The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

great point about Sofia being the drug! I never picked up on that. Its true though. That scene with her and Cruise where he

[Show spoiler] offers her the drawing for "one kiss" and she bites her lip....

bro, I melted like a piece of chocolate in my living room floor

Again, I love the "drug" interpretation here. It really reinforces his desperation and how he will go to ANY length to have the drug. Nice!!

Thanks. Also, I didn't know this at the time I wrote it, but the drug metaphor really highlights what separates Vanilla Sky from the original.

I also love the pivotal scene of

[Show spoiler]him leaving Sofia's apartment and seeing Julie outside in the blue car (how freaky was her eyes matching the car)?? She asks him to go for a ride. He hesitates. Little does he know that this split second decision will alter the course of his life severely. He already knows Julie is a nut, yet he gets in the car with her. His poor decisions in the past (using her as friend-with-benefits) have already written the script for how each decision will end. Julie is pi$$ed at him. Its like that in life for us = our past decisions will often times determine the outcomes of our future decisions, so we better decide WELL, as our past decisions may have locked in negative outcomes if we don't choose well!

A simple lesson but a good one.

I agree! their chemistry was off the charts! In Cruise's apartment, remember when he first spots her and can't take his eyes off her? LOL. Everyone is like "uh, David?? Hello??"

how great was the Brian/Cruise dynamic around Sofia? I love the "sweet v. sour..." monlogue Another downside of being a Cruise: you only know sweet.

Yep, and I added those points to my surf-style pros and cons comparison chart above!

yes!! A former #1 film of mine, but has fallen due to the fact that I haven't watched it in a while (no blu ). Thanks for the refresher . It'll get me off my butt to watch it again soon!

It may not be on blu, but at least Netflix HD is the next best thing.

Have you seen the original? I'd be curious to see your take on it.

[jvince]

Buster Keaton - The Goat (1921) - YouTube

The Goat (1921)
dir. Buster Keaton, Malcolm St. Clair

The Good: Buster Keaton. Incredible stunts. Impressive camera work. Filled with brilliant visual gags. Love the horse scene and the entire sequence involving an elevator.

The Bad: Doesn't really tie up the loose ends.

The Bottom Line: Now, this is the Buster Keaton I absolutely love. A nice balance of slapstick and surreal, The Goat is one of Keaton's better efforts.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Thanks. Also, I didn't know this at the time I wrote it, but the drug metaphor really highlights what separates Vanilla Sky from the original.

.

No , I haven't seen the original and need to get on that.

Your drug metaphor is great because it emphasizes a central theme here:

[Show spoiler] what is happiness? is it subjective happiness, regardless of my outer surroundings? As you point out, David MUST have Sophia (drug), no matter HOW OR IN WHAT FORM he gets her. "I'm frozen and you're dead" line at the end says it all and is epic

. It reminds me of how this same theme was covered in the end of the Descent:

[Show spoiler]the mom is alone, trapped, in the cave. there is no way out. she's like David: OBJECTIVELY screwed, but SUBJECTIVELY, she sees her daughter (drug) there and thus is happy

. The drug metaphor is great, IMO, because it drives home how we can strive to seek that which makes us happy on the inside, no matter what form or result that yields on the outside.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

That metaphor is fine with me. Let's just say for arguments sake that we agree that its all one big metaphor. OK? Then that still doesnt explain all the goofy behaviors.

I suppose here is my take on it: Melancholia had me in a kind of "trance" , almost like a Lynch film (Mulholland, Lost Highway, etc) does. My mind was in a semi-hynpotic state. That opening slow-mo shot told my brain "this is not a logical/rational film - it's one where you'll get lots of yummy imagery/score/etc to munch on , but in exchange you have to agree to keep your rational side quiet!" So I suppose my brain went into "Lynch mode" and any of those issues you had with the film, I didn't even notice OR did notice but my mind dismissed them as the "cost of doing business" (so to speak)

Well.....if you are going to take it THAT far. I can see why the ostrich decided to vote for TinkerBell instead of eating peanut butter at 4:17pm, based on the belief that the gravitational pull of Atlantis would cause the vacuum of cotton to reastablish the norms of the seventh group, since the fifth group had already alienated the Grand Ones womb prior to the event of couter-rotation, which would end the advancement of plant errosion based on hyper-mineral content.

See Surf? It CAN be taken TOO FAR.

"too far" = no such thing in Surfdude world. Bro, you know I have a physics degree, so this was casual reading

I haven't even seen Tinkerbell so didn't even understand the facts

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

No , I haven't seen the original and need to get on that.

Your drug metaphor is great because it emphasizes a central theme here:

[Show spoiler] what is happiness? is it subjective happiness, regardless of my outer surroundings? As you point out, David MUST have Sophia (drug), no matter HOW OR IN WHAT FORM he gets her. "I'm frozen and you're dead" line at the end says it all and is epic

. It reminds me of how this same theme was covered in the end of the Descent:

[Show spoiler]the mom is alone, trapped, in the cave. there is no way out. she's like David: OBJECTIVELY screwed, but SUBJECTIVELY, she sees her daughter (drug) there and thus is happy

. The drug metaphor is great, IMO, because it drives home how we can strive to seek that which makes us happy on the inside, no matter what form or result that yields on the outside.

Fantastic input. I need to watch The Descent from beginning to end, though I think it's been ruined for me considering I've seen the first half, then ended up seeing the ending three times.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Where is the horrific acting?

Suntherland for starters. He was bad. But the script didnt help. Anyone would have trouble making some of those lines sound natural.

Achievement for Best Original Screenplay

Thank you.

Also, people who plan weddings always act like everything is the "end of the world."

True

P.S. I loved your back and forth bickering. Especially surfdude cleverly trying to equate it to The Fountain and Triangle.

He's a sneaky devil.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I suppose here is my take on it: Melancholia had me in a kind of "trance" , almost like a Lynch film (Mulholland, Lost Highway, etc) does. My mind was in a semi-hynpotic state. That opening slow-mo shot told my brain "this is not a logical/rational film - it's one where you'll get lots of yummy imagery/score/etc to munch on , but in exchange you have to agree to keep your rational side quiet!" So I suppose my brain went into "Lynch mode" and any of those issues you had with the film, I didn't even notice OR did notice but my mind dismissed them as the "cost of doing business" (so to speak)

I wanted the WHOLE movie to be trippy like those opening shots.

But seriously, your Lynch mindset and "cost of doing business" comments make a lot of sense.

"too far" = no such thing in Surfdude world. Bro, you know I have a physics degree, so this was casual reading

So you understood my story then, right?

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Foggy

[Show spoiler]

#1 Skyfall
Directed by Sam Mendes
Written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan
Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench and Javier Bardem
Synopsis: Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her, bringing MI6 under attack.



My Thought:

[Show spoiler]Bond is one of the main reasons I love films, when I was a kid I used to watch them all when they were on TV, a few years ago I lost all interest in the James Bond films. Sure, I watched Casino and Quantum but the care wasn't there. Skyfall reminded me of why James Bond captivated me so much, while also catering towards what I like to see in films nowadays, playing with ideas about the need for intelligence agencies and struggling to keep up with the spinning world of technology, while delivering a classy action thriller fixed with great practical work, stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins and fantastic acting. Only downside are the few lousy moments of green screen and CGI work.

#2 The Master

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Written by Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams
Synopsis: A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]The Master, like its main characters alcoholic mixtures, is richly dense in mystery and enigma. While this might be annoying to some, I think The Master could be looked at in the future as a film in front of it's time. It's definitely a film that demands re-watching, and a film I'd be happy to revisit time after time as the film seems like it'll shape very differently every time I'll view it. The acting is superb, from the pitiful Phoenix and the charismatic Seymour Hoffman, both playing characters that are worlds apart yet connected by curiosity and loss. A truly hypnotic film

#3 The Cabin in the Woods
Directed by Drew Goddard
Written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard
Starring Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth and Anna Hutchison
Synopsis: Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]A hell of a good ride, I know all too many people who dislike this film because it's too weird, which is strange considering all the horror film-lore going around, the one that is poking fun at horror films is considered to be too much. I think a better word for Cabin in the Woods is unique and utterly fun, the most fun I've had at the multiplex all year in fact!

#4 Looper
Directed by Rian Johnson
Written by Rian Johnson
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt
Synopsis: In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by transporting back Joe's future self.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Looper is a film that has a hurricane of great ideas, styles and themes spinning around, often unpredictable, fast paced and well written, Looper is a science-fiction classic waiting in the isles, if only its ending was strong enough.

#5 Amour
Directed by Michael Haneke
Written by Michael Haneke
Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert
Synopsis: Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple's bond of love is severely tested.



My Thought:

[Show spoiler]Slice of grim and crushing filmmaking. The opening shot of the film reflects a mirror image of a cinema auditorium homing in on the fact that this is an important film to you, you need to take notice. The acting is spot on, the direction is soothing and the film sweeps you up with ease without being over the top flashy. And it really allows you to make up your own opinions.

#6 Seven Psychopaths
Directed by Martin McDonagh
Written by Martin McDonagh
Starring Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell
Synopsis: A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]My guiltiest pleasure of the year, not at all subtle, not really all that clever. It's really just a mismatch of imaginative ideas spun into an overly self-reflective script, but yet it all works and end up being really rather quite funny in the end. Never so stupid it's insulting but never so impactful it's considered art, Seven Psychopaths just gets a nice entertaining balance.

#7 Argo
Directed by Ben Affleck
Written by Chris Terrio
Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman
Synopsis: A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Complete intense, almost so perfect it's too perfect film, hits every beat correctly, tells a phenomenal story along with having great writing and direction that completely sucks you in. Probably the big crowd pleasing film is the most likely to deserve the Best Picture in the end.

#8 Beasts of the Southern Wild
Directed by Benh Zeitlin
Written by Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar
Starring Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry and Levy Easterly
Synopsis: Faced with both her hot-tempered father's fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Such a wonderful film, I'm so gutted I'm unable to find it anywhere on blu-ray to watch. Quvenzhané Wallis is completely brilliant and conducts the screen so well, worked on my emotions like no other film has this year.

#9 Django Unchained
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Written by Quentin Tarantio
Starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio
Synopsis: With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.



My Opinion:

[Show spoiler]The obligatory Tarantino entry, like Inglorious Basterds before it, I left a little underwhelmed (although obviously really enjoying it in the end of course) but the more it lingered the more it wormed itself into my mind and now I find myself gagging for a rewatch. Many great scenes in this one and in some parts Tarantio's best work, but it's just too long and unfocused to reach the top of the list.

#10 Moonrise Kingdom
Directed by Wes Anderson
Written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Starring Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward and Bruce Willis
Synopsis: A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Again, another film that left me underwhelmed on first watch, but unlike Django, I have gotten around to rewatching this one quite a few times now and it really does work completely on me now. Moonrise has such an whimsical atmosphere around it that it's too hard not to fall in love with its charm, it also helps that the film is funny as hell as well.

#11 Wreck It-Ralph
Directed by Rich Moore
Written by Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jim Reardon and Jennifer Lee
Starring John C. Reiley, Sarah Silverman and Jack McBrayer
Synopsis: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.



My Opinion:

[Show spoiler]Wreck-It Ralph was a film I was expecting to like, but not love. And it's a film that not original and takes a lot of ideas from other great animation classics. But I was shocked by all the right notes that Wreck-It was hitting, it made me laugh (a lot), it got me very attached to the characters and to the dilemmas they were stuck in and had a little bit of maturity lying underneath as well a a lot of sweetness. It simply just clicked.

#12 The Avengers
Directed by Joss Wedon
Written by Joss Wedon and Zak Penn
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson
Synopsis: Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]The first big big Blockbuster on the list, some people hate it, a lot really love it, I just like it. It shows how escapist, mindless fun doesn't need to be nonsensical, and shows that work does need to be put into these sorts of film. The dynamic characters, the set pieces, the unpredictable gags. It's not a classic like many proclaim, but it is a rejuvination into the new era of production line special effect driven films with no soul.

#13 The Raid: Redemption
Directed by Gareth Evans
Written by Gareth Evans
Starring Iko Uwais, Ananda George and Ray Sahetapy
Synopsis: A SWAT team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Abosolutly brutally in every way. Simply put The Raid has to be seen to be believed.

#14 Zero Dark Thirty
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Written by Mark Boal
Starring Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt
Synopsis: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.



My Opinion:

[Show spoiler]When I walked into this film, I was thinking I was going to be bored by it really. But I was compelled beyond belief, what's real? what's fake? who cares, this is great filmmaking in note book form, efficient, gripping and all too relatable.

#15 Killing Them Softly
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Written by Andrew Dominik
Starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and Richard Jenkins
Synopsis: Jackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]You know, I'm shocked about the negativity going around this flick, ok it's not very subtle and not very focused, but the film is very gritty and often darkly satirical, and it usually works in a very unnerving fashion.

#16 The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Directed by Stephen Chbosky
Written by Stephen Chbosky
Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller
Synopsis: An introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Another crowd pleaser, Perks of Being a Wallflower really connected to me, it's sweet, charming and quite emotionally charged, and again, another one I'm struggling to find on sale in stores on blu-ray.

#17 The Dark Knight Rises
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Written by Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer
Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway
Synopsis: Eight years on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Came out of The Dark Knight Rises (and my first IMAX experience) quite disappointed, you do have to admire the sense of scope and scale Nolan was going for in his final film in the trilogy but in the end the story struggles with the weight, but once you've gotten over those plot issues, the film works in such a thematical sense that the final Batman film really does work next to the previous two, despite it's initial flaws.

#18 Silver Linings Playbook
Directed by David O' Russell
Written by David O' Russell
Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro
Synopsis: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]David O Russell's play on the typical rom-com is an easy one to dismiss because of its conventional setting, but in the end, the film has a lot more going on than just that, it often has a slightly grizzlier sense of humour and has some darker tones to play, along with some great acting. Although I'm with a lot of others and don't see this as Best Picture material.

#19 Kill List
Directed by Ben Wheatley
Written by Ben Wheatley and Amy Jump
Starring Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring and Harry Simpson
Synopsis: Nearly a year after a botched job, a hitman takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.



My Thoughts:

[Show spoiler]Probably the most underseen film on my list, Kill List is as grizzly as they come, twisting genre as its twisted nature implies, every second of Kill List builds your nerves up into a crescendo of shivers none stop until the final second, truly uncomfortable viewing.

#20 Chronicle
Directed by Josh Trank
Written by Max Landis and Josh Trank
Starring Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan
Synopsis: Whilst attending a party, three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon, though, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.



My Opinion:

[Show spoiler]Finally, Chronicle is simply a very efficient blockbuster, both on budget and storytelling, keeping it quite low scale and never out staying its welcome. Chronicle sits you down for a lean mean 90 mins and leaving you completely satisfied and yet wanting more. If The Avengers is the way to do the big budget production line films, then Chronicle is the way we should do normal risky films.

Nice. My list is finalized too:

1. Amour
2. Beasts of the Southern Wild
3. The Raid: Redemption
4. Les Misérables
5. Django Unchained
6. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
7. Silver Linings Playbook
8. Wreck-It Ralph
9. The Avengers
10. Zero Dark Thirty
11. The Impossible
12. Safety Not Guaranteed
13. The Secret World of Arrietty
14. Flight
15. The Dark Knight Rises
16. Ruby Sparks
17. Searching for Sugar Man
18. Looper
19. Moonrise Kingdom
20. Rust and Bone

I was walking past my local arthouse theatre today and scored a free Amour poster. Then I realized

[Show spoiler]I'd basically be hanging up a giant photo of an old lady having a stroke...

^^Spoilers for Amour

[Baseballking888]

Skyfall: Awesome flick. The plot is so intricately carved, and the characters so dynamic, that's it's a fitting entry in the Bond series and feels like a conclusion entry at that. The acting is wonderful, with the standout being Javier Bardem, but I loved Judi Dench and Daniel Craig. It was a nice surprise to see both Ralph Fiennes and Naomi Harris in this movie. Bardem made for a very interesting and freakish villain, and the deepness of the story, the way it affects the main characters, is excellent. The ending is phenomenal; some of the best stuff in a Bond movie ever. M's death in particular is very touching, but the entire sequence on the moor just gives me chills, especially with the beautiful imagery of the burning house whose light illuminates the whole dark moor. One of my favorite films of 2012. A

[KilloWertz]

I joined the Disney Blu-ray Movie Club tonight. 4 of the 7 I ordered were Studio Ghibli movies, and I've never seen any of their movies before.

Castle in the Sky
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
The Secret World of Arrietty
Whisper of the Heart

I was going to get Ponyo as well, but I decided to hold off on that until I sign up again with them and do another order.

[Abdrewes]

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

I confess to not being the target demographic for this film. As a matter of fact, I find I font really have much to impart. It's no surprise the film spends too much time setting up the mythology, magic lockets and impending spells. Whenever the film hits somewhat of a stride, it's quickly undone by treating arbitrary conflicts seriously which left me squirming in my seat at the midway point. The rote depiction of small town America did it no favors either

If there's any reason to see this film it's the believable chemistry between the leads, the ensemble cast and some decent, lively production design. Alice Englert, I thought, was very charming. She exuded a certain vulnerability and warmth with her scenes with Alden Ehrenreich, whom at times could be stiff. Emily Rossum, though, steals every scene she's in as she camps it up.*

Although nothing special, I think if the trailers and subject matter interest you, it's well worth a look at home (especially with a significant other).*

Damn it sounds like I'm a fifteen year old girl, hopefully my next write up will be better. I'm seriously drawing blanks as*it's hard to get animated for something that merely checks all the boxes......time *for bed.*

2/4

[Abdrewes]

Nice lists guys, here's mine:

1) The Master
2) Zero Dark Thirty
3) Once Upon a Time in Anatolia
4) Cloud Atlas
5) Django Unchained
6) Skyfall
7) Argo
8) The Secret World of Arrietty
9) Searching for Sugar Man
10) Miss Bala
11) Rust & Bone
12) The Grey
13) Life of Pi
14) Samsara
15) Lincoln
16) Prometheus
17) Cabin in the Woods
18) Silver Linings Playbook
19) Turin Horse
20) Beasts of the Southern Wild

[KingRad]

Training Day - 4.5/5

No matter how many times I've seen it, Training Day is always a refreshing cop drama. And as always, Denzel is absolutely phenomenal and steals the show.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I joined the Disney Blu-ray Movie Club tonight. 4 of the 7 I ordered were Studio Ghibli movies, and I've never seen any of their movies before.

Castle in the Sky
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
The Secret World of Arrietty
Whisper of the Heart

I was going to get Ponyo as well, but I decided to hold off on that until I sign up again with them and do another order.

I'm excited for you! lol Shame you held off on Ponyo because I would say that is one of the best to start off Studio Ghibli (just ask Steve). My personal recommendation is to start with Whisper of the Heart. The reason is because like Grave of the Fireflies, it transcends the animation genre with sincerity. It's a coming-of-age film so genuine that you will never look at animation the same again. Then, follow with Arrietty because it is right in the middle—perfect blend of drama and fantasy. Then, the rest from there are full-blown fantasy and will knock your socks off. You're opening the door to Japan's Walt Disney!

[Al_The_Strange]

Since everybody else is listing their top 2012 movies, here's my list. There's probably still a ton of movies I need to see that I haven't bothered with yet (like Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Django Unchained, Wreck-It Ralph, etc), but I think this reflects my tastes pretty well.

1.) Samsara

[Show spoiler]A perfectly formidable follow-up on Baraka, Samsara offers an invoking and insightful trek across multiple countries and cultures to reveal some stark, startling, and fantastic images. The film takes some surprisingly freaky twists here and there, revealing the oddities and freakishness that surrounds us. Best of all, the film connects the images in a free-flowing fashion that guides the mind to interesting places. It is as beautiful of a film as it is invoking.

2.) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

[Show spoiler]Despite the critical complaints that the film is overly padded, I felt it was the perfect possible adaptation of the story. It hits up all the necessary plot points, and invents some more to better connect the Middle Earth lore as exhibited in the Lord of the Rings films. What I love most about it is that it brings to life some of the book's best moments in a perfectly entertaining fashion: it's a blast to watch the dwarves invading Bilbo's home, to see them all struggling against the trolls, and to see the riddles in the dark scene. I felt the film was every bit as good as the LOTR trilogy, and I have high hopes that the next two Hobbit films will deliver a heck of a spectacle.

3.) Avengers

[Show spoiler]It took so many years and so many superhero movies to build up to this one epic moment. After so much build-up and so much hype, the film delivered with a huge, awe-inspiring bombastic splurge of non-stop action. There's never a dull moment to this film: between the many fight scenes (such as the opening scenes with Loki, Hulk smashing up everything, Iron Man and Thor duking it out, and the all-out city battle at the end) and the frequent comedy, the film offers perfect entertainment! Best of all, it does so without sacrificing character development; part of the joy is watching the different iconic heroes interacting and developing such unique chemistries. Watching The Avengers might be the biggest, most special, and most memorable movie event this year.

4.) Dark Knight Rises

[Show spoiler]The Dark Knight in itself was a very impressive and special film in '08, but surprisingly, Christopher Nolan managed to finish off his Batman trilogy in the best way possible. It's a huge and deep film, with such a broad scope and scale; even though the timeline gets a little choppy, the film does an excellent job of chronicling the story in a way that makes sense, and makes the characters stand out so vividly. I really loved how it incorporated parts of the Knightfall comic series into the story, but still stood on its own with its own established rules and themes. There's a ton of nuances to this story, a ton of great memorable scenes, and of course, a ton of pleasing action scenes. Best of all, it only gets better the more you watch it. It's an excellent finale to an excellent series.

5.) Skyfall

[Show spoiler]With the 50th anniversary of the Bond series, the filmmakers went all-out to ensure that the latest 007 adventure would deliver big. Skyfall is an interesting animal: it has action, certainly, but it's more about the evolution of the characters, the twisting and turning plot, and the deep themes of change that make it stand out. With its unique filming style, excellent acting, and involving storyline, Skyfall proves that James Bond is here to stay.

6.) Life of Pi

[Show spoiler]I went into this film expecting impressive visuals, and man, the visuals sure were great. It's fantastic, witty, beautiful, charming, and gripping all at once. I would have written it all off as a fine and dandy light-hearted adventure flick, up until the end, which spins the entire story in a wholly different light. In spite of that, I realized that the plot boasts an impressive narrative structure, which warrants deep and insightful interpretation, while underscoring strong themes of spirituality. In light of this, this film has proven to be an experience that captures both the heart and the imagination.

7.) Prometheus

[Show spoiler]Even though there's plenty of negative things to say about this film, let's be honest; it's not like Alien was well-accepted when it first came out either. On its own merits, Prometheus offers a visually-splendid and thoughtful journey into a dark and primal region, not only in deep space, but also in the human spirit. The film presents a lot of mysteries and invokes a lot of questions; it's frustrating how very few answers are given, but given the myth of Prometheus and its connection to the film's story, I learned that the film is sound in its own right. It wouldn't surprise me if the film continues to resonate with audiences, and eventually becomes accepted as a brilliant piece of science fiction in the same vein as Alien. As of now, though, it at least stands as a entertaining and intruiging odyssey.

8.) The Raid: Redemption (Serbuan Maut)

[Show spoiler]Holy crap. Of all the action films I've seen, I don't think any can hold a candle to the sheer amount of action and badassery that's in this film. It's a very simple premise with a cast of simple characters, but once they go into the building for a simple, routine raid, it just becomes an all-out action extravaganza. It's just one fight scene after another, all so intense, so bloody, so fast, so shocking, so jaw-dropping, it's as exhausting as it is impressive. It goes above-and-beyond in terms of entertainment, and I think it will come to stand as a new top favorite among martial arts action films.

9.) Dredd

[Show spoiler]Following in the same vein as The Raid, Dredd takes the titular character into a hellhole of a building and makes him fight his way to the top. However, this is still Judge Dredd to the core: it's still a film that focuses very well on the central concept of judges dispensing brutal and relentless justice in a corrupt city. Best of all, Dredd pumps itself up with enough pulpy violence and hardcore style to put the '95 Stallone movie to brutal shame; this is definitely the adaptation the franchise deserves. With quality acting, a vivid visual style, and excellent use of a limited budget, Dredd is a rare form of pulpy sci-fi that's perfectly entertaining and well-made.

10.) Doomsday Book

[Show spoiler]A zombie outbreak occurs from contaminated foodstuffs. A robot achieves enlightenment. A giant 8-ball strikes the Earth. Maybe this is all a bit weird for people, but I thought this collection of short Korean sci-fi films was very interesting. I enjoyed the whole lot of these stories, and I think it's a shame that more people haven't seen these interesting oddities.

11.) Cabin in the Woods

[Show spoiler]For a while, it seemed as though this film would just offer more of the same in terms of horror. Then, BAM! The final act plunges into unpredictable territory to deliver one heck of a finale. The film has its share of gruesome, horrifying stuff, but it balances itself out nicely with its comedy. It's a fun thrill ride of a film, with enough unexpected twists to make it stand above most other mundane horror flicks.

12.) John Carter

[Show spoiler]It took 79 years of development hell to bring this 100-year-old character to life; the iconic hero who supposedly inspired such films as Star Wars and Avatar. I find it kinda sad that John Carter's cinematic debut was met with little enthusiasm, with lackluster reviews and a box office deficit. Regardless, the film is a blast; it has its fair share of epic action and cool visuals. It's a real joy to watch Carter tread on Martian territory and try to get along with the natives. By the film's end, I really felt immersed in the world of Barsoom, and was really rooting for Carter and the Tharks. It's as enjoyable of a sci-fi adventure as I could ask for.

13.) Painted Skin: The Resurrection

[Show spoiler]The sequel to the 2008 film Painted Skin, PS: The Resurrection covers a lot of the same ground, but does so with greater visual flair and elegence. The plot presents some very unique twists and turns, while the characters stand out in their own interesting ways. With gorgeous imagery and an interesting series of plot twists, the film offers a wonderfully mystical experience that very few other movies manage to pull off.

14.) Kill List

[Show spoiler]This is not a film that really makes much sense on the surface level, but it gives you enough visual information to connect some dots and draw startling conclusions. It's a dark and sardonic tale that often leaves a bitter aftertaste, but it is a really interesting challenge to try and figure out the nuances of the plot and characters. Overall, it's a uniquely bleak and thought-invoking experience that deserves a chance or two.

15.) Men in Black 3

[Show spoiler]Despite hearing the reviews that this film was mixed and uneven, it never felt all that uneven to me. I found it perfectly-paced, with plenty of action and plenty of comedy to keep it rolling really well. I loved the way it treated the characters and the plot, and the film pulled out some impressively heartfelt twists toward the end. I felt this film provided the perfect possible conclusion to an otherwise fun series of films (in fact, I probably wouldn't mind a fourth film now).

16.) Brave

[Show spoiler]Maybe not as great as other Pixar films, but Brave has a charm of its own. Characters are quite endearing, the plot is fun, and the graphics are impressive. With plenty of amusing comedy and a charming Scottish embellish, Brave is an entertaining and mystical adventure.

17.) Snow White and the Huntsman

[Show spoiler]Other audiences may not have cared much for this film, but I had a blast watching this dark and violent take on the Snow White myth. It has plenty of action and visual splendor. Charlize Therion played a perfect villain. The film overall delivered exactly what I wanted.

18.) Looper

[Show spoiler]Probably the most crowd-pleasing and most surprising sci-fi movie of the year (if not in the past so-many years). Looper has its share of coolness, style, and action, but it tells an interesting story with a cast of decent characters and with a quality narrative drive. It has plenty of interesting ideas, and pulls out some decent punches with them.

19.) The Thieves (Dodookdeul)

[Show spoiler]This fine Korean film pretty much delivers everything I expect and want out of a heist film: cool characters, cool gadgets, cool and smooth robbery scenes, action, comedy, and a hip soundtrack. Yep, The Thieves might be one of the most quintessential heist films I've seen in this genre.

20.) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

[Show spoiler]I think this will go down as my number-one choice for top guilty pleasure of the year. It's an absurd concept of a film, but the film plays with the absurdity so well and with such a straight face that it makes it work. The action is frequent and very cool to watch, while the story has just enough character depth and movement to make things work. Even though the film has a choppy timeline and doesn't really follow the original novel at all, I think it stands pretty well on its own, and if I want a quick and easy dose of crazy vampire-chopping action, this will become my new go-to film.

[Al_The_Strange]

I joined the Disney Blu-ray Movie Club tonight. 4 of the 7 I ordered were Studio Ghibli movies, and I've never seen any of their movies before.

Castle in the Sky
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
The Secret World of Arrietty
Whisper of the Heart

I was going to get Ponyo as well, but I decided to hold off on that until I sign up again with them and do another order.

Never seen Whisper of the Heart yet, but Castle in the Sky and Nausicaa are top favorites of mine, and the others are pretty darn cute.

[Al_The_Strange]

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

I don't know what it is about this movie, but it seems to stick with me long after I see it. So much so that it actually compelled me to go out and buy the Blu-Ray.

Admittedly, the movie is a little "girly," and maybe a little fluffy with all the high school drama and stuff. Thankfully, it never dives into Twilight territory or anything; even though the movie focuses on two women (and several female side characters) and their revisitations of their high-school years and romantic dreams, the movie never once comes off as being sappy or girly.

If anything, the movie's just plain funny. Maybe to the point of being silly and goofy. Slapstick itself is kept to a minimum, but the characters are quite daft, their dialogue often ridiculous and hilarious, and all the character quirks and interactions produce some of the most interesting results.

What really makes it work will be the characters, who despite all their air-headedness, are very lovable and fun to watch. The plot, although not terribly deep, is pretty solid in the way it portrays all the different characters and how they turn out in the end. It really wouldn't surprise me if the movie mirrors real life in some ways, seeing the A group turn into slobs and all the nerds becoming successful people. The film goes on to dig up some other interesting truths, such as the idea that everybody in high school will negatively impact somebody else, either directly or indirectly.

The film has some hip and stylish photography and editing. Acting is really fun to watch, and the writing is quite sharp. This production makes ample use of its sets, props, and flashy costumes. The film also makes ample use of probably every 80s pop tune you can think of.

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

Recommendation: I believe this is one of those "love it or hate it" films, so I can only recommend it as a rental.

On Blu-Ray, this film looks a bit gaudy at parts (especially the opening scenes, which have awful softness and noise), but it appears adequately sharp throughout. Color and contrast are okay, but seems really weak at parts. Sound quality is amazingly strong with the music, but it tends to overwhelm the dialogue.

PQ: 3.5/5, AQ: 4/5

This probably should have made it on my top 100 guilty pleasures list.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I joined the Disney Blu-ray Movie Club tonight. 4 of the 7 I ordered were Studio Ghibli movies, and I've never seen any of their movies before.

Castle in the Sky
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
The Secret World of Arrietty
Whisper of the Heart

I was going to get Ponyo as well, but I decided to hold off on that until I sign up again with them and do another order.

They are all great. DJs order is a good way to go. Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle are out on May 21 too.

[jvince]

Laurel and Hardy Big Business - Full Movie - YouTube

Big Business (1929)
dir. James W. Horne, Leo McCarey

The Good: The concept itself is already hilarious -- the duo play door-to-door christmas tree salesmen in California. Irresistibly funny at times, especially once they meet a very grumpy James Finlayson.

The Bad: One-joke premise gets a bit tedious.

The Bottom Line: After seeing this and The Music Box - two of their most popular films - I think I prefer Laurel and Hardy silent like in this short. But overall, I'd have to give The Music Box the upper hand for having more variation.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I'm excited for you! lol Shame you held off on Ponyo because I would say that is one of the best to start off Studio Ghibli (just ask Steve). My personal recommendation is to start with Whisper of the Heart. The reason is because like Grave of the Fireflies, it transcends the animation genre with sincerity. It's a coming-of-age film so genuine that you will never look at animation the same again. Then, follow with Arrietty because it is right in the middle—perfect blend of drama and fantasy. Then, the rest from there are full-blown fantasy and will knock your socks off. You're opening the door to Japan's Walt Disney!

Thanks. Don't ask me why I never watched any of them before, but better late than never. They will average out to about $10 per movie after I'm done with my first account, so I can't complain.

I decided to hold off on Ponyo because I heard it's a new take on The Little Mermaid, which is a movie I managed to never see but will be buying this Fall when the Diamond Edition comes out.

Don't worry though. I watched the trailer and it looks like I should really enjoy it. It'll be a part of my next run with the Disney Movie Club, whenever that happens.

Sounds like a good plan. I'll try to remember it when the movies finally arrive. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by Steve46

They are all great. DJs order is a good way to go. Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle are out on May 21 too.

I plan on getting both of those along with Ponyo when I open another account with the Disney Movie Club later.

Well, that is as long as I enjoy the other 4 movies, but I don't see that as being an issue.