15. As Good as It Gets (1997)
Directed by James L. Brooks
Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear
Nicholson and Hunt both won Oscars for their unconventional romance. It’s a good example of the type of humor I like as it is sprinkled among serious dramatic scenes. The main duo, ably supported by Kinnear, all did great work. Nicholson possesses excellent comic timing and all three characters were convincing in their roles. The story is touching, involving and very funny in places. It’s capable of making you laugh and cry and that’s a rare thing.
14. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Directed by Milos Forman
Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif and Danny DeVito
More Nicholson and further evidence of his natural instinct for comic timing. It’s a thought-provoking film set in a mental institution, mixing humor and drama. Some scenes are uplifting, but others are extremely sad. What is freedom? What are the most important things in life? It also features good early performances from Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd and Brad Dourif (who was nominated for an Oscar). I don’t think I’ll ever forget Will Sampson’s contribution as The Chief. Ah, Juicy Fruit.
13. Juno (2007)
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman and J.K. Simmons
Juno is another drama with plenty of funny moments. The acting is superb across the board and the chemistry between Page and Cera works well. One of my favorite scenes involves a talk between Juno and her father (Simmons) in which his gentle wisdom leads her to a key revelation about her feelings. The Oscar-winning screenplay from Diablo Cody feels authentic and captures the mind of a teen particularly well. I laughed and I was charmed by this gem. The story never gets too serious and the whimsical mood is perfectly enhanced by the choice of songs.
12. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
Starring the voices of Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraishi
Here’s an animated movie that wasn’t targeted at children. Most animated fare is light-hearted and full of humor, but Grave of the Fireflies is deadly serious. I’m usually crying three minutes into the film because of a beautiful scene where a boy’s spirit is reunited with his sister’s. The remainder of the story is told through flashbacks and shows how the two siblings died. It contains so many touching moments and is based on a true story in which a young boy was unable to save his little sister. It’s set during the Second World War, but never preaches about which side was right or wrong. It’s purely an observation of how war affects people’s lives. It’s easily the best serious animation I've ever seen.
11. Three Colors Red (1994)
Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski
Starring Irčne Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Frédérique Feder
Krzysztof Kieslowski and Irčne Jacob first worked together three years earlier in The Double Life of Veronique and it’s a pleasure to see them together again in Kieslowski’s final film. She plays Valentine, a young model who inadvertently meets a retired judge (Trintignant). She disapproves of his lifestyle and slowly influences him and inspires a change. I like it so much because Valentine is such a pure spirit and a source of goodness. The judge isn’t particularly likable at the outset, but I end up pitying him and then liking him. It’s a thought-provoking piece about how people can change. It also has deeper themes and some have speculated that the judge represents God. Released in the same year as Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction, Three Colors Red is the most powerful part of Kieslowski’s excellent trilogy.
watched Moon with some friends tonight. not gonna review it tonight because
1) i've done that plenty of times already
2) i will be reviewing it for my "official" review in a few months, so why do it again now?
and
3) gonna try and watch Alien and Aliens tonight was gonna watch the entire Alien Anthology in one sitting, but of course, friends called and ruined that plan
anyways, they actually enjoyed Moon. i could tell they were getting a bit restless at first but once the "twist" came around then that got their interest piqued. probably didn't help that i told them it was in my top 10 for 2009, so maybe they expected some big spectacle or something? although they should know not to expect anything since i love things like Cloverfield (monster / sci-fi) and Michael Clayton (slow burning, dialogue heavy company drama / conspiracy), my tastes tend to be... varied
5/5 for Moon from me. one of my favorite sci-fi films
Bearcat is NSE to like this one. It made his brain melt
i'll try again one day, i swear
Quote:
I HATED it.
big surprise
Quote:
Vlair Witch? I've never seen the Russian version.
it's quite similar to the American version
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel
I stopped doing that a while back. Thanks for paying attention to my reviews
[Show spoiler]
wait.. what? sorry, i wasn't paying attention to what this said.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve46
Here's 11-15 in my Top Dramas list:
[Show spoiler]15. As Good as It Gets (1997)
Directed by James L. Brooks
Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear
Nicholson and Hunt both won Oscars for their unconventional romance. It’s a good example of the type of humor I like as it is sprinkled among serious dramatic scenes. The main duo, ably supported by Kinnear, all did great work. Nicholson possesses excellent comic timing and all three characters were convincing in their roles. The story is touching, involving and very funny in places. It’s capable of making you laugh and cry and that’s a rare thing.
14. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Directed by Milos Forman
Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif and Danny DeVito
More Nicholson and further evidence of his natural instinct for comic timing. It’s a thought-provoking film set in a mental institution, mixing humor and drama. Some scenes are uplifting, but others are extremely sad. What is freedom? What are the most important things in life? It also features good early performances from Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd and Brad Dourif (who was nominated for an Oscar). I don’t think I’ll ever forget Will Sampson’s contribution as The Chief. Ah, Juicy Fruit.
13. Juno (2007)
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman and J.K. Simmons
Juno is another drama with plenty of funny moments. The acting is superb across the board and the chemistry between Page and Cera works well. One of my favorite scenes involves a talk between Juno and her father (Simmons) in which his gentle wisdom leads her to a key revelation about her feelings. The Oscar-winning screenplay from Diablo Cody feels authentic and captures the mind of a teen particularly well. I laughed and I was charmed by this gem. The story never gets too serious and the whimsical mood is perfectly enhanced by the choice of songs.
12. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
Starring the voices of Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraishi
Here’s an animated movie that wasn’t targeted at children. Most animated fare is light-hearted and full of humor, but Grave of the Fireflies is deadly serious. I’m usually crying three minutes into the film because of a beautiful scene where a boy’s spirit is reunited with his sister’s. The remainder of the story is told through flashbacks and shows how the two siblings died. It contains so many touching moments and is based on a true story in which a young boy was unable to save his little sister. It’s set during the Second World War, but never preaches about which side was right or wrong. It’s purely an observation of how war affects people’s lives. It’s easily the best serious animation I've ever seen.
11. Three Colors Red (1994)
Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski
Starring Irčne Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Frédérique Feder
Krzysztof Kieslowski and Irčne Jacob first worked together three years earlier in The Double Life of Veronique and it’s a pleasure to see them together again in Kieslowski’s final film. She plays Valentine, a young model who inadvertently meets a retired judge (Trintignant). She disapproves of his lifestyle and slowly influences him and inspires a change. I like it so much because Valentine is such a pure spirit and a source of goodness. The judge isn’t particularly likable at the outset, but I end up pitying him and then liking him. It’s a thought-provoking piece about how people can change. It also has deeper themes and some have speculated that the judge represents God. Released in the same year as Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction, Three Colors Red is the most powerful part of Kieslowski’s excellent trilogy.
very curious to see what your top 10 is...
by what you've said before i anticipate Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds, The Double Life of Veronique and maybe... American Beauty? (don't know why but AB seems like a possibility) however, i don't know what numbers. i also don't know if Mulholland Dr. will be on this list. i imagine it would be considered a drama more than anything else, in which case i imagine it would be #1? but only time will tell
oh, and also Shawshank Redemption possibly in the top 5...?
wait.. what? sorry, i wasn't paying attention to what this said.
very curious to see what your top 10 is...
by what you've said before i anticipate Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds, The Double Life of Veronique and maybe... American Beauty? (don't know why but AB seems like a possibility) however, i don't know what numbers. i also don't know if Mulholland Dr. will be on this list. i imagine it would be considered a drama more than anything else, in which case i imagine it would be #1? but only time will tell
oh, and also Shawshank Redemption possibly in the top 5...?
Good guesses. If you are realllly curious, just check out my blog
Year: 2008
Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Drew Goddard
Starring: Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, and Odette Annable
it really takes something unique and special looking to get me interested in it so much that i want to see it before it hits blu-ray. Cloverfield is one of those select films where it has creativity, imagination and the best part - a giant monster! - along with mystery and a good word of mouth about what exactly is going on.
i saw Cloverfield in the theater, which says something.
and the first time i watched it i really enjoyed it, but a few things really irked me. mainly? Hud, the camera guy. wow is he unfunny and also, looking back, i realized i was let down because i wanted to see the monster and destruction so much. i didn't want to deal with the characters or their dilemma. i wanted awesome deaths! i wanted blood curdling screaming! i wanted complete destruction! and while Cloverfield delivers that in spades, Cloverfield is something different. and i reacted negatively. i judged the film based not on what it WAS, but what i WANTED IT TO BE. shame on me.
in the last few years, i've watched Cloverfield dozens of times. and watching it as it ACTUALLY IS. i love the build up. i remember in the theater i could feel the anxiousness of all seven of us (four being strangers, we went really late into the theater run ) waiting for something to happen and wasn't paying attention to who these people were. but now? now that i know what Cloverfield gives us, i love it tremendously.
i used to think it was great but could be better, but couldn't figure out what i would add or change or whatnot (except Hud, who would be given MUCH better and funnier dialogue that the stuff he has).
of course, some HATE the camerawork. some even get nauseous from it. not me! a bit like the classic The Vlair Witch Project via cameraman-ship, Cloverfield is much more hectic and all over the place. it shows you enough, but loses sight of the monster RIGHT when you want to see more. yes, that sucks, but it's also genius of Reeves to do.
glad i own it.
and my god the AQ is astounding!
the film is far from perfect, i admit that very easily. but, i love the film. it's as simple as that. i realize some people judge very harshly and some refuse to give a 5/5 unless they see perfection. guess what? no film is perfect (well, a few come close). while i still think Hud is unfunny and at times annoying and way too much relied upon to be comic relief and the acting as a whole isn't very strong (but it's better to have no names than big names for the film), the film is what it is: great monstrous fun!
some very haunting scenes - the subway scene in particular! and an eerie ending seal the deal for me. no other film is like it, and there's a certain magic to the film that captures my full attention every time i watch it (i tried cleaning the house while this was playing, yeah.. that didn't work ). a sign of something great, to me.
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 5/5
5/5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel
I HATED it.
I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. Good idea, not-so-good execution.
watched Moon with some friends tonight. not gonna review it tonight because
1) i've done that plenty of times already
2) i will be reviewing it for my "official" review in a few months, so why do it again now?
and
3) gonna try and watch Alien and Aliens tonight was gonna watch the entire Alien Anthology in one sitting, but of course, friends called and ruined that plan
anyways, they actually enjoyed Moon. i could tell they were getting a bit restless at first but once the "twist" came around then that got their interest piqued. probably didn't help that i told them it was in my top 10 for 2009, so maybe they expected some big spectacle or something? although they should know not to expect anything since i love things like Cloverfield (monster / sci-fi) and Michael Clayton (slow burning, dialogue heavy company drama / conspiracy), my tastes tend to be... varied
5/5 for Moon from me. one of my favorite sci-fi films
Moon was a pleasant surprise for me. Probably a 4.5. I like how Jones used our experiences of other movies to lull us into expecting certain things, then went against our expectations. I'll be buying Source Code too.
I won't beat around the bush about this: I LOVED Super 8. From the opening moments of seeing the Amblin logo back on the screen, the music, the atmosphere, and the characters I couldn't help but have a big grin on my face while watching the movie. These are the kind of movies I grew up on. The Spielberg produced and directed films of the 80's which had amazing casts, great stories, and incredible special effects for good measure. If you put ET, The Goonies, and Close Encounters in a blender, Super 8 would be the outcome. Hollywood doesn't make movies like this anymore, and this was a big gamble for Paramount and those involved, and I'm glad to say that they hit this one out of the park. This is a very special little movie, and the must see of the summer.
When a group of kids sneak out in the middle of the night to film a scene for their zombie movie, they never could have expected what would happen next. While out at a train stop, they see a train coming down the tracks. Down on the opposite side, a truck turns on and goes head on for the train, knocking it off the tracks while the kids watch. Stuck in the middle of the destruction, the kids try to hide what they've seen from their parents and the town. But when military forces start showing up and all the dogs in the town go missing, the kids start investigating the situation on their own. But what they discover is much scarier then any of them could imagine, and the fate of their town lies in their hands.
I have to say, ever since the teaser appeared last year in front of Iron Man 2, I couldn't wait to see this. I was so intrigued by the idea of of Spielberg and Abrams working together that my thoughts were just reeling at the possibilities of what was they could do. Spielberg is arguably my favorite filmmaker of all time, working with Abrams who to me is one of the golden children of Hollywood now. He is always thinking outside the box and creating things that are different. What the two have created here is a wonderful nostalgic love letter to Spielberg's films of the 80's, and a gateway for a younger generation to discover the classics. Super 8 is two very different movies put together. What it appears to be is an alien attack on the small town, and while that is a part of the film, the heart and soul of this film is a childhood adventure, the love for making movies, and searching for family and closure.
Let me begin with the cast, wow. I love the fact that Abrams and Spielberg got a cast of relatively unknown's for the main group of kids. And what's more than that, they can all act. And well. Especially the two main kids played by Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb, and Elle Fanning as Alice Dainard, respectively. This movie hinges on loving these characters, and wanting to see them succeed in their goal to finish their movie, but also coming closer together. And I can't say Joel and Elle deliver in anything less than spades. I couldn't help but fall in love with these two characters. Joel comes from a broken home where he and his father (played by the always incredible Kyle Chandler) barely know each other and are just seeming to get by after an accident months earlier. Oh, and on top of this, his father is also the town deputy. Elle comes from a home where her single alcoholic father is nothing but an angry and emotionally abusive person who has lost everything that it means to live. When Joel and Elle first meet, their is definitely a something off between the two. Elle isn't trusting of him because he is the son of the town deputy, but after the accident, the two begin coming closer together. It is very real friendship, and really shows what your first summer teenage crush was like. They share what is arguable one of the best scenes in the movie together when Elle sneaks into Joe's room in the middle of the night. They stay up late talking and really open up to each other, and the emotions are real and deep. You couldn't help but feel for them. Both of them are actors to watch, and I for one hope they have long careers after this.
The rest of the cast of kids are great as well. What I love is that even if they don't have a ton of screen time, they all have quirks and traits that will make you remember them. There is Charles, their director and the foul mouthed one in the group, much like Mouth in The Goonies. A fun character, and the exact opposite of Joe in every way. But they are, and always will be, best friends until the very end. Then there is Cary, Preston, and Martin, but I won't delve too much into their personality quirks. It's better to see it for yourself. For me, one of the best things about the movie is seeing one of my favorite actors, Kyle Chandler, front in center in a leading role. Usually a character actor in movies, and mostly known for the television shows Friday Night Lights and Early Edition, I've always enjoyed his work. And Chandler plays Joe's emotionally traumatized father Jackson perfectly. The two barely know each other, and have only grown farther apart after an accident months before. As the situation in the town gets more out of control, everything begins falling on him as well, stressing their relationship even more. Chandler has always been an actor I've loved watching, and he just kills here. People need to take notice of him and really give him more love in films. A scene towards the end of the movie when his character finally gets into hero mode got a cheer from the audience and really blew the movie wide open for me. I demand more movies with Kyle Chandler as the main character, Hollywood, take note!
The story of this movie is incredibly beautiful and intimate. Where many movies would be focused on the special effects and the alien, this movie was focused on the characters and their relationships. The chaos just happens to be where these relationships are developing. For me, there is nothing better than a real movie with characters, and it makes you really miss the days of 70's and 80's filmmaking where that was a primary goal. As we've moved farther down the road with CGI and special effects, movies are becoming less about characters and story and more about spectacle. That makes this movie that much more special. The fact that it captures the magic and feel of those Spielberg films where we believed an alien could make a boys bike fly, a Delorean could travel through time, and a group of kids could go on an adventure to find pirate treasure really makes me pine for more movies like this. A lot of that credit goes to Michael Giacchino, the composer of the film. He really brings the mood and atmosphere to this movie with the music in the film. And it really feels like a John Williams score of Spielberg's movies as well.
And of course, I have to talk about Abrams' direction of the film. He really has his own visual style, but he also tried to replicate the look and feel of The Goonies and E.T., but with more lens flare. I was just blown away by the man's attention to detail and how closely he made it feel like one of those movies while still keeping his own style intact. Quite frankly, it was brilliant. Not only is this movie a grand adventure, it's also incredibly touching. I mean, I'll be honest, I teared up a little at the end. These characters are so easy to relate to, it's impossible to not feel something towards the end. And between all these action packed and emotional scenes, there is humor. And I don't mean a little humor. I laughed a lot, from little things from the things that characters were saying to random background characters actions. This movie is a perfect balance of absolutely everything. Abrams to me, is the ultimate showman of his generation, much as Spielberg was in the 80's. He knows what audiences want, and delivers on his promise fully. I love the small things he added as the movie as well, from passing references to Three Mile Island before it's meltdown, to posters for Star Wars and love for all things monsters that really gives the movie more personality to the decade. I just really liked the way Abrams handled the movie. I also really liked the design of the monsters, and love that you never really see it until the end of the movie. It really added to the ominous nature of the film.
Super 8 is an incredibly magical throwback to what is arguably the greatest decade for film and one of the world's greatest filmmakers. With an amazing cast, a great story, and a great score, there is no way to not recommend this movie. This is a movie that makes me demand from Hollywood we go back to what made filmmaking special. The movies like this that really make us emotional and feel for the characters on great adventures. Abrams is a director I always loved, and he has solidified his status as one of my favorite directors of the new age of Hollywood. This is an incredible movie, and gets my highest recommendation. This is the must see movie of the summer, don't miss it!
10/10
Last edited by Walts Ghost; 06-10-2011 at 07:41 AM.
Moon was a pleasant surprise for me. Probably a 4.5. I like how Jones used our experiences of other movies to lull us into expecting certain things, then went against our expectations. I'll be buying Source Code too.
Same! Something about time travel plots that deeply intrigue me when done right. (The Butterfly Effect is in my top 5 favorite films).
Definitely concur with your assessment. Moon is a great film and now my copy will be watched again very soon...
[Show spoiler]
I won't beat around the bush about this: I LOVED Super 8. From the opening moments of seeing the Amblin logo back on the screen, the music, the atmosphere, and the characters I couldn't help but have a big grin on my face while watching the movie. These are the kind of movies I grew up on. The Spielberg produced and directed films of the 80's which had amazing casts, great stories, and incredible special effects for good measure. If you put ET, The Goonies, and Close Encounters in a blender, Super 8 would be the outcome. Hollywood doesn't make movies like this anymore, and this was a big gamble for Paramount and those involved, and I'm glad to say that they hit this one out of the park. This is a very special little movie, and the must see of the summer.
When a group of kids sneak out in the middle of the night to film a scene for their zombie movie, they never could have expected what would happen next. While out at a train stop, they see a train coming down the tracks. Down on the opposite side, a truck turns on and goes head on for the train, knocking it off the tracks while the kids watch. Stuck in the middle of the destruction, the kids try to hide what they've seen from their parents and the town. But when military forces start showing up and all the dogs in the town go missing, the kids start investigating the situation on their own. But what they discover is much scarier then any of them could imagine, and the fate of their town lies in their hands.
I have to say, ever since the teaser appeared last year in front of Iron Man 2, I couldn't wait to see this. I was so intrigued by the idea of of Spielberg and Abrams working together that my thoughts were just reeling at the possibilities of what was they could do. Spielberg is arguably my favorite filmmaker of all time, working with Abrams who to me is one of the golden children of Hollywood now. He is always thinking outside the box and creating things that are different. What the two have created here is a wonderful nostalgic love letter to Spielberg's films of the 80's, and a gateway for a younger generation to discover the classics. Super 8 is two very different movies put together. What it appears to be is an alien attack on the small town, and while that is a part of the film, the heart and soul of this film is a childhood adventure, the love for making movies, and searching for family and closure.
Let me begin with the cast, wow. I love the fact that Abrams and Spielberg got a cast of relatively unknown's for the main group of kids. And what's more than that, they can all act. And well. Especially the two main kids played by Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb, and Elle Fanning as Alice Dainard, respectively. This movie hinges on loving these characters, and wanting to see them succeed in their goal to finish their movie, but also coming closer together. And I can't say Joel and Elle deliver in anything less than spades. I couldn't help but fall in love with these two characters. Joel comes from a broken home where he and his father (played by the always incredible Kyle Chandler) barely know each other and are just seeming to get by after an accident months earlier. Oh, and on top of this, his father is also the town deputy. Elle comes from a home where her single alcoholic father is nothing but an angry and emotionally abusive person who has lost everything that it means to live. When Joel and Elle first meet, their is definitely a something off between the two. Elle isn't trusting of him because he is the son of the town deputy, but after the accident, the two begin coming closer together. It is very real friendship, and really shows what your first summer teenage crush was like. They share what is arguable one of the best scenes in the movie together when Elle sneaks into Joe's room in the middle of the night. They stay up late talking and really open up to each other, and the emotions are real and deep. You couldn't help but feel for them. Both of them are actors to watch, and I for one hope they have long careers after this.
The rest of the cast of kids are great as well. What I love is that even if they don't have a ton of screen time, they all have quirks and traits that will make you remember them. There is Charles, their director and the foul mouthed one in the group, much like Mouth in The Goonies. A fun character, and the exact opposite of Joe in every way. But they are, and always will be, best friends until the very end. Then there is Cary, Preston, and Martin, but I won't delve too much into their personality quirks. It's better to see it for yourself. For me, one of the best things about the movie is seeing one of my favorite actors, Kyle Chandler, front in center in a leading role. Usually a character actor in movies, and mostly known for the television shows Friday Night Lights and Early Edition, I've always enjoyed his work. And Chandler plays Joe's emotionally traumatized father Jackson perfectly. The two barely know each other, and have only grown farther apart after an accident months before. As the situation in the town gets more out of control, everything begins falling on him as well, stressing their relationship even more. Chandler has always been an actor I've loved watching, and he just kills here. People need to take notice of him and really give him more love in films. A scene towards the end of the movie when his character finally gets into hero mode got a cheer from the audience and really blew the movie wide open for me. I demand more movies with Kyle Chandler as the main character, Hollywood, take note!
The story of this movie is incredibly beautiful and intimate. Where many movies would be focused on the special effects and the alien, this movie was focused on the characters and their relationships. The chaos just happens to be where these relationships are developing. For me, there is nothing better than a real movie with characters, and it makes you really miss the days of 70's and 80's filmmaking where that was a primary goal. As we've moved farther down the road with CGI and special effects, movies are becoming less about characters and story and more about spectacle. That makes this movie that much more special. The fact that it captures the magic and feel of those Spielberg films where we believed an alien could make a boys bike fly, a Delorean could travel through time, and a group of kids could go on an adventure to find pirate treasure really makes me pine for more movies like this. A lot of that credit goes to Michael Giacchino, the composer of the film. He really brings the mood and atmosphere to this movie with the music in the film. And it really feels like a John Williams score of Spielberg's movies as well.
And of course, I have to talk about Abrams' direction of the film. He really has his own visual style, but he also tried to replicate the look and feel of The Goonies and E.T., but with more lens flare. I was just blown away by the man's attention to detail and how closely he made it feel like one of those movies while still keeping his own style intact. Quite frankly, it was brilliant. Not only is this movie a grand adventure, it's also incredibly touching. I mean, I'll be honest, I teared up a little at the end. These characters are so easy to relate to, it's impossible to not feel something towards the end. And between all these action packed and emotional scenes, there is a of humor. And I don't mean a little humor. I laughed a lot, from little things from the things that characters were saying to random background characters actions. This movie is a perfect balance of absolutely everything. Abrams to me, is the ultimate showman of his generation, much as Spielberg was in the 80's. He knows what audiences want, and delivers on his promise fully. I love the small things he added as the movie as well, from passing references to Three Mile Island before it's meltdown, to posters for Star Wars and love for all things monsters that really gives the movie more personality to the decade. I just really liked the way Abrams handled the movie. I also really liked the design of the monsters, and love that you never really see it until the end of the movie. It really added to the ominous nature of the film.
Super 8 is an incredibly magical throwback to what is arguably the greatest decade for film and one of the world's greatest filmmakers. With an amazing cast, a great story, and a great score, there is no way to not recommend this movie. This is a movie that makes me demand from Hollywood we go back to what made filmmaking special. The movies like this that really make us emotional and feel for the characters on great adventures. Abrams is a director I always loved, and he has solidified his status as one of my favorite directors of the new age of Hollywood. This is an incredible movie, and gets my highest recommendation. This is the must see movie of the summer, don't miss it!
I also wholeheartedly approve Walt's review. A truly awesome movie, and a must-see on the big screen. Personally, right now, I'd also give it a 5. It's that much fun. I'll try to write a full review on this today.
10. Jackie Brown (1997)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster and Robert De Niro
Based on an Elmore Leonard novel, Jackie Brown still feels like a Tarantino movie. At 154 minutes it never feels long. Tarantino takes the time he needs to properly introduce the characters and we know them well by the end of the movie. It’s essentially a heist movie with a little romance thrown in. It’s shunned by some because it appears to feature older actors and may be intended for a different demographic than his first two movies. I love every minute and enjoy seeing everything unfold. Jackson is always good when he works with Tarantino, but Forster and Grier have never been better. If you have avoided this due to bad reviews and like Tarantino’s style, check it out. Chances are you’ll end up appreciating it.
9. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz and Mélanie Laurent
This time Tarantino gives us his version of a war movie, but it’s not like any war movie you’ve ever seen. The opening 20-minute scene is about as tense as it gets and is reminiscent of Hitchcock. The film is driven by dialogue in four different languages, so subtitles are used frequently. Waltz won an Oscar as Hans Landa, the Jew Hunter. The film is typical Tarantino fare with plenty of dark humor, violence, references to film, chapters and outrageous scenes. As always, the music fits the action perfectly. The screenplay was Oscar-worthy and the acting strong throughout. The 153 minutes race by and Tarantino casually changes history with his version of events. It’s a lot of fun.
8. The Double Life of Veronique (1991)
Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski
Starring Irčne Jacob and Philippe Volter
This film won’t appeal to everyone. It’s subtitled and tells the story of two women; one French and the other Polish. They look alike and have similar interests. Kieslowski’s story has several different layers of meaning and it’s something for viewers who like to reflect on what they have seen. It’s not a traditional narrative and there’s no obvious plot. This is not a Hollywood production. We never learn why the two women look identical or why they seem to share some of their feelings and experiences. That’s for us to decide and everyone will have a different answer. Irčne Jacob, who later starred in Three Colors Red, is stunning in the role and plays it with a lot of emotion. The film is also about relationships and music. In fact, it explores several kinds of love. It’s shot beautifully and watching it is like entering into a fantasy world. If you like to think and find your own meaning, this might appeal to you. If you don’t like subtitles or prefer things to be neatly explained, skip it.
7. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones
Llewelyn Moss (Brolin) finds a suitcase full of money while he’s out hunting and decides to take it and go on the run. It’s a weird choice considering he could have left the country and never be seen again, but all of his other actions make sense. We see how he hides, fearing that he’ll be pursued. His caution is justified when Anton Chigurh discovers his identity and tries to recover what he claims is his money. The story is told from the viewpoint of the local sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Jones) and the resolution isn’t an obvious one. Chigurh is an interesting character and is afraid of nothing. There’s always tension whenever he’s on screen. The Coens picked up Oscars for Best Directing, Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay, while Bardem won Best Supporting Actor. It’s a unique film.
6. Fargo (1996)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi and William H. Macy
It’s tough choosing between Fargo and No Country for Old Men, but there’s so much to love about Fargo. The acting is excellent and the characters memorable. It’s full of dark humor and witty dialogue, and the story moves along at a brisk pace. The setting suits the mood of the film and Roger Deakins captured the desolation of Minnesota perfectly. I have a lot to say about the film, so feel free to check out my recent review if you want to know more.
Its been a while fellas just got back from a 2 month deployment so while im here MOVIE TIME. Gotta 9 month coming up here in july.
While i was gone i've finally seen some movies that i neglected because of ignorance haha.
Shindler's List 10/10 nuff said this movie blew my mind, also showed y Speilberg is so successful.
City of God 10/10 Out of all the gangsta movies i've seen ( ALOT!!!!) this one top the charts are far as crime in general, the story was solid and the directors style was on point!!!
Year: 2008
Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Drew Goddard
Starring: Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, and Odette Annable
it really takes something unique and special looking to get me interested in it so much that i want to see it before it hits blu-ray. Cloverfield is one of those select films where it has creativity, imagination and the best part - a giant monster! - along with mystery and a good word of mouth about what exactly is going on.
i saw Cloverfield in the theater, which says something.
and the first time i watched it i really enjoyed it, but a few things really irked me. mainly? Hud, the camera guy. wow is he unfunny and also, looking back, i realized i was let down because i wanted to see the monster and destruction so much. i didn't want to deal with the characters or their dilemma. i wanted awesome deaths! i wanted blood curdling screaming! i wanted complete destruction! and while Cloverfield delivers that in spades, Cloverfield is something different. and i reacted negatively. i judged the film based not on what it WAS, but what i WANTED IT TO BE. shame on me.
in the last few years, i've watched Cloverfield dozens of times. and watching it as it ACTUALLY IS. i love the build up. i remember in the theater i could feel the anxiousness of all seven of us (four being strangers, we went really late into the theater run ) waiting for something to happen and wasn't paying attention to who these people were. but now? now that i know what Cloverfield gives us, i love it tremendously.
i used to think it was great but could be better, but couldn't figure out what i would add or change or whatnot (except Hud, who would be given MUCH better and funnier dialogue that the stuff he has).
of course, some HATE the camerawork. some even get nauseous from it. not me! a bit like the classic The Vlair Witch Project via cameraman-ship, Cloverfield is much more hectic and all over the place. it shows you enough, but loses sight of the monster RIGHT when you want to see more. yes, that sucks, but it's also genius of Reeves to do.
glad i own it.
and my god the AQ is astounding!
the film is far from perfect, i admit that very easily. but, i love the film. it's as simple as that. i realize some people judge very harshly and some refuse to give a 5/5 unless they see perfection. guess what? no film is perfect (well, a few come close). while i still think Hud is unfunny and at times annoying and way too much relied upon to be comic relief and the acting as a whole isn't very strong (but it's better to have no names than big names for the film), the film is what it is: great monstrous fun!
some very haunting scenes - the subway scene in particular! and an eerie ending seal the deal for me. no other film is like it, and there's a certain magic to the film that captures my full attention every time i watch it (i tried cleaning the house while this was playing, yeah.. that didn't work ). a sign of something great, to me.
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 5/5
5/5
Out of all the movies i've seen in my life time there something special about this one. When i first saw it i thought it was trash, but for some odd reason i always had the urge to see it again and again and again but at the end of each viewing i said it was trash. I really don't know where i stand with this movie.... I cant tell you out of all my blu's this is the only movie i've bought and sold 3 times. I kept it on the 4th time. Its something about this movie that i cant put my finger on. I don't hate it (obviously) but i cant fight the urge to wanna re watch it over and over.
A story about a horse winning the Triple Crown in 1973. But it's also about hope, belief and strength of character.
Diane Lane was good and John Malkovich was very good. The racing scenes were decent.
The thing is, Seabiscuit blows this away in every department. Better acting, incredible racing scenes and a story which is based in realism rather than sugar sweet.
I'll give it 3.5/5, but Seabiscuit is an easy 4.5/5.
Spooky that they sit side-by-side on my shelf (alphabetical order).
Thats the least scrolling I have ever done for one of your reviews.
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
was gonna watch the entire Alien Anthology in one sitting, but of course, friends called 
and ruined that plan 
although they should know not to expect anything since i love things like Cloverfield (monster / sci-fi) and Michael Clayton (slow burning, dialogue heavy company drama / conspiracy), my tastes tend to be... varied 
big surprise 
and an eerie ending seal the deal for me. no other film is like it, and there's a certain magic to the film that captures my full attention every time i watch it (i tried cleaning the house while this was playing, yeah.. that didn't work 
Awesome movie
Linear Mode
