The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Marcus Wright]

Rise Of The Planets Of The Apes.

I will not write much because words can not express what i have just witnessed in theatres. This movie is officially my #1 favorite movie of all time along with Terminator 2. Its pure perfection.

6/5

[volcomsocal]

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Ok, HP2.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as HP1. It seemed to waver here and there. The storyline and/or plot wasn't as engaging this time around. It just didn't feel as tight as HP1. This was a merely average movie to me.

PQ - 3.5/5
AQ - 4/5

2.5/5

[volcomsocal]

Chasing 3000 - 2008

I LOVE baseball, and I LOVE baseball movies.

Field of Dreams, Major League, The Rookie, The Natural, and For Love of The Game. All spectacular in their own ways.

So when I came across this on Netlix's streaming, I immediately chose to watch it. I had never even heard of it before, so I'm thinking that it was some small time production.

Anyways, the storyline is pretty simple. 2 teenagers want to make the trip from California to Pittsburgh to watch Roberto Clemente get his 3000th hit during the end of the 1972 baseball season. There is a small backstory to all this, and the 2 teenagers hit bumps along the way. There isn't much character development or a "coming of age" moment, but the end of the movie pays off.

Chasing 3000 does a pretty good job of explaining Roberto Clemente's impact, significance, and brilliance both on and off the field. He was an amazing player, and an even more amazing human being. He's well known as having THE best arm in right field the game has ever seen. Some people might say Ichiro or Vladimir Guerrero have the best, but Clemente takes the cake.

This wasn't exactly Field of Dreams or The Natural in terms of greatness, but it's an enjoyable baseball flick that is entertaining for an hour and a half. And hey, it's got a little bit of Ray Liotta in it. If you're a baseball fan, like I am, it's worth watching.

Netflix Streaming

PQ - n/a
AQ - n/a

3/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Ok, HP2.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as HP1. It seemed to waver here and there. The storyline and/or plot wasn't as engaging this time around. It just didn't feel as tight as HP1. This was a merely average movie to me.

PQ - 3.5/5
AQ - 4/5

2.5/5

Azkaban is totally different in feel. Much darker. The kids step up the acting too. Maybe you'll like it more?

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Azkaban is totally different in feel. Much darker. The kids step up the acting too. Maybe you'll like it more?

The first two movies are really mediocre. Prisoner of Azkaban is when it starts getting better. In fact, I think it's the best installment. Cuaron brought life and set the tone for the rest of the series.

Apart from maybe Order of the Phoenix (the fifth volume), I think you'll enjoy the other films, volcomsocal.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Ok, HP2.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as HP1. It seemed to waver here and there. The storyline and/or plot wasn't as engaging this time around. It just didn't feel as tight as HP1. This was a merely average movie to me.

PQ - 3.5/5
AQ - 4/5

2.5/5

Next one's better, I swear.

[Al_The_Strange]

I was rather exhausted last night, so what do I do? I decide to watch my next greatest Criterion blind-buy, running the risk of either becoming mesmerized or bored to the point of falling asleep.

“Les Diaboliques,” aka “The Devils.”

I went into this expecting some kind of “whodunit” mystery; I didn’t realize that this was less of a murder mystery (since we’re following the murderers anyway) and more of a suspense thriller. The movie’s plot structure, narrative, and overall style reminded me greatly of “Psycho,” and there was one part that greatly resembled a scene in “North by Northwest.” My God, even Alfred Hitchcock drew inspiration from somewhere else!

“Les Diaboliques” is every bit as thrilling and well-crafted as a Hitchcock thriller. It’s pretty well-paced, with enough solid dialogue and eventful scenes to keep it interesting. Some scenes generated good suspense and others invoked a sense of mystery; the film overall keeps you going to the next scene.

The story for this is quite interesting. Its characters are strong and relatable; right away, I could get a feel for who they are and what their situations were. A little twist in the middle keeps you (and the characters) guessing to the end, which presents a clever little explanation to the mystery (I saw it coming in the last few minutes ).

I could tell you what happens, but there's a little note at the end of the film that made me promise not to.

The film is splendid, showing quality photography and editing. Acting is strong all around, and the writing is good. Production value looks decent, with swell sets, props, and costumes. Music is pretty good too.

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

Recommendation: Yes. Subtitle haters be damned.

This Blu-Ray looks nice and clean, with good contrast levels. Some scenes look a little soft and hazed out, but it is still decently sharp and detailed throughout. Sound quality seems clean, clear, and crisp.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5



Incidentally, this was the first film ever reviewed in this thread...

[jvince]

Genre: Drama | History | War
Synopsis: The dramatization of the infamous Nanjing Massacre.
Running Time: 2 hours, 12 minutes

Director: Lu Chuan (Mountain Patrol)
Writer: Lu Chuan (Mountain Patrol)
Stars: Liu Ye (Curse of the Golden Flower), Gao Yuanyuan (Ocean Heaven), Hideo Nakaizumi, Fan Wei, Jiang Yiyan, Ryu Kohata (Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen), Liu Bin, John Paisley

The Schindler's List of Asia it is. Lu Chuan's City of Life and Death is just as brilliant and heartbreaking as Spielberg's renowned war epic.

The story is set in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War as the Imperial Japanese Army captures China's former capital, Nanjing. In turn, a multitude of Chinese soldiers and civilians are killed. The film follows multiple characters from both sides as we witness the horrors of the war from their perspectives, although it makes it very clear in the end that it is on the anti-war camp.

Lu Chuan's direction is just flat-out masterful, I cannot believe I haven't heard of him until now; it's as if he just came out of nowhere carrying a f*cking Van Gogh. This is the type of movie you'd expect from a seasoned veteran, not from someone who has been in the business for nine years with only three films (including this) under his belt. The acting by the ensemble cast is solid all-around and very believable, you care for them and feel their pain. The cinematography by Cao Yu is nothing short of amazing. Shot in glorious black-and-white, this is one of those movies where you could freeze every single frame and hang it on your wall. I don't think I've ever seen a film as beautiful yet horrifying at the same time prior to seeing this masterpiece. This will make you feel sick to your stomach as it unrestrainedly depicts how cruel and destructive man can be.

City of Life and Death was originally released back in 2009, but it was only recently that it received a limited run here in the U.S. So technically, it's a 2011 release and it is in my opinion, the year's best movie so far. Powerful and moving, City of Life and Death feels like an important film, and I'm willing to bet it will be regarded as such in the near future. There is no question that it rightfully deserves to be up there along with all the classic war epics in the history of movie-making.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I was rather exhausted last night, so what do I do? I decide to watch my next greatest Criterion blind-buy, running the risk of either becoming mesmerized or bored to the point of falling asleep.

“Les Diaboliques,” aka “The Devils.”

[Show spoiler]

I went into this expecting some kind of “whodunit” mystery; I didn’t realize that this was less of a murder mystery (since we’re following the murderers anyway) and more of a suspense thriller. The movie’s plot structure, narrative, and overall style reminded me greatly of “Psycho,” and there was one part that greatly resembled a scene in “North by Northwest.” My God, even Alfred Hitchcock drew inspiration from somewhere else!

“Les Diaboliques” is every bit as thrilling and well-crafted as a Hitchcock thriller. It’s pretty well-paced, with enough solid dialogue and eventful scenes to keep it interesting. Some scenes generated good suspense and others invoked a sense of mystery; the film overall keeps you going to the next scene.

The story for this is quite interesting. Its characters are strong and relatable; right away, I could get a feel for who they are and what their situations were. A little twist in the middle keeps you (and the characters) guessing to the end, which presents a clever little explanation to the mystery (I saw it coming in the last few minutes ).

I could tell you what happens, but there's a little note at the end of the film that made me promise not to.

The film is splendid, showing quality photography and editing. Acting is strong all around, and the writing is good. Production value looks decent, with swell sets, props, and costumes. Music is pretty good too.

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

Recommendation: Yes. Subtitle haters be damned.

This Blu-Ray looks nice and clean, with good contrast levels. Some scenes look a little soft and hazed out, but it is still decently sharp and detailed throughout. Sound quality seems clean, clear, and crisp.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5

Incidentally, this was the first film ever reviewed in this thread...

Added to my wish list.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

“Les Diaboliques,” aka “The Devils.”

:

Netflix has this on DVD only.

Their relationship with Criterion is souring fast. Netflix provides this along with the usual technicals about the disc.

Other features

While Criterion has provided the premium transfer of this exceptional film, they have done little else -- yet they still charge they're premium prices. All the more reason for seeing this film as a Netflix rental. Sound is mono, but clear and the picture is indeed quite sharp..

Rude

Oh, and they cant spell either.

[dag]

City of Life and Death is one of the most brutally violent films I have ever seen. I think many viewers in the theatre of the screening I attended were shocked by the level of violence. It is also, as you comment, beautifully shot in black-and-white, and the performances by all the actors were superb.

There's also no question but that there is a propaganda component to the film, and that it fits in with the Party's narrative of China's affliction ("century of humiliation") from aggressive foreign powers, notwithstanding the fact that the Chinese in the film were Nationalists. That's one reason why I have to say it isn't China's Schindler's List; its narrative is actually entirely different, and its purpose likewise is tied to an entirely different viewpoint.

However, readers here shouldn't be put off by the political undertones of the film (this isn't Beginning of the Great Revival). It's a very powerful film, and I recommend people see it.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Ok, HP2.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as HP1. It seemed to waver here and there. The storyline and/or plot wasn't as engaging this time around. It just didn't feel as tight as HP1. This was a merely average movie to me.

PQ - 3.5/5
AQ - 4/5

2.5/5

Now that you've got those out of the way...it's time to get to the good ones
...and the one that is with a great final 20 minutes or so.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Netflix has this on DVD only.

Their relationship with Criterion is souring fast. Netflix provides this along with the usual technicals about the disc.

Rude

Oh, and they cant spell either.

What a snobby thing for them to write. "They have done little else," and then complaining about the price, WTF? I would continue boycotting them based on that alone.

The spelling/grammar Nazis should hunt them down too.

[AreaUnderTheCurve]

I'm so glad I blind bought The Invention of Lying. It's quite a brilliant satire on religion and I loved every minute of it. Turning it into a love story makes it even better.

[surfdude12]

[Show spoiler]
ok. ok. my bad. i took a 8 month leave of absence. i had to work crazy hours and i just cant do this site in moderation...i'm either on here hours every day or none at all. i can't do inbetween. i can't log on here for 5 minutes or even 30 minutes per day...this place is too damn addicting!!! i couldn't fit work and the site in at once.

i should have given you guys a heads up! next time I will! i may have to work more soon but i'll let you guys know if i have to dip out!!

glad to be back!!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

[Show spoiler]
ok. ok. my bad. i took a 8 month leave of absence. i had to work crazy hours and i just cant do this site in moderation...i'm either on here hours every day or none at all. i can't do inbetween. i can't log on here for 5 minutes or even 30 minutes per day...this place is too damn addicting!!! i couldn't fit work and the site in at once.

i should have given you guys a heads up! next time I will! i may have to work more soon but i'll let you guys know if i have to dip out!!

glad to be back!!

He's alive!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Diesel

He's alive!

glad to be alive! LOL. I guess I'll do a quick review catch-up.

Here are some recent new release favorites: there are no spoilers in the spoilers, i just put 'em in to save space.

1. 127 Hours 5/5

[Show spoiler]best movie of 2010, IMO. I love Boyle and even love him more now. great story, great direction. I love how the set was so small (after he was trapped). The dreams/hallucinations/etc were so vivid and powerful - my favorite films tend to all be surrealist in quality (2001, Mulholland, Eyes Wide Shut, etc). This was no exception: very powerful conveyance of his subjective state. Plus I had no idea what happened! So was gripped to the seat on what was going to be the conclusion!!! A++ film. My 2010 favorite!

2. Fish Tank 5/5

[Show spoiler]a 2009 film but I watched it in 2011. perhaps the best film I saw in 2011. incredible realism of a young girl growing up in england. Like "400 Blows" with some aspects of "Revanche" (i won't spoil it if you haven't seen it). pm me if you have and want to know my take. incredible script! the twists and turns were incredibly unpredictable! so original and real that i watched it 3 times and still was just as entertained on viewing #3 as viewing #1. love love love it! cinematography A+

3. Black Swan 5/5

[Show spoiler]what can I say? my remote battery died with all the rewinding of POrtman ...anyway seriously: GREAT film! Aranofsky delivered! Like 127 hours, gave incredible imagery to convey the subjective state of the character! Not easy to do with a convincing fashion. Very close with 127 Hours on which I preferred. A toss up.

4. Social Network 3.5/5

[Show spoiler]gave it 4/5 on first viewing but then watched it a second time and asked myself "what is the film message?" . is it that

[Show spoiler]"it's great to get rich, even off someone else's idea?"

. sure, he had to do the software, but

[Show spoiler]without the original idea, its nothing

. he has nothing without it. on the second viewing, I just got a very bad vibe from the whole thing and it didn't sit right with me. it was like a big missle without direction or purpose. i guess that is the point maybe: the internet is in its infancy and we still dont know where its headed. but at the end of the day, doesn't the film have to convey a coherent message? its been a while since i've seen it so perhaps i'm rusty. plus, i hate timberlake cause he dated my girl Biel for so long!

5. King's Speech 3/5

[Show spoiler]Very dissappointed here. I love COlin Firth, as he is in Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite blu's!!! So that is not the problem. the problem is the character he plays, and why am I supposed to feel sorry for this royal snob? True, he has a speech problem, but he will still never go hungry, or ever not have some dude dry him down with a towel when he steps out of the shower. perhaps i sound like i wasnt willing to dig into this character, but i never at any moment felt any sympathy for this guy. cant explain it. it is what it is.

6. X-Men: Beginning 2/5 -- i think thats what its called?

[Show spoiler]SOme chick made me see it <-- right off the bat, not good
Superhero film + action = usually 2/5 at most for surfdude
I can't explain it. Every time I see action +superhero, I see the SAME FILM. sure, it has different superhero, with different costume on, but the basic plot seems the same. its like eating the same food for dinner every night on different colored plates...all i taste is the same food. i cant explain it. perhaps i'm not getting something. i wish i could enjoy these films more.

7. HOrrible Bosses 1/5

[Show spoiler]yuck yuck yuck
ok, the genital jokes are funny for the first 10 minutes, but an hour into the film, i'm looking at my watch. seriously, am i the only one on this? just as a diet shouldn't rely too much on fat and sugar, a comedy script shouldn't overely on genital jokes. and its NOT because my sensibilites were offended - one of my all-time favorite films is Eyes Wide Shut, a practical porn film. plus, jennifer anniston?? ouch. not a turn on. not attractive. office space? yes, that was hot. that was attractive. that was NATURAL.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

[Show spoiler]
ok. ok. my bad. i took a 8 month leave of absence. i had to work crazy hours and i just cant do this site in moderation...i'm either on here hours every day or none at all. i can't do inbetween. i can't log on here for 5 minutes or even 30 minutes per day...this place is too damn addicting!!! i couldn't fit work and the site in at once.

i should have given you guys a heads up! next time I will! i may have to work more soon but i'll let you guys know if i have to dip out!!

glad to be back!!

OH MY GOD

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Ok, HP2.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as HP1. It seemed to waver here and there. The storyline and/or plot wasn't as engaging this time around. It just didn't feel as tight as HP1. This was a merely average movie to me.

PQ - 3.5/5
AQ - 4/5

2.5/5

I'm in the minority in the forum, as HP 1-2 are my favorites! They bring out the kid in me - Harry is young, he seems joyful and happy to be at Hogwarts. By part 5, he looks like he's going to work on Monday. Yes, there are valid reasons why he's sad/depressed, but I just prefer HP 1-2 because they are what make HP unique - while the rest get too dark and start to taste and smell too much like films in the overcrowded dark-magic genre, like Underworld.

[KilloWertz]

Glad to see that you're back, surf. Also, I agree with your review of Fish Tank. I blind bought it recently and loved it.