The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[thecardman23]

i didnt really know where to post this, so i figured movie discussion thread would be a good spot. I do an upcoming bluray releases segment every week for new release movies and quick synopsis as well as my thoughts for them. thought id share it with you guys

Upcoming Bluray Releases Dec20, 2011. Colombiana, Warrior, Straw Dogs - YouTube

also here is the link for previous weeks release videos (if anybody is interested)


http://movie-jury.com/2011/12/02/dec...releases-2011/

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

sorry if this was posted in all the Super 8 reviews (i don't read anymore ) but anyone else like to think that Super 8 is a "prequel" of sorts to

[Show spoiler] Cloverfield

? i like to think that the "monster" from Super 8

[Show spoiler]is the same one that comes back in Cloverfield (at the end when they show the video and you see something fall in the ocean) or at least a "relative" of that alien

i also like to think the "monster" from Super 8 is a relative (somehow) to the DON'T CLICK SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ALL OF LOST!

[Show spoiler]smoke monster from LOST. sounds quite similar at times

I took it as a separate thing not related to anything else.

The biggest thing about it is,

[Show spoiler]the alien in "Super 8" was never really malicious, it was just "frightened and wanted to go home." In a way, no different than "ET" or the Prawns from "D9." Nothing like the Cloverfield monster, which was just plain evil, and acted in a totally different fashion

.

All that being said,

[Show spoiler]the "Super 8" monster is a little contradictary because it was pretty scary for most of the film, snatching up people and hanging them off the ceiling like the Xenomorph from the Alien movies. In fact, my coworkers posed the question (maybe somebody else can answer it): what ever did happen to the sherrif, the woman with the curlers, and one other character? The alien snatched them away off screen, and we never did see them again. Are they dead? Are they in a deleted scene (didn't bother looking at the extras)? Why did the alien capture all these people anyway? Did it really mean any harm?

I'm assuming that the alien didn't really hurt anybody, just whisked them away and left them alive so it could build its ship in secrecy.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by thecardman23

i didnt really know where to post this, so i figured movie discussion thread would be a good spot. I do an upcoming bluray releases segment every week for new release movies and quick synopsis as well as my thoughts for them. thought id share it with you guys

Upcoming Bluray Releases Dec20, 2011. Colombiana, Warrior, Straw Dogs - YouTube


also here is the link for previous weeks release videos (if anybody is interested)


http://movie-jury.com/2011/12/02/dec...releases-2011/

Welcome to the thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

sorry if this was posted in all the Super 8 reviews (i don't read anymore ) but anyone else like to think that Super 8 is a "prequel" of sorts to

[Show spoiler] Cloverfield

? i like to think that the "monster" from Super 8

[Show spoiler]is the same one that comes back in Cloverfield (at the end when they show the video and you see something fall in the ocean) or at least a "relative" of that alien

i also like to think the "monster" from Super 8 is a relative (somehow) to the DON'T CLICK SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ALL OF LOST!

[Show spoiler]smoke monster from LOST. sounds quite similar at times

The first one I like, a lot. The second one is lame.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I took it as a separate thing not related to anything else.

The biggest thing about it is,

[Show spoiler]the alien in "Super 8" was never really malicious, it was just "frightened and wanted to go home." In a way, no different than "ET" or the Prawns from "D9." Nothing like the Cloverfield monster, which was just plain evil, and acted in a totally different fashion

.

All that being said,

[Show spoiler]the "Super 8" monster is a little contradictary because it was pretty scary for most of the film, snatching up people and hanging them off the ceiling like the Xenomorph from the Alien movies. In fact, my coworkers posed the question (maybe somebody else can answer it): what ever did happen to the sherrif, the woman with the curlers, and one other character? The alien snatched them away off screen, and we never did see them again. Are they dead? Are they in a deleted scene (didn't bother looking at the extras)? Why did the alien capture all these people anyway? Did it really mean any harm?

I'm assuming that the alien didn't really hurt anybody, just whisked them away and left them alive so it could build its ship in secrecy.

Er, um, Al.... Did you not see the Super 8 monster

[Show spoiler]eat people?

[djgeneral]

I need to see these movies still. (Nominated for Golden Globes)

Bold means seeing soon

Hugo
Moneyball
War Horse
The Artist
Carnage
Midnight in Paris
My Week With Marilyn
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
The Adventures of Tintin
Shame
J. Edgar
The Guard
Beginners
A Dangerous Method
Albert Nobbs
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The Iron Lady
We Need to Talk About Kevin
Carnage
Young Adult
W.E.

[SquidPuppet]

Bad Teacher

Not bad. Had some moments. Lots of raunchy inuendos and language. Plenty of giggles and grins for me, but no real gutbusting moments.

The gag reel on the special features was really damn funny.

A good rental.

Film 3.5/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Er, um, Al.... Did you not see the Super 8 monster

[Show spoiler]eat people?

Uhhh, I must have forgotten about that part somehow.

All the more reason why I may need to rewatch it soon.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Uhhh, I must have forgotten about that part somehow.

All the more reason why I may need to rewatch it soon.

My memory is a little foggy, but I seem to remember inside the cave he was

[Show spoiler] munching on a couple people like beef jerky. I might be remembering wrong though.... need clarification and confirmation.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

My memory is a little foggy, but I seem to remember inside the cave he was

[Show spoiler] munching on a couple people like beef jerky. I might be remembering wrong though.... need clarification and confirmation.

Actually, that does ring a bell. But like you said, my memory's foggy too.

It's amazing how much info one can forget about a movie after just four days or so.

[Foggy]

Don't worry, your lost memories are all gathered with me like you have said and I can confirm he likes

[Show spoiler]eating a few people

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

sorry if this was posted in all the Super 8 reviews (i don't read anymore ) but anyone else like to think that Super 8 is a "prequel" of sorts to

[Show spoiler] Cloverfield

? i like to think that the "monster" from Super 8

[Show spoiler]is the same one that comes back in Cloverfield (at the end when they show the video and you see something fall in the ocean) or at least a "relative" of that alien

i also like to think the "monster" from Super 8 is a relative (somehow) to the DON'T CLICK SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ALL OF LOST!

[Show spoiler]smoke monster from LOST. sounds quite similar at times

I can't comment on

[Show spoiler]cloverfield

stuff, because I've never seen it.

But as you can see with my avatar, i'm somewhat of a LOST fan. In no way, while watching Super 8, did I ever think that the monster sounded like the

[Show spoiler]smoke monster

from LOST. Even though Abrams has his hands in both works of art, I just don't see it. To me, the 2 didn't sound the same.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

I can't comment on

[Show spoiler]cloverfield

stuff, because I've never seen it.

But as you can see with my avatar, i'm somewhat of a LOST fan. In no way, while watching Super 8, did I ever think that the monster sounded like the

[Show spoiler]smoke monster

from LOST. Even though Abrams has his hands in both works of art, I just don't see it. To me, the 2 didn't sound the same.

In Cloverfield, there's a cool easter egg for fans of LOST, the Dharma logo appears in one of the govt. footage segments

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

In Cloverfield, there's a cool easter egg for fans of LOST, the Dharma logo appears in one of the govt. footage segments

Need to check it out this weekend.

[Foggy]

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

The last time, I watched the first Sherlock Holmes was just under 2 years ago, I kept meaning to pick it up on Blu-ray but never got around to it, so my comparison between that one and it's sequel will be a bit loose, since memory is a bit shady, but I remember enjoying it a far bit, and put it on a similar level as the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and I hoped that it would go on to be a great piece of escapist cinema.

Which makes me happy to say that Sherlock Holmes 2, although it's worrying trailers not grasping me quite as much as the original, is very close, if not, on par with the first one. It's well stylised, with great set pieces, and a very good mystery (although not as well structured as the first one) and enough surprises and laughs to get a good 2 hours out of it

The one thing I find between these Sherlock films and the Pirates ones is the level of quirkiness. My problem with quirky films is that it's used more as a novelty to make a film around (hence a lot of my hatred of Tim Burton). But in these films, it's added to release tension, to create character and add a sense of enjoyment to something that would feel lifeless. These films control there quirk so that it isn't turned into a farce, but more into lighter entertainment, and in a Sherlock Holmes film, the last thing you want is it to turn into a Carry On film.

My only problems with the film, like I said, is the way the film feels a bit loosely structured in comparison to the original, however this may be due to the way the two films link, and the gap I've had between the two make it a bit harder to pick up from the get go. I also had a problem with how Noomi Rapace is essentially wasted in the film, and is given very little to do, she isn't bad, but she just lacks the chance to shine. Same goes for Stephen Fry, although he does bare all in his role, so I'll let him off (He's also a national treasure and so lovable that you can't really dislike any moment he's on screen)

The guy who picked up Moriarty is very good, although it doesn't get menacing until the end of the 2nd act, due to his absents of the opening. I would of liked to see him get more fleshed out, but in the end, he makes a truly great foe for Holmes in the climactic battle.

Most action scenes here are well done, but the one that takes the cake is the one advertised everywhere on the adverts, it's one of the few times you're going to question how on earth they did what they do.

But the best thing about these films, it's a blockbuster that doesn't talk down to it's audience, it doesn't isolate the dumb ones, but if you want to get entrance in the mystery and try and piece together whats going one, you can. It's a rewarding piece of entertainment, it's not exactly the smartest film in the world, but it's well-made and fun enough to make you care what's going on

9/10

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Need to check it out this weekend.

[Show spoiler]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKdPUNwQWjQ

here's the video if you're interested

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

[Show spoiler]
The last time, I watched the first Sherlock Holmes was just under 2 years ago, I kept meaning to pick it up on Blu-ray but never got around to it, so my comparison between that one and it's sequel will be a bit loose, since memory is a bit shady, but I remember enjoying it a far bit, and put it on a similar level as the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and I hoped that it would go on to be a great piece of escapist cinema.

Which makes me happy to say that Sherlock Holmes 2, although it's worrying trailers not grasping me quite as much as the original, is very close, if not, on par with the first one. It's well stylised, with great set pieces, and a very good mystery (although not as well structured as the first one) and enough surprises and laughs to get a good 2 hours out of it

The one thing I find between these Sherlock films and the Pirates ones is the level of quirkiness. My problem with quirky films is that it's used more as a novelty to make a film around (hence a lot of my hatred of Tim Burton). But in these films, it's added to release tension, to create character and add a sense of enjoyment to something that would feel lifeless. These films control there quirk so that it isn't turned into a farce, but more into lighter entertainment, and in a Sherlock Holmes film, the last thing you want is it to turn into a Carry On film.

My only problems with the film, like I said, is the way the film feels a bit loosely structured in comparison to the original, however this may be due to the way the two films link, and the gap I've had between the two make it a bit harder to pick up from the get go. I also had a problem with how Noomi Rapace is essentially wasted in the film, and is given very little to do, she isn't bad, but she just lacks the chance to shine. Same goes for Stephen Fry, although he does bare all in his role, so I'll let him off (He's also a national treasure and so lovable that you can't really dislike any moment he's on screen)

The guy who picked up Moriarty is very good, although it doesn't get menacing until the end of the 2nd act, due to his absents of the opening. I would of liked to see him get more fleshed out, but in the end, he makes a truly great foe for Holmes in the climactic battle.

Most action scenes here are well done, but the one that takes the cake is the one advertised everywhere on the adverts, it's one of the few times you're going to question how on earth they did what they do.

But the best thing about these films, it's a blockbuster that doesn't talk down to it's audience, it doesn't isolate the dumb ones, but if you want to get entrance in the mystery and try and piece together whats going one, you can. It's a rewarding piece of entertainment, it's not exactly the smartest film in the world, but it's well-made and fun enough to make you care what's going on

9/10

Sweet. I might be seeing it later today.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

There is something appealing about visiting a bygone era. I suspect it’s because the present and the future are always horridly uncertain, but looking back on the past brings up a sense of nostalgia. This may be especially true when looking back at the era in which one is born, or the previous decade. As a child of the 80s, I can’t help but to look back at all the cheesy 80s media, styles, and pop culture with a sense of nostalgia, even though I’ve been told that it was a horrid decade.

This film is all about a group of older gentlemen who inadvertently travel back to the 80s to relive one singular night in their youth that defined their (horrible) futures. Right from the start, the film revels in gracious amounts of R-rated comedy, with some profuse profanity, some gross-out comedy, and plenty of semi-disgusting sexual jokes. A lot of this can be a hit or a miss; I find myself personally repulsed to start with, but some of the film’s perversities did make me laugh. What I found more amusing were the jokes centered on the anachronisms of 21st century men in the past, and the comparisons between the 80s and the 00’s. Plus, some funny dialogue and situations helped make the film even more amusing. Whether or not the comedy works for you, the film is pretty evenly paced with little to no drag.

The story for this is quite straightforward, and perhaps a little predictable (well, it didn’t help that my co-worker spoiled certain things for me). It shows little conflict or structure, as the characters meander from one crazy situation to the next. But it is episodic in a way, and each episode is effective at setting up and delivering comic punchlines. The characters can range from being likable to unlikable, and each shows the bare minimum development. But in the end, it’s fantastic to watch them take control of their destinies, and this proves to be the film’s strongest theme.

This movie is pretty well-shot and edited. All of the actors didn’t disappoint me (except maybe Chevy Chase, who comes off as a total and confusing weirdo), and aside from all the gratuitous cursing, the writing is not bad. This production features solid sets, props, costumes, and okay special effects. Music is decent (gotta love me some Motley Crue ).

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: As a rental.

Still going to have to think about whether or not I’d want to buy a copy of this. Chances are good.

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds decent. Disc is region-free.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

If this was a song, it’d be

[Show spoiler]something that’s simultaneously funny, nasty, and is loaded up with retro references. I’m thinking about this crazy song (WARNING: Contains language, maybe some freakiness):

Bloodhound Gang - Mope - YouTube

[Mahatma]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

The last time, I watched the first Sherlock Holmes was just under 2 years ago, I kept meaning to pick it up on Blu-ray but never got around to it, so my comparison between that one and it's sequel will be a bit loose, since memory is a bit shady, but I remember enjoying it a far bit, and put it on a similar level as the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and I hoped that it would go on to be a great piece of escapist cinema.

Which makes me happy to say that Sherlock Holmes 2, although it's worrying trailers not grasping me quite as much as the original, is very close, if not, on par with the first one. It's well stylised, with great set pieces, and a very good mystery (although not as well structured as the first one) and enough surprises and laughs to get a good 2 hours out of it

The one thing I find between these Sherlock films and the Pirates ones is the level of quirkiness. My problem with quirky films is that it's used more as a novelty to make a film around (hence a lot of my hatred of Tim Burton). But in these films, it's added to release tension, to create character and add a sense of enjoyment to something that would feel lifeless. These films control there quirk so that it isn't turned into a farce, but more into lighter entertainment, and in a Sherlock Holmes film, the last thing you want is it to turn into a Carry On film.

My only problems with the film, like I said, is the way the film feels a bit loosely structured in comparison to the original, however this may be due to the way the two films link, and the gap I've had between the two make it a bit harder to pick up from the get go. I also had a problem with how Noomi Rapace is essentially wasted in the film, and is given very little to do, she isn't bad, but she just lacks the chance to shine. Same goes for Stephen Fry, although he does bare all in his role, so I'll let him off (He's also a national treasure and so lovable that you can't really dislike any moment he's on screen)

The guy who picked up Moriarty is very good, although it doesn't get menacing until the end of the 2nd act, due to his absents of the opening. I would of liked to see him get more fleshed out, but in the end, he makes a truly great foe for Holmes in the climactic battle.

Most action scenes here are well done, but the one that takes the cake is the one advertised everywhere on the adverts, it's one of the few times you're going to question how on earth they did what they do.

But the best thing about these films, it's a blockbuster that doesn't talk down to it's audience, it doesn't isolate the dumb ones, but if you want to get entrance in the mystery and try and piece together whats going one, you can. It's a rewarding piece of entertainment, it's not exactly the smartest film in the world, but it's well-made and fun enough to make you care what's going on

9/10

Haven't seen it,but it is hard to imagine a movie by that director talking down to any audience...Saw the first one,and it was just a nobrainer actionmovie wasn't it

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Haven't seen it,but it is hard to imagine a movie by that director talking down to any audience...Saw the first one,and it was just a nobrainer actionmovie wasn't it

I found the first one a lot of fun, but it wasn't stupid, it had a nice plot