The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Chico and Rita



Loved it.

[Show spoiler]
A wonderful love story, spanning 6+ decades, about a Cuban Pianist and a Singer told via lengthy flashbacks.

Animation: Gorgeous. Moody. Evocative.
Cinematography: Fantastic framing, cool camera placements and movements.
Score and music: Terrific. Latiny and jazzy and cool.
Directing: Smooth and flowing.
Pacing: Seductively rhythmic.
Sound design and editing: Nailed it big time. From subtle footsteps and kisses, to motorcycle kick-starts and squealing tires, to airplanes and oceanliners.
Voice acting: Dunno, Yo no hablo español.

Halfway through the film I wanted to find a time machine and go back to 1948 Cuba. I could feel the sun. I could feel the sensuality of the music and the nighclubs and the dancing.

Film: 5/5
PQ: 5/5
AQ: 5/5

Mood: romantic.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

As far as the narrative, the ending (answers) were laced throughout the film. With closer analysis or a second viewing, you might like it more. I will emphasize that knowing beforehand made a huge difference in my experience and helped me construct the ending in real time.

I'm with you--the ending killed some of my enthusiasm. If it delivered a punch it could have topped the year for me.

As much as I B!tched about the film, I can see myself watching it again. The characters were so rich and real and I really felt hugely invested in them.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jvince

The Eagleman Stag - YouTube

The Eagleman Stag (2010)
dir. Michael Please

The Good: Absolutely impressive and unique stop-motion animation; Everything is white and made of... styrofoam! Great message about valuing one's time on earth. The whole thing is so amazing and well-made, you wouldn't believe this was a student film.

The Bad: A bit too odd, even for my taste. Could've been more relatable.

The Bottom Line: Strange yet beautiful, The Eagleman Stag is one short you just have to see.

5/5

David Lynch meets Terrence Malick meets Tim Burton.

Awesome. Thanks for sharing that JVince.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by jvince

The Eagleman Stag - YouTube

The Eagleman Stag (2010)
dir. Michael Please

Thank you for posting this. Was a lovingly animated, beautifully told story, even if it was about as surreal as it gets. Really great, though.

[Lepidopterous]

Haywire

Got a quick dose of Soderbergh before going to see Side Effects tonight. It's refreshing to see a spy thriller that stays simple without needing a complex, convoluted plot, even if that makes it a tad predictable. Dutch angles are overused in the action sequences but it is a nice break from the shaky cam. The dialogue is uninspired, but the movie still keeps you entertained.

Overall, Gina Carano is a beast and Antonio Banderas's beard.

3/5

[Lepidopterous]

^P.S. Awesome ode to Antonioni's Blow-Up in the poster design. Too bad I passed on getting one signed by the cast at SDCC '11.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

As much as I B!tched about the film, I can see myself watching it again. The characters were so rich and real and I really felt hugely invested in them.

Do it. I'd be curious to hear/discuss your interpretations.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Never Let Me Go

Film: 2/5

-one phrase sums up the problem with this flick: "sci-fi love triangle". Look at that phrase for a good 10 seconds. It sums up a failed attempt to merge two incompatible genres (Sci-Fi and Romance). Sci-fi + Horror? Yes. Sci-fi + thriller? Yes. Sci-fi and Drama? Yes. But Sci-fi and Romance? Meh, not happening for me.
-basically here is the problem I had: the first half of the film focused on the sci-fi plot - very intruiging and had me hooked. The second half of the film? The romance plot took over, and like the new baby in the family, sucked all the attention of the viewer, who all but forgets that they're even watching a Sci-fi flick. Most of the romantic plot dialogue in the middle of the film could have happened in any scenario, thus undermining the futuristic sci-fi subplot. By the time the film tried to resurrent the Sci-fi plot, I had either forgotten what it was or was not convinced that it was that important

I gave this a 4/5 I think. I can't remember, it's been too long.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: Peter Pan

I think it's a blind-buy. I might have seen the film before, but I never really saw it that much as a kid. If anything, I felt a greater nostalgic connection to Hook, but I was intruiged to see how much of Hook borrowed from Peter Pan.

As expected, the film has its share of whimsey and silly cartoony antics. Some of the most charming scenes occur in the beginning, before everything goes off to Neverland for a near-constant swashbuckling adventure. The film has plenty of wild and silly scenes; my only complaint is that the scenery itself rarely changes.

The story if fine and dandy. It does a fantastic job of emphasizing the power of imagination, and you could probably run through the whole film assuming that it was all made-up in Wendy's head (just as Alice in Wonderland all occured only in Alice's mind). As far as the actual adventure goes, I felt it was fine and dandy. Characters make it endearing, but it's still kinda flat.

As usual, Disney's animation looks great. Voice-acting is not bad. Music can be catchy.

Just a couple of other things to add: this movie got away with some rather borderline stereotyping, and Tinkerbell might be the hottest cartoon character of all time.

4/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Pretty Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds good.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

[Diesel]

Argo


Watch it.


4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Argo


Watch it.


4.5/5

Best review ever.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Best review ever.

[Lepidopterous]

Side Effects

Side Effects is a psychological thriller centered around the pharmaceutical industry. I won't say much more for fear of spoiling anything, but let's just say an experimental drug prescription goes... haywire.

Steven Soderbergh crafts his suspense from the very first frame with a perfect start for the film. The plot then pulls us in and keeps us guessing as the mystery slowly unfolds. The cast meshes wonderfully. Jude Law delivers a strong lead as the frustrated psychiatrist and Rooney Mara is mysterious and unpredictable. My only complaint is the performances were not as dramatic as they could have been. Mara was excellent at portraying her character's cold and lifeless depression, but I have seen what she is really capable of (Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), and she could have definitely reached those heights with this type of character. Nonetheless, a fine set of performances all around, but they take a back seat to the intoxicating narrative.

So is Side Effects Soderbergh's last hurrah? I certainly hope not, as it's probably my favorite film of his. I do wish Soderbergh got more range out of Mara, but the result is a satisfying and expertly-woven psychological drama packed with twists and turns.

4/5

[jvince]

Long Branch Short Movie (HD) (English & French Subtitles) - YouTube

Long Branch (2011)
dir. Dane Clark, Linsey Stewart

The Good: Fresh plot. Charming. Nice selection of obscure indie songs. Very solid camera work. Great pacing.

The Bad: Ends as expected. The girl is a bit annoying, and you know she'll only end up hurting the poor, nice dude. Nitpick: Should've been longer.

The Bottom Line: I hope Clark and Stewart get a chance in Hollywood as they've shown through this delightful short that they're more than capable of producing a romantic-comedy that could rival the best mainstream filmmakers have to offer.

[jvince]

^ I also wanna add, that short is for you, Bearcat.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

5/5

David Lynch meets Terrence Malick meets Tim Burton.

Awesome. Thanks for sharing that JVince.

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Thank you for posting this. Was a lovingly animated, beautifully told story, even if it was about as surreal as it gets. Really great, though.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Side Effects

Side Effects is a psychological thriller centered around the pharmaceutical industry. I won't say much more for fear of spoiling anything, but let's just say an experimental drug prescription goes... haywire.

Steven Soderbergh crafts his suspense from the very first frame with a perfect start for the film. The plot then pulls us in and keeps us guessing as the mystery slowly unfolds. The cast meshes wonderfully. Jude Law delivers a strong lead as the frustrated psychiatrist and Rooney Mara is mysterious and unpredictable. My only complaint is the performances were not as dramatic as they could have been. Mara was excellent at portraying her character's cold and lifeless depression, but I have seen what she is really capable of (Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), and she could have definitely reached those heights with this type of character.

So is Side Effects Soderbergh's last hurrah? I certainly hope not, as it's probably my favorite film of his. I wish Soderbergh got more range out of Mara, but the result is a satisfying and expertly-woven psychological drama packed with twists and turns.

This week I saw Rooney Mara in Dare and Soderbergh's The Good German in preparation for Side Effects.

I've seen 22/26 of Soderbergh's films and I really don't want him to stop
The man is so talented.

[mimurph1]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I've seen 22/26 of Soderbergh's films

besides side effects, what's left to be seen?

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by mimurph1

besides side effects, what's left to be seen?

Unfortunately,
•Schizopolis
•Underneath
•King of the Hill
•Kafka

[mimurph1]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Unfortunately,
•Schizopolis
•Underneath
•King of the Hill
•Kafka

I took a quick peak on what's left to be seen for me and to my surprise, I was clueless on him directing Magic Mike. I guess I'm late to the party on that "wtf".

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by mimurph1

I took a quick peak on what's left to be seen for me and to my surprise, I was clueless on him directing Magic Mike. I guess I'm late to the party on that "wtf".

4 movies in 14 months...it's easy to miss one.