.

From Bustles to Buckskin – Dressing for the 1880s (8:02) – Interviews with the costume designer and some of the cast.

Colts, Winchesters & Remingtons: The Guns of a Post-Civil War Western (4:41) – Explaining the choice of guns used by the main trio.

Re-Creating Fort Smith (11:20) – Showing how the set was put together.

The Cast (5:25) – Interviews with Bridges, Damon, Steinfeld, Brolin and Barry Pepper.

Charles Portis - The Greatest Writer You've Never Heard Of (30:54) – An extensive look at the career of writer Charles Portis.

Cinematography (2:57) – Roger Deakins talks about some of the shots in the movie.

Trailer (2:33)

There should be an Oscar for best Blu-ray presentation. True Grit would certainly be nominated. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll be delighted with the whole package. The crew researched the time period thoroughly and the result feels authentic. I would recommend this even if you’re not a fan of the genre.

Overall score 4.5/5

[jhiggy23]

[quote=Riff Magnum;4801077]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Sweet!! I'm familiar with some of those names, but never actually read any of their books. Once i'm done with "Cities of the Plain" i'll be checking all that bizness out. Many thanks.
Btw, what's your favorite work by McCarthy?

Cliche, but The Road is my favorite. I love its simplicity and the father-son story.

[Marcus Wright]

The Fighter.

Finally saw the Blu-Ray I got just recently.
Incredible movie.
Although I am not a big fan of boxer movies and also don't really like movie the "rudness" of this movie, this is definitely a winner movie for me.

First of all, it did seem quiet uniqely made movie regardless of the rehersal of old story.

It seemed more like a documentary rather than a movie, even the way it was shot. One of the most realistic movies I have ever seen.

And now, to most important, to Bale.
One simple word. Oscar worthy.
He is greatest realtively young actor i Hollywood at the moment IMO. He was very beleivable in his role and actually reminded of one freak in my neigbrhood.
This movie wouldnt be half of what it is now without Bale.

4.75/5

[Steve46]

Sanctum 3D
Directed by Alister Grierson
Starring Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchley and Christopher Baker

Universal Studios | 2011 | 108 min | Rated R | Released Jun 07, 2011

I saw my first 3D Blu-ray presentation last night. I was wary of seeing it because of the shameless marketing advertising it as James Cameron's Sanctum. Would anyone have seen it if the name of the executive producer hadn't been linked to it?

The story begins with a group of cavers descending into a giant cavern. Part of it is unexplored. The team contains a couple of experienced people, but too many lacking in experience.

A storm causes massive amounts of water to rush into the cave along the team's potential exit. People start to die as they fail to get out. The survivors choose to investigate the unexplored stretch and see if there's a safer way out. They reason that the underground river should eventually lead to the ocean.

Try to imagine what could go wrong in a flooded cave system and you'll have a good idea of what type of movie this is. Inexperienced people panic, the terrain has patches which are difficult to pass, water is a constant threat and the team is at the mercy of their equipment. Tensions are high and there are constant disagreements.

Most of the acting is dire. They just stand there mouthing the words. Only Frank (Roxburgh), the most experienced caver, gives any kind of passable performance.

The story is predictable and pretty lame. The setting does look reasonably authentic, but there's not much to care about in terms of memorable characters. They are just sketches and special effects rule this movie.

I have no comparison, this being my first home 3D experience, but I was impressed with the presentation for the most part. Depth was excellent and, aside from a few weak shots in closeups and noses which looked 6 inches long, it was a reasonably convincing setting. I did feel as if I were in a cave at times.

The sound quality added to the effect, especially during the scenes involving rushing water.

I'm skeptical about 3D, but I can see the potential.

I wouldn't recommend this film to anybody for its story though.

Overall score (for the movie) 2/5

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Sanctum 3D
Directed by Alister Grierson
Starring Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchley and Christopher Baker

[Show spoiler]Universal Studios | 2011 | 108 min | Rated R | Released Jun 07, 2011

I saw my first 3D Blu-ray presentation last night. I was wary of seeing it because of the shameless marketing advertising it as James Cameron's Sanctum. Would anyone have seen it if the name of the executive producer hadn't been linked to it?

The story begins with a group of cavers descending into a giant cavern. Part of it is unexplored. The team contains a couple of experienced people, but too many lacking in experience.

A storm causes massive amounts of water to rush into the cave along the team's potential exit. People start to die as they fail to get out. The survivors choose to investigate the unexplored stretch and see if there's a safer way out. They reason that the underground river should eventually lead to the ocean.

Try to imagine what could go wrong in a flooded cave system and you'll have a good idea of what type of movie this is. Inexperienced people panic, the terrain has patches which are difficult to pass, water is a constant threat and the team is at the mercy of their equipment. Tensions are high and there are constant disagreements.

Most of the acting is dire. They just stand there mouthing the words. Only Frank (Roxburgh), the most experienced caver, gives any kind of passable performance.

The story is predictable and pretty lame. The setting does look reasonably authentic, but there's not much to care about in terms of memorable characters. They are just sketches and special effects rule this movie.

I have no comparison, this being my first home 3D experience, but I was impressed with the presentation for the most part. Depth was excellent and, aside from a few weak shots in closeups and noses which looked 6 inches long, it was a reasonably convincing setting. I did feel as if I were in a cave at times.

The sound quality added to the effect, especially during the scenes involving rushing water.

I'm skeptical about 3D, but I can see the potential.

I wouldn't recommend this film to anybody for its story though.

Overall score (for the movie) 2/5

Couldn't agree more.

This movie has to be one of the most forgettable movies I have seen.

I do how ever think with a little changing to the script and some better actors they could create a pretty suspenseful movie.

Shame really, especially since Cameron plastered his name all over it.

[Foggy]

Got Fight Club on Blu-Ray today