The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Man, I had a ball watching that one. The monkeys and Julien just slay me.

Glad you liked it, I heard it wasn't as good as the first one. I haven't seen the second one but I liked the first one a lot.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by J.Cornelius

On the East Coast fall Nor Easters would roll in, thick and big! Take it quick and get between the jedies or you are toast

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Days of Heaven (blu) (Criterion)



What surprised me was the audio. For films that are dialogue based, I give 4 stars as a default if the dialogue is clear. This film, however, deserved a 4.5 for one scene alone, and that was one of the first scenes of the movie, where Gere is throwing coal into the fire. WOW. I literally jumped out of my seat because of how realistic it sounded. I've seen a lot of the great audio tracks, and although this film doesn't come remotely close to being as good as them (of course not, it's a dialogue film), that single moment was as good as any single moment I've seen on blu yet (note: I don't mean best sounding SCENE--that encompasses much more. I mean single sound effect).

You have???????? How do you do that? Do you have superpowers?

[Show spoiler]I couldnt resist... Ha ha.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

If you watch it again surf, WATCH the special feature with Richard Gere. He's not the biggest fan of Malick, which is interesting, but his description of how they shot the locust scene is absolutely fascinating. It involves planes, peanuts, and reverse filming.

I have to check that out. I love all the "making of" stuff.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

haha I was joking. His religion comments were a joke. The film may very well be good, but I don't care for the Coens. I don't see myself watching the film anytime even remotely soon.

Please list all the Coen films you have seen. I may comment, or not, based on the list.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

If you want to watch a film where Gremal missed the mark, watch The Black Book.

btw...I again disagree with Gremal on a Serious Man. Watched it once, that was enough.

Yep. And Shawshank. It was anti religion as well.

[Rosebud]

Saw Inception last night at a Midnight show in a IMAX theater. Pretty entertaining. Very thought-provoking and visually amazing movie. Will warrant a second showing. Highly recommend...

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

And if YOU want to watch a film where Gremal missed the mark, watch I've Loved You So Long--one of the worst written reviews I've read on this site! Maybe there should be a thread called: Films that Gremal hated that I Loved.


Black Book is on my queue. I think it looks interesting.

It portrays a Jewish woman as less than perfect, and is therefore a piece of garbage. At least thats what I have read.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Glad you liked it, I heard it wasn't as good as the first one. I haven't seen the second one but I liked the first one a lot.

I thought the second one was waaaaaayyy better than the first, which I liked. The story is a lot more solid (and sentimental) in the second and the animation was a big leap forward. If you watch it, look at the river, the water and ripples are utterly realistic. Some good tunes too.

[Romulus]

Inception

Christopher Nolan is on his way to being the greatest director living today. In terms of scope, this is easily the biggest film he's ever done. Yes, it even surpasses The Dark Knight. When the Academy announces its Best Director nominees in January Nolan absolutely deserves a spot. I really haven't seen anything quite like this before. I returned to my house at 3 this morning but couldn't really find myself falling asleep. I was too wired thinking about what I just witnessed. Even when I woke up this morning I immediately started rethinking everything about the film. There are very few films that stick in my mind like Inception.

The story is carefully crafted. Nolan worked on the script for 10 years and the end result is a story that encourages you to think. I couldn't find any holes in the story or any alarming shortcomings. Hearing some of the reviews for this film, a lot of people claimed they didn't understand the film at all. I find this quite difficult as I clearly understood the story in one watch. I'm convinced the reviewers simply did not pay attention to the film. While I feel the film requires you to push your thinking, I hardly feel that only a person of high IQ could understand it.

Acting all around is superb. Granted, with a cast that includes DiCaprio, Watanabe, Gordon-Levitt, Cotillard, Murphy, Page, and Hardy it is hard to go wrong. Standouts for me personally are DiCaprio, Cotillard, Watanabe, Murphy and Hardy. Nothing against Ellen Page or Joseph Gordon-Levitt but I don't quite feel they commanded the screen as much as the other actors.

[Show spoiler]I didn't feel these two had anything emotional at stake. You could argue that Hardy didn't either, but he presented his character extremely well. Cotillard only graces the screen in short spurts but the entire emotional center of the film completely depends on her, and she knocks the part out of the park.

I may be a little bias because Cillian Murphy is one of my favorite actors of this generation, but his takes his role and makes a unique presentation of it. Nolan loves Murphy too, after DiCaprio was cast Murphy was sent a script and Nolan said he could pick any part in the film he wanted. The cast is top-notch and there shouldn't be any worries going into the film.

There are little touches that really make this film work. When we dream we have non sequitur. Ever have a dream where you could be somewhere and then all of the sudden you see something that absolutely doesn't belong? These little touches are present while at the same time having a double meaning.

I didn't want to discuss too much of the story in my review. I feel that it is best left to you when you actually witness the film. I don't hand off 5 star ratings often, in fact I didn't give any 2009 release films a 5 star but I feel like this film deserves it.

5/5

[Q?]

Originally Posted by Romulus

Inception

Christopher Nolan is on his way to being the greatest director living today. In terms of scope, this is easily the biggest film he's ever done. Yes, it even surpasses The Dark Knight. When the Academy announces its Best Director nominees in January Nolan absolutely deserves a spot. I really haven't seen anything quite like this before. I returned to my house at 3 this morning but couldn't really find myself falling asleep. I was too wired thinking about what I just witnessed. Even when I woke up this morning I immediately started rethinking everything about the film. There are very few films that stick in my mind like Inception.

The story is carefully crafted. Nolan worked on the script for 10 years and the end result is a story that encourages you to think. I couldn't find any holes in the story or any alarming shortcomings. Hearing some of the reviews for this film, a lot of people claimed they didn't understand the film at all. I find this quite difficult as I clearly understood the story in one watch. I'm convinced the reviewers simply did not pay attention to the film. While I feel the film requires you to push your thinking, I hardly feel that only a person of high IQ could understand it.

Acting all around is superb. Granted, with a cast that includes DiCaprio, Watanabe, Gordon-Levitt, Cotillard, Murphy, Page, and Hardy it is hard to go wrong. Standouts for me personally are DiCaprio, Cotillard, Watanabe, Murphy and Hardy. Nothing against Ellen Page or Joseph Gordon-Levitt but I don't quite feel they commanded the screen as much as the other actors.

[Show spoiler]I didn't feel these two had anything emotional at stake. You could argue that Hardy didn't either, but he presented his character extremely well. Cotillard only graces the screen in short spurts but the entire emotional center of the film completely depends on her, and she knocks the part out of the park.

I may be a little bias because Cillian Murphy is one of my favorite actors of this generation, but his takes his role and makes a unique presentation of it. Nolan loves Murphy too, after DiCaprio was cast Murphy was sent a script and Nolan said he could pick any part in the film he wanted. The cast is top-notch and there shouldn't be any worries going into the film.

There are little touches that really make this film work. When we dream we have non sequitur. Ever have a dream where you could be somewhere and then all of the sudden you see something that absolutely doesn't belong? These little touches are present while at the same time having a double meaning.

I didn't want to discuss too much of the story in my review. I feel that it is best left to you when you actually witness the film. I don't hand off 5 star ratings often, in fact I didn't give any 2009 release films a 5 star but I feel like this film deserves it.

5/5

Romulus thank you for your thoughtful review and no spoilers to boot!

My expectations for this movie has always been very high, but let me ask you this question, is it The Matrix of the '10's in terms of impact and innovation?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Romulus

Inception

I don't hand off 5 star ratings often, in fact I didn't give any 2009 release films a 5 star but I feel like this film deserves it.

5/5

[JLant19]

Originally Posted by Romulus

Inception

Christopher Nolan is on his way to being the greatest director living today. In terms of scope, this is easily the biggest film he's ever done. Yes, it even surpasses The Dark Knight. When the Academy announces its Best Director nominees in January Nolan absolutely deserves a spot. I really haven't seen anything quite like this before. I returned to my house at 3 this morning but couldn't really find myself falling asleep. I was too wired thinking about what I just witnessed. Even when I woke up this morning I immediately started rethinking everything about the film. There are very few films that stick in my mind like Inception.

The story is carefully crafted. Nolan worked on the script for 10 years and the end result is a story that encourages you to think. I couldn't find any holes in the story or any alarming shortcomings. Hearing some of the reviews for this film, a lot of people claimed they didn't understand the film at all. I find this quite difficult as I clearly understood the story in one watch. I'm convinced the reviewers simply did not pay attention to the film. While I feel the film requires you to push your thinking, I hardly feel that only a person of high IQ could understand it.

Acting all around is superb. Granted, with a cast that includes DiCaprio, Watanabe, Gordon-Levitt, Cotillard, Murphy, Page, and Hardy it is hard to go wrong. Standouts for me personally are DiCaprio, Cotillard, Watanabe, Murphy and Hardy. Nothing against Ellen Page or Joseph Gordon-Levitt but I don't quite feel they commanded the screen as much as the other actors.

[Show spoiler]I didn't feel these two had anything emotional at stake. You could argue that Hardy didn't either, but he presented his character extremely well. Cotillard only graces the screen in short spurts but the entire emotional center of the film completely depends on her, and she knocks the part out of the park.

I may be a little bias because Cillian Murphy is one of my favorite actors of this generation, but his takes his role and makes a unique presentation of it. Nolan loves Murphy too, after DiCaprio was cast Murphy was sent a script and Nolan said he could pick any part in the film he wanted. The cast is top-notch and there shouldn't be any worries going into the film.

There are little touches that really make this film work. When we dream we have non sequitur. Ever have a dream where you could be somewhere and then all of the sudden you see something that absolutely doesn't belong? These little touches are present while at the same time having a double meaning.

I didn't want to discuss too much of the story in my review. I feel that it is best left to you when you actually witness the film. I don't hand off 5 star ratings often, in fact I didn't give any 2009 release films a 5 star but I feel like this film deserves it.

5/5

Dude Rom your review just adds fuel to the fire about me seeing this. Thanks man!

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by Q!

Romulus thank you for your thoughtful review and no spoilers to boot!

My expectations for this movie has always been very high, but let me ask you this question, is it The Matrix of the '10's?

The more and more I think about this question I feel like the answer is yes an no. What made The Matrix a huge impact is the mass didn't have a previous film to compare it. Yes, Dark City came out before it but didn't have the box office numbers to make an impression. With Inception, people can and will compare it to The Matrix (even though both films deal with different realities). For that reason alone I don't feel like we'll see a huge impact with Inception that we did with The Matrix.

The reason I can say yes, it is The Matrix of the '10s is that here we are comparing the two films. If people see Inception and the general topic becomes which of these two films is better then it's pretty obvious it is.

It's unfair to go watch Inception ready to compare it to The Matrix. I suggest you go see the movie and compare it to nothing. Don't have any expectations, treat it like any other movie and it will make a bigger impact.

[Q?]

Originally Posted by Romulus

The more and more I think about this question I feel like the answer is yes an no. What made The Matrix a huge impact is the mass didn't have a previous film to compare it. Yes, Dark City came out before it but didn't have the box office numbers to make an impression. With Inception, people can and will compare it to The Matrix (even though both films deal with different realities). For that reason alone I don't feel like we'll see a huge impact with Inception that we did with The Matrix.

The reason I can say yes, it is The Matrix of the '10s is that here we are comparing the two films. If people see Inception and the general topic becomes which of these two films is better then it's pretty obvious it is.

It's unfair to go watch Inception ready to compare it to The Matrix. I suggest you go see the movie and compare it to nothing. Don't have any expectations, treat it like any other movie and it will make a bigger impact.

Will do

But here's something I rarely do and I'm always right on the money when I do so, I love it already because I know it will be great.

But I have pretty much no idea what it is about, I've been avoiding details like the plague, which I should be doing with every movie anyways, but don't always do.

Thanks again, Romulus stamp of approval, now I just need Squid's, jhiggy's and Surfdude's

[iam1bearcat]

i must give up my social life.
i have gone over 48 hours without being able to watch a film!
i hate starting one, having to stop, and then start again later. films should be viewed in one sitting. i know some can break it up into pieces, but i cannot. and of course, it is 2 o'clock right now, and i really wanna start watching:

TELL NO ONE

but of course, i have to help a friend with something "around 3" and knowing my luck, she'll call at 5, which would leave me plenty of time to watch a film. but alas, i wait. and as soon as that is done and finish grocery shopping - BACK TO THE FILMS! I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR FILMS, I'VE GOT A LIST OF OVER 100 FILMS I GOTTA WATCH!

ugh. real life friends are terrible.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

I received it from netflix a short time ago. It'll be in my next import order as it's less if I buy it from the UK along with Almost Famous.

I've Loved You So Long looks like it should be in the depressing films thread (if it's not already)

**edit** ^ it's on netflix streaming, so i just bumped it to number 1.

It's extremely depressing. I think it's a fantastic film and Kristin Scott Thomas really did get majorly snubbed for the Oscar, especially considering the multitude of awards she won for the role.

[tommyboy81]

Originally Posted by Romulus

The more and more I think about this question I feel like the answer is yes an no. What made The Matrix a huge impact is the mass didn't have a previous film to compare it. Yes, Dark City came out before it but didn't have the box office numbers to make an impression. With Inception, people can and will compare it to The Matrix (even though both films deal with different realities). For that reason alone I don't feel like we'll see a huge impact with Inception that we did with The Matrix.

The reason I can say yes, it is The Matrix of the '10s is that here we are comparing the two films. If people see Inception and the general topic becomes which of these two films is better then it's pretty obvious it is.

It's unfair to go watch Inception ready to compare it to The Matrix. I suggest you go see the movie and compare it to nothing. Don't have any expectations, treat it like any other movie and it will make a bigger impact.

Plus the year The Matrix was in. It had the WOW factor when it came to the action and SPX. If Inception and Matrix switched years we'll be saying the same thing about Inceptionb and comparing The Matrix to that.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I am watching it tonight, and dont worry. All movies that come with a rec are worth a try. If they suck, se la vie.

Movies that resolve nothing, like Marienbad are fine because the entire film is abstract and open to interpretation. The White ribbon though, is told in a traditional way, with real characters that have been clearly defined, in real time, in a standard reality, chronologically advancing through a series of logical events towads a climax. Ending it without a climax, or even a conclusion for the many interconnected stories felt like a letdown.

I'll post my thoughts tomorrow and we can have a go at it.

I like the way you explain it. The Return is in the middle of those two, in that the whole film is abstract but it's in standard reality. In other words, it follows a "normal" film story of a road trip, but has an ending that makes all the events that came before it open to interpretation, in that how you look at the film determines how you look at the events.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by tommyboy81

Plus the year The Matrix was in. It had the WOW factor when it came to the action and SPX. If Inception and Matrix switched years we'll be saying the same thing about Inceptionb and comparing The Matrix to that.

just realized how humorous it is that you're commenting about The Matrix and your pic is Keanu Reeves! although not from that particular film, but still humorous.