The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Being a bit late to the party on this one, I managed to watch it last night - just before my pre-ordered CE gets here. To be honest, I'd heard mixed things about it so I was a bit apprehensive, but I was pleasantly surprised by the end product. The production and release, so overshadowed by the announcement of the affair between star Kristen Stewart and director Rupert Sanders, was one that seemed to be long and difficult - with the film reportedly going over budget, amongst other problems. You get no sense of these problems when watching it, though - an impressive, both visually and stylistically, re-telling of the Snow White fairytale, it completely dwarfs the similar Mirror Mirror by comparison; Hemsworth, fresh from Avengers, is superb in the tough, yet emotive, supporting role, and Stewart - dare I say it - is actually good in the lead. First-time helmer Sanders controls the action well and the plot, although slim and fragile, is even and taut throughout; it isn't boring and it certainly isn't terrible, like some suggest. Simply an action-packed fairytale epic with not much substance, but a hell of a lot of style.

7.5/10

You are not too late, still waiting to see it as well

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

You are not too late, still waiting to see it as well

Ah, that's alright then - whilst I don't know your taste in films, I'm sure that you'll really enjoy this, if you go in preparing for what you'll see. It's not, by any stretch of the imagination, an intellectual film but it does strike the right chords for what it wants to be: a highly stylish, impressive but shallow fairytale adaptation for a modern age. Hats off to Rupert Sanders, too - he did a really good job in bringing an artistic vision to the screen, especially for his first attempt. He also managed to get into his leading lady's pants, but whether that deserves a standing ovation or a bycott is up to your sensibilities

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Ah, that's alright then - whilst I don't know your taste in films, I'm sure that you'll really enjoy this, if you go in preparing for what you'll see. It's not, by any stretch of the imagination, an intellectual film but it does strike the right chords for what it wants to be: a highly stylish, impressive but shallow fairytale adaptation for a modern age. Hats off to Rupert Sanders, too - he did a really good job in bringing an artistic vision to the screen, especially for his first attempt. He also managed to get into his leading lady's pants, but whether that deserves a standing ovation or a bycott is up to your sensibilities

Actually my main feeling is that I might enjoy this one a little less than Mirror Mirror which I already saw. This one seem to be a little more darker in feel than Mirror Mirror. I really enjoy it when these fairy tales stay light.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Actually my main feeling is that I might enjoy this one a little less than Mirror Mirror which I already saw. This one seem to be a little more darker in feel than Mirror Mirror. I really enjoy it when these fairy tales stay light.

I don't know whether it's any lighter per se - it has pretty dark themes overall, so don't be expecting anything too lighthearted. The problem that Mirror Mirror had was that it was supposed to be a family film and Tarsem Singh was not the man for the job - because of his directorial style, the film fluctuated from being extremely sticky and sweet to being unbelievably dark and frightening, something that wasn't great for the children it was intended for. If Singh had made an adult fairytale, I'm convinced it would have been at least decent because it would have been consistantly dark and surreal, instead of in small segments. Also, Mirror Mirror just wasn't a well-made film; it relied too heavily on its visual style, with no characters or plot to really back it up. SWatH is not as bad as that - as thin as the narrative is, it's at least always there to back up the very nice cinematography that Sanders employs.

[iam1bearcat]

Contagion (2011) - 4/5

I know a lot of people dislike Contagion because of it's slow pace, but, if you know me, I love slow paced films

I watched the film today (third viewing) and I continue to find it a fascinating film. I'm a huuuuuuuge fan of "end of the world" types of films, especially ones involving diseases and pandemics, and while Contagion does not contain flashy action, violence or mayhem in a traditional sense, it does a great job showing the realism of a panic and different viewpoints and situations involving a virus / pandemic.

From people involved at the World Health Organization, to the Center for Disease Control, to government conspiracy theorists / beat writers, to common "every day" families and folks, the film spends time with each group and shows each side of a dangerous virus.

I love the pacing, the intelligent writing that I barely understand (especially the science talk ), the wild music, the atmosphere and the thick, lush orangish hue the film is cloaked in.

It's a film that is smart and slowly but surely morphs into showing us what a full blown pandemic looks like and the frightening nature of humanity when it doesn't know what to do and panic breaks out. The scariest part of course is that things like this have happened and could very easily happen again any day in any moment and may be happening or beginning right now

Needless to say, I love it

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

I don't know whether it's any lighter per se - it has pretty dark themes overall, so don't be expecting anything too lighthearted. The problem that Mirror Mirror had was that it was supposed to be a family film and Tarsem Singh was not the man for the job - because of his directorial style, the film fluctuated from being extremely sticky and sweet to being unbelievably dark and frightening, something that wasn't great for the children it was intended for. If Singh had made an adult fairytale, I'm convinced it would have been at least decent because it would have been consistantly dark and surreal, instead of in small segments. Also, Mirror Mirror just wasn't a well-made film; it relied too heavily on its visual style, with no characters or plot to really back it up. SWatH is not as bad as that - as thin as the narrative is, it's at least always there to back up the very nice cinematography that Sanders employs.

Looking forward to seeing it

[P@t_Mtl]

The Island At The Top Of The World (1974)

Directed by : Robert Stevenson
Starring : Donald Sinden, David Hartman, Jacques Marin, Mako
Format : DVD

Story : In 1907 a British aristocrat (Donald Sinden) put's together an expedition in the artic with the hope of finding his son. A few years before his son had left on an adventure searching for an island where whales are said to go and die. With the help of an American archeologist (David Hartman) and the airship of a French captain (Jacques Marin) they head off to the north in search of the lost son and the mysterious island.

Comments : This movie is not base off a Jules Verne book but rather a book by Ian Cameron. The movie however does have a Jules Verne feel to it. The movie is not horrible if you take into account when it was made and how it was made. Of course in my case there is a bit of nostalgia involved with this. I first saw it as a child back in the 70's. I was actually surprise in 2004 when Disney release the DVD even if it had been release in VHS format sometime in the 90's

Ratings : 3.5/5

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

The Muppets

[Show spoiler]Wasn't going to do a write up for the film, but since I'm in for a long train ride, I might as well write something.

Basically I really liked it, it treated kids with brains, and showed just how easy it is to make a kids film without belittling them as an audience, using jokes that would work well for kids and adults alike. And shows what genuine care for a source material can work itself into.

Some of the meta jokes don't work all that well, and it's a shame Disney couldn't keep there corporate fingers off it and placed billboards for Cars 2 all over the place just for the sake of some extra DVD sales. But for the most part it really really works.

8.5/10

I really enjoyed this after I blind bought it.

If you ever buy it, you should definitely check out the fake trailers. They are hilarious.

[Pondosinatra]

Director: James Marsh

Main Stars: Philippe Petit (as himself)

Rating: 5 out of 5

As a young man Philippe learned the art of walking on a tightrope. One day while waiting in a Dentist's office in Paris he comes across a magazine article detailing the building of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and makes it his goal to walk between them. On August 7, 1974 despite all odds, he manages to pull off what's become known as the artistic crime of the century. I can't remember how I heard about this and at first I thought it was a joke. Then I found out that this really happened. Consisting of a mix of interviews with the people involved, actual footage, and dramatic recreations we see his passion for his art, his previous triumphs, the people who helped him, and finally the act itself. Obviously it's an unsettling experience watching the beginning of the film as we see them being constructed. Seeing the support beams and girders that would become forever engrained into our minds as a twisted mess that horrible day. But despite being made in 2008, the film doesn't mention their fate and leaves the viewer to their own remembrances. Instead the director focuses on the daring and madness of the feat itself. At it's conclusion, you are left in awe at the achievement of this one man who refused to quit on realizing his dream. A deeply profound and moving experience to behold.

[Pondosinatra]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The 6th Day (2000)

THis was a first time viewing for me. I am not a huge fan of the governator and outside of Conan I really haven't seen much of his movies. I have the Conan movies because it's Conan. I would have them even if Danny DeVito was playing Conan The movie was interesting but it's funny I felt it was a sort of a clone of Total Recall. I suppose it's the typical Arnold movie with action and cheesy one liner. Can't say I hated it but doubt I will bother seeing it again.

But it was nice seeing all the Vancouver scenery

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

But it was nice seeing all the Vancouver scenery

That is something that I notice so much in movies, Canadian sceneries! It's even worst when the movie was made in Montreal and they use specific location that stick out for me like you would not believe

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Contagion (2011) - 4/5

[Show spoiler]
I know a lot of people dislike Contagion because of it's slow pace, but, if you know me, I love slow paced films

I watched the film today (third viewing) and I continue to find it a fascinating film. I'm a huuuuuuuge fan of "end of the world" types of films, especially ones involving diseases and pandemics, and while Contagion does not contain flashy action, violence or mayhem in a traditional sense, it does a great job showing the realism of a panic and different viewpoints and situations involving a virus / pandemic.

From people involved at the World Health Organization, to the Center for Disease Control, to government conspiracy theorists / beat writers, to common "every day" families and folks, the film spends time with each group and shows each side of a dangerous virus.

I love the pacing, the intelligent writing that I barely understand (especially the science talk ), the wild music, the atmosphere and the thick, lush orangish hue the film is cloaked in.

It's a film that is smart and slowly but surely morphs into showing us what a full blown pandemic looks like and the frightening nature of humanity when it doesn't know what to do and panic breaks out. The scariest part of course is that things like this have happened and could very easily happen again any day in any moment and may be happening or beginning right now

Needless to say, I love it

Believe it or not, this is one of the very few Soderbergh films I actually like.

[jvince]

The Cameraman (1928)
dir. Edward Sedgwick, Buster Keaton

The Good: The monkey! Oh my goodness, that monkey is so hilarious and such a great actress, she deserves an award. She pretty much upstages Buster Keaton, steals the show, and runs away with it.

The Bad: Plenty of scenes that don't advance the plot go on for too long. Not enough stunts. Not enough laughs (until the monkey shows up halfway through). And once again, like all of Keaton's feature-length films, it could've been much better as a short.

The Bottom Line: With its uninspired first half and splendid second half, The Cameraman could've been an effective film had Keaton cut out all the fillers. Worth watching for the monkey alone.

[P@t_Mtl]

Apollo 18 (2011)

Directed by : Gonzalo López-Gallego
Starring : Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins
Format : HDTV

Story : In 1974, the top secret Apollo 18 misison goes to the Moon. After landing they discover the remains of a Soviet Moon landing. The Americans now encounter what doomed the Soviet missions, strange aliens hidden on the Moon surface. The last American survivor tries to leave the Moon using the old Soviet lander but something occur's and all communication are lost.

Comments : This is pretty much a Blair Witch Project on the Moon type of movie. We are told at the start of the movie that the footage was leak from some goverment location and place on a website This play's into the constant Moon conspiracy stuff we read on the Internet. The movie is nothing more then combination scifi/horror. I am not a big fan of horror movie but I do like seeing the scifi type like this or Event Horizon. This movie however was a fail with me

Ratings : 2/5

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

What I mean is that I don't mind in comedies or action but for some reason the over acting in French movie dramas just drive me up the wall. I just can't manage to deal with it or accept it for some reason only in that those movies, not sure why

Ah I see. It doesn't bother me more than in any other films but I can see how it can be bothersome.

[legendarymatt92]

Even if you haven't seen it, you've probably heard it mentioned somewhere - Wes Craven's original explotation movie, a film so dark and disturbing that, if you believe the hype around its release, people fainted, were violently sick and/or ran out of theatres screaming at the screenings. As would be expected, the violence that was deemed so shocking back then that it was either cut horribly by censors or just outright banned in some countries has softened somewhat by today's standards, our desensitised natures not in the least offended by the almost laughable effects used on-screen. It is, however, in the very idea, the concept, that I found the most intriguing and frightening prospect - the storyline, not too dis-similar from countless rip-offs over the years, felt so original, so fierce and, most importantly, so real that I felt the need to watch every scene with extreme cautiousness, not wanting to miss anything that Craven put in front of me for fear of missing the point of the film - which, I quickly found, didn't exist. The Last House on the Left, unlike the 2009 remake, isn't a film made for a reason, or to allow the audience the luxury of having an excuse behind the narrative, and that's where it transcends its terrible script and becomes chilling - the antagonists have no reason to commit the unspeakable crimes they do other than they enjoy doing it. It's almost a game to them and that's where they become more than simple villians...they're portrayed as the Devil himself.

That being said, I won't sit here and argue that it's a well-made film - even for the time it was made, and the very low budget ($87,000), the editing is pretty bad at times, with noticable jumps from, and to, shots that shouldn't have been paired together. Continuity errors also play a big part in yanking the audience out of the film completely, but I'll let that one slip by. The actors are mediocre at best (apart from David A. Hess, who you believe every step of the way) and the dialogue is not written too well at all - occasionally you'll hear phrases that just don't fit with the overall ambience of the conversation, words seem out of place and the actors don't deliver the lines with any conviction anyway. None of that is important, though - it's a film that doesn't need to be technically perfect, because it's the shoddy workmanship of the overall project that adds to the atmosphere you get; it's a Craven idea that works better than all his others combined, just because it's his most simplistic and raw. You don't want to be watching this film with your brain switched off - you want to be fighting through every scene, every grisly, tortorous scene, until you get to the end and feel slightly worse about the world.

7/10 (simply for the concept behind it)

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

Director: James Marsh

Main Stars: Philippe Petit (as himself)

Rating: 5 out of 5

As a young man Philippe learned the art of walking on a tightrope. One day while waiting in a Dentist's office in Paris he comes across a magazine article detailing the building of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and makes it his goal to walk between them. On August 7, 1974 despite all odds, he manages to pull off what's become known as the artistic crime of the century. I can't remember how I heard about this and at first I thought it was a joke. Then I found out that this really happened. Consisting of a mix of interviews with the people involved, actual footage, and dramatic recreations we see his passion for his art, his previous triumphs, the people who helped him, and finally the act itself. Obviously it's an unsettling experience watching the beginning of the film as we see them being constructed. Seeing the support beams and girders that would become forever engrained into our minds as a twisted mess that horrible day. But despite being made in 2008, the film doesn't mention their fate and leaves the viewer to their own remembrances. Instead the director focuses on the daring and madness of the feat itself. At it's conclusion, you are left in awe at the achievement of this one man who refused to quit on realizing his dream. A deeply profound and moving experience to behold.

i'm a huge fan of documentaries and this on amazon for free for prime members. been meaning to watch it. maybe tonight. great review

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Believe it or not, this is one of the very few Soderbergh films I actually like.

and to think i was gonna add a line like, "Contagion is slow, methodical, almost sedative in its pacing... it's to be blunt, a film Al would loathe"

glad you enjoy it. seems a lot of people don't

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Apollo 18 (2011)

Directed by : Gonzalo López-Gallego
Starring : Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins
Format : HDTV

Story : In 1974, the top secret Apollo 18 misison goes to the Moon. After landing they discover the remains of a Soviet Moon landing. The Americans now encounter what doomed the Soviet missions, strange aliens hidden on the Moon surface. The last American survivor tries to leave the Moon using the old Soviet lander but something occur's and all communication are lost.

Comments : This is pretty much a Blair Witch Project on the Moon type of movie. We are told at the start of the movie that the footage was leak from some goverment location and place on a website This play's into the constant Moon conspiracy stuff we read on the Internet. The movie is nothing more then combination scifi/horror. I am not a big fan of horror movie but I do like seeing the scifi type like this or Event Horizon. This movie however was a fail with me

Ratings : 2/5

i'm a huuuuuuge Blair Witch fan. in fact, it's the greatest horror film of all time imo. but Apollo 18 was pretty much crap. i was a big fan of some creepiness like the guy who would just stare blankly like no one was home, that stuff gets me and a few other scenes were well put together, but all in all it was rubbish. i was very disappointed.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The Island At The Top Of The World (1974)

Directed by : Robert Stevenson
Starring : Donald Sinden, David Hartman, Jacques Marin, Mako
Format : DVD

Story : In 1907 a British aristocrat (Donald Sinden) put's together an expedition in the artic with the hope of finding his son. A few years before his son had left on an adventure searching for an island where whales are said to go and die. With the help of an American archeologist (David Hartman) and the airship of a French captain (Jacques Marin) they head off to the north in search of the lost son and the mysterious island.

Comments : This movie is not base off a Jules Verne book but rather a book by Ian Cameron. The movie however does have a Jules Verne feel to it. The movie is not horrible if you take into account when it was made and how it was made. Of course in my case there is a bit of nostalgia involved with this. I first saw it as a child back in the 70's. I was actually surprise in 2004 when Disney release the DVD even if it had been release in VHS format sometime in the 90's

Ratings : 3.5/5

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[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

Director: James Marsh

Main Stars: Philippe Petit (as himself)

Rating: 5 out of 5

As a young man Philippe learned the art of walking on a tightrope. One day while waiting in a Dentist's office in Paris he comes across a magazine article detailing the building of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and makes it his goal to walk between them. On August 7, 1974 despite all odds, he manages to pull off what's become known as the artistic crime of the century. I can't remember how I heard about this and at first I thought it was a joke. Then I found out that this really happened. Consisting of a mix of interviews with the people involved, actual footage, and dramatic recreations we see his passion for his art, his previous triumphs, the people who helped him, and finally the act itself. Obviously it's an unsettling experience watching the beginning of the film as we see them being constructed. Seeing the support beams and girders that would become forever engrained into our minds as a twisted mess that horrible day. But despite being made in 2008, the film doesn't mention their fate and leaves the viewer to their own remembrances. Instead the director focuses on the daring and madness of the feat itself. At it's conclusion, you are left in awe at the achievement of this one man who refused to quit on realizing his dream. A deeply profound and moving experience to behold.

I was captivated for the entire film.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

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