The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[BladeRunner2007]

Originally Posted by gamma626

I just pre-ordered it too. First film I've ever pre-ordered more than a month in advance!

And it's a damn good one

[Al_The_Strange]

"Maximum Risk," another BD I got on clearance.

Could it be that I’ve found a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie that’s actually good?!

At the very least, the action scenes do not disappoint; stunts and fights were choreographed very decently and are quite wild. The story seems like it’s been done before, but it moves along at a good pace and the characters are adequately strong.

I could probably nitpick about many things; some of the dialogue seems really simple or dumb, and some scenes may defy logic. One small thing bothered me: the very beginning labelled the scene as "South of France," and I realized that it didn't make sense. What, was it supposed to be Italy? No, it turned out to be Nice; why didn't it say "Southern France," or the actual city name instead? It seemed kinda dumb to me.

It’s maybe not the best action movie, but it succeeds at being entertaining.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 3/5, film: 3.5/5)

[Gamma_Winstead]

The Runaways (2010): Film Review

Based upon the story of the 1970’s band “The Runaways” is a pseudo bio-pic mixed with a coming of age tale. First time writer/director Floria Sigismondi provides the film with excellent directing and a capable script. The film doesn’t go as in depth as it can (covering the rise and fall of the band in a brief 106 minute time frame) it still manages to capture the essence that the story should have. It’s absolutely serviceable, and it makes for a much better pace than many bloated bio-pics have.

The performances are all top notch, with several being academy award worthy. Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett is fantastic and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie is just as good if not better. These are easily the two best female lead performances I have seen all year, and if they don’t get at least nominations at the academy awards, something went wrong. Both are breakout roles, and I am now really excited to see where their careers end up.

Michael Shannon proves once again how underrated of an actor he is, with his performance as Kim Fowley. His oscar nominated turn in Revolutionary Road was one beast, but this is something even more layered than that that, and is just as deserving of an award.

The cinematography and editing is also top notch, and fitting for the film. However, just as the title suggests, it’s about the music. And the cast does fantastic work in that regard. Kristen sounds almost identical to Joan.

We are halfway through the year, with only a few films showing the glimmer of the best of what American cinema can do. And “The Runaways” is easily my favorite film of 2010 so far.

10/10

[BladeRunner2007]

Excellent review. I really hope it'll get some nominations. It really deserves it.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by gamma626

The Runaways (2010): Film Review

Based upon the story of the 1970’s band “The Runaways” is a pseudo bio-pic mixed with a coming of age tale. First time writer/director Floria Sigismondi provides the film with excellent directing and a capable script. The film doesn’t go as in depth as it can (covering the rise and fall of the band in a brief 106 minute time frame) it still manages to capture the essence that the story should have. It’s absolutely serviceable, and it makes for a much better pace than many bloated bio-pics have.

The performances are all top notch, with several being academy award worthy. Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett is fantastic and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie is just as good if not better. These are easily the two best female lead performances I have seen all year, and if they don’t get at least nominations at the academy awards, something went wrong. Both are breakout roles, and I am now really excited to see where their careers end up.

Michael Shannon proves once again how underrated of an actor he is, with his performance as Kim Fowley. His oscar nominated turn in Revolutionary Road was one beast, but this is something even more layered than that that, and is just as deserving of an award.

The cinematography and editing is also top notch, and fitting for the film. However, just as the title suggests, it’s about the music. And the cast does fantastic work in that regard. Kristen sounds almost identical to Joan.

We are halfway through the year, with only a few films showing the glimmer of the best of what American cinema can do. And “The Runaways” is easily my favorite film of 2010 so far.

10/10

Well-written review, although I have zero desire to see this film and I highly doubt it'll get any nominations, except maybe for Shannon. Glad to hear about Michael Shannon--I think he's a very talented actor, even if his Rev Road nomination was a bit weak (for that year). I think you're much too premature about Oscar noms though, considering the early part of the year is the dumping ground for bad to mediocre films and summer is all about the blockbusters. The heavy hitters won't be coming out until later this year, and I can assure you there are some major ones coming out this year.

It's interesting that Ebert chose to mention how he doubted Stewart could play Lisbeth Salander in the remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at the end of his review, but then stated that he thinks she might be able to after seeing the Runaways. I will say once again that although I don't hate Stewart at all as an actress, she absolutely would be the wrong choice as Salander. It goes beyond the obvious physical difference in height--she just doesn't have the borderline sadistic edge that she'd need to play Salander, much like Keira K.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

If you want mental gymnastics, go for Lost Highway.

If you want to experience go for Blue Velvet.

If you want 3 hours of Go for Inland Empire.

If you want to be utterly and absolutely Go for Eraserhead.

If you want a traditionally made, and beautifully heartbreaking film, go for The Elephant man.

I'll admit that I haven't frequented Lynch at all beyond The Elephant Man, which I barely remember. I def plan on checking some of his films out this summer, once I'm off my Lean trip.

[tbizzle]

A Streetcar Named Desire - 4/5

The movie was great, and everyone in it, but at the end I really didn't like the story that much. Marlon Brando was awesome! I've never seen one of his films before (other than The Godfather and Apocalypse Now when I was a lot younger, and Superman). I've had On the Waterfront in my queue for a long time, I think I'm gonna bump it up to the top now.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Well-written review, although I have zero desire to see this film and I highly doubt it'll get any nominations, except maybe for Shannon. Glad to hear about Michael Shannon--I think he's a very talented actor, even if his Rev Road nomination was a bit weak (for that year). I think you're much too premature about Oscar noms though, considering the early part of the year is the dumping ground for bad to mediocre films and summer is all about the blockbusters. The heavy hitters won't be coming out until later this year, and I can assure you there are some major ones coming out this year.

It's interesting that Ebert chose to mention how he doubted Stewart could play Lisbeth Salander in the remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at the end of his review, but then stated that he thinks she might be able to after seeing the Runaways. I will say once again that although I don't hate Stewart at all as an actress, she absolutely would be the wrong choice as Salander. It goes beyond the obvious physical difference in height--she just doesn't have the borderline sadistic edge that she'd need to play Salander, much like Keira K.

Nah, I'm serious. I really do think Dakota will get something.

And The Godfather came out in March. (this is no Godfather, just saying)

I'm sure the rest of the cast will get shunned, but Dakota has been in the academy's eyes for years.

[sotodavid88]

Shutter Island-4/5

I thought it was a great film. DiCaprio gave an great performance as usual, amazing cinematography, and the whole film dripped with atmosphere. The only thing i was disappointed with was the ending.

Edge of Darkness-3/5

Mel Gibson's performance was good in it and the last 15 mins were great, but i felt the story moved along too slowly and it felt like it had too many holes in it.

[iam1bearcat]

Batman Begins

The first time I watched this, I hated it. HATED IT. I found it boring, and a few other things, but "boring" was what instantly came to mind. I think I hated the movie because it didn't feel like Batman to me. I have never read the comics or books, and the only connection I had with this 'universe' was the late 80's early 90's Batman films. So, having the villains here be Scarecrow and Ra's al Ghul made me very because I had no idea who these people were. I was expecting The Joker, Mr. Freeze, Penquin, Catwoman, The Riddler... you know, people I recognized. Not having that pissed me off. So after years of waiting, I finally decided to pick up Batman Begins and I'm glad I did.

Not a perfect movie by any stretch, but very entertaining and better than most superhero films. After finishing it I was surprised by how dark the film was atmosphere wise. I know The Dark Knight is dark, but I forgot how the atmosphere was in this movie. It was amazing. Gotham City felt real, like a place I could visit (and hide my wallet! ) and that had terrible problems.

The "birth" of Batman was a nice touch, showing why and how Bruce Wayne (Bale) became the way he is. Of course I found it a tad when

[Show spoiler]it just so happens that the place Wayne ends up is with Ra's al Ghul who ultimately wants to destroy / take over Gotham

but that's no biggie. Just made me chuckle how they worked that in for a "ironic" moment.

My biggest complaint with the film is Scarecrow. I love Cillian Murphy as an actor, but as a villain - and the one's he's given to play - it doesn't do much. he's a scrawny little man who uses

[Show spoiler]a drug and a mask to scare you. big whoop.

I think had the effects been better at showing something "personally frightening" to each person instead of just a fast moving scarecrow and maggots, Scarecrow would've been a better villain, and thus a stronger adversary to the man with a cape. I mean, Murphy was GREAT as the villain in Red Eye, but i guess being a geeky scientist doesn't give you much to work with and neither villain really feels like a problem for Batman.

Much more enjoyable than I originally thought it was. And the time (over 2 hours in length) goes by faster than expected. I originally found the opening to be very slow showing Wayne learn how to fight, but the movie is actually very briskly paced, so I have no idea what I was thinking years ago. All in all, a fantastic film, highly enjoyable and a great "re-birth" of the franchise that was long gone in a puddle of hilariously bad movies.

4/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by gamma626

Nah, I'm serious. I really do think Dakota will get something.

And The Godfather came out in March. (this is no Godfather, just saying)

I'm sure the rest of the cast will get shunned, but Dakota has been in the academy's eyes for years.

I still doubt it. The film got decent but not great reviews, although the consensus is that Fanning and Stewart were good. If anyone gets nominated it will be Shannon, since almost every review raves about him. I have no interest in the film because the story simply does not intrigue me, but I do want to see Shannon's performance after all I've read. Actually, based on the reviews, I think he actually has a very good chance of being nominated, especially since he has already gotten a nom.

I wouldn't say Fanning has been in the academy's eyes for years--there's no evidence to support that. However, I've always thought that she is one of the very best child actors of her generation, with some arguing that she's the best. I actually do kind of want to see her older roles because I think she has major talent. Then again, so did Haley Joel and he's done nothing.

The Godfather did come out in March but that was 30+ years ago and an extraordinary example. Time of year doesn't guarantee anything, but history strongly shows that films released later in the year get more award attention.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I still doubt it. The film got decent but not great reviews, although the consensus is that Fanning and Stewart were good. If anyone gets nominated it will be Shannon, since almost every review raves about him. I have no interest in the film because the story simply does not intrigue me, but I do want to see Shannon's performance after all I've read. Actually, based on the reviews, I think he actually has a very good chance of being nominated, especially since he has already gotten a nom.

I wouldn't say Fanning has been in the academy's eyes for years--there's no evidence to support that. However, I've always thought that she is one of the very best child actors of her generation, with some arguing that she's the best. I actually do kind of want to see her older roles because I think she has major talent. Then again, so did Haley Joel and he's done nothing.

The Godfather did come out in March but that was 30+ years ago and an extraordinary example. Time of year doesn't guarantee anything, but history strongly shows that films released later in the year get more award attention.

Oh, I don't think it realistically will win anything. I'd like it too. But I don't see it happening.

Dakota has been in a lot of members minds for a while, much like Haley was. The difference is that Dakota has decided to actually continue acting. I can't remember, but wasn't she up for something already? Or was that a golden globe? Or am I halucinating?

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by gamma626

Oh, I don't think it realistically will win anything. I'd like it too. But I don't see it happening.

Dakota has been in a lot of members minds for a while, much like Haley was. The difference is that Dakota has decided to actually continue acting. I can't remember, but wasn't she up for something already? Or was that a golden globe? Or am I halucinating?

Fanning was nominated for a SAG (screen actor's guild) like 8-9 years ago for I Am Sam; she's the youngest nominee for that award ever.

I still disagree that she's been on the minds of a lot of members--she's never been nominated for a major award, aside from the SAG. Haley Joel was nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a SAG, and two Saturns--much more prestigous resume. And he hasn't stopped acting, he just hasn't appeared in many roles since A.I. He does have two films coming out this year possibly, including Truth and Treason (if it's finished on time). T and T is a role that very well could get him some more award recognition.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Imagine the creepiest audio effects combined with NO dialogue and a camera that never moves while viewing this

[Show spoiler]

and you have the tip of the iceberg of Inland Empire.

bravo! bravo! i love it!

[Show spoiler] I know...I'm not well

will put his flicks on my queue...can't wait for the Blu. thanks for that description Squid...good concise (definitely a Squid characteristic) explanation.

[MyBlu-rayBrotherEd]

Watched Adventureland tonight. I thought it was really good. Loved the soundtrack, it took me back to the late eighties. A few good laughs in there too. I give it a solid 4/5.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I agree with all of that. I do wonder something though. After the

[Show spoiler]car crash where her son dies and she accepts that she must repeat the cycle to revisit him, does she ever ponder, or believe that she can alter things? Meaning, go through the whole yacht/cruise ship/killing spree, then return home, then kill the "Bad" Jess, and then deviate from the pattern so her son doesnt die. Perhaps leave the boy with a sitter while she disposes the "Bad Jess" corpse.

Maybe she ponders that, but the nap on the Yacht erases her memory of the events that lie ahead???

YIKES!!! "Memories of events that lie ahead"

I bet thats it. The nap is the reset button. Because before that, she is aware of the "cycle", but afterwards she is not. At least not until she starts seeing the other Jessies. Thats her escape. If she ever figures it out, she just needs to stay awake.

TRIANGLE

Thank you for responding--I'll be completely honest, I never once thought about that part of the film as being important but I think it's a great point. I saw this post yesterday and have thought about it since then. I think it goes to show just how complex thematically as well as plot-wise this film is. Yes, I'm confident my explanation is on point, but as you point out, there are even more intricacies to it (another would be what the ship represents).

So, here's my response:

[Show spoiler]I'm a bit conflicted about whether she thinks she can change things, because her body language gives off mixed emotions at the end, I think. To fit with my theory, she simply accepts the fact that she must repeat this cycle over and over to see her son for just a few moments before he dies and she has to go through everything again. I think that her past attempts made her have hope that she could change things, which is why in the film she states when driving the car that she is going to try to get him away from there. I think she still thought she could get him to safety and alter fate.

However, her expression and body language when looking at the crash to me shows that she finally realizes that no matter what she does, she cannot escape this fate. I think that from now on she'll repeat the cycle, return home and kill bad Jess, and then just spend quality time with her son (however long it may be) until he and she inevitably die again from some sort of disaster or other means. The difficult thing is that she shows up after the son has already been screamed at by bad Jess, so it'll be difficult for her to transition into good bonding time due to that fact, I think.

The nap comment is something I've thought quite a bit about since you brought it up. Once again, thank you for doing so because it never crossed my mind. Yesterday when I read it I disagreed that the nap was a reset button. Now, I think you're correct. I think when she enters the yacht she remembers everything and knows what she has to do. The nap changes things, which is why when she gets onto the ship she has deja vu but can't remember anything. When she sees the other Jess though, it dawns on her what she must do, and this realization we very clearly and obviously seen in the film in a few scenes. What I like about the nap angle is that it adds even more mythology into the film, as well as literature, since there are numerous tales in which a person takes a nap, wakes up, and forgets everything but then it slowly comes back.

I do disagree about one thing though, very strongly. There is no escape and staying awake won't help. Why would it? If she stays awake, then she knows what she must do on the ship. However, once she gets on the ship and sees the other Jess she figures it out anyways. So, the only difference is a bit of time. In the end, it wouldn't change a thing--she'd still have to kill everyone and the cycle would continue.

Surf, watch the film already so we can discuss! It's netflix instant!

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by MyBlu-rayBrotherEd

Watched Adventureland tonight. I thought it was really good. Loved the soundtrack, it took me back to the late eighties. A few good laughs in there too. I give it a solid 4/5.

I really enjoyed Adventureland as well. It was actually one of my favorite movies from last year.

[Starman22]

Knocked Up (2007)

rated: 4/5

best Judd Apatow's film than Funny People & 40 Year Old Virgin.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

bravo! bravo! i love it!

[Show spoiler] I know...I'm not well

will put his flicks on my queue...can't wait for the Blu. thanks for that description Squid...good concise (definitely a Squid characteristic) explanation.

There is ZERO realism in this film. Yet, I am able to forgo my Realism General status and just bathe in the insanity of the Lynchism of it all, and drink the KWAZY KOOLAID of a nightmare only he could create. And a perverse nightmare it is, indeed.

Leave logic at the door and let the celluloid Lysergic acid diethylamide swallow you.

I hope you can find your way back.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by MyBlu-rayBrotherEd

Watched Adventureland tonight. I thought it was really good. Loved the soundtrack, it took me back to the late eighties. A few good laughs in there too. I give it a solid 4/5.

A SOLID 4 at least for sure.