The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Toy Story

[Show spoiler]
-first viewing

Film: 5/5
-wow, had HUUUGE expectations and it still exceeded them!
-biggest surprise? Like UP, it had insane amount of adult themes (jealousy, resentment, forgiveness, acceptance of truth of who we are, etc)
-WTF is with the next door neighbor kid LOL. what a nuthead. if I was a kid watching this , I would have nightmares!!! I think I may tonight with that octoleg baby head thing with one eye
-favorite character? Rex! He rocked! I was rolling on the floor! He seemed like the Dug of Toy Story!

PQ: 5/5

AQ: 5/5

Question: is everyone buying the TS 1-3 set? I see the UK TS 1-2 is dirt cheap? I haven't seen TS 2-3 either

Glad you liked it! I got the first two films separately already on BD, so I won't be getting the TS box set. I'll get #3 for sure though and complete the series.

Didn't like Sid, huh? Thing about him is, I think a kid like that probably exists everywhere. Last time I watched him on screen, I remembered how as a kid I bashed a Stormtrooper toy with a rock, and felt all dirty inside...

[seigneur_rayden]

Dead or Alive
4/5
Hot women, girls fight, hot chick and martial arts,.... what else do you want.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by seigneur_rayden

Dead or Alive
4/5
Hot women, girls fight, hot chick and martial arts,.... what else do you want.

Well a good movie would be nice as well!

[Pondosinatra]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

District 9

District 9 seems like the film that has a lot of distinct camps among audience members:

1) people who loved the entire film
...
4/5

That would be me. Great film. The line about the Aliens coming to South Africa, not New York or LA made me a fan from the get go

[Batman1980]

Star Trek 2009 4.5/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5
Doubt it'll ever pass II and IV for me, time will tell.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

That would be me. Great film. The line about the Aliens coming to South Africa, not New York or LA made me a fan from the get go

haha agreed. having a completely fresh setting was a great start.
too many films center on America in general, but also really seem to focus on New York or LA, which gets old real quick.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

District 9

District 9 seems like the film that has a lot of distinct camps among audience members:

1) people who loved the entire film
2) people who hated the entire film
3) people who loved the first half, hated the second half
4) people who hated the first half, loved the second half

That's me, My 2nd fave film last year behind Up.

I love it all, I admit the 1st half is superior to the 2nd half, but the 2nd half had too many liquidations and exploding heads and pig throwing for me not to love it

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

District 9

[Show spoiler]District 9 seems like the film that has a lot of distinct camps among audience members:

1) people who loved the entire film
2) people who hated the entire film
3) people who loved the first half, hated the second half
4) people who hated the first half, loved the second half

if i had to pick, i'd choose number 3. although i don't hate the second half, it's just not nearly as fresh or original as the first half to me. the first half is highly original, entertaining, humorous and also frightening and feels very real. the second half is much more action oriented. that's not a bad thing, and i like how the film has both, but the second half just felt very... tacked on? it's something we've seen in many films, and i guess after the brilliant first half, i wanted the film to continue down fresh lines, not rehash something done before. but again, i didn't hate the second half.

District 9 also seems like the film where if it doesn't hook you within the first 10 minutes it would be very hard to enjoy or stay with. the documentary feel, the slow story build up, the investigation of prawn "houses"... some i could see would be very bored here. i wasn't though

my biggest complaint would have to be the prototypical villain he just has no characterization or depth to him. and for a film that starts off so detailed and smartly written, i guess i would expect that the main villain of the film (if there had to be one, which i don't think there needed to be) would be a little bit more "advanced" and detailed than he actually is. not a huge flaw, but it did seem underdeveloped / out of place.

and i still, after about 10 viewings, don't understand the camera work for the second half of the movie. the movie starts in a documentary type feel with people being interviewed and us meeting Wikus, and we go with him as he serves eviction notices and searches for contraband. however after

[Show spoiler]Wikus gets infected and starts mutating

the camera still feels like it's being carried by someone who's following Wikus and it feels like a documentary. and maybe it is? but because of the situation, i don't think that's at all the case. but the film is shot the same "shaky cam" way, so it feels the same, but it can't possibly be, can it?

i still thoroughly enjoy District 9 though a unique story and a character that you actually can relate to and feel for in Wikus, who's funny, we feel sympathy for and yet a dick all at the same time. and that's hard to pull off!

PQ: 5/5 amazing details, all around incredibly stunning
AQ: ? i'm terrible at rating AQ and not even gonna bother trying

4/5

Nice Review i gave it the same rating! I liked the entire film though. I thought it was cool and very different!

[Romulus]

Now that my midterm exams are over, I actually got to go to the theater for the first since July when I saw Toy Story 3.

A little reflection though first. When I viewed Inception back in theaters on opening night I gave the film a 5/5 and called it Nolan's best effort yet. The more I think about the film the less great I think it is. I wouldn't call it Nolan's best film anymore. I still think The Dark Knight it his all around best effort and I would place Inception at number 2. I would now rate Inception at a solid 4/5. I feel that Inception offers a very complex and unique idea but has too many flat characters.

So now, the film that I actually watched this weekend:

The Social Network

First and foremost I think David Fincher is one of the most overrated Director's in Hollywood today. Shockingly, I highly enjoyed Benjamin Button while not going crazy for Fight Club. I obviously enjoy his work in a different way from everyone else. That being said, I have no idea how you couldn't possibly enjoy The Social Network.

This is the best film that I've seen in theaters since Slumdog Millionaire. I was highly afraid that Jesse Eisenberg would put on the same acting show seen in Adventureland and Zombieland. Eisenberg absolutely nailed the role and couldn't believe how good his performance was. I'm not ready to hand him an Oscar for his performance yet, but he definitely deserves one of the 5 spots come February. Andrew Garfield is just as deserving too. His performance doesn't immediately impress from the beginning, though when the time calls for it he takes command of the screen. Garfield in my opinion offers the emotional core of the film. I wouldn't say there was one bad actor or actress in the entire film.

The Social Network is a film that doesn't take one persons side. It simply presents you with what happened and lets you decide who is right or wrong. You can feel sympathy for any one of the characters for a legitimate reason. I think this will be the film that gets people talking more than any other film for this reason.

Other highlights include the cinematography and soundtrack. Trent Reznor composed a perfect soundtrack for the film. While Reznor is in the band Nine Inch Nails, The Social Network sets a subtle and smooth soundtrack that sets the tone perfectly. The cinematography highlight of the film would be

[Show spoiler]the rowing competition in Britain scene. Reminds me of the work in Assassination of Jesse James.

Simply put, this is another film from this year that cannot be missed. Fincher gives us his best film to date with strong performances from Eisenberg and Garfield and a superb soundtrack from Trent Reznor.

5/5

My top films for the year so far:

1. The Social Network
2. Toy Story 3
3. Inception
4. Shutter Island
5. Winnebago Man

[AKORIS]

THE BOX

Another wonderfully depressing and upsetting film from Hollywood!

A bizarre tale to say the least, I was really getting into this for the first half, then it turns very weird but still interesting. Cameron Diaz has perhaps never been so likeable and sympathetic in a movie-- without giving away the ending--

[Show spoiler]the outcome to everything was a real downer. It was upsetting on multiple levels-- this movie flopped at the boxoffice and I can see why! I admit though that I hate ultra-downbeat endings and THE MIST seems to be a favorite here so maybe other people will like it!

2.0 out of 5.0

[lDlisturb3d]

Courage Under Fire

Director: Edward Zwick
Writer: Patrick Sheane Duncan
Mains: Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Matt Damon

When it rains it pours but the grass is always greener on the other side!

To start off i love military movies, rather they be action or suspense! I love them. Courage Under Fire was a great movie the story was amazing and had a nice little twist at the end. But overall the drama was top notch along with the amazing performances given. I especially like the pressure that is represented in Denzel's Character!!! It was extremely entertaining to see him battle the decisions he made on top of doing an investigation for Meg Ryan's Character. The movie ended perfectly and the story has stuck to me.

Recommended

4/5

I really liked this movie but Rules of Engagement will always be my number one Military/Drama movie. The court scene is unforgettable!!!

[Lepidopterous]

The Secret of Kells

This film sets out to prove there are no bounds with imagination and creativity. Animators hold nothing back, letting the visuals tell a story of their own and incorporating the importance of creative art as a thematic element. At first sight, it may bear a resemblance to some of what has been done before (Samurai Jack), but it firmly stands on its own nonetheless. The style will be sure to leave you in awe. Hand-painted imagery floods the background as if you are watching a moving canvas. Intense colors fill the screen, painting a colorful world of excitement, wonder, and terror. Brendan's tour of the forest is nothing short of breathtaking. Watercolored settings pull you into this world deeper and deeper, not knowing what to expect next. The design is utilized gracefully and never fails to impress. Rough shapes contrast with the beautifully blended backgrounds to give an original experience full of detail.

The Irish score is fantastic. As gorgeous as the movie is, the sound is half the magic. Its simplicity helps create the haunting atmosphere. Top notch audio quality as well.

As for the story, there is quite a bit of historical and cultural grounding to it, but I won't get into that. There are bits of humor here and there, but overall, it is serious in tone. The movie follows a boy as he discovers the strength of imagination. An old man arrives at Kells with a book that requires finishing and hands down the responsibility to the boy. But this is no short task and forces him to disobey his own uncle, the Abbot of Kells. As he wanders outside of Kells (for the first time) to pick berries for ink, he meets the spirit of the forest, Aisling, and the magic truly begins.

By far the most original animation I've seen since The Triplets of Belleville, this is a work of inspired creativity. Very rarely does an animated film look, sound, and feel so incredible and fresh... and the outstanding quality of the blu-ray really hits it home. The Secret of Kells will grab you and won't let you go.

4.5/5

[Madman2112]

Just watched "Splice" last night. Loved it! Hoping for a sequel. Have to give this a 5/5 all around. Could have been more extras though.

[Al_The_Strange]

^^^ I decided to blind-buy that one. Looks like something that would interest me...

“[Rec]”

I blind-bought “Quarantine” before I ever saw this original Spanish film; I thought that the remake was adequate, but the original is certainly harder to beat.

In the same fashion as the “Blair Witch Project,” “[Rec]” features a whole lotta amateur cameramanship for dramatic effect, complete with shakes, jumps, bounces, falling-on-the-floor madness. It gets a bit nerve-wracking at times, but for a horror film with raging zombie-like monsters, I think the style is fitting. And most of the time, the film makes very clever use of the camera tricks and techniques. It also has a very impressive use of sound. It all works together to make the film very harrowing.

But what really ramps up the intensity and creepiness is, as always, the atmosphere. There is no music, no clichés, no fancy SFX, or anything that’s otherwise predictable or clichéd. It has a very realistic and immersive experience, and parts of it are downright frightening.

The story is generally alright; some of the characters have their stupid moments, and there are some annoying arguments here and there, but otherwise they’re pretty realistically portrayed and well-acted. The story has many unexpected twists and turns, some of which are pretty darn startling.

Despite all the scares and the clever craftsmanship of this film, I do find its style a little too nervewracking for me.

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

This British Blu-Ray is a good deal. The image looks much sharper and cleaner than I expected. I’m sure this was made with digital cameras or something, but it looks pretty darn awesome at times. Some scenes may show noise, depending on lighting conditions, night vision, source material, etc, but for this film, this is probably the best possible quality. Sound quality is very good.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5



“[Rec 2]”

More shakey-cam, more screaming arguments, more stupid people…

“[Rec 2]” has much of the same as the first film, continuing precisely where it left off, and throwing in some new characters into the mix. But as it goes on, it takes on a new scope and scale of its own, significantly ramping up the creepiness, raising the stakes, and adding more to the overall story arc. It has a lot more moments that I found unexpected and genuinely scary, especially

[Show spoiler]with the “Exorcist”-style demonic possession angle.

The film’s style is the same as the first, if not more erratic. They managed to squeeze in some more very interesting camera effects, and they spliced together footage from multiple cameras. The effect is not only visually interesting, but also a clever storytelling technique.

As it is, I think I do like this sequel better than the first. But time will tell. And it makes me wonder if a third film will be in order (that would be something to behold… )

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

Once again, this Blu-Ray is great. Picture quality here is much like the first film; some scenes may be soft due to the “mini-cam” footage, but otherwise it looks sharp and clean. It probably is the best possible quality for this film. Sound quality is great.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

Both of these films are region-B locked.

Foggy, if you thought “[Rec]” 1 was something, you haven’t seen nothing yet!

[bingtau]

It took me a while to check this flick out but I'm way glad I did. I found it on the PSN network for 2.99. A film by the City of God director is a dark and gloomy look at an epidemic out of control. The performances are spot on and the directing is mostly flawless. The score also does a good job effecting the mood of the film. Mostly bad reviews by the critics but a worthy film. Would love to see a blu release someday. Film 4/5 Audio 4/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

“[Rec]”

I blind-bought “Quarantine” before I ever saw this original Spanish film; I thought that the remake was adequate, but the original is certainly harder to beat.

In the same fashion as the “Blair Witch Project,” “[Rec]” features a whole lotta amateur cameramanship for dramatic effect, complete with shakes, jumps, bounces, falling-on-the-floor madness. It gets a bit nerve-wracking at times, but for a horror film with raging zombie-like monsters, I think the style is fitting. And most of the time, the film makes very clever use of the camera tricks and techniques. It also has a very impressive use of sound. It all works together to make the film very harrowing.

But what really ramps up the intensity and creepiness is, as always, the atmosphere. There is no music, no clichés, no fancy SFX, or anything that’s otherwise predictable or clichéd. It has a very realistic and immersive experience, and parts of it are downright frightening.

The story is generally alright; some of the characters have their stupid moments, and there are some annoying arguments here and there, but otherwise they’re pretty realistically portrayed and well-acted. The story has many unexpected twists and turns, some of which are pretty darn startling.

Despite all the scares and the clever craftsmanship of this film, I do find its style a little too nervewracking for me.

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

i watched [Rec] for the first time a few weeks ago, and i had already seen Quarantine. i almost hate Quarantine now simply for how it followed [Rec] scene for damn scene made watching [Rec] kinda boring because i already knew what was going to happen

i don't mind remakes and whatnot, but come on, a little originality! i think Quarantine changed like, 2 things. otherwise i found everything to be the exact same! Quarantine should ship with a sticker that says, "don't watch until you've seen the original, because this is the exact came movie (in every sense of the word) just without subtitles."

[Denoku]

SERENITY

This may be my favorite movie of all time. I love the show Firefly and I am so glad that this movie came to be. It has to be pretty damn good to have a show that gets cancelled then have a movie made about it because it is loved so much. I really wish the show would of have continued but thankfully we have the movie that ties things up pretty much. I think it has the perfect cast of characters. Nathan Fillion being one of my favorite actors along with Adam Baldwin and Ron Glass. Summer Glau is top notch, I love to watch her kick some ass. This movie is just perfect for me, nice bit of action, sci-fi, comedy and mayble a little horrific considering the Reavers. Couldn't ask for a better movie to bring justice to the show that was Firefly. Wish there was more in the Firefly universe but "Serenity" will have to do.


Definitely a 6/5 for me


Edit:

I forgot to add the PQ and AQ are very good as well. Universal always seems to do a nice job. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to anyone. If you haven't seen it, it is a must buy definitely.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

SERENITY

[Show spoiler]
This may be my favorite movie of all time. I love the show Firefly and I am so glad that this movie came to be. It has to be pretty damn good to have a show that gets cancelled then have a movie made about it because it is loved so much. I really wish the show would of have continued but thankfully we have the movie that ties things up pretty much. I think it has the perfect cast of characters. Nathan Fillion being one of my favorite actors along with Adam Baldwin and Ron Glass. Summer Glau is top notch, I love to watch her kick some ass. This movie is just perfect for me, nice bit of action, sci-fi, comedy and mayble a little horrific considering the Reavers. Couldn't ask for a better movie to bring justice to the show that was Firefly. Wish there was more in the Firefly universe but "Serenity" will have to do.


Definitely a 6/5 for me


Edit:

I forgot to add the PQ and AQ are very good as well. Universal always seems to do a nice job. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to anyone. If you haven't seen it, it is a must buy definitely.

I enjoyed this movie i think i gave it a 3.5/5 or 4/5 i just felt like there were unanswered questions. Maybe I need to check out this show.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

^^^ I decided to blind-buy that one. Looks like something that would interest me...

“[Rec]”

I blind-bought “Quarantine” before I ever saw this original Spanish film; I thought that the remake was adequate, but the original is certainly harder to beat.

[Show spoiler]In the same fashion as the “Blair Witch Project,” “[Rec]” features a whole lotta amateur cameramanship for dramatic effect, complete with shakes, jumps, bounces, falling-on-the-floor madness. It gets a bit nerve-wracking at times, but for a horror film with raging zombie-like monsters, I think the style is fitting. And most of the time, the film makes very clever use of the camera tricks and techniques. It also has a very impressive use of sound. It all works together to make the film very harrowing.

But what really ramps up the intensity and creepiness is, as always, the atmosphere. There is no music, no clichés, no fancy SFX, or anything that’s otherwise predictable or clichéd. It has a very realistic and immersive experience, and parts of it are downright frightening.

The story is generally alright; some of the characters have their stupid moments, and there are some annoying arguments here and there, but otherwise they’re pretty realistically portrayed and well-acted. The story has many unexpected twists and turns, some of which are pretty darn startling.

Despite all the scares and the clever craftsmanship of this film, I do find its style a little too nervewracking for me.

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

This British Blu-Ray is a good deal. The image looks much sharper and cleaner than I expected. I’m sure this was made with digital cameras or something, but it looks pretty darn awesome at times. Some scenes may show noise, depending on lighting conditions, night vision, source material, etc, but for this film, this is probably the best possible quality. Sound quality is very good.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5



“[Rec 2]”

More shakey-cam, more screaming arguments, more stupid people…

“[Rec 2]” has much of the same as the first film, continuing precisely where it left off, and throwing in some new characters into the mix. But as it goes on, it takes on a new scope and scale of its own, significantly ramping up the creepiness, raising the stakes, and adding more to the overall story arc. It has a lot more moments that I found unexpected and genuinely scary, especially

[Show spoiler]with the “Exorcist”-style demonic possession angle.

The film’s style is the same as the first, if not more erratic. They managed to squeeze in some more very interesting camera effects, and they spliced together footage from multiple cameras. The effect is not only visually interesting, but also a clever storytelling technique.

As it is, I think I do like this sequel better than the first. But time will tell. And it makes me wonder if a third film will be in order (that would be something to behold… )

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

Once again, this Blu-Ray is great. Picture quality here is much like the first film; some scenes may be soft due to the “mini-cam” footage, but otherwise it looks sharp and clean. It probably is the best possible quality for this film. Sound quality is great.

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5

Both of these films are region-B locked.

Foggy, if you thought “[Rec]” 1 was something, you haven’t seen nothing yet!

[Show spoiler]

Dude this movie made me jump harder than any movie i've ever watched!!!! The movie was ok but the horror was very nice!!! I bought mine for 9.99

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

[/SPOILER]
I enjoyed this movie i think i gave it a 3.5/5 or 4/5 i just felt like there were unanswered questions. Maybe I need to check out this show.

YES!!! .....the show helps. And it's one of the best shows that's ever been tragically cancelled before its time. Go check it out!

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

[/SPOILER]

Dude this movie made me jump harder than any movie i've ever watched!!!! The movie was ok but the horror was very nice!!! I bought mine for 9.99

That's a good way to put it. Some parts really did surprise me.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i watched [Rec] for the first time a few weeks ago, and i had already seen Quarantine. i almost hate Quarantine now simply for how it followed [Rec] scene for damn scene made watching [Rec] kinda boring because i already knew what was going to happen

i don't mind remakes and whatnot, but come on, a little originality! i think Quarantine changed like, 2 things. otherwise i found everything to be the exact same! Quarantine should ship with a sticker that says, "don't watch until you've seen the original, because this is the exact came movie (in every sense of the word) just without subtitles."

I know what you mean; I can barely remember the remake, much less distinguish it from the original.

I heard they're making a second "Quarantine." It'll be the same thing in an airport.