The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

[Show spoiler]Directed by : Norman Jewison
Starring : Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates
Format : HDTV

Story : A black American detective from Philadelphia (Poitier) as to help a southern sherrif *Steiger) in a town full of racist tention solved a murder. Both are ina way more similar that they would actually care to believe and sort of form if not friendship a certain respect for each other as they work the case.

Comments : I suppose that the impact of this movie is probably not as great now 45 years later that it was in 1967. Racism is one of these problem that plague this planet at different level. The characters of Tibbs and Gillespie show us that if we are willing to just put aside our differences for a while we can actually see that in the end we are all the same, humans with strenght and weakness.

One of my all-time favorites and one I keep hoping will come to blu at some point. It's one of those films that immerses you in the drama through great cinematrography, leisurely pacing, and a wonderfully evocative score. Perfect blend of drama, humor, character development, and social commentary. Actually I don't see the film as being very much dated in terms of the social issues~ it might be argued that the racism portrayed then is simply now an equal-opportunity employer and that the 'moral of the story' remains as relevant today, for all parties, as back then?

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

One of my all-time favorites and one I keep hoping will come to blu at some point. It's one of those films that immerses you in the drama through great cinematrography, leisurely pacing, and a wonderfully evocative score. Perfect blend of drama, humor, character development, and social commentary. Actually I don't see the film as being very much dated in terms of the social issues~ it might be argued that the racism portrayed then is simply now an equal-opportunity employer and that the 'moral of the story' remains as relevant today, for all parties, as back then?

What I like about this movie is that it doesn't break ground on anything special, I mean cinematography or direction. The acting is well done but again nothing so outbreaking. What is amazing is the story for me, it's a movie where you feel so little is going on but in reality what is going on is just huge.

As for dated, not really what I mean by not as relevant, mean more for the shock waves it must have created back in 1967 a little bit like what Guest Who's Coming To Dinner the following year as well. That shock is gone now in a way we can be thankful for that. I think maybe what is shocking today is to see "were there really people like that in such numbers back in 1967?" even if we can also so sadly we still have a certain number of them even in 2012

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

You may not have much free time but at least you love your job and have your priorities straight.

that picture is so perfect since i absolutely adore Parks & Rec. and i love waffles!

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I do, just not on Blu-Ray

I see. Didn't know that since your DVD collection isn't posted.

I blind bought it yesterday for only $5 at Best Buy, so I'll see which side I end up on. Minimal risk for that price.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

I could take that maybe you found Unknown entertaining, but you've just listed some of the biggest films ever in your dislike list . Hey, it's personal choice at the end of the day...I didn't particularly love Gone with the Wind but I could understand why it was so important cinematically and, as long as you can understand why other people like them, no one can say anything about your movie tastes!

But Unknown did suck big time.

Well, I wasn't all that serious with that post. A few of those I didn't like, but most are just "alright" in my book (especially GwtW).

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Directed by : Guy Hamilton
Starring : Roger Moore, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland
Format : HDTV

Story : Bond (Moore) as to go head to head with Scaramanga (Lee) an international hit man with in the background an investigation in finding the solex which is said to be able to solve the energy problems facing the world.

Comments : I always enjoyed this movie. Made before things got a little out of hands with the over the top stuff in The Spy Who Love Me and Moonraker. James Bond movies are always sort of over the top but the next two would really take the over the top to the next level of sort.

Ratings : 3/5

This is actually my favorite Roger Moore Bond film.

[legendarymatt92]

I managed to watch this last night, and thought I'd review it before I completely forgot about it.

You the first thing you notice about Dark Shadows is how beautiful the visual style is - Burton has always had a penchant for very atmospheric films, but Gothic fantasy oozes out of every frame in this; the low-key lighting employed looks stunning with the way the characters are lit, the sweeping cinematography style complimenting the perfect locations. The framing of shots is superb, allowing Burton's Gothic sensibilities to come through in every frame. Where the film falls down somewhat is the tone - from the trailer, I was expecting a very quirky comedy with some slightly darker themes but what I got was a very muddled mix of extremely dark themes and out-of-place light-hearted humour that didn't work well together. This mis-match of themes that don't go together is something that either makes the film work or not work for you, though - unlike Alice In Wonderland, Burton's last directorial effort, this isn't a completely studioified approach to film-making; it's not bland, it's not safe and it's definitely not easy to watch. In my mind, Burton deserves praise for that...whilst he's made a film that is tonally and narratively all over the place, he's stuck to his original vision and hasn't compromised with the studio over it. He clearly has an affection for the source material, and that love comes through in the end - he treats it more as a homage than a big-screen version, unfortunately rushing through certain ideas and themes to get to the end in the right time.

Despite all this, though, it's not a terrible film -- it's admirable, and very entertaining. It might prove too enduring for some, just because it does get hard to stick with, but it's definitely one that I'd recommend fans of Burton check out.

7.5/10

[jvince]

Freaks (1932)
dir. Tod Browning

The Good: Great idea and theme. The casting of real sideshow performers. The macabre ending, which is like some really bad nightmare.

The Bad: It feels a little long for a 60-minute film. The dialogue is mostly incoherent. Acting isn't too good.

The Bottom Line: Freaks is worth a one-time watch.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

well, sad to admit, but i just don't have the time anymore to enjoy films and tv shows like i used to.

i started a new job just over three months ago and i knew from the get-go it would eat up a lot of my time (which is what i always wanted - a job that constantly kept me busy), but work continues to come in (which is good and kinda bad since i deal with insurance companies, fraud, and legal counsels) and i now work 13 hour days five days a week - at least. i also then work about an hour or so from home and also about 5 or so hours from home on the weekend. mind you, i absolutely love my job, so this isn't a negative in my eyes

i'm lucky if i can watch an episode of a show or part of a movie once a night.

so, if i don't chime in much, it's because i'm off workin' workin' workin'. but during lunch i always check out my usual threads to see what's new and happening.

see ya guys around. who knows when, if ever i'll be able to come back as a "regular"

Come by to say Hi as often as you can.

Thats about 80 hours per week. I hope you are being well taken care of.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jvince

Freaks (1932)
dir. Tod Browning

The Good: Great idea and theme. The casting of real sideshow performers. The macabre ending, which is like some really bad nightmare.

The Bad: It feels a little long for a 60-minute film. The dialogue is mostly incoherent. Acting isn't too good.

The Bottom Line: Freaks is worth a one-time watch.

Man, there were some seriously challenged people in that film. I spent most of the time feeling sad actually.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Man, there were some seriously challenged people in that film. I spent most of the time feeling sad actually.

Same, pretty uncomfortable watch

[P@t_Mtl]

L'Année dernière à Marienbad (1961)
Last Year At Marienbad

Directed by : Alain Resnais
Starring : Delphine Seyrig, Giorgio Albertazzi, Sacha Pitoëff
Format : HDTV

Story : During a gathering in a chateau, a man (AlbertazzI) tries to convince a woman (Seyrig) that they had an encounter the year before in the city of Marienbad. The man relate the encounter and the woman continue to cliam to have no memory of this encounter.

Comments : I know I will receive hate mail for this but I really dislike this movie. This was the first time seeing it since my college days. I disliked it then and dislike it now. It's one of those French movies that tries way to hard and that somehow people (a lot of time North Americans) like so much. The characters are just annoying to me. The man after a while sort of almost turn into a stalker and the absent minded way of acting of the woman is something I totaly dislike either in acting or real life. The cinematography is quite stunning but it's really not enough for me to save this movie. I have no doubt that Kubrick must have been watching this movie 24/7 while making The Shinning in 1979

Ratings : 1/5

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Same, pretty uncomfortable watch

Whats up with your documentary watching? What have you seen?

[jvince]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Man, there were some seriously challenged people in that film. I spent most of the time feeling sad actually.

Originally Posted by Foggy

Same, pretty uncomfortable watch

I felt the same way.

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

L'Année dernière à Marienbad (1961)
Last Year At Marienbad

[Show spoiler]Directed by : Alain Resnais
Starring : Delphine Seyrig, Giorgio Albertazzi, Sacha Pitoëff
Format : HDTV

Story : During a gathering in a chateau, a man (AlbertazzI) tries to convince a woman (Seyrig) that they had an encounter the year before in the city of Marienbad. The man relate the encounter and the woman continue to cliam to have no memory of this encounter.

Comments : I know I will receive hate mail for this but I really dislike this movie. This was the first time seeing it since my college days. I disliked it then and dislike it now. It's one of those French movies that tries way to hard and that somehow people (a lot of time North Americans) like so much. The characters are just annoying to me. The man after a while sort of almost turn into a stalker and the absent minded way of acting of the woman is something I totaly dislike either in acting or real life. The cinematography is quite stunning but it's really not enough for me to save this movie. I have no doubt that Kubrick must have been watching this movie 24/7 while making The Shinning in 1979

Ratings : 1/5

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

L'Année dernière à Marienbad (1961)
Last Year At Marienbad

Directed by : Alain Resnais
Starring : Delphine Seyrig, Giorgio Albertazzi, Sacha Pitoëff
Format : HDTV

Story : During a gathering in a chateau, a man (AlbertazzI) tries to convince a woman (Seyrig) that they had an encounter the year before in the city of Marienbad. The man relate the encounter and the woman continue to cliam to have no memory of this encounter.

Comments : I know I will receive hate mail for this but I really dislike this movie. This was the first time seeing it since my college days. I disliked it then and dislike it now. It's one of those French movies that tries way to hard and that somehow people (a lot of time North Americans) like so much. The characters are just annoying to me. The man after a while sort of almost turn into a stalker and the absent minded way of acting of the woman is something I totaly dislike either in acting or real life. The cinematography is quite stunning but it's really not enough for me to save this movie. I have no doubt that Kubrick must have been watching this movie 24/7 while making The Shinning in 1979

Ratings : 1/5

Wow! This is one of my favorite criterion releases. I think about it very often and it is definitely a work of art to throw yourself into, experience, feel, and connect. So many beautifully framed images of Marienbad that are inviting and lush.... Just throw away you're art-house card (I say in a comic voice)

Anyways...
I wanted to talk of Seven Psychopaths.

The film starts off with a bang, a shotgun of a scene that involves hitmen, a quaint location and an unexpected twist. It also sums what I find so infuriating and entertaining about the film. McDonaugh lures you in through the use of dialogue (in this case two guys so full of themselves they overwrite their dialogue and underperform on the job), then pulling the rug right under the audience. Very clever, but too often thats the point, not unlike a Guy Ritchie film. This pretty much describes much of the film (except for when it's telegraphed due to contrived writing), McDonaugh employing the well worn cliche of a writer/ director/ artist seeking inspiration and thus getting more than he bargained for. Which leaves us with a film with many great bits never coalescing into a greater whole.

Maybe that's the point? After this film is about the creative struggle. This last point infuriates me even more. McDonaugh is much too young to cop out on such a stale idea. He has obviously fashioned himself after Tarantino who was at his creative best movies 2 & 3. I expected greater things from the director of In Bruges and never expected his kid brother besting him (last year's excellent The Guard).

I really do like this movie, but the spots in which the film doesnt work (or not as fully as I wanted) infuriate me more. I expect to see this again on Blu and warming up to this shaggy dog of a film.

[Steve46]

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)
Comedy, Drama, Romance, 107 minutes
Directed by Lasse Hallström
Starring Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas and Amr Waked

Some movies are written off because of their titles and it takes a while for them to gain an audience. Few people knew what The Shawshank Redemption was before it was released on VHS. What is The World's Fastest Indian all about? Perhaps an athlete of some kind? While other movies, such as Freedom Writers and The Reader, simply sound boring. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is in danger of being dismissed due to its title, but that would be a mistake.

Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is a fisheries expert, and he seems like a boring man. His existence is dull and safe. His relationship with his wife is one of mutual tolerance, and they do not share the same passions. He only drinks alcohol on the weekend, and only after 7pm. Nobody takes him seriously at work either, so he has little to look forward to.

Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) is a keen fisherman, but that's not an easy hobby to satisfy when you are surrounded by sand. He recruits a team to investigate the possibility of building a river in the desert, and populating it with salmon, so that he can pursue his passion for fishing. Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt) is given the task of recruiting Jones and anyone or anything else that might be needed to complete the project. She's in a new relationship and loves a soldier, but that is put on hold when he is called up for duty.

The movie is heavily influenced by romance. Harriet is in a hopeful new relationship, Jones is in a tired marriage, and could there even be the possibility of romance between the two with them working so closely together? The other main element is humor. The largely British cast influences the tone, and the humor is more subtle and understated than in typical North American comedies. I found myself smiling often, rather than laughing out loud. Most of the laughs come at the expense of Jones, who is set in his routines and is a quirky individual.

Jones doesn't treat the project seriously because it sounds so ludicrous, but his outlook changes when he meets Sheikh Muhammed, who is one of the most likable characters in the movie.

Blunt is not a typical beauty, but she's a good actress. I was impressed with her performances in Sunshine Cleaning and The Adjustment Bureau, and she's just as effective in this movie. She has a certain warmth and vulnerability that works well for a romantic lead. McGregor most recently caught my attention in The Ghost Writer, and he plays Jones perfectly.

However, the movie is more than a romantic comedy. The two leads are required to pull off several emotional scenes, especially in the final act.

One character who elicits laughs in every scene in which she appears is Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas), who plays the British Prime Minister's aide. She's the main villain in the story and is always out to manipulate the situation in order to gain votes and positive mentions in the newspapers.

I'm not entirely sure who the movie is aimed at, but it worked for me. It won't change your life with a dramatic message that you've never seen before, but it's an enjoyable place to visit for a while.

The Blu-ray presentation is strong and the desert scenes look particularly impressive. Special features are sparse and total just over 16 minutes.

Overall score 3.75/5

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Whats up with your documentary watching? What have you seen?

Watched Soldier Girls, pretty good but started to get mundane towards the end.
Man on Wire, which was very good, but not as good as others made it out to be.
Tried to watch The Leader, His Driver and The Drivers Wife but it just wasn't working for me and I tried to watch Don't Look Back but I didn't get the time to finish it.

[jvince]

Session 9 (2001)
dir. Brad Anderson

The Good: Great performances and character work. Spooky atmosphere. The last line. *shudders*

The Bad: It doesn't sustain the tension; the interspersed dramatic scenes keep it from building up. The ending is not executed well. Distracting score. Not really as scary as people make it out to be.

The Bottom Line: Session 9 has the makings of a great psychological horror movie, but it settles for serviceable. Worth checking out for those who are into slow-burning, character-centric horror flicks.

[P@t_Mtl]

Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Directed by : George Roy Hill
Starring : Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman, Valerie Perrine
Format : HDTV

Story : Billy Pilgrim (Sacks) seem somehow to be unstuck in time and experiences events of his life from the past or the future at random. We seem him as a soldier in WWII or his family life after or even his future life on a distant planet.

Comments : This was actually my first time seeing this movie. I am also very unfamiliar with the work of Kurt Vonnegut who wrote the novel the movie is based on. While it can be a little difficult to keep up as things move from event to event, past, present or future the story is quite interesting. I do not know give's more explanation on the reason on why Billy seem to be jumping in time but the movie leave's it a bit unclear. I may have understood the ending in a different way than what it really is. Still an interesting story and I recommend it

Ratings : 3.5/5

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

L'Année dernière à Marienbad (1961)
Last Year At Marienbad

Comments : I know I will receive hate mail for this but I really dislike this movie.

Not from me.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Watched Soldier Girls, pretty good but started to get mundane towards the end.
Man on Wire, which was very good, but not as good as others made it out to be.
Tried to watch The Leader, His Driver and The Drivers Wife but it just wasn't working for me and I tried to watch Don't Look Back but I didn't get the time to finish it.

Its time for Marwencol.