The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

little over-philosophical is a HUGE Understatement. I really disliked this movie because of that right there. If i wanna see a war movie like this one tried to attempt i'd just watch Apocalypse Now. This movie is for Malick fans and art heads period.

Agreed. "The Thin Red Line" looks pretty but didn't do much for me.

Strangely, I did like "Tree of Life."

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Wait...NO, NO, nononononononononono no



http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YersIyzsOpc

All that for World of Warcraft? Kid has serious issues.





...it was still funny.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Why are you choosing to subject yourself to Bombs?

Are you related to Al?

I knew I had a secret clone somewhere...

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

This will be your first viewing? To me, BV is Lynchs signature work/style. Halfway between the "normalness" of Elephant Man and the bizzarness of Eraserhead. Sorta, kinda, ish.

Yes, it will be a first-time viewing. Sounds interesting already.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I knew I had a secret clone somewhere...



Yes, it will be a first-time viewing. Sounds interesting already.

I'll turn up at your house dressed as Suave Bob while you're watching just to make you freak out.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Hah, I'm asking myself that right now. I'm choosing to see one either notoriously bad flick (ie Gigli, Swept Away) or a notorious flop a week all leading up to Heavens Gate on CCblu in November. I'm not going for any rediculously bad comedies though (the blank Movies) because those ate too lazy to have any academic value. I'm talking about films that went out on a limb, with their beating ugly hearts exposed (ie no cynicism)

Are you doing this for educational purposes, or are you just a sick puppy?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'll turn up at your house dressed as Suave Bob while you're watching just to make you freak out.

Dont look at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sniff sniff.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Just characters doing silly dumb stuff, like

[Show spoiler]Lori telling no one where she's going, drives off and crashes the car.

That and it tends to wallow in melodrama from time to time which can be a bit eye rolling. But the situations the characters get put into are drenched in tension, it knows how to do zombies and it looks great

not to mention endless

[Show spoiler]"WHERE'S CARL?!?!?!?!?!"

segments. i swear, you could play a drinking game where you take a drink every time Lori says either,

[Show spoiler]"Carl stay put" (or "in the house" or something similar) or "where's Carl?!" or "i've lost Carl!!!!!"

and you would be dead by the middle of the season

it's strange because as much as i enjoy The Walking Dead, i don't care for any of the characters besides Daryl. the rest could all be mauled and turned to walkers and i wouldn't have any issues with it that's bad writing when you don't care about the characters lol

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

that's bad writing when you don't care about the characters lol

I like a bunch of characters.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I like a bunch of characters.

I just finished the first season last week and I like some of the characters as well.

[Diesel]

The One and Done Collection™ has been lowered by one as of today...


Braveheart


It's been about two and a half years since my original 'review' for the movie.

My overall feelings for the film are, surprisingly, unchanged and the score will not be dropped like I originally thought it would be if I were to rewatch it.

There's really no need to provide much of an "About this movie" section considering just about everyone knows at least the basic premise of this story.

The movie is a success as an action movie, but the true essence of this film is in Wallace's drive for his beloved wife. I'm not the mushy, love story enjoying kind of viewer in most cases, but there are exceptions and this is one. The movie handles it so well. It's not a 3 hour love fest...it's a 2 hour all out war/

[Show spoiler]revenge

story initiated by one of the strongest emotions a man can feel...the love of his wife.

The story grows drastically in scope to encompass a nation battling the tyrannical rule imposed upon them, but for Wallace it always comes back to that original inspiration for fighting.

Therein lies the root of one of my few issues with the film actually. I still detest the storyline of Wallace

[Show spoiler]becoming involved with the French king's daughter.

I know at this point it has been years removed from the

[Show spoiler]killing of his wife

and that people move on eventually from that sort of thing...but seeing as how those many years are condensed here into just a 3 hour story, it feels inappropriate to me for the character and his story.

Outside of that, I don't have any big complaints about the film. It strikes a very satisfying balance between the big battle scenes and the character moments that make those battles mean something.


The acting is strong from all the major players, though there is that fleeting thought that Gibson is too old for his role by a good 5-10 years. When reading up on the film a little after rewatching it, apparently he shared this feeling but had to agree to star in the role to get the studio to green light it.

I'm not complaining that he is in the role though, as he does a good job and I can't come up with someone off the top of my head that would have been a better fit then him.


Its still not something I'd want to watch all that often...but its great for viewing every 2.5 years

Rating - 4.5/5

[dag]

In early 2004, I spent six weeks traveling on my own through South East Asia, visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. It was my first ever time in Asia. I can't begin to explain how overwhelming the experience was; the trip changed how I view the world, and it remains my favourite, and most important, trip.

During the trip, I spent two weeks in southern Thailand, including five nights on Ko Phi Phi Don. I stayed at PP Charlie resort in a small bungalow on the beach. As I wrote to my family, Phi Phi was awesome.

Ten months later, the Boxing Day tsunami struck, and we all know the terrible havoc it caused throughout the entire region. I was emotionally very touched by the catastrophe, and made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross disaster relief effort.

In late 2005, I was having a hard time at work. I was scheduled to go to Vancouver on business and, at the last minute, I decided to take a few weeks off, and returned to Thailand. After several days in Bangkok, I took an overnight bus to Krabi, and then the ferry to Phi Phi. As I stepped off the ferry and onto the pier, I had tears in my eyes as I looked at how the island had changed. But by the end of my stay, I was so happy I had gone back. I even was able to meet survivors whom I had encountered during my first trip.

I say all this as background to my attending the world premier of The Impossible, at TIFF. The movie chronicles a Western family's struggle for survival and reunion in the hours and days following the tsunami. Immediately before the film, the director and the stars (Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and the boy who plays the eldest son) came out on the stage. The director said few words, but I only found out later, on Twitter, that the actual family was in attendance at the theatre.

After a brief introduction where the family settles in at a gorgeous island resort, the tsunami strikes. This sequence is very impressive, and gives a realistic portrayal of the devastation resulting from the water's power. Watts' character suffers grievous injuries. There is death and destruction on an unimaginable scale. There were a number of people crying during the screening.

I don't know how to next say this - but, while I understand the movie is focusing on this one family, and that what happened to them is (apparently) accurately portrayed on the screen, I couldn't help but think at how fortunate these five people were. The movie almost exclusively recounts the catastrophe from the perspective of tourists. I'm well aware of the terrible number of deaths among Westerners, but I couldn't help but think of the local Thais.

For the second half of the movie, Watts spends her entire time lying on a gurney, turning greyer with each succeeding scene. Yes, she's suffering and fighting for her life, but despite that I felt her scenes lacked dramatic power. McGregor, meanwhile, wanders around the wreckage looking for his family. Again, I hate to say it, but the tension and stress of attempting to locate his family didn't affect me. I just couldn't get my mind off the larger issues.

Perhaps I'm being unfair to the movie here. The terrible power of nature, the devastating tsunami, the scenes of destruction, of a global catastrophe that overwhelmed emergency responses - all of that is more than well done. There is very real emotion attached to the plight of the family. But

[Show spoiler](not really a spoiler, because you know they had survived the waves, but I'll hide it anyway) their eventual evacuation - by themselves on a private jet, no less

- only left me thinking of all that they had left behind on that devastated shoreline.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Are you doing this for educational purposes, or are you just a sick puppy?

Obviously educational purposes because my body demanded quality and made me watch 2001 again. Ahhhhhh, now that's scifi.

I'm sure after I see Ishtar I'll need to reach for Lawrence of Arabia (hell, maybe even Gunga Din)

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

The One and Done Collection™ has been lowered by one as of today...


Braveheart

[Show spoiler]

It's been about two and a half years since my original 'review' for the movie.

My overall feelings for the film are, surprisingly, unchanged and the score will not be dropped like I originally thought it would be if I were to rewatch it.

There's really no need to provide much of an "About this movie" section considering just about everyone knows at least the basic premise of this story.

The movie is a success as an action movie, but the true essence of this film is in Wallace's drive for his beloved wife. I'm not the mushy, love story enjoying kind of viewer in most cases, but there are exceptions and this is one. The movie handles it so well. It's not a 3 hour love fest...it's a 2 hour all out war/

[Show spoiler]revenge

story initiated by one of the strongest emotions a man can feel...the love of his wife.

The story grows drastically in scope to encompass a nation battling the tyrannical rule imposed upon them, but for Wallace it always comes back to that original inspiration for fighting.

Therein lies the root of one of my few issues with the film actually. I still detest the storyline of Wallace

[Show spoiler]becoming involved with the French king's daughter.

I know at this point it has been years removed from the

[Show spoiler]killing of his wife

and that people move on eventually from that sort of thing...but seeing as how those many years are condensed here into just a 3 hour story, it feels inappropriate to me for the character and his story.

If I remember right, this whole sequence didn't even happen in real life. One of countless historical inaccuracies in the film.

Still doesn't hamper my adoration of the it.

Originally Posted by Diesel

[Show spoiler]Outside of that, I don't have any big complaints about the film. It strikes a very satisfying balance between the big battle scenes and the character moments that make those battles mean something.


The acting is strong from all the major players, though there is that fleeting thought that Gibson is too old for his role by a good 5-10 years. When reading up on the film a little after rewatching it, apparently he shared this feeling but had to agree to star in the role to get the studio to green light it.

I'm not complaining that he is in the role though, as he does a good job and I can't come up with someone off the top of my head that would have been a better fit then him.

Its still not something I'd want to watch all that often...but its great for viewing every 2.5 years

Rating - 4.5/5

Approximate.

It's been the same with me for most movies; I only revisit them once in a great while. But last time I saw "Braveheart," it still resonated quite strongly with me. It's been a favorite since I first saw it as a grade-schooler, and it remains so.

[Al_The_Strange]

I've been seriously slacking in reviewing stuff lately. Here's everything I've watched in September so far (and part of August):

"Johnny Mnemonic"

William Gibson is spinning in his grave. This movie takes a few awesome concepts the cyberpunk author had and turned it into some kind of throwaway popcorn flick. Pretty fun, smart at times, with some of the funkiest old-school CGI effects ever rendered. But, the film comes off as silly, corny, campy, and kinda stupid.

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

Recommendation: Not for most people. Fans of the genre, filmmakers, or Willaim Gibson can rent it, see what they think.

The Blu-Ray looks adequate. Colors and contrast suck. Details and sharpness is decent, but never mind-blowingly great.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5




"Tokyo!"

A collection of short films from Japan...made by French directors.

Episode 1: "Interior Design." A bunch of characters fool around; one of them turns into a chair.

Episode 2: "Merde." Some guy living in the sewer comes up to terrorize hapless citizens on occasion. Later finds a box of grenades and starts throwing them around. Gets arrested, put on trial, the end. It's awesome; if you watch anything in this collection, check this one out!

Episode 3: "Shaking Tokyo." Some recluse living in his appartment for years on end without ever seeing the outside world suddenly goes on a search for the pizza girl.

They're all pretty charming and stylish. The middle story is just plain awesome. All are pretty cool.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Stories: Very Good | Film: Very Good) Increase from 4/5

Recommendation: Yes. Check it out at least once.

Blu-Ray looks and sounds decent enough.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5




Next greatest blind-buy: "The Exterminator." Not to be confused with "The Terminator."

It plays out like a cross between "Rambo: First Blood" and "Hobo With a Shotgun." That's right, it's all about a war vet who decides to take the law in his own hands. Plenty of shootings and flame-throwing action ensues. One wicked scene involves a guy being lowered into a meat grinder. Still feels a little dry, very low-budget, and it's stylistically plain.

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

Recommendation: If you like these kinds of films, then sure.

This Blu-Ray looks about as good or as bad as most other Arrow videos; sharp, mostly-clean, mostly-good color and contrast, but with occasional print issues or color fade. Sound quality is adequate.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5

Packaging is gorgeous!

This Blu-Ray is region-free.




Next greatest blind-buy: "Demons II"

More of the same as "Demons I." Only this time a dog and a birthday girl all turn into a demons too. How cool is that?

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

Recommendation: If you like these kinds of films, then sure.

Once again, Arrow Blu-Ray looks and sounds good, but never mind-blowingly awesome.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5

Blu-Ray is region-locked




"Harvey"

Jimmy Stewart and the invisible bunny rabbit makes for an instant comedy classic. It's good and light-hearted fun. The story has enough substance to invoke some thought regarding people and how they go about life, in addition to questioning the nature of insanity.

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

Recommendation: Yep.

This Blu-Ray looks pretty sharp, but it feels like it could be sharper yet. There is some grain. Contrast is not bad. The image is very clean and pristine. Sound is good.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5




"Jaws"

Never was a favorite of mind, but it might become one. Takes a few liberties from the original book, and for the better. Characters have a lot of personality and the dialogue is fun (even if it does overlap each other incessantly). Photography style, framing, composition, etc is superb. It's all very iconic.

Shark still looks fake

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

Recommendation: Yep.

Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

The UK steelbook is gorgeous!

It's also region-free!




"WarGames"

Kinda cheesy, with loads of incredible old-school outdated tech. But, it definitely looks utilitarian, therefore realistic. The film has a proper amount of tension. What I really love is that it presents all the conspiracy and danger, but never totally villainizes the military; it actually portrays NORAD pretty realistically (well, as far as I can tell ). Its focus is definitely anti-war and anti-nuclear-annihilation, and the theme works without being all pushy or liberal about it. What's more, the film digs up some very interesting ideas regarding computers and their role in society.

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

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

The Blu-Ray looks good and sharp, with some grain and noise, but rarely too much. Colors and contrast can be dull, but it still looks more vivid than I remember. Sound is alright.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5




Next greatest rental: "Porco Rosco"

Miyazaki's film starts off pretty thrilling, with some cool air battles and stuff. It gets pretty dry around the middle, and eventually the charm wore off and I realized that this film just isn't doing much for me the way other Studio Ghibli films do. Still, the main character is not bad; he has a cool Han Solo vibe to him, and there's a constant-running theme about literal "pig-headedness" surrounding him. Artwork is good and charming, as always.

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

Recommendation: For Miyazaki fans. The unitiated should start with films like "Spirited Away" or "Nausicaa" or something.

[jvince]

[REC]³ Génesis (2012)
dir. Paco Plaza

The Good: The movie looks pretty good.

The Bad: Everything else. Terrible acting. Stupid, uninspired writing. Filled with pathetic attempts to scare. Why even call it [REC] in the first place when you ditch the found-footage style?

The Bottom Line: [REC]³ Génesis is absolutely nothing like its predecessors. A complete mess and a huge disappointment, fans should avoid it and pretend it doesn't exist. One of the worst movies of the year.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

[Show spoiler]

[REC]³ Génesis (2012)
dir. Paco Plaza

The Good: The movie looks pretty good.

The Bad: Everything else. Terrible acting. Stupid, uninspired writing. Filled with pathetic attempts to scare. Why even call it [REC] in the first place when you ditch the found-footage style?

The Bottom Line: [REC]³ Génesis is absolutely nothing like its predecessors. A complete mess and a huge disappointment, fans should avoid it and pretend it doesn't exist. One of the worst movies of the year.

Well that's a royal shame. "[REC 2]" was so awesome and it left off with such a cliffhanger, I had high hopes for a third one.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by jvince

[REC]³ Génesis (2012)

[Show spoiler]dir. Paco Plaza

[Show spoiler]

The Good: The movie looks pretty good.

The Bad: Everything else. Terrible acting. Stupid, uninspired writing. Filled with pathetic attempts to scare. Why even call it [REC] in the first place when you ditch the found-footage style?

The Bottom Line: [REC]³ Génesis is absolutely nothing like its predecessors. A complete mess and a huge disappointment, fans should avoid it and pretend it doesn't exist. One of the worst movies of the year.

Well, I called it Knew this was going to blow.

[Foggy]

The Third Man

Stylish and all round awesome Noir film.

From the war torn setting and the great use of lighting, the film looks lavish in it's cinematography and chockablock with atmosphere. It's probably one of the best looking films I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot!

From the creepy characters to the twisty plot, The Third Man is one of the most compelling plot driven films ever made. Its use of the language barrier creates a sense of misguidance and paranoia, it's a film that gives you the idea not to trust anyone you meet from the start.

10/10

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by dag

In early 2004, I spent six weeks traveling on my own through South East Asia, visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. It was my first ever time in Asia. I can't begin to explain how overwhelming the experience was; the trip changed how I view the world, and it remains my favourite, and most important, trip.

[Show spoiler]

During the trip, I spent two weeks in southern Thailand, including five nights on Ko Phi Phi Don. I stayed at PP Charlie resort in a small bungalow on the beach. As I wrote to my family, Phi Phi was awesome.

Ten months later, the Boxing Day tsunami struck, and we all know the terrible havoc it caused throughout the entire region. I was emotionally very touched by the catastrophe, and made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross disaster relief effort.

In late 2005, I was having a hard time at work. I was scheduled to go to Vancouver on business and, at the last minute, I decided to take a few weeks off, and returned to Thailand. After several days in Bangkok, I took an overnight bus to Krabi, and then the ferry to Phi Phi. As I stepped off the ferry and onto the pier, I had tears in my eyes as I looked at how the island had changed. But by the end of my stay, I was so happy I had gone back. I even was able to meet survivors whom I had encountered during my first trip.

I say all this as background to my attending the world premier of The Impossible, at TIFF. The movie chronicles a Western family's struggle for survival and reunion in the hours and days following the tsunami. Immediately before the film, the director and the stars (Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and the boy who plays the eldest son) came out on the stage. The director said few words, but I only found out later, on Twitter, that the actual family was in attendance at the theatre.

After a brief introduction where the family settles in at a gorgeous island resort, the tsunami strikes. This sequence is very impressive, and gives a realistic portrayal of the devastation resulting from the water's power. Watts' character suffers grievous injuries. There is death and destruction on an unimaginable scale. There were a number of people crying during the screening.

I don't know how to next say this - but, while I understand the movie is focusing on this one family, and that what happened to them is (apparently) accurately portrayed on the screen, I couldn't help but think at how fortunate these five people were. The movie almost exclusively recounts the catastrophe from the perspective of tourists. I'm well aware of the terrible number of deaths among Westerners, but I couldn't help but think of the local Thais.

For the second half of the movie, Watts spends her entire time lying on a gurney, turning greyer with each succeeding scene. Yes, she's suffering and fighting for her life, but despite that I felt her scenes lacked dramatic power. McGregor, meanwhile, wanders around the wreckage looking for his family. Again, I hate to say it, but the tension and stress of attempting to locate his family didn't affect me. I just couldn't get my mind off the larger issues.

Perhaps I'm being unfair to the movie here. The terrible power of nature, the devastating tsunami, the scenes of destruction, of a global catastrophe that overwhelmed emergency responses - all of that is more than well done. There is very real emotion attached to the plight of the family. But

[Show spoiler](not really a spoiler, because you know they had survived the waves, but I'll hide it anyway) their eventual evacuation - by themselves on a private jet, no less

- only left me thinking of all that they had left behind on that devastated shoreline.

Thanks for the very personal review. I'll have to see this for myself to decide whether it works, because I don't have your perspective. It sounds like an important story. It's rare to see a film that shows things from points of view that we are not accustomed too, so I am not surprised that this one doesn't try to do that. El Norte did a good job of showing the plight of illegal immigrants though.

How many of us hear about a disaster on the news and almost dismiss it from our minds because it's not close to home?

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

[Show spoiler]I've been seriously slacking in reviewing stuff lately. Here's everything I've watched in September so far (and part of August):

"Johnny Mnemonic"

William Gibson is spinning in his grave. This movie takes a few awesome concepts the cyberpunk author had and turned it into some kind of throwaway popcorn flick. Pretty fun, smart at times, with some of the funkiest old-school CGI effects ever rendered. But, the film comes off as silly, corny, campy, and kinda stupid.

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

Recommendation: Not for most people. Fans of the genre, filmmakers, or Willaim Gibson can rent it, see what they think.

The Blu-Ray looks adequate. Colors and contrast suck. Details and sharpness is decent, but never mind-blowingly great.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5




"Tokyo!"

A collection of short films from Japan...made by French directors.

Episode 1: "Interior Design." A bunch of characters fool around; one of them turns into a chair.

Episode 2: "Merde." Some guy living in the sewer comes up to terrorize hapless citizens on occasion. Later finds a box of grenades and starts throwing them around. Gets arrested, put on trial, the end. It's awesome; if you watch anything in this collection, check this one out!

Episode 3: "Shaking Tokyo." Some recluse living in his appartment for years on end without ever seeing the outside world suddenly goes on a search for the pizza girl.

They're all pretty charming and stylish. The middle story is just plain awesome. All are pretty cool.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Stories: Very Good | Film: Very Good) Increase from 4/5

Recommendation: Yes. Check it out at least once.

Blu-Ray looks and sounds decent enough.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5




Next greatest blind-buy: "The Exterminator." Not to be confused with "The Terminator."

It plays out like a cross between "Rambo: First Blood" and "Hobo With a Shotgun." That's right, it's all about a war vet who decides to take the law in his own hands. Plenty of shootings and flame-throwing action ensues. One wicked scene involves a guy being lowered into a meat grinder. Still feels a little dry, very low-budget, and it's stylistically plain.

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

Recommendation: If you like these kinds of films, then sure.

This Blu-Ray looks about as good or as bad as most other Arrow videos; sharp, mostly-clean, mostly-good color and contrast, but with occasional print issues or color fade. Sound quality is adequate.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5

Packaging is gorgeous!

This Blu-Ray is region-free.




Next greatest blind-buy: "Demons II"

More of the same as "Demons I." Only this time a dog and a birthday girl all turn into a demons too. How cool is that?

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

Recommendation: If you like these kinds of films, then sure.

Once again, Arrow Blu-Ray looks and sounds good, but never mind-blowingly awesome.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5

Blu-Ray is region-locked




"Harvey"

Jimmy Stewart and the invisible bunny rabbit makes for an instant comedy classic. It's good and light-hearted fun. The story has enough substance to invoke some thought regarding people and how they go about life, in addition to questioning the nature of insanity.

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

Recommendation: Yep.

This Blu-Ray looks pretty sharp, but it feels like it could be sharper yet. There is some grain. Contrast is not bad. The image is very clean and pristine. Sound is good.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 4/5




"Jaws"

Never was a favorite of mind, but it might become one. Takes a few liberties from the original book, and for the better. Characters have a lot of personality and the dialogue is fun (even if it does overlap each other incessantly). Photography style, framing, composition, etc is superb. It's all very iconic.

Shark still looks fake

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

Recommendation: Yep.

Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

The UK steelbook is gorgeous!

It's also region-free!




"WarGames"

Kinda cheesy, with loads of incredible old-school outdated tech. But, it definitely looks utilitarian, therefore realistic. The film has a proper amount of tension. What I really love is that it presents all the conspiracy and danger, but never totally villainizes the military; it actually portrays NORAD pretty realistically (well, as far as I can tell ). Its focus is definitely anti-war and anti-nuclear-annihilation, and the theme works without being all pushy or liberal about it. What's more, the film digs up some very interesting ideas regarding computers and their role in society.

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

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

The Blu-Ray looks good and sharp, with some grain and noise, but rarely too much. Colors and contrast can be dull, but it still looks more vivid than I remember. Sound is alright.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5




Next greatest rental: "Porco Rosco"

Miyazaki's film starts off pretty thrilling, with some cool air battles and stuff. It gets pretty dry around the middle, and eventually the charm wore off and I realized that this film just isn't doing much for me the way other Studio Ghibli films do. Still, the main character is not bad; he has a cool Han Solo vibe to him, and there's a constant-running theme about literal "pig-headedness" surrounding him. Artwork is good and charming, as always.

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

Recommendation: For Miyazaki fans. The unitiated should start with films like "Spirited Away" or "Nausicaa" or something.

Too many movies, so I just spoiler tagged the whole post.

Blind bought Jaws and WarGames, so obviously I look forward to watching them soon and agreeing with you.

Will likely also blind buy Harvey, but there was so much coming out that I couldn't get everything and it was too high. I'll get to it when it goes on sale.