The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Foggy]

I really don't understand when people don't like Memento, it's gripping stuff and a nice brain tinker

The Artist tomorrow Might squeeze in some other Oscar nods as well, try and get Midnight in Paris and Hugo sorted out

[Hep]

Drive



Most of us drive cars, sure...but what drives us? This is a defining question. It shapes who we are and what we do. Conscious or not, these drives ultimately determine our actions. I like to think that I’m driven by compassion and reason...among other vices. One of which, a sense of duty, has kept me from posting regularly on this thread thanks to the scarcity of time. I finally have a night to myself, so I thought I’d spin a quick review...then maybe re-watch Drive.

Drive is not an action film, at least not in any traditional ‘Hollywood’ sense of the genre. It's a slow-burning character study served well by action/violence, not the other way around. Ryan Gosling's (anonymous) character is simply the coolest I have seen in a very long time. Expressed with minimal dialogue, he is the epitome of 'actions speak louder than words'. I love this aspect of the character. I have witnessed too many disingenuous people to take words at face value without taking into account their actions; the result is a much more accurate picture of someone’s character. The driver leaves no ambiguity here; he is selflessness personified.

A forbidden love situation forms around the driver and his neighbour which created a tension for me that I haven’t felt in some time - maybe since Once. Ryan and Carey oozed a chemistry that rode the razor’s edge on this side of restraint and abandon.

[Show spoiler]Irene’s heart was ultimately crushed by the dichotomy between her love for him and the purity of his actions, and her revulsion at the extreme violence he is capable of and a need to shelter her child from it.

It is this relationship, and his resulting actions that establish the driver as truly altruistic - putting a whole new spin on “if you love something, set it free”.

I fell in love with the pacing of this movie. I found it tight, with a natural progression toward climax. The directing was brilliant in my mind, leaving the right amount of emotion unstated.

Another area of excellence is the soundtrack. As a teen I was weaned on Depeche Mode and early industrial music. The Kraftwerk-esque beats and rhythms brought me back to that time; they fit perfectly with the retro style of the film and the pseudo-androgynous nature of the driver.

Despite being highly rated, it seems Drive has managed to fly under the radar for many on this side of the pond. It certainly has more of European vibe...longer takes, slower pace...all of which fit my sensibilities well. If this sounds like something that suits your palate, I enthusiastically recommend this film.

5/5

Food Rating:

[Show spoiler]

FOOD DRIVE - the selfless gesture of giving food.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Romulus

Well, I did a very rare thing today and made a blind buy on a movie I hadn't seen before.

The movie I ended up blind buying was the Criterion release of Solaris (1972). I've been reading a lot about Andrei Tarkovsky at the moment and found his thoughts behind film to be pretty fascinating. Combined with the fact that I've been taking a science fiction course at my university at the moment my interest in the genre has been much greater compared to the past.

What's everyone's thoughts (non-spoiler!) on this film?

Long and slow as hell, with some weird artistic choices, but the film has style, a huge amount of thought-provoking content, and plenty of room for interpretation. All that should make it worthwhile.

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Barb Wire is a keeper, but both The Fighter and The Sorcerer's Apprentice aren't? Big

[Show spoiler]Wait, it doesn't matter what I think...

I thought you liked crap movies; "Barb Wire" should be up your alley.

Originally Posted by dag

Luv you guys.

'sup?

Originally Posted by Hep

Drive

Most of us drive cars, sure...but what drives us?

[Show spoiler]This is a defining question. It shapes who we are and what we do. Conscious or not, these drives ultimately determine our actions. I like to think that I’m driven by compassion and reason...among other vices. One of which, a sense of duty, has kept me from posting regularly on this thread thanks to the scarcity of time. I finally have a night to myself, so I thought I’d spin a quick review...then maybe re-watch Drive.

Drive is not an action film, at least not in any traditional ‘Hollywood’ sense of the genre. It's a slow-burning character study served well by action/violence, not the other way around. Ryan Gosling's (anonymous) character is simply the coolest I have seen in a very long time. Expressed with minimal dialogue, he is the epitome of 'actions speak louder than words'. I love this aspect of the character. I have witnessed too many disingenuous people to take words at face value without taking into account their actions; the result is a much more accurate picture of someone’s character. The driver leaves no ambiguity here; he is selflessness personified.

A forbidden love situation forms around the driver and his neighbour which created a tension for me that I haven’t felt in some time - maybe since Once. Ryan and Carey oozed a chemistry that rode the razor’s edge on this side of restraint and abandon.

[Show spoiler]Irene’s heart was ultimately crushed by the dichotomy between her love for him and the purity of his actions, and her revulsion at the extreme violence he is capable of and a need to shelter her child from it.

It is this relationship, and his resulting actions that establish the driver as truly altruistic - putting a whole new spin on “if you love something, set it free”.

I fell in love with the pacing of this movie. I found it tight, with a natural progression toward climax. The directing was brilliant in my mind, leaving the right amount of emotion unstated.

Another area of excellence is the soundtrack. As a teen I was weaned on Depeche Mode and early industrial music. The Kraftwerk-esque beats and rhythms brought me back to that time; they fit perfectly with the retro style of the film and the pseudo-androgynous nature of the driver.

Despite being highly rated, it seems Drive has managed to fly under the radar for many on this side of the pond. It certainly has more of European vibe...longer takes, slower pace...all of which fit my sensibilities well. If this sounds like something that suits your palate, I enthusiastically recommend this film.

5/5

Food Rating:

[Show spoiler]

FOOD DRIVE - the selfless gesture of giving food.

Well put.

Good review. Came close to trying to blind-buy the Steelbook, but it seems to have become a rare commodity. It'll definitely be on my rent list.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I thought you liked crap movies; "Barb Wire" should be up your alley.

Pamela Anderson had appeal when I was younger and didn't know any better. But now?

[Show spoiler]Really, it's all good. Keep whatever you want.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Haven't seen any of those. But so far, of the ones I've seen, he hasn't let me down yet either.

Do you recommend any of those as blind-buys?

I think my Hitchcock rankings currently look like...

North By Northwest 5/5
Psycho 4.5/5
Vertigo 4.5/5
The Birds 4/5
Shadow of a Doubt 4/5
The Man Who Knew Too Much 4/5
Rope 4/5
Strangers on a Train 4/5
To Catch a Thief 4/5
Rear Window 4/5
Lifeboat 3.5/5 (I think)
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog 3.5/5 (I think)

I realize this is a post from almost a month ago, but I am about to dive into some Hitchcock for the first time. I plan on blind buying To Catch a Thief when it comes out on the loaded release day of March 6, and then I'll likely end up picking up North by Northwest shortly after as well.

I also realize that both of those are different styles than a lot of his other movies, but if all goes well with them I'll likely give The Lady Vanishes a shot during the next B&N Criterion sale. Although if nothing else comes out between now and then from Criterion that I am interested in, I might just get it from Amazon for only a few dollars more to save the trip.

[Foggy]

The Artist

Can I just say, when I went to watch it, the projectionist they had was terrible, he played the film not only with no sound, but he also played it in black and white. And don't even get me started on the aspect ratio. Even the 3D was non-existent...

I was going to complain, but I was so into the film that I didn't want to miss any of it.

From what I could tell from the story though, was that it was a very emotional story about an actor who couldn't move on with the times of the talkies. Which is a story anyone can get invested in, average film goers will learn a bit about filmmaking and the era of filmmaking from back then, and film guys like myself will be able to picture the time easier. It's a basic story of a fall and a rise, but it's an effective one not many have tackled.

The main star was rather quite charismatic and really really likeable, he carries you a long from the get go. I hope he gets the award over that crafty George Clooney for that film "Old Hawaiian man and his Lame Family" or what ever it's called. Most the co-stars are well used a suitable adapt to the style of acting, although I found Malcolm McDowell to be completely wasted.

Dog is cool as well, although he didn't quite steal the show like it has been exaggerated to do so

What I guess was the score of the film (or someone just plugged in there iPod to mess with me) was very joyful and always set the mood of a scene perfectly, which is what any score should do, but here it's so fantastic, you don't want to hear the sound...well you do, cause silent movies are rubbish and old, but it gets away with it this time

So, the film was dead good from what I got, however I now have to wait until blu-ray now to actually get to see the proper colour sound version of the film

9.5/10

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i personally love the film. i love the remake too, but i consider both very different films thematically, emotionally and mentally.

as for the original, i find it fascinating. i love how slow Tarkovsky makes the first 30 or so minutes. not to say the rest is fast paced, but it almost seems like he deliberately gave the middle finger to everyone about pacing. i'm sure many walked out of the theater before the first 30 minutes was up.

i love the themes, the ideas, the visuals and the minimalistic dialogue of the film. i love the conceptual idea of "seeing what you want to see" but then being unhappy with it because you logically know its wrong.

the blu looks and sounds amazing and now i wanna watch the film again

it's a "thinking man's" film and doesn't give away its message or agenda in one viewing (or even 10 viewings). it slowly peels back layers and makes you put things together in any way you see fit. it gives no definite answers, it pulls no punches. similarities to 2001? yes. but a very different film entirely. it stays with you after it ends, and makes you appreciate it more with repeat viewings.

great for discussions as well.

i look forward to your thoughts on it!

Originally Posted by DjMethod

This one kicked off our movie of the week thread! We have some great discussion on it at the start of that thread. It was a good choice by bearcat.

Link to thread

My review/thoughts:

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Did not work for me. 2/5

I have about an hour left on this film. I was watching it with a friend and waiting to finish it with him this afternoon. So far I absolutely love this film. There are many great aspects of this film I cannot stress enough, but I'm going to hold my complete judgment until I finish it. Extremely happy with my purchase so far.

In the meantime, however, I decided to watch another Criterion title that I received as a gift and I never got around to watching: Pale Flower (1964)

Extremely enjoyed this film as well. It follows a member of the Yakuza as he is released from prisoner, only to find that his life of crime in the gang has changed since he went to prison. He wanders the city before coming across a beautiful woman at an illegal gambling spot; the two begin a relationship that would push them both to destruction. The film is often classified with the Japanese New Wave, which coincidentally I've been studying at the moment, but it felt much different than the JNW films I've seen. Pale Flower has a very strong sense of film noir to it, and it is done exceptionally well because the Japanese setting mixes so strongly with it. I also LOVED the soundtrack to this film. It wasn't exactly diverse and used the same track throughout the film but it built the tone and setting extremely well.

4/5
I think this is one of the more overlooked Criterion's that is out on Blu-ray at the moment, but I strongly suggest checking it out if you're able to find a copy. It's certainly one of the more enjoyable Criterion's I've viewed.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Hep

Drive

[Show spoiler]

Most of us drive cars, sure...but what drives us? This is a defining question. It shapes who we are and what we do. Conscious or not, these drives ultimately determine our actions. I like to think that I’m driven by compassion and reason...among other vices. One of which, a sense of duty, has kept me from posting regularly on this thread thanks to the scarcity of time. I finally have a night to myself, so I thought I’d spin a quick review...then maybe re-watch Drive.

Drive is not an action film, at least not in any traditional ‘Hollywood’ sense of the genre. It's a slow-burning character study served well by action/violence, not the other way around. Ryan Gosling's (anonymous) character is simply the coolest I have seen in a very long time. Expressed with minimal dialogue, he is the epitome of 'actions speak louder than words'. I love this aspect of the character. I have witnessed too many disingenuous people to take words at face value without taking into account their actions; the result is a much more accurate picture of someone’s character. The driver leaves no ambiguity here; he is selflessness personified.

A forbidden love situation forms around the driver and his neighbour which created a tension for me that I haven’t felt in some time - maybe since Once. Ryan and Carey oozed a chemistry that rode the razor’s edge on this side of restraint and abandon.

[Show spoiler]Irene’s heart was ultimately crushed by the dichotomy between her love for him and the purity of his actions, and her revulsion at the extreme violence he is capable of and a need to shelter her child from it.

It is this relationship, and his resulting actions that establish the driver as truly altruistic - putting a whole new spin on “if you love something, set it free”.

I fell in love with the pacing of this movie. I found it tight, with a natural progression toward climax. The directing was brilliant in my mind, leaving the right amount of emotion unstated.

Another area of excellence is the soundtrack. As a teen I was weaned on Depeche Mode and early industrial music. The Kraftwerk-esque beats and rhythms brought me back to that time; they fit perfectly with the retro style of the film and the pseudo-androgynous nature of the driver.

Despite being highly rated, it seems Drive has managed to fly under the radar for many on this side of the pond. It certainly has more of European vibe...longer takes, slower pace...all of which fit my sensibilities well. If this sounds like something that suits your palate, I enthusiastically recommend this film.

5/5

Food Rating:

[Show spoiler]

FOOD DRIVE - the selfless gesture of giving food.

Five and a half months since our last food rating. Nice to see a review Hep.

Waiting for Drive from Netflix.... "Long Wait".

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

The Artist

[Show spoiler]Can I just say, when I went to watch it, the projectionist they had was terrible, he played the film not only with no sound, but he also played it in black and white. And don't even get me started on the aspect ratio. Even the 3D was non-existent...

I was going to complain, but I was so into the film that I didn't want to miss any of it.

From what I could tell from the story though, was that it was a very emotional story about an actor who couldn't move on with the times of the talkies. Which is a story anyone can get invested in, average film goers will learn a bit about filmmaking and the era of filmmaking from back then, and film guys like myself will be able to picture the time easier. It's a basic story of a fall and a rise, but it's an effective one not many have tackled.

The main star was rather quite charismatic and really really likeable, he carries you a long from the get go. I hope he gets the award over that crafty George Clooney for that film "Old Hawaiian man and his Lame Family" or what ever it's called. Most the co-stars are well used a suitable adapt to the style of acting, although I found Malcolm McDowell to be completely wasted.

Dog is cool as well, although he didn't quite steal the show like it has been exaggerated to do so

What I guess was the score of the film (or someone just plugged in there iPod to mess with me) was very joyful and always set the mood of a scene perfectly, which is what any score should do, but here it's so fantastic, you don't want to hear the sound...well you do, cause silent movies are rubbish and old, but it gets away with it this time

So, the film was dead good from what I got, however I now have to wait until blu-ray now to actually get to see the proper colour sound version of the film

9.5/10

I cant believe the 3D was broken at your theater. That sucks.

[Steve46]

59. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Drama, Sport, 132 minutes
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman



Boxing isn't a sport that I find appealing. I did follow the career of Muhummad Ali as a child, but haven't paid much attention since he retired. It's a brutal way to earn a living. I do admire people for the dedication it involves, but it's no longer something that I want to watch.

There have been several good boxing movies over the years, from Rocky and Raging Bull to Cinderella Man and The Fighter. Each of those movies attempted to show the character behind the gloves, and that's where my interest lies when I do watch a boxing movie. As a fan of Clint Eastwood, I was particularly interested to see whether he would bring a fresh perspective as he has done in films showing racism and war from unexpected viewpoints. He didn't disappoint me.

Million Dollar Baby depicts women's boxing and focuses on Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank). She thinks of herself as trash, works as a waitress to pay the bills, and often resorts to eating leftovers from the diner. She shows up at Frankie Dunn's (Eastwood) gym and begs him to train her. He refuses, so Eddie Dupris (Freeman) shows her a few techniques. Frankie eventually agrees to train her after seeing how dedicated she is. Boxing is her only hope of escaping her miserable existence.

Frankie has problems of his own and is trying to get in touch with his estranged daughter, so Maggie becomes an outlet for Frankie's fatherly affection in some ways. He soon sees what amazing character she has. She's not only determined to succeed, but is kind to her ungrateful family when she starts to earn decent money.

Eastwood deviates from the normal formula by showing some of the grim reality of the sport. Not every aspiring fighter succeeds and Freeman's character has to live with the loss of an eye after being injured in his 109th fight. The film shows the dangers of boxing and how cutthroat the business can be. The thing which elevates it is the realism and the delicate way Frankie and Maggie deal with adversity. I cared about these characters.

Million Dollar Baby lifted four Oscars. Eastwood was Best Director, Swank Best Actress and Freeman Best Supporting Actor. The Best Picture award was fully deserved and the final 30 minutes is extremely sad and difficult to watch. That said, I included this in my 100 movies series for a reason. It's another superb project from Eastwood and will be remembered as one of his best creations.

If you like Million Dollar Baby:

Of the other boxing movies I mentioned above, Rocky is the one I return to most often. It has strong characters and takes place in a similarly gritty setting, but the boxing element is much less realistic.

Many regard Scorsese's Raging Bull as the best movie of the 80s. I can't agree, but it's another that's worth your time if you enjoy stories about boxing. It's based on the life of Jake LaMotta and stars Robert De Niro.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Pamela Anderson had appeal when I was younger and didn't know any better. But now?

[Show spoiler]Really, it's all good. Keep whatever you want.

[Show spoiler]Right on!

Regarding a movie's keep-ability, it's less about ratings or acclaim and more about personal resonance. I rated "The Fighter" a 4/5, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" a 3/5, and "Barb Wire" a 2.5/5 (being generous). I'm keeping the lowest-rated one purely because, as I went through it, I could dig it. Just wasn't feeling it with the others.

Besides...it's sci-fi.

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I realize this is a post from almost a month ago, but I am about to dive into some Hitchcock for the first time. I plan on blind buying To Catch a Thief when it comes out on the loaded release day of March 6, and then I'll likely end up picking up North by Northwest shortly after as well.

I also realize that both of those are different styles than a lot of his other movies, but if all goes well with them I'll likely give The Lady Vanishes a shot during the next B&N Criterion sale. Although if nothing else comes out between now and then from Criterion that I am interested in, I might just get it from Amazon for only a few dollars more to save the trip.

I can add a few more to my list, all around the 3.5/5 - 4/5 range. Considering that I've yet to rate any of his movies below 3/5, Hitchcock has yet to disappoint.

Good idea regarding the B&N sale; I might do the same.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

[Show spoiler]Right on!

Regarding a movie's keep-ability, it's less about ratings or acclaim and more about personal resonance. I rated "The Fighter" a 4/5, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" a 3/5, and "Barb Wire" a 2.5/5 (being generous). I'm keeping the lowest-rated one purely because, as I went through it, I could dig it. Just wasn't feeling it with the others.

Besides...it's sci-fi.

I get the feeling somebody is mocking my use of spoiler tags.

Actually, that makes sense. I know people like Steve won't be happy, but I had blind bought Blow Out and Broadcast News as part of my first crop of Criterions back in July and sold both of them. I won't deny that they were both good films and it pained me to not like them enough to keep them, but both movies had endings I couldn't get over, so they had to go.

I blind bought and still own The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I'm not going to claim it's a great movie. It's not, but I find it entertaining and I'd still rather watch it over again than either of the two Criterions that I mentioned selling even though both of those are better movies.

I can add a few more to my list, all around the 3.5/5 - 4/5 range. Considering that I've yet to rate any of his movies below 3/5, Hitchcock has yet to disappoint.

Good idea regarding the B&N sale; I might do the same.

Yeah, I'd be surprised if my initial run of Hitchcock would end up being disappointing. I'm still kind of new to old films, but I've become more interested after picking up Charade last July during the Criterion sale.

See, I can actually watch good movies too.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I get the feeling somebody is mocking my use of spoiler tags.

Actually, that makes sense. I know people like Steve won't be happy, but I had blind bought Blow Out and Broadcast News as part of my first crop of Criterions back in July and sold both of them. I won't deny that they were both good films and it pained me to not like them enough to keep them, but both movies had endings I couldn't get over, so they had to go.

I blind bought and still own The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I'm not going to claim it's a great movie. It's not, but I find it entertaining and I'd still rather watch it over again than either of the two Criterions that I mentioned selling even though both of those are better movies.



Yeah, I'd be surprised if my initial run of Hitchcock would end up being disappointing. I'm still kind of new to old films, but I've become more interested after picking up Charade last July during the Criterion sale.

See, I can actually watch good movies too.

No point in keeping stuff you will never watch again. I often get rid of things I regret buying. Criterions always have great resale value.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

No point in keeping stuff you will never watch again. I often get rid of things I regret buying. Criterions always have great resale value.

Maybe you buy things a little too often.

True. I have bought 8 Criterions during sales and sold 4 of them. I sold them for about an average of $17 each, so I didn't experience too much of a loss after taking into account shipping them after that price. I'll still buy the occasional one if one catches my eye even though I'm only 50% right now with Criterions.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Maybe you buy things a little too often.

True. I have bought 8 Criterions during sales and sold 4 of them. I sold them for about an average of $17 each, so I didn't experience too much of a loss after taking into account shipping them after that price. I'll still buy the occasional one if one catches my eye even though I'm only 50% right now with Criterions.

I'm trying to stop buying so many blind buys, but my last two fell into that category:

Hugo (had to check it out before the Oscars)
Martha Marcy May Marlene ($14.99 and I couldn't resist)

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I'm trying to stop buying so many blind buys, but my last two fell into that category:

Hugo (had to check it out before the Oscars)
Martha Marcy May Marlene ($14.99 and I couldn't resist)

I still blind buy plenty, so I can't really say too much. I am trying to cut back on it somewhat, but obviously next month is going to ruin that a little.

I was tempted to blind buy Hugo, but given how loaded the week after is, I'll probably have to wait for a sale or just rent it for now. Game of Thrones, Like Crazy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and To Catch a Thief for me all on March 6.

[Steve46]

I've ordered Young Adult, Grave of the Fireflies (DVD), Melancholia, The Descendants, Holy Grail...

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I've ordered Young Adult, Grave of the Fireflies (DVD), Melancholia, The Descendants, Holy Grail...

I have Young Adult pre-ordered as well. Will likely rent The Descendants.

I forgot to ask since I forgot I actually knew what it was until I looked at the review here again, but how was Martha Marcy May Marlene?

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I forgot to ask since I forgot I actually knew what it was until I looked at the review here again, but how was Martha Marcy May Marlene?

Haven't checked it out yet. My friend wanted to watch Hugo and Moneyball last night and I needed to see Million Dollar Baby again for today's review.

[iam1bearcat]

i haven't bought a blu-ray since Drive came out January 31st..

i have only been to Best Buy once this year... and that was to buy a computer tower for my folks for their anniversary present...

i now use amazon for essentially everything BUT blu-ray browsing (now mostly music )...

i haven't visited the Movie and TV Deals thread in about three weeks...

i haven't reviewed a film / show in quite awhile...

and i've sold about 30 blus in the last four weeks...

maybe i should deactivate my account here!

---
---

however i did watch Up in the Air (again) last night. still feels it's a great and underappreciated film, but not perfect. 4/5