The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Incorrect.

Maybe your review was incorrect.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Maybe your review was incorrect.

Nah, Squid's right, I'm sure of it

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Incorrect.

I knew you'd say that. - YouTube

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Maybe your review was incorrect.

Incorrect

Originally Posted by Foggy

Nah, Squid's right, I'm sure of it

Correct

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I knew you'd say that. - YouTube

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I knew you'd say that. - YouTube

Lol

[Evra]

American Reunion

Truth be told, I have not watched any of the first three American Pie films for quite a long time but I remember enjoying them when they were released. I always felt that I could relate with the naivety,the plights and the desperation of the characters in wanting to have sex with hot high school girls. However watching American Reunion (2012) feels exactly like attending a high school party ten years too late as an adult. The charm of the series' juvenility is lost as you watch the film. Instead of cheering the characters' sexual escapades now, you lament the characters' lack of responsibility and sense. That does not mean that the film is unfunny but the connection with the series' characters just appears to be non-existent anymore, at least for the first half of the film.


It does not really help the film's case that the franchise's successful recipe of raunchy R-rated sex comedy recipe has been copied over and over again to a point where when you watch American Reunion, it just feels that this dead horse has been beaten one time too many. Most of characters that we have known and loved in the earlier three films have returned for the film and the sex-crazed obsessions of many of these characters have returned, at least for the weekend reunion though I expect Stifler (Seann William Scott) may have had his mental growth stunted since the first film. Shannon Elizabeth appears in a brief cameo as Nadia and you can only assume that producers did not want her anywhere near the set with her resembling a shell of the woman we've seen in the first American Pie that topped Mr. Skin's Skintastic list. However, replacing Elizabeth in the breast baring department is Ali Cobrin as the voluptuous Kara who happens to be sex-obsessed with her former babysitter Jim (Jason Biggs). I will not be surprised to see Ali Cobrin's name up there alongside Shannon Elizabeth in future installments of Mr. Skin's Hall of Fame.


The series seems to centre around the sex life of Jim and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) and American Reunion is no-exception with the couple trying to figure out how to enhance their sex life as a married couple as they attend their first "Class of '99" high school reunion. The film replicates some of its shock-and-awe sexual humor that has made the series so popular and more times than not, you cannot deny the effectiveness of the series' humor. One scene in particular involving a bottomless Jim encountering Michelle and Selena (Dania Ramirez) is so painfully funny and awkward that it just leaves you shaking your head in fits of laughter.


The film takes over an hour to reach its emotional core well after its brand of crude humor may have overstayed its welcome but credit when it is due, American Reunion does a pretty fine job re-establishing an emotional connection with the characters by focusing on the plights their plights just when the film seemed to have lost us with its juvenility. After all, who does not lament having to give up the brashness, freedom and brotherhood with fellow comrades after high school graduation? It is then that you realise that when you take away the obnoxiousness of these characters from the first half of the film, these characters are very much the same people you could relate with when you first watched the first three American Pie films.


American Reunion feels exactly like attending a high school reunion party. You meet up with long lost friends trying to catch up with one another to rewind the harshness of the present. But at the end of the day, you realise that it never really is ever the same and that you will never be able to relive the glory days of the past. I would have little hesitation recommending this film to fans of the series and the genre. However, even as a fan, I do not see myself revisiting this any time in the future.


3/5

[iam1bearcat]

21 Jump Street (2012) - B

1st viewing

Heard good things, expected a solid 2 hours of entertainment and walked away very happy. I actually now have some respect for Channing Tatum who shows some comedic timing (I'm sure Jonah Hill helped out in this regard) and the film isn't "thrown together" like one might expect.

Being part of the high school class of 2006, I feel i connect more with 21 Jump Street than other people might, especially when Schmidt and Jenko first arrive at school. The lines of, "...I... I don't know what those are" and "what the f*ck are those things?" when looking at some of the 'genres' of people that now make up high schools had me rolling because my class was the first that saw the emergence of the Asian Dance Dance Revolution geeks, the weirdo Gothic guys and gals and other variation hybrids you see walking malls to Hot Topics and Old Navy's today. And my reaction was the same as theirs (and yours is probably the same as well, unless you're a part of these categories ).

Later on when Schmidt makes the comment, "if I was born 10 years later, I would have been the popular kid!" probably rings true for a lot of people who felt they were born "in the wrong decade", which makes the characters feel real and not just cuss happy undercover cops.

But who cares? Because the film is HILARIOUS! Lots of cussing, lots of inappropriate jokes and innuendo (the bathroom throw up scene had me in tears ), incredibly entertaining, and the film features the best cameo since Zombieland.

No idea how it plays out story wise compared to the TV show 21 Jump Street (never watched that), but even if you're like me and you never watched the show, you can certainly find quality entertainment here

recommended for fans of: Superbad, Get Him to the Greek and similar films.

--------

Project X (2012) - C

1st viewing

I was hoping to be entertained by Project X. And I walked away impressed and entertained. Not impressed because it was award worthy or better than anticipated, but impressed because the film had me feeling like I had just been at the wildest party getting drunk, doing X, smoking weeds and causing all sorts of chaos while partying with thousands of strangers. The movie made me feel dirty like I needed an hour long cold shower once it was over. Which I give it props for.

I was afraid the film would be 90 minutes of "kids trying to act drunk" which would be horrible, but the film shows lots of other stuff as well - conversations, hook ups, dancing, violent, neon-light littered Blair Witch type camera movement (which means you'll love this Al ) and many things being broken and destroyed.

Also, I have no idea if the main characters were actually on drugs or not, but if NOT then the make up department and the actors deserve some sort of award or standing applause because they definitely looked the part

The 12 year old security guards were the best part of the film man were they Grade A fantastic. or as Kenny Bania from Seinfeld would say, "that's gold, Jerry! Gold!" every scene with the security guards stole the show.

and topless chicks doesn't hurt either

There of course are many things completely illogical about the film and party, which of course would be shut down in a heartbeat, and I wish they would have left that part out, but oh well. Aside from the logical, go in with an empty mind and expect nothing but stupid teenagers doing stupid things.

I fear for kids who try to recreate the party shown in the film, and of course the film serves absolutely no message besides, "it doesn't matter what happens as long as you have sex with a hot girl!" which will likely cause parents to hate this film, but hey, we were all young once and wanted to do exactly what the film shows, so take it for what it is.

Downgraded the film because after one viewing I can't imagine it would be as fun a second time around, nor do I think I would ever be interested in viewing this again, but that may just be me

Also, I used to have a best friend who looked, sounded and acted exactly like JB, so I found his "fingerbang" minivan discussion segment absolutely hysterical

recommended for fans of: films that teach you nothing, are easily entertained, lots of topless chicks

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

21 Jump Street (2012) - B

[Show spoiler]1st viewing

Heard good things, expected a solid 2 hours of entertainment and walked away very happy. I actually now have some respect for Channing Tatum who shows some comedic timing (I'm sure Jonah Hill helped out in this regard) and the film isn't "thrown together" like one might expect.

Being part of the high school class of 2006, I feel i connect more with 21 Jump Street than other people might, especially when Schmidt and Jenko first arrive at school. The lines of, "...I... I don't know what those are" and "what the f*ck are those things?" when looking at some of the 'genres' of people that now make up high schools had me rolling because my class was the first that saw the emergence of the Asian Dance Dance Revolution geeks, the weirdo Gothic guys and gals and other variation hybrids you see walking malls to Hot Topics and Old Navy's today. And my reaction was the same as theirs (and yours is probably the same as well, unless you're a part of these categories ).

Later on when Schmidt makes the comment, "if I was born 10 years later, I would have been the popular kid!" probably rings true for a lot of people who felt they were born "in the wrong decade", which makes the characters feel real and not just cuss happy undercover cops.

But who cares? Because the film is HILARIOUS! Lots of cussing, lots of inappropriate jokes and innuendo (the bathroom throw up scene had me in tears ), incredibly entertaining, and the film features the best cameo since Zombieland.

No idea how it plays out story wise compared to the TV show 21 Jump Street (never watched that), but even if you're like me and you never watched the show, you can certainly find quality entertainment here

recommended for fans of: Superbad, Get Him to the Greek and similar films.

I just got done watching my copy of this about an hour ago. It was another very successful blind buy.

Even though I knew he was in the movie, I completely forgot about the cameo while I was watching the movie until it actually happened. I guess I was really into it.

[Show spoiler]Hey, you want me to beat your d!ck off?

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I just got done watching my copy of this about an hour ago. It was another very successful blind buy.

Even though I knew he was in the movie, I completely forgot about the cameo while I was watching the movie until it actually happened. I guess I was really into it.

[Show spoiler]Hey, you want me to beat your d!ck off?

i think i may have heard about it months back... if i did, glad i forgot

i will likely buy this when it hits $12 or $10

[Show spoiler]"I think what he means, is that he is going to punch you in the private regions so many times, that your dick actually falls off"

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i think i may have heard about it months back... if i did, glad i forgot

i will likely buy this when it hits $12 or $10

[Show spoiler]"I think what he means, is that he is going to punch you in the private regions so many times, that your dick actually falls off"

The only reason I remembered before the movie was because I looked to see how long the special features would be to see if I had enough time to watch them. Since I ended up forgetting again anyways, no big deal.

Holy shit, you're going to actually buy something again!?

[Show spoiler]You have the right to... suck my dick, motherf*cker!

So many good quotes...

[Livelong420]

I want somebody's impression of 21 Jump that hates Channing tatum as much as I do.

[volcomsocal]

Martha Marcy May Marlene - 2011

WTF?

PQ - 4/5
AQ - 3.5/5

2/5

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Livelong420

I want somebody's impression of 21 Jump that hates Channing tatum as much as I do.

Avoid it.



*Note: I have not seen the movie

[jvince]

Day 60: Touch of Evil (1958)
I did not care.


Day 61: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Taylor and Burton are terrific and the cinematography is excellent, but the story's long-drawn-out, and the characters are too mean-spirited and unsympathetic.


Day 62: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Hoffman, Streep, and the little kid, Henry turn in masterful performances. Heart-f*cking-wrenching. One of the greatest family dramas ever made. A new favorite.


Day 63: La Strada (1954)
Pretty darn depressing.


Day 64: Stand by Me (1986)
Best coming-of-age film ever.


Day 65: The Last Samurai (2003)
Had the potential to be a great film, but it's Hollywoodized and schmaltzed to death.


Day 66: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Significantly superior than the 2009 remake in almost every single aspect. Not a fan of the conclusion though.


Day 67: Apollo 13 (1995)
Last saw this way back in '95. Forgot how great a film this is. Certified tearjerker.


Day 68: The Hitcher (1986)
Just plain stupid.


Day 69: A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Not scary at all. Has some cool dream sequences. Also has some terribly ill-conceived scenes.


Day 70: Beginners (2010)
Criminally overlooked film. An exceptional romantic dramedy filled with great characters, great performances, and great things to say.


Day 71: Vertigo (1958)
Second viewing. Still underwhelmed.


Day 72: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Garfield and Stone have great chemistry. Awesome aerial pov shots. The Lizard does look bad. The "untold story" is uninteresting. Unnecessary reboot.

[Terrorfirmer]

[QUOTE=iam1bearcat;6139477]21 Jump Street (2012) - B

1st viewing

Heard good things, expected a solid 2 hours of entertainment and walked away very happy. I actually now have some respect for Channing Tatum who shows some comedic timing (I'm sure Jonah Hill helped out in this regard) and the film isn't "thrown together" like one might expect.

Being part of the high school class of 2006, I feel i connect more with 21 Jump Street than other people might, especially when Schmidt and Jenko first arrive at school. The lines of, "...I... I don't know what those are" and "what the f*ck are those things?" when looking at some of the 'genres' of people that now make up high schools had me rolling because my class was the first that saw the emergence of the Asian Dance Dance Revolution geeks, the weirdo Gothic guys and gals and other variation hybrids you see walking malls to Hot Topics and Old Navy's today. And my reaction was the same as theirs (and yours is probably the same as well, unless you're a part of these categories ).

Later on when Schmidt makes the comment, "if I was born 10 years later, I would have been the popular kid!" probably rings true for a lot of people who felt they were born "in the wrong decade", which makes the characters feel real and not just cuss happy undercover cops.

But who cares? Because the film is HILARIOUS! Lots of cussing, lots of inappropriate jokes and innuendo (the bathroom throw up scene had me in tears ), incredibly entertaining, and the film features the best cameo since Zombieland.

No idea how it plays out story wise compared to the TV show 21 Jump Street (never watched that), but even if you're like me and you never watched the show, you can certainly find quality entertainment here

recommended for fans of: Superbad, Get Him to the Greek and similar films.

The one thing I really liked about this movie was when Ice Cube's character was talking about the mission in reference to a remake, that part was awesome, made me appreciate the movie as a movie because they admitted what they were doing, opposed to other remakes that are released like its some brand new film thats paving a new path in cinema.

[Foggy]

Antichrist

Oh my, ahh, aghhh, no, no, stop it, AH NO!!!! Why would you do that woman!?!!?!



Perfect morning viewing!

6/10

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

It's actually only one of two Kubrick movies I've ever seen (

dude, we wouldn't be your movie-club friends if we didn't give you some tough love here:

GET TO WATCHING THOSE OTHER KUBRICK FLICKS NOW!!!

no but seriously, they are great & he's one of (if not the) best director of all-time, so it can't be wasted time. worst case: you won't like what you see, but can engage in discussion of the films, which happen almost every few weeks on here

Squid gave me the same talking to when I told him I'd only seen one Hitchcock film

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Next greatest rental: “The Artist”

However, this film is quite uneventful overall, even by silent film standards. The pacing overall isn’t bad, but the plot doesn’t have any substantial conflict or structure. What conflict the movie does have seems rehashed from “Singing in the Rain.” The best that can be said is that the characters are lovable and very well-developed; the film is probably better enjoyed as a character study, as the film explores the main character’s emotions and motivations. Otherwise, I felt the story was very thin overall, depleting both the substance and the entertainment value.

I think the best thing I loved about the film was the theme of feeling that you're becoming obsolete. I thought it was genius how the filmmakers knew the 2012 audience would share the same view (apprehension to the silent movie industry = most 2012 movie fans haven't even seen a silent film) that the antagonists would, thereby helping the audience to sympathsize with the protagonist as the movie progressed.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Martha Marcy May Marlene - 2011

WTF?

PQ - 4/5
AQ - 3.5/5

2/5

How did you like that ending?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I think the best thing I loved about the film was the theme of feeling that you're becoming obsolete. I thought it was genius how the filmmakers knew the 2012 audience would share the same view (apprehension to the silent movie industry = most 2012 movie fans haven't even seen a silent film) that the antagonists would, thereby helping the audience to sympathsize with the protagonist as the movie progressed.

Good point.