The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

After seeing both versions of "ISOYG" last night, I decided to continue with the theme of wicked women-vs-men horror films. So I watched "Antichrist" for the second time ever.

I reviewed this some months ago, and much of it still applies. The film is pretty darn slow in the first half, but 100% gripping and intense in the second half. The visuals are phenomenally beautiful and brutal all at once. And even though the story's as simple as it can be, it does present a whole lotta stuff to think (and possibly debate) about. On the first viewing a lot of stuff didn't make sense or seemed wholly unreasonable, but this time around it didn't bother me that much.

I have lots of ideas and interpretations...but I'm too tired and overwhelmed right now to articulate it.

4.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 5/5, intellectual impact: 5/5) Increased from 4/5

The Criterion Blu-Ray looks darn near perfect (save for a few soft-looking images, probably from the way it's filmed or focused), and sounds good(save for some very soft dialogue).

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

It's a good film, but disturbing in a number of ways. I own the UK import and the PQ is incredible on that too.

[Evra]

True Grit (2010)

Who says that Hollywood remakes always turn out to be bad films? True Grit, in my opinion the best film of 2010, is a stern reminder to fans that film remakes can be good, if placed in the right pair of hands. Like what Martin Scorsese did for The Departed, the Coen Brothers’ interpretation of True Grit is superior to the original film and is one of the great films of its genre and God knows how deprived of great Western films we are in recent times.

Set around the 19th century in the Old West, True Grit tells a tale of a young 14-year old Mattie Ross seeking revenge and retribution for her deceased father murdered at the hands of a spineless scoundrel by the name of Tom Chaney (Brolin) who flees and joins up with Ned Pepper’s gang. Away from her family, Mattie Ross (Steinfeld)’ determination leads her to an alcoholic Marshall Cogburn (Bridges) to take on her case for revenge who according to the local law enforcement officers is known for showing ‘true grit.’ Accompanying Ross and Cogburn is Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Damon) who is hunting and hoping to bring Chaney back to Texas for an assassination commited there.

Throughout the film and Ross and Cogburn’s journey, we learn bit-by-bit a lot about the two characters and the prices they pay for earning their ‘true grit.’ While the film’s trailers and posters advertise the actors playing Cogburn and LaBeouf (Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon respectively) having first and second billing, do not be fooled, this is primarily Mattie Ross’(Hailee Steinfeld) story. Bit by bit as the film progresses, we learn more about Ross and Cogburn’s characters and we witness some subtle changes in these characters. As the film opens, we see Rooster Cogburn literally in the dumps as an alcoholic Marshall who is drinking and smoking his way to his grave. However, in the pursuit of Tom Chaney, Rooster Cogburn regains his appetite for life and he shows great poise, accuracy and true grit which Ross admires. On the other scale of the story, we see Ross as a mature 14 year old teenager who is as single-minded as she is sure of herself but as the film progresses, we learn as she learns quickly that her sharp tongue and stubborness leads to her pitfall (pun intended if you have watched the film). However, as she learns the hard way that she may sometimes have to forgo what she wants and settle for what she can have, Ross earns the admiration of both Cogburn and LaBoeuf for showing grit that the earlier two characters deem a necessary characteristic to survive in the West.

Some people may say that True Grit marks the Coen Brothers’ attempt in making a straight-forward Hollywood film that carries little to none of the signature touches of the Coen Brothers but I certainly do not see it that way. The sharp dialogue, elements of dark humor mixed with moments of brutal violence, great acting and cinematography and the casting of Coen Brothers’ regulars are all marks of the Coen Brothers. Thematically, the Coen Brothers once again play with the idea of a predestined fate that awaits each of the characters and the film establishes this by stating early in the film that nothing is free in this world except for the grace of God. Mattie Ross pays a steep price for avenging her father’s death and just as Rooster Cogburn has an eye patch to show for his grit, we see that LaBoeuf and Ross have their own fair-share of scars to show for.

Off the heels of winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in Crazy Heart, Jeff Bridges does it again with a supremely confident performance as Rooster Cogburn who does not attempt to imitate John Wayne but rather he brings his own unique style and poise to the role. The Coen Brothers have also continued their trend of taking the mickey out of the new Hollywood rat-pack by casting another one of Ocean’s Eleven (previously Clooney and Pitt) as buffoons. Both Bridges and Damon successfully walk a fine line between comedy and drama that while being (literally) painfully funny at times does not make a mockery out of the serious escapades. Josh Brolin has limited screen time as Tom Chaney and I am surprised how different Chaney appears to be compared to the average criminal who appears with nothing more than a scowl but rather Brolin successfully humanises Chaney and for a brief moment, we feel sorry for him. However, the star of the show happens to be Hailee Steinfeld who won the role as Mattie Ross after beating 15,000 other candidates in an open casting call. I sincerely believe that it must have been a pretty easy decision to make after seeing how brilliant Steinfeld is on screen, holding her own against veterans of the calibre of Damon, Brolin and Bridges.

True Grit is probably the most accessible of films that the Coen Brothers will ever make. It is a brilliantly made film that takes a straight forward premise to a level of unparalleled brilliance with impeccable acting, gorgeous cinematography and last but certainly not least, a brilliant script as well as the assured direction from the Coen Brothers. In my opinion, True Grit is the best film of 2010 and it is my favorite Coen Brothers film.

5/5

[Realist01]

Speaking of Antichrist (a recent favorite of mine)....

Have any of you noticed when they leave their place to go to Eden and while riding on the train and you see out the window passing trees. If you put it on slo mo, you will see some disturbing images of She. Creeps me out when I see those images in slo mo.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

After seeing both versions of "ISOYG" last night, I decided to continue with the theme of wicked women-vs-men horror films. So I watched "Antichrist" for the second time ever.

I reviewed this some months ago, and much of it still applies. The film is pretty darn slow in the first half, but 100% gripping and intense in the second half. The visuals are phenomenally beautiful and brutal all at once. And even though the story's as simple as it can be, it does present a whole lotta stuff to think (and possibly debate) about. On the first viewing a lot of stuff didn't make sense or seemed wholly unreasonable, but this time around it didn't bother me that much.

I have lots of ideas and interpretations...but I'm too tired and overwhelmed right now to articulate it.

4.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 5/5, intellectual impact: 5/5) Increased from 4/5

The Criterion Blu-Ray looks darn near perfect (save for a few soft-looking images, probably from the way it's filmed or focused), and sounds good(save for some very soft dialogue).

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

this is a title i will likely pick up during the next B&N Criterion sale, but still not sure. simply for the wonderfully haunting cinematography and atmosphere it's a no brainer, but no idea how often i would come around to watching it. but definitely is a curious film to see.

although, my best friends (the couple the gf and i watch films with) have started going through my blus and we started watching films they haven't seen. so i know, one day, once i own Antichrist, they will pick it up and ask about it. and if / when we watch it... that will be something but it should lead to an interesting discussion for sure, just like on here (i hope)

Originally Posted by Realist01

Speaking of Antichrist (a recent favorite of mine)....

[Show spoiler]Have any of you noticed when they leave their place to go to Eden and while riding on the train and you see out the window passing trees. If you put it on slo mo, you will see some disturbing images of She. Creeps me out when I see those images in slo mo.

hmmm... interesting. when i buy the blu i will have to remember this. i watched it on netflix instant and thus, probably missed a lot of weird little moments and oddities like this, so i'm curious to see what's there...

[dag]

Watched Summer Wars tonight. I'm thinking I really need to visit Japan.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by Realist01

Speaking of Antichrist (a recent favorite of mine)....

Have any of you noticed when they leave their place to go to Eden and while riding on the train and you see out the window passing trees. If you put it on slo mo, you will see some disturbing images of She. Creeps me out when I see those images in slo mo.

Yes, I noticed that at normal mo. Great movie.

[Realist01]

Originally Posted by Hep

Yes, I noticed that at normal mo. Great movie.

I noticed it in normal mo too, but if you slow it down, it makes it much more creepier because her face is so disturbing.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Realist01

Speaking of Antichrist (a recent favorite of mine)....

Have any of you noticed when they leave their place to go to Eden and while riding on the train and you see out the window passing trees. If you put it on slo mo, you will see some disturbing images of She. Creeps me out when I see those images in slo mo.

I did notice that; very creepy indeed. One day I might have to run it in slow play, just for kicks.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

this is a title i will likely pick up during the next B&N Criterion sale, but still not sure. simply for the wonderfully haunting cinematography and atmosphere it's a no brainer, but no idea how often i would come around to watching it. but definitely is a curious film to see.

although, my best friends (the couple the gf and i watch films with) have started going through my blus and we started watching films they haven't seen. so i know, one day, once i own Antichrist, they will pick it up and ask about it. and if / when we watch it... that will be something but it should lead to an interesting discussion for sure, just like on here (i hope)

I think the film has excellent replay value. Then again, I think most disturbing/provocative films do. But "Antichrist" has the advantage of having the quality cinematography and subtle details, so there's always something new to discover.

Let's see if your friends can make it all the way through!

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I did notice that; very creepy indeed. One day I might have to run it in slow play, just for kicks.



I think the film has excellent replay value. Then again, I think most disturbing/provocative films do. But "Antichrist" has the advantage of having the quality cinematography and subtle details, so there's always something new to discover.

Let's see if your friends can make it all the way through!

I thiught it was supposed to be exactly the opposite way.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I thiught it was supposed to be exactly the opposite way.

Might just me me then. I like the weird freaky stuff too much.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by Realist01

I noticed it in normal mo too, but if you slow it down, it makes it much more creepier because her face is so disturbing.

I'll have to try that.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Directed by Julian Schnabel
Starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Max von Sydow
112 minutes

This is easily the best thing I have watched since I made an effort to see this year's 10 best picture nominees. It may be better than all of them and it's certainly a wonderful story.

This is a good test of whether you are a film fan or a movie fan. It's in French and moves pretty slowly. There's no action to speak of. What it does have is emotion and characters that I care about.

Amalric (Quantum of Solace, A Christmas Tale) plays Jean-Do, the editor of Elle magazine. The movie opens after he suffers a stroke and the camera shows his point of view with interesting use of focus and erratic framing to reflect what he might actually see. He's paralyzed apart from his left eye, which he can blink.

Despite this incredible handicap, he

[Show spoiler]dictates an entire novel detailing things from his point of view.

It's a true story and has several very moving sequences. Von Sydow is great in a cameo appearance as his father.

This is a story that will make you think and also reflect on your own existence. It made me consider how much I take for granted and the amount of time I waste. It also made me think about people who devote their lives to caring for others.

I'll be picking up the Canadian Blu-ray in the near future.

Overall 5/5

Incredible film on every level.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

[Show spoiler]Directed by Julian Schnabel
Starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Max von Sydow
112 minutes

This is easily the best thing I have watched since I made an effort to see this year's 10 best picture nominees. It may be better than all of them and it's certainly a wonderful story.

This is a good test of whether you are a film fan or a movie fan. It's in French and moves pretty slowly. There's no action to speak of. What it does have is emotion and characters that I care about.

Amalric (Quantum of Solace, A Christmas Tale) plays Jean-Do, the editor of Elle magazine. The movie opens after he suffers a stroke and the camera shows his point of view with interesting use of focus and erratic framing to reflect what he might actually see. He's paralyzed apart from his left eye, which he can blink.

Despite this incredible handicap, he

[Show spoiler]dictates an entire novel detailing things from his point of view.

It's a true story and has several very moving sequences. Von Sydow is great in a cameo appearance as his father.

This is a story that will make you think and also reflect on your own existence. It made me consider how much I take for granted and the amount of time I waste. It also made me think about people who devote their lives to caring for others.

I'll be picking up the Canadian Blu-ray in the near future.

Overall 5/5

Its near the bottom of my queue. I'm scooting it higher.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

glad you enjoyed it so much Steve

however, i felt none of the emotions that you did. i never connected with the characters, felt bad for him, or had any sense of reflection from it. i watched it, it ended, i thought "well, i guess that wasn't a total waste of time" but it's something i will probably never watch again.

simply didn't work me

but glad it worked for you. and hopefully the Canadian blu looks good, because some of the visuals would look outstanding on blu-ray

Heartless bastard.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

After seeing both versions of "ISOYG" last night, I decided to continue with the theme of wicked women-vs-men horror films. So I watched "Antichrist" for the second time ever.

I reviewed this some months ago, and much of it still applies. The film is pretty darn slow in the first half, but 100% gripping and intense in the second half. The visuals are phenomenally beautiful and brutal all at once. And even though the story's as simple as it can be, it does present a whole lotta stuff to think (and possibly debate) about. On the first viewing a lot of stuff didn't make sense or seemed wholly unreasonable, but this time around it didn't bother me that much.

I have lots of ideas and interpretations...but I'm too tired and overwhelmed right now to articulate it.

4.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 5/5, intellectual impact: 5/5) Increased from 4/5

The Criterion Blu-Ray looks darn near perfect (save for a few soft-looking images, probably from the way it's filmed or focused), and sounds good(save for some very soft dialogue).

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

Originally Posted by Steve46

It's a good film, but disturbing in a number of ways. I own the UK import and the PQ is incredible on that too.

Certainly not for the delicate viewer.

The opening B&W scenes are bizarrely artistic/haunting/beautiful/tragic and you just cant look away. It was sort of like dark visual poetry. Powerful moments.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Realist01

Speaking of Antichrist (a recent favorite of mine)....

Have any of you noticed when they leave their place to go to Eden and while riding on the train and you see out the window passing trees. If you put it on slo mo, you will see some disturbing images of She. Creeps me out when I see those images in slo mo.

Thanks. Never spotted that.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Might just me me then. I like the weird freaky stuff too much.

Nope. My favs are the ones that scramble some gray matter as well.

[Batman1980]

Couples Retreat 3.5/5
I thought it was cute and funny and charming and even touching in parts. Will get it eventually for about $8 but not a movie I'm in a hurry to see. Won't rate the PQ and AQ since I saw it on a DVR.

[SquidPuppet]

The Social Network

Very good. Not great.

I strongly disliked the AK47 rapid fire dialogue and the M16 Full-Auto editing during the opening scenes with Zuckerberg and his girlfriend. Downright annoying and distracting. Its a conversation between two people, about themselves and their relationship. Just put a camera on them and let me hear what thay have to say. No need for hyper over the top speed editing like in a Bourne fight scene. Was it there to "set the pace" for the film? Maybe. But still totally unnecessary. Felt way too deliberate, like *notice this, NOTICE THIS TECHNIQUE*

I let go of my angst and proceeded with the film.

I liked it. Some really cool camera work in some scenes. Acting was competent all around. I cared about all the characters. Really good pacing and good dialogue.

Was it just me, or did the film portray Zuckerberg in a very bad light? I've done some research but some of the parties have signed NDAs and most of the info is hush hush. The filmmakers never really give Zuckerbergs side any good ammo for his defense, and the deposition was painting a pretty grim picture of his ethics. Thats what I came away with anyway. I dont know the truth behind it all, but the film made him look like a real weasel.

The Score didnt WOW me like so many other folks have been.

Film 4/5
PQ 4.25/5
AQ 3/5 Some tastey LFE and and surround usage, but dialogue was an issue. It was not prioritized well and often sounded muffled.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Social Network

Very good. Not great.

I strongly disliked the AK47 rapid fire dialogue and the M16 Full-Auto editing during the opening scenes with Zuckerberg and his girlfriend. Downright annoying and distracting. Its a conversation between two people, about themselves and their relationship. Just put a camera on them and let me hear what thay have to say. No need for hyper over the top speed editing like in a Bourne fight scene. Was it there to "set the pace" for the film? Maybe. But still totally unnecessary. Felt way too deliberate, like *notice this, NOTICE THIS TECHNIQUE*

I let go of my angst and proceeded with the film.

I liked it. Some really cool camera work in some scenes. Acting was competent all around. I cared about all the characters. Really good pacing and good dialogue.

Was it just me, or did the film portray Zuckerberg in a very bad light? I've done some research but some of the parties have signed NDAs and most of the info is hush hush. The filmmakers never really give Zuckerbergs side any good ammo for his defense, and the deposition was painting a pretty grim picture of his ethics. Thats what I came away with anyway. I dont know the truth behind it all, but the film made him look like a real weasel.

The Score didnt WOW me like so many other folks have been.

Film 4/5
PQ 4.25/5
AQ 3/5 Some tastey LFE and and surround usage, but dialogue was an issue. It was not prioritized well and often sounded muffled.

Zuckerburg is considered a douche, probably why he had to make an online social network for people to meet on. He doesn't like the way the movie paints him but from what I've heard it's not that far from the truth. Oh and the Winklevosses are supposedly suing him again, although not sure what they think they're going to accomplish.

[SquidPuppet]

Talk to Her (Hable Con Ella)

2002R 105 minutes

Netflix synopsis

Pedro Almodóvar's Oscar-winning drama explores the bond forged between two men under tragic circumstances. When a bullfighting accident sends his girlfriend, Lydia (Rosario Flores), into a coma, Marco (Darío Grandinetti) visits her in a clinic where he befriends nurse Benigno (Javier Cámara). Shy and a bit strange, Benigno tirelessly tends to another patient, Alicia (Leonor Watling), a comatose ballet dancer and the object of his obsession.

Watching this film was a weird experience. I liked it, but feel like I shouldnt.

Its told in a non linear style that pieces things together quite well. I liked that a lot. During the beginning we learn to like Lydia. However, when we later learn that Lydia is in a coma because she was gored by a bull, I stopped caring about her. This makes things akward because I am supposed to care about her. I find bullfighting barbaric, heinous and cruel so it didnt upset me that she got what was coming to her, in my eyes. I also had less respect for her boyfriend Marco becuase he obviously condones the the slow, painful, torture and killing of an innocent animal for the sake of entertainment. I was supposed to feel sad for him because of his loss, so, akward again.

Benigno is built up as a gentle and caring (male) nurse and we really learn to like him. When the film takes a twist and Benigno is accused of a vile act, I didnt know what the heck to feel. Kinda betrayed. Maybe that was the point. I could no longer root for him, but I think I was supposed to.

On paper there are plenty of reasons why I should hate this film, but I actually liked it. I think its because it was well made and the story was well told. But man, I hated the characters I was supposed to like. Weird. Weird experience too.

3.5/5