The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Great read, thanks. The article demonstrates how rich the film really is. It doesn't absolve my core frustrations, but expands on the elements that I loved about the film in the first place.

Yes, it catches up with you but do you learn? They plunged this character into darkness and spend the whole film getting us to despise this guy, then framed a pitch-perfect

[Show spoiler]redemption with his son's near-death experience. After that happened, I thought (and not even for the first time) that there is no way he is going to continue raising his son, as he is clearly not a suitable parent. Then... it is almost as if he is rewarded for all that sh!t he did. Weak ending imo. The drowning scene was outstanding, but it amounted to nothing more than an injured hand. I would have even preferred it ending with the son's death or right after finding out the son survived. At least then the film would have had a clear message. But with this happy ending, that message is lost on me.

I don't exactly think Audiard's aim was to redeem him. I could be wrong, but Audiard seems to accept his nature and the fact that we are all flawed. The 'hero' is an artificial construct. We all have twisted motivations and shortcomings.

Maybe I don't think too much of the scene because its as inexplicable as life. It happens out of the blue and in a physical sense it's resolved, but I can see these characters wandering afterwards having not grown very much. Most certainly with new scars and maybe just as aimless.

The film totally subverted my expectations. I thought it would be a bit more conventional and melodramatic, but thankfully I was wrong. A second viewing might clear up the atypical two pronged character study construction of the film, which in a way reminds me of The Master (which I have much clearer thoughts on).

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I don't exactly think Audiard's aim was to redeem him. I could be wrong, but Audiard seems to accept his nature and the fact that we are all flawed. The 'hero' is an artificial construct. We all have twisted motivations and shortcomings.

Maybe I don't think too much of the scene because its as inexplicable as life. It happens out of the blue and in a physical sense it's resolved, but I can see these characters wandering afterwards having not grown very much. Most certainly with new scars and maybe just as aimless.

The film totally subverted my expectations. I thought it would be a bit more conventional and melodramatic, but thankfully I was wrong. A second viewing might clear up the atypical two pronged character study construction of the film, which in a way reminds me of The Master (which I have much clearer thoughts on).

Right, in a physical sense it's resolved, but emotionally it doesn't phase him. I just don't see a point to the film if everything is inconsequential.

[Show spoiler]His son suffers the only real consequence. If Audiard wanted to forego redemption, it should have ended on a hopeless note. Or at least let us empathize with him. Instead, he ends it on a bright note. We watch a guy be an a-hole for two hours, learn nothing from his actions, and end up with everything he wants (the girl, the kid, and the career). Granted, there are glimmers of selflessness as Stephanie brings out his good nature, but it all amounts to false hope because it doesn't change him.

Audiard skillfully demonstrates that devastation can break your soul and pull you into unfathomable depths.

[Show spoiler]But the problem is the thematic climax of this devastation also climaxed my distaste for his character. I like that they end up together, but the fact that everything comes together for him after being such an irresponsible prick is what scrambles the overall message.

Theory:

[Show spoiler]Perhaps, the drowning accident was to emphasize his need for Stephanie. Once he attempts to leave her, he falls deeper than he's ever been and with that phone call, she resurrects him.

I think I am on to something...

[volcomsocal]

Skyfall - 2012

I just saved myself 20 bucks or so.

2.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

One of my top films of 2012. This looked f*cking amazing on the big screen in 4K.

That must have been nice. I don't think Samsara ever played near me, but if it did, I would have surely seen it on the big screen.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

As you guys probably know, I value character-comedies far more than situation-comedies. The type of films where the characters are so unique that the actors are irreplaceable. Zoolander is a prime example and a classic in my book.

[Show spoiler]I wonder how many aneurysms Will Ferrell had during his portrayal of Mugatu...?

Right on. I probably should have gone ahead and rated it a bit higher; it is one of my favorite comedies in my collection.

[Show spoiler]Ahhh, watching Mugatu reminds me of Will Ferrell's older SNL work. He's a good crazy actor. Having aneurysms seems to be his forte.

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Skyfall - 2012

I just saved myself 20 bucks or so.

2.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: Man With the Iron Fists

Though I've never partaken in it, I've heard legendary tales of the lyrical prowess, the intellect, and the kung-fu mastery of the Wu Tang Clan. So, when the RZA announced the coming of his own kung-fu film, you'd think it's a match made in the seventh heaven or something, right?

Well, the RZA's Man With the Iron Fists tries so hard to be so cool and badass; it's at least partway successful. Fight scenes are frequent, pretty cool, and have a lot of wicked armor and weaponry at their disposal. There is a ton of blood and gore dispensed liberally. For the most part, it felt as though the man decided to try and throw in as much awesome stuff as he could: there's hardly a scene that goes by that doesn't feel like it was thrown in just because it felt cool to do so.

The problem is, that's all it feels like: a hodgepodge of cool ideas without a narrative thread to connect them. Plot is very thin. Characters never really stood out. It's just one thing after another, and most of it feels ripped directly from such works as the Ninja Scroll, Afro Samurai, and all the old Shaw Bros movies.

As a film, it looks pretty dark and grungy, with good-but-never-great photography. Editing is alright. Acting and writing are rather flat and uninspiring. This production has awesome-looking sets, props, and costumes. Even though I'm not a fan of rap music, some of the rap songs in the movie sounded cool.

In the end, there were things I liked and wanted to like about it, but I can't shake the feeling that there's better stuff out there.

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

Recommendation: Probably for RZA/Wu-Tang fans and diehard martial arts fans, but I'd say that there's still better work out there in this genre.

[jvince]

SIGNS - YouTube

Signs (2008)
dir. Patrick Hughes

The Good: Excellent concept (very reminiscent of Disney's Paperman). Charming performances from its two leads. Über-cute and romantic.

The Bad: Pacing could've been a little tighter. Lackluster score.

The Bottom Line: It's not as great as Paperman, but if you love that short (or anything romantic), you absolutely need to see this.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Skyfall - 2012

I just saved myself 20 bucks or so.

2.5/5

You make several well thought out points and I can see some truth to them, but I have to disagree with the bulk of your argument.

[Mahatma]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Skyfall - 2012

I just saved myself 20 bucks or so.

2.5/5

If you saved yourself 20 bucks,how can you rate it

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

If you saved yourself 20 bucks,how can you rate it

I didn't "save myself 20 bucks," I gladly spent them as I saw this film twice theatrically.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

You make several well thought out points and I can see some truth to them, but I have to disagree with the bulk of your argument.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

You make several well thought out points and I can see some truth to them, but I have to disagree with the bulk of your argument.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

You make several well thought out points and I can see some truth to them, but I have to disagree with the bulk of your argument.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

If you saved yourself 20 bucks,how can you rate it

Because I rented it. I used some PSN money I got as a gift to rent it. I thought I'd really like it, and then go out and buy it. But I was let down a bit. It was mediocre as a general movie, AND as a bond film. The best part about Skyfall was the DB5. Drop dead gorgeous. It only took an hour and 45 minutes or so to finally see James drive his Aston :/

Casino Royale>Skyfall


Edit: the opening scene was great. I'll give it that.

[KingRad]

Vertigo - 5/5

Hitchcock has to be the most brilliant director to ever walk this Earth.

[Lepidopterous]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Disappointed. I blind-bought this off the hype and made a bad judgment call. While not necessarily a bad thing, the film is geared towards a teenage audience. It has mature undertones and gets the coming-of-age pitch right, but has way too much high school drama for my tastes and the dialogue tries too hard. It does not get the 90's right either--not enough bright colors, the hairstyles are too modern, and the characters seem straight out of Portlandia.

It has the lovely Emma Watson, who's my age, and solid performances all around, which may give it more replay value, but at the end of the day, I couldn't help but think how much I would have enjoyed this in high school. I am glad there is a movie to resonate with the younger generation, but having grown up in the 90's, it should have moved me too.

2/5

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Disappointed. I blind-bought this off the hype and made a bad judgment call. While not necessarily a bad thing, the film is geared towards a teenage audience. It has mature undertones and gets the coming-of-age pitch right, but has way too much high school drama for my tastes and the dialogue tries too hard. It does not get the 90's right either--not enough bright colors, the hairstyles are too modern, and the characters seem straight out of Portlandia.

It has the lovely Emma Watson, who's my age, and solid performances all around, which may give it more replay value, but at the end of the day, I couldn't help but think how much I would have enjoyed this in high school. I am glad there is a movie to resonate with the younger generation, but having grown up in the 90's, it should have moved me too.

2/5

Aaah. Thankfully I'm not the only one whose not head over heels about Perks (although I gave it a pass). It's a big high school melodrama with a very uncinematic look. The music choices in this film made Flight's seem subtle. Hey, aren't we cool David Bowie. Check. XTC. Check. Smiths. Check. Galaxie 500. Check. Sonic Youth. Check....Rocky Horror. Check.

Also, they have got to be the best looking "outsiders" to grace any high school. This film is the farthest thing from realism. I knew I was watching an overcranked schmaltz fest from the start.

Edit: have you seen Flirting. I recently watched it and was stunned to find out it's one of the best high school films I've ever seen.

Also, it might not be to everyones liking, but Quadrophenia is a harsh and unforgiving look at adolescence with a killer soundtrack.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Aaah. Thankfully I'm not the only one whose not head over heels about Perks (although I gave it a pass). It's a big high school melodrama with a very uncinematic look. The music choices in this film made Flight's seem subtle. Hey, aren't we cool David Bowie. Check. XTC. Check. Smiths. Check. Galaxie 500. Check. Sonic Youth. Check....Rocky Horror. Check.

Also, they have got to be the best looking "outsiders" to grace any high school. This film is the farthest thing from realism. I knew I was watching an overcranked schmaltz fest from the start.

I could have sworn I was watching a bunch of hipsters. And that's the worst thing that can be said about a film set in the 90's.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I could have sworn I was watching a bunch of hipsters. And that's the worst thing that can be said about a film set in the 90's.

Your wrong. They were hipsters.

By the way did you see the edit to my previous post^^^

[Lepidopterous]

I haven't seen either of those, but I'll take note of them.

As far as coming-of-age high school films, I really liked Y Tu Mama Tambien.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Your wrong. They were hipsters.

And that's a pretty big insult to the film considering hipsters didn't exist back then. They're 90's wannabes.