The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

LOST IN TRANSLATION (96 minutes)

Film #12

Year: 2003
Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi
Genre: Drama, Romance

What Made Me Want to See This? Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and it seemed like my type of depressing film

Lost in Translation is the type of film I think where either in five minutes you know you’re going to really enjoy it, or be bored to death waiting for it to end. I was entranced from the get go (hard not to since the film contains probably the best opening shot of a film ever ) and loved the film from start to finish.

Slower paced, character driven, very existential, and features two terrific performances along with a great score, great directing, an intriguing ending and a wonderfully, almost haunting atmosphere. I really have no idea what films are filmed… on film… and in HD, or with different types of cameras, but I knew right away that Lost in Translation was filmed… on film, and it’s a great choice for the... film. A slow, drama / romance film that works beautifully with the warm colors and heavy feel of the style of film Coppola has chosen here.

But, the film isn’t all super serious, the humor is terrific - for those who actually get good humor - seeing Bill Murray have to crouch to use the shower because the standard height of the population in Tokyo is much shorter than here in the United States was great. As well as hearing someone talk for about 35 seconds and have the translator say three words and Murray ask, “is that ALL he said?” in confusion and hesitance was hysterically funny. Of course the gf chuckled and then asked, “why is that so funny?”

The story is about an older actor named Bob (Murray) who is in Tokyo to make 2 million bucks filming commercials for alcohol and meets a much younger not really newlywed-newlywed Charlotte (Johansson) who is in Tokyo because of her husband’s job and she had “nothing better to do”. The two click because, well, they are two of the very limited Americans in Tokyo, staying in the same hotel and are both drawn to each other for numerous reasons. Both of their lives appear full, but both are very ’distant’ and in emotionally empty relationships that seem to be sucking the life from them. They find solace in each other and form a quick bond and great emotional attachment.

I loved the ending in how what Bob tells Charlotte only she knows. Unless I want to search the internet, where I’m sure I could find something, I’m probably gonna leave that conversation between the two of them.

The performances are outstanding. Coppola wrote the character of Bob with Murray specifically in mind, so it’s easy to see why and how he does so well because he was tailor made for the role. And he does a phenomenal job. With that said though, Johansson steals the show. I haven’t seen a lot of her films, but her roles that I have seen haven’t really expressed her acting ability. But Lost in Translation does and she does a terrific job here. She captures every scene she’s in and just draws your eyes to her. Of course, she’s incredibly attractive which helps, but she has an aura about her that not a lot of actresses have. I wish she would do more character, dialogue heavy roles.

Out of the 12 films I’ve seen, Lost in Translation is easily #1 on the list for being my favorite. I will definitely pick up the blu-ray (had to watch the DVD, bah!) sooner rather than later. It will definitely be a film that gets numerous viewings and I’m sure I will appreciate more with each subsequent viewing.

Recommendation: Very High But only if you’re into dramas and slow moving character heavy films

PQ: N/A
AQ: N/A

Technical Score: 4.5/5
Enjoyment level Score: 5/5 - “loved it”

Final Verdict: 5/5

Accurate.

[SquidPuppet]

The Innocents

1961 NR 100 minutes DVD

Oscar-winning cinematographer Freddie Francis frames this creepy supernatural thriller adapted from Henry's James's novella The Turn of the Screw. When a young governess (Deborah Kerr) accepts a position supervising a girl and her brother in a lonely old house, she begins seeing things -- and the children start developing strange habits. Though she's convinced the house is haunted, its clouded history seems intent on keeping her in the dark.

Creepy.

Thats the best thing I can say about the film, other than the child actors who were fantastic, and unnerving as hell, especially the boy.

The story moved forward really well, but I was left strongly underwhelmed by th the ending. Maybe I missed something, but I didnt get it. Or, it didnt make any sense or have a real meaning.

The cinematograpy was terrific and had me creeped out throughout the film. Neat use of reflections on windows. Lots of creepy images. The film was very successful in creating a scary ATMOSPHERE and I give it props for that. I had chills quite a few times.

3/5 (mildly liked it)

"C" (Satisfactory) for Riff

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Your other review was "accurate" meaning I agreed all around.

This review was pretty accurate and I agree with almoast all of it, so I called it "close enough"

ahh, gotcha

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Accurate.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Innocents

1961 NR 100 minutes DVD

[Show spoiler]Oscar-winning cinematographer Freddie Francis frames this creepy supernatural thriller adapted from Henry's James's novella The Turn of the Screw. When a young governess (Deborah Kerr) accepts a position supervising a girl and her brother in a lonely old house, she begins seeing things -- and the children start developing strange habits. Though she's convinced the house is haunted, its clouded history seems intent on keeping her in the dark.

Creepy.

Thats the best thing I can say about the film, other than the child actors who were fantastic, and unnerving as hell, especially the boy.

The story moved forward really well, but I was left strongly underwhelmed by th the ending. Maybe I missed something, but I didnt get it. Or, it didnt make any sense or have a real meaning.

The cinematograpy was terrific and had me creeped out throughout the film. Neat use of reflections on windows. Lots of creepy images. The film was very successful in creating a scary ATMOSPHERE and I give it props for that. I had chills quite a few times.

3/5 (mildly liked it)

"C" (Satisfactory) for Riff

oh no we're not! Riff can have his letters, but he better not start no bandwagon jumper deal!

[SquidPuppet]

Remember Me

2010 PG-13 113 minutes

Still reeling from a heartbreaking family event and his parents' subsequent divorce, Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) discovers a fresh lease on life when he meets Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin "Claire from LOST" ), a gregarious beauty who witnessed her mother's death. But as the couple draws closer, the fallout from their separate tragedies jeopardizes their love. Allen Coulter directs this romantic drama that co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and Chris Cooper

I saw Robert Pattinson on a talk show about a year or so ago. He was such a dorky, dweeby, inarticulate, bumbling, akward guest, that I pretty much wrote off seeing any of his films. Especially the SPARKLY ones. He struck me like the kind of person that I would NOT want to go out for a pizza with. Nervous and twitchy and unfocused and spazzy and not in a good funny way. Not the kinda dude I can relate to.

Well...... He can act.

I really enjoyed this movie for a few reasons. The surprise that Pattinson could actually act and play a pretty realistic angry young man. Pierce Brosnan playing a D!CK and an A$$HOLE was a big surprise. The opening scene was and set the tone for a film that said "Take me seriously". Its really MUCH more of a family drama than a romance.

I wont go into technicals about directing, editing, cinematography etc., other than to say that they were all fine. Nothing that stood out to me, but all seemed to work. The dialogue between friends and family all appeared very realistic to me, and thats important in relationship drama like this.

The strongest theme I felt in the film is actually a question. "Whats most important?" A question the film seems to answer in the third act, at least for the characters we are following.

The ending has a big "twist", though I use the term loosely. IMO it adds to the poignancy of the story. Some folks may see it as cheesey or manipulative, but I didnt at all. I believe it added to the theme of "Love, loss, determining what is important, and not wasting time". I never saw it coming and it was elegently and tastefully portrayed.

Highly recommended for lovers of family dramas.

PQ: sorry, must have been OK because I was caught up in the story and didnt notice any specifics, good or bad. I dropped the ball.

AQ: Same as above. But dialog was always clear.

Film: 4.25/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Remember Me

2010 PG-13 113 minutes

Still reeling from a heartbreaking family event and his parents' subsequent divorce, Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) discovers a fresh lease on life when he meets Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin "Claire from LOST" ), a gregarious beauty who witnessed her mother's death. But as the couple draws closer, the fallout from their separate tragedies jeopardizes their love. Allen Coulter directs this romantic drama that co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and Chris Cooper

I saw Robert Pattinson on a talk show about a year or so ago. He was such a dorky, dweeby, inatriculate, bumbling, akward guest, that I pretty much wrote off seeing any of his films. Especially the SPARKLY ones. He struck me like the kind of person that I would NOT want to go out for a pizza with. Nervous and twitchy and unfocused and spazzy and not in a good funny way. Not the kinda dude I can relate to.

[Show spoiler]Well...... He can act.

I really enjoyed this movie for a few reasons. The surprise that Pattinson could actually act and play a pretty realistic angry young man. Pierce Brosnan playing a D!CK and an A$$HOLE was a big surprise. The opening scene was and set the tone for a film that said "Take me seriously". Its really MUCH more of a family drama than a romance.

I wont go into technicals about directing, editing, cinematography etc., other than to say that they were all fine. Nothing that stood out to me, but all seemed to work. The dialogue between friends and family all appeared very realistic to me, and thats important in relationship drama like this.

The strongest theme I felt in the film is actually a question. "Whats most important?" A question the film seems to answer in the third act, at least for the characters we are following.

The ending has a big "twist", though I use the term loosely. IMO it adds to the poignancy of the story. Some folks may see it as cheesey or manipulative, but I didnt at all. I believe it added to the theme of "Love, loss, determining what is important, and not wasting time". I never saw it coming and it was elegently and tastefully portrayed.

Highly recommended for lovers of family dramas.

PQ: sorry, must have been OK because I was caught up in the story and didnt notice any specifics, good or bad. I dropped the ball.

AQ: Same as above. But dialog was always clear.

Film: 4.25/5

looks like he's not the only one who is "inatriculate"

i've been meaning to see this for quite awhile now. the gf rented it a few months ago, but after the opening scene she jumps up and yells, "oh no! is this gonna be depressing?! we're going out to eat soon. we can't watch this sh*t and then go eat, i'll be a wreck" so she turns it off. so we waited and then it's gotten lost in the list

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

looks like he's not the only one who is "inatriculate"

i've been meaning to see this for quite awhile now. the gf rented it a few months ago, but after the opening scene she jumps up and yells, "oh no! is this gonna be depressing?! we're going out to eat soon. we can't watch this sh*t and then go eat, i'll be a wreck" so she turns it off. so we waited and then it's gotten lost in the list

That would make me illiterate, not inarticulate.

Either way, I get the award.

Its really good, but not a "destroyer" that guts you for days.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

That would make me illiterate, not inarticulate.

Either way, I get the award.

Its really good, but not a "destroyer" that guts you for days.

close enough!

there's a video i saw on some "funniest videos" thing on TruTV the other day and i desperately want to find it on youtube but cannot. it's of woman in her late 20's who bawls her eyes out after seemingly every movie she watches with her boyfriend.

like, you can't even understand what she's saying because she's just BAAAAWWWWWLING uncontrollably. it's hilarious because the boyfriend is like, "wtf? we just watched Elf"

and there's like 15 clips of her after movies that really aren't that sad or depressing. the only one that qualified was Marley & Me, but she cried just as hard at Marley & Me as she did at like, i think it was... 10 Things I Hate About You or something

that's kind of how the gf was after the opening scene in Remember Me. i was like, "whoa, it wasn't THAT depressing!"
but she demanded we turn it off lol

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

close enough!

there's a video i saw on some "funniest videos" thing on TruTV the other day and i desperately want to find it on youtube but cannot. it's of woman in her late 20's who bawls her eyes out after seemingly every movie she watches with her boyfriend.

like, you can't even understand what she's saying because she's just BAAAAWWWWWLING uncontrollably. it's hilarious because the boyfriend is like, "wtf? we just watched Elf"

and there's like 15 clips of her after movies that really aren't that sad or depressing. the only one that qualified was Marley & Me, but she cried just as hard at Marley & Me as she did at like, i think it was... 10 Things I Hate About You or something

that's kind of how the gf was after the opening scene in Remember Me. i was like, "whoa, it wasn't THAT depressing!"
but she demanded we turn it off lol

KEEP LOOKING. I want to see that clip.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Innocents

1961 NR 100 minutes DVD

[Show spoiler]Oscar-winning cinematographer Freddie Francis frames this creepy supernatural thriller adapted from Henry's James's novella The Turn of the Screw. When a young governess (Deborah Kerr) accepts a position supervising a girl and her brother in a lonely old house, she begins seeing things -- and the children start developing strange habits. Though she's convinced the house is haunted, its clouded history seems intent on keeping her in the dark.

Creepy.

Thats the best thing I can say about the film, other than the child actors who were fantastic, and unnerving as hell, especially the boy.

The story moved forward really well, but I was left strongly underwhelmed by th the ending. Maybe I missed something, but I didnt get it. Or, it didnt make any sense or have a real meaning.

The cinematograpy was terrific and had me creeped out throughout the film. Neat use of reflections on windows. Lots of creepy images. The film was very successful in creating a scary ATMOSPHERE and I give it props for that. I had chills quite a few times.

3/5 (mildly liked it)

"C" (Satisfactory) for Riff

Close enough


The ending isn't supposed to have a meaning; its up to the viewer to decide what the hell happened. That's how it is in the book, it doesn't really give you any big answers; instead it pretty much says, "Here's what we want to tell you. You decide what you think is going on"


You are spot on that the children and the movie in general are quite creepy

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

KEEP LOOKING. I want to see that clip.

FOUND IT!!!!!!

some of the films are the LOTR's and Back to the Future III enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlKSfWxx9m8 might be a little slow to load and has a damn advertisement but it's totally worth it

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Close enough


:

Haaaaa haaaaaa haaaaaa haaaaaa

We need a "touche" smiley.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

FOUND IT!!!!!!

some of the films are the LOTR's and Back to the Future III enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlKSfWxx9m8 might be a little slow to load and has a damn advertisement but it's totally worth it

After the wears off, you gotta admit, that chick has a real problem. Not sure where its coming from, but that aint healthy. Her boyfriend seemed to get a kick out of it. It was funny though, in a sorta way.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

After the wears off, you gotta admit, that chick has a real problem. Not sure where its coming from, but that aint healthy. Her boyfriend seemed to get a kick out of it. It was funny though, in a sorta way.

yeah, i don't like his big stupid doofus smile and obviously sending out the video of his girlfriend being a trainwreck during a movie, but in the heat of the 2 minute moment, it is very but i agree. she must have something wrong somewhere in her head. either an experience or just a disorder or something because there is NO reason for a person to respond like that.

i have a bunch of friends that love the LotR's but never act like that.
i wonder if Diesel does? they are some of his absolute favorites

[Marcus Wright]

tODAY, AFTER FINISHING MY MATRIX MARATHON, HERE are the results.

Matrix - 5/5
Matrix Reloaded - 5/5
Matrix Revolutions - 4/5

I really hope this franchise is continued in the future somehow. (with Keanu Reaves inside and Morfeus too)

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

LOST IN TRANSLATION (96 minutes)

Film #12

Year: 2003
Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi
Genre: Drama, Romance

What Made Me Want to See This? Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and it seemed like my type of depressing film

Lost in Translation is the type of film I think where either in five minutes you know you’re going to really enjoy it, or be bored to death waiting for it to end. I was entranced from the get go (hard not to since the film contains probably the best opening shot of a film ever ) and loved the film from start to finish.

Slower paced, character driven, very existential, and features two terrific performances along with a great score, great directing, an intriguing ending and a wonderfully, almost haunting atmosphere. I really have no idea what films are filmed… on film… and in HD, or with different types of cameras, but I knew right away that Lost in Translation was filmed… on film, and it’s a great choice for the... film. A slow, drama / romance film that works beautifully with the warm colors and heavy feel of the style of film Coppola has chosen here.

But, the film isn’t all super serious, the humor is terrific - for those who actually get good humor - seeing Bill Murray have to crouch to use the shower because the standard height of the population in Tokyo is much shorter than here in the United States was great. As well as hearing someone talk for about 35 seconds and have the translator say three words and Murray ask, “is that ALL he said?” in confusion and hesitance was hysterically funny. Of course the gf chuckled and then asked, “why is that so funny?”

The story is about an older actor named Bob (Murray) who is in Tokyo to make 2 million bucks filming commercials for alcohol and meets a much younger not really newlywed-newlywed Charlotte (Johansson) who is in Tokyo because of her husband’s job and she had “nothing better to do”. The two click because, well, they are two of the very limited Americans in Tokyo, staying in the same hotel and are both drawn to each other for numerous reasons. Both of their lives appear full, but both are very ’distant’ and in emotionally empty relationships that seem to be sucking the life from them. They find solace in each other and form a quick bond and great emotional attachment.

I loved the ending in how what Bob tells Charlotte only she knows. Unless I want to search the internet, where I’m sure I could find something, I’m probably gonna leave that conversation between the two of them.

The performances are outstanding. Coppola wrote the character of Bob with Murray specifically in mind, so it’s easy to see why and how he does so well because he was tailor made for the role. And he does a phenomenal job. With that said though, Johansson steals the show. I haven’t seen a lot of her films, but her roles that I have seen haven’t really expressed her acting ability. But Lost in Translation does and she does a terrific job here. She captures every scene she’s in and just draws your eyes to her. Of course, she’s incredibly attractive which helps, but she has an aura about her that not a lot of actresses have. I wish she would do more character, dialogue heavy roles.

Out of the 12 films I’ve seen, Lost in Translation is easily #1 on the list for being my favorite. I will definitely pick up the blu-ray (had to watch the DVD, bah!) sooner rather than later. It will definitely be a film that gets numerous viewings and I’m sure I will appreciate more with each subsequent viewing.

Recommendation: Very High But only if you’re into dramas and slow moving character heavy films

PQ: N/A
AQ: N/A

Technical Score: 4.5/5
Enjoyment level Score: 5/5 - “loved it”

Final Verdict: 5/5

Been meaning to watch this movie for years, But never got round to it.

I really should make it a priority.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

LOST IN TRANSLATION (96 minutes)

Film #12

Year: 2003
Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi
Genre: Drama, Romance

[

[Show spoiler]B]What Made Me Want to See This?[/B] Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and it seemed like my type of depressing film

Lost in Translation is the type of film I think where either in five minutes you know you’re going to really enjoy it, or be bored to death waiting for it to end. I was entranced from the get go (hard not to since the film contains probably the best opening shot of a film ever ) and loved the film from start to finish.

Slower paced, character driven, very existential, and features two terrific performances along with a great score, great directing, an intriguing ending and a wonderfully, almost haunting atmosphere. I really have no idea what films are filmed… on film… and in HD, or with different types of cameras, but I knew right away that Lost in Translation was filmed… on film, and it’s a great choice for the... film. A slow, drama / romance film that works beautifully with the warm colors and heavy feel of the style of film Coppola has chosen here.

But, the film isn’t all super serious, the humor is terrific - for those who actually get good humor - seeing Bill Murray have to crouch to use the shower because the standard height of the population in Tokyo is much shorter than here in the United States was great. As well as hearing someone talk for about 35 seconds and have the translator say three words and Murray ask, “is that ALL he said?” in confusion and hesitance was hysterically funny. Of course the gf chuckled and then asked, “why is that so funny?”

The story is about an older actor named Bob (Murray) who is in Tokyo to make 2 million bucks filming commercials for alcohol and meets a much younger not really newlywed-newlywed Charlotte (Johansson) who is in Tokyo because of her husband’s job and she had “nothing better to do”. The two click because, well, they are two of the very limited Americans in Tokyo, staying in the same hotel and are both drawn to each other for numerous reasons. Both of their lives appear full, but both are very ’distant’ and in emotionally empty relationships that seem to be sucking the life from them. They find solace in each other and form a quick bond and great emotional attachment.

I loved the ending in how what Bob tells Charlotte only she knows. Unless I want to search the internet, where I’m sure I could find something, I’m probably gonna leave that conversation between the two of them.

The performances are outstanding. Coppola wrote the character of Bob with Murray specifically in mind, so it’s easy to see why and how he does so well because he was tailor made for the role. And he does a phenomenal job. With that said though, Johansson steals the show. I haven’t seen a lot of her films, but her roles that I have seen haven’t really expressed her acting ability. But Lost in Translation does and she does a terrific job here. She captures every scene she’s in and just draws your eyes to her. Of course, she’s incredibly attractive which helps, but she has an aura about her that not a lot of actresses have. I wish she would do more character, dialogue heavy roles.

Out of the 12 films I’ve seen, Lost in Translation is easily #1 on the list for being my favorite. I will definitely pick up the blu-ray (had to watch the DVD, bah!) sooner rather than later. It will definitely be a film that gets numerous viewings and I’m sure I will appreciate more with each subsequent viewing.

Recommendation: Very High But only if you’re into dramas and slow moving character heavy films

PQ: N/A
AQ: N/A

Technical Score: 4.5/5
Enjoyment level Score: 5/5 - “loved it”

Final Verdict: 5/5

I was one of those who got bored to death, although the last time I saw it I was 14 years old.

Maybe if I give it another try now I will like it. Who Knows.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I was one of those who got bored to death, although the last time I saw it I was 10 years old.

Maybe if I give it another try now I will like it. Who Knows.

I didn't like it either the first time, thought it was very weird, love Scarlett so will also give it another go eventually.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

I didn't like it either the first time, thought it was very weird, love Scarlett so will also give it another go eventually.

Maybe its just a chicks flick? (especially given that its directed by a girl)
Seems too romantic sometimes.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Breaking Upwards - 2009

This is an indie rom/com about a guy and a girl in their early 20's who decide to plan out their breakup. It takes place in Brooklyn, NY. It has the prototypical indie oddness/uniqueness to it, which I tend to like. What's great about a film like this one, is that you know you're not going to get the "seen that a hundred times" type of format that big hollywood movies tend to churn out. The 2 main actors (who actually are the writers of this screenplay as well) do a great job selling their relationship right from the get go.

PQ and AQ are not factors being as how I watched it streaming online with Netflix. But the picture was just fine.

I really enjoyed this movie for it's storyline, acting, and overall pace. If you're an indie movie fan, or if you like rom/com's that aren't "girly", then you should like this film.

8/10

I want to revise my statement.

Breaking Upwards is a rom/dram-ady. It's more romantic/drama than romantic/comedy. Thank you for your time.

still an 8/10

[lDlisturb3d]

Book of Eli

Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Writer: Gary Whitta
Mains: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Ray Stevenson

"Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil"

Plot (IMDb): A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.

My Take: Ok this movie has 2 of my favorite actors and I believe in God and the Holy Bible. Now thats out the way, this movie started slow but got good very fast. Its not as depressing as most post-apocalyptic movies but focuses more on faith within times of trouble. This movie has underline messages and goes as deep as the viewer allows it. The action is pretty good, Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington play their roles to the tee. This is the battle between good and evil, religion and faith. The history of our future and past all through one book. Its kinda predictable but still good non the less. There's a little twist at the end that will stir up a nice little convo.

Conclusion: If you believe in or know of God I would recommend this without hesitation. There are a couple of scenes of the movie that could of been done better, but that's what separates greats from averages. This story is cool, the action is very good. The underline messages are AMAZING. This is a very symbolic and has allot of great moral beliefs attached.

RECOMMENDED

4/5