The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Not necessarily, I think it will be that sort of film people will put up there and go "Pah, all you meer mortals with your Dark Knights and Avengers, while I like this little small budget film"

I also really think The Amazing Spiderman will get a major backlash if it winds up to be just good

Lol. You still did say it (I could go back and quote it), but no point in arguing about it.

I don't for the most part. Not after Spider-Man 3, even though I did like that movie to an extent. I think most people will be happy as long as it is a good improvement over that one, but only time will tell obviously.

[Steve46]

Have we reached 100 yet?

38. Field of Dreams (1989)
Drama, Family, Fantasy, 107 minutes
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta



Here's a movie that feels like vintage Spielberg. It was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Score, but failed to win. It's more of a fantasy than a drama and the viewer is required to ignore logic and any expectation of how the real world works. If you can do that, there's a chance you might end up loving Field of Dreams.

The story focuses on Ray Kinsella (Costner) who runs a farm in Iowa. One day, he hears a voice whispering to him out in the cornfield. It says, "If you build it, he will come." That would be both worrying and annoying, I imagine. We aren't told what he has to build or who will come, but he eventually has a "vision" of a baseball field among the corn.

Put yourself in that situation. Would you think you were losing your mind? Dare you tell anybody? Would you consider acting on it, even for a moment? Well, Ray tells his wife Annie (Amy Madigan) and she believes him. You would have to have an incredibly honest relationship to inspire that level of trust.

Ray destroys part of his crop, builds the field, and somebody does come. It turns out to be Shoeless Joe Jackson (Liotta). That's amazing enough, but the voice doesn't stop. It wants something more from Ray. I won't reveal anything else about the plot as it's better to experience it for yourself.

Costner was a huge star in the 80s and 90s and plays Ray very effectively. My favorite character is Terence Mann, played by James Earl Jones, and he should have been nominated for his performance. The whole cast works well and the story plays out like a wild fantasy adventure. I always find myself engrossed in the story, anxious to see what happens next, although I have watched the movie many times.

Field of Dreams is nonsense, but it's heartwarming, feel-good nonsense that I will never tire of seeing.

If you like Field of Dreams:

I mentioned that Field of Dreams feels like a Spielberg movie. The one which springs immediately to mind is Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We see both main characters compelled to go on a journey and they each meet someone with a similar compulsion. We go on that journey with them and have the same hopes and desires.

A more recent example of a similar movie is Midnight in Paris. It also has a strong fantasy element and the main character meets his heroes from the past.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Have we reached 100 yet?

[Show spoiler]
38. Field of Dreams (1989)
Drama, Family, Fantasy, 107 minutes
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta



Here's a movie that feels like vintage Spielberg. It was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Score, but failed to win. It's more of a fantasy than a drama and the viewer is required to ignore logic and any expectation of how the real world works. If you can do that, there's a chance you might end up loving Field of Dreams.

The story focuses on Ray Kinsella (Costner) who runs a farm in Iowa. One day, he hears a voice whispering to him out in the cornfield. It says, "If you build it, he will come." That would be both worrying and annoying, I imagine. We aren't told what he has to build or who will come, but he eventually has a "vision" of a baseball field among the corn.

Put yourself in that situation. Would you think you were losing your mind? Dare you tell anybody? Would you consider acting on it, even for a moment? Well, Ray tells his wife Annie (Amy Madigan) and she believes him. You would have to have an incredibly honest relationship to inspire that level of trust.

Ray destroys part of his crop, builds the field, and somebody does come. It turns out to be Shoeless Joe Jackson (Liotta). That's amazing enough, but the voice doesn't stop. It wants something more from Ray. I won't reveal anything else about the plot as it's better to experience it for yourself.

Costner was a huge star in the 80s and 90s and plays Ray very effectively. My favorite character is Terence Mann, played by James Earl Jones, and he should have been nominated for his performance. The whole cast works well and the story plays out like a wild fantasy adventure. I always find myself engrossed in the story, anxious to see what happens next, although I have watched the movie many times.

Field of Dreams is nonsense, but it's heartwarming, feel-good nonsense that I will never tire of seeing.

If you like Field of Dreams:

I mentioned that Field of Dreams feels like a Spielberg movie. The one which springs immediately to mind is Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We see both main characters compelled to go on a journey and they each meet someone with a similar compulsion. We go on that journey with them and have the same hopes and desires.

A more recent example of a similar movie is Midnight in Paris. It also has a strong fantasy element and the main character meets his heroes from the past.

I stopped paying attention to what number you are on a long time ago.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I stopped paying attention to what number you are on a long time ago.

Yeah, it doesn't really mean anything. I'm sure I'll find another excuse to write about something else once I reach 100.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Yeah, it doesn't really mean anything. I'm sure I'll find another excuse to write about something else once I reach 100.

Maybe the 100 films you should avoid? Wait, that could get messy...

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Maybe the 100 films you should avoid? Wait, that could get messy...

especially because of your love of crap, all 100 would likely be favorites of yours!

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

especially because of your love of crap, all 100 would likely be favorites of yours!

[Show spoiler]

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[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Lol. You still did say it (I could go back and quote it), but no point in arguing about it.

I don't for the most part. Not after Spider-Man 3, even though I did like that movie to an extent. I think most people will be happy as long as it is a good improvement over that one, but only time will tell obviously.

I dunno, a lot of people are really against that film. Not many are really looking all the giddy for it

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Maybe the 100 films you should avoid? Wait, that could get messy...

I'd actually like to see that

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I dunno, a lot of people are really against that film. Not many are really looking all the giddy for it


I'd actually like to see that

Try following @AwfullyBadMC

Awfully Bad Movie Club. Their slogan is "We watch awful movies so you don't have to, then tweet about them."

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I dunno, a lot of people are really against that film. Not many are really looking all the giddy for it

I understand that to an extent since I wasn't very thrilled that they were re-booting a series that wasn't very old (and one I really enjoyed). That changed though after all of the talent they brought in both behind and in front of the camera. It also doesn't hurt that Spider-Man is my favorite comic book character.

Things could change once promotion really starts getting into full swing (no pun intended), and if the movie turns out to be pretty good and the positive reviews start to pile up. Neither is a guarantee that this will be as big as the original, but I think it is a little early to worry about the film yet.

I'd actually like to see that

I don't think he'd like to type that.

[Steve46]

39. Fight Club (1999)
Drama, 139 minutes
Directed by David Fincher
Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter



Why do I like Fight Club? It seems to suggest that violence and anarchy are good things, but that's certainly not something I believe. I think it comes down to the dark comedy and the strong script, coupled with excellent performances from Norton and Pitt. This is a cool world to experience, but I wouldn't want to live in it.

The story seems perfectly traditional at first. We see Norton on a plane. He's referred to as The Narrator in the credits and seems to think of himself as Jack. He encounters Tyler Durden (Pitt) and takes his business card. Jack returns home to find that there's been an explosion in his apartment, so he calls Durden and eventually asks to stay at his house for a while. Durden is a cheerful, carefree lunatic who wants Jack to punch him. The two fight on the street and decide to recruit members and form Fight Club, believing that it's an expression of freedom.

Jack spends his free time visiting support groups. We see him hugging people with testicular cancer and all manner of diseases. He enjoys letting his inhibitions go and listening to the members speak about their illnesses. After a while, he becomes aware of Marla (Helena Bonham Carter). Like him, she's a tourist visiting the various support groups. He confronts her and they agree to attend different classes.

Durden encourages Jack to stop trying to live up to the expectations of other people. As a result, Jack becomes more assertive. He challenges the authority of his boss and stops worrying about his appearance and the latest IKEA catalog. He regularly shows up for work with fresh cuts and bruises. Jack finds that he enjoys his new image. One thing he doesn't like is Durden forming a relationship with Marla.

Fight Club is set in a gritty world and makes the viewer feel unclean while watching it. Fincher is good at creating unsettling worlds and this one is similar to those found in The Game and Se7en. Durden's house appears derelict and the neighborhood is seedy. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Durden has a purpose for starting Fight Club. The recruits are assigned tasks to disrupt society and members can come from any occupational background. It's like a secret society.

Fight Club contains a major twist and I won't reveal it for those who haven't ever seen the movie. The twist elevates the movie to a different level. Subsequent viewings are enhanced because you'll notice little details you may have missed the first time. It's clever how everything ties together. The ending annoys some viewers, but it works perfectly for me. The final sequence is set to one of my favorite Pixies' songs and is probably my favorite scene in the entire movie.

Although it's not an action movie, Fight Club is a pure adrenaline rush. From the opening credits set to the pounding beat of the Dust Brothers, it rarely lets up until the relative calm of the closing scene.

I'm enjoying this project and got more out of Fight Club on yesterday's viewing than I ever have before. Just don't go out and copy the behavior it depicts.

If you like Fight Club:

One of the most important themes in Fight Club is mental illness. I like examining the way in which that can mess with viewpoint characters and alter our perceptions. Other movies which have successfully used the same tactic include Mulholland Dr., Lost Highway and Shutter Island. Lynch is a master at blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Scorsese does a good job in Shutter Island. All three movies have endless replay value, even when you know the reveals. Fincher fans will probably enjoy The Game and Se7en because both contain gritty settings and have a similar feel.

[Foggy]

I have to study Fight Club and write a 45-60 Minute exam answer analysing it's themes, I think I start doing that in a few weeks for my exam in June.

That reminds me, I did watch Schindler's List, but I missed a large chunk one day last week, so if you're interested I do give that film a 10/10, but I won't write an official review until I've watched it all.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

That reminds me, I did watch Schindler's List, but I missed a large chunk one day last week, so if you're interested I do give that film a 10/10, but I won't write an official review until I've watched it all.

That's all you need. Excellent review.

[Al_The_Strange]

Two more blind-buys: "Green Lantern: First Flight" and "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights." Dare I say, both might actually be better than the "Green Lantern" live-action film. These two cartoons contain plenty of action and visual flair. There's tons of aliens and spacey stuff, with practically zero Earth-based drama to drag the stories down. Between the two, I probably favor "Emerald Knights" for its varied assortment of short stories, while "First Flight" seems to cover much of the same ground as the live-action movie (and thus could be an alternative for those who hated it). Animation looks decent. I give both...

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

Recommendations: Sure, why not?

Blu-Rays look and sound darn near perfect!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5



Then I discovered that my postman left my latest Amazon order in my shed. Don't know how long it's been there, and it could have stayed there if I had never gone in there.

Out of that, I watched my German copy of "Judge Dredd." I have no idea how it compares to the original comic, but as it is, I love the movie. It's got loads of cool SFX (a bit dated, but in high-def, it still looks really nice ). It's got enough bloody violence and cheese to put it in the same category as "RoboCop" (although Verhoeven's work is way bloodier). And it's got lots of 'splosions! Any complaints will be concerning the story, which I fear is a little too short for its own good.

4/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: For anybody who likes action, sci-fi, or comic-book themed movies, and doesn't mind some cheesy and brainless entertainment.

This Blu-Ray looks way better than I've ever seen it, and might be the best it can be. It's really nice and sharp. Colors and contrast are adequate, but probably could use some improvement. The film is quite grainy, but I think it looks great that way. Sound quality is smashing, although the dialogue can get drowned out by the blaring music at times.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5

The import is region-free.




"I AM THE LAW!!!"

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I have to study Fight Club and write a 45-60 Minute exam answer analysing it's themes, I think I start doing that in a few weeks for my exam in June.

That reminds me, I did watch Schindler's List, but I missed a large chunk one day last week, so if you're interested I do give that film a 10/10, but I won't write an official review until I've watched it all.

I will get around to Schindler's List one day.

Lots to write about as far as Fight Club goes.

[Foggy]

Bleh, Green Lantern leaves a bad taste in my mouth, no matter what form it is in

They Live

Best fight scene ever put on to film, but is it a film worth seeing?

Considered a spiritual sequel to Big Trouble in Little China, They Live marks JC return to lower budget film making due to the lack of popularity with Big Trouble. Should be good then...

They Live is a lot slower paced and grounded in it's depiction, don't expect random samurais flying around and kicking ass. They Live is a dark action thriller with elements of horror and politic satire thrown in, and on that level it really works, it's got Carpenters touch of genuine silliness thrown in there to, but there is something missing to really attach yourself to the film, no matter how badass it is.

The film has a very laid back way of telling it's story, which is portrayed through the music. But by god is that music annoying after a while, it's the same 5 notes over and over again

I really liked the film, I liked the vibe from it and I'd recommend it to anyone, but I just expected a little more.

8/10

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Bleh, Green Lantern leaves a bad taste in my mouth, no matter what form it is in

They Live

Best fight scene ever put on to film, but is it a film worth seeing?

Considered a spiritual sequel to Big Trouble in Little China, They Live marks JC return to lower budget film making due to the lack of popularity with Big Trouble. Should be good then...

They Live is a lot slower paced and grounded in it's depiction, don't expect random samurais flying around and kicking ass. They Live is a dark action thriller with elements of horror and politic satire thrown in, and on that level it really works, it's got Carpenters touch of genuine silliness thrown in there to, but there is something missing to really attach yourself to the film, no matter how badass it is.

The film has a very laid back way of telling it's story, which is portrayed through the music. But by god is that music annoying after a while, it's the same 5 notes over and over again

I really liked the film, I liked the vibe from it and I'd recommend it to anyone, but I just expected a little more.

8/10

"I am here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. ...and I'm all out of bubble gum."

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Two more blind-buys: "Green Lantern: First Flight" and "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights." Dare I say, both might actually be better than the "Green Lantern" live-action film. These two cartoons contain plenty of action and visual flair. There's tons of aliens and spacey stuff, with practically zero Earth-based drama to drag the stories down. Between the two, I probably favor "Emerald Knights" for its varied assortment of short stories, while "First Flight" seems to cover much of the same ground as the live-action movie (and thus could be an alternative for those who hated it). Animation looks decent. I give both...

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

Recommendations: Sure, why not?

Blu-Rays look and sound darn near perfect!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

First Flight is most definitely better than the live action
I still stand by the fact that the live action film was at least fun to watch...but First Flight was much better.





I saw Woman in Black today...
It's a LOUD NOISE SO NOW YOU'RE SCARED!!!! movie....
There's never a single moment of to be found anywhere in the film.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I saw Woman in Black today...
It's a LOUD NOISE SO NOW YOU'RE SCARED!!!! movie....
There's never a single moment of to be found anywhere in the film.

Oh I think I'll be giving it a miss then

[menaceuk]

Take Shelter - 9/10

Think this goes down as my second favourite movie of 2011. Simply fantastic.

Michael Shannon is amazing and even though it is billed as a drama. I found it to be more of a Horror. It has a very Eerie feeling right from the opening scene to the last.

[Show spoiler]
I really thought they were going to end it as him being a schizophrenic and then they showed those last few awesome scenes So glad it ended as it did. otherwise it would had felt very anti-climatic

If you haven't seen this movie I strongly suggest you do so A.S.A.P