The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

I nearly forgot: I also got to watch “The Rage: Carrie 2” yesterday.

Obviously, a sequel to “Carrie” is not exactly the perfect idea for a film,

[Show spoiler]especially since Carrie died at the end of the first film!

The bridge between these two films is rather flimsy, bringing back only one supporting character from the original and explaining the connection away just briefly. The rest of the film plays out exactly like the original, making it predictable rather than tense. A lot of elements from the original (such as the religious fanaticism) have been significantly diminished, further reducing the impact. For all that goes, I can’t fathom why this film has to be a “Carrie” sequel, rather than a stand-alone story.

Regardless, I’ve always been pleased with this so-called sequel. If not for the story itself, then for the wicked scenes at the end; there are enough gnarly bloody scenes to really keep me reeling. The part with the

[Show spoiler]harpoons

is especially cringe-worthy. As far as the rest of the film goes, I think it’s adequately well-filmed; some parts show a lot of black-and-white footage for some unknown reason, so there are some seemingly-frivolous artistic choices here and there. Despite the rehashed story, the characters are fairly well-defined and distinctive in their own right. Acting is good; dialogue and writing is not bad. What few SFX the film has are quite imaginative, even if they appear somewhat fake. Production quality seems pretty good. Music totally rocks.

In the end, there are some things I liked about it.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 3/5, film: 3.5/5)

Blu-Ray please!

[Al_The_Strange]

“Constantine.”

Not Constantine the historical figure, but John…Constantine…a** hole…

I’ve never read the original “Hellblazer” comics, so I don’t know how they compare. On its own merits, the “Constantine” film has always struck me as an intriguing theological noir thriller (if that kind of genre can even be defined ). It’s a little slowly-paced compared to other comic book movies or fantasy films or what have you; it’s easily more comparable to a modern horror movie like “The Ring” or something, but with more action and SFX.

Despite its limited pacing, the movie does entertain with some very awesome SFX and decent (if not short) action scenes. The film is very stylish with lots of slick photography and a quality production design (lots of cool sets, props, weapons, and nifty gizmos). Writing is rather interesting; plenty of amusing lines, even if exposition is a little light. Acting is really spot-on. Music is not bad either.

As far as the story goes, it’s a little weird and convoluted, and I can imagine some folks might not get it. This is the type of film that operates in its own universe with its own rules (which in turn reflect some interesting theological ideas). As such, there are a lot of bizarre occurrences, and the characters do some strange rituals and use odd artifacts to get the job done. Few things are explained, well enough to get the gist of the story, but it gets a little out-there when Constantine uses a cat and a bucket of water to literally go to Hell, among other things.

Don’t get me wrong though; I think the film is cool that way, and defines it as intelligent, imaginative, and stylish (at least moreso than other modern horror flicks). The movie ultimately cumulates with a rather interesting showdown with a dramatic twist; one I feel is smart and interesting.

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

This Blu-Ray looks phenomenal; a few grainy scenes perhaps, but the level of detail and sharpness is impeccable. Sound quality is a little low, but still clear and adequately impressive.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5

[Hep]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

exactly. I dont know if i want to expose my brain to that. Im not trying to be all closed in but there's a limit to what i ALLOW myself to be entertained by.

I get it, I guess my line is further than most, like over-the-horizon far . Maybe that has something to do with the differences in our elements. I assume you are/were in the ground forces, while I'm in the air force .

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Hep

I get it, I guess my line is further than most, like over-the-horizon far . Maybe that has something to do with the differences in our elements. I assume you are/were in the ground forces, while I'm in the air force .

nope NAVY my brother.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

“Constantine.”

Not Constantine the historical figure, but John…Constantine…a** hole…

[Show spoiler]
I’ve never read the original “Hellblazer” comics, so I don’t know how they compare. On its own merits, the “Constantine” film has always struck me as an intriguing theological noir thriller (if that kind of genre can even be defined ). It’s a little slowly-paced compared to other comic book movies or fantasy films or what have you; it’s easily more comparable to a modern horror movie like “The Ring” or something, but with more action and SFX.

Despite its limited pacing, the movie does entertain with some very awesome SFX and decent (if not short) action scenes. The film is very stylish with lots of slick photography and a quality production design (lots of cool sets, props, weapons, and nifty gizmos). Writing is rather interesting; plenty of amusing lines, even if exposition is a little light. Acting is really spot-on. Music is not bad either.

As far as the story goes, it’s a little weird and convoluted, and I can imagine some folks might not get it. This is the type of film that operates in its own universe with its own rules (which in turn reflect some interesting theological ideas). As such, there are a lot of bizarre occurrences, and the characters do some strange rituals and use odd artifacts to get the job done. Few things are explained, well enough to get the gist of the story, but it gets a little out-there when Constantine uses a cat and a bucket of water to literally go to Hell, among other things.

Don’t get me wrong though; I think the film is cool that way, and defines it as intelligent, imaginative, and stylish (at least moreso than other modern horror flicks). The movie ultimately cumulates with a rather interesting showdown with a dramatic twist; one I feel is smart and interesting.

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

This Blu-Ray looks phenomenal; a few grainy scenes perhaps, but the level of detail and sharpness is impeccable. Sound quality is a little low, but still clear and adequately impressive.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5

Great Review. I like this movie allot. It was one of my initial purchases.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

nope NAVY my brother.

Hmm, I would have thought that the Navy would have desensitized you more; but I guess our Navy is more hands-on

[Show spoiler]

[Denoku]

Alright I got three movies left from the Halloween Marathon and I can't decide what to end it with....


The Thing
The Exorcist
Psycho

[Freekman]

Watched Zombieland again last night (I fell asleep 20 minutes from the end, but I'm counting it anyway). Every time I watch this movie, I catch something that makes it that much more enjoyable. 5/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

Alright I got three movies left from the Halloween Marathon and I can't decide what to end it with....


The Thing
The Exorcist
Psycho

Go with the best horror film of all-time: Psycho. Looks fantastic on blu too.

[rkolinski]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Go with the best horror film of all-time: Psycho. Looks fantastic on blu too.

Agree!

[Al_The_Strange]

Can't go wrong with "Psycho!"

I put "The Exorcist" in myself though...

[rkolinski]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

nope NAVY my brother.

Since you asked earlier, US Air Force; Sergeant, Vietnam (Christmas Eve 1969 until Christmas Week 1970).

[Denoku]

I wound up going with The Thing. I missed the responses before I picked one.

Horror and Sci-Fi tend to be the genres that draw my interest the most and whenever they are blended together it makes the perfect movie for me. I wasn't too sure what to expect from this movie going into it, other than it's a great horror movie. I've been watching a few movies that I feel just didn't live up to the hype that people were giving it, but this was different. It was better than I ever could of expected.

[Show spoiler] It's similar to Body Snatchers in the fact this "Thing" imitates people and tries to spread it's self. I like the whole concept of Alien's taking over peoples bodies, it always makes a interesting story I think, but I like this way better than Invasion of the BS

. A lot of great scares and some pretty ferocious looking monsters. I thought the effects were great especially for the time it was made and did a great job of pulling me in. I try to review like I know what I'm talking about

I liked this movie a lot and it is probaly my new favorite Horror movie!

I'll be sure to check out Psycho next though.

Oh by the way I nearly jumped out of my seat when

[Show spoiler]he was testing the blood and finally the one screams

5/5 for me

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

I wound up going with The Thing. I missed the responses before I picked one.

[Show spoiler]
Horror and Sci-Fi tend to be the genres that draw my interest the most and whenever they are blended together it makes the perfect movie for me. I wasn't too sure what to expect from this movie going into it, other than it's a great horror movie. I've been watching a few movies that I feel just didn't live up to the hype that people were giving it, but this was different. It was better than I ever could of expected.

[Show spoiler] It's similar to Body Snatchers in the fact this "Thing" imitates people and tries to spread it's self. I like the whole concept of Alien's taking over peoples bodies, it always makes a interesting story I think, but I like this way better than Invasion of the BS

. A lot of great scares and some pretty ferocious looking monsters. I thought the effects were great especially for the time it was made and did a great job of pulling me in. I try to review like I know what I'm talking about

I liked this movie a lot and it is probaly my new favorite Horror movie!

I'll be sure to check out Psycho next though.

Oh by the way I nearly jumped out of my seat when

[Show spoiler]he was testing the blood and finally the one screams

5/5 for me

Ah yeah, that movie's freaky! The scene

[Show spoiler]with the blood testing

is certainly surprising, but the one that really get me is

[Show spoiler]when the guy's using the defribbilator and the victim's freakin chest explodes open and eats his hands!

Holy crap!

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Ah yeah, that movie's freaky! The scene

[Show spoiler]with the blood testing

is certainly surprising, but the one that really get me is

[Show spoiler]when the guy's using the defribbilator and the victim's freakin chest explodes open and eats his hands!

Holy crap!

Oh yeah that part got me as well That was definitely creepy, I loved it though. Definitely a great Horror Movie

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by rkolinski

Since you asked earlier, US Air Force; Sergeant, Vietnam (Christmas Eve 1969 until Christmas Week 1970).

Can we all give a moment of appreciation for our forum members who have served or are currently serving? A round of applause and a great appreciation from myself, and I'm sure from the rest of those on this site as well.

[rkolinski]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Can we all give a moment of appreciation for our forum members who have served or are currently serving? A round of applause and a great appreciation from myself, and I'm sure from the rest of those on this site as well.

As always, thanks my friend! I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your wish list for movies on BD. I forget, did you ever have Paths of Glory on that list?

[surfdude12]

Prince of Persia

Film: 2/5
-I actually really liked the set design, costumes, and background story and setting
-but the acting, dialogue and script wasn't good IMO. I winced continually at how out of character Jake G was. He's no Russell Crowe or Viggo M. I think he's a good actor, but not in this type of role. Even though he got beefed up like Arnold, it didn't compensate for his semi-tough guy facial expressions. Also, I found the girl (name?) annoying as hell, even though she was hot
-regarding the script: by the end of the film, the end credits said

[Show spoiler]lifetimes are joined across time

which I still have no clue what has to do with the film and

[Show spoiler]using a dagger to turn back time 1 minute or longer

PQ: 4.5/5 (nice)

AQ: 5/5 (SICK! check out the "whip" scene...my audio system hasn't been worked out like this since Master and Comander)

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Prince of Persia

Film: 2/5
-I actually really liked the set design, costumes, and background story and setting
-but the acting, dialogue and script wasn't good IMO. I winced continually at how out of character Jake G was. He's no Russell Crowe or Viggo M. I think he's a good actor, but not in this type of role. Even though he got beefed up like Arnold, it didn't compensate for his semi-tough guy facial expressions. Also, I found the girl (name?) annoying as hell, even though she was hot
-regarding the script: by the end of the film, the end credits said

[Show spoiler]lifetimes are joined across time

which I still have no clue what has to do with the film and

[Show spoiler]using a dagger to turn back time 1 minute or longer

PQ: 4.5/5 (nice)

AQ: 5/5 (SICK! check out the "whip" scene...my audio system hasn't been worked out like this since Master and Comander)

Actually, its

[Show spoiler]"It is said some lives are linked across time…They Are Connected By An Ancient Calling…Destiny"

, as in

[Show spoiler]they ended up falling in love (SURPRISE! ) like they were "supposed" to but then she died and he had to turn back time...but they still ended up together anyway.

I thought he did pretty good in the role, he reminded me very much of the Prince from the game.

That was the point, she WAS irritating to him, so she was supposed to be irritating to us (well at least for the first half or so).


I gave it a 4.5 because I enjoyed it so much. Is it a fantastic film? No, not really, but its fun, and that's what it was made for, so it achieves its goal quite well.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Prince of Persia

Film: 2/5
-I actually really liked the set design, costumes, and background story and setting
-but the acting, dialogue and script wasn't good IMO. I winced continually at how out of character Jake G was. He's no Russell Crowe or Viggo M. I think he's a good actor, but not in this type of role. Even though he got beefed up like Arnold, it didn't compensate for his semi-tough guy facial expressions. Also, I found the girl (name?) annoying as hell, even though she was hot
-regarding the script: by the end of the film, the end credits said

[Show spoiler]lifetimes are joined across time

which I still have no clue what has to do with the film and

[Show spoiler]using a dagger to turn back time 1 minute or longer

PQ: 4.5/5 (nice)

AQ: 5/5 (SICK! check out the "whip" scene...my audio system hasn't been worked out like this since Master and Comander)

I know exactly what you mean. I agree with you about the characters; I went into the film ready to dismiss Jake's acting completely, since I could not really accept him in an action role (he's Donnie Darko, come on! ). But I gotta say, he definitely did the physical stuff really well. And the Prince is such a wisecrack in the rebooted game series; I think Jake captured the playful aspect of the character really well (even if it does weaken the character and his plausibility as an action hero). In the end, he actually surpassed my expectations.

But yeah, the chick was a little too unreasonable to be likable.

I wound up giving the film high points for being entertaining (the popcorn scale ). But I can't blame folks for hating it.