The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

Finally received and watched this. Old review still applies.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon.”

In the natural progression of most major film franchises, the third film in a complete trilogy is the grand finale. Whether looking at either “Star Wars” series, “The Matrix,” “LOTR,” “X-Men,” etc all wrap up the storylines and characters and cumulate in a massive climactic battle.

As expected, “Transformers: DotM” showcases one of the most ambitious and epic finales of any film series. Even if you thought the action could never top the intensity or breadth of the first two films, “DotM” finally cuts to the chase and brings us all-out carnage! It’s pretty darn awesome watching the transformers duke it out in foreign lands and on the highways (in a scene which could possibly surpass the highway chase scene in the first movie), but the last hour or so is entirely devoted to a massive invasion where robots and ships are literally tearing the city up and brutally massacring each other. The ruined cityscapes are about as imaginative and artistic as what we see in the “Crysis 2” video game; the intensity and the stakes are about as high as what we see in a “Terminator” movie; the action is easily the best of the series. And with strong storytelling and cinematography, “DotM” easily bests most other alien invasion movies (especially following the releases of “Skyline” and “Battle: LA” ).

This movie may be overshadowed by the weaknesses of “Revenge of the Fallen,” but rest assured that the story for “DotM” is fleshed out way better. The conspiracies that are unveiled are quite sublimely integrated, and seeing them unravel feels like a refreshing revelation. The climax works very well to tie up the events of the first two films, and ultimately I feel that this movie incorporates a number of elements that may have been lost in the last film (namely, the ideas that the transformers are covert, the ideas that they are fighting for their way of life, and most importantly, the idea that they are fighting for freedom (and it’s the 4th of July, so it’s perfect! )). As far as the human element goes, the story takes the franchise’s hero to his next logical step; all of this drama might test your patience a little (especially with so much hit-or-miss humor), but it all contributes to the amazing finale.

Cinematically, “DotM” shows excellent photography and editing; the shots are indeed prolonged and evenly-paced, allowing you to see the action much more leisurely than the last two hectic movies. The film has its share of wonderful scenery, but it feels rather drab and grim overall (which helps add a sense of doom and gloom; parts of this movie are rather scary). Acting is a mixed bag once again; Shia LaBeouf continues to be himself, for better or for worse. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has a few weak moments, but I felt she was an ample replacement for Megan Fox. Patrick Dempsey is convincing as a jerk. Ken Jeong’s role was pretty darn wild, for better or for worse. John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, and Tyrese Gibson all return and are still great; Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, and Alan Tudyk are interesting additions. And of course, Peter Cullen, Hugo Weaving, and Leonard Nimoy are superb in their voice acting. Aside from using my least-favorite Linkin Park song, the music is great.

I’m not sure at this point if I’d rank this over the first film or not. But at the very least, I’d put them on the same level, and in time I’ll see which one I value the most.

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

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

As expected, picture and sound quality are phenomenal. Image has a few grainy scenes, but is otherwise perfect.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

I've held out for the Limited Edition with extras, and it paid off. These extras are quite entertaining and informative. Plenty of amusing anecdotes and backstories. It's a strong of a package as the last couple of "TF" movies (and it's kinda cheap of them to leave these fine extras out of the initial release ).

Extras: 5/5

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Finally received and watched this. Old review still applies.

As expected, picture and sound quality are phenomenal. Image has a few grainy scenes, but is otherwise perfect.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

I've held out for the Limited Edition with extras, and it paid off. These extras are quite entertaining and informative. Plenty of amusing anecdotes and backstories. It's a strong of a package as the last couple of "TF" movies (and it's kinda cheap of them to leave these fine extras out of the initial release ).

Extras: 5/5

Agree on the PQ and AQ. In Transformers tradition, this is one of the most complete discs in regards to PQ and AQ.

Also agree on the special features. I only watched Above and Beyond so far, but I thought that was great even at almost 2 hours. I'm sure some of the other stuff is good too, but I didn't have time for anything else when I watched my copy.

They waited to release the loaded 3D release for one reason... money.

[BladeRunner2007]

Belle de jour 5/5



One of the best movies of all time!

[QuasidodoJr]

Originally Posted by Foggy

You've worked it out I still haven't got around to playing it yet these cut scenes have been going on for hours

The final cut-scene in the game, if you take out the three minutes or less of gameplay involved, runs at about an hour and 30 minutes. Very close to the length of a feature film. And that's just one of the lengthy cut-scenes in the game. I skipped 3 and 4 afterwards because of this.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by QuasidodoJr

The final cut-scene in the game, if you take out the three minutes or less of gameplay involved, runs at about an hour and 30 minutes. Very close to the length of a feature film. And that's just one of the lengthy cut-scenes in the game. I skipped 3 and 4 afterwards because of this.

Indeed, you get an hour long lecture on the fabrication of free will and the pessimism of freedom before you fight the final boss More game should feature that

Anyway better get a film in before I start digging into Snake Eater (which I like a lot more)

Exit Through The Gift Shop

My friends and I were talking about Banksy the other day, as I have a friend who is a very talented artist and is thoroughly inspired by him. We were talking about how apparently someone in LA got their house taken off them and sold as art because Banksy decided to do some art on his house. One of my other friends, who is rather cynical and has the largest amount of hair on his head in England was commenting on how is it Banksy hasn't even been arrested yet, yet a guy has his house taken off of him. The conversation leads on and I bring up that he was nominated for an Oscar and they still can't arrest the guy

Hence finally getting around to watching Exit Through The Gift Shop today

It's a good piece of film, not sure how much actuality there is too it, since there are plenty of arguments between whether it's a hoax or not but that's not really the point. The thing that really works about it as a documentary is that it's just an opinion from a person who seen a part world build from the ground upwards into something no one really expected and never anticipated, it's focused enough that it's factual, yet vague enough that it can shape a message that can be applied to a bigger part of society.

Never mind the fact it's very funny, very entertaining and a lot of the time, quite gripping. It's just a strange breed of filmmaking, that is even stranger if it is all true.

9.5/10

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Indeed, you get an hour long lecture on the fabrication of free will and the pessimism of freedom before you fight the final boss More game should feature that

Anyway better get a film in before I start digging into Snake Eater (which I like a lot more)

Exit Through The Gift Shop

My friends and I were talking about Banksy the other day, as I have a friend who is a very talented artist and is thoroughly inspired by him. We were talking about how apparently someone in LA got their house taken off them and sold as art because Banksy decided to do some art on his house. One of my other friends, who is rather cynical and has the largest amount of hair on his head in England was commenting on how is it Banksy hasn't even been arrested yet, yet a guy has his house taken off of him. The conversation leads on and I bring up that he was nominated for an Oscar and they still can't arrest the guy

Hence finally getting around to watching Exit Through The Gift Shop today

It's a good piece of film, not sure how much actuality there is too it, since there are plenty of arguments between whether it's a hoax or not but that's not really the point. The thing that really works about it as a documentary is that it's just an opinion from a person who seen a part world build from the ground upwards into something no one really expected and never anticipated, it's focused enough that it's factual, yet vague enough that it can shape a message that can be applied to a bigger part of society.

Never mind the fact it's very funny, very entertaining and a lot of the time, quite gripping. It's just a strange breed of filmmaking, that is even stranger if it is all true.

9.5/10

Thats an awesome documentary. Are we being duped by part of it? Or is the whole thing a scam? Or is it all real? Crazy ride either way.

[surfdude12]

Win Win
Film: 4.5/5
-thanks to Squid for the recommendation
-great Drama about an attorney and wrestling coach who takes on a guardianship case in which he tries to help out a troubled youth with athletic ability. Reminded me of Blind Side but WAY better because it was so real and showed how good people can make bad decisions
-Paul Giammti is incredible, as always. Definietly worth a viewing

Army of Shadows
Film: 4/5
-film about French resistance in WW2
-very well shot with excellent camerawork and direction
-film about the undercover elements of the French revolution in Germany and how they communicated with one another, reacted when one of them were captured (and tortured), etc etc
-some graphic violent scenes, where they dont necessarily show direct violence, but show injuries/brusing/etc on the face/etc that is hard to watch
-definietly worth a second, third viewing, etc , to grasp all the details = good criterion collection piece

The Artist (third viewing = I know. I can't get enough)
Film: 5/5
-was honestly just as entertaining on the second/third viewings, as the first viewing, if not more so!
-its all been said. the film kicks butt. the end.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Bonus review because I had some free time:

I just watched the UK Region B import of Arrietty for the second time. My blog has other Studio Ghibli titles for the few of you here that aren't familiar with them.

Here's my Arrietty review with minor spoilers:

[Show spoiler]The Secret World of Arrietty (2011, UK version)
Animation. Adventure, Family, 94 minutes
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Starring the voices of Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Tom Holland



For the benefit of those who have never read any of my reviews, I consider Studio Ghibli's films to be the most beautiful and moving stories that the genre has to offer.

The studio was founded by Directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata as well as Producer Toshio Suzuki, but is entering a transitional phase with that trio now in their 60s and 70s. So how does this debut effort from Yonebashi hold up?

After two viewings, I would say extremely well.

Fans of Miyazaki need not despair. He had a hand in the screenplay, adapted from Mary Norton's book, and his imprint is all over this film. Like all Studio Ghibli efforts, Arrietty has so much heart that it's almost impossible to avoid being emotionally moved by the story. The animation style is exactly what you would expect too, with a two-dimensional look and a faded color palette. The music comes from Cecile Corbel, Simon Caby and Dale Sison, but it often feels like a Joe Hisaishi score. Studio Ghibli's future is in good hands.

Arrietty Clock is 14 years old and four inches tall. She's a Borrower and lives with her mother and father. Borrowers acquire items that humans don't really need and then use them as food or to make tools. She collects leaves, sugar lumps and pins and puts them to good use. Humans are considered dangerous so the Clock family tries to remain out of sight, living in the foundations of the humans' house.

Arrietty and her father adapt a variety of items and turn them into useful gadgets. Thread, earrings and sticky tape enable them to climb and move around large objects. Dangers are everywhere if you are four inches tall. Think of how a cat or bird might view someone of that size. Despite the danger, Arrietty seems at one with nature. She tries not to hurt any small bugs and is accepted by most of the creatures in her world.

I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot as the film hasn't yet been released theatrically in North America, but here are a few important points:

A boy named Sho comes to stay at the house while he awaits a heart operation. Imagine that in a Disney movie; it just wouldn't happen. Sho defies the expectations of the Clock family and seems friendly. However, not everyone is his household is as harmless. If humans discover the existence of the Clock family, they will have to vacate their home and move on.

Moments of peril are few, but intense, although there is no real violence. The film plays out like an adventure and can safely be viewed by people of all ages. The ending leaves a few loose threads. Mary Norton's series consists of four books, so it's possible that Studio Ghibli could release a sequel one day.

The film is a coming-of-age story in which Arrietty tries to prove her value as a Borrower. It touches on illness, love, trust, superstition and greed, but its world is filled with beauty and innocence for the most part. Look at Sho's expression when he meets Arrietty and see how non-threatening it is. Notice how Arrietty's nods of understanding convey respect and love for her father. See how imaginative the story is in terms of using Arrietty's stature to show the world from her perspective.

The film ends on an optimistic note, despite the feeling that some story threads are unresolved. That's exactly how I feel about the future of Studio Ghibli. If you are a fan of the studio, please consider seeing the film in theaters. It's due to be released in North America on February 17. It certainly has a lot more heart than typical animated fare and perhaps our support will encourage Disney to release more Studio Ghibli films on Blu-ray in North America?

This version features a British voice cast and the imported Blu-ray is locked to Region B. The eventual North American release will feature a completely different voice cast. If you prefer to see the film in its original Japanese, that's also an option on this release.

It would be hard to give a higher recommendation. I've seen the film twice and its world embraced me like a familiar warm blanket on both occasions.

Currently my top 2 this year. Great film. Ghibli fans, especially Totoro fans, will love this.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Attack the Block

Could..... not..... make it..... past..... 20 minutes.

No score since I didnt watch the whole thing.

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'm going to guess the characters are the reason for this, judging by what I thought and what a lot of others did, you actually like it in the end if you push through with it. If not, well it's not a long film, so not a lot of wasted time

I appreciated it. I really dug the alien designs, but I didn't like the characters. I thought they were unlikable. Boyega (Moses) was great though. You should try to watch the middle part sometime, Squid. It's awesome.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Watership Down

[Show spoiler]DVD

Thank you to Steve, Pondo, Jvince et al for introducing me to, and recommending this.



Pretty rugged for a kid flick. Its rated PG and I think PG13 might be more appropriate considering the graphic nature of the violence.

So, a bunch of rural bunny rabbits are forced to look for a new home. They have to travel a great distance in order to find a new safe haven. Along the way they face great, and many dangers. Brutal gnarly dangers. They make a flying Russian Pal along the way. They come accross other rabbit communities during their journey and have to deal with some staunch and evil authority figures from those groups.

This was a dark and scary tale. I liked it though.

I really liked the animation and the music. The voice work was great.

One could have a field day analyzing the themes and metaphors in this movie. Wow! Religion, politics, military, sinister corporations, population control, friendship, loyalty, slavery. It packs a wallop.

Big Wig =

4/5

The tunnel scene is still one of the scariest scenes I have ever seen. Sh!t's made of nightmares.

Originally Posted by Foggy

Exit Through The Gift Shop

[Show spoiler]My friends and I were talking about Banksy the other day, as I have a friend who is a very talented artist and is thoroughly inspired by him. We were talking about how apparently someone in LA got their house taken off them and sold as art because Banksy decided to do some art on his house. One of my other friends, who is rather cynical and has the largest amount of hair on his head in England was commenting on how is it Banksy hasn't even been arrested yet, yet a guy has his house taken off of him. The conversation leads on and I bring up that he was nominated for an Oscar and they still can't arrest the guy

Hence finally getting around to watching Exit Through The Gift Shop today

It's a good piece of film, not sure how much actuality there is too it, since there are plenty of arguments between whether it's a hoax or not but that's not really the point. The thing that really works about it as a documentary is that it's just an opinion from a person who seen a part world build from the ground upwards into something no one really expected and never anticipated, it's focused enough that it's factual, yet vague enough that it can shape a message that can be applied to a bigger part of society.

Never mind the fact it's very funny, very entertaining and a lot of the time, quite gripping. It's just a strange breed of filmmaking, that is even stranger if it is all true.

9.5/10

One of my favorites of 2010. It is very hilarious and entertaining. We don't get documentaries like that too often.

[volcomsocal]

Gods and Generals -2003

Just like Gettysburg, I found this movie to be extremely boring and hard to watch. I fast forwarded A LOT of the movie.

PQ - 4/5
AQ - 2.5/5 (not lossless audio, but rather DD 5.1)

1.5/5

[Diesel]

It feels like FOREVER since I watched a movie or wrote a review for this thread (though it really wasn't THAT long ago since I screened Chronicle a while back)

[surfdude12]

Casino
Film: 5/5
-my favorite Scorcese film
-400 F bombs = pleasant viewing experience. All time record for # of F bombs in a film I think.
-art direction is incredible. the casinos, the costumes, everything looks gorgeous
-Sharon Stone deserved an Oscar (she was nominated). She played the best addict/alcoholic, especially when it came to the scenes with Deniro where sparks would fly
-another great thing I like about the film: it shows (a) big scale (bosses, gaming comission) stuff on how vegas worked and (b) small scale (dealers, valet drivers, players) on how vegas worked. not easy to pull off in one movie script! usually you have to choose (a) or (b). SCorcese managed to do one script with (a) and (b) and showed us the TOTAL PICTURE. He did this again in Gomorrah, which showed several layers of hierarchy in the Gomorrah mob structure in Europe. Worth a viewing if you haven't seen it.

[Steve46]

45. I Am Legend (2007)
Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller, 101 minutes
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Starring Will Smith and Alice Braga



Will Smith is one of the biggest box office draws, whether it's for action, comedy or drama. He has the charisma to pull off just about any role and is improving as a dramatic actor as he matures. I Am Legend contains some action, but it's a futuristic drama more than anything else. Smith is required to show considerable range.

The movie makes this list because it shows how people adapt in extreme situations. Robert Neville (Smith) is possibly the last man alive after a cure for cancer turns people into aggressive zombie-like creatures who live in the dark. He's a scientist and appears to have a natural immunity to the virus. He's trying to develop a vaccine that will help these creatures recover their humanity.

Imagine if you had an entire city to yourself. How would you spend your time? Neville has a routine. He wakes up at the same time each day, works out, and then systematically searches the buildings in the area for canned food and bottled water. This is vital for his survival. He also continues his research and tries out his vaccines on laboratory rats. In order to maintain the illusion that he's not alone, he watches recorded TV shows and talks to mannequins while he works his way through the inventory of a local video store. Every day at Noon, he waits at a predetermined location for any response to his radio messages offering hope and shelter to other survivors.

New York is an abandoned city. Grass has reclaimed most of the land and Neville has to compete with lions when he goes hunting for dear. The early special effects are very convincing and we are drawn in to Neville's world. Some of the exposition is achieved through showing Neville's dreams and we discover that his wife and daughter were evacuated along with the other healthy people left in the city. His only friend now is Sam, his dog. Unlike Neville, Sam can be affected by contact with the creatures roaming the city.

One of the saddest scenes in the movie comes after Sam is bitten by a creature carrying the virus. He injects her with serum in the hope that it will prevent her from transforming into a deadly version of his former companion. If you are an animal-lover, it's a hard scene to watch.

I won't ruin the movie for those who haven't seen it. Is Neville really alone? Will he develop a cure? If he does, will it even be possible to capture the creatures and successfully administer the cure?

The film raises a serious question; are humans the biggest threat to their own survival?

The Blu-ray includes an alternate ending. Both endings are hopeful, but one is considerably more hopeful than the other. The Blu-ray presentation is just about perfect.

If you like I Am Legend:

The solitude experienced by Neville reminds me of Cast Away and 127 Hours. All three films require the main actor to carry the story throughout. If you enjoy science fiction and Smith's acting, I, Robot has plenty to offer.

I'm also a fan of post-apocalyptic movies in general. A few which are worth your time include The Road, Children of Men and The Stand miniseries.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Casino

-400 F bombs = pleasant viewing experience. All time record for # of F bombs in a film I think.
.

It comes in fourth place with 398 total.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Steve46

If you like I Am Legend:

The solitude experienced by Neville reminds me of Cast Away and 127 Hours. All three films require the main actor to carry the story throughout. If you enjoy science fiction and Smith's acting, I, Robot has plenty to offer.

IMHO, I thought Smith was awful in this role. Its not a good match for him. He's good in other roles when he's surrounded by others, so he can beat his chest and do the whole "look how awesome I am" ego dance. Other than that specific type of role, he hasn't much range as an actor. Here, he was helpless and naked. Tom Hanks in Cast Away and Cillian Murphy in 28 Days Later already perfected the "guy all alone" role before Smith, which instantly drew comparisons and thus made Smith's performance even more cringing.

just my 2 cents

[Batman1980]

I enjoyed I, Robot and I am Legend quite a bit, not sure which one I like more. Liking Departed more and more every time I see it, could well be a 5/5 movie for me sooner or later.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

IMHO, I thought Smith was awful in this role. Its not a good match for him. He's good in other roles when he's surrounded by others, so he can beat his chest and do the whole "look how awesome I am" ego dance. Other than that specific type of role, he hasn't much range as an actor. Here, he was helpless and naked. Tom Hanks in Cast Away and Cillian Murphy in 28 Days Later already perfected the "guy all alone" role before Smith, which instantly drew comparisons and thus made Smith's performance even more cringing.

just my 2 cents

Interesting that we have such different opinions. Did you like Smith in Pursuit of Happyness?

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

I enjoyed I, Robot and I am Legend quite a bit, not sure which one I like more. Liking Departed more and more every time I see it, could well be a 5/5 movie for me sooner or later.

I feel like I could watch and enjoy The Departed almost every week.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Interesting that we have such different opinions. Did you like Smith in Pursuit of Happyness?

Yes, he was good (not great) in that. I liked him a lot in Bagger Vance with Matt Damon, that may be the best "non-hot shot" role I've seen him in.

Yeah we can't agree all the time. I agree with 90% of the movies you've listed (my top 100 would have most of them).

[Al_The_Strange]

I agree that Smith's earlier roles (in "ID4," "MIB," etc) were very ego-driven, but I think he has genuinely matured as an actor, and has pulled off these drama roles decently.

That's just my view though; ya'll know that I've never been a good judge of acting.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

-400 F bombs = pleasant viewing experience. All time record for # of F bombs in a film I think.

It is?!

Nonstop f-bombs never really did it for me. I think all curse words lose their flavor when used too casually and too frequently.