The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[jvince]

Gravity (2013)
dir. Alfonso Cuaron

The Good: Believe the hype, folks. Gravity is the real deal. What Cuaron and company have done here is nothing short of amazing. Right from the get-go, you know you're in for something special. This is not just Sandra Bullock floating in space for 90 minutes; it's so much more than that. Those scenes you see in the trailers? That's just the first 30 minutes. Shit gets even crazier after that. This is 90 minutes of pure, nerve-racking tension. Genuine, intense thrills set to jaw-dropping visuals. Cuaron's Gravity is one heck of a technical marvel. His trademark penchant for long takes -- now with immersive POV shots -- along with some of the most realistic-looking CGI to date, are on full display here. Coupled with Emmanuel Lubezki's masterful cinematography and the top-notch sound work and you have an incredible, breathtaking, out-of-this-world experience unlike any other. As one person said after the show, "I felt like I was in space." Couldn't have said it any better myself. And then we have Sandra Bullock. Oh my goodness. She is ****ing terrific in this. Hands down, the best role of her career. Bullock's panicky Ryan Stone perfectly complements Clooney's charming and composed Matt Kowalsky. But perhaps the most impressive thing about the film is how what at first seems like a simplistic space thriller unveils itself as a humanistic tale that I'm pretty sure audiences can relate to. You see, Ryan had lost the one person she loves -- her child. And now, because of a terrible string of bad luck, she has lost her only partner and lost contact with Earth; lost in space and lost all hope -- she has basically lost everything. Scared and alone, she contemplates giving up. However, through her character's gradual evolution (or rebirth), Ryan has immediately become one of my favorite female protagonists. You'll be rooting for her to triumph over adversity.

The Bad: Nothing major.

The Bottom Line: Now, this is how a Hollywood movie should be. A perfect balance of spectacle and substance that's equal parts mind-blowing and moving. An inspirational metaphor for life and a celebration of the human spirit; of hope; of fight; of never giving up. Sorry, Moon, but I think I've fallen in love with Gravity. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this. Highly recommended.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by jvince

Gravity (2013)
dir. Alfonso Cuaron

[Show spoiler]

The Good: Believe the hype, folks. Gravity is the real deal. What Cuaron and company have done here is nothing short of amazing. Right from the get-go, you know you're in for something special. This is not just Sandra Bullock floating in space for 90 minutes; it's so much more than that. Those scenes you see in the trailers? That's just the first 30 minutes. Shit gets even crazier after that. This is 90 minutes of pure, nerve-racking tension. Genuine, intense thrills set to jaw-dropping visuals. Cuaron's Gravity is one heck of a technical marvel. His trademark penchant for long takes -- now with immersive POV shots -- along with some of the most realistic-looking CGI to date, are on full display here. Coupled with Emmanuel Lubezki's masterful cinematography and the top-notch sound work and you have an incredible, breathtaking, out-of-this-world experience unlike any other. As one person said after the show, "I felt like I was in space." Couldn't have said it any better myself. And then we have Sandra Bullock. Oh my goodness. She is ****ing terrific in this. Hands down, the best role of her career. Bullock's panicky Ryan Stone perfectly complements Clooney's charming and composed Matt Kowalsky. But perhaps the most impressive thing about the film is how what at first seems like a simplistic space thriller unveils itself as a humanistic tale that I'm pretty sure audiences can relate to. You see, Ryan had lost the one person she loves -- her child. And now, because of a terrible string of bad luck, she has lost her only partner and lost contact with Earth; lost in space and lost all hope -- she has basically lost everything. Scared and alone, she contemplates giving up. However, through her character's gradual evolution (or rebirth), Ryan has immediately become one of my favorite female protagonists. You'll be rooting for her to triumph over adversity.

The Bad: Nothing major.

The Bottom Line: Now, this is how a Hollywood movie should be. A perfect balance of spectacle and substance that's equal parts mind-blowing and moving. An inspirational metaphor for life and a celebration of the human spirit; of hope; of fight; of never giving up. Sorry, Moon, but I think I've fallen in love with Gravity. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this. Highly recommended.

[Show spoiler]

Sounds great. I'll catch it next month.

[Abdrewes]

Argh. Just give it the full "5", JVince You know you want to.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

Gravity (2013)
dir. Alfonso Cuaron

The Good: Believe the hype, folks. Gravity is the real deal. What Cuaron and company have done here is nothing short of amazing. Right from the get-go, you know you're in for something special. This is not just Sandra Bullock floating in space for 90 minutes; it's so much more than that. Those scenes you see in the trailers? That's just the first 30 minutes. Shit gets even crazier after that. This is 90 minutes of pure, nerve-racking tension. Genuine, intense thrills set to jaw-dropping visuals. Cuaron's Gravity is one heck of a technical marvel. His trademark penchant for long takes -- now with immersive POV shots -- along with some of the most realistic-looking CGI to date, are on full display here. Coupled with Emmanuel Lubezki's masterful cinematography and the top-notch sound work and you have an incredible, breathtaking, out-of-this-world experience unlike any other. As one person said after the show, "I felt like I was in space." Couldn't have said it any better myself. And then we have Sandra Bullock. Oh my goodness. She is ****ing terrific in this. Hands down, the best role of her career. Bullock's panicky Ryan Stone perfectly complements Clooney's charming and composed Matt Kowalsky. But perhaps the most impressive thing about the film is how what at first seems like a simplistic space thriller unveils itself as a humanistic tale that I'm pretty sure audiences can relate to. You see, Ryan had lost the one person she loves -- her child. And now, because of a terrible string of bad luck, she has lost her only partner and lost contact with Earth; lost in space and lost all hope -- she has basically lost everything. Scared and alone, she contemplates giving up. However, through her character's gradual evolution (or rebirth), Ryan has immediately become one of my favorite female protagonists. You'll be rooting for her to triumph over adversity.

The Bad: Nothing major.

The Bottom Line: Now, this is how a Hollywood movie should be. A perfect balance of spectacle and substance that's equal parts mind-blowing and moving. An inspirational metaphor for life and a celebration of the human spirit; of hope; of fight; of never giving up. Sorry, Moon, but I think I've fallen in love with Gravity. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this. Highly recommended.

Mr Burns - Excellent - YouTube

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Steve46

[/spoiler]

Sounds great. I'll catch it next month.

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Argh. Just give it the full "5", JVince You know you want to.

As great a film as it is, 4.5 is the most I can give it. Maybe after a rewatch.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Mr Burns - Excellent - YouTube

[dag]

Gravity is a visually spectacular film (and this honestly cannot be overstated), aided by an economy of storytelling, and an ever-increasing amount of tension that appears to be completely natural and unforced. Truly breathtaking and visionary in its use of technology. Bullock actually gives a pretty decent performance. Not a perfect script, but on the whole is still very good, indeed.

Gravity must be experienced on the big screen.

[jvince]

Fantasia (1940)
dir. James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe,
Norman Ferguson, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson,
Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen

The Good: Classical music and Disney animation -- a match made in heaven. An inspired marriage of colorful, stunning visuals and timeless compositions. A dark and trippy two-hour glimpse into Walt Disney's experimental side. Standout segments are the iconic, Mickey-centric 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' and the haunting finale, 'Night on Bald Mountain.' The star has to be legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski; he owned that podium. Great replay value.

The Bad: The film is a little long. Deems Taylor's introductions could've been shortened (or completely removed). The man is like the granddaddy of spoilers (and boredom).

The Bottom Line: Walt Disney's most ambitious -- and perhaps greatest -- artistic achievement. Fantasia is pure magic. Highly recommended.

[jvince]

The Bling Ring (2013)
dir. Sofia Coppola

The Good: Solid acting from the entire cast.

The Bad: Nothing more than a lazy, monotonous reenactment. A lifeless snoozefest.

The Bottom Line: Coppola's trademark style is still present here. You have the cool soundtrack, the chic minimalism, and the rich people problems. But conspicuously missing is that certain spark and allure of her previous films, which is now replaced by overwhelming dullness. And if The Bling Ring is any proof, Sofia Coppola and dullness is a bad combination.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

[Show spoiler]

The Bling Ring (2013)
dir. Sofia Coppola

The Good: Solid acting from the entire cast.

The Bad: Nothing more than a lazy, monotonous reenactment. A lifeless snoozefest.

The Bottom Line: Coppola's trademark style is still present here. You have the cool soundtrack, the chic minimalism, and the rich people problems. But conspicuously missing is that certain spark and allure of her previous films, which is now replaced by overwhelming dullness.

And if The Bling Ring is any proof, Sofia Coppola and dullness is a bad combination.

Pffft...I learned that with Lost in Translation.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by jvince

The Bling Ring (2013)
dir. Sofia Coppola

[Show spoiler]

The Good: Solid acting from the entire cast.

The Bad: Nothing more than a lazy, monotonous reenactment. A lifeless snoozefest.

The Bottom Line: Coppola's trademark style is still present here. You have the cool soundtrack, the chic minimalism, and the rich people problems. But conspicuously missing is that certain spark and allure of her previous films, which is now replaced by overwhelming dullness. And if The Bling Ring is any proof, Sofia Coppola and dullness is a bad combination.

I bought this today and watched it. I liked it better than you did since it's staying in my collection. Obviously it's no Lost in Translation, but I still enjoyed it.

I felt bad for Marc by the end of the movie. Obviously he deserved jail time, but what Rebecca did to him was pretty shitty.

You have to at least admit that it's far better than Spring Breakers, a film that it gets compared to for little reason other than the nearly all female main cast. It's also far better than Pain & Gain (sorry again Foggy), a movie that it should get compared to more often.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Pffft...I learned that with Lost in Translation.

That's one of my favorite movies of all time!

[SimBelm]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

You have to at least admit that it's far better than Spring Breakers, a film that it gets compared to for little reason other than the nearly all female main cast.

I believe it gets compared to Spring Breakers (as well as The Canyons) because they deal with plots that loop around, the characters essentially end up no different from how they started in a circle of American consumerism and fame culture with no visible means of escape.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SimBelm

I believe it gets compared to Spring Breakers (as well as The Canyons) because they deal with plots that loop around, the characters essentially end up no different from how they started in a circle of American consumerism and fame culture with no visible means of escape.

Fair enough, although The Bling Ring is actually realistic and Spring Breakers couldn't be much further from it.

I do believe Marc changes by the end of the film. He's the one character that seemed to actually learn from what happened. You're right about the rest though, although you don't see Chloe after court as far as I remember.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

That's one of my favorite movies of all time!

I know, I know, it's everybody's favorite.

As far as Sophia Coppola's work goes, from what I've seen, I enjoyed Marie Antionette the most so far.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I know, I know, it's everybody's favorite.

As far as Sophia Coppola's work goes, from what I've seen, I enjoyed Marie Antionette the most so far.

It's not my favorite movie. I wouldn't even put it in my top 20, even though I do own it and highly enjoyed it.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I know, I know, it's everybody's favorite.

As far as Sophia Coppola's work goes, from what I've seen, I enjoyed Marie Antionette the most so far.

Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides are her best.

[jvince]

Enough Said (2013)
dir. Nicole Holofcener

The Good: Enough Said is a sincere, charming, and relatable portrait of middle-age love, filled with consistent laughs and populated by endearing characters. It's one of those rare, classy romantic comedies that ring true. The film follows a single-mother masseuse (wonderfully played by Julia-Louis Dreyfus) who falls for a recently divorced TV archivist (played by the late James Gandolfini in an against-type role). The problem is, it turns out that Dreyfus' new client and friend (Catherine Keener) is actually Gandolfini's ex-wife. But Dreyfus has fears of being hurt and alone again, so despite finding out -- and unbeknown to the divorced couple -- she remains friends with Keener, who constantly dishes dirt on Gandolfini, calling him a loser and a slob. However, in protecting herself, has she neglected to protect her relationship? Holofcener's dialogue and characterizations are fantastic and genuine, but the strength of her film lies within her fabulous cast. Dreyfus and Gandolfini are absolutely lovable in this, and their chemistry is on-point. Keener, Collette, and Falcone deliver solid supporting turns. Even the kids are delightful revelations. Tracey Fairaway, Tavi Gevinson, and Eve Hewson (Yes, Bono's daughter could actually act) are young talents to watch.

The Bad: It gets a little repetitive midway through.

The Bottom Line: Enough Said is a pleasant surprise. I had zero expectations going in, and it ended up being one of the better and more enjoyable films I've seen this year. You will be missed, Tony. Worth a look.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Pffft...I learned that with Lost in Translation.

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I bought this today and watched it. I liked it better than you did since it's staying in my collection. Obviously it's no Lost in Translation, but I still enjoyed it.

I felt bad for Marc by the end of the movie. Obviously he deserved jail time, but what Rebecca did to him was pretty shitty.

You have to at least admit that it's far better than Spring Breakers, a film that it gets compared to for little reason other than the nearly all female main cast. It's also far better than Pain & Gain (sorry again Foggy), a movie that it should get compared to more often.

It is a hundred times better than that POS.

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

That's one of my favorite movies of all time!

Mine too.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I know, I know, it's everybody's favorite.

As far as Sophia Coppola's work goes, from what I've seen, I enjoyed Marie Antionette the most so far.

Originally Posted by iScottie

Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides are her best.

Agree. Imo, Lost in Translation > The Virgin Suicides > Somewhere > Marie Antoinette > The Bling Ring.

[SimBelm]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Fair enough, although The Bling Ring is actually realistic and Spring Breakers couldn't be much further from it.

I do believe Marc changes by the end of the film. He's the one character that seemed to actually learn from what happened. You're right about the rest though, although you don't see Chloe after court as far as I remember.

For me that's what makes Spring Breakers a better film, the way it completely embraces the excessively superficial world it presents (I don't agree at all with the people who call it a satire), The Bling Ring does at points too, but not as much as I'd like it to. I do understand how this difference could work in the opposite way for other people and make them prefer The Bling Ring.

I agree Marc does learn somewhat, however I feel there's almost a sadness at the end because he's still stuck in the circle/ring he was born into.

[L-Rouge]

Originally Posted by jvince

Gravity (2013)
dir. Alfonso Cuaron

[Show spoiler]

The Good: Believe the hype, folks. Gravity is the real deal. What Cuaron and company have done here is nothing short of amazing. Right from the get-go, you know you're in for something special. This is not just Sandra Bullock floating in space for 90 minutes; it's so much more than that. Those scenes you see in the trailers? That's just the first 30 minutes. Shit gets even crazier after that. This is 90 minutes of pure, nerve-racking tension. Genuine, intense thrills set to jaw-dropping visuals. Cuaron's Gravity is one heck of a technical marvel. His trademark penchant for long takes -- now with immersive POV shots -- along with some of the most realistic-looking CGI to date, are on full display here. Coupled with Emmanuel Lubezki's masterful cinematography and the top-notch sound work and you have an incredible, breathtaking, out-of-this-world experience unlike any other. As one person said after the show, "I felt like I was in space." Couldn't have said it any better myself. And then we have Sandra Bullock. Oh my goodness. She is ****ing terrific in this. Hands down, the best role of her career. Bullock's panicky Ryan Stone perfectly complements Clooney's charming and composed Matt Kowalsky. But perhaps the most impressive thing about the film is how what at first seems like a simplistic space thriller unveils itself as a humanistic tale that I'm pretty sure audiences can relate to. You see, Ryan had lost the one person she loves -- her child. And now, because of a terrible string of bad luck, she has lost her only partner and lost contact with Earth; lost in space and lost all hope -- she has basically lost everything. Scared and alone, she contemplates giving up. However, through her character's gradual evolution (or rebirth), Ryan has immediately become one of my favorite female protagonists. You'll be rooting for her to triumph over adversity.

The Bad: Nothing major.

The Bottom Line: Now, this is how a Hollywood movie should be. A perfect balance of spectacle and substance that's equal parts mind-blowing and moving. An inspirational metaphor for life and a celebration of the human spirit; of hope; of fight; of never giving up. Sorry, Moon, but I think I've fallen in love with Gravity. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this. Highly recommended.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Mr Burns - Excellent - YouTube

didn't need to play that video to know what words would come forth, such is the imprint of that franchise ;-).

Well thanx Jvince, I'm in - when it turns up :?