The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

When is Paris, Texas on the menu?

hopefully Friday night!
i'm sure friends will want to go out to eat or something but i just want a week end to watch movies! i haven't had that in ages it feels like.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

hopefully Friday night!
i'm sure friends will want to go out to eat or something but i just want a week end to watch movies! i haven't had that in ages it feels like.

You do know you could just say no, right?

[jhiggy23]

Thank you all for the well wishes. I'm eagerly awaiting my return to viewing and critiquing films. And arguing with disturbed, bearcat, and czar. Just kidding!

I do have to say this though---The Tree of Life was astounding, although I'd currently rate it last amongst Malick's films. Of course, once I'm able to view it through a more critical lens and incorporate it into my old Malick thesis, I think I'll like it even more. The girlfriend even loved it.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

hopefully Friday night!
i'm sure friends will want to go out to eat or something but i just want a week end to watch movies! i haven't had that in ages it feels like.

Ebert has called the famous monologue scene in Paris, Texas one of the best written, acted, and directed monologue scenes of all-time. I concur. Pitch perfect in every way.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Steve46

You're an intelligent guy with the right attitude, so I'm sure you'll do well.

I appreciate it Steve. The pressure going into it is momentous for sure, especially being 18 topics, roughly 3000 pages of substantive material, and the fact that if I fail even by a point I have to wait until February to take it again. Oh, and the fact that the job offer I currently have (to be an assistant state attorney, aka prosecutor) will cease to exist without a passing mark.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

The French Connection

[Show spoiler]
The film is renowned for having one of the greatest chase scenes ever...can't disagree with that

Most the film is slightly tense, involving cops tailing "frogs" up and down streets without being caught, and there is always that slight tingle in the back of your head making you worry when something is going to go wrong, mainly because some randomer gets shot in the first 5 mins for seemingly no reason, so the film straight off the bat makes you think some one is always going to get shot when they walk around a corner.

It's got to see a film that is almost 40 years can still pack a shocking punch every now and again. I do always love a down to earth, tense action scene. With characters realistically dodging bullets, unlike most films where all henchmen go to the stormtrooper academy of aiming and firing weapons.

It's just a good little film, that I think I would enjoy time and time again, although there is some godawful pointless dubbing.

8.5/10

[Lepidopterous]

I decided to post some Criterion porn. You guys get it for free!

[Show spoiler]

Amelie arrived yesterday morning. Naturally, it becomes one of my favorite blu's. Already watched it (Great PQ and AQ!). I also blind-bought Volver together with the Criterion films at B&N (at $12.99, it's cheaper than Best Buy and Amazon). Having seen and loved four other Almodovar films, I would say this purchase is pretty safe.

[Show spoiler]

Lastly, bearcat's new fox avatar prompted me to google bearcat images. In the process, I found the best avatar ever.

[Show spoiler]

Off to San Diego Comic Con later today.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I decided to post some Criterion porn. You guys get it for free!

[Show spoiler]

Off to San Diego Comic Con later today.

Oh, wait, I just started buying Criterions. They shouldn't make me drool yet.

Enjoy Comic Con. I wish I didn't miss out on buying tickets, especially since this is the last year my favorite show's cast will be there (Chuck).

[Foggy]

Ugh, you can't like them all I guess...

Gladiator

3 attempts to get through the film in it's entirety, THREE!!! Now how can I like a film where I can't sit down and watch it all in one

And that's not even the half of it, I've seen a billion films that none of my friends haven't even heard of, yet I obviously know nothing about film because I never watched the whole of Gladiator Not that I haven't tried to of course, but I never connected to it, I constantly gave up about 30 mins into it every time I tried. So I finally thought I will grit my teeth and get through it, and I still don't see why everyone loves it so much.

The story is really slow to the fact I simply don't give a rats ass, the characters are typical "Historical Epic" fodder, who all talk in received pronunciation, I simply don't see the heart and soul of the film which connects to the people. It isn't a lovely film to look at through cinematography, it's fairly uninspired in the action department, I just don't get it.

WHY is this OUT OF all the films in the world so acclaimed by my friends of mine, yet all the films I love are simply "Shit" according to them. Films I've shown to friends of which I have received that reply from are...

The Thing
Scott Pilgrim
Black Swan
127 Hours
The Big Lebowski
Kill Bill
The Usual Suspects
In Bruges
The Warriors
Evil Dead 2 (although, I can kinda agree on that one)
etc, etc

God, I need new friends

3/10

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Foggy

[Show spoiler]Ugh, you can't like them all I guess...

Gladiator

3 attempts to get through the film in it's entirety, THREE!!! Now how can I like a film where I can't sit down and watch it all in one

And that's not even the half of it, I've seen a billion films that none of my friends haven't even heard of, yet I obviously know nothing about film because I never watched the whole of Gladiator Not that I haven't tried to of course, but I never connected to it, I constantly gave up about 30 mins into it every time I tried. So I finally thought I will grit my teeth and get through it, and I still don't see why everyone loves it so much.

The story is really slow to the fact I simply don't give a rats ass, the characters are typical "Historical Epic" fodder, who all talk in received pronunciation, I simply don't see the heart and soul of the film which connects to the people. It isn't a lovely film to look at through cinematography, it's fairly uninspired in the action department, I just don't get it.

WHY is this OUT OF all the films in the world so acclaimed by my friends of mine, yet all the films I love are simply "Shit" according to them. Films I've shown to friends of which I have received that reply from are...

The Thing
Scott Pilgrim
Black Swan
127 Hours
The Big Lebowski
Kill Bill
The Usual Suspects
In Bruges
The Warriors
Evil Dead 2 (although, I can kinda agree on that one)
etc, etc

Gog, I need new friends

3/10

You need professional help man

[Show spoiler]

[lDlisturb3d]

So my family came down for the week and we saw a bunch of movies

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2.

I thought this movie was well done, i love how dark the movies get throughout the course of time. You get to see actual BLOOD in this one lol. All jokes aside i enjoyed it quite a bit, they finished it right and this will become a nice little collection

4.5/5

Predator

No need for a review, to buff governors in one action movie equals..

5/5

Predator 2

I was so addicted to the 1st Predators that i forgot how good the 2nd one was, its a bit different but it gets a little more in depth about the predators. I love how they show you its pattern, the way it heals and overall its way of life and why it kills.

4.5/5

The Mist

I cant express how much i love this movie, i love the suspense, Drama, and Thrills. This movie was done so well and it grasps your attention the entire movie. I've previously reviews this before so no need to go in depth, but this is most definitely one of my favorite horror movies of all time!!

5/5

Hannibal The Rising

If your a fan of the trilogy i suggest you view this one. It tells you how he began and why. I personally enjoyed the movie and thought they did the casting well. The story is well paced and full of surprises.

4/5

Me My Self and Irene

LOL, one of Jim Carrey's better movies. Nothing but laughs

4/5

and About 15 mins of Lord of the Rings FOTR, they couldnt handle the rest!!!!

6/5

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Predators

No need for a review, to buff governors in one action movie equals..

5/5

Predators 2

I was so addicted to the 1st Predators that i forgot how good the 2nd one was, its a bit different but it gets a little more in depth about the predators. I love how they show you its pattern, the way it heals and overall its way of life and why it kills.

4.5/5

A bit thrown off by these two, don't you mean just one Predator

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Foggy

A bit thrown off by these two, don't you mean just one Predator

what are you talkin about........

[Show spoiler]

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Ugh, you can't like them all I guess...

Gladiator

[Show spoiler]
3 attempts to get through the film in it's entirety, THREE!!! Now how can I like a film where I can't sit down and watch it all in one

And that's not even the half of it, I've seen a billion films that none of my friends haven't even heard of, yet I obviously know nothing about film because I never watched the whole of Gladiator Not that I haven't tried to of course, but I never connected to it, I constantly gave up about 30 mins into it every time I tried. So I finally thought I will grit my teeth and get through it, and I still don't see why everyone loves it so much.

The story is really slow to the fact I simply don't give a rats ass, the characters are typical "Historical Epic" fodder, who all talk in received pronunciation, I simply don't see the heart and soul of the film which connects to the people. It isn't a lovely film to look at through cinematography, it's fairly uninspired in the action department, I just don't get it.

WHY is this OUT OF all the films in the world so acclaimed by my friends of mine, yet all the films I love are simply "Shit" according to them. Films I've shown to friends of which I have received that reply from are...

The Thing
Scott Pilgrim
Black Swan
127 Hours
The Big Lebowski
Kill Bill
The Usual Suspects
In Bruges
The Warriors
Evil Dead 2 (although, I can kinda agree on that one)
etc, etc

God, I need new friends

3/10

Yes you do. Just tell them straight up that "Gladiator" sucks and you don't care what anybody thinks.

Now the next issue; you don't like "Gladiator," WTF?!!

I think the real heart and soul of it is probably past the first thirty minutes. If all else fails, skip to the part where Joaquin Phoenix kills Marcus Aurelius, and go from there. If it doesn't get your attention from that point on...then I can't help you. Can't like them all.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

So my family came down for the week and we saw a bunch of movies

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2.

I thought this movie was well done, i love how dark the movies get throughout the course of time. You get to see actual BLOOD in this one lol. All jokes aside i enjoyed it quite a bit, they finished it right and this will become a nice little collection

4.5/5

Predator

No need for a review, to buff governors in one action movie equals..

5/5

Predator 2

I was so addicted to the 1st Predators that i forgot how good the 2nd one was, its a bit different but it gets a little more in depth about the predators. I love how they show you its pattern, the way it heals and overall its way of life and why it kills.

4.5/5

The Mist

I cant express how much i love this movie, i love the suspense, Drama, and Thrills. This movie was done so well and it grasps your attention the entire movie. I've previously reviews this before so no need to go in depth, but this is most definitely one of my favorite horror movies of all time!!

5/5

Hannibal The Rising

If your a fan of the trilogy i suggest you view this one. It tells you how he began and why. I personally enjoyed the movie and thought they did the casting well. The story is well paced and full of surprises.

4/5

Me My Self and Irene

LOL, one of Jim Carrey's better movies. Nothing but laughs

4/5

and About 15 mins of Lord of the Rings FOTR, they couldnt handle the rest!!!!

6/5

Not a bad line-up, boss.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by killowertz

I just think you're using that as an excuse and you really don't give a sh!t.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

God, I need new friends

3/10

No, you need new taste.

[P@t_Mtl]

Dances With Wolves
USA 1990
Directed by Kevin Costner
With Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene
Format: HDTV

I wanted to see Avatar, sorry Dance With Wolves since it was release on Blu-ray back in January. I had the Blu-ray on my ZIP list as a rental since then. Things being what they are, I saw the movie on HDTV, not a Blu-ray but close enough for me. I last saw this movie roughly back in 1990 or early 1991 as a VHS rental. Being such a long time I figured let's use the chance to see it again in HD. The movie in itself does very little for me. Yes it's beautiful, the cinematography is quite something and the music does mix well with the images. The story however never really got to me as it as for a lot of other people. I would not call it a slow movie as too much is happening but I would call it a quiet movie, more about the journey of John Dunbar to leave behind the demons of a previous life and find himself in nature. There is something quiet peaceful doing what the character does, living alone for months with only nature as companion, not many of us would manage it as well. Overall it's a beautiful movie, just not one that really I care to see very often. Maybe I will see again again in 20 years in a new format.

[iam1bearcat]

Black Moon

year: doesn't matter
director: doesn't matter
writer: doesn't matter
starring: doesn't matter



...uh... yep. so, Black Moon, huh? well, it's a movie. made in 1975. it's weird. has almost no dialogue. a bunch of random naked children chasing pigs and goats. some people dressed like they walked off the set of Pocahontas, a talking Unicorn and Babe's father. i say Babe's "father" because i don't know how old pigs can live until and i doubt they live well into their 40's - unlike sea turtles and maple trees (which live even longer )

anyway...



there's one girl that kind of looks like a young (aka: HOT) Jennifer Lopez, who oddly enough was hot for like, 15 minutes, and only in a certain type of lighting in a certain type of clothing in a certain type of hairstyle.

then there's some old lady. and another John Smith guy.
and the main character who wanders around all confused. much like anyone who would watch this movie...

so what did i learn today? that blind buying Criterions are a terrible choice. at least, for me. but, it's just so much fun to blind buy! and these Criterions come in neat cases and with neat booklets i never read because reading requires energy and time that i just don't have because i spend time watching confusing as fudge old, weirdo foreign films that someone somewhere said was special!

and Black Moon is special. my god is it special. it's so special no one should ever, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER make a movie like this (AT ALL) ever again. even though it is like a weird animal lover / pornography (not together you sickos! ), Alice in Wonderland type film.

strangely enough i didn't hate it. and didn't turn it off and never really wanted to. and the 100 minutes past (thankfully) faster than i anticipated, but i still dislike the film. for all the "whoa! look at that! a black unicorn and a talking pig!" quirky moments, Black Moon is a black eye in my collection (see what i did there? ) and thus, i must now re-think my entire strategy for blu-rays and my collection!

and worst of all? i have other Criterions i blind bought that i still have to get through! there could still be a sneaky little bastard child Black Moon 2.0 hiding somewhere on my shelves! so much for getting sleep tonight!

so it boils down to the following simple plusses and minuses that i think i will now include in all my reviews to get my feelings across as honest and as simple as possible...

+ time past relatively quickly
+ interesting sets and designs
+ minimal dialogue was actually a plus for this film...
+ nothing made me go, "god! i hate this film! rarrr!"

- uhh.... was there a plot?
- creepy grandma
- weirdo clothing
- naked children
- why would i want to watch this again?

and yet... after saying all this... still enjoyed this more than that coma put to disc everyone calls Army of Shadows!

2/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Black Moon

[Show spoiler]

year: doesn't matter
director: doesn't matter
writer: doesn't matter
starring: doesn't matter



...uh... yep. so, Black Moon, huh? well, it's a movie. made in 1975. it's weird. has almost no dialogue. a bunch of random naked children chasing pigs and goats. some people dressed like they walked off the set of Pocahontas, a talking Unicorn and Babe's father. i say Babe's "father" because i don't know how old pigs can live until and i doubt they live well into their 40's - unlike sea turtles and maple trees (which live even longer )

anyway...



there's one girl that kind of looks like a young (aka: HOT) Jennifer Lopez, who oddly enough was hot for like, 15 minutes, and only in a certain type of lighting in a certain type of clothing in a certain type of hairstyle.

then there's some old lady. and another John Smith guy.
and the main character who wanders around all confused. much like anyone who would watch this movie...

so what did i learn today? that blind buying Criterions are a terrible choice. at least, for me. but, it's just so much fun to blind buy! and these Criterions come in neat cases and with neat booklets i never read because reading requires energy and time that i just don't have because i spend time watching confusing as fudge old, weirdo foreign films that someone somewhere said was special!

and Black Moon is special. my god is it special. it's so special no one should ever, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER make a movie like this (AT ALL) ever again. even though it is like a weird animal lover / pornography (not together you sickos! ), Alice in Wonderland type film.

strangely enough i didn't hate it. and didn't turn it off and never really wanted to. and the 100 minutes past (thankfully) faster than i anticipated, but i still dislike the film. for all the "whoa! look at that! a black unicorn and a talking pig!" quirky moments, Black Moon is a black eye in my collection (see what i did there? ) and thus, i must now re-think my entire strategy for blu-rays and my collection!

and worst of all? i have other Criterions i blind bought that i still have to get through! there could still be a sneaky little bastard child Black Moon 2.0 hiding somewhere on my shelves! so much for getting sleep tonight!

so it boils down to the following simple plusses and minuses that i think i will now include in all my reviews to get my feelings across as honest and as simple as possible...

+ time past relatively quickly
+ interesting sets and designs
+ minimal dialogue was actually a plus for this film...
+ nothing made me go, "god! i hate this film! rarrr!"

- uhh.... was there a plot?
- creepy grandma
- weirdo clothing
- naked children
- why would i want to watch this again?

and yet... after saying all this... still enjoyed this more than that coma put to disc everyone calls Army of Shadows!

2/5

Very enjoyable review. The film sounds like a complete mess.