The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I thought Public Enemies was weak considering who was involved and the potential of the story. I don't need to ever watch it again.

I'll happily trade my copy (watched once) with slip if anyone craves it.

AMEN to that, i turn that movie off halfway through and sold it on Amazon!!!

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The Godfather

[Show spoiler]173 minutes

Year: 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and James Caan

how many days does it take to watch a three hour movie?

apparently three days is the answer it's amazing how many times something comes up right in the middle of a 173 minute film. one day though, i will sit down and watch The Godfather in one sitting. ahh... that day can't come soon enough

alright, off to what is considered by many as the greatest film of all time...

in my book, it's not. not even close. did i enjoy it? absolutely. is it perfect? absolutely not. there are a lot of areas that i didn't like or found disjointed. but, in the end, i still am glad i bought The Godfather Collection and am looking forward to starting The Godfather Pt. II (probably sometime this weekend)

some thoughts on the film to hopefully keep this review moderate in size

• acting.
  terrific across the board - except for the women (they were all generally terrible in all they did was yell and scream ). Pacino was amazing, although his lack of emotion was a bit ridiculous at times. i mean, he saw
  [Show spoiler]his wife get blown up in his car! sat through his father's funeral, and killed two big time gangsters (or a cop in a gangster's pocket) in cold blood
  yet no emotion ever comes across his face. but the performance is still built on quiet confidence and an undermining anger. but still, come on, subtleties aside, the story could have him show SOMETHING as far as expressions go.
  
• odd pacing issues
  after the first 90 minutes, for the next 40 or so minutes, the film feels really, really random and a mixed bag of scenes that don't play well together. we go from Michael
  [Show spoiler]in Italy (or somewhere like that), suddenly meeting a girl he wants to be his wife, back to New York where Teddy (i think...) beats up his sister's husband, because she got beat up. why'd she get beat up? i don't think we ever really know. then BAM! back to Italy for the wedding. then Sonny gets killed! then Michael's wife gets killed!
  it really felt like an endless cycle of "wtf is happening now?" and "why is this happening?" with no background information. honestly, for a film this long, many scenes seemed to have no history behind them and just came from nowhere. this bugged me, but it may just be me.
  
• Michael's dinner scene
  now, not really a problem i have with this scene, but just a minor quibble about it:
  [Show spoiler]this could have been soooo much more tense and frightening and awkward to watch. when Michael is in the bathroom looking for the gun and we keep cutting back to the table and the mob boss keeps looking at the bathroom, it was very much but then it just ends and all that momentum and power the scene had just abruptly ends. which sucked a lot

there were a few scenes i loved, a few i didn't really care for and a few that just were there for characterization that were nice and i appreciate, so overall they kind of even each other out. the biggest telling point for The Godfather and how much i liked it (or didn't like it) was how it took me three days to watch it and i never once was super eager to rush home and finish it. i would come home and think, "alright, let's watch The Godfather" and if something would interrupt me (which happened a lot ) i wouldn't be as pissed as i would had i been really loving what i was watching.

been bouncing back and forth between giving The Godfather a 3.5/5 and a 4/5 so i'm gonna go with the dead middle of the two and go with...

3.75/5

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone has different taste but i think that the Godfather is simply one of the greatest films ever made.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Hotel Rwanda (blu)

PQ: 4.5 (out of 5)

Surprisingly, very very good. Great depth.

AQ: 4 (out of 5)

Film: 4 stars (out of 4)


I watched it on blu a few weeks ago for the first time, but I've seen the film about half a dozen times. With all due respect squid, the assertion that Cheadle's performance is just okay is probably the thing I disagree with you on strongest. Even without knowing he nailed Rusesabagina, his performance is incredible. The gradual character change is what's most impressive, although his "emotional" moments are top-notch. The film was snubbed for best picture solely as a result of politics, simply stated. A film all should watch.

The African Schindler's List IMO. I enjoyed it a lot.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Ghost Writer

[Show spoiler]Directed by Roman Polankski
Starring Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan
128 minutes

I'm not sure why I made this a bind buy, but I'm glad I did. There are no ghosts in it and not much writing.

The reason it stands out from the crowd is the screenplay, pacing and exposition. The story has a way of drawing you in, like any good novel. I felt like some of the things were happening to me.

It's not an action movie. It's largely free of cliche. It's simply a story that I hadn't seen told before and one that had enough twists to keep me guessing.

Ebert mentions Hitchcock in his review. High praise, but I see where he's coming from. It's a smart story that builds tension in a smart way without the use of gimmicks. I can imagine watching this many times.

Overall 4.5/5

This was a nice little movie, i was fully engaged. Good review.

[lDlisturb3d]

SPR

For a while We Were Soldiers was my fav but im slowly creeping back to SPR, even tho the story really isn't about the "War" itself i love how personal the movie gets with each character. Spielberg is the MAN! You never lose production value with this dude.

5/5

[jvince]

Genre: Action / Animation / Crime / Thriller
Synopsis: While a new foe who uses The Joker's old alias wreaks havoc among Gotham City's organized crime, Batman finds him disturbingly familiar.
Running Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Director: Brandon Vietti
Writer: Judd Winick
Stars: Bruce Greenwood (The Sweet Hereafter), Jensen Ackles (Supernatural), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Wade Williams (Prison Break), Gary Cole (Office Space), Kelly Hu (X2: X-Men United)

Thinking back, it's amazing how the Caped Crusader was best captured by Timm and Radomski's groundbreaking 90's animated series and feature films rather than the numerous live-action attempts, until Nolan's dark and gritty adaptations came by about a decade later to challenge that distinction.

Now, 2010's animated straight-to-video Under the Red Hood enters the ring. But how does it fare against the previous installments and incarnations of the Dark Knight? Well, the potential is definitely there alright, but unfortunately, it is hindered by its many flaws.

The voice acting, while adequate, felt a little bit off. Hearing Bender-slash-Jake-the-Dog's voice come out of Joker's mouth may take some viewers out of the movie, but it's something you'll warm up to as it progresses. Maybe it's just the nostalgic child in me, but I'm not really big with the voice acting in this one. Everyone tries their best to step into their predecessors shoes, but they fail to come anywhere close. Give me Conroy and Hamill any day.

The plot also has its problems. Now, I'm aware they adapted the story from the comics and it's about superheroes and all, but everything here amounts to something so over-the-top, fantastical, and contrived. It's as if they crammed together as much crazy sh*t as possible (and more) into 75 minutes, that in the end, it just doesn't feel so believable, even in a comic book world like Gotham. Sometimes, toning things down is a good thing, but the makers were seemingly not aware of that, as it's kitchen-sink mentality only hurts itself in the process.

But shortcomings aside, Under the Red Hood is smart and enjoyable. The fight sequences are well-executed and plenty, the villains are brutal and violent (for American animation standards), and the ending, well, it's pure genius. In fact, it's what basically carries this film and saves it from mediocrity hell. The intense conclusion plays with Batman's character and takes full advantage of the morally gray area he operates in, creating a damn perfect deconstruction of vigilantes and villains.

In the end, Under the Red Hood doesn't quite live up to its full potential. Had it possessed as tight a beginning as an ending, it would have been a tremendous triumph. But alas, it only settles for good, which is still commendable, since a good straight-to-video movie is incredibly hard to come by. Under the Red Hood may stand nowhere near the underseen masterpiece that is The Mask of the Phantasm, but it is certainly a worthy adaptation of the Caped Crusader.

Rating: ***1/2 out of 5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

Genre: Action / Animation / Crime / Thriller
Synopsis: While a new foe who uses The Joker's old alias wreaks havoc among Gotham City's organized crime, Batman finds him disturbingly familiar.
Running Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

[Show spoiler]
Director: Brandon Vietti
Writer: Judd Winick
Stars: Bruce Greenwood (The Sweet Hereafter), Jensen Ackles (Supernatural), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Wade Williams (Prison Break), Gary Cole (Office Space), Kelly Hu (X2: X-Men United)

Thinking back, it's amazing how the Caped Crusader was best captured by Timm and Radomski's groundbreaking 90's animated series and feature films rather than the numerous live-action attempts, until Nolan's dark and gritty adaptations came by about a decade later to challenge that distinction.

Now, 2010's animated straight-to-video Under the Red Hood enters the ring. But how does it fare against the previous installments and incarnations of the Dark Knight? Well, the potential is definitely there alright, but unfortunately, it is hindered by its many flaws.

The voice acting, while adequate, felt a little bit off. Hearing Bender-slash-Jake-the-Dog's voice come out of Joker's mouth may take some viewers out of the movie, but it's something you'll warm up to as it progresses. Maybe it's just the nostalgic child in me, but I'm not really big with the voice acting in this one. Everyone tries their best to step into their predecessors shoes, but they fail to come anywhere close. Give me Conroy and Hamill any day.

The plot also has its problems. Now, I'm aware they adapted the story from the comics and it's about superheroes and all, but everything here amounts to something so over-the-top, fantastical, and contrived. It's as if they crammed together as much crazy sh*t as possible (and more) into 75 minutes, that in the end, it just doesn't feel so believable, even in a comic book world like Gotham. Sometimes, toning things down is a good thing, but the makers were seemingly not aware of that, as it's kitchen-sink mentality only hurts itself in the process.

But shortcomings aside, Under the Red Hood is smart and enjoyable. The fight sequences are well-executed and plenty, the villains are brutal and violent (for American animation standards), and the ending, well, it's pure genius. In fact, it's what basically carries this film and saves it from mediocrity hell. The intense conclusion plays with Batman's character and takes full advantage of the morally gray area he operates in, creating a damn perfect deconstruction of vigilantes and villains.

In the end, Under the Red Hood doesn't quite live up to its full potential. Had it possessed as tight a beginning as an ending, it would have been a tremendous triumph. But alas, it only settles for good, which is still commendable, since a good straight-to-video movie is incredibly hard to come by. Under the Red Hood may stand nowhere near the underseen masterpiece that is The Mask of the Phantasm, but it is certainly a worthy adaptation of the Caped Crusader.

Rating: ***1/2 out of 5

My dad gave me this as a gift, but I have yet to see it. Even with your review, it sounds promising.

[Diesel]

I highly enjoyed Under the Red Hood:

Originally Posted by Diesel

Batman: Under the Red Hood

[Show spoiler]

• 2010 | PG-13 | 75 Minutes
  
  
• Director: Brandon Vietti
  
  
• Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles
  
  
• Action | Animation | Crime
  
  
• First Time Viewing

I love me some Batman animation (just don't bring up Gotham Knight ); so I've been wanting to see this one since it came out and got the chance to tonight. And I loved it

The story is great and they pack a lot in there in the 75 minutes, but its not rushed or cramped. One key component was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning (that

[Show spoiler]Jason was Red Hood

) but that doesn't matter for this movie, no points off for that.


The voice actors were all really good. But for me it is an automatic complaint when Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill aren't brought in for the Batman/Joker voices

But Greenwood should be the go to guy if Conroy is unavailable, he was very good as Wayne.

DiMaggio was also really good as Joker. There was a little Mark Hamill in there along with a tiny bit of Heath Ledger mixed in with his own take.

And Neil Patrick Harris has a few moments as Nightwing.


If you like the animated series (), the animated movies, Batman in general or some good animated crime/action, then I DEFINITELY say check this one out

Rating - 4.5/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The Orphanage

102 minutes

refreshing, to say the least.

not your typical horror film. not exactly an exciting, original concept, but not a horror film bogged down by over climactic music or gore or jump scares. actually, The Orphanage contains very little blood and what blood there is doesn't even deal with the main story line / horror of the film.

so that's nice.

not perfect though either. and the ending is a "love it" or "hate it" type deal i believe. i guess i would fall in the middle, if possible, but probably more towards the "love it" side... in time.

performances are surprisingly good for a horror film and the film really doesn't feel like a horror film. more like a psychological thriller with horror moments and atmosphere.

not really sure where i stand on it overall though because only a few scenes and moments are memorable and after i finished it awhile ago i had trouble remembering a lot of it. not a good sign.

definitely worth watching and for $10.49 it's a solid addition to my collection. may not be as memorable or good as other horror films, but a solid entry none the less, and it gets points for not coming across as a generic cliched typical horror film, even though it certainly doesn't think outside the box. at all.

for now...

3.5/5

Glad you watched it but I think you need to bump up that rating

On its face, it may appear to have all the cliche horror elements (creepy kid, old house, etc.), but it's much more than that and it puts story first. I've never heard anyone state that the ending might be polarizing though.

[SquidPuppet]

There is another thread for this, but I thought I'd share this with my Bros here in case you miss it.

A magic Genie that guesses your movie character.

Credit to member hardcorefrokid for finding this.

Its a lot of fun, and addicting.

http://us.akinator.com/

[Diesel]

He got it first try

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

There is another thread for this, but I thought I'd share this with my Bros here in case you miss it.

A magic Genie that guesses your movie character.

Credit to member hardcorefrokid for finding this.

Its a lot of fun, and addicting.

http://us.akinator.com/

First time around, it immediately guessed mine (Well, I suppose

[Show spoiler]Darth Vader

is too popular ).

Second time around, I thought of

[Show spoiler]Tuco from "The Good The Bad and the Ugly"

and stumped it!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

He got it first try

He got Dug from Up without using all the questions, just BAM!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

He got Dug from Up without using all the questions, just BAM!

I've done:

Thor

Wonder Woman

Patrick Bateman

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Craig Ferguson (25 questions)

Richard Petty

George W. Bush

Benito Mussolini

Isaiah Mustafa

Optimus Prime

and Selene (Underworld)

He got them all except Isaiah Mustafa.

[SquidPuppet]

Nailed Elton John no problem.

[SquidPuppet]

I did Riddick and one of the questions was "Does your character wear goggles?"

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I did Riddick and one of the questions was "Does your character wear goggles?"

[P@t_Mtl]

Doctor Strange

USA 1978
Directed by Philip DeGuere
With Peter Hooten, Clyde Kusatsu, Jessica Walter
Format: TV

Talk about jumping into the obscure and not known. I bet very few people can actually recall that this movie was ever made. It was played on September 6 1978 on CBS. Now if you are wondering why this is not well known, wonder no more, there are very good reasons It's not horrible but it does show that it was a made for TV movie. Even Stan Lee mention that this one was a far better experience then some of the other TV projects by marvel on TV in the 70's. I try to dig a bit and find more info but I am not sure if it was plan as only one movie or it was some sort of pilot for a series? The actors do a pretty good job and while their name's may not be so familliar, when you see their face you remember them from other work. I believe this never made it to DVD but there was a VHS release by MCA Home Video sometime in the 80's I think. Not knowing enough about Doctor Strange, it's a bit hard to say just how much they moved away from the original material. The costume did seem alright to me but not exactly as it was in the comic books however. Overall this movie is not bad, a step above the Captain America of 1990 (ok I know not much of a step to make ). I am not sure you can go about and watch it, it's probably more rare then gold at this point.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I highly enjoyed Under the Red Hood:

Although I don't think it's as good as you rated it, I completely agree with you about Conroy and Hamill. They are and should always be Batman and Joker in the animated world, no one else. Even NPH felt off as Nightwing. I felt the best voice actor in this was Wade Williams as Black Mask. Dude was entertaining.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by jvince

Although I don't think it's as good as you rated it, I completely agree with you about Conroy and Hamill. They are and should always be Batman and Joker in the animated world, no one else. Even NPH felt off as Nightwing. I felt the best voice actor in this was Wade Williams as Black Mask. Dude was entertaining.

He really was.
I eenjoyed that character very much.