The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

It's at $27 here in Canada. I am just tired of paying so much for these movies. It's a bit crazy the prices they charge for animation movies. At $27 this one is actually rather cheap as most of the others are at $30 plus. Some place still have Princess & The Frog at $40 I have learn to be patient now, my money is more useful in my wallet

You guys up there get hammered on the pricing. I wonder why it's like that?

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

It's at $27 here in Canada. I am just tired of paying so much for these movies. It's a bit crazy the prices they charge for animation movies. At $27 this one is actually rather cheap as most of the others are at $30 plus. Some place still have Princess & The Frog at $40 I have learn to be patient now, my money is more useful in my wallet

I usually just buy used.

HTTYD is $14.99 (used 1-disc) at a store I use often. I picked up Princess and the Frog there for $4.99 last year.

I'll buy Nausicaa new, even though I already own the UK Optimum Blu.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

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.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

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

Glad I'm not the only one.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Social Network

[Show spoiler]
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.

Jolly good review! I can understand the dialogue being too fast. I seriously don't remember fast editing in the opening scene.

I think foggy nailed the response in regards to your question about the character. I felt overall that Zuckerberg was neither 100% good or bad, just an imperfect (and believable) mix. I don't even know if he really did all the stuff he did on purpose or not (

[Show spoiler]like locking out his best friend, or getting Sean Parker busted

).

I know jigghy also complained about the musical score, stating that it did not marry well with the movie itself. I disagree, as I felt a few specific scenes were exceptionally accentuated with the music (like the boat racing scene). But it looks like we're all going to think differently on that issue. One thing is certain: even though it is Trent Reznor, it's the soft piano-y artsy Trent, not the rockin' ravin' NIN Trent. If it was the latter, the film might have been a whole lot different.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Agreed.

Jolly good review! I can understand the dialogue being too fast. I seriously don't remember fast editing in the opening scene.

.

Thanks Al.

Yes, watch the opening scene again. The conversation was super fast, which is certainly possible, but the editing is insane. Every time they took turns speaking there was a cut, and since they were speaking a 100 MPH the editing tried to keep up. I thought the conversation/dialogue was intense enough (done well enough) that it didnt need that effect to ratchet up the intensity. I should watch it again someday, time the scene and count the cuts. It was KWAZY. Rapid fire back and forth.

I was worried during that, but immediately following that scene the editing became traditional/very good.

[Al_The_Strange]

Over the weekend I've watched:

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl"

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

I don't really feel like breaking down a review for each film. This is one complete story arc anyway.

In short, all three movies are a blast. Each one features a fast, full, and fantastic cornucopia of swashbuckling swordfights, over-the-top stuntwork, gorgeous special effects, imaginative settings and critters, and some of the best sea battles made thus far. There's also ample amounts of humor, lots of funny quirks and antics, some beautiful imagery, and some really far-out imagery too. The three movies offer as much entertainment as some of the best blockbusters.

The stories are quite interesting as well. They all offer a detailed and in-depth look into the style, folklore, and culture of 17-18th century pirating. That's not to say that it's historically accurate or insightful or anything; I really don't know what's accurate and what isn't, but the films definitely lean toward the fantastic with all manner of sea beasties, undead monsters, and supernatural phenomenon. Suffice to say, these films offer the perfect look and feel of a proper pirate story, even if it's all a bunch of hooey.

As for the stories themselves, they can be quite thick and hard to keep track of, as the character galavant from one place to another, always changing allegiences for motivations that always shift. The dialogue helps keep things from getting too confusing, but the forced exposition often repeats ideas over and over again. But other than those complaints, the ever-moving stories offer a perfect vehicle for the rampant action described above, and still has room for quality characters. It's a huge cast, and none of the characters are totally deep, but most of them are likable. In the end, they all collectively embody a worthy theme of freedom and independence.

As a series, the first film can stand well on its own (and the third one could too if you're familiar with what happens in the second). The second film ups the stakes and broadens the scope significantly, while the third resolves the situations that the second film left hanging before going into a fun grand finale. Yep, it's about as strong of a trilogy as the original "Star Wars," "Matrix," "BTTF," or "LOTR" trilogies.

All three films show quality photography, loaded with gorgeous locations, detailed settings, and interesting lighting. Acting is fine all around: Johnny Depp is practically iconic as Jack Sparrow (and I'll probably be walking and talking like him for the rest of the week, savvy? ), Orlando Bloom is about as much of a badass as he was playing every other character he's done, Kiera Knightly is pretty hot and feisty in her role, and I'd give props to Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Rush, and most of the supporting cast. Production value is very high, with all kinds of quality props, costumes, ships, and settings, all with a varied and unique cultural flair. Designs for the creatures and monsters can be very imaginative. Music is not bad either.

4/5 each (entertainment: 4.5/5, stories: 3.5/5, films: 4.5/5)

Arg! Each of these Blu-Rays look and sound darn near perfect!

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thanks Al.

Yes, watch the opening scene again. The conversation was super fast, which is certainly possible, but the editing is insane. Every time they took turns speaking there was a cut, and since they were speaking a 100 MPH the editing tried to keep up. I thought the conversation/dialogue was intense enough (done well enough) that it didnt need that effect to ratchet up the intensity. I should watch it again someday, time the scene and count the cuts. It was KWAZY. Rapid fire back and forth.

I was worried during that, but immediately following that scene the editing became traditional/very good.

Right on! Another viewing might be in order...already...

[Foggy]

I've got Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl coming in the post sometime this week or next. I clamed it on my Disney Rewards

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I've got Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl coming in the post sometime this week or next. I clamed it on my Disney Rewards

Wish I could get movies that awesome through DMR! Watching the hated Ang Lee Hulk which my niece also wanted to watch but I set her up in the other room with the Incredible Hulk instead, which I think she will like more.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

How To Train Your Dragon

2010, directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois.

I am not a fan of Dreamworks animation. I have not enjoy many of them, mostly because while their animation is beautiful and well made, unlike Pixar in almost every movie they have made, they forgot to add a story and good characters. I must be the only person in the world who does not like Shrek. The only Dreamworks I enjoyed up to this point was Kung Fu Panda. So now we can add another one. With How To Train Your Dragon you have good animation and a good story. In most cases I get bored after a while with the Dreamworks movies. Sure lot's a funny moments but it quickly fall into the silly and I just want to move on to the story. Most of the time they are so busy trying to get the easy laugh with quick cultural on the moment references that you just know their movies will have next to no meaning in 25 years. When they stop and make a story and don't waste their time with quick laugh, they can be very good. I had a good time with How To Train Your Dragon. I know that it's a series of books and they are planning more. If they keep the same formula I will be there to see them. This movie will find it's way in my collection once the prices drop on it a bit.

finally! a friend in the barren wasteland while all others dance around in their obnoxious, awful filth that is known as "Mike Meyers being funny as a giant green turd" and "the 'please stop making movies, you're past your prime' Eddie Murphy"

i hate Shrek with a passion. terrible films.

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

It will also be a TV series, watching it right now, still think it's better than every single Pixar to date and one of the top 2 or 3 movies of 2010.

... ....

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Use a damn smiley then, so I know.

In order of preference...

Black Swan
The Fighter
Toy Story 3
The Social Network
True Grit
Inception
Winter's Bone

Have not seen...

The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
127 Hours

i am soooooo effin' anxious to see this i hope my blu from amazon actually arrives on tuesday and not later so i can watch it right away after work

[Al_The_Strange]

I don't care for "Shrek" either. I gave the first film a few viewings, and I just never found it that funny. I think it's too much of a rom-com for my tastes.

Never even saw the sequels. I don't think I'm that interested.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thanks Al.

Yes, watch the opening scene again. The conversation was super fast, which is certainly possible, but the editing is insane. Every time they took turns speaking there was a cut, and since they were speaking a 100 MPH the editing tried to keep up. I thought the conversation/dialogue was intense enough (done well enough) that it didnt need that effect to ratchet up the intensity. I should watch it again someday, time the scene and count the cuts. It was KWAZY. Rapid fire back and forth.

I was worried during that, but immediately following that scene the editing became traditional/very good.

maybe you're just too old for the hip new modern times of films squiddy

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I don't care for "Shrek" either. I gave the first film a few viewings, and I just never found it that funny. I think it's too much of a rom-com for my tastes.

Never even saw the sequels. I don't think I'm that interested.

Shrek - 9.5/10
Shrek 2 - 10/10
Shrek 3 8.5/10
Shrek 4 - 8/10

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Over the weekend I've watched:

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl"

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

[Show spoiler]I don't really feel like breaking down a review for each film. This is one complete story arc anyway.

In short, all three movies are a blast. Each one features a fast, full, and fantastic cornucopia of swashbuckling swordfights, over-the-top stuntwork, gorgeous special effects, imaginative settings and critters, and some of the best sea battles made thus far. There's also ample amounts of humor, lots of funny quirks and antics, some beautiful imagery, and some really far-out imagery too. The three movies offer as much entertainment as some of the best blockbusters.

The stories are quite interesting as well. They all offer a detailed and in-depth look into the style, folklore, and culture of 17-18th century pirating. That's not to say that it's historically accurate or insightful or anything; I really don't know what's accurate and what isn't, but the films definitely lean toward the fantastic with all manner of sea beasties, undead monsters, and supernatural phenomenon. Suffice to say, these films offer the perfect look and feel of a proper pirate story, even if it's all a bunch of hooey.

As for the stories themselves, they can be quite thick and hard to keep track of, as the character galavant from one place to another, always changing allegiences for motivations that always shift. The dialogue helps keep things from getting too confusing, but the forced exposition often repeats ideas over and over again. But other than those complaints, the ever-moving stories offer a perfect vehicle for the rampant action described above, and still has room for quality characters. It's a huge cast, and none of the characters are totally deep, but most of them are likable. In the end, they all collectively embody a worthy theme of freedom and independence.

As a series, the first film can stand well on its own (and the third one could too if you're familiar with what happens in the second). The second film ups the stakes and broadens the scope significantly, while the third resolves the situations that the second film left hanging before going into a fun grand finale. Yep, it's about as strong of a trilogy as the original "Star Wars," "Matrix," "BTTF," or "LOTR" trilogies.

All three films show quality photography, loaded with gorgeous locations, detailed settings, and interesting lighting. Acting is fine all around: Johnny Depp is practically iconic as Jack Sparrow (and I'll probably be walking and talking like him for the rest of the week, savvy? ), Orlando Bloom is about as much of a badass as he was playing every other character he's done, Kiera Knightly is pretty hot and feisty in her role, and I'd give props to Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Rush, and most of the supporting cast. Production value is very high, with all kinds of quality props, costumes, ships, and settings, all with a varied and unique cultural flair. Designs for the creatures and monsters can be very imaginative. Music is not bad either.

4/5 each (entertainment: 4.5/5, stories: 3.5/5, films: 4.5/5

Arg! Each of these Blu-Rays look and sound darn near perfect!

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

what the F? the Pirates movies are probably in the top 5 of "best PQ ever". time to get your eyes checked Al!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

Shrek - 9.5/10
Shrek 2 - 10/10
Shrek 3 8.5/10
Shrek 4 - 8/10

Right on!

I gave the first one a 3/5 (or a 3.5 at the highest).

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I don't care for "Shrek" either. I gave the first film a few viewings, and I just never found it that funny. I think it's too much of a rom-com for my tastes.

Never even saw the sequels. I don't think I'm that interested.

if i were to make a list of films i would have absolutely no interest in owning on blu-ray, that list would be about 30 films long. that's it. and all 4 (or is it 5?) Shrek films would be on the list.

only seen i ever liked was when we first met the cat

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

what the F? the Pirates movies are probably in the top 5 of "best PQ ever". time to get your eyes checked Al!

0.5 margin of error for fine film grain, fleshtones (there are a lot of rather orange-looking faces out there, even when they aren't torchlit), contrast (mostly good, but I thought a couple of scenes looked a little hazy), and other nitpicky things we probably don't care about.

Otherwise, I almost did give it a 5/5. It is a very sharp and detailed picture indeed. I did say it's darn near perfect.

Sound quality was pretty good, but I docked 0.5 simply because it didn't seem as bombastic and the bass wasn't as deep as other blockbuster films I've heard on my folks' sound system.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

if i were to make a list of films i would have absolutely no interest in owning on blu-ray, that list would be about 30 films long. that's it. and all 4 (or is it 5?) Shrek films would be on the list.

only seen i ever liked was when we first met the cat

I'm sure Blu-Ray will do the movies justice. I certainly won't be buying it though.

I've never even seen the cat yet.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

0.5 margin of error for fine film grain, fleshtones (there are a lot of rather orange-looking faces out there, even when they aren't torchlit), contrast (mostly good, but I thought a couple of scenes looked a little hazy), and other nitpicky things we probably don't care about.

Otherwise, I almost did give it a 5/5. It is a very sharp and detailed picture indeed. I did say it's darn near perfect.

Sound quality was pretty good, but I docked 0.5 simply because it didn't seem as bombastic and the bass wasn't as deep as other blockbuster films I've heard on my folks' sound system.

The transfers are reference and I love all 3 movies, that's why I upgraded to the steelbooks, let Al think they're not reference if he wants to. I mean some people probably think TDK is reference.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I've never even seen the cat yet.

i'm sure you've seen the pictures though of Puss 'N Boots holding his hat with big sad eyes

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Darth Anakin

The transfers are reference and I love all 3 movies, that's why I upgraded to the steelbooks, let Al think they're not reference if he wants to. I mean some people probably think TDK is reference.

hey now! TDK is the best blu ever!!!!!!! best movie ever!!!!!!826171!!!!! don't hate on it!