The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[legendarymatt92]

Saw a few short films today that were interesting, and thought I'd review a couple of the better ones. I'll provide links where I can so you can, if you want, watch the films as well.

Epilogue (dir. Tom Tykwer, 1992) run time: 12:27

link:

Epilog - Tom Tykwer - YouTube

For anyone who has seen Tykwer's Run Lola Run, "Epilogue" is an obvious honing of both the technical competence and thematic elements that were transferred into the former later on in his career. Concerning the destructive relationship of two people, and set in one room, Tykwer explores his typical cyclical narrative structure by applying a post-modern spin on an ordinary story. Seen from both character's perspectives, with real life being called into question, it's an extraordinary beginning from a director whose continued an impressive career on imaginative, dream-like worlds.

My Wrongs 8245-8249 & 117 (dir. Chris Morris, 2006) run time: 12:20

link:

Chris Morris - My Wrongs #8245-8249 & 117 - YouTube

An impressive piece of British surrealism, "My Wrongs" stars Paddy Considine as a mentally unstable man who, when house sitting for his friend, finds that her dog can speak...and is actually his lawyer. A pre-Four Lions Chris Morris finds the right balance between utter stupidity and side-splitting humour, whilst Considine gives one of his best performances as a man who suddenly finds himself in a strange, strange position. Definitely one of the best and strangest shorts I've ever seen.

The Big Shave (dir. Martin Scorsese, 1967) run time: 5:35

link:

The Big Shave - YouTube

Although I'd seen this one a few times before, it was still as mesmerising as the first time I'd seen it - Scorsese's apparent reaction to the Vietnam War, it features a nameless man shaving his face until he bleeds. The editing is perfect, with match cuts on the big band music, and the obvious homages to both Soviet montage and the French New Wave show Scorsese's extensive filmic knowledge before his feature film début. Something to check out if you love the director's work.

...and now for something completely different...


Rubber Johnny (dir. Chris Cunningham, 2005)

links:

- original short version:

Rubber Johnny (Original, Short Version) - YouTube

- longer version:

Chris Cunningham + Aphex Twin - Rubber Johnny - YouTube

No words can do justice to what lies in that video. All that remains to be said is that Cunningham, like a group of directors working at that time (such as Jonathan Glazer and Mark Romanek), began in experimental and conventional music videos and has since moved onto more avant-garde styles of short films, as "Rubber Johnny" shows. He is the only one of the three names listed to not branch out into feature films yet, but has a string of more mainstream commercials under his belt - such as ones for Playstation and Nissan.

[jvince]

The Snowman (1982)
dir. Dianne Jackson, Jimmy T. Murakami

The Good: Absolutely wonderful storybook-like animation. Howard Blake's hauntingly beautiful score. And his song, "Walking in the Air"... chills.

The Bad: Unnecessary introduction by David Bowie; it just feels weird and out of place. Ending sounds good on paper, but it didn't feel like it was the appropriate conclusion nor was it executed the best way possible. Candidate for most depressing Christmas/kids movie ever.

The Bottom Line: An exemplary marriage of visuals and music. Worth a look.

[Lepidopterous]

I just discovered that a Studio Ghibli-produced PS3 game was released recently.

Ni No Kuni

I thought you Ghibli fans might be interested. I'm all over it. Just hoping it's not just for kids.

Review

[Al_The_Strange]

Rubber Johnny (dir. Chris Cunningham, 2005)

links:

- original short version:

- longer version:


No words can do justice to what lies in that video. All that remains to be said is that Cunningham, like a group of directors working at that time (such as Jonathan Glazer and Mark Romanek), began in experimental and conventional music videos and has since moved onto more avant-garde styles of short films, as "Rubber Johnny" shows. He is the only one of the three names listed to not branch out into feature films yet, but has a string of more mainstream commercials under his belt - such as ones for Playstation and Nissan.

Awesome. I actually had this on my list of stuff to rent, but it was unavailable. It was every bit as wild as I expected. Thanks for posting.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I just discovered that a Studio Ghibli-produced PS3 game was released recently.

Ni No Kuni

I thought you Ghibli fans might be interested. I'm all over it. Just hoping it's not just for kids.

Review

I haven't played it myself, but it is supposed to be a pretty good game. I haven't read anything about it being for kids.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I haven't played it myself, but it is supposed to be a pretty good game. I haven't read anything about it being for kids.

I only got that impression because of its comparison to Pokemon.

[Lepidopterous]

Chico & Rita

Chico & Rita tells an honest story about love based around some cool jazz music. It has a "dynamic painting" look and keeps a sexy vibe and consistent rhythm. You might notice some familiar faces from the world of jazz at the time, which really pulls you in the moment. It also comes with the excellent soundtrack that makes the purchase feel like a two-in-one.

I highly recommend Chico & Rita to anyone looking for a quality animated film. It is well-worthy of its Oscar-nomination last year and is a joy to watch. Guaranteed to get you in a romantic mood.

4.5/5

Note: Currently available on Netflix streaming, though its strong replayability may warrant a buy for some.

[Abdrewes]

Mama (2013)

From the ethereal mother of grace in the Tree of Life to the "mother-f***er who found Bin Laden", Jessica Chastain once again proves her versatility in Guillermo Del Toro's latest production: Mama. Tree of Life and Zero Dark Thirty were my favorite films of the last two years, and it's a testament to Chastain that her performance was strong enough to keep those in the very back of my mind. I wasn't trying to compare each performance, nor was I recalling the best moments of either film. She commits herself to the role and provides much nuance to what could have been the films major downfall.

While as a horror film it's merely effective, actually much more effective than the comparable Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2011), Mama is really about the characters. It takes the strongest elements from the last Guillermo del Toro production (some of the character work) and builds an entire satisfying narrative. The film really does have characters dealing with strong human feelings. Jessica Chastain is a goth, commitment averted thirty-something while who now finds herself in charge of her boyfriend's two nieces. The girls were just found after having been missing years after their father went on a killing spree, offing their mother in the process.

The film has a fairly tidy narrative in comparison to most modern horror. The obligatory jump scares are kept to a minimum. Rather we get a detailed look into the stock situation. The subplots help in adding believability. While there are contrivances, I did feel like we were getting a realistic look into the processes that were being detailed. Also, the measured pace of the film allowed me to dwell on the well-thought character dynamics and backstory of the titular "Mama" so that when the fantastic elements went into full gear, I almost felt a cathartic relief, not to mention tension, hoping they would make it out okay.

If you liked elements of Don't Be Afraid of The Dark, namely the relationship between the girl and her step mom & the atmospherics, but disliked the rushed plot and weak monsters, I think you'll find Mama much better experience. Jessica Chastain adds yet another excellent role to her varied oeuvre and Gulletmo del Toro proves once again that his producing credit is a mark of quality. The look of the film can be a bit drab and washed out, but thankfully there's more going on here than just cheap thrills and theatrics. I think it comes from a genuine place.

3/4

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Mama (2013)

[Show spoiler]

From the ethereal mother of grace in the Tree of Life to the "mother-f***er who found Bin Laden", Jessica Chastain once again proves her versatility in Guillermo Del Toro's latest production: Mama. Tree of Life and Zero Dark Thirty were my favorite films of the last two years, and it's a testament to Chastain that her performance was strong enough to keep those in the very back of my mind. I wasn't trying to compare each performance, nor was I recalling the best moments of either film. She commits herself to the role and provides much nuance to what could have been the films major downfall.

While as a horror film it's merely effective, actually much more effective than the comparable Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2011), Mama is really about the characters. It takes the strongest elements from the last Guillermo del Toro production (some of the character work) and builds an entire satisfying narrative. The film really does have characters dealing with strong human feelings. Jessica Chastain is a goth, commitment averted thirty-something while who now finds herself in charge of her boyfriend's two nieces. The girls were just found after having been missing years after their father went on a killing spree, offing their mother in the process.

The film has a fairly tidy narrative in comparison to most modern horror. The obligatory jump scares are kept to a minimum. Rather we get a detailed look into the stock situation. The subplots help in adding believability. While there are contrivances, I did feel like we were getting a realistic look into the processes that were being detailed. Also, the measured pace of the film allowed me to dwell on the well-thought character dynamics and backstory of the titular "Mama" so that when the fantastic elements went into full gear, I almost felt a cathartic relief, not to mention tension, hoping they would make it out okay.

If you liked elements of Don't Be Afraid of The Dark, namely the relationship between the girl and her step mom & the atmospherics, but disliked the rushed plot and weak monsters, I think you'll find Mama much better experience. Jessica Chastain adds yet another excellent role to her varied oeuvre and Gulletmo del Toro proves once again that his producing credit is a mark of quality. The look of the film can be a bit drab and washed out, but thankfully there's more going on here than just cheap thrills and theatrics. I think it comes from a genuine place.

3/4

I'm in that boat. Unfortunately I couldn't catch this last weekend so I'll have to wait another week, but very much looking forward to it.

[dag]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I highly recommend Chico & Rita

Excellent film. Beautiful animation and music.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by dag

Excellent film. Beautiful animation and music.

Isn't it wonderful? I watched it again with the gf tonight. Love the juxtaposition of Cuban and American culture. And it's a dense script for a 90-minute film.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next blind-buy: Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Yes, it has English subtitles! I can understand stuff again!

In all the time, effort, and money I've invested in the occasional Asian fantasy film, I think I've always been subconsciouslly searching for something specific. Something exotic, magnificent, fantastic, epic, and exciting. Maybe I've secretly been hoping for some kind of Asian equivelent to LOTR. I really hoped to see such a spectacle with The Banquet (aka Legend of the Black Scorpion), but not really. I had high hopes for The Forbidden Kingdom, but was let down by its odd plot and odd comedy. Red Cliff proved to be epic, but not fantastic per se. Painted Skin came somewhat closer to the mark. Its sequel...closer yet.

Despite all the charm and visual splendor the first Painted Skin movie had, I was surprised and pleased to see that its sequel one-upped everything. Right from the start, PS:R proved to be a visually magnificent feat for the eyes. The film is loaded with graceful and lavish imagery, to include plentiful amounts of exquisite slow motion and respectable special effects. Some audiences probably won't care for such excessive flourishes, but I thought it was a fine spectacle. Some really excellent fight scenes helped make the movie quite entertaining as well. The film may just suffer a little drag toward the middle, just like with the first film.

The story for this film is pretty similar to the first film, just with a new cast of characters, all bearing new dynamics, and with some genders swapped around the different archetypes. By taking the familiar story and mixing things up, the filmmakers effectively underscored a different and distinctive set of characters with their own thematic territory; comparing both PS movies is almost like comparing the first two Evil Deads, because in both cases, the sequel is both a continuation and a remake. In both cases, that isn't a bad thing.

Cinematically, PS:R is a splendid thing to watch, with so much gorgeous imagery and editing. Acting and writing are top-notch. This production has plenty of fine-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are still a bit fake, but are extremely well-executed. Music is lovely.

As it is, I like both Painted Skin movies a lot, but would probably give the second one the edge for being more polished and refined.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

On Blu-Ray, this film looks and sounds great. There might be some noisy scenes, but nothing too distracting.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: Dredd

Having grown up watching Sylvester Stallone's cheesy rendition of Judge Dredd, I was always quite enthralled by the scummy city of Megacity 1, and the rough justice delivered by its dystopian police force. Obviously, the '95 film has lost its edge over the years. Thanks to this new adaptation of Judge Dredd, the old film will probably always be overshadowed and forgotten...and for darn good reason. The 2012 film Dredd totally rocks.

Given the setting and premise of the whole thing, Judge Dredd always required a certain level of pulp and brutality; something no different than Paul Verhoeven's RoboCop. Finally, Dredd delivers the pulp in plentiful amounts; it has its fair share of bloody, brutal scenes with bad guys and even hapless citizens getting murdered every so often. Action is frequent and frequently awesome. The whole film is given a gritty, scummy makeover that totally befits the story, and makes it stand out even more as something pulpy and badass. Throw in some occasionally gorgeous (and occasionally frivilous) slow-motion, and Dredd offers the perfect mix of style and action.

I've heard it mentioned before, but now I can affirm that Dredd's story is very much similar to The Raid. Both are movies where good guys are trapped in a building and bad guys come out of the woodwork relentlessly. In both films, the heroes are forced to fight their way up the building to reach the main antagonist. Both films even include scenes where the heroes have to hide in appartments.

Fortunatelly, Dredd maintains some good focus on its own universe. It's still all about the judges walking the beat and delivering their punishments. It's still a movie that showcases a future full of rough crime and rough justice. Using the framework of The Raid's plot, Dredd fills itself up really well with its own set of distinctive plot points, characters, and style. Characters are endearing: I really grew to love both Dredd and Anderson, and maybe even the crazy nemesis Ma-Ma to some extent. The chief problem here is that Anderson hints at a greater depth to Dredd's character in the beginning of the film, but such depth is never explored or achieved. I assume that the filmmakers are saving this for future sequels, but as it is, it makes Dredd a little more shallow. The fact that it's all localized into one single building also makes the film rather small in scope and scale; I once again hope that a potential sequel will expand things to all of Megacity 1, rather than just one block.

The film looks grimy, dirty, gaudy, and scuzzy, and it's awesome that way. Photography is actually really awesome most of the time, with plentiful amounts of wild and interesting camera angles. What I love most about it is that the camera never shakes much; it's all steady and solid. Editing is good. I loved the acting delivered by the cast, and the writing gets the job done pretty well. I was initially concerned about the film's cheap production values, but it's clearly a film that looks more expensive than it is: all the sets, props, costumes, and special effects have the perfect look and quality to make the film work. Music is really awesome too.

My judgment...

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Pretty Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Hell yeah!

This film has strangely mixed quality on BD. Some shots look perfect, others are marred with heavy amounts of fine grain, noise, and banding, and a few other shots looked a little over-processed. I kinda wonder if multiple film sources were used on this film, maybe even as an artistic effect. If so, it gets top marks for replicating the right look; otherwise, it's a bit flawed. Sound quality is the bomb.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 5/5

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Awesome. I actually had this on my list of stuff to rent, but it was unavailable. It was every bit as wild as I expected. Thanks for posting.

You're very welcome. As far as I'm aware there is, here in the UK, a version of it on DVD but not on Blu-ray (and I doubt it ever will be, to be honest) but it's amongst other commercials and music videos Chris Cunningham has made.

And, as for the short itself, it's pretty crazy and certainly not something you forget in a hurry...

[jvince]

Logorama (2009)
dir. François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy

The Good: Lots of logos! (Go ahead and try to catch them all). Unique concept. Some really witty gags (My favorites are the ones involving Mr. Peanut and Weight Watchers).

The Bad: It's not that clear with what it's exactly trying to say, which is largely in part due to it feeling like it's just a bunch of random ideas and plot lines thrown together.

The Bottom Line: Worth checking out just for the fun of trying to catch all the logos, jokes, and references.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

You're very welcome. As far as I'm aware there is, here in the UK, a version of it on DVD but not on Blu-ray (and I doubt it ever will be, to be honest) but it's amongst other commercials and music videos Chris Cunningham has made.

And, as for the short itself, it's pretty crazy and certainly not something you forget in a hurry...

Yeah, it's unlikely any of us will ever see a BD release. Probably too short to warrant such a release, unless they collect a bunch of this guy's stuff together.

I think it could go very nicely alongside with David Lynch's short films.

Logorama (2009)
dir. François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy

The Good: Lots of logos! (Go ahead and try to catch them all). Unique concept. Some really witty gags (My favorites are the ones involving Mr. Peanut and Weight Watchers).

The Bad: It's not that clear with what it's exactly trying to say, which is largely in part due to it feeling like it's just a bunch of random ideas and plot lines thrown together.

Sounds like Naqoyqatsi all over again.

[legendarymatt92]

"From director...Pete Travis?! Seriously?" is how the theatrical poster should have read for this - who'd have thought the director who made the mediocre and passable at best Vantage Point could have turned his talents towards one of the most respected comic strip characters of all time? I'm guessing not many, and even less would've thought it could've been any good; with vague memories of Stallone's typical characterisation and the little understanding of what made Judge Dredd work in the first place that went in to making that terrible film, many thought Travis might just make it...well, worse. Even with Alex "Sunshine" Garland providing the script, the teaser trailers were not done well and it was exactly what they needed to avoid with the marketing.

That said, I do believe that this is one of the best, if not the best (I've seen), films of 2012, and one of the best "comic book/strip" films ever made. It's not even that they get the character of Dredd spot on - they do - but that they capture the whole world he resides in so well; it's so grimy, so dirty, that even the camera, at times, turns to heavy grain because it's been exposed to such disgusting conditions. Travis, in a feat of directing not hitherto seen in his career, directs with such regard for the source material that it's an obvious love-letter to something that I'm assuming he's always been drawn to. If not, he does a great job of pretending.

Karl Urban, too, is a perfect match for the character - his grimaced face, never changing, works so well with his perfect dialogue, which sounds like a cross between a bad-ass and someone who actually has respect for the law. The editing is fast paced and done well, but the focal point for the whole film is the "slo-mo" scenes, based on the new drug -- such fine detail blends with extremely gory fight scenes in an over-stimulation of every sense, such washed-out imagery with perfect sound design.

I did have a few problems with it, though, but none that really affected my viewing of it or that dragged me out of the atmosphere -- I would've liked it if the general public were a little more afraid of the Judges, or at least acted a bit more scared around them; the beginning car chase seems to make out that the criminals are in fear of the Judges, yet no one else seems to be, especially in the building complex. And, secondly, there are a little too many conveniences with the plot; the Judges are the law and order in the whole city, yet Dredd never seemed to have even heard of Mama or her clan, or any of the murders that were committed within Peach Trees when she began to take over...so why did they suddenly hear about the two other murders? I take that the civilians may have reported it, but why wouldn't they have reported the previous ones as well, if they weren't scared about doing it?

Apart from that, the film is perfect.

9.9/10

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I'm in that boat. Unfortunately I couldn't catch this last weekend so I'll have to wait another week, but very much looking forward to it.

Yeah, I was surprised. The screenplay seemed like something I would actually want ro read. I found a few scenes genuinely touching. However, much like DbAotD the paternal figure is a bit short changed.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

[Show spoiler]"From director...Pete Travis?! Seriously?" is how the theatrical poster should have read for this - who'd have thought the director who made the mediocre and passable at best Vantage Point could have turned his talents towards one of the most respected comic strip characters of all time? I'm guessing not many, and even less would've thought it could've been any good; with vague memories of Stallone's typical characterisation and the little understanding of what made Judge Dredd work in the first place that went in to making that terrible film, many thought Travis might just make it...well, worse. Even with Alex "Sunshine" Garland providing the script, the teaser trailers were not done well and it was exactly what they needed to avoid with the marketing.

That said, I do believe that this is one of the best, if not the best (I've seen), films of 2012, and one of the best "comic book/strip" films ever made. It's not even that they get the character of Dredd spot on - they do - but that they capture the whole world he resides in so well; it's so grimy, so dirty, that even the camera, at times, turns to heavy grain because it's been exposed to such disgusting conditions. Travis, in a feat of directing not hitherto seen in his career, directs with such regard for the source material that it's an obvious love-letter to something that I'm assuming he's always been drawn to. If not, he does a great job of pretending.

Karl Urban, too, is a perfect match for the character - his grimaced face, never changing, works so well with his perfect dialogue, which sounds like a cross between a bad-ass and someone who actually has respect for the law. The editing is fast paced and done well, but the focal point for the whole film is the "slo-mo" scenes, based on the new drug -- such fine detail blends with extremely gory fight scenes in an over-stimulation of every sense, such washed-out imagery with perfect sound design.

I did have a few problems with it, though, but none that really affected my viewing of it or that dragged me out of the atmosphere -- I would've liked it if the general public were a little more afraid of the Judges, or at least acted a bit more scared around them; the beginning car chase seems to make out that the criminals are in fear of the Judges, yet no one else seems to be, especially in the building complex. And, secondly, there are a little too many conveniences with the plot; the Judges are the law and order in the whole city, yet Dredd never seemed to have even heard of Mama or her clan, or any of the murders that were committed within Peach Trees when she began to take over...so why did they suddenly hear about the two other murders? I take that the civilians may have reported it, but why wouldn't they have reported the previous ones as well, if they weren't scared about doing it?

Apart from that, the film is perfect.

9.9/10

Awesome. I agree with your review, and would have come close to giving it perfect marks too (although I think I'll save that for any good sequels that come out ).

As far as your last paragraph goes, I felt that the judges were brutal enough to instill some fear in the populace. When Dredd took down the bad guys in the opening chase scene, the hostage he rescued still seemed pretty frightened; I was surprised she actually said "thank you" to Dredd. For the Peach Trees stuff, I didn't put that much thought into it, so I certainly don't remember when/how/why the murders were called in. I think I just assumed that a citizen reported it. I also figure that all previous murders in the block would have been covered up discretely by Ma-Ma; only these three in the film were purposefully revealed in public, to "make examples" of them. If this is the first time they did such a thing, then naturally it's the first time it comes to the judges' attention. As far as the judges not knowing about Ma-Ma in the first place, I take it as a sign that the judges' control over the Megacity is not absolute. The impression I get from the film is that crime is so rampant that the judges have a hard time maintaining control, so intel might be off or unknown in the scummiest sectors. I think the fact that the gang took over the whole block, its security system, the war thing, and locked it down without anybody ever knowing it is a sign that the judges might be stretched thin.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

(although I think I'll save that for any good sequels that come out ).

[Show spoiler]As far as your last paragraph goes, I felt that the judges were brutal enough to instill some fear in the populace. When Dredd took down the bad guys in the opening chase scene, the hostage he rescued still seemed pretty frightened; I was surprised she actually said "thank you" to Dredd. For the Peach Trees stuff, I didn't put that much thought into it, so I certainly don't remember when/how/why the murders were called in. I think I just assumed that a citizen reported it. I also figure that all previous murders in the block would have been covered up discretely by Ma-Ma; only these three in the film were purposefully revealed in public, to "make examples" of them. If this is the first time they did such a thing, then naturally it's the first time it comes to the judges' attention. As far as the judges not knowing about Ma-Ma in the first place, I take it as a sign that the judges' control over the Megacity is not absolute. The impression I get from the film is that crime is so rampant that the judges have a hard time maintaining control, so intel might be off or unknown in the scummiest sectors. I think the fact that the gang took over the whole block, its security system, the war thing, and locked it down without anybody ever knowing it is a sign that the judges might be stretched thin

.

Yeah, your points make sense - I suppose after the first chase, Dredd only really goes up against hardened criminals, so maybe the fear wouldn't be as obvious with them anyway. And, yeah, Peace Trees might be this place the Judges consciously avoid because of the known gang affiliation; obviously some of them must know about Ma-Ma because

[Show spoiler]hires them to take down Dredd at one point.

As far mention of the sequel, at the moment it's not looking good - at the cinemas it was a "flop" (but it has made some money back in home media sales) but the problem is that the costumes were sold off on eBay two days ago by the people who made them for the film...yes, the actual costumes and props. That, to me, doesn't say that the studio are even contemplating creating a series, which is very sad.