The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Dogtooth

Have you ever watched a film so awkward it actually got the level of sickening...

Dogtooth Dance - YouTube

...well I've just watched a film that was that.

Seriously, Dogtooth can happily go up there with one of the few "I wish I could have my memory wiped of that" due to it's rather low key disturbing nature all tied together with loving attention to awkward details

To be honest, this is very far outside my comfort zone, and the only reason I've watched it is that my friend mentioned this film today and I've head it on my sky+ box for over a month, if he hadn't done that, I'd probably would be reviewing either Monsters or Hunger here.

The film is sold as a dark comedy...



...yep, a woman with a mouth covered in blood, hilarious? New York Times and myself have conflicting values. This is supposed to be cutting satire, it isn't very funny, it's an intriguing film, it very ambiguous and is push the boundaries, but I don't quite get what I'm supposed to get out of it. I don't understand Greek politics, so if that's what the jokes at the expense at, I missed it. Is it at over-protective parenting, well it makes sense, but it isn't very funny

Maybe you guys would like it more than me

7/10

yeah, i wasn't a fan either. 3/5 from me. didn't hate it, but certainly have no interest in seeing it again. ever. bought it new for $6 (after AMZ gift card... what a waste ) and sold it asap. LOVE the cover though.

but i too am baffled by the "HILARIOUS!" comment on the cover

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Pulp Fiction [5/5]

[Show spoiler]i'm definitely not a big Tarantino fan. yes, i love Reservoir Dogs, but the rest of his films have always struck me as at best. however, Reservoir Dogs is the exception - as well as Pulp Fiction

watched my $4 blu of it (god i love saying that! ) today, seeing the film for the first time in years it's amazing how quickly the two and a half hours fly by. for me, Pulp Fiction is easily Tarantino's best film and best writing on full display. simply fascinating. every scene is riveting. complex and completely surprising. first time i watched this i had no idea what i was watching or what to expect.

it was awesome and mind blowing. and still is

Shockingly enough, I didn't like this much at all when I watched it way back when it first came out. I have never seen Reservoir Dogs, Death Proof, or Jackie Brown, but out of the rest of his films, the only two I really like (and own) are Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2.

[volcomsocal]

The Lincoln Lawyer - 2011

This is a smart, don't know how it's going to unfold, courtroom drama. Very well written, great acting, and an overall story that you can't predict what's going to happen next. The director's style was very pleasing too... with great music, great cinematography, and a general sense of style that really complemented the movie. And of course the great backdrop to the movie was my own backyard - L.A.

Very highly recommended!

PQ - 4.5/5
AQ - 4.5/5

4.5/5

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Shockingly enough, I didn't like this much at all when I watched it way back when it first came out. I have never seen Reservoir Dogs, Death Proof, or Jackie Brown, but out of the rest of his films, the only two I really like (and own) are Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2.

You need to jump on that one, it only my fave film ever

[Chaotic]

Watched one of my favorite movies with my family on thanksgiving. The Road. My dad wanted to show my uncle how depressing and bleak the movie is. My 94 year old grandpa also watched it.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

You need to jump on that one, it only my fave film ever

Since you put it that way, I guess I'll have to watch it

[Show spoiler]in a few years.

It's not like I've ever agreed with you on a movie before...

[Show spoiler]Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

[Batman1980]

X-Men First Class - Gorgeous cast and solid writing and acting, just didn't click for me for some reason. Liked it the least of the 5 X-Men films to date for a number of reasons. 3/5
Green Lantern - Lively was quite stunning in this and despite my dislike of the Green Lantern character this movie was solid for the most part, even if it did lack realism in parts, even for a comic book film. 3.5/5
Unknown - Solid thriller with solid acting and 2 gorgeous women. Twists and turns throughout the movie leading to a stunning finale. Glad I got it for $7.99. 3.5/5
Crazy, Stupid, Love - A dramedy with a gorgeous cast and superb acting, loved it from start to finish. Twists and turns in this one kept me entertained from start to finish, although some of the twists and turns I saw coming. 4.5/5
Scary Movie 3 - Best of the first 3 films I think, even if the Wayans brothers weren't in it. I do miss this Anna Faris, think she was a lot prettier before all the work she had done. Wondering what Scary Movie 5 is going to be like. 4/5
Pulp Fiction - First time ever seeing this, seems solid enough, not sure it's worthy of its iconic status though. At least 4/5, excellent acting, solid cast and good writing.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Since you put it that way, I guess I'll have to watch it

[Show spoiler]in a few years.

It's not like I've ever agreed with you on a movie before...

[Show spoiler]Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

You should grab it, I got my limited edition petrol canister for dirt cheap

Watched Scott Pilgrim and Up today

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Watched one of my favorite movies with my family on thanksgiving. The Road. My dad wanted to show my uncle how depressing and bleak the movie is. My 94 year old grandpa also watched it.

What a trippy selection for a family Holiday. I love the movie, but that is a unique choice.

[SquidPuppet]

Hanna

Meh. I watched the bonus features and see that it was intended to be delivered and viewd as a fairy tale and less like a serious film. That helped explain some of the oddities, but didnt help much overall.

My biggest beef was that we are never told WHY

[Show spoiler]the CIA gal wants Hanna dead.

And without that knowledge, the whole thing feels like an exercize in futility. Quite pointless and random. A story full of holes and pooor storytelling left me uninvolved.

Acting was really good.

Fight scene choreography, actors execution, cinematography and editing were major weak points IMO. Banas fight in the train station looked like the first practice session with the coaches. Each person "waiting" their turn to attack.

Not a fan of the hyper editing with chaotic cuts from all different angles.

Music. Meh....

Film 2.5/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5

[SquidPuppet]

The Invention of Lying

Really original and funny for the first 30 minutes. Then it kinda lost its way. Still pleasant enough to finish though.

Its a nice little escape from reality, but not something I'd rewatch enough to buy.

Religeous folks may be offended by the material.

Film 3/5
PQ 3.75/5
AQ3.75/5

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Hanna

Fight scene choreography, actors execution, cinematography and editing were major weak points IMO. Banas fight in the train station looked like the first practice session with the coaches. Each person "waiting" their turn to attack.

Like Steven Seagal films, each guy waiting to have his neck broken one by one

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Invention of Lying

Really original and funny for the first 30 minutes. Then it kinda lost its way. Still pleasant enough to finish though.

Its a nice little escape from reality, but not something I'd rewatch enough to buy.

Religeous folks may be offended by the material.

Film 3/5
PQ 3.75/5
AQ3.75/5

Yeah I thought it worked in a lot of ways but didn't amount to anything great in the end, but definitely enjoyable. If you haven't seen Ghost Town, give that a shot... it's hilarious and the best work I've seen from Gervais

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Like Steven Seagal films, each guy waiting to have his neck broken one by one

Ha ha ha

Yeah I thought it worked in a lot of ways but didn't amount to anything great in the end, but definitely enjoyable. If you haven't seen Ghost Town, give that a shot... it's hilarious and the best work I've seen from Gervais

One thing that seemed to be a big hole was that Gervais was upset with Garner for being attracted to a superficial, shallow, unkind weasel (Rob Lowe). Yet he (Gervais) himself was attracted to a superficial, shallow and unkind person because she was attractive.... Garner. If he was taking his own advice, he would not have persued her and found someone else, someone with a big heart and open mind.

[Foggy]

Monsters

Apparently, I'm a bit too negative on films according to my friends in the media course I'm taking (normal friends usually accept my tastes).

I might have to keep quiet on this

This is one long uninteresting film (and it's only 90 mins long). I was very much on it's side for the first 30 mins, it drops you into this world of "not-quite District 9" without really telling you whats going on, and I'm up for filling up the gaps myself. My biggest problem is that the film really isn't about this world, it's about these 2 people falling in love.

I'm sorry, I came to watch a film called Monsters, if I wanted a goddamn romantic film I'd watch one. I'd be able to get past this, but whenever the romance is brought up, the film feels it's weakest, dialogue is hokey and has stilted delivery, and the two leads have a strong lack of chemistry.

This is the directorial debut of a guy called Gareth Edwards, and the big deal around this film is the fact that he did the special effects on his computer in his bedroom, and while, the effects looks mighty fine, they look like something someone could create on his mac. It isn't an illusion that makes us believe we're watching a mega budget blockbuster, it's just an elaborate college film.

Which is a shame all his attention is being dragged to his special effects work, because, he's a damn good director visually, he's great at pointing the camera in the right places, and making almost everything he can look great. He manages to dodge around lighting issues and usually uses natural lighting/lack of natural lighting, to create decent atmosphere. And whenever a monster actual does appear, you crop up in your seat because A) You're truly interested in the world and these creatures, and B) something actually happens.

He just needs to work on his actors more, a lot of the dialogue feels as if it was made up on the spot, and he didn't really tell them how to act towards stuff, no one is bad at acting in this, just it never feels genuine.

Monsters is a conflicted film, it's budget constraints is what shot it into the limelight, and it's budget constraints are what makes it so disappointing to watch. Gareth Edwards has a future now because of the hype built behind this, I just hope that when he gets his hands on this inevitable big project, he really pulls his a game and prove what a great director he can be.

6/10

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Monsters

[Show spoiler]
Apparently, I'm a bit too negative on films according to my friends in the media course I'm taking (normal friends usually accept my tastes).

I might have to keep quiet on this

This is one long uninteresting film (and it's only 90 mins long). I was very much on it's side for the first 30 mins, it drops you into this world of "not-quite District 9" without really telling you whats going on, and I'm up for filling up the gaps myself. My biggest problem is that the film really isn't about this world, it's about these 2 people falling in love.

I'm sorry, I came to watch a film called Monsters, if I wanted a goddamn romantic film I'd watch one. I'd be able to get past this, but whenever the romance is brought up, the film feels it's weakest, dialogue is hokey and has stilted delivery, and the two leads have a strong lack of chemistry.

This is the directorial debut of a guy called Gareth Edwards, and the big deal around this film is the fact that he did the special effects on his computer in his bedroom, and while, the effects looks mighty fine, they look like something someone could create on his mac. It isn't an illusion that makes us believe we're watching a mega budget blockbuster, it's just an elaborate college film.

Which is a shame all his attention is being dragged to his special effects work, because, he's a damn good director visually, he's great at pointing the camera in the right places, and making almost everything he can look great. He manages to dodge around lighting issues and usually uses natural lighting/lack of natural lighting, to create decent atmosphere. And whenever a monster actual does appear, you crop up in your seat because A) You're truly interested in the world and these creatures, and B) something actually happens.

He just needs to work on his actors more, a lot of the dialogue feels as if it was made up on the spot, and he didn't really tell them how to act towards stuff, no one is bad at acting in this, just it never feels genuine.

Monsters is a conflicted film, it's budget constraints is what shot it into the limelight, and it's budget constraints are what makes it so disappointing to watch. Gareth Edwards has a future now because of the hype built behind this, I just hope that when he gets his hands on this inevitable big project, he really pulls his a game and prove what a great director he can be.

6/10

Agreed; it's a mixed bag.

[Lepidopterous]

The Devil's Double

Go to Hell.

It's not often that I impulsively rent a new release that was virtually unknown to me beforehand (with the exception of an abundance of free posters of the movie all around Comic Con over the summer) and am left overwhelmed. The Devil's Double did just that.

It offers a compelling story, great acting, and hits the right marks all the way through. On the cover, it says "Part Scarface, part Goodfellas." Typically, I find that kind of remark discouraging because it is essentially saying it is not unique enough to be its own film. But although noticeably inspired by those films, here we have a film that gives you an intense and haunting perspective from inside the Iraqi regime… hardly something anybody is familiar with. It is about a man's experiences as the body double of Saddam Hussein's son, Uday Saddam Hussein.

Dominic Cooper, Dominic Cooper, Dominic Cooper. He gives a remarkable performance as both the psychotic Uday Saddam Hussein and his body double, Latif Yahia. He is so convincing that you can hardly tell they are the same person! It didn't take me until the end of the movie to realize he's nothing more than "that one guy from Captain America."

The film gets violent, but the viewer is spared from being shown some deaths, which I found very effective. Most of the film has a golden hue, highlighting the abundance of wealth and power and the overall theme of mania and madness.

The Devil's Double is quality entertainment and the blu-ray has beautiful picture and sound, making for a safe purchase and even safer rental for those interested.

4.5/5

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

One think that seemed to be a big hole was that Gervais was upset with Garner for being attracted to a superficial, shallow, unkind weasel (Rob Lowe). Yet he (Gervais) himself was attracted to a superficial, shallow and unkind person because she was attractive.... Garner. If he was taking his own advice, he would not have persued her and found someone else, someone with a big heart and open mind.

I guess this is what they were trying to go for...

[Show spoiler]Romance cliches...

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Like Steven Seagal films, each guy waiting to have his neck broken one by one

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Finally got around to trying to create a definitive top 100 list of favorite films. I swear that this list seems to change all the time, but this time around, I grouped all my 5/5 movies in the top 66 or so, and everything else from there. Above all, I've ranked them according to personal resonance and replay value, rather than what's considered the best (I know some of you will hate some of these choices).

So here it is...

[Show spoiler]Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
The Matrix
The Dark Knight
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Akira
Kill Bill
Casino Royale 2006
Star Trek
The Passion of the Christ
Lawrence of Arabia
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
A Clockwork Orange
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Minority Report
Monty Python's Life of Brian
Braveheart
Apocalypse Now!
Hero
Children of Men
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
X2: X-Men United
Dune
Back to the Future
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Wanted
Inception
True Lies
Red Cliff
The Devil's Backbone
Silence of the Lambs
Metropolis
Memento
Requiem for a Dream
The Shining
The Mist
American History X
North By Northwest
Gladiator
Wall-E
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
The Seven Samurai
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance
Sucker Punch
Antichrist
The Abyss
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions
Ghostbusters
Airplane!
Lord of War
Scarface
Blade Runner
King Kong
Batman Begins
Sleepy Hollow
Gran Torino
Beauty and the Beast
It's a Wonderful Life!
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Downfall
Ip Man
Chocolate
Aliens
Full Metal Jacket
The Planet of the Apes
Transformers
Total Recall
GoldenEye
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Iron Man
Independence Day
The Incredibles
Kingdom of Heaven
Air Force One
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Christine
Sin City
RoboCop
The Ninja Scroll
The Fifth Element
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Event Horizon
Big Trouble in Little China
Starship Troopers
Batman Returns
Donnie Darko
Planet Terror
The Thing
Underworld
The Rock
Black Hawk Down
The Mummy

I think that covers it for now.

Very interesting list. My friendly comments follow:

I forgot about Lord of War with Nicolas Cage... I remember it being pretty good.

Interesting to see Nausicaa as the only Miyazaki film and also no Grave of the Fireflies.

Really want to see Ip Man.

And to Air Force One being on there:

[Show spoiler]NICE!

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by jvince

Nice to see your top 100 list, Al. We both share some favorites there. It was hard, but I had lots of fun making mine. It seems you love epic adventure movies. Have you seen Battle Royale and The Fall yet?

I also thought I'd post my list here too...

[Show spoiler]#1. Jurassic Park (1993)
#2. The Usual Suspects (1995)
#3. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
#4. Linda Linda Linda (2005)
#5. Battle Royale (2000)

#6. Baraka (1992)
#7. Last Year at Marienbad (1961)
#8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
#9. Let The Right One In (2008)
#10. Inception (2010)

#11. Black Christmas (1974)
#12. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
#13. The Graduate (1967)
#14. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
#15. Memento (2000)

#16. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
#17. Donnie Darko (2001)
#18. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
#19. The Shining (1980)
#20. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

#21. My Sassy Girl (2001)
#22. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
#23. Lost in Translation (2003)
#24. Pulp Fiction (1994)
#25. Mon Oncle d'Amérique (1980)

#26. Up (2009)
#27. Léon: The Professional (1994)
#28. Scream (1996)
#29. Stand By Me (1986)
#30. Raising Arizona (1987)

#31. The Incredibles (2004)
#32. The Mist (2007)
#33. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
#34. WALL•E (2008)
#35. The Thing (1982)

#36. Super 8 (2011)
#37. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
#38. Swing Girls (2004)
#39. Big Fish (2003)
#40. Flipped (2010)

#41. The Sixth Sense (1999)
#42. The Truman Show (1998)
#43. Pleasantville (1998)
#44. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
#45. Children of Men (2006)

#46. [REC] (2007)
#47. A Moment to Remember (2004)
#48. A Bittersweet Life (2005)
#49. The Double Life of Veronique (1991)
#50. Dead Alive (1992)

#51. Hero (2002)
#52. Heat (1995)
#53. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
#54. The School of Rock (2003)
#55. Election (1999)

#56. The Fall (2006)
#57. Enchanted (2007)
#58. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
#59. The Little Mermaid (1989)
#60. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

#61. Elephant (2003)
#62. Departures (2008)
#63. Coraline (2009)
#64. Confessions (2010)
#65. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

#66. Before Sunrise (1995)
#67. Before Sunset (2004)
#68. Cure (1997)
#69. Rushmore (1998)
#70. Almost Famous (2000)

#71. Toy Story 3 (2010)
#72. Toy Story (1995)
#73. Toy Story 2 (1999)
#74. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
#75. Mulholland Dr. (2001)

#76. 127 Hours (2010)
#77. The Princess Bride (1987)
#78. Melancholia (2011)
#79. The Dark Knight (2008)
#80. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

#81. Kick-Ass (2010)
#82. 12 Angry Men (1957)
#83. Drive (2011)
#84. Annie Hall (1977)
#85. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

#86. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
#87. A Bug's Life (1998)
#88. I Saw the Devil (2010)
#89. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
#90. Love Exposure (2008)

#91. Blue Valentine (2010)
#92. Watership Down (1978)
#93. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970)
#94. Ghost World (2001)
#95. Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

#96. Let Me In (2010)
#97. Minority Report (2002)
#98. City of Life and Death (2009)
#99. Memories of Murder (2003)
#100. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

As you guys can see, I love quirky screwball comedies, surrealists, and feel-good sentimentality. Anyone here got any recommendations for me?

Cool list Vince. Thoughts :

So is Jurassic Park your favorite movie?

City of Life and Death and Drive... Movies on your list I most want to see. Mon Oncle d'Amerique also looks interesting. I adore his earlier films.

[Show spoiler]I Saw the Devil

I'll throw out a few recommendations you might like:
A Serious Man
Match Point
Cyrus