The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Never Been Kissed - 3.5/5

Never Seen Before.

a solid rom-com / chick flick that i oddly enough find (the genre) fascinating and fun. Barrymore was great in all her geeky glory and seeing a BUNCH of well known actors and actresses from a movie this old (1999) was great and made for some terrifically hilarious scenes.

not my favorite of the genre, but a solid entry no less

It reminds me of Fight Club for some reason

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Never Been Kissed - 3.5/5

[Show spoiler]
Never Seen Before.

a solid rom-com / chick flick that i oddly enough find (the genre) fascinating and fun. Barrymore was great in all her geeky glory and seeing a BUNCH of well known actors and actresses from a movie this old (1999) was great and made for some terrifically hilarious scenes.

not my favorite of the genre, but a solid entry no less

Agreed (...yeah, it's one of the few romcoms I don't mind).

Originally Posted by Steve46

It reminds me of Fight Club for some reason

Hey, first rule about "Fight Club" is...

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Never Been Kissed - 3.5/5

Never Seen Before.

a solid rom-com / chick flick that i oddly enough find (the genre) fascinating and fun. Barrymore was great in all her geeky glory and seeing a BUNCH of well known actors and actresses from a movie this old (1999) was great and made for some terrifically hilarious scenes.

not my favorite of the genre, but a solid entry no less

Wait this film actually exists!!!

[Show spoiler]

[iam1bearcat]

The Hot Chick - 4.5/5

yeah, i love this film. so what?

now, i'm not a Rob Schneider fan. he's best in small doses. which is why i'm shocked that NBC or CBS or whoever is giving him his own show. because seeing Rob Schneider on TV once a week? eesh! talk about punishment!

anyways, The Hot Chick is Schneider's crowning achievement as far as a leading role. (his small role as the foreign delivery guy in Big Daddy is classic and probably his best cameo appearance ) and it's probably because the supporting cast is excellent and helps elevate his performance and what he calls his "acting" ability () - Anna Faris and the other lead in the film - Rachel McAdams put in hilariously great performances.

for those that don't know what the "plot" is, the story is that Schneider is a small time crook, homeless-type guy who accidentally switches bodies with a stuck up popular cheerleader in high school. what makes the film so funny is that while we the audience see Schneider, the people in the film see the blond popular cheerleader (McAdams).

the film as a whole is about as dumb as it can get with hilarious dumb visual gags, surprise cameo appearances (Sandler's is terrific ) and incredibly cruel, vicious dialogue. i love it

these scenes sums up how awesome the film is. i could watch this scene on repeat for days on end

April, April, APRIIIILLLL!!!!!! - YouTube

The Hot Chick - "It's Me Jessica!" - YouTube

enjoy!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by killowertz

He still watches movies!?

[Show spoiler] i'm pretty sure i've never seen that movie.

Originally Posted by steve46

it reminds me of fight club for some reason

Originally Posted by al_the_strange

agreed (...yeah, it's one of the few romcoms i don't mind).



Hey, first rule about "fight club" is...

Originally Posted by foggy

wait this film actually exists!!!

[Show spoiler]

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest movie borrowed from the library: "The Punisher."

I rented this eight years ago when the movie first came out. I stopped halfway through because I thought it sucked.

Now, I decided to give it a second chance. And for some odd reason, I seem to be digging it.

I suspect that this is one of those cases where expectations can get in the way. One misleading expectation is that this movie will kick serious butt because it's a Marvel production based on a Marvel comic. Compared to the whole line-up of Marvel heroes (like "The X-Men," "Spiderman," and heck even "Daredevil"), "The Punisher" is severely lacking in action, major setpieces, and any sense of iconic or dramatic moments that otherwise define other hero pictures.

Another misleading expectation is that this movie will kick serious butt as an action picture. Now this is where the sequel "War Zone" succeeded very well. But as it is, this first "Punisher" picture only has a handful of action scenes, shootouts, and violence. Unfortunately, there's nothing that will really stand out.

Approach this like a grim, serious, brooding crime drama, and you've got it! It's like "Max Payne" without the style: a brooding tale of revenge with plenty of machismo. What little action the movie has generally reminds me of an average 80s action movie; there's certainly some shooting and car chases, but it's blandly filmed and never really stands out in any specific way. The movie is pretty well-paced, despite its lack of excitement. Ultimately, any joy you can find in this film will be in the story.

And the story is pretty sound. Chances are that you can find better films with this exact same content, but the film rarely feels tiresome or cliched. It's pretty easy to relate to the characters, and thus it becomes fun to watch the Punisher messing around with the mob.

Cinematically, I still feel that it's a very plain-looking film. Photography is solid, but never establishes any unique filming style or technique that sets it apart from other films. Editing is not bad. Acting is interesting. I feel that Tom Jane is a mixed bag; he has the right look and the right voice, but I never felt that he expressed enough emotion concerning

[Show spoiler]the death of his character's family

. John Travolta puts on what must be his most serious performance of his career; it's respectable, but I find him way more interesting when he does a cheesy role. Everybody else does their job well. Writing is okay. Production value has okay sets, props, and costumes. Music is good.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 3.5/5) Increased from 2/5

Recommendation: As a rental. Wouldn't be a good match next to other superhero movies or really intense action flicks, but I think it goes well with other crime dramas ("Carlito's Way," "Scarface," "The Departed," etc), and possibly next to other vigilante thrillers (like "Death Wish").

Yep, I decided to add the "Punisher" double-feature Blu-Ray to by Amazon shopping cart.

Notes:

• Two scenes reminded me of other movies. The scene where Tom Jane is running down the pier with a shotgun in his hands reminded me of the scene where Mel Gibson is running down the street with a shotgun in his hands in "Mad Max." Another scene is the duel in the lobby, three men in a circle, just like in "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly." I doubt these scenes were meant to rip off or pay homage to any of these films, but the similarities seemed uncanny to me.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Next greatest movie borrowed from the library: "The Punisher."

[Show spoiler]I rented this eight years ago when the movie first came out. I stopped halfway through because I thought it sucked.

Now, I decided to give it a second chance. And for some odd reason, I seem to be digging it.

I suspect that this is one of those cases where expectations can get in the way. One misleading expectation is that this movie will kick serious butt because it's a Marvel production based on a Marvel comic. Compared to the whole line-up of Marvel heroes (like "The X-Men," "Spiderman," and heck even "Daredevil"), "The Punisher" is severely lacking in action, major setpieces, and any sense of iconic or dramatic moments that otherwise define other hero pictures.

Another misleading expectation is that this movie will kick serious butt as an action picture. Now this is where the sequel "War Zone" succeeded very well. But as it is, this first "Punisher" picture only has a handful of action scenes, shootouts, and violence. Unfortunately, there's nothing that will really stand out.

Approach this like a grim, serious, brooding crime drama, and you've got it! It's like "Max Payne" without the style: a brooding tale of revenge with plenty of machismo. What little action the movie has generally reminds me of an average 80s action movie; there's certainly some shooting and car chases, but it's blandly filmed and never really stands out in any specific way. The movie is pretty well-paced, despite its lack of excitement. Ultimately, any joy you can find in this film will be in the story.

And the story is pretty sound. Chances are that you can find better films with this exact same content, but the film rarely feels tiresome or cliched. It's pretty easy to relate to the characters, and thus it becomes fun to watch the Punisher messing around with the mob.

Cinematically, I still feel that it's a very plain-looking film. Photography is solid, but never establishes any unique filming style or technique that sets it apart from other films. Editing is not bad. Acting is interesting. I feel that Tom Jane is a mixed bag; he has the right look and the right voice, but I never felt that he expressed enough emotion concerning

[Show spoiler]the death of his character's family

. John Travolta puts on what must be his most serious performance of his career; it's respectable, but I find him way more interesting when he does a cheesy role. Everybody else does their job well. Writing is okay. Production value has okay sets, props, and costumes. Music is good.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 3.5/5) Increased from 2/5

Recommendation: As a rental. Wouldn't be a good match next to other superhero movies or really intense action flicks, but I think it goes well with other crime dramas ("Carlito's Way," "Scarface," "The Departed," etc), and possibly next to other vigilante thrillers (like "Death Wish").

Yep, I decided to add the "Punisher" double-feature Blu-Ray to by Amazon shopping cart.

Notes:

• Two scenes reminded me of other movies. The scene where Tom Jane is running down the pier with a shotgun in his hands reminded me of the scene where Mel Gibson is running down the street with a shotgun in his hands in "Mad Max." Another scene is the duel in the lobby, three men in a circle, just like in "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly." I doubt these scenes were meant to rip off or pay homage to any of these films, but the similarities seemed uncanny to me.

I really wish this had better PQ/AQ.

______________________________

Pleased to discover that Drive is a near perfect blu!

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/6132/drive.html

Pumped to see this one again.

______________________________

I offered to host a bi-monthly movie event for this month at work. I was looking over a few shorts and decided to share some with you guys.

Love Language: The Original Short Film & Fundraiser - YouTube

10 minutes by Ahmed Imamovic - BEST SHORT FILM IN EUROPE - YouTube

[Foggy]

Watched Submarine again, for those that care, it's still really good and I still love it

[Steve46]

Continuing my Top 100 movies to see before you die:

19. Cache (Hidden) (2005)
Drama, Mystery, Thriller. 117 minutes, French Language
Directed by Michael Haneke
Starring Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche



Cache won't have wide appeal and I wouldn't blindly recommend the film to everyone. Haneke doesn't explain all of the events in an obvious way, but the details do provide a solution for viewers who are prepared to give the film their full attention.

The story opens with a stationary video of an apartment in a typical neighborhood. We see people pass and one or two people leave the building. No explanation is given at this point; we are merely observers. The shot turns out to be a video and the inhabitants of the apartment are watching it. Someone is taping their movements and leaving the recordings on their doorstep. No notes are included.

Are the tapes meant for them? Who is recording them and for what purpose? How would you react in that situation? Would you trust your instincts and try to work out who would have a motive? Would you be frightened and inform the police? What about people you know? Would you explain the situation to friends and colleagues, or keep it a secret? The people under surveillance are Georges (Auteuil), Anne (Binoche) and their son Pierrot. Are they in danger?

The film unfolds slowly. We see how their normal patterns change to combat any potential risk. The relationship between Georges and Anne also changes. Do they completely trust each other? Shouldn't they be totally united against the perceived threat rather than holding back information from one another? The dynamic between the two is one of the most interesting things in the film.

The plot plays out like a Hitchcock mystery. It partly reminds me of Rear Window, where we see events from a fixed point and speculate about people's motivations. But, in contrast, we are shown other locations too. Each one holds a clue about what is happening.

The acting and directing are superb throughout and the Blu-ray presentation is just about perfect.

The main reason that I am hesitant to recommend this to everyone is the conclusion. The film appears to end suddenly without any apparent resolution, but the information is there if you are looking. A scene early in the film sets up part of the reveal. Haneke is asking us to play detective and piece the information together for ourselves. The fun is in the process rather than finding out who is responsible. I find it compulsive viewing.

If you like Cache:

I like mysteries and Cache can certainly be placed in that category. I have already mentioned Rear Window, and some elements remind me of Vertigo, but the film that it most closely resembles is Certified Copy, also starring Juliette Binoche. In Certified Copy, we are shown the behavior of a couple over the course of a day. They initially don't appear to be in a relationship, but when someone believes they are married, they pretend to be a couple. But are we being fooled and the initial meeting is the part where they are pretending? It's an interesting puzzle.


20. Cast Away (2000)
Drama, 143 minutes
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Tom Hanks



Tom Hanks was probably the biggest box office draw for around 10 years, starting with Philadelphia in 1993. Like Meryl Streep, his performances haven't always won the awards they deserved. We expect excellence from Hanks and Streep, and it's never easy to add an Oscar after you have already won twice. Cast Away sees Hanks give one of his best performances, and that's saying a lot.

The opening part of the film introduces us to the life of Chuck Noland (Hanks). He works for FedEx and is obsessed with time. Everything has to happen according to schedule or he considers himself a failure. Noland is in love with Kelly Frears (Helen Hunt), but his life is too busy for him to make her his main priority. They have to exchange Christmas gifts in the car on their way to the airport because he doesn't make time for anything more significant. This is a common theme in the lives of too many people. We rush around, earning as much money as we can, barely slowing down long enough to spend time with the people we love. You don't miss it until it's gone.

Noland's plane crashes and he's the sole survivor. He manages to swim ashore and finds himself alone on an island. This isn't a new idea, but the execution is excellent. Noland is used to a comfortable life and has to learn how to survive in his new surroundings. Where will he live? What will he eat? Will he need to protect himself? What if he's ill or in pain? How will he remain sane? How will he escape and make his way back to civilization?

I enjoy Cast Away because it's such a peaceful movie. All we hear are natural sounds while Noland is trapped on the island. There isn't even any musical score during this extended sequence. It helps us realize what it is like to be completely alone. How would we adapt and survive? Would we have the mental strength to seek escape? It's an examination of how human beings think, and that always appeals to me.

If you like Cast Away:

If you like films which explore the psychological aspect of being alone, take a look at I Am Legend or the previously mentioned 127 Hours. If you're simply a fan of Hanks, he was at his best in films such as Apollo 13, The Green Mile and Forrest Gump.

[Foggy]

For those of you who have Region B players, there are now no excuses why you can't pick this up, consider this your warning!

With that said, here is a film I'm been raring to talk about since Friday!

Life is Beautiful

If you haven't seen this film, shame on you, if you don't like this film, go home, you're not my friend anymore

Life is Beautiful is a charming uplifting Italian comedy set during the holocaust

Yes, that is true, it's a comedy set during the holocaust

Someone who isn't as educated in film would probably wind up thinking that this is a film that makes fun of the holocaust, making light of mass genocide. Of course, this isn't true. Life is Beautiful is a film that is perfectly crafted, a film about hope and survival. The film never makes fun of it's dark subject matter, but finds times to bring out a bit of light in a dark era of modern history, showing us that no matter how dark and hopeless life can become, the human spirit will still be there.

Most the acting is superb, although the wife's acting is very as all she seems to do is look dopey eyed and sad, and the kid's acting is typical annoying brat, although he's in italian, so you can't really see how poor his line delivery is.

The films humour is very classy and similar to the humour that would be seen back in the times, but is still very relevant and very funny to standards nowadays, and even if you don't find it funny, the characters are still just as likeable and the story still has the same impact.

The main success of the film is the fact that it manages to keep you hopeful, you hope that everyone comes out okay in the end, although you often remind yourself that it is set during the holocaust and many where killed. And the ending itself was very bittersweet, but works well.

10/10

Schindler's List should be coming in a week or two

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

For those of you who have Region B players, there are now no excuses why you can't pick this up, consider this your warning!

With that said, here is a film I'm been raring to talk about since Friday!

Life is Beautiful

[Show spoiler]
If you haven't seen this film, shame on you, if you don't like this film, go home, you're not my friend anymore

Life is Beautiful is a charming uplifting Italian comedy set during the holocaust

Yes, that is true, it's a comedy set during the holocaust

Someone who isn't as educated in film would probably wind up thinking that this is a film that makes fun of the holocaust, making light of mass genocide. Of course, this isn't true. Life is Beautiful is a film that is perfectly crafted, a film about hope and survival. The film never makes fun of it's dark subject matter, but finds times to bring out a bit of light in a dark era of modern history, showing us that no matter how dark and hopeless life can become, the human spirit will still be there.

Most the acting is superb, although the wife's acting is very as all she seems to do is look dopey eyed and sad, and the kid's acting is typical annoying brat, although he's in italian, so you can't really see how poor his line delivery is.

The films humour is very classy and similar to the humour that would be seen back in the times, but is still very relevant and very funny to standards nowadays, and even if you don't find it funny, the characters are still just as likeable and the story still has the same impact.

The main success of the film is the fact that it manages to keep you hopeful, you hope that everyone comes out okay in the end, although you often remind yourself that it is set during the holocaust and many where killed. And the ending itself was very bittersweet, but works well.

10/10

Schindler's List should be coming in a week or two

It's available in Canada too, for all you Region-A patrons.

It's been a while since I saw this, but I remember it's a fantastic story that everybody should see at least once.

Originally Posted by Foggy

Schindler's List should be coming in a week or two

A holocaust marathon?

Though it's not about the holocaust, you ought to add "City of Life and Death" to that line-up too.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Life is Beautiful

the wife's acting is very as all she seems to do is look dopey eyed and sad, and the kid's acting is typical annoying brat

I agree with the rest of your review though.

[SquidPuppet]

The Tree of Life

AKA "Pondering The Meaning of Life and My Childhood"

Written and directed by Terrence Malick's Inner Child. Not meant as an insult.

The cinemetography and score were outstanding. Malicks editing style just doesnt work for me, too distracting.

Acting from the adults was good, and GREAT from the kids.

Malick really lost track of Pitt's here/gone/here again/gone again accent. Jarring for me because it was a potent accent one moment and then altogether missing at other times.

Themes? Serious stuff, sure, the things I have found myself wondering about numerous times in my adult life. I enjoyed the dreaming in wonderment about "what it all could mean", and I enjoyed the traditional "Family Story". I also believe that mixing the two in the same movie was a mistake.

I found almost every scene touching and beautiful, but the whole left me barely satisfied.

I never once looked at my watch, yet I'll never revisit it.

3/5

Blu-ray PQ and AQ were reference level.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

It's available in Canada too, for all you Region-A patrons.

It's been a while since I saw this, but I remember it's a fantastic story that everybody should see at least once.

A holocaust marathon?

Though it's not about the holocaust, you ought to add "City of Life and Death" to that line-up too.

But does it have as good PQ and AQ?

Also not really a holocaust marathon, just looking at the holocaust in one of my lessons at class, it's Life is Beautiful, Schindler's List and Night and Fog

My watch list for the next few weeks is:

• Schindler's List
• Night and Fog
• The Skin I Live In
• American Gangster (Started it but wasn't really digging it)
• Public Enemies
• Drive
• Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
• Kung Fu Panda 2
• War Horse

and I need to squeeze in some Chaplin films before the end of the month for a short 400 word essay for one of my Universities.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Tree of Life

[Show spoiler]AKA "Pondering The Meaning of Life and My Childhood"

Written and directed by Terrence Malick's Inner Child. Not meant as an insult.

The cinemetography and score were outstanding. Malicks editing style just doesnt work for me, too distracting.

Acting from the adults was good, and GREAT from the kids.

Malick really lost track of Pitt's here/gone/here again/gone again accent. Jarring for me because it was a potent accent one moment and then altogether missing at other times.

[Show spoiler]Themes? Serious stuff, sure, the things I have found myself wondering about numerous times in my adult life. I enjoyed the dreaming in wonderment about "what it all could mean", and I enjoyed the traditional "Family Story". I also believe that mixing the two in the same movie was a mistake.

I found almost every scene touching and beautiful, but the whole left me barely satisfied.

I never once looked at my watch, yet I'll never revisit it.

3/5

Blu-ray PQ and AQ were reference level.

Maybe it shows Sean Penn's loss of his heritage and family

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Tree of Life

AKA "Pondering The Meaning of Life and My Childhood"

Written and directed by Terrence Malick's Inner Child. Not meant as an insult.

ouch. that's worse than saying it was an insult.

The cinemetography and score were outstanding. Malicks editing style just doesnt work for me, too distracting.

yes, loved teh cinematography and score also. too bad the score they sell on amazon isn't the real score

Acting from the adults was good, and GREAT from the kids.

great point that is frequently overlooked. Young Jack was fantastic, as were the other brothers. I bet Malick just had them doing spontaneous playing in many scenes. But you could also tell that they were following scripted action at other times, and doing it insanely well.

Malick really lost track of Pitt's here/gone/here again/gone again accent. Jarring for me because it was a potent accent one moment and then altogether missing at other times.

wow, never noticed that. I'll take a listen on my next viewing!

Themes? Serious stuff, sure, the things I have found myself wondering about numerous times in my adult life. I enjoyed the dreaming in wonderment about "what it all could mean", and I enjoyed the traditional "Family Story". I also believe that mixing the two in the same movie was a mistake.

hmm. you didn't feel any theme overlap between the two? I definitely did. But then again, I'm SE. No but seriously, I can see how some people see the two separate. Family in Texas over here. Big Bang and galaxy formation over here. Its a no-brainer argument to make that the two are separate. But the "what it could all mean", "why does X happen?" etc etc themes were initiated in the family sequences, not the space sequences, and so when the space/evolution/etc sequences popped up, I was like "oh cool, more 'what does it all mean' stuff"

EDIT: curious on your thoughts about The Fountain, and specifically why you think the mixing of the family (couple) sequence worked with the dream space sequences in that film, but not in Tree of Life?

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Foggy

[B]Life is Beautiful

[Show spoiler]If you haven't seen this film, shame on you, if you don't like this film, go home, you're not my friend anymore

Life is Beautiful is a charming uplifting Italian comedy set during the holocaust

Yes, that is true, it's a comedy set during the holocaust

Someone who isn't as educated in film would probably wind up thinking that this is a film that makes fun of the holocaust, making light of mass genocide. Of course, this isn't true. Life is Beautiful is a film that is perfectly crafted, a film about hope and survival. The film never makes fun of it's dark subject matter, but finds times to bring out a bit of light in a dark era of modern history, showing us that no matter how dark and hopeless life can become, the human spirit will still be there.

Most the acting is superb, although the wife's acting is very as all she seems to do is look dopey eyed and sad, and the kid's acting is typical annoying brat, although he's in italian, so you can't really see how poor his line delivery is.

The films humour is very classy and similar to the humour that would be seen back in the times, but is still very relevant and very funny to standards nowadays, and even if you don't find it funny, the characters are still just as likeable and the story still has the same impact.

The main success of the film is the fact that it manages to keep you hopeful, you hope that everyone comes out okay in the end, although you often remind yourself that it is set during the holocaust and many where killed. And the ending itself was very bittersweet, but works well.

10/10

Schindler's List should be coming in a week or two

Great review. It is a film that expresses the importance of perspective, hope, and belief. Definitely a unique and very important film to see!

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Tree of Life

[Show spoiler]AKA "Pondering The Meaning of Life and My Childhood"

Written and directed by Terrence Malick's Inner Child. Not meant as an insult.

The cinemetography and score were outstanding. Malicks editing style just doesnt work for me, too distracting.

Acting from the adults was good, and GREAT from the kids.

Malick really lost track of Pitt's here/gone/here again/gone again accent. Jarring for me because it was a potent accent one moment and then altogether missing at other times.

Themes? Serious stuff, sure, the things I have found myself wondering about numerous times in my adult life. I enjoyed the dreaming in wonderment about "what it all could mean", and I enjoyed the traditional "Family Story". I also believe that mixing the two in the same movie was a mistake.

I found almost every scene touching and beautiful, but the whole left me barely satisfied.

I never once looked at my watch, yet I'll never revisit it.

3/5

Blu-ray PQ and AQ were reference level.

The blend worked well for me. It began with the grieving for loss of life then went on to give us a perception of just what one life really means (in the context of the universe and in the context of a family), before coming to the mother's acceptance. From the grieving, I felt it transitioned smoothly into a 'general meaning of life/origins of the universe' meditation with the mother saying "Who are we to You?" just before the sequence. Afterwards, zooming in as close as possible for the viewer to experience the smallest details of one family's life (with symbolism throughout). And in the end, zooming back out to show the end of the universe and of course, Jack's resolution. It's a comprehensive view of life itself and a spiritual experience.

One problem I have is I think Brad Pitt's role should have been a bit harsher. I wasn't too convinced he was all that intimidating. Malick kind of left that up to our imagination I guess. It might have been so that the viewer can relate to his character as well and see him as a victim himself.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

ouch. that's worse than saying it was an insult.

Being ABLE to connect with ones inner child is a good thing. The world would be a better place if more adults were able and practiced the connection more often.

wow, never noticed that. I'll take a listen on my next viewing!

Yeah, the first time I heard him speak it was HEAVY. I thought, "Wow he almost sounds like Lt. Aldo Raine from Inglourious Basterds. I better gear up for a whole movie like this". Then later in some scenes it was completely gone and he sounded like regular old California Brad. I just chaulked it up as a continuity boner like an untouched wine glass going full/empty/full/empty.

hmm. you didn't feel any theme overlap between the two?

Sure, they can overlap. And maybe they even did in the movie. But my brain doesnt naturally work that way so it feels off putting to me. While I can and frequently do engage in daydreaming and meditation, I tend to even attack those activities in a structured way. I consider myself organized and goal oriented without crossing over into an OCD anal dude.

EDIT: curious on your thoughts about The Fountain, and specifically why you think the mixing of the family (couple) sequence worked with the dream space sequences in that film, but not in Tree of Life?

Because in The Fountain the dream sequences were places the characters visited.

[Show spoiler]Tommy's visions of the future were his continuation of her book, molded to fit his own emotional needs during his healing process. Izzi's fantasy was part of her coping and acceptance mechanism for dealing with her terminal illness.

In The Tree of Life, I didnt get the feeling that it was the characters who were pondering the extreme fantasy sequences as much as it was the filmmaker doing so. Yes, for sure, the characters wondered why god did and or allowed certain events, but It never seemed to me that they were the ones pondering the birth of the Universe/dinosaurs/Big Bang/evolution vs creation. And thats an issue for me when it comes to Malick. He convolutes/comingles himself with his characters and it doesnt work for me.

Oh, and also because The Fountain is a vastly superior movie on every single level, thats why!!!! Seriously though, they could go toe-to-toe in a battle of cinematography and use of sound.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

[Show spoiler]

speaking of things nobody cares about....

it's that time of the year again. time to list my Top 10 Favorite films!

[Show spoiler]

i know, i know. i've done about 67 of these (as have most of you regulars ) but the following 10 films are ones that really are cemented in my favorites list. some will never be moved from the top 10 (or top 5). i've seen each film on the list countless times so i feel very strongly about their placement. they may not be films that win awards or have high accolades with fans and "critics" but who cares? i'm not saying they're the best made films, just my personal favorite films.

as you'll see, the list consists of some bleak, semi-depressing / depressing themes and most contain a certain bleak, lonely theme that almost connects them all which i find pretty neat

10.

[Show spoiler]Mulholland Dr.

9.

[Show spoiler]Lost in Translation

8.

[Show spoiler]Boogie Nights

7.

[Show spoiler](500) Days of Summer

6.

[Show spoiler]The Blair Witch Project

5.

[Show spoiler]Fight Club

4.

[Show spoiler]Michael Clayton

3.

[Show spoiler]Magnolia

2.

[Show spoiler]Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

1.

[Show spoiler]The Rules of Attraction

10 films i truly love

so other films that are right outside the Top 10...

[Show spoiler]2001: A Space Odyssey, There Will Be Blood, The Breakfast Club, Blow, Donnie Darko, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Submarine, Apocalypse Now, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Last Kiss, Moon, Office Space, Revanche, Zodiac, Solaris (original), Solaris (2002), Adventureland, The Hot Chick, Garden State and of course, many others

I definitely remember these by heart now! I want to post my favorites again soon.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (US version)


Film: 3 stars (out of 4)


Full review to come later, but the short of it is that the film is pretty good but far from great and far from a best picture nominee. It's far inferior to the Swedish version in literally every category but budget, and even when not comparing it to the Swedish version it still remains a pretty good film at best.

Not surprised... the Swedish one was so good. Really looking forward to seeing Rooney Mara's performance though. It seems like she invested a lot into it.