The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Q?]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I have decided to give it a shot. I like Olyphant, so fingers crossed.

No!!!

It's not absolutely horrible but it's not really worth it too!
Do you want to know how you get scared and shocked? cue music:

[Show spoiler]BAM!

That's how... plenty of them and they're just cheap shots, I'm getting tired of it and I hate it, why not do something original instead?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by pj_campbell

In London, the sideshow troupe of Doctor Parnassus promises to the audiences a journey to the "Imaginarium", an imaginary world commanded by the mind of Doctor Parnassus where dreams come true. In the stories that Doctor Parnassus tells to his daughter Valentina, to the midget Percy, and his assistant Anton, he claims to have more than one thousand years; however, when he felt in love for a mortal, he made a deal with the devil Mr. Nick trading his immortality per youth. As part of the bargain, he promised his son or daughter to Mr. Nick on the sixteenth birthday. Valentina now is almost in the doomed age and Doctor Parnassus bets with Mr. Nick that whoever seduces five souls in the Imaginarium will have Valentina as a prize. Meanwhile the troupe rescues Tony that was hanged on a bridge by the Russians that explains why he had been chased and he joins the group.

Thanks

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Do you know where you used it?

I figured I used it somewhere but I have no idea where. But I make up words all the time to suit my theories and reviews, so what's new?

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thanks

No problem. Its a pretty interesting movie. You should check it out

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Q!

No!!!

It's not absolutely horrible but it's not really worth it too!
Do you want to know how you get scared and shocked? cue music:

[Show spoiler]BAM!

That's how... plenty of them and they're just cheap shots, I'm getting tired of it and I hate it, why not do something original instead?

I am only Netflixing it, not buying. If it sucks, no biggy. I have no problem taking a disc out well before its done if I am not enjoying it.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I figured I used it somewhere but I have no idea where. But I make up words all the time to suit my theories and reviews, so what's new?

[Show spoiler]Last Year at Marienbad (L'Année dernière à Marienbad / Criterion Collection) Criterion Jun 23, 2009

Comment: A film unlike any other. Complex, maddening, unpenetrable. These a few words often used to describe it. It was a film that during viewing it I did not like, but in the last 5 minutes, I realized the genius of the film and it made some sense to me.

Oh, and by the way, what happened in the last 5 minutes that elevated your opinion from poop to praise, because I certainly missed it. I must have had my brain on the wrong setting when I watched it because I spent the whole time thinking "Who the fack does this director think he is?" Is there a gem in there that went right past me? Whats the scoop?

[Freekman]

Knight and Day - 6/10
Funny, but predictable and cheesy.

[Boston Litigator]

Hot Tub Time Machine..enjoyed it

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

[Show spoiler]Last Year at Marienbad (L'Année dernière à Marienbad / Criterion Collection) Criterion Jun 23, 2009

Comment: A film unlike any other. Complex, maddening, unpenetrable. These a few words often used to describe it. It was a film that during viewing it I did not like, but in the last 5 minutes, I realized the genius of the film and it made some sense to me.

Oh, and by the way, what happened in the last 5 minutes that elevated your opinion from poop to praise, because I certainly missed it. I must have had my brain on the wrong setting when I watched it because I spent the whole time thinking "Who the fack does this director think he is?" Is there a gem in there that went right past me? Whats the scoop?

HAHAHA I've said it before and I'll say it again--I'm an embarassment of a former English major. But now you know it IS a word, just not as frequently used as "impenetrable." Maybe I meant to type im instead of un but got the letters messed up?

My opinion of the film was never low, I liked it all the way through, I just really had little idea of what was going on until the last 5 minutes. There is def a gem that went passed you, or at least I think so. I've only seen the film once so it's unlikely that I'll be able to articulate it in any real manner. If I remember correctly, which may not be the case,

[Show spoiler]the guy is dead the entire time and was killed last year at Marienbad by the creepy guy, who was the girl's husband. So, when he tries to convince the girl that they met last year, she is willfully trying to forget such a horrific event. Generally, that's what I believe my interpretation is. There's more to it, since the scenes in the last 5 minutes I found pretty poignant, I just forget the particulars.

It's a film that I love, no doubt. I def have to watch it again. Oh and btw, this is a film unlike The Fountain and Triangle (which have explanations that have a lot of support, somethings being pretty definitive). This film really has nothing completely definitive to it, which makes it so maddening. So, my usual authoritativeness is complete belief in my theory is def absent!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

HAHAHA I've said it before and I'll say it again--I'm an embarassment of a former English major. But now you know it IS a word, just not as frequently used as "impenetrable." Maybe I meant to type im instead of un but got the letters messed up?My opinion of the film was never low, I liked it all the way through, I just really had little idea of what was going on until the last 5 minutes. There is def a gem that went passed you, or at least I think so. I've only seen the film once so it's unlikely that I'll be able to articulate it in any real manner. If I remember correctly, which may not be the case,

[Show spoiler]the guy is dead the entire time and was killed last year at Marienbad by the creepy guy, who was the girl's husband. So, when he tries to convince the girl that they met last year, she is willfully trying to forget such a horrific event. Generally, that's what I believe my interpretation is. There's more to it, since the scenes in the last 5 minutes I found pretty poignant, I just forget the particulars.

It's a film that I love, no doubt. I def have to watch it again. Oh and btw, this is a film unlike The Fountain and Triangle (which have explanations that have a lot of support, somethings being pretty definitive). This film really has nothing completely definitive to it, which makes it so maddening. So, my usual authoritativeness is complete belief in my theory is def absent!

Keep peddling. ;-)

Thanks. I couldnt get over the weird pans and staring at door frame moulding for 80 seconds just to get to the next room. I think I was so out of it by the end, that I was not putting any effort into it. I guess its art, just not a style that draws me in.

I tend to stay out of the Criterion thread for discussion because I havent been well received when I "dont gush with effervescent praise".

[Diesel]

I was just reading an interview with Chris Nolan and he mentions Last Year at Marienbad.

A.
I’ve been looking at some of the Criterion discs. I watched “Last Year at Marienbad” the other night and I’d never seen it.

Q.
You’re making a movie about dreams and you hadn’t seen it?

A.
No, I know. Everyone was accusing me of ripping it off, but I actually never got around to seeing it. Funnily enough, I saw it and I’m like, Oh, wow. There are bits of “Inception” that people are going to think I ripped that straight out of “Last Year at Marienbad.”

Q.
What do you think that means?

A.
Basically, what it means is, I’m ripping off the movies that ripped off “Last Year at Marienbad,” without having seen the original. It’s that much a source of ideas, really, about the relationships between dream and memory and so forth, which is very much what “Inception” deals with. But we have way more explosions

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I was just reading an interview with Chris Nolan and he mentions Last Year at Marienbad.

Thanks. Now I'm more confused.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thanks. Now I'm more confused.

Would you say your confusion is

[Show spoiler] unpenetrable

?

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thanks. Now I'm more confused.

What do you think of my theory?

[CZAR]

The Proposal - Finally got around to watching this film which a few recommended during discussions about the Ugly Truth. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I still think I liked the Ugly Truth just a bit more but its very close. I have always been a fan of Bullock and have always said she still doesnt get the credit she deserves. She was great in this film as well and I actually enjoyed Reynolds performance also. Their chemistry was on point.

As for the film, it flowed well from the start which I really liked as some films take to much time to develop. I have to say this film had one of the funniest moments that I have seen in a while. I absolutely cried laughing while

[Show spoiler]Bullock was dancing and singing that Lil Jon song in the woods with Reynolds grandma!

HILARIOUS!!!!

Film Rating - 4 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

A Christmas Tale (blu) (Criterion)

Film: 2 1/2 (out of 4)

Wow, sorry to hear you didnt' like it. I double checked and I did give it 4/5 stars. It was a while ago when i watched it so don't recall specifics, but can understand why you didn't like it. In my review I only stated "Great direction...with juicy sideplots." I do recall

[Show spoiler]the incredible tension with the son and sister, and of course the mom dying. The biggest scene I recall is one of the most chilling I've ever seen in any film ever: the scene outside when the son is sitting with his mom. They were so cold to each other, and yet minimally affectionate at the same time, and somehow it was all believable. Incredible script and acting. This scene hit me in the gut because I'm a self-confessed momma's boy and am not ashamed to admit it! Watching this scene made me think "wow, I'm grateful" (at the coldness) but then a few minutes later "hey, maybe that's how this family works" (at the minimal affectionateness).

But your points are well taken and I see why you made them. I am a sucker for great/unique cinematography and good themes, so Criterion usually wins me over, especially because I see it as an oasis in a world of Hollywood poop. You, however, seem to be strictly reviewing each film in a vacuum, as is ideal, while I can't help but give each film I watch brownie points because of the horrid crap that is pushed by Hollywood Marketing

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

First off, I am glad its working for you.

Second,

[Show spoiler]a debauchery that would make Las Vegas look like the Vatican!

Ka...LASSIC and

When you said

[Show spoiler] repetative regarding Caesar in-n-out of Rome constantly, thats true. But its very historically accurate, and I like that. And as you said, it afforded th others the time and secrecy to plot againt him. Aint it trippy how similar the government was to the USA.

The way you explain the Caesar thing now,

[Show spoiler]about being away from Rome = reason others could plot against him

, it just shows that I'm not the smartest tool in the shed. I was so busy whining about the historical accuracy (note to self, commandment #5 of movie reviewing: thou shalt not deduct rating points for historical accuracy ...hey maybe we can have jhiggy do a thread on the 10 commandments of reviewing!)

Dontcha love the music during the opening credits?

Yes, its great, although I'll confess that I just watched John Adams and that opening music will always take the prize IMO

I loved both seasons equally. Maybe. Not sure. But season 2 moves WAY faster and is a LOT more emotional. I loved season one because I loved how everything develops, and I love season 2 because of its state of maturity and I really feel a strong connection to the characters. I especially love the relationship development/strengthening/bonding between Titus Pullo and Lucious Vorenus.

Good to know. Can't wait to dig into season 2. Season 1 was slow, but that wasn't an issue IMO. I like slow stuff, it doesn't bother me. Now emotion!!! that's what I'm talking about!! (i'm a sensitive guy! )

I thought Ciarán Hinds was a casting A+ as Caesar, and he did such a subtle, yet brewingly powerful job.

Yeah he was great, although at first I was like "is this Casesar this calm/composed?" But he would have been, you can't be nuts and be a convincing leader.

I prefer blondes and redheads, but there is no denying the hotness of...

[Show spoiler]

Who is that? Lucus' girl? Or Titus' girl (who looked like a young Jolie) This will sound weird, but I thought Caesar's grand-niece (attaca's daughter) was cute, until

[Show spoiler]she hooked up with her brother...eeeeeeewwwwww

[Dreemworx]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

???

The entire full picture looked like a postage stamp on my 52" TV off the DVD.

There was more black than picture.

=/

[surfdude12]

Nixon

Film: 4/5
-like JFK, I watch this for entertainment purposes, not to learn history. Stone even has an upfront disclaimer that the film is based on an incomplete record and the screenwriters filled in the gaps, based on educated guesses, etc.
-I may actually prefer this to JFK, despite the monster cast in JFK, as it was more of a biographical piece, rather than a mystery/thriller. I guess they're in different genres, despite the overwhelming overlap in direction style and cast (supporting)
-Long at 3 1/2 hours, but it went by quick, as I thought Hopkins did a great job with Nixon, despite the obvious lack of close facial identity.

PQ: 3/5 (flashing pixelation at times, other than that, not bad)

AQ: 4/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Wow, sorry to hear you didnt' like it. I double checked and I did give it 4/5 stars. It was a while ago when i watched it so don't recall specifics, but can understand why you didn't like it. In my review I only stated "Great direction...with juicy sideplots." I do recall

[Show spoiler]the incredible tension with the son and sister, and of course the mom dying. The biggest scene I recall is one of the most chilling I've ever seen in any film ever: the scene outside when the son is sitting with his mom. They were so cold to each other, and yet minimally affectionate at the same time, and somehow it was all believable. Incredible script and acting. This scene hit me in the gut because I'm a self-confessed momma's boy and am not ashamed to admit it! Watching this scene made me think "wow, I'm grateful" (at the coldness) but then a few minutes later "hey, maybe that's how this family works" (at the minimal affectionateness).

But your points are well taken and I see why you made them. I am a sucker for great/unique cinematography and good themes, so Criterion usually wins me over, especially because I see it as an oasis in a world of Hollywood poop. You, however, seem to be strictly reviewing each film in a vacuum, as is ideal, while I can't help but give each film I watch brownie points because of the horrid crap that is pushed by Hollywood Marketing

I really like your explanation about that scene. I personally didn't find it chilling, but your explanation def makes me appreciate it more; I did like the scene when I saw it. I agree that the script was good but here's my problem: while it's often eloquently written, the dialogue sometimes was very unrealistic because nobody talks in that poetic way. Now, when I used to dabble in screenwriting I was taught that when writing dialogue it shouldn't sound exactly like it does in life. That being said, there's a difference between dialogue that is well-written and seems realistic but probably wouldn't be, and dialogue that is almost too well constructed that it defies reality. Some people make that argument in regards to Juno, which is a different version in that it's the wit that people find unrealistic (note: I actually had no problem with the dialogue in that film).

It's not that I didn't like the film so much as I was disappointed by it because I think it could have been so much more. I really think that the conflicts that were developed could have led a very poignant and meaningful film, as opposed to essentially a jumbled uninvolving mess. And I can't get over the inconsistency of the directing. Some shots were stunningly created, but his unnecessary use of various techniques greatly detracted from the film imo.

Like I said, I really think this is a film that down the line I'll grow to like. I wasn't a huge fan of Atonement the first time I saw it, but then it stuck with me and now I think it's one of the great screen romances. I think it was also unlucky for this film that I saw Summer Hours only a few days before, which is much simpler but has very clear themes.