The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

[Show spoiler]Two wasted opportunities for I MAD

I'm waiting for the opportune moment...those were close, but not quite. It must be unexpected...like the Riddick one

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

2009 was your rookie season. You are having a "Sophmore Slump". Shake it off or they'll bench you.

Gotta get my head back in the game...

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

He was a member though last year. That's enough. He shouldnt have recieved a promotion unless he can handle the tasks, which at this point, it looks shakey at best. Just the other day I caught him misspelling a word. He's really bringing down the credibility of the site.

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

Link? (Squid's the only one that will understand that one )

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i almost thought that picture said "i will be blood" and then i instantly thought of "There Will Be Blood" and i was very happy
then i realized that "i will be blood" makes absolutely no sense

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Up

(again, I haven’t seen TS3 yet , which I hear really wrecked some).

You'll be a blubbering shell of your previously manly self


Up just doesn't work for me as well as it does for others around here

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

You'll be a blubbering shell of your previously manly self


Up just doesn't work for me as well as it does for others around here

that's part of what makes me really excited to see it, as odd as that sounds
i'll have to make sure i watch it by myself first and then with the gf. she's seen me blubber way too many times already in my life to have any dignity left (numerous scenes in LOST alone destroyed any "tough man" gimmick i had ) so for this release, i'm sure i'm gonna need a brand new Kleenex box prepared. only a few more days left!

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

He said raise the bar HIGHER.

If I bothered to make a list of my 10 favorite films of all time, I'm not sure you could even find the bar so I could raise it higher. I think it would be buried too low.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by killowertz

If I bothered to make a list of my 10 favorite films of all time, I'm not sure you could even find the bar so I could raise it higher. I think it would be buried too low.

Underworld cancels out at least one crappy movie.

And we both know how much you love crappy movies

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Underworld cancels out at least one crappy movie.

And we both know how much you love crappy movies

I agree on Underwold of course, but some people would laugh at including it, along with other movies.

Of course I love crappy movies. I just buy good movies to make my collection look better.

[Show spoiler]You like Vin Diesel. Nuff said.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Up

[Show spoiler]Without a doubt, Up captures the viewers heart with its wonderful opening act that shows almost the entire life of Carl and Ellie. It’s beautiful, funny, heartwarming, charming and the characters suddenly feel like very real people, not CGI characters. The “montage” of Carl and Ellie’s life together is connected via music, no dialogue, which is not needed, and really makes an impact. I know a lot of people are crushed, or extremely saddened by

[Show spoiler]the passing of Ellie

, and I was, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a certain scene later on that really plucks at my heart strings.

The film as far as themes is certainly one of the deeper (if not currently the deepest - haven’t seen Toy Story 3 yet), more meaningful films Pixar has done. And having the main character be human (and not an ant, toy, fish, or robot) probably adds to that, but the way that Up goes from theme to theme is staggering. The film is almost every genre rolled into one fast paced, excellent 89 minute film. Most films with actual human beings couldn’t get me to convey as much emotion or laugh as much as Up did / does / has / will again.

The story about a man who suddenly feels bad or responsible for not accomplishing his and his wife’s dream suddenly uses that ambition as a last resort after he lost his temper. One thing I love about Up is how much you feel that Ellie is still present throughout it. You can really tell Carl loves Ellie and his actions and their home showcases this time and time again.

First few times I watched Up I thought the “weakness” of the film was Russell. And while he isn’t necessarily a favorite character of mine, he in no way brings the film down. He still gets laughs, I still feel bad for him and I still sympathize with him, at first I think he just came across as obnoxious like too many kids in movies do. But that’s generally what little kids are - obnoxious, so I can’t take away points for the film being honest.

The scene that really got to me, and it’s gotten to me every time I’ve watched Up is when Carl is

[Show spoiler]looking through Ellie’s adventure book and sees that she actually filled it in - with pictures of her life with Carl. And even though they didn’t go on any big, amazing trips, the pictures of them sharing moments together is what matters most, not where you are, but who you spend them with. And that last note she leaves him (that he should start a new adventure)

always gets me teary eyed like a school girl . I believe Up may be the first animated movie to get me to full out CRY (), but I’d have to double check with the Toy Story films (again, I haven’t seen TS3 yet , which I hear really wrecked some). but it's not a "depressing" / sad cry, it's just a truly, very emotional scene that brings about some sad tears and mainly restrained happy tears.

The ending is uplifting - as is most of the film, it’s certainly not depressing by any means aside from about 10-15 minutes - and I love how Carl grows, even at such an old age. My favorite character by far is Kevin , and one of the biggest laughs in the film is when he mocks Carl’s actions when he first meets him

I used to give Up a terrific 4.5/5, but it truly does deserve a 5/5 (same with the PQ and AQ as well) because for a film to still make me laugh as hard as it does, still make me care about the characters as deeply as I do, and still makes me tear up during certain scenes is a testament to great filmmaking.

Of course highly recommended , and I’m sure everyone has seen it by now like they should have

5/5

Excellent review. It is my favorite Pixar, just ahead of Ratatouille.

I have to say that just about every Miyazaki film touches me more deeply though. I watched the UK import of Nausicaa yesterday and find that Miyazaki has a way or portraying complete joy, especially in children, that nothing else touches.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

[/spoiler]

Excellent review. It is my favorite Pixar, just ahead of Ratatouille.

I have to say that just about every Miyazaki film touches me more deeply though. I watched the UK import of Nausicaa yesterday and find that Miyazaki has a way or portraying complete joy, especially in children, that nothing else touches.

thanks Steve!

i have to say, all of my animation films are either Pixar, Disney or Dreamworks, nothing else i've been meaning to watch Grave of the Fireflies and get into some other animation films, but it's not really an area i've tried to expand on lately. i'm more of a drama / psychological thriller / thinker type (which i know you are too with your great Mulholland Dr. theory ) and even though there are some animated dramas out there, i always seem to forget about them

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

thanks Steve!

i have to say, all of my animation films are either Pixar, Disney or Dreamworks, nothing else i've been meaning to watch Grave of the Fireflies and get into some other animation films, but it's not really an area i've tried to expand on lately. i'm more of a drama / psychological thriller / thinker type (which i know you are too with your great Mulholland Dr. theory ) and even though there are some animated dramas out there, i always seem to forget about them

Grave of the Fireflies is wonderful. You will cry your eyes out. You would almost certainly see the beauty in Miyazaki films if you were touched by Up.

Try Ponyo, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki's Delivery Service. Then everything else if you like them

[iam1bearcat]

2001: A Space Odyssey

i've reviewed the film before, so i'll try and keep it short(er)
i haven't watched 2001 for awhile (like, a month maybe ) so going back and watching (most of -damn gf ) it i remembered all the greatness that the film possesses.

shame on me, the first time i watched this years ago i was determined after about 45 minutes that i would never watch this again and that "2001 is the dumbest movie ever" ahh, what a few short years can teach you. to say i "understand" 2001 would be a lie, because well, aside from a film that let's everyone have their own theories (especially once it ends / final two scenes) so there is no "right" or "wrong", but just because there is so much to take in. but needless to say when i went back the second time (which was about a year later) the film really sucked me in and stayed with me in a way that it certainly didn't before and a way that few films prior ever did.

to say 2001 is pure genius is a vast understatement and while i'm not the biggest Kubrick fan in the world, 2001 is his best film by far (imo) and one of the best films period. but more than just being a very well made masterpiece of the science fiction genre - or of any genre, no restraints - it's become a personal Top 25 favorite because of how genius, fresh, exciting, and original it is. Moon feels a bit like 2001 in it's isolated character(s) and computer companion, but captures probably about 2% of the scope that 2001 covers, and the messages of both films are completely different. that's not saying Moon is bad by any means (5/5 from this guy right here ) but no film could compare with 2001 in terms of scope alone, much less a billion other categories.

and then there is a scene that, to me, is intensely creepy and has more tension and fear in it than 95% of all horror movies combined, and with one line of dialogue, everyone who knows the film well will know what i mean:

"open the pod bay doors, HAL"

it's not necessarily a 'creepy' or 'scary' scene but, to me, it's just so thick with tension, worry, angst, anticipation, fear, and anger. it's a masterful scene in a series of masterful scenes in a masterful film.

ah, i could go on and on needless to say, this is a classic. a dare i say, perfect film

5/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

2001: A Space Odyssey


ah, i could go on and on needless to say, this is a classic. a dare i say, perfect film

5/5

Arguably the greatest cut ever too

[Show spoiler]spinning bone to spaceship

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Arguably the greatest cut ever too

[Show spoiler]spinning bone to spaceship

yep, yep a truly amazing scene. and i definitely didn't see that cut coming.

[Freekman]

Aliens
Film - 5/5
PQ - 5/5
AQ - 5/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Freekman

Aliens
Film - 5/5
PQ - 5/5
AQ - 5/5

The PQ is that impressive? How about the DNR?

[Freekman]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The PQ is that impressive? How about the DNR?

Actually, to my surprise, the DNR did not stand out as much as one would assume. There was still a lot of detail and considering previous transfers I've viewed the film under, this is by far the best looking.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

2001: A Space Odyssey


and then there is a scene that, to me, is intensely creepy and has more tension and fear in it than 95% of all horror movies combined, and with one line of dialogue, everyone who knows the film well will know what i mean:

"open the pod bay doors, HAL"

it's not necessarily a 'creepy' or 'scary' scene but, to me, it's just so thick with tension, worry, angst, anticipation, fear, and anger. it's a masterful scene in a series of masterful scenes in a masterful film.
5/5

Nice review! I agree about there being no right or wrong way to interpret this film. I think Kubrick said - "each viewer is free to speculate as to the philosophical and allegorical meaning" of the film. So that says it right there.

I also like the analogy that 2001 is like a signpost, not a destination. Each viewer merely watches it, then decides where they want to go (metaphysically, etc).

Regarding HAL: Yes its creepy! That's because HAL was the inspiration for the #1 movie villain of all-time (Lecter): cold, merciless, detached killer
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/...102180301/1023

[jhiggy23]

Lovers of the Arctic Circle (dvd)


Film: 3 stars (out of 4)


Synopsis: The moment they meet, 8-year-olds Ana (Sara Valiente) and Otto (Peru Medem) know they have a special connection. After all, their names are both palindromes -- spelled the same whether they're read forward or backward -- and each has a parent looking for a mate. But when their families finally meld, the two children, now young adults (played by Victor Hugo Oliveira and Kristel Díaz) realize that they, too, may share a romantic destiny.



This is my third Julio Medem film. Sex and Lucia is one of the most complex and erotic films I've seen. Room in Rome is one of my top 10 favorite films of all-time and is one of my greatest joys as a film goer. The Lovers of the Arctic Circle, however, is several notches below both of those films despite being widely considered as Medem's best film. It was reviewed very favorably, with an 83% RT rating.

I think one of the better written and accurate reviews of the film is this:

http://www.reelviews.net/movies/l/lovers_arctic.html


Now, why did I only give it 3 stars? I felt that at times the film tried too hard to convey fate and destiny, when subtlety would've been more efficient. While I love Medem's directing, there were times here that it was a bit odd, even for him. I connected with the characters, but ultimately I didn't connect with them enough to be truly moved by the story, the way I was with Room in Rome and other great romances. That, to me, is why the film failed to meet my expectations. I still recommend seeing it though.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Freekman

Actually, to my surprise, the DNR did not stand out as much as one would assume. There was still a lot of detail and considering previous transfers I've viewed the film under, this is by far the best looking.

Great news! Can't wait for the first two to be individually released. No way am I wasting my money on Fincher's embarassment or the pointless Resurrection.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Great news! Can't wait for the first two to be individually released. No way am I wasting my money on Fincher's embarassment or the pointless Resurrection.

jeez, don't start holding back jhiggy. tell us how you really feel!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Nice review! I agree about there being no right or wrong way to interpret this film. I think Kubrick said - "each viewer is free to speculate as to the philosophical and allegorical meaning" of the film. So that says it right there.

I also like the analogy that 2001 is like a signpost, not a destination. Each viewer merely watches it, then decides where they want to go (metaphysically, etc).

Regarding HAL: Yes its creepy! That's because HAL was the inspiration for the #1 movie villain of all-time (Lecter): cold, merciless, detached killer
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/...102180301/1023

wow! thanks for that link Surf!
i can totally see the resemblances now. Hopkins nailed it down perfectly!
although reading bits and pieces of that review pissed off because... THERE IS NO COMMENTARY ON THE BD RELEASE OF THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS! and from that small review alone there were juicy tidbits floating about that came from commentaries. ugh. i HATE when the BD release doesn't get everything that earlier DVD releases did. if this is the "superior format" than why is it not SUPERIOR in every single way?!

haha, sorry to go off on a non-thread related rant, but i'm a big fan of commentaries and now i'm gonna have to either rent the dvd or buy a cheap copy to listen to it now that i know there is one

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I connected with the characters, but ultimately I didn't connect with them enough to be truly moved by the story, the way I was with Room in Rome and other great romances.

do you know why Netflix doesn't have this available? or why almost no site has anything on this film? i'm stumped