The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

So I've been encouraged to watch "Ninja Terminator."

First off, the movie is loaded with fight scenes. It's practically nonstop, and despite having to suspend a lot of disbelief, they are pretty fun. However, as cheesy and over-the-top this film is, most of this film's fun can be found in myriads of unintentionally funny scenes. Of course, bad English dubbing helps too.

The story for this seems a bit odd. It actually seems split neatly in half, as a good chunk of the film deals with a bunch of ninjas (three actually, two guys in black vs one in red) fighting over a small gold statue. The other half seems more earnest, but doesn't really develop into anything really gripping (but does provide an excuse for a different set of characters to fight and fight and fight). This is one of those movies where the sum of its parts don't necessarily equal anything of value; the individual parts are themselves golden.

The film looks cheap and cheesy as hell, with pedestrian camerawork, bad acting, bad dubbing, cheap sets, props, and costumes, and bad music.

2.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 1/5)

Recommendation: As a rental for fans of this kind of cinema. Or, go back a few pages and see the whole thing that Foggy posted.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

So I've been encouraged to watch "Ninja Terminator."

First off, the movie is loaded with fight scenes. It's practically nonstop, and despite having to suspend a lot of disbelief, they are pretty fun. However, as cheesy and over-the-top this film is, most of this film's fun can be found in myriads of unintentionally funny scenes. Of course, bad English dubbing helps too.

The story for this seems a bit odd. It actually seems split neatly in half, as a good chunk of the film deals with a bunch of ninjas (three actually, two guys in black vs one in red) fighting over a small gold statue. The other half seems more earnest, but doesn't really develop into anything really gripping (but does provide an excuse for a different set of characters to fight and fight and fight). This is one of those movies where the sum of its parts don't necessarily equal anything of value; the individual parts are themselves golden.

The film looks cheap and cheesy as hell, with pedestrian camerawork, bad acting, bad dubbing, cheap sets, props, and costumes, and bad music.

2.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 1/5)

Recommendation: As a rental for fans of this kind of cinema. Or, go back a few pages and see the whole thing that Foggy posted.

LOL, it took one day to check it out.

Have you ordered it yet?

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

So I've been encouraged to watch "Ninja Terminator."

First off, the movie is loaded with fight scenes. It's practically nonstop, and despite having to suspend a lot of disbelief, they are pretty fun. However, as cheesy and over-the-top this film is, most of this film's fun can be found in myriads of unintentionally funny scenes. Of course, bad English dubbing helps too.

The story for this seems a bit odd. It actually seems split neatly in half, as a good chunk of the film deals with a bunch of ninjas (three actually, two guys in black vs one in red) fighting over a small gold statue. The other half seems more earnest, but doesn't really develop into anything really gripping (but does provide an excuse for a different set of characters to fight and fight and fight). This is one of those movies where the sum of its parts don't necessarily equal anything of value; the individual parts are themselves golden.

The film looks cheap and cheesy as hell, with pedestrian camerawork, bad acting, bad dubbing, cheap sets, props, and costumes, and bad music.

2.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 1/5)

Recommendation: As a rental for fans of this kind of cinema. Or, go back a few pages and see the whole thing that Foggy posted.

It was two films with one film from Asia that they stole and dubbed over spliced into the other one about the Ninjas (what was the actual film)

What did you think of the Robot? And the epic death scene at the end?

[SquidPuppet]

Puss in Boots

It was better than I had hoped for.

I've always loved Pirates. To me, Puss is a Land Pirate. Swashbuckling, charismatic, snazzy boots, signature hat and handy with a sword. Plus he has awesome claws and dreamy eyes....whats not to love?

The story was actually pretty darn cool. Sufdude would go crazy with this. Betrayal, trust, forgiveness and more. In this film we learn of Puss' background (an orphan of course) so that was neat. Puss is on a quest to right some wrongs from years ago. He's an honorable dude on a mission. He's also a smartass and a lover of beautiful women.

Plenty of action, sword fights, horse and carriage chases, dancing and cat gags. There is a "litterbox" dance scene that had me in stitches.

I have a huge soft spot for the Spanish language and accent. I am also a huge fan of Spanish and Mexican architecture and culture in general. Something warm, passionat and romantic about it. So that was an obvious big bonus for me as the whole picture takes place in sunbasked towns of stucco walls, tile roofs and stone walkways, and beautiful beaches and deserts.

Banderas is tremendously passionate about the Puss character and it shows in his voice work. He gives it his all and its awesome. He also has fantastic comedic timing. The supporting cast did a darn good job too.

The animation is incredible. Details, colors, textures, wind effects, landscapes, its all really amazing.

Music was a blast.

The sound editing is top shelf too. Every little touch or movement is matched with a realistic sound, and thats something that I think really helps to separate OK animated movies from great ones. I rank sound editing as a critical component for an animated films overall score because it all has to be created, and any shortcuts are readily apparent.

I happen to be a cat lover, but I think anyone could have a good time watching PiB.

Film 4.5/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

LOL, it took one day to check it out.

Have you ordered it yet?

I'm still considering it...

Originally Posted by Foggy

It was two films with one film from Asia that they stole and dubbed over spliced into the other one about the Ninjas (what was the actual film)

That makes sense. How cheap.

It must actually be common practice in Japan. I seem to remember a few other films made this way (including some animes). Can't recall which ones...aside from "Evangelion: Death and Rebirth."

Originally Posted by Foggy

What did you think of the Robot? And the epic death scene at the end?

I laughed as the tiny Transformer action figure delivered death threats to all the characters.

The ending was perfect. I loved the way it was framed.

[Show spoiler]Self-destructing ninjas, ftw!

These are but a couple of the many funny moments found throughout.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Puss in Boots

Film 4.5/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5

I blind bought this the day it came out and also really enjoyed it.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I'm still considering it...



That makes sense. How cheap.

It must actually be common practice in Japan. I seem to remember a few other films made this way (including some animes). Can't recall which ones...aside from "Evangelion: Death and Rebirth."



I laughed as the tiny Transformer action figure delivered death threats to all the characters.

The ending was perfect. I loved the way it was framed.

[Show spoiler]Self-destructing ninjas, ftw!

These are but a couple of the many funny moments found throughout.

I also really liked all the times they practiced their immortality on their arms, I wonder how sorry they would be if their magic didn't work

It also had cool elevator music and some bad framed shots

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I blind bought this the day it came out and also really enjoyed it.

When are you going to watch Ninja Terminator?

[Foggy]

Bad Taste

Well if you liked the Lord of the Rings trilogy, you'll love...something other than Bad Taste

Bad Taste is Peter Jackson directorial debut, and it's cheap and wacky, gory and every bit as distasteful as the title leads you to believe (although it's not as distasteful as Braindead/Dead Alive)

As you can tell I lapped it up, I've always got a soft spot for some good ol' Splatstick comedy with my love of Evil Dead, along with previously mentioned Braindead. But Bad Taste has a bit more charm to it, it's very very low budget with most the actors being Peter Jackson or his friends, all delivering awful dialogue with awful timing

Bad Taste is only for those with the acquired taste for such junky crap, and I love it

8/10

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

When are you going to watch Ninja Terminator?

Someday...

[Show spoiler]after I die.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Someday...

[Show spoiler]after I die.

I thought you liked rubbish

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I thought you liked rubbish

Hehe, haha.... no.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Hehe, haha.... no.

Fine then, it uses well designed sets and mise-en-scene to create a high level of verisimilitude in the audience while also complementing the highly symbolic cinematography and balances the contrast between character motives and character tension while borrowing conventions of Cinema Novo (in terms of on-location shooting) and French New Wave (in terms of sound design and editing). You should have a fine time breaking it down as a fine piece of skillfully sculptured cinema

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]I knew you wouldn't be able to understand it.

[Show spoiler]Too technical for your Michael Bay induced mind

[Show spoiler] I'll let you into a little secret...

[Show spoiler] None of what I just said makes sense

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Bad Taste

[Show spoiler]
Well if you liked the Lord of the Rings trilogy, you'll love...something other than Bad Taste

Bad Taste is Peter Jackson directorial debut, and it's cheap and wacky, gory and every bit as distasteful as the title leads you to believe (although it's not as distasteful as Braindead/Dead Alive)

As you can tell I lapped it up, I've always got a soft spot for some good ol' Splatstick comedy with my love of Evil Dead, along with previously mentioned Braindead. But Bad Taste has a bit more charm to it, it's very very low budget with most the actors being Peter Jackson or his friends, all delivering awful dialogue with awful timing

Bad Taste is only for those with the acquired taste for such junky crap, and I love it

8/10

I thought this was quite gaudy, but for a film made in some dude's back yard on zero budget, it's great.

I heard somewhere that they're supposed to be remastering this and "Meet the Feebles" for Blu-Ray, but haven't heard anything about it since.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Fine then, it uses well designed sets and mise-en-scene to create a high level of verisimilitude in the audience while also complementing the highly symbolic cinematography and balances the contrast between character motives and character tension while borrowing conventions of Cinema Novo (in terms of on-location shooting) and French New Wave (in terms of sound design and editing). You should have a fine time breaking it down as a fine piece of skillfully sculptured cinema

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]I knew you wouldn't be able to understand it.

[Show spoiler]Too technical for your Michael Bay induced mind

[Show spoiler] I'll let you into a little secret...

[Show spoiler] None of what I just said makes sense

I'm sure I would have a fine time breaking it down... It sucked.

That was quite possibly the most annoying use of spoiler tags of all time.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I blind bought this the day it came out and also really enjoyed it.

The first rule about Bean Club...

LOL

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The first rule about Bean Club...

LOL

I had forgotten about that actually. I guess I followed the rule then.

[volcomsocal]

A Dog Year - 2009

Jeff Bridges tries to train and give a good home to an abused 2 year old dog. Not a whole lot of substance, honestly. There's not a whole lot of resolve or connection to characters, both human or canine. Didn't feel like a real hollywood movie, but more like a made for tv movie. This movie was pretty meh.

DVD rental

PQ - n/a
AQ - n/a

2/5

[volcomsocal]

Juno - 2007

Off beat, quirky, light-hearted, sorta good. That's Juno in a nutshell to me. I felt like right off the bat, the script was a little forced and was trying a little too hard to make the characters cooler and quirkier than they really were. Besides that, this movie was pleasing, but at the same just about average. It felt like it was written by someone first starting out in the business; not a lot of experience under their belt. Indie movies can be great; I do love some of them. But nothing about Juno blew me away. I will say this though: the last scene was a really nice touch.

PQ - 4.5/5
AQ - 4.5/5

3/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Juno - 2007

Off beat, quirky, light-hearted, sorta good. That's Juno in a nutshell to me. I felt like right off the bat, the script was a little forced and was trying a little too hard to make the characters cooler and quirkier than they really were. Besides that, this movie was pleasing, but at the same just about average. It felt like it was written by someone first starting out in the business; not a lot of experience under their belt. Indie movies can be great; I do love some of them. But nothing about Juno blew me away. I will say this though: the last scene was a really nice touch.

PQ - 4.5/5
AQ - 4.5/5

3/5

I'm sorry you didn't like it more than that. An easy 5/5 for me.