The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Dude, Scarface is based sorely upon overacting. I too, think that Scarface is over rated, I like the film, but I don't get it's cult following and the idea it's one of the greatest films ever made.

Cult following?? Dude Scarface has a great not cult following and is a grea film simple and plain. Whether u like it or not, the majority would agree. Its a gangster masterpiece and Pacino's performance is far from overacting in, its called realism in a kingpin. We can disagree but I had to say my piece because to me its crazy to knock the film and his performance. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by menaceuk

Eden Lake 4/5

Wasn't too bad at all and isn't too hard to think that the youth of today over here in good good ol blighty is capable of doing such things, Which helps add a sense of realism too it.

[Show spoiler] I did think the End was pretty stupid and the likely hood of it is very Low, and the fact that she never really ran for help until her boyfriend was pretty much done for was a bit Meh.

Does a fairly decent job of showing the mob/gang culture In the UK though and lack of self will under pier pressure from those with in.

I liked the ending a lot. I mean those kids

[Show spoiler]lived close by and she didnt know where she was and the first sign of help she ran to it which happen to be those kids families.

It seemed real to me. Also she

[Show spoiler]never ran for help before because they were together until he got stuck and he made her leave for help and as stated before she had no idea where she was and got lost in the woods.

I didnt have to many complaints about the film and thought it felt very realistic. U gave it a 4/5 so to me u enjoyed it so thats cool. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I remember Pacino had some outrageous parts in "Scarface" (

[Show spoiler]gotta love the ol' "SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!!!" line

). But the character was on drugs and quite the fanatic. I think the overacting fits.

It's the story/characters that really grabbed me in "Scarface." I think Tonny Montanna showed better complexity than I expected, and the story's focus on his corruption was bleak and hard-edged.

At the time I saw it, I labelled it as my favorite gangster movie, for those reasons plus the badass action.



Right on!

I agree about "Carlito's Way," that's one story I'd rate even better than "Scarface," and the character/acting was splendid.

Yea man good looking out. Pacino was the man in Scarface. I also like Carlito's Way better as well. Got Em!!

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Cult following?? Dude Scarface has a great not cult following and is a grea film simple and plain. Whether u like it or not, the majority would agree. Its a gangster masterpiece and Pacino's performance is far from overacting in, its called realism in a kingpin. We can disagree but I had to say my piece because to me its crazy to knock the film and his performance. Got Em!!

It won a razzie for Worst Director the year it came out.

People hated it when it first come out, it's definitely got a cult following, like I said I like it, but I like it because Pacino overacts, everything is over exaggerated in that movie and stuff is beyond ridiculous

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Foggy

It won a razzie for Worst Director the year it came out.

People hated it when it first come out, it's definitely got a cult following, like I said I like it, but I like it because Pacino overacts, everything is over exaggerated in that movie and stuff is beyond ridiculous

Dude do u seriously think the razzies hold any weight? Also it was only nominated for worst director as it didnt win the award. Please dont use that to make your argument. Pacino was nominated for best actor at the Golden Globes so what does that say about his overrated performance? I also understand about your cult reference but in this films case its much bigger than just a cult following. For example Toxic Avenger has a cult following but toto say Scarface has a cult following is just part of it as this is a very important film and a very memorable film. Thats all I am sayin. Got Em!!

[vega2K]

Summary by IMDb:
High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman (Downey Jr.) is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) on a road trip in order to make it to his child's birth on time.

My take:
If you haven''t seen it yet, consider yourself lucky. I sat through this thing last night (I rented it) and realized I was thinking about my taxes while I'm watching it! It's hard to believe that movies like this make it past the script phase. I mean, didn't they realize it when they were making it that it sucked? I can picture the producers saying to themselves while filming........"you know.........this isn't funny........" and then banking on Robert Downey Jr. to bring the audience. It made me wonder if Robert fell off the wagon again when he agreed to do this thing. I especially couldn't believe that the director also directed Hangover, which is one of my favorite comedies!

Bottomline: YAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNN!


PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: who cares

Overall: 2/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Foggy

It won a razzie for Worst Director the year it came out.

People hated it when it first come out, it's definitely got a cult following, like I said I like it, but I like it because Pacino overacts, everything is over exaggerated in that movie and stuff is beyond ridiculous

Right--and that was part of the point--exaggeration. I completely agree. The film has a cult following almost solely because of the hip-hop culture--that's undeniable. Films like Donnie Brasco are better because they don't take themselves too seriously and actually have a point to them.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Dude do u seriously think the razzies hold any weight? Also it was only nominated for worst director as it didnt win the award. Please dont use that to make your argument. Pacino was nominated for best actor at the Golden Globes so what does that say about his overrated performance? I also understand about your cult reference but in this films case its much bigger than just a cult following. For example Toxic Avenger has a cult following but toto say Scarface has a cult following is just part of it as this is a very important film and a very memorable film. Thats all I am sayin. Got Em!!

Why are you trying to take away everything I enjoy about the film.

Plus the same argument can be said about the GG, do they hold any weight, do any awards hold any weight?

I do think it's a cult film, because people do look at it and recite lines from it. It's like the geekiest of Gangster films, the only reason it's so well known now is because of how rap music use it as inspiration.

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by CZAR

I liked the ending a lot. I mean those kids

[Show spoiler]lived close by and she didnt know where she was and the first sign of help she ran to it which happen to be those kids families.

It seemed real to me. Also she

[Show spoiler]never ran for help before because they were together until he got stuck and he made her leave for help and as stated before she had no idea where she was and got lost in the woods.

I didnt have to many complaints about the film and thought it felt very realistic. U gave it a 4/5 so to me u enjoyed it so thats cool. Got Em!!

[Show spoiler]She had plenty of time to Run and try find help before they started stabbing him, But she just sat there and then went to try find him. I am not saying that is really bad thing though as she would obviously had been scarred and perhaps found a little comfort hiding where she was.

As for the Kids family and there proximity, Sure it is possible but I felt it was a bit too convenient.

I was actually hoping it would turn in to a revenge type flick, with the teacher going on a revenge rampage and taking them all out, certainly felt like it was going to go that way for a moment or two.

But Yes, I did enjoy it a fair bit and am glad I watched it

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Dude do u seriously think the razzies hold any weight? Also it was only nominated for worst director as it didnt win the award. Please dont use that to make your argument. Pacino was nominated for best actor at the Golden Globes so what does that say about his overrated performance? I also understand about your cult reference but in this films case its much bigger than just a cult following. For example Toxic Avenger has a cult following but toto say Scarface has a cult following is just part of it as this is a very important film and a very memorable film. Thats all I am sayin. Got Em!!

There's no doubt that it has a cult following and has a lot of fans, but to say it's a very important film is giving it wayyyy too much credit. It has very little importance in film history. Its biggest claim to fame is its pop culture following due to hip-hop.

[jhiggy23]

Army of Shadows (Criterion blu)

PQ: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

AQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

Film: 4 stars (out of 4)

Synopsis:

This masterpiece by Jean-Pierre Melville about the French Resistance went unreleased in the United States for thirty-seven years, until its triumphant theatrical debut in 2006. Atmospheric and gripping, Army of Shadows is Melville’s most personal film, featuring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and the incomparable Simone Signoret as intrepid underground fighters who must grapple with their conception of honor in their battle against Hitler’s regime.


Review:

Immediately places itself among my top 50 favorite films of all-time. I've never seen a film be so gripping and put you on the edge of your seat by saying so little and relying solely on mood and the potential of what's to come. There are at least 2-3 scenes in the film where you feel downright uncomfortable because of how tense it is, but I mean that in a completely positive way. What makes the film so great is its direction though. Sparse and relying on mood and atmosphere, Melville's direction is superb. It's hard to believe that a film about a secret band of resistance fighters could be so good despite NOT showing any actual resistance, but that's a testament to the writing, acting, and directing of this extraordinary film.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Why are you trying to take away everything I enjoy about the film.

Plus the same argument can be said about the GG, do they hold any weight, do any awards hold any weight?

I do think it's a cult film, because people do look at it and recite lines from it. It's like the geekiest of Gangster films, the only reason it's so well known now is because of how rap music use it as inspiration.

Oh I am the first to say those award shows hold no weight but u brought them up first not me. I just responded accordingly. Again it may be a cult film but its bigger than most cult films as usually cult films are more obscure type titltes. Also how can a film be so overrated but so memorable? Yes the film is big throughout the rap culture but I am just talking about the film itself. Its a good film period. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by menaceuk

[Show spoiler]She had plenty of time to Run and try find help before they started stabbing him, But she just sat there and then went to try find him. I am not saying that is really bad thing though as she would obviously had been scarred and perhaps found a little comfort hiding where she was.

As for the Kids family and there proximity, Sure it is possible but I felt it was a bit too convenient.

I was actually hoping it would turn in to a revenge type flick, with the teacher going on a revenge rampage and taking them all out, certainly felt like it was going to go that way for a moment or two.

But Yes, I did enjoy it a fair bit and am glad I watched it

U have to remember if u put yourself in that situation u wont always have a clear mind. If u remember when she

[Show spoiler]was looking in that glass looking at herself she was kinda flipping out of how she looked.

Those situations can be very traumatic. I dont know man Ive seen many horror films where the couple that is getting harrassed have done some stupid things and made some stupid decisions. I thought this time around they were just a lil bit smarter

[Show spoiler]although it still didnt workout for them lol.

Got Em!!

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

There's no doubt that it has a cult following and has a lot of fans, but to say it's a very important film is giving it wayyyy too much credit. It has very little importance in film history. Its biggest claim to fame is its pop culture following due to hip-hop.

Well whatever the reason it is a huge and important film still makes it an important film. Donnie Brasco isnt an important film in no regards in my book. I think Face is much bigger and way more memorable. Thats all I mean. Got Em!!

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by CZAR

U have to remember if u put yourself in that situation u wont always have a clear mind. If u remember when she

[Show spoiler]was looking in that glass looking at herself she was kinda flipping out of how she looked.

Those situations can be very traumatic. I dont know man Ive seen many horror films where the couple that is getting harrassed have done some stupid things and made some stupid decisions. I thought this time around they were just a lil bit smarter

[Show spoiler]although it still didnt workout for them lol.

Got Em!!

Yeah I agree on the whole not doing dumb stuff part, made a refreshing change.

[vega2K]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Cult following?? Dude Scarface has a great not cult following and is a grea film simple and plain. Whether u like it or not, the majority would agree. Its a gangster masterpiece and Pacino's performance is far from overacting in, its called realism in a kingpin. We can disagree but I had to say my piece because to me its crazy to knock the film and his performance. Got Em!!

I agree with you that it is a great film, but I seem to agree with you for very different reasons. To me, this film was great because it was hyper-real, and because of it, extremely entertaining. I always saw the movie as an artistic gangster/rags to riches epic. Pacino's acting is genius, but certainly not meant to be realistic - I've never heard a hispanic accent like his in real life. I always thought that the dialogue was intended to have a sort of twisted-humor-poetry to it. This is why so many people love to memorize it, it is fun. Think about it, everything about it is hyper-real over the top - the dialogue, the violence, the drugs, the character's journey, the ending. I loved this movie because I loved the story, it was entertaining, and it made me like the characters because I knew they couldn't be real.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by vega2K

I agree with you that it is a great film, but I seem to agree with you for very different reasons. To me, this film was great because it was hyper-real, and because of it, extremely entertaining. I always saw the movie as an artistic gangster/rags to riches epic. Pacino's acting is genius, but certainly not meant to be realistic - I've never heard a hispanic accent like his in real life. I always thought that the dialogue was intended to have a sort of twisted-humor-poetry to it. This is why so many people love to memorize it, it is fun. Think about it, everything about it is hyper-real over the top - the dialogue, the violence, the drugs, the character's journey, the ending. I loved this movie because I loved the story, it was entertaining, and it made me like the characters because I knew they couldn't be real.

I see what u mean and I can atleast understand that. I just sometimes dont like the phrase "that film took itself to serious" I dont get that? Each and every film is what it is. Scarface wasnt supposed to be some over the top comedy. It was about an individual rising to the top in the deadly drug game. How can that not be taking serious? As for the accent yea I dont here no one talking like that either but I didnt find it funny or unbelievable. I found it to be unique and still very real. I just got what the film was set out to do and to me it was well executed. Got Em!!

[vega2K]

Originally Posted by CZAR

I see what u mean and I can atleast understand that. I just sometimes dont like the phrase "that film took itself to serious" I dont get that? Each and every film is what it is. Scarface wasnt supposed to be some over the top comedy. It was about an individual rising to the top in the deadly drug game. How can that not be taking serious? As for the accent yea I dont here no one talking like that either but I didnt find it funny or unbelievable. I found it to be unique and still very real. I just got what the film was set out to do and to me it was well executed. Got Em!!

+1

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Oh I am the first to say those award shows hold no weight but u brought them up first not me. I just responded accordingly. Again it may be a cult film but its bigger than most cult films as usually cult films are more obscure type titltes. Also how can a film be so overrated but so memorable? Yes the film is big throughout the rap culture but I am just talking about the film itself. Its a good film period. Got Em!!



U have to remember if u put yourself in that situation u wont always have a clear mind. If u remember when she

[Show spoiler]was looking in that glass looking at herself she was kinda flipping out of how she looked.

Those situations can be very traumatic. I dont know man Ive seen many horror films where the couple that is getting harrassed have done some stupid things and made some stupid decisions. I thought this time around they were just a lil bit smarter

[Show spoiler]although it still didnt workout for them lol.

Got Em!!

A lot of films are both memorable and overrated. The two traits are completely distinct. Some films are memorable simply because of how bad they are.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by vega2K

I agree with you that it is a great film, but I seem to agree with you for very different reasons. To me, this film was great because it was hyper-real, and because of it, extremely entertaining. I always saw the movie as an artistic gangster/rags to riches epic. Pacino's acting is genius, but certainly not meant to be realistic - I've never heard a hispanic accent like his in real life. I always thought that the dialogue was intended to have a sort of twisted-humor-poetry to it. This is why so many people love to memorize it, it is fun. Think about it, everything about it is hyper-real over the top - the dialogue, the violence, the drugs, the character's journey, the ending. I loved this movie because I loved the story, it was entertaining, and it made me like the characters because I knew they couldn't be real.

Eeeexactly! I agree totally. Parts of it are just so stylish and over-the-top that it's hard to take 100% seriously.

In fact, I'm starting to wonder if it's not meant to be taken 100% literally. The exaggeration could be just the way Tony Montanna sees the world, not necessarily the way things are or could happen in real life.

In either case...it's just a movie!

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

A lot of films are both memorable and overrated. The two traits are completely distinct. Some films are memorable simply because of how bad they are.

Cmon man u know the difference. When I say memorable I mean in a great way. U never hear people say "hey remember Scarface, it was so bad that I remember it" haha But I do agree there are memorable idiotic films that are either so extreme or just blantantly dumb that u cant stop talking about them. Scarface certainly doesnt fall into that category. Got Em!!

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Cmon man u know the difference. When I say memorable I mean in a great way. U never hear people say "hey remember Scarface, it was so bad that I remember it" haha But I do agree there are memorable idiotic films that are either so extreme or just blantantly dumb that u cant stop talking about them. Scarface certainly doesnt fall into that category. Got Em!!

I actually know quite a few ppl that have said, in a matter of words, that Scarface is memorable because: 1)it's so bad, 2) it's so overrated, or 3) it epitomizes being over-the-top. I know the difference because the two traits are completely different! It's not a film that I think is terrible, I just think it's unbelievably overrated and that it's only as well known as it is because of hip-hop culture, which glamorizes the very things you see in the film. The reason a superior film like Donnie Brasco isn't as well known and doesn't have a cult following like Scarface is that it doesn't rely on being over-the-top with violence, characters, dialogue, and style. It relies on better acting, better writing, and a better story.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I actually know quite a few ppl that have said, in a matter of words, that Scarface is memorable because: 1)it's so bad, 2) it's so overrated, or 3) it epitomizes being over-the-top. I know the difference because the two traits are completely different! It's not a film that I think is terrible, I just think it's unbelievably overrated and that it's only as well known as it is because of hip-hop culture, which glamorizes the very things you see in the film. The reason a superior film like Donnie Brasco isn't as well known and doesn't have a cult following like Scarface is that it doesn't rely on being over-the-top with violence, characters, dialogue, and style. It relies on better acting, better writing, and a better story.

I guess man. I dont what u see in Brasco that makes it so great. It was a decnt film but nuthin more in my book. I guess thats why our eyes tell us whats good and what isnt lol. Its all good man. We have disagreed before and on some big films so its nuthin new. Got Em!!