The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Bridesmaids? You mean the movie with diarrhea in the sink jokes? And throwing cake jokes?

Those were indeed the weakest jokes. If you didn't like it, The Heat may not be for you.

[legendarymatt92]

Spring Breakers (dir. Harmony Korine, 2013)

"Faith, we're not going to let anything happen to you."


Harmony Korine, director-provocateur, returns to the world of film-making with what could be his richest, most potent social commentary; unfortunately, could be is the integral phrase here, and it's more a film of broken promises and missed opportunities than actualities. Wrapped in the pretence of moral ambiguity and hedonism, Spring Breakers concerns the story of four friends and their physical and spiritual journey into a life of spiralling confusion and problematic situations. Quite simply, it's a film about teenage angst and desire that brews with a hatred for the very same subject, creating a strange hybrid that never really knows what it's trying to critique.

Interestingly, for a film that has no real meaning, it does a lot of things right; Korine masterfully utilises hazy, dreamlike cinematography to portray the euphoric, desperate highs the girls encounter; the repetition of important, foreboding phrases and sounds (although significantly overused) is an interesting technique at first; and the exploration of criminality -- the insidious presence always around them, invading their thoughts -- is both original and exciting. Korine certainly understands the concept of making unique films, and this is no exception, especially in the aforementioned visual style that really hits home during the final act.

Korine's style, however, can really only add superficial sheen to something flawed from its conception; without knowing what it wants to comment on, without knowing what it even wants to say in its resolution, it's an extremely frustrating project because of its potential. Is the film interested in the concept of spring break? Or is it merely using it as a backdrop for commentary for the inconsequential crime that occurs?

Another major problem with the film is the episodic nature: each scene ties in extremely tenuously with what has gone before, and often entire sequences seem completely superfluous -- in fact, the plot is so loose and uneven, I'd happily believe Korine went and filmed most sequences on-the-fly, documentary style, without telling the cast about it.

For some, then, Spring Breakers might answer some of the important questions it poses in its pseudo-intellectual way, but it certainly won't for others. It's dazzling to look at, and there can be no doubting Korine's ability to craft visually meaningful frames, but its weird, frenetic editing style, coupled with social ramblings that go nowhere fast, means it's a hollow, superficial exploration of nothing interesting or worthwhile.

4.5/10

[Foggy]

No mention of tits = 0 stars

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Foggy

No mention of tits = 0 stars

The tits, indeed, were one of the best aspects of the film, and I highly recommend anyone check it out just for those

[Al_The_Strange]

White House Down

Earlier this year, Olympus Has Fallen was released showcasing a lone hero rising to one of the boldest and most terrifying challenges: saving an entire nation when the White House and its members fall under attack. It's not a terribly great or well-made film, but it sure was entertaining, representing the essence of action cinema.

Strangely, White House Down was released just a few months afterward, also portraying the White House and the President under attack. Coming from director Roland Emmerich, the man behind Independence Day and 2012, WHD embodies the thing that Emmerich does best: the essence of blockbuster cinema.

In spite of that, you can expect plentiful amounts of action: there are numerous thrilling shoot-outs and crisis situations. Special effects are moderately-used, but look pretty decent. Witty quips and humor break up nearly every scene. It takes a little while in the first act for the action to pick up, but once it does, it's a very evenly-paced and satisfying thrill ride.

The story in this movie bears much in common with OHF, but with enough subtle differences to warrant endless comparisons. Basically, WHD follows several characters, who are all endearing, but show minimal development. The film does a great job of establishing the main hero, his dillemas, and his bonds with the other characters, which ultimately raise the stakes on a more personal level. The story may cover some unlikely ground (and it gets a little pushy with the left-wing politics), but the plot is well-structured. It's actually quite an improvement from OHD, which presented problems that were solved one-after-another; WHD keeps all the conflicts running hard and fast until the very end, making it all the more gripping.

This film looks decent, with quality photography and editing. Acting is generally good; nobody puts on a serious face here, but everybody works to make the film fun and light. Writing is good and seems well-researched (another improvement from OHD). This production has nice-looking sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is good too.

OHD was good as an action movie for tough guys, but WHD works best as an audience-friendly popcorn flick. In fact, OHD reminded me so much of action movies of the 80s and 90s (like Die Hard, Under Siege, etc), but WHD reminded me more of the great thrillers and blockbusters of the 90s (such as a Jack Ryan feature, or the earlier works of Emmerich). Between the two, I actually do prefer WHD by a slight margin, and of the two, it comes the most recommended.

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

Recommendation: Sure.

[jvince]

Field of Dreams (1989)
dir. Phil Alden Robinson

The Good: Charismatic turns by Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster. Even the little girl is so darn adorable.

The Bad: Mawkish. Manipulative. Corny. Contrived. Ridiculous. (I swear I felt really close to puking actual rainbows.)

The Bottom Line: This movie's f*cking high. Kevin Costner is f*cking high. (In the film, his character claims he never dropped acid, but I highly doubt it.) I really hate this film, yet, for some reason, I just couldn't hate it. That... That doesn't make sense. Great, now I'm high too. F*ck...

[jvince]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Spring Breakers (dir. Harmony Korine, 2013)

"Faith, we're not going to let anything happen to you."


Harmony Korine, director-provocateur, returns to the world of film-making with what could be his richest, most potent social commentary; unfortunately, could be is the integral phrase here, and it's more a film of broken promises and missed opportunities than actualities. Wrapped in the pretence of moral ambiguity and hedonism, Spring Breakers concerns the story of four friends and their physical and spiritual journey into a life of spiralling confusion and problematic situations. Quite simply, it's a film about teenage angst and desire that brews with a hatred for the very same subject, creating a strange hybrid that never really knows what it's trying to critique.

Interestingly, for a film that has no real meaning, it does a lot of things right; Korine masterfully utilises hazy, dreamlike cinematography to portray the euphoric, desperate highs the girls encounter; the repetition of important, foreboding phrases and sounds (although significantly overused) is an interesting technique at first; and the exploration of criminality -- the insidious presence always around them, invading their thoughts -- is both original and exciting. Korine certainly understands the concept of making unique films, and this is no exception, especially in the aforementioned visual style that really hits home during the final act.

Korine's style, however, can really only add superficial sheen to something flawed from its conception; without knowing what it wants to comment on, without knowing what it even wants to say in its resolution, it's an extremely frustrating project because of its potential. Is the film interested in the concept of spring break? Or is it merely using it as a backdrop for commentary for the inconsequential crime that occurs?

Another major problem with the film is the episodic nature: each scene ties in extremely tenuously with what has gone before, and often entire sequences seem completely superfluous -- in fact, the plot is so loose and uneven, I'd happily believe Korine went and filmed most sequences on-the-fly, documentary style, without telling the cast about it.

For some, then, Spring Breakers might answer some of the important questions it poses in its pseudo-intellectual way, but it certainly won't for others. It's dazzling to look at, and there can be no doubting Korine's ability to craft visually meaningful frames, but its weird, frenetic editing style, coupled with social ramblings that go nowhere fast, means it's a hollow, superficial exploration of nothing interesting or worthwhile.

4.5/10

Should be lower.

Originally Posted by Foggy

No mention of tits = 0 stars

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

The tits, indeed, were one of the best aspects of the film, and I highly recommend anyone check it out just for those

So... Many... Tits...

Btw, I really like how all we've been talking about recently are tits and diarrhea.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by jvince

Should be lower.

That score might be changed; I've always considered the few days after seeing a film to be the important ones. I'll see whether any aspect (beyond the tits, of course ) actually stays with you.

[Steve46]

Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Animation, Drama, Family, 111 minutes
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo
Featuring the voices of Brittany Snow, David Gallagher, Ashley Tisdale, Cary Elwes and Jean Smart

Who is Whisper of the Heart aimed at? It's animated, so it must be for children? The lead characters are young teens and there's a strong romantic element, so is it aimed at teens? I'm a 51-year-old man who doesn't have any children, but I love every minute of this film.

If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, you'll know that Hayao Miyazaki has directed most of the studio's work. Yoshifumi Kondo directed this time, but Miyazaki wrote the screenplay, and his influence can be felt rather than seen. Whisper of the Heart is set in the real world and only contains the tiniest of fantasy references. It's a coming-of-age tale that just about everyone can identify with. Even if you are not a child, a teen, or a parent, you will remember living through similar moments to those depicted in this story.

Shizuku is a 14-year-old girl who focuses most of her attention on school, reading, and studying. One day, she notices that almost every book she borrows from the library has previously been checked out by Seiji Amasawa. She becomes curious about him, and wonders how someone could have such similar tastes to her own. At school, she's a good student, and goes through the typical things that most young girls experience. She talks to her girlfriends about boys, but writing is her real passion. She impresses her friends by writing song lyrics.

Her life changes when she encounters a cat on the train, and she follows it after it gets off at her stop. It leads her to an antiques store, owned by an old man. The man turns out to be the grandfather of the mysterious Seiji, and the two finally meet.

Although Shizuki studies hard, she has little idea of what she wants to do with her life. Seiji and his grandfather provide the inspiration she has been lacking, and she soon realizes that her true passion in life is writing. Seiji's passion is making violins, and the old man spends his time restoring antiques. This new focus means that her studies start to suffer, and she has to decide whether her writing is more important to her.

That sounds like a boring story, but it's nothing of the sort. There are no villains, no explosions, and not a lot of humor, but it's a sweet story with real characters that are easy to like and care about. You might find yourself remembering key moments in your own childhood, or perhaps wondering how different your life would have been if you had chosen a different path.

The film includes well-developed relationships with friends, parents, and siblings. Shizuku's parents are supportive, but realistic about their daughter's choices. There's a lot of respect present in her relationships with family, and the other people in her life. In typical Studio Ghibli fashion, Miyazaki's script includes many instances where characters stop and reflect on their actions. The animation includes little touches which add to the realism. For example, how many animated movies take the time to show someone using a vacuum cleaner?

The story is so realistic that I could imagine it having a positive influence on young teens or even parents. The messages are all positive, and they fit well with the story. My favorite Studio Ghibli films do include strong fantasy elements, but Whisper of the Heart is close to perfect while remaining firmly in the real world. These events could actually happen. It reminds me that Miyazaki must be a keen observer of human nature.

I've seen the film several times, and it always reaches me emotionally. The themes are simple and universal. I urge you to give it a try, even if you think that the genre isn't something you would normally enjoy. It's one for the whole family. If you do end up loving Whisper of the Heart, one of the characters also appears in The Cat Returns, and that's well worth your time as well.

The Blu-ray presentation is pleasing, but don't expect the film to look like something from Pixar. This is the intended look.

Overall score 4.5/5

[Abdrewes]

Just got my Ghiblis in the mail. I've seen about 6 Miyazaki films, now I have 5 more on the shelf unwatched. This should be a fun journey!

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Just got my Ghiblis in the mail. I've seen about 6 Miyazaki films, now I have 5 more on the shelf unwatched. This should be a fun journey!

You are in for a treat.

I've reviewed most of them on my blog:

http://intheframefilmreviews.blogspo...w-on-site.html

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Animation, Drama, Family, 111 minutes
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo
Featuring the voices of Brittany Snow, David Gallagher, Ashley Tisdale, Cary Elwes and Jean Smart

[Show spoiler]Who is Whisper of the Heart aimed at? It's animated, so it must be for children? The lead characters are young teens and there's a strong romantic element, so is it aimed at teens? I'm a 51-year-old man who doesn't have any children, but I love every minute of this film.

If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, you'll know that Hayao Miyazaki has directed most of the studio's work. Yoshifumi Kondo directed this time, but Miyazaki wrote the screenplay, and his influence can be felt rather than seen. Whisper of the Heart is set in the real world and only contains the tiniest of fantasy references. It's a coming-of-age tale that just about everyone can identify with. Even if you are not a child, a teen, or a parent, you will remember living through similar moments to those depicted in this story.

Shizuku is a 14-year-old girl who focuses most of her attention on school, reading, and studying. One day, she notices that almost every book she borrows from the library has previously been checked out by Seiji Amasawa. She becomes curious about him, and wonders how someone could have such similar tastes to her own. At school, she's a good student, and goes through the typical things that most young girls experience. She talks to her girlfriends about boys, but writing is her real passion. She impresses her friends by writing song lyrics.

Her life changes when she encounters a cat on the train, and she follows it after it gets off at her stop. It leads her to an antiques store, owned by an old man. The man turns out to be the grandfather of the mysterious Seiji, and the two finally meet.

Although Shizuki studies hard, she has little idea of what she wants to do with her life. Seiji and his grandfather provide the inspiration she has been lacking, and she soon realizes that her true passion in life is writing. Seiji's passion is making violins, and the old man spends his time restoring antiques. This new focus means that her studies start to suffer, and she has to decide whether her writing is more important to her.

That sounds like a boring story, but it's nothing of the sort. There are no villains, no explosions, and not a lot of humor, but it's a sweet story with real characters that are easy to like and care about. You might find yourself remembering key moments in your own childhood, or perhaps wondering how different your life would have been if you had chosen a different path.

The film includes well-developed relationships with friends, parents, and siblings. Shizuku's parents are supportive, but realistic about their daughter's choices. There's a lot of respect present in her relationships with family, and the other people in her life. In typical Studio Ghibli fashion, Miyazaki's script includes many instances where characters stop and reflect on their actions. The animation includes little touches which add to the realism. For example, how many animated movies take the time to show someone using a vacuum cleaner?

The story is so realistic that I could imagine it having a positive influence on young teens or even parents. The messages are all positive, and they fit well with the story. My favorite Studio Ghibli films do include strong fantasy elements, but Whisper of the Heart is close to perfect while remaining firmly in the real world. These events could actually happen. It reminds me that Miyazaki must be a keen observer of human nature.

I've seen the film several times, and it always reaches me emotionally. The themes are simple and universal. I urge you to give it a try, even if you think that the genre isn't something you would normally enjoy. It's one for the whole family. If you do end up loving Whisper of the Heart, one of the characters also appears in The Cat Returns, and that's well worth your time as well.

The Blu-ray presentation is pleasing, but don't expect the film to look like something from Pixar. This is the intended look.

Overall score 4.5/5

Still the only Studio Ghibli film I have seen, but that will be remedied soon when I finally get around to watching my copy of The Secret World of Arrietty probably next week.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Still the only Studio Ghibli film I have seen, but that will be remedied soon when I finally get around to watching my copy of The Secret World of Arrietty probably next week.

You can't really go wrong with Studio Ghibli.

Most of them get a 5/5 or 4.5/5 from me.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

You can't really go wrong with Studio Ghibli.

Most of them get a 5/5 or 4.5/5 from me.

I know I can't. I just have so many movies that I haven't gotten around to watching any of the others yet.

I doubt I'll feel any different about them. I agree with you on Whisper of the Heart of course.

[Al_The_Strange]

Some quick mini-reviews for stuff recently seen:

7 Adventures of Sinbad

...I don't even know what this crap is. Sinbad is some modern-day schmuck with guns. He gets attacked by a giant crab, a giant whale, and I forget what else. Of course, everything looks fake, the acting is stupid, and I never caught onto what the actual story was (much less discerning what each of the 7 supposed adventures are).

2/5 (Entertainment: Average | Story: Poor | Film: Awful)

Recommendation: No!



Street Trash

Ah man, this film looks so nasty and disgusting, I was certain it would be great. Well, sure, a bunch of people do melt into colorful piles of goo, and it is quite gross. But, there's not much of a story to it, and when people aren't melting, they're just being mean to each other arbitrarily and raping people for no good reason. There's nobody to really care about in this movie, so...whatever.

3/5 (Entertainment: Pretty Good | Story: Marginal | Film: Average)

Recommendation: Nah.



Postal

Probably one of only three or so films made by Uwe Boll that can be considered even remotely "good." Postal sets out to be as politically incorrect, as mean and nasty, and as offensive as it can be. It certainly will push a lot of buttons on the audience: children get shot, Troy Verner gets molested by 1,000 monkeys, sex is rampant, shootings and bombing occur and nobody seems to care, there's stereotyping galore, and I don't even remember what else. The most controversial thing was the opening scene, which dared to make fun of 9-11. The whole thing ultimately revolves around terrorists and religious fanatics fighting, and the main dude gets caught up in it; it gets a little irreverent, especially with so much crudeness thrown in just for shock value. However, the film is pretty evenly-paced, it does have some funny and poignant scenes, and the cast (especially Zach Ward) does their best to be outrageous. In some of the funniest bits of self-parody, Boll himself makes a cameo, and gets shot in the nuts.

3.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Average | Film: Average)

Recommendation: Uhhhhhhh...



Date Night

Pretty much a lot like Adventures in Babysitting, only backwards. It's a fairly amusing flick with some good action and comedy. I think it's pretty decent in the way it builds up things by throwing out every possible thing that could go wrong, at least at first. Things get wrapped up very neatly at the end, making it pretty safe and easy entertainment.

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

Recommendation: For casual comedy fans.

[jvince]

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
dir. John McTiernan

The Good: Inspired pairing of Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Their back-and-forths are so f*cking hilarious, I could watch them banter all day. Thrilling action sequences. Good replay value.

The Bad: Contrived. Over-the-top. Lackluster ending.

The Bottom Line: It's still as fun as I remember. No one else should be allowed to make Die Hard movies other than McTiernan. No one. Only he knows what John McClane is all about.

[Abdrewes]

^^
Contrived an over the top should be in the "good"

[Foggy]

Watching the new Ben Wheatley film tomorrow!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Watching the new Ben Wheatley film tomorrow!

Havent even seen the last one

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Havent even seen the last one

I loved Sightseers (it's currently my top film of 2013 if you discard the late arrivals from last year over here) but it's a big marmite film, it'll either work or it won't. It still has Wheatley's mumblecore approach to filmmaking, although it's more outlandish than most mumblecore films, which makes the humour a bit more dry and muted but the acting is stellar and the jokes are pretty weird and wonderful. It's pretty much Badlands but with English sensibilities.

A Field in England looking pretty baffling though.