The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Foggy]

Total Recall

Definitely known as one of the craziest sci-fi action films going, messed me up as a kid seeing all this violence and triple boobage. Still awesome of course.

Visually it's still amazing, although partly dated, including Arnie's suffocation face...



...but, the huge looking, tiny models and weird make-up all looks pretty cool still, almost warrants little need for a remake

And the story is still the best part about it, escapism is what makes films, and if your film is actually about escapism, then you've got a tick in my book since any film that is allowed to just let loose and run riot is usually pretty entertaining and pretty good. And obviously the ending is just perfect, one of the best endings in any film, sure it's the plain and simple "

[Show spoiler]Was it real or not?"

sort of twist, but you don't feel like you have to know, you don't have to cluster up some conclusion to make the film feel complete.

Personally it's in my top 10 of the best sci-fi films ever, and probably it'd be number 1 if it wasn't for that completely bland rubbish comedic token black guy who gets seeming swept up into it

9.5/10

[tanujdua]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Total Recall

[Show spoiler]
Definitely known as one of the craziest sci-fi action films going, messed me up as a kid seeing all this violence and triple boobage. Still awesome of course.

Visually it's still amazing, although partly dated, including Arnie's suffocation face...



...but, the huge looking, tiny models and weird make-up all looks pretty cool still, almost warrants little need for a remake

And the story is still the best part about it, escapism is what makes films, and if your film is actually about escapism, then you've got a tick in my book since any film that is allowed to just let loose and run riot is usually pretty entertaining and pretty good. And obviously the ending is just perfect, one of the best endings in any film, sure it's the plain and simple "

[Show spoiler]Was it real or not?"

sort of twist, but you don't feel like you have to know, you don't have to cluster up some conclusion to make the film feel complete.

Personally it's in my top 10 of the best sci-fi films ever, and probably it'd be number 1 if it wasn't for that completely bland rubbish comedic token black guy who gets seeming swept up into it

9.5/10

Ah man I really want to see this! Hopefully I'll get it sometime this year .

On a side note I'm

[Show spoiler]going on holiday so I won't be around for 8 or 9 days . I'm sure I will have loads of reviews to read when I get back though .

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Total Recall

[Show spoiler]
Definitely known as one of the craziest sci-fi action films going, messed me up as a kid seeing all this violence and triple boobage. Still awesome of course.

Visually it's still amazing, although partly dated, including Arnie's suffocation face...



...but, the huge looking, tiny models and weird make-up all looks pretty cool still, almost warrants little need for a remake

And the story is still the best part about it, escapism is what makes films, and if your film is actually about escapism, then you've got a tick in my book since any film that is allowed to just let loose and run riot is usually pretty entertaining and pretty good. And obviously the ending is just perfect, one of the best endings in any film, sure it's the plain and simple "

[Show spoiler]Was it real or not?"

sort of twist, but you don't feel like you have to know, you don't have to cluster up some conclusion to make the film feel complete.

Personally it's in my top 10 of the best sci-fi films ever, and probably it'd be number 1 if it wasn't for that completely bland rubbish comedic token black guy who gets seeming swept up into it

9.5/10

[SquidPuppet]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika)

DVD because Netflix doesnt carry the Blu-ray.

1984 PG 117 minutes

Director:Hayao Miyazaki

Netflix synopsis:

Faced with almost certain destruction of her planet's natural resources, warrior princess Nausicaa rallies her people against an evil queen's rampaging army in an effort to give her homeland a new lease on its future. Hayao Miyazaki directs this environmentally conscious anime that transports viewers to a magical place -- the Valley of the Wind -- where the ultimate showdown between good and evil will play out.

I liked this film.

Cool story and it moves right along. I felt engaged the entire time and cared about the characters.

Score was a little odd at times, but I put that down to the fact that it is an '80s film.

I listened to the English version and the voice work was very good.

After watching this movie I have even less respect for Cameron and Avatar. He is even less original than I previously damned him for.

4/5

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Total Recall

Personally it's in my top 10 of the best sci-fi films ever, and probably it'd be number 1 if it wasn't for that completely bland rubbish comedic token black guy who gets seeming swept up into it9.5/10

"hey man, I've got 6 kids to feed!!"

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika)

[Show spoiler]
DVD because Netflix doesnt carry the Blu-ray.

1984 PG 117 minutes

Director:Hayao Miyazaki

Netflix synopsis:

Faced with almost certain destruction of her planet's natural resources, warrior princess Nausicaa rallies her people against an evil queen's rampaging army in an effort to give her homeland a new lease on its future. Hayao Miyazaki directs this environmentally conscious anime that transports viewers to a magical place -- the Valley of the Wind -- where the ultimate showdown between good and evil will play out.

I liked this film.

Cool story and it moves right along. I felt engaged the entire time and cared about the characters.

Score was a little odd at times, but I put that down to the fact that it is an '80s film.

I listened to the English version and the voice work was very good.

After watching this movie I have even less respect for Cameron and Avatar. He is even less original than I previously damned him for.

4/5

Nice review. Will you buy?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Nice review. Will you buy?

If the price gets a little

[Show spoiler]a lot actually

closer to Earth.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

If the price gets a little

[Show spoiler]a lot actually

closer to Earth.

So...

[Show spoiler]never.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

So...

[Show spoiler]never.

I can keep my fingers crossed for Black Friday.

[iam1bearcat]

Lost Highway

Dear David Lynch,

You're one crazy dude. Didn't really think your films could get much stranger than Mulholland Dr., but I believe Lost Highway is. Of course, that could change when I watch Mulholland Dr. tomorrow night lol but for now, Lost Highway it is! ...actually I think Eraserhead is the oddest film I've ever seen...

What's weird about your films though Mr. Lynch is that the acting isn't the greatest. And the set designs look like they were pulled from a Super 8 motel, and the scripts are a bit clunky and hollow. At least, Lost Highway kind of starts that way. Yet, even with this oddness, I'm still glued to the screen from start to finish! You sneaky bastard!

I can't really explain why I enjoyed Lost Highway, but I did. It was REALLY out there though and a hodge podge of themes and genres rolled into one creepy, crazy ball. Honestly, I haven't been this freaked out since I last watched The Blair Witch Project. Some truly frightening, wicked awesome scenes.

And there is your weird appreciation / obsession with sex / porn. Seriously, if someone would have walked into my home while I was watching this, there's a good chance they would've thought I was watching a porno. Now, this isn't a one scene, bad timing deal, there are like 35 of these things! Complete with the cheesy, over-saturated music and odd directing choices that compliment those types of... "films" Now, is this on purpose Mr. Lynch? Are you paying homage or mocking these films and America's obsession with it and how it's a downward spiral to... apparently insanity and a weird type of identity theft? lol Let me know!

I look forward to trying to convince friends to watch this with me because I feel more people should watch your films and experience the brain melting shenanigans that you present in your films

Oh, almost forgot to mention, I LOVE and adore the atmosphere of your films. Yeah, Lost Highway feels a lot like Mulholland Dr. but again, I feel this is something you've done on purpose and I think it's sheer genius. It's frightening how quickly the atmosphere of your films just engulfs me and glues my eyes wide open to the screen. It makes no sense to me while the film is playing or after, but I still enjoy it immensely.

Keep up the good work! And I look forward to your next full length feature!

Sincerely,

bearcat.

4/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika)

DVD because Netflix doesnt carry the Blu-ray.

1984 PG 117 minutes

Director:Hayao Miyazaki

Netflix synopsis:

Faced with almost certain destruction of her planet's natural resources, warrior princess Nausicaa rallies her people against an evil queen's rampaging army in an effort to give her homeland a new lease on its future. Hayao Miyazaki directs this environmentally conscious anime that transports viewers to a magical place -- the Valley of the Wind -- where the ultimate showdown between good and evil will play out.

I liked this film.

Cool story and it moves right along. I felt engaged the entire time and cared about the characters.

Score was a little odd at times, but I put that down to the fact that it is an '80s film.

I listened to the English version and the voice work was very good.

After watching this movie I have even less respect for Cameron and Avatar. He is even less original than I previously damned him for.

4/5

Yay

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Lost Highway

Dear David Lynch,

You're one crazy dude. Didn't really think your films could get much stranger than Mulholland Dr., but I believe Lost Highway is. Of course, that could change when I watch Mulholland Dr. tomorrow night lol but for now, Lost Highway it is! ...actually I think Eraserhead is the oddest film I've ever seen...

What's weird about your films though Mr. Lynch is that the acting isn't the greatest. And the set designs look like they were pulled from a Super 8 motel, and the scripts are a bit clunky and hollow. At least, Lost Highway kind of starts that way. Yet, even with this oddness, I'm still glued to the screen from start to finish! You sneaky bastard!

I can't really explain why I enjoyed Lost Highway, but I did. It was REALLY out there though and a hodge podge of themes and genres rolled into one creepy, crazy ball. Honestly, I haven't been this freaked out since I last watched The Blair Witch Project. Some truly frightening, wicked awesome scenes.

And there is your weird appreciation / obsession with sex / porn. Seriously, if someone would have walked into my home while I was watching this, there's a good chance they would've thought I was watching a porno. Now, this isn't a one scene, bad timing deal, there are like 35 of these things! Complete with the cheesy, over-saturated music and odd directing choices that compliment those types of... "films" Now, is this on purpose Mr. Lynch? Are you paying homage or mocking these films and America's obsession with it and how it's a downward spiral to... apparently insanity and a weird type of identity theft? lol Let me know!

I look forward to trying to convince friends to watch this with me because I feel more people should watch your films and experience the brain melting shenanigans that you present in your films

Oh, almost forgot to mention, I LOVE and adore the atmosphere of your films. Yeah, Lost Highway feels a lot like Mulholland Dr. but again, I feel this is something you've done on purpose and I think it's sheer genius. It's frightening how quickly the atmosphere of your films just engulfs me and glues my eyes wide open to the screen. It makes no sense to me while the film is playing or after, but I still enjoy it immensely.

Keep up the good work! And I look forward to your next full length feature!

Sincerely,

bearcat.

4/5

Tailgating has never looked better.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Tailgating has never looked better.

"Do you know how dangerous that is?!?!"

"Do you know how long it takes me to stop if I'm going 35MPH?!?"

[Foggy]

Forgot to post, watched Deathly Hallows: Part 2 again, my old review still stands, I'm not going to do the Diesel thing and dig up my old review, you'll have to find it yourself

[Al_The_Strange]

“Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.”

Watched this shortly after finishing the entire “Batman Beyond” cartoon series for the first time. If you’ve seen the show; you’d know what to expect. Otherwise, it’s not too hard to get into; it’s basically the story of Batman in the future, with an aging Bruce Wayne passing the mantle of the Dark Knight to some hip young dude who beats the snot out of some crazy new villains in a futuristic environment. It’s pretty edgy and cool; fun for all ages.

Like the show, this movie features plenty of action and peril. The pacing is fast, the runtime is short, and the movie overall is easy to digest. The visuals are still stylish and slick, and with the dark sci-fi undertone, it’s pretty darn cool.

The story for this is a little predictable, but unlike any of the show’s episodes, it does reintroduce one of the classic villains in the ultramodern age (complete with Mark Hamill’s voice). It remains true to the series, with all the same characters and situations. It’s pretty sublime how it ties up events and characters of the past with the future. As part of the series, it doesn’t really add anything (much less closure); it’s just like another episode. But it does add to the Batman mythos quite well.

The film has about the same animation quality as the show. It seems a little more refined with sharper graphics and smoother movements, but it’s still blocky, funky, and minimalistic. Voice-acting is swell; the cast from the show still does the voices, and Mark Hamill is the man. Production designs feature some cool sets, props, costumes, vehicles, weapons, and more. Music is cool (was pleased to hear Static-X in the background ).

4/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

This Blu-Ray looks pretty darn sharp and clean. It’s a fullscreen picture, with black bars on either side, and I’m sure that’s the movie’s true OAR. It has solid detail and texturing, and awesome colors and contrast; compared to the show on DVD, it’s a huge improvement. Sound quality did not disappoint.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Lost Highway

I think Eraserhead is the oddest film I've ever seen...

Thats white bread compared to Inland Empire!!!!! Just wait.

What's weird about your films though Mr. Lynch is that the acting isn't the greatest. And the set designs look like they were pulled from a Super 8 motel, and the scripts are a bit clunky and hollow. At least, Lost Highway kind of starts that way. Yet, even with this oddness, I'm still glued to the screen from start to finish! You sneaky bastard!

The acting and sets are not bad, they are deliberately ODD. It makes you feel uncomfortable, which is his goal.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thats white bread compared to Inland Empire!!!!! Just wait.



The acting and sets are not bad, they are deliberately ODD. It makes you feel uncomfortable, which is his goal.

I was kind of thinking that but wasn't sure... But knowing Lynch you're probably correct

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

I was kind of thinking that but wasn't sure... But knowing Lynch you're probably correct

He is always tightening the screws. Slowly, more and more, until you brain implodes.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: “Due Date.”

Coming from the makers of “The Hangover,” I figured this might be an amusing adventure, brimming with comedy and craziness. “Due Date” has its share of funny moments and a few amusing situations, just not as many as I expected.

I think I’m more disappointed in the story, which is ultimately not much different than “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Hell, “Due Date” might as well be a remake; both movies feature an odd couple who journey across country to reach one dude’s family for a certain deadline, only to develop a unique bromance. Yep, in the shadow of other road-trip comedies, “DD” becomes predictable. But what really drags it down are the characters; they are likable enough, they have a lot of funny quirks, and they are developed adequately, but Robert Downey Jr’s character acts so mean that it’s hard to believe that he’ll really get along with the other guy (but it happens anyway, because it always happens in the movies ). In the end, there’s no deep sense of conflict or tension to drive the plot; it feels too much by-the-numbers.

The film is pretty slick, with decent photography and editing, and a gray-looking color scheme. Acting is fine and dandy: RDJ is okay in this role, but borderlines on being unlikable; Zack Galifianakis is the man. Writing is okay, with some decently funny dialogue. Production value features good-looking sets, props, and costumes. Music is okay.

3/5 (entertainment: 3/5, story: 3/5, film: 3.5/5)

Recommendation: As a rental.

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect. Sound quality won’t have a whole lot of standout moments, but sounds okay for a comedy.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: “The Other Guys.”

We all know cop movies; they show badass dudes flying through the air, with guns in both hands, shooting bullets galore at badguys, with big ‘splosions in the background and cars careening into buildings. Seriously, that’s exactly how this movie starts; right from the start, it lampoons the action genre before presenting the film’s real heroes. From there, it’s quite an amusing trip as the underdog protagonists confront danger from all angles. Above all, the film is loaded with funny and quirky dialogue, situations, and gags.

The story for this is not too far off from other buddy-cop movies, like “Beverly Hills Cop” or “48 Hours” or countless others. Once again, the movie slaps an odd couple together; it’s hard not to enjoy Will Farrell’s character, even when he is playing the biggest square on screen; I did find Marky-Mark’s character almost unlikable, but he does come off as more believable, with a few amusing quirks of his own. Together, they go through a fairly standard cop’s adventure, filled with plenty of laughs, and a few bursts of action.

The film has decent photography and editing. Acting is swell; Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg are good in their respective roles; Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson are perfect in their parts; Michael Keaton sure is looking old, but still makes a good police captain; and everybody else is solid. Writing is pretty darn good and funny. Production value shows lots of good sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is a little arbitrary, but good overall.

4/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: As a rental.

This Blu-Ray looks darn near perfect! Sound quality did not disappoint, but probably could be a grade better.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5