The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I would rather deal with wolves than the cave critters. But, I'd rather be stuck in a cave than stuck on a chair freezing. Both would suck though.

I would choose in a cave with wolves.

Thie thing that would suck most would be if the cave was freezing cold with cave creatures inside.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I would choose in a cave with wolves.

Thie thing that would suck most would be if the cave was freezing cold with cave creatures inside.

I would imagine a cave 2 miles underground wouldn't exactly be abundant in heating. Wow Natalie Mendoza is gorgeous, surprised it took me this long to notice.

[Marcus Wright]

Salt

Short review.
I think this was a very well done movie for a thriller genre. It was very interesting story with great action and enough twists to keep everyones attention. Jolie was great in the leading role.

Overall, good thriller. I dont see a lot of replay value, but defenitely recommended as at least a rental.

4/5

[iam1bearcat]

THE BOX (108 minutes)

Film #8

Year: 2009
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Sci-Fi

What Made Me Want to See This? It’s a Richard Kelly film, looked very odd and different

I’ll get this out of the way right away. I’ve heard almost NOTHING but bad things about The Box. When your debut is the fantastic Donnie Darko, I understand it’s hard to move past that and make something better, because I feel that Kelly will forever be known as “the Donnie Darko guy” which is a shame in a sense, but at least it’s a positive.

But, even after hearing all the negative talk about The Box, I still wanted to see it, because it looked interesting, but didn’t expect anything special. Well, I was wrong because I thought The Box kicked some serious ass!

I went in thinking “don’t expect anything like Donnie Darko”, but there are a lot of subtitles that reminded me of Donnie Darko. The clothes the kids wear in the school, the random odd creepy character that suddenly makes you go “WTF purpose do they serve?” and a host of other similarities arrived during the 108 minutes of The Box. But The Box is very different, very unique and very puzzling in nature.

It’s starts off slowly and takes it time to unwind and peel back the layers. The sci-fi aspects of the film don’t come into play until later in the game and some may find themselves completely lost by the time these oddities occur, but being a big time sci-fi fan, I loved it.

If you want a film that is a slow burner, asks questions, gives away nothing simply and makes you think, then The Box is worth at least a rental. I can see why people hate it, but I loved it from start to finish. The cinematography, the wonderfully eerie atmosphere, the perfect 1976 setting, and the overall experience of the film was terrific. The Box is a film that demands and requires repeated viewings to fully appreciate I'm sure, and I cannot wait to dive back in once I buy this bad boy

The story for those who don’t know or are not known to what The Box is, is quite simple, at first: a married couple in Virginia get a “gift” from a stranger. The gift is a button. They have 24 hours to decide if they want to push it. If they push it, someone they’ve never met will die, but they will be awarded 1 million dollars (“tax free”), if they don’t push the button, or if they tell anyone about it, the offer is then disregarded and they are left with nothing. Except questions of course…

At first I was a bit baffled a last second, seemingly out of left field decision that needed to be made, but as I thought about it and remembered a few quick scenes and cryptic dialogue, it made more sense and I enjoyed it. And the ending, I found to be gut wrenching because of what we know, what the characters know (same thing) but what no one else knows. It’s haunting, mind blowing and pure genius on Kelly’s part.

An exquisite film that is easily one of my favorites of 2009, and will be one that is quickly added to my collection and will rank high on my favorites list for years to come. But again, I know a lot won’t like it or connect with it, or they’ll hate the accent Diaz has for the film, but I loved it all. Terrific film in my opinion and at least worth a rental to those who enjoy the genres that The Box is.

Recommendation: High But probably best suited as a rental for most

PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: 4/5

Technical Score: 4/5
Enjoyment Level Score: 5/5 “loved it”

Final Verdict: 4.5/5

[Romulus]

True Grit

I believe the Coen Brothers can do no wrong. True Grit wasn't even high on my list of must see movies this holiday season, yet it didn't stop it from surprising me in many ways.

True Grit follows the story of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she attempts to avenge the death of her father. The murderer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), is hiding in Cherokee territory. Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track him down while receiving help from Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Matt Damon).

I had two primary concerns heading into the film; how well Steinfeld and Damon would play their roles. Thankfully both play their respective parts exceptionally well. While Damon isn't the first person I would envision to play in a western, he adapts the persona of La Boeuf with precision. Steinfeld absolutely knocks the part of Matti Ross out of the ball park. I honestly believe that Steinfeld is deserving of an Academy Award nomination as she is the heart and soul of the film. Her part works thanks to the writing of the Coen Brothers. In the original True Grit, the focus of the story is on Rooster Cogburn. The remake follows the novel faithfully and makes the focus of the story on Mattie Ross. This allows for the much needed growth of Mattie's character that was missing from the original. As such, Hailee Steinfeld handles the pressure with ease. Steinfeld proves that she can hang on screen with the greats of Hollywood and steals the show from everyone else.

My only complaint against the film is some issues of pacing towards the end and the character of Tom Chaney. Chaney does not play as big a role as I thought he would. For as important as he is in the story, little screen time is devoted to him.

[Show spoiler]I also found his death to be quite anti-climatic.

All in all this is another great film by the Coen Brothers.

4/5

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

THE BOX (108 minutes)

Film #8

[Show spoiler]Year: 2009
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Sci-Fi

What Made Me Want to See This? It’s a Richard Kelly film, looked very odd and different

I’ll get this out of the way right away. I’ve heard almost NOTHING but bad things about The Box. When your debut is the fantastic Donnie Darko, I understand it’s hard to move past that and make something better, because I feel that Kelly will forever be known as “the Donnie Darko guy” which is a shame in a sense, but at least it’s a positive.

But, even after hearing all the negative talk about The Box, I still wanted to see it, because it looked interesting, but didn’t expect anything special. Well, I was wrong because I thought The Box kicked some serious ass!

I went in thinking “don’t expect anything like Donnie Darko”, but there are a lot of subtitles that reminded me of Donnie Darko. The clothes the kids wear in the school, the random odd creepy character that suddenly makes you go “WTF purpose do they serve?” and a host of other similarities arrived during the 108 minutes of The Box. But The Box is very different, very unique and very puzzling in nature.

It’s starts off slowly and takes it time to unwind and peel back the layers. The sci-fi aspects of the film don’t come into play until later in the game and some may find themselves completely lost by the time these oddities occur, but being a big time sci-fi fan, I loved it.

If you want a film that is a slow burner, asks questions, gives away nothing simply and makes you think, then The Box is worth at least a rental. I can see why people hate it, but I loved it from start to finish. The cinematography, the wonderfully eerie atmosphere, the perfect 1976 setting, and the overall experience of the film was terrific. The Box is a film that demands and requires repeated viewings to fully appreciate I'm sure, and I cannot wait to dive back in once I buy this bad boy

The story for those who don’t know or are not known to what The Box is, is quite simple, at first: a married couple in Virginia get a “gift” from a stranger. The gift is a button. They have 24 hours to decide if they want to push it. If they push it, someone they’ve never met will die, but they will be awarded 1 million dollars (“tax free”), if they don’t push the button, or if they tell anyone about it, the offer is then disregarded and they are left with nothing. Except questions of course…

At first I was a bit baffled a last second, seemingly out of left field decision that needed to be made, but as I thought about it and remembered a few quick scenes and cryptic dialogue, it made more sense and I enjoyed it. And the ending, I found to be gut wrenching because of what we know, what the characters know (same thing) but what no one else knows. It’s haunting, mind blowing and pure genius on Kelly’s part.

An exquisite film that is easily one of my favorites of 2009, and will be one that is quickly added to my collection and will rank high on my favorites list for years to come. But again, I know a lot won’t like it or connect with it, or they’ll hate the accent Diaz has for the film, but I loved it all. Terrific film in my opinion and at least worth a rental to those who enjoy the genres that The Box is.

Recommendation: High But probably best suited as a rental for most

PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: 4/5

Technical Score: 4/5
Enjoyment Level Score: 5/5 “loved it”

Final Verdict: 4.5/5

Man I didnt care much for this film at all. Got Em!!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Romulus

True Grit

I believe the Coen Brothers can do wrong. True Grit wasn't even high on my list of must see movies this holiday season, yet it didn't stop it from surprising me in many ways.

True Grit follows the story of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she attempts to avenge the death of her father. The murderer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), is hiding in Cherokee territory. Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track him down while receiving help from Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Matt Damon).

[Show spoiler]I had two primary concerns heading into the film; how well Steinfeld and Damon would play their roles. Thankfully both play their respective parts exceptionally well. While Damon isn't the first person I would envision to play in a western, he adapts the persona of La Boeuf with precision. Steinfeld absolutely knocks the part of Matti Ross out of the ball park. I honestly believe that Steinfeld is deserving of an Academy Award nomination as she is the heart and soul of the film. Her part works thanks to the writing of the Coen Brothers. In the original True Grit, the focus of the story is on Rooster Cogburn. The remake follows the novel faithfully and makes the focus of the story on Mattie Ross. This allows for the much needed growth of Mattie's character that was missing from the original. As such, Hailee Steinfeld handles the pressure with ease. Steinfeld proves that she can hang on screen with the greats of Hollywood and steals the show from everyone else.

My only complaint against the film is some issues of pacing towards the end and the character of Tom Chaney. Chaney does not play as big a role as I thought he would. For as important as he is in the story, little screen time is devoted to him.

[Show spoiler]I also found his death to be quite anti-climatic.

All in all this is another great film by the Coen Brothers.

4/5

i didn't know Matt Damon was in this. nor did i know Josh Brolin was either!
all i ever see in the damn previews is Jeff Bridges and the girl. wow.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Man I didnt care much for this film at all. Got Em!!

i hear that a lot, and i just read the review on here and the reviewer gave it a 2/5 oh well. we can't all agree. i know you've seen Donnie Darko, but can't remember what you said about it.

did you like Donnie Darko or no?

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

THE BOX (108 minutes)

Film #8

Year: 2009
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Sci-Fi

What Made Me Want to See This? It’s a Richard Kelly film, looked very odd and different

[Show spoiler]I’ll get this out of the way right away. I’ve heard almost NOTHING but bad things about The Box. When your debut is the fantastic Donnie Darko, I understand it’s hard to move past that and make something better, because I feel that Kelly will forever be known as “the Donnie Darko guy” which is a shame in a sense, but at least it’s a positive.

But, even after hearing all the negative talk about The Box, I still wanted to see it, because it looked interesting, but didn’t expect anything special. Well, I was wrong because I thought The Box kicked some serious ass!

I went in thinking “don’t expect anything like Donnie Darko”, but there are a lot of subtitles that reminded me of Donnie Darko. The clothes the kids wear in the school, the random odd creepy character that suddenly makes you go “WTF purpose do they serve?” and a host of other similarities arrived during the 108 minutes of The Box. But The Box is very different, very unique and very puzzling in nature.

It’s starts off slowly and takes it time to unwind and peel back the layers. The sci-fi aspects of the film don’t come into play until later in the game and some may find themselves completely lost by the time these oddities occur, but being a big time sci-fi fan, I loved it.

If you want a film that is a slow burner, asks questions, gives away nothing simply and makes you think, then The Box is worth at least a rental. I can see why people hate it, but I loved it from start to finish. The cinematography, the wonderfully eerie atmosphere, the perfect 1976 setting, and the overall experience of the film was terrific. The Box is a film that demands and requires repeated viewings to fully appreciate I'm sure, and I cannot wait to dive back in once I buy this bad boy

The story for those who don’t know or are not known to what The Box is, is quite simple, at first: a married couple in Virginia get a “gift” from a stranger. The gift is a button. They have 24 hours to decide if they want to push it. If they push it, someone they’ve never met will die, but they will be awarded 1 million dollars (“tax free”), if they don’t push the button, or if they tell anyone about it, the offer is then disregarded and they are left with nothing. Except questions of course…

At first I was a bit baffled a last second, seemingly out of left field decision that needed to be made, but as I thought about it and remembered a few quick scenes and cryptic dialogue, it made more sense and I enjoyed it. And the ending, I found to be gut wrenching because of what we know, what the characters know (same thing) but what no one else knows. It’s haunting, mind blowing and pure genius on Kelly’s part.

An exquisite film that is easily one of my favorites of 2009, and will be one that is quickly added to my collection and will rank high on my favorites list for years to come. But again, I know a lot won’t like it or connect with it, or they’ll hate the accent Diaz has for the film, but I loved it all. Terrific film in my opinion and at least worth a rental to those who enjoy the genres that The Box is.

Recommendation: High But probably best suited as a rental for most

PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: 4/5

Technical Score: 4/5
Enjoyment Level Score: 5/5 “loved it”

Final Verdict: 4.5/5

Begining was intriging, ending was mind-blowing, but the middle 90 minutes where lame.
Oh well,I would give it 3/5

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i hear that a lot, and i just read the review on here and the reviewer gave it a 2/5 oh well. we can't all agree. i know you've seen Donnie Darko, but can't remember what you said about it.

did you like Donnie Darko or no?

Yea man I wanted to like it and it was ok the first half but the 2nd half and climax was weird and unreal to me. It wasnt what I was expecting. As for DD yes I do like that film and its great soundtrack! Still need to add the blu but hear the transfer is booboo. Got Em!!

[Batman1980]

Roger Ebert's True Grit review

[Show spoiler]

In the Coen Brothers' “True Grit,” Jeff Bridges is not playing the John Wayne role. He's playing the Jeff Bridges role — or, more properly, the role created in the enduring novel by Charles Portis, much of whose original dialogue can be heard in this film. Bridges doesn't have the archetypal stature of the Duke. Few ever have. But he has here, I believe, an equal screen presence. We always knew we were looking at John Wayne in the original “True Grit” (1969). When we see Rooster Cogburn in this version, we're not thinking about Jeff Bridges.

Wayne wanted his tombstone to read, Feo, Fuerte y Formal (Ugly, Strong and Dignified). He was a handsome, weathered man when I met him in the 1960s and '70s, but not above a certain understandable vanity. Rooster might be an ornery gunslinger with an eye patch, but Wayne played him wearing a hairpiece and a corset. Jeff Bridges occupies the character like a homeless squatter. I found myself wondering how young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) could endure his body odor.

Bridges' interpretation is no doubt closer to the reality of a lawman in those years of the West. How savory can a man be when he lives in saloons and on horseback? Not all riders on the range carried a change of clothes. Of course he's a lawman with an office and a room somewhere in town, but for much of the movie, he is on a quest through inauspicious territory to find the man who murdered Mattie's father.

As told in the novel, Mattie is a plucky young teen with a gaze as level as her hat brim. She hires Marshal Cogburn to track down that villain Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She means to kill him for “what he done.” If Bridges comfortably wears the Duke's shoes, Hailee Steinfeld is more effective than Kim Darby in the earlier film, and she was pretty darn good. Steinfeld was 13 when she made the film, close to the right age. Darby was a little over 20. The story hinges on the steely resolve of a girl who has been raised in the eye-for-an eye Old West, seen some bad sights and picked up her values from the kind of old man who can go and get hisself shot.

What strikes me is that I'm describing the story and the film as if it were simply, if admirably, a good Western. That's a surprise to me, because this is a film by the Coen Brothers, and this is the first straight genre exercise in their career. It's a loving one. Their craftsmanship is a wonder. Their casting is always inspired and exact. The cinematography by Roger Deakins reminds us of the glory that was, and can still be, the Western.

But this isn't a Coen Brothers film in the sense that we usually use those words. It's not eccentric, quirky, wry or flaky. It's as if these two men, who have devised some of the most original films of our time, reached a point where they decided to coast on the sheer pleasure of good old straightforward artistry. This is like Iggy Pop singing “My Funny Valentine,” which he does very well. So let me praise it for what it is, a splendid Western. The Coens having demonstrated their mastery of many notes, including many not heard before, now show they can play in tune.

Besides, isn't Rooster Cogburn where Jeff Bridges started out 40 years ago? The first time I was aware of him was in “The Last Picture Show” (1971), where he and his friends went the local movie theater to see “Red River,” starring John Wayne. Since then, that clean-faced young man has lived and rowdied and worked his way into being able to play Rooster with a savory nastiness that Wayne could not have equaled.

All the same, the star of this show is Hailee Steinfeld, and that's appropriate. This is her story, set in motion by her, narrated by her. This is Steinfeld's first considerable role. She nails it. She sidesteps the opportunity to make Mattie adorable. Mattie doesn't live in an adorable world. Seeing the first “True Grit,” I got a little crush on Kim Darby. Seeing this one, few people would get a crush on Hailee Steinfeld. Maybe in another movie. But the way she plays it with the Coens, she's more the kind of person you'd want guarding your back.

Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper have weight and resonance in supporting roles. Damon is LaBoeuf, the Texas Ranger who comes along for a time to track Tom Chaney. Glen Campbell had the role earlier, and was right for the tone of that film. Damon plays it on a more ominous note. His LaBoeuf isn't sidekick material. He and Cogburn have long-standing issues. Nor, we discover, is LaBoeuf a man of simple loyalty.

As Tom Chaney, Brolin is a complete and unadulterated villain, a rattlesnake who would as soon shoot Mattie as Rooster. In the Western genre, evil can be less nuanced than in your modern movies with all their psychological insights. Barry Pepper plays Lucky Ned Pepper, leader of a gang Chaney ends up with, and part of the four-man charge across the meadow into Rooster's gunfire, a charge as lucky for them as the Charge of the Light Brigade.

The 1969 film, directed by Hollywood veteran Henry Hathaway, had glorious landscapes. The meadow and several other scenes were set in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, near Telluride. This film's landscapes are all in Texas, and although some are beautiful, many are as harsh and threatening as the badlands described by Cormac McCarthy or Larry McMurtry.

I expect Bridges and Steinfeld have good chances of winning Oscar nominations for this film. Steinfeld is good the whole way through, but the scene audiences love is the one where she bargains with a horse trader (Dakin Matthews) for the money she feels is owed her. Here the key is the dialogue by the Coens, which never strains, indeed remains flat and common sense, as Mattie reasons the thief out of his money by seeming to employ his own logic.

I'm surprised the Coens made this film, so unlike their other work, except in quality. Instead of saying that now I hope they get back to making “Coen Brothers films,” I'm inclined to speculate on what other genres they might approach in this spirit. What about the musical? “Oklahoma!” is ready to be remade.

Will be blind buying this for sure!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Yea man I wanted to like it and it was ok the first half but the 2nd half and climax was weird and unreal to me. It wasnt what I was expecting. As for DD yes I do like that film and its great soundtrack! Still need to add the blu but hear the transfer is booboo. Got Em!!

just poking fun, but how is this any different than most Shyamalan films? (i know you're a big fan of his )

Signs
The Sixth Sense
The Village
Unbreakable

all could be taken as having "weird", "unreal" and unexpected endings
and since you like / love those films, The Box should have been a winner for ya!

glad you enjoyed DD. great film, took me about 15 times to fully digest all of it and understand all that it offered, but it's great fun watching it every time and discussing it with friends who have never seen it before

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Oh I know man. But I still have to try my best to get u to open up a bit more. I saw the Fountain, u could atleast see Eclipse or Stomp the Yard lol. Also I do remember u saying u didnt like Saturday Night Fever? Got Em!!
!!

Maybe its because I dont like to dance myself. Do you dance? Are you any good? Got some vids?

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Yea man I wanted to like it and it was ok the first half but the 2nd half and climax was weird and unreal to me. It wasnt what I was expecting. As for DD yes I do like that film and its great soundtrack! Still need to add the blu but hear the transfer is booboo. Got Em!!

Did you watch the Director's Cut back then? If I remember right, it explained a lot more (almost too much for some folks). I think I like that cut a little better anyway.

[Diesel]

Didn't Q! hype up The Box quite a bit a while back?

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Bad Boys II is the first to play; I'll be watching it later today or tonight.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Did you watch the Director's Cut back then? If I remember right, it explained a lot more (almost too much for some folks). I think I like that cut a little better anyway.

Buried Combo pack is $19 on Amazon now, nab it! Office Space is $10, can't remember why I don't have that yet. Also surprised that I only only 17 of the 40+ movies I once had on UMD.
Appleseed Ex Machina 4/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5
Excellent anime film, still hoping they'll give us a third film to make it a trilogy!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Did you watch the Director's Cut back then? If I remember right, it explained a lot more (almost too much for some folks). I think I like that cut a little better anyway.

yeah the DC has a lot more added "book pages" that help explain things.
too bad i had already watched the film about 12 times before i even knew there was a DC!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Romulus

True Grit

I believe the Coen Brothers can do wrong.

[Show spoiler]True Grit wasn't even high on my list of must see movies this holiday season, yet it didn't stop it from surprising me in many ways.

True Grit follows the story of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she attempts to avenge the death of her father. The murderer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), is hiding in Cherokee territory. Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track him down while receiving help from Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Matt Damon).

I had two primary concerns heading into the film; how well Steinfeld and Damon would play their roles. Thankfully both play their respective parts exceptionally well. While Damon isn't the first person I would envision to play in a western, he adapts the persona of La Boeuf with precision. Steinfeld absolutely knocks the part of Matti Ross out of the ball park. I honestly believe that Steinfeld is deserving of an Academy Award nomination as she is the heart and soul of the film. Her part works thanks to the writing of the Coen Brothers. In the original True Grit, the focus of the story is on Rooster Cogburn. The remake follows the novel faithfully and makes the focus of the story on Mattie Ross. This allows for the much needed growth of Mattie's character that was missing from the original. As such, Hailee Steinfeld handles the pressure with ease. Steinfeld proves that she can hang on screen with the greats of Hollywood and steals the show from everyone else.

My only complaint against the film is some issues of pacing towards the end and the character of Tom Chaney. Chaney does not play as big a role as I thought he would. For as important as he is in the story, little screen time is devoted to him.

[Show spoiler]I also found his death to be quite anti-climatic.

All in all this is another great film by the Coen Brothers.

4/5

I'm looking forward to this. Seeing it this weekend.

Did you mean to write that sentence that way? Or did you mean "no wrong"?

[Batman1980]

[*]First Blood N/A

[*]Rambo: First Blood Part II N/A

[*]Bad Boys II

[*]Rambo (Seen it) N/A

[*]The Karate Kid (It's been a long time, can't remember if I've ever actually seen the entire thing) (X2)

[*]Ocean's Thirteen (Seen it)

[*]Forest Gump (Seen it) (x2)

[*]Blood Diamond

[*]Mystic River

[*]Gone Baby Gone N/A

[*]Zodiac N/A

[*]Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid N/A

[*]300 (Seen it, want to revisit) (X2)

[*]Collateral

[*]Die Hard (Seen it)

[*]The Fugitive N/A

[*]Shooter

[*]The Perfect Storm N/A

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i didn't know Matt Damon was in this. nor did i know Josh Brolin was either!
all i ever see in the damn previews is Jeff Bridges and the girl. wow.

And Barry Pepper too