THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:26:24 AM

Title: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:26:24 AM

In an attempt to show Himu and PD how to condense this shit into a single thread, I have tracked down what reviews I could that I have done in the past year or so. Read them, or ignore them, as you wish. Some are very brief and others are longer. Sadly, I cant seem to find anything I did before about February of last year, so this is pretty much from February of last year up to today.


The Matador (Sheperd, 2005) - 7/10

A fantastic, hilarious little film starring Pierce Brosnan as a hitman on the edge of losing it. Its basically a dark comedy in which he forms an unlikely friendship with an American while both are on (very different) business in Mexico City. From there, the men part ways but are reunited several months later when the hitman has one last job to do. Worth watching for Brosnan's off the wall performance alone, but a great movie nonetheless.


Mission: Impossible III (Abrams, 2006) - 7/10

Short and sweet: it was inferior to De Palma's M:I, and superior to Woo's craptastic M:I2. I also feel that the film could have easily been the series' best, had M:I3 not been directed by Abrams. His television roots really showed, and in my eyes, hurt the picture. His camera lingers entirely too close to the action, and features way too many extreme close-ups. You can tell he's used to having less screen area to work with. Action scenes felt unnecessarily claustrophobic. With that said, I really enjoyed pretty much everything else in the movie, and there's definately worse ways to kill a summer night.


Running Scared (Kramer, 2006) - 7/10

Well after hearing the buzz on this one ("ridiculously over the top", "so bad its good", etc, choose your own cliche), I decided to go out on a limb and make a blind buy with this one, even though I usually hate this type of movie. I dont know if I was just unknowingly in need of a crazy-but-braindead movie like this, or if Kramer just managed to craft something unique in the genre, but I found myself really enjoying this one, on a very primitive, visceral level. Its basically one of those movies that occurs all in one night, and during said night, all the creatures and scum of the night come out to play. Its like the movie is one part action, one part horror, one part thriller, and many parts of fucked up. Youve got the protaganist meeting lowlifes, junkies, pimps, hoes, and pedos all in one crazy night. Great, gritty, intense explosion of a movie.


Dark City (Proyas, 1998) - 9/10

I have always loved this film, and really never understood why it didn't take off massively like The Matrix did, despite sharing similar themes, and being released a year earlier, and being superior. Nevertheless, this is a great film, and succeeds without having or needing the flash of that movie. This is one of very few modern flicks I would actually classify as noir. Aside from themes, this is also a very dark movie, literally. I really love what this movie does with light and dark, and pretty much every scene is oozing with atmosphere, and could almost be turned into a painting. Throw in some creepy bad guys out to harvest the human soul, an interesting story, some great performances and direction, and you've got yourself a classic.


The Beach (Boyle, 2000) - 7/10

Yeah, so this film is pretty much a cheap "Lord of the Flies" clone, a Fight Club wannabe, and was released at the height of pretty boy DiCaprio's popularity craze with the 13 year old girl demographic. All less than good things. But you know what? Fuck it, this movie just works for me. Boyle treads less than original ground, but does it with enough style to pull it off. Sure, the movie has some "WTF?" moments (videogame sequence comes to mind), but the overall product is a solid, if meaningless, bit of escapism. I don't know where they shot this, but damn, I'd sure as hell take a vacation there in a heartbeat. Some of the most stunning locations I've ever seen. A nice bit of visually appealing escapism.


The Devil's Rejects (Zombie, 2005) - 8/10

Wow! I was truly surprised in the best possible way by Rob Zombie's sophomore effort. I hated, and I mean detested, his first film, as it was nothing more than a poorly conceived and crafted TCM clone. Well, I'm happy to report that his follow-up, Rejects, is definately its own beast, is miles better than his first, and is destined to become a cult classic. What I loved about this film is that it really isn't a horror film, like the first was. Instead, its more of a road movie crossed with a crime/getaway story. It's basically like Psycho meets Bonnie and Clyde, or Halloween meets Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid. It sounds bizarre, but that's exactly what The Devil's Rejects is. Sure, there is horror, and ultra violence, but the movie is more about this band of sadistic (and colorful) murderers on the run from the law, and a sheriff with blood on his breath. And to Zombie's credit, as a writer and director, he makes it work. I actually found myself rooting for Otis, Spaulding and Baby, even though they are psychotic killers. Throw in some great scenes, a killer soundtrack (who would have thought "Freebird" could be used so well?) and great performances, and you've got yourself a genre classic. It's a throwback to the grindhouse flicks of the 70's, and I totally dug it. This may be the largest jump in talent from a first movie to the second movie for a director I've ever seen. For those who like road movies, horror, exploitation or grindhouse movies, or any combination of the above, then this movie is highly recommended!


Gangs Of New York (Scorsese, 2002) - 6/10

I was never fond of this film after my initial viewing, and upon a more viewings, I'm still not too fond of it. And for a picture that was supposedly Marty's lifelong dream project, I feel it easily in the lower echelon of Scorsese films. A Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Raging Bull or Goodfellas it is not. Hell, in terms of recent Marty, I enjoyed The Aviator a hell of a lot more. Strip away the beautiful visuals and Daniel Day Lewis' performance, and I would drop this to about a 5. It just seems to plod on, and never finds its footings as either a great piece of cinema, nor a great piece of entertainment.


Collateral (Mann, 2004) - 9.5/10

Re-watched this for the billionth time, but for the first time post-Miami Vice. It still stands firm in my mind as Mann's best crime film, over Thief, Vice, and the somewhat over-rated and bloated Heat. This movie is just so much tighter, gripping and exciting than Heat. It's also on my short list of seemingly infinitely re-watchable movies. Every time I watch this I am picking up more new things (for those with the DVD, Mann also gives a very interesting commentary. I love hearing him speak). If not for the final 15 minutes or so, in which Mann falls into Hollywood cliches, this would almost be a perfect film to me. Instead, it sits as a damned excellent one. Still, a great script, fantastic performances, taut pacing and editing, and some gorgeous HD camera cinematography come together to make this movie more than the sum of its parts, and elevates the film to a modern crime masterpiece.


Ali (Mann, 2001) - 5/10

Intriguing and well acted, if overly long and meandering bio-pic about the legendary Muhammad Ali. Mann chose to focus on the 1964 to 1974 period of Ali's life, from his rise to heavyweight champ, to his relationship with Malcolm X, to his rise and fall in the Muslim world, to his many wives, to having his title stripped for choosing not to fight in Vietnam, and finally ending with the "Rumble In The Jungle", in which Ali regained the title in a fight no one thought he could possibly win. The acting is absolutely marvelous here, with Will Smith giving a career-best performance in the titular role, and some stellar supporting performances are also turned in, including a great Jamie Foxx performance, and a great performance my Mario Van Peebles as the late Malcolm X. I really loved too how, whenever possible, Mann and his crew shot on the real sites that events took place on. It adds a real authenticity to the picture. Also, the 5-6 boxing scenes littered throughout the 2.5 hour film are extremely well done, and Smith's traning renders him a believable Ali. Sadly, the movie seems to greatly overstay its welcome, and runs out of steam by the time they reach Zaire. Other scenes in the film are rather questionable as to their relevance. Trim this bad boy down a bit, and a great film could have been made. As it stands, though, it's a good, but flawed movie, but definately worth at least a watch.


Heat (Mann, 1995) - 8.5/10

One could call Michael Mann's epic crime film "Heat" his "The Godfather" (not in theme, but in sheer brilliance of weaving such an intricate story). But in reality, it's more like "Magnolia", if it were a crime film. Heat is a brilliantly crafted film that starts off with several divergent stories of desperate people on both sides of the law, and through Mann's skill, ends with all the plot threads converging together to form an unforgettable ending, and a masterpiece of cinema. Once again Mann tackles his usual theme of personal life versus professionalism, this time told through a game of cat-and-mouse between a top robbery cop and a professional thief. Both men are almost two sides of the same coin, so relentlessly devoted to their craft that whatever personal and social lives they do have are falling down around them. Neil, the thief, prides himself on being able to walk away from any job at the drop of a hat, and leave his life behind. Vincent, the cop, prides himself on being able to hunt down his prey without pity or failure. Naturally, things go haywire when Neil falls in love and starts becoming spontaneous, and Vincent's obsession leads to the disintegration of his marriage (and the life of his step-daughter). Once Neil's last heist goes south, and Vincent is breathing down his neck, we are treated to one of the most original final acts ever, and one of the most emotional and unforgettable final shots ever. Highly recommended!


Brick (Johnson, 2005) - 5/10

A largely mediocre flick by first-timer Rian Johnson. The concept is an interesting one on paper (basically a Sam Spade noir set in a modern high school), but comes up monumentally short in the execution of the concept. The general plot is the search of a loner student to discover why his former girlfrend was murdered, and who did it. The journey takes him through the twisted world of junkies and losers. The dialogue doesn't have the zing or pop that it did in the 40's, and none of the actors is of the calibre to deliver it well. This film really holds nothing fresh or innovative for anyone familiar with the more famous film noirs of the 40's (namely The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, both of which this film desperately wants to be). There's no modern day Bogart to be found here, to say the least. And despite sounding interesting, the concept of a noir in high school is really hilarious when you see it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a good job in the lead, but mostly mumbles and hunches his way through the role. That his is the top piece of acting in the film doesn't bode well for the supporting cast. This is obviously the work of a first-time writer/director, who, while showing some promise, has a very long way to go.


The Insider (Mann, 1999) - 9/10

Another fantastic film by the great Michael Mann, and possibly his best (even if not my personal favorite). Very different in style and tone than his other films, yet still distinctly Mann. This time, he tackles a real-life story ripped from the headlines. The film is about a former highly-placed scientist, Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, at a large American tobacco company, who was let go for having moral dilemmas regarding his work. He was then contacted by "60 Minutes" producer Lowell Bergman for an expert opinion on another story regarding tobacco. Bergman could sense that Wigand had something else important to say, but was bound by a confidentiality agreement to keep his mouth shut. Once Wigand starts being followed and receiving death threats, and his family life is crumbling, he decides to take on the big tobacco company that is ruining his life, head on. He teams up with Bergman to deliver his explosive insider information to 30 million viewers. The tobacco company swiftly threatens litigation to CBS, who then promptly pull the piece. The film then speeds up to a great conclusion in which Bergman choses integrity and Wigand's story over his career, and turns rogue to get the story heard. Russell Crowe and Al Pacino star as Dr. Wigand and Mr. Bergman, respectively. Their performances anchor this incredibly intriguing and expertly crafted conspiracy movie. Highly recommended!


Silent Hill (Gans, 2006) - 5/10

Beautiful to look at but incoherent is how I would describe Christophe Gans' take on the world of Silent Hill. The movie got so many little things right, yet failed in the most important aspect, that of telling a story. This movie feels like more of an expressionist painting than a logically structured plot. Basically, atmosphere and style were given more weight than the screenplay, which is never a good thing. Nevertheless, there is some enjoyment to be found in the film (and some subtle fan service done in the right way, mostly in terms of shots or locales lifted from the game), mostly in the visual or visceral sense, and the film never panders to the audience in the way most videogame movies do. In that sense, I would consider the film a success. Although I felt the screenplay was rather incomprehensible, I do feel that the major pro for this film, and what Gans should be commended for, is for perfectly nailing the atmosphere. The choice of shots, the lighting, the color palette, the gorgeous sets, the music, and the overwhelming sense of melancholy and unease were all handled perfectly. In the atmosphere sense, this truly was Silent Hill come to life. A flawed but still gripping film, one that nailed all the minor things, but fumbled on the most important ones.


United 93 (Greengrass, 2006) - 9.5/10

The first feature-length film released since 9/11 tackling that very subject matter is perhaps the best film of 2006. I, like many of you, had pondered whether or not it was too soon for a movie based on such a recent tragedy. Well, after viewing this film, I would say that now is the time for such a film, if handled with the skill, dedication and class of Greengrass' masterpiece. The film is a real-time account of the fourth hijacked plane to crash that day, and the only one that did not reach its intended target. What Greengrass offers is an interpretation of the events that transpired during the flight, in which the passengers eventually learned about the other hijacked planes, and decided to try and stop the terrorists from crashing their plane into Washington. As we all know, they were successful in averting the plane from the target, but they all still lost their lives when the plane crashed in the middle of a large field about 150 miles outside of Washington. The real victory of the film is that Greengrass doesn't paint Americans as saints, nor the terrorists as pure evil. He simply presents each side in a believable manner, and lets the viewer decide things for himself. He also recreates the chaos and emotion of that horrifying day with great power which resonates deeply with the viewer. This is a difficult film to watch, especially for those of us who remember that day so vividly. They do show much of the stock footage of the plane crashes, which re-opened the old wounds fresh, as I had not seen the footage in several years now. Even still, this is a very important film, and a story that deserves to be told, as the people on that plane and their families suffered more than any of us ever did. Believable, emotional, and unflinching, United 93 is a grand tribute to those who died on that ill-fated flight, and simply a masterpiece of cinema. The final shot is unforgettable.


The Bourne Identity (Liman, 2002) - 8.5/10

This is a great action movie, and the type that all action movies should aspire to be like. Which is to say that, although it's an actioner, it's smart, believable, grounded somewhat in reality, and bucks the usual genre cliches. It's almost hard to believe this is a Hollywood production, as it feels more like an indie in both it's writing and execution. I won't rehash a plot synopsis, as I assume most have seen the film. I found everything in the film to be rather expertly done, from the most minute things up to the work put in by the actors. I absolutely loved the decision to shoot on location. Paris actually being, er, Paris, adds a credibility and depth to the proceedings that most of these type of films lack. Overall, one of the best action-thrillers of the past 15 years.


Casino Royale (Campbell, 2006) - 9/10

Wow. Just fucking wow. In a span of a mere 2.5 hours, I have witnessed many things. The complete resurrection of the James Bond franchise, the most exciting film I've seen this year, and most importantly, the best James Bond film in 40 years. With a single viewing, Casino Royale instantly breaks into the Top 3 Bond film stratosphere. It quite simply blows away all of the old films which I love dearly. It's like losing my religion, and loving every second of it. If that is bad, then I don't want to know what good is. Hail to the king! James Bond is back, and this time he is more ruthless, deadly, intriguing, flawed, cocky, deep, and more interesting than he ever has been.

The Bond series was on life support after the last film, but Casino Royale is 1000 cc's of adrenaline straight to the heart of the franchise. Gone are the elements that had descended the series into irrelevancy: self-parody, over-reliance on action and CG, cookie cutter characters, ludicrous plots, and a requirement for a suspension of belief the size of Mt. Everest. They went back to the drawing table, or in this case, the source, and churned out the most relevent, touching, suspenseful, grounded, and genuinely emotional Bond film ever. As good as Batman Begins was as an origin story, Casino Royale trumps it in every facet. This is the best prequel ever made.

The action scenes in the film have to be seen to be believed. They wisely got away from over-the-top camp, and focused on mind-blowing practical stunts. The parkour scene in Madagascar, and the airport chase are two of the most thrilling action sequences I've seen in years. I also loved how the only weapons in this movie were guns and fists. Lots and lots of fists. Bond finally is a believable brawler, and Craig plays him with more of a serial-killer menace than has ever been seen. This is the first time I actually found Bond to be someone I would be frightened of. The violence was unflinching but never gratuitous, and the introductory bathroom fight showcased the new-age Bond perfectly. Nothing pretty, but brutally efficient. Also, though not exactly "action", the casino scenes were excellent, and really built palpable tension.

The writing is the best that has been seen in a Bond film in eons. It's downright shocking that the creative team behind this one is largely the same as were behind the previous 4 films. It seems with Craig as the new Bond, the creative staff has been re-invigorated. This is the first Bond movie with some genuinely real character development, and the first film to really build Bond. We get to see where his coldness stems from, why he announces his true name despite being a spy, and most importantly, what events transpired to mold him into the man he will become. Gone are traditional characters like Q and Moneypenny, who, while fun, are simply added bloat to the films. Gone are the cheesey one-liners and the formulaic structure. When there is humor, it is simply that, funny lines without the camp value. Hell, they even take the liberty of turning several of the famous lines on their head, and we aren't even given the famous Bond phrase until the final shot. Absolutely brilliant job by the writers. This is a really lean and tight screenplay, and I am thankful for that. Another stroke of brilliance was to not let the James Bond theme play until the final scenes. They teased with several notes here and there, but it never kicked into gear until Bond was, well, Bond.

The cast was uniformly excellent. Eva Green as Vesper Lynd is the best Bond girl, ever. She has more development and is better acted than any of the previous girls. Eva is also unbelievably radiant, and seems to have an almost unearthly beauty to her. Mads Mikkelson was great as Le Chiffre, the first believable villain in years. He wasn't after world domination, destruction, or some other ridiculous plot. He simply wanted money to fund terrorist operations. Plain, simple, and believable. Judi Dench turns in her best outing as M, and is given more to do in this one. The rest of the cast is rounded out very nicely. It seems that I have forgotten someone... who could he be?

"Bond. James Bond". Holy mother of Christ, Daniel Craig is James Bond. He quite simply turns in the best performance of any of the Bond actors, in any of the Bond films, ever. He is the first to play the role with total seriousness, and carries and intensity and charisma that I have rarely scene in film. He is instantly believable as Bond. The opening scenes display a physicality and athleticism never seen before. He follows that up by showing the ability to play a ruthless, cold-hearted bastard. Finally, he shows some real acting chops in the dramatic scenes of the movie. To me, every motion, every breath, every action, and every phrase said by Craig was truely the essence of Ian Fleming's James Bond. Scenes that stood out for me were the Madagascar scene, the shower scene, the poker scenes, the torture scenes, the end scenes (which cement him into the Bond we all know), and of course, the pitch-perfect delivery of the classic line in the film's final shot. Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery. And if he keeps it up for a few films, he will surpass the legend. Yes, that's what I said, and I fully mean it. That's the highest compliment I can give Craig's performance. Absolutely electric performance from the best Bond in 40 years.

Casino Royale is quite simply the most exciting film I have seen this year, the most fulfilling rebirth of a franchise ever, and possibly the best of the Bond movies.


Superman Returns (Singer, 2006) - 7/10

It's amazing what a 6 month break and a second chance on DVD will do. I hated this movie initially in theatres, but I found myself enjoying it immensely upon my second viewing last night. In a sense, I may have never given the film a fair shake in the first place. Either way, while the movie has some major flaws, it also does a lot of things very well. Starting with the problems: the film is way too long, it leaves non-hardcore fans in the dark at times, some of the performances are incredibly cheesey, as is some of the writing, there isn't enough action, and quite a bit of the CG effects seem half-baked or incomplete. As far as positives go: Routh is surprisingly excellent in both his roles, Bosworth also pleasantly surprises with her work, Singer's direction is good, the proper respect is paid to the original movies, the cinematography is very nice, and the score is excellent, due in no small part to John Williams' timeless theme. A very nice reboot for a series that was on life-support.


Children Of Men (Cuaron, 2006) - 10/10

Alfonso Cuaron has successfully brought to screen the most frightening, believable and haunting vision of the future I have ever seen. Women are infertile, Britain has closed itself off from outsiders, and the entire world is on the brink of collapse. What Cuaron does so well is that he paints the future as a slightly enhanced and rapidly decaying version of today's world. There are no flying cars, androids, or any of the usual sci-fi conventions to be found here. People still live in the same manner, and discrimination, fear, and especially hate are all still emotions that drive people. Cuaron explores this world, and navigates us through the story of a people without any faith left, who are miraculously and inexplicable given a glimmer of hope, in the form of new life. The birth of the first child in two decades represents some hope and optimism for the future, when it was thought that both were lost forever. Cuaron delivers the story to us with such class that no blatant message is forced down our throats, and we are left to make what we will of things. What I see is a film about hope even in the worst circumstances, and a film that is a masterpiece on every single level.

Alfonso Cuaron's direction is masterful in this film. I absolutely loved the way he relayed information, not through exposition, but through bits and pieces of information we pick up. Be it a news telecast, a paper, an overheard conversation, or a note, the information we are given is fractured and incomplete, which serves to make everything seem more real. This is probably the main reason, along with the dysotopian depiction of the future, that I have heard people compare Half-Life 2 the game, to this film. The decision to only feed the viewer as much information as the characters themselves get is an inspired one.

Clive Owen turns in another excellent performance as Theo, the protaganist of the piece. His performance is largely an internal one, and he portrays the initial feelings of numbness, and later the outbursts of emotion with honesty and the utmost believability. Michael Caine steals the show in his small role of Jasper, the pot-smuggling hipster with a heart of gold, willing to make any sacrifice so that the child can be born. The rest of the cast is filled out by uniformly excellent performances from a mixture of familiar faces and unknowns.

Possibly the most incredible thing about the film is the ground-breaking cinematography. There were several moments and scenes that had my jaw dropping from the incredible things I was witnessing on the screen. There are at least 2 scenes in the film (the car escape, and Theo's rescue in the finale) that run on for at least 10-15 minutes without any visible cuts, through chases and battlefields, constantly tracking the action and moving throughout the chaos. Both of these shots are pretty much the most impressive things I have seen this decade from a cinematography persective. What really seals the deal is the subtle way CG effects were used. The mark of great CG is when you can't tell it's being used. Aside from 1 or 2 obvious scenes, I could never tell if it was being used, although it obviously was in many of the scenes. An excellent visual package from top to bottom.

Alfonso Cuaron's film also manages to throw the viewer several unexpected twists, always keeps moving at a great pace, and packs one hell of an emotional punch. For all the reasons stated in this review, and for creating the most believable and frightening version of the future I have witnessed, and for accomplishing all this with an auteur's touch, I call Children of Men a masterpiece. Film of the year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:28:21 AM

I've already kept it in one single thread.

http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=5357.0

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 11:29:26 AM

 :bow :bow :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Prost on February 15, 2007, 11:29:49 AM

Running Scared was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo fucked up!

I never get really creeped out like I did in that movie.  The thing that really scares you is....  you begin to imagine there's really people like that living all around you... could be your neighbors, anyone....

It's SO FUCKED UP jesus christ.  They chop... children...........they chop them...  after they do god knows what.

ooooooooooooooh  I get sooooooooooooooooooooooo creeped out by that..... sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo creeped out

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 11:30:38 AM

The Beach is so great, and the soundtrack is amazing.

I think Dark City is overrated in my opinion.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:31:29 AM

Yeah, Running Scared is all sorts of fucked up, lol. I am actually surprised a major studio actually distributed the thing. It definately has an indie feel to it. Also, <3 Vera Farmiga.

I like the OST for The Beach too, FoC. I actually even like *gulp* the All Saints song, haha.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:32:20 AM

So, in the recent wave of horror movie rehashes, which of them are actually, you know, GOOD?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:32:55 AM

Remakes? For me it was really only The Hills Have Eyes remake that I liked.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:33:36 AM

No, not just remakes, but horror films in general. Just looking at Saw and shit like that, I think I can tell I wouldn't like them.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:36:39 AM

I dunno. I havent seen any of the Saw movies. But of youre looking for modern horror, check out The Devil's Rejects, its one of the movies I gush over in this thread.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 11:41:12 AM

My favorite modern Horro is "Event Horizon"  :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Prost on February 15, 2007, 11:42:21 AM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 11:41:12 AM

My favorite modern Horro is "Event Horizon"  :bow

not really that modern anymore ;)  but still a cool flick

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 11:43:46 AM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 15, 2007, 11:29:26 AM

:bow :bow :bow

Yeah, this thread > Himu's.

With that said, I didn't really like Running Scared that much, if at all.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 11:44:18 AM

Superior movie review thread confirmed :bow

Good review of Heat. While it's definitely "good", it just didn't live up to the hype for me. The character development was rather weak outside of a 3 characters, which made the personal aspect of the film less powerful. You didn't really get a feel for the relationships of many of the characters, mainly Pacino's team. So when people start dying it's hard to care. Much. On a side note, De Niro is fucking amazing in the movie; Pacino is good, but gets blown away by De Niro.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 11:47:42 AM

They both did a great job at playing a believable cop and bad guy.

I love it whenever Pacino bursts in anger in his movies :lol

Quote

I'm angry. I'm very angry, Ralph. You know, you can ball my wife if she wants you to. You can lounge around here on her sofa, in her ex-husband's dead-tech, post-modernistic bullshit house if you want to. But you do not get to watch my fucking television set!

<3

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:48:35 AM

I'm not too keen on Michael Mann movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 11:52:20 AM

Solo is pretty much my hero.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 11:53:17 AM

Found a few more small ones:

Halloween (Carpenter, 1978) - 9/10

Forget the awful sequels, forget the followers, forget the knockoffs. The original Halloween was first and best slasher film ever made, and for my money, the greatest horror film ever made. This really is John Carpenter's masterpiece, a tightly directed and edited indie film introducing the world to Jamie Lee Curtis. The film also features the late, great Donald Pleasance, and the most menacing of all 80's slasher baddies, Michael Myers. Also features the creepiest (in a great way) main theme song ever written, which also was created by Carpenter.


Apocalypse Now (Coppola, 1979) - 9/10

Simply put, the greatest war film ever created. As Coppola himself said, Apocalypse Now isnt about Vietnam, is is Vietnam! The film itself is a character study about the descent into madness, based on Heart of Darkness. The film is unforgettable, Martin Sheen almost lost his sanity during filming, Robert Duvall steals the show, and it features the best use of a song by The Doors ever. Enough said.


Throne Of Blood (Kurosawa, 1957) - 8.5/10

A great director taking on an adaptation from a great writer starring a great actor. What else could you ask for? Kurosawa takes on Shakespeare's MacBeth in this one, starring the legendary Toshiro Mifune. I just love everything about this one. Im a Kurosawa whore, this is my favorite Shakespeare tale, and I feel that of all the Mifune/Kurosawa collaborations, this is the one in which Mifune gave his best performance. A must see for all those interested in Asian cinema.


Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Gondry, 2004) - 9.5/10

I would call this movie the first great love story of the new millenium. Its like Casablanca on acid or something. I think many here have seen it, so I wont go into the plot much, suffice to say that two former lovers undergo a procedure to alter their memories, cutting eachother out of them. It is only during this process that our protaganist, Joel (in another excellent Jim Carrey performance), decides he doesnt want to go through with it. This film really enforces that old saying of "it is better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all".


Magnolia (Anderson, 1999) - 9/10

It came after Short Cuts, but before Crash. And of all the films about the intertwining lives of morally imperfect people, this is the best one. The cast is stellar from top to bottom, and features the best performance of Tom Cruise's career. The direction is as brisk as can be for a three hour film, which is saying a lot. Ive never been really sure why I love this film, but it just works for me.


Rear Window (Hitchcock, 1954) - 9/10

A Hitchcock masterpiece for the ages, often immitated (and spoofed, hello, Simpsons!), and never surpassed. A film about the dangers of voyeurism and jumping to conclusions. Featuring some of the greatest direction ever from Hitch, the film takes place entirely with an apartment complex, and mostly within a single room where the wheelchair bound Jimmy Stewart peers out. Features a great score, great performances from the always fantastic Stewart, and the beautiful Grace Kelly. This is THE textbook suspense film, and one that had better be shown in film school.


Oldboy (Park, 2003) - 9.5/10

This film is a kick to the nuts with steel toed boots. Its also the best revenge film I have ever seen, and so clever and meticulously crafted that its almost unbelievable. Park's direction just oozes talent, confidence, and style. Thankfully, there is also much substance with that style. I will divulge no story details, is this is one film that deserves to be unspoiled for you. All I will say is that it is extremely unflinching, unnerving and visceral, and features the best performance by a lead actor I have seen in ages. This film will stick with you for days.


The Godfather Part II (Coppola, 1974) - 10/10

The greatest sequel ever made, and the only time I can remember that a masterpiece of a film was surpassed by an uber-masterpiece of a sequel. Im talking Al Pacino in his prime as Don Michael Corleone. Im talking Robert De Niro in his prime as Don Vito Corleone. Im talking Coppola at the height of his creativity. Take all that and combine it with beautiful cinematography, a great supporting cast, a legendary score, and a great script. That is a recipe for greatness. That Al Pacino never won an Oscar for this is unforgivable.


Vertigo (Hitchcock, 1958) - 10/10

The greatest of all the Hitchcock films, his magnum opus. Starring the nice guy Jimmy Stewart, who surprises you with his performance, this film sucks you in and doesnt let go until the tragic end. The story is simple enough, a man falls in love with a women, loses her, and then finds a women and tries to make her in the image of his lost love. Along the way however, the man also loses his soul and possibly his sanity in a downward spiral of madness and obsession. Jimmy Stewarts performance ranges from pleasant to somber to downright chilling. He is really masterful as Scottie. The film also features gorgeous cinematography (you WILL want to go to San Francisco), and Bernard Herrmann's haunting score. The final shot of this film is so tragic and beautiful that it still sticks with me, a few years after my initial viewing. See this film at any cost.


The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (Leone, 1966) - 11/10

Simply put, this is the greatest westen ever shot. But is it even a western? At times its a buddy movie, a drama, a comedy, and a thriller. The film throws in everything including the kitchen sink, and it works as a violent opera of greed and desperation. This film features my favorite cinematography ever, along with my favorite score. Ennio Morricone is a godly composer, and it was never more evident than his work here. The film is also flawlessly directed and cut, thanks to the vision of the late, great, Sergio Leone, RIP. To quote Quentin Tarantino "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly is the best directed film ever!". The performances are uniformly fantastic. Eli Wallach steals the show as the loveable but untrustworthy Tuco, The Ugly. Lee Van Cleef shows a dangerous and menacing side as Angel Eyes, The Bad. And Clint Eastwood was never better as the stoic protaganist Blondie, The Good. Finally, I must say again that this film features my favorite scene in film history, which can be summarized by musical cues: from the start of "The Ecstacy Of Gold" until the end of "The Trio" is virtuoso filmmaking.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 11:48:35 AM

I'm not too keen on Michael Mann movies.

Well, you're still learning. :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:54:43 AM

Fuck Solo. I have no reason to do my thread now. Fuck you cock muffin of love. Edit your thread title and make it the official evilbore movie review thread.

Nvm. I got him and Michael Bay mixed up.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 11:58:09 AM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 11:54:43 AM

I got him and Michael Bay mixed up.

Wow. :yuck

Go die in a fire.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 11:58:48 AM

What?! I get Michael's mixed up all the goddamn time.

Isn't Michael Mann the director of Collateral? Yeah, I loved that movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 12:00:41 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 11:54:43 AM

Fuck Solo. I have no reason to do my thread now. Fuck you cock muffin of love. Edit your thread title and make it the official evilbore movie review thread.

Nvm. I got him and Michael Bay mixed up.

That's a PD move right there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:01:15 PM

Michael BAY - Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, The Rock, etc.
Michael MANN - Heat, Collateral, The Insider, etc.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 12:02:44 PM

We have The Insider's dvd.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:03:26 PM

WATCH IT

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 12:03:53 PM

Great review on Brick.  I have no idea why so many people like the movie.  Is it because they've never actually seen a noir, but they know enough about the lingo to think Brick is cute or something?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:04:40 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 12:03:53 PM

Great review on Brick.  I have no idea why so many people like the movie.  Is it because they've never actually seen a noir, but they know enough about the lingo to think Brick is cute or something?

It's an incredibly well made movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 12:06:11 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:04:40 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 12:03:53 PM

Great review on Brick.  I have no idea why so many people like the movie.  Is it because they've never actually seen a noir, but they know enough about the lingo to think Brick is cute or something?

It's an incredibly well made movie.

In what way?  The dialogue is jarring, there's a single good performance in the movie, the plotting is coloring book noir, and as a noir fan, I found it kind of insulting.  It's a good idea with a poor execution.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:07:41 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 12:03:53 PM

Great review on Brick.  I have no idea why so many people like the movie.  Is it because they've never actually seen a noir, but they know enough about the lingo to think Brick is cute or something?

Its a technically well made film with a modest budget. Everything else, though, is either mediocre as hell or flat out sucks. I remember my friend tried to tell me it was amazing, then I watched the trailer and thought "hmm, this looks interesting". Then we rented the film.... ugh. Total sub-par, pretentious crap.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:07:49 PM

<3 Whitey
I am going to find a to-scale poster of nude Keitel and mail it to you

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:08:38 PM

Most noirs suck anyway. The Big sleep is the best titled film in history. Brick was great for a bunch of reasons. You're in the minorty that thinks the writing was jarring. The photography was beautiful. Most of the performances were solid. It's not my favorite movie, but I enjoyed the ride.


At times it does feel pretentious though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:09:24 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:08:38 PM

Most noirs suck anyway. The Big sleep is the best titled film in history. Brick was great for a bunch of reasons. You're in the minorty that thinks the writing was jarring. The photography was beautiful. Most of the performances were solid. It's not my favorite movie, but I enjoyed the ride.


At times it does feel pretentious though.

The Third Man says "hello".

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 12:09:42 PM

I really like Michael Mann, but Miami Vice was garbage.  It was good to know that my hate for Colin Farrell isn't totally unfounded though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:10:30 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 15, 2007, 12:09:42 PM

I really like Michael Mann, but Miami Vice was garbage.  It was good to know that my hate for Colin Farrell isn't totally unfounded though.

You should probably watch it again. I know I hated it on the first viewing too, then grew to love it.

Title: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:11:13 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 15, 2007, 12:09:24 PM

The Third Man says "hello".

The Maltese falcon, which is considered the quintessential noir film is average at best.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:12:19 PM

The Third Man > Maltese Falcon

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:15:56 PM

Hell no. The Maltese Falcon totally lives up to its billing. What a great little movie. Humphrey Bogart > your favorite actor.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 12:16:02 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:08:38 PM

Most noirs suck anyway. The Big sleep is the best titled film in history. Brick was great for a bunch of reasons. You're in the minorty that thinks the writing was jarring. The photography was beautiful. Most of the performances were solid. It's not my favorite movie, but I enjoyed the ride.


At times it does feel pretentious though.

The Big Sleep was a book before it was a movie. 

How about listing a bunch of those reasons that people liek Brick?  The dialogue is movie-ruining by itself.  The plot is thinner than any of the major noirs it is trying to emulate.  It doesn't have a few visuals that stick out, but so do lousy David Lynch movies.

And while there are many bad noirs, you are writing off the genre entirely too quickly.  I'd think you were talking about something as shallow as horror.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:17:15 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 12:16:02 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:08:38 PM

Most noirs suck anyway. The Big sleep is the best titled film in history. Brick was great for a bunch of reasons. You're in the minorty that thinks the writing was jarring. The photography was beautiful. Most of the performances were solid. It's not my favorite movie, but I enjoyed the ride.


At times it does feel pretentious though.

The Big Sleep was a book before it was a movie. 

In that case the movie is amazing.  ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 12:19:40 PM

is big fish worth watching?

just wondering since it's coming on the tele tonight...

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:20:17 PM

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brick/ (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brick/)

80% from the cream of the crop. I dub this the gaf-hates-something-that-becomes-popular phenomenon.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 12:20:39 PM

The whole idea of some highschool dickweed solving murder mysteries and talking like that nerd in drama class you want to punch the fuck out was enough for me to dislike it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 12:21:16 PM

REVIEW TIME

The Departed (Scorsese, 2006)

In the last 6 months I've done a lot of catching up with respect to watching movies I should have seen earlier. While many lived up to the hype created by more hardcore film buffs - such as Brazil and Die Hard - others didn't, and instead rubbed me as either just good (Heat) or simply ok (Reservoir Dogs, Blade Runner). Like many of the movies mentioned earlier, The Departed was introduced to my consciousness with an interesting trailer and lots of hype. I must say I was somewhat skeptical going into the movie, but after watching it I can truly say this is not only one of the best crime movies I've ever seen, it's also one of the best movies I've ever seen.

When I watch movies I look for two things: great acting and great writing. The Departed not only does both of these things very well, it knocks them out the park. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon give wonderful preformances as undercover "rats" - the former as an undercover cop and the other as an undercover mob informant. Both are seperated by more than just career desisions; on one hand DiCaprio's character Cortigan is the blacksheep in a family knee deep in crooks, while Damon's character Sullivan is the product of a stable, calculated good life. Yet despite their contradictary differences they are brought together by a central, powerful similarity: Frank Costello. Nicholson's portrayal of the mob boss is brilliantly chilling. A true force of power, Costello is the main man involved in a plan to bring down the Boston mob.

The preformances of all three are simply magnificant. DiCaprio especially shines and effortlessly portrays a fragile, scared man who simply wants to do the right thing, yet is afraid that doing it could lose him his life. Throughout the movie he effortless shows a wide range of emotions, from anger to manic fear to vulnerability. Although I haven't seen the other movies featuring best actor nominees for the oscar, it's hard to imagine anyone giving a preformance more real and stunning as DiCaprio's. Likewise Nicholson's preformance is also stunningly real and effortless; it's hard for me to understand why he wasn't nominated for best supporting actor. Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen also give standout preformances which serve to further balance the movie.

The script is simply amazing in nearly every aspect and really compliments the great acting. Yet the force which brings it to life the most is Scorsese, who masterfully orchastrates this tour de force. It's amazing how he's able to use short scenes to flesh out each character without anything seeming rushed or looked over. The opening of the movie is simply brilliant, and truly sets the view up for the next two hours. It's as if he gives you a slight tease of what's to come before finally pulling up the curtain and revealing his magic trick. Yet once he does show his hand it's impossible to look away; the story simply draws you in and never lets go. Even the more emotional scenes that seem to drag other crime dramas down are handled with a superior level of intensity.

Everything comes together perfectly and leads right to the shocking climax and ending, as DiCaprio and Damon finally meet, the story in the balance. I was left impressed over and over again by the movie.

If I have any complaints it would have to do with the rather forced, gratuitous profanity towards the beginning of the movie and well as a few puzzling plot holes. Yet these are minor flaws when compared to just how much the movie gets right. I simply cannot express how much I was impressed by this movie - it's a balanced, perfectly acted blueprint of how to make a compelling crime movie.

9.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:21:20 PM

Bud: I am not a Burton fan by any means, but yes, I did enjoy Big Fish.

PD: Great review, but what the shit is it doing in MY thread?  :lol Oh well. Glad you loved the movie too! I'll have to find my TD review...

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 12:23:14 PM

How the fuck did you write a review of The Departed and not mention Marky Mark once?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:23:56 PM

Marky Mark? You mean Matt Damon?

spoiler (click to show/hide)

[/am nintenho] :-*

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:27:28 PM

Found it at GAF:

The Departed (Scorsese, 2006) - 9/10

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the latest masterpiece by legendary director Martin Scorsese, the best remake I have ever seen, and my favorite film of 2006 thusfar (and I'm not sure if it can be topped). The Departed features Scorsese once again doing the thing that no one does better than him - crafting a brilliant character study about isolation and the loss of identity and soul, set smack dab in the middle of an epic gangster film. This film is the best Marty has done in some time, easily the best of his three collaborations with DiCaprio, and totally blows the original Infernal Affairs out of the water. Yes, that's right. If that film is a nice T-bone steak, The Departed is a giant serving of juicy prime rib. What Scorsese and Monahan do so well is take the basic structure of the original, and then proceed to mold it into something new and fresh, while adding significant depth to all the characters, and that classic Scorsese touch. This is the work of a virtuoso filmmaker returning home after a long absence, and I fully welcome it.

The filmmaking here is immaculate. Scorsese handles the wealth of material, plots, characters and twists without breaking a sweat. The film really feels rather effortless and breezy, and while 150 minutes long, runs a lot shorter than many 100 minute films do, which says a lot. This is a tribute to Scorsese, who changes up his style a bit for this film. There are no long tracking shots to be found here, the musical choices are strangely stunted and repeated, and the camera is almost always moving. For a lesser director, this sudden change in style could ruin the film. Scorsese makes it work though, and I actually felt that the frantic pacing of the camera and the editing made this film even better; more intriguing and suspenseful. As usual, Marty's technical prowess is on full display. The man just knows exactly where to have his camera at all times, how to frame things, and when his camera moves, it's always in the right way. It will be a sad day when Scorsese retires, because there are few remaining directors that possess the knowledge, and then the skill to apply that knowledge, that Marty does.

Of course, the masterpiece Scorsese films comes from the pen of the great William Monahan. Holy hell is this ever an electric screenplay. This is the best writing I have seen in a Hollywood film in ages. I don't know where Monahan pulled the razor sharp dialogue (laced with more profanity, vulgarity, and racism than you'll likely see again in a major film) from, but I am extremely thankful for it. There is so much memorable dialogue and so many great scenes in his script to count. The other great thing Monahan did, which caught me totally off-guard, was write an absolutely hilarious screenplay. I was expecting the film to be serious in tone, and yet my sides were splitting from laughing at least a dozen times during the film. In fact, I think he should be proud of that, because, based on my audience, which erupted with laughter each time one such line or scene occurred, he completely nailed the humor. This is what makes the film work so great. Monahan wrote this serious screenplay filled with dark humour, and Scorsese, while taking it also very seriously, definately directed it with his tongue firmly in his cheek. In essence, as strange is it sounds, the film is a heavy, but a light-hearted one.

Scorsese directs from Monahan's vision, but it's the actors who are tasked with bringing the whole thing to life and making it believable. To say they all do this with flying colours would be the understatement of the year. Every single member of the cast, from top to bottom, brings their A-game. It's like they were all fully aware they were starring in a Scorsese crime classic, and no one wanted to be the weak link, so they all elevated their performances. Three actors in particular blew me away, and I will touch on them last. Before that, I will touch upon the rest of the cast. Matt Damon is very good here, probably the best I've seen him, and I could buy into his cocky Bostonian Colin persona, because it's probably the truest to life role he's had. Martin Sheen is excellent as Queenan, the leader of the spy unit, the mentor to Billy, and the "good" of the most hilariously awesome good cop/bad cop team I've ever seen. Alec Baldwin is full of Irish piss and vinegar as Ellerby, leader of the special unit. He's solid as always, and provides several laughs. Vera Farmiga has the huge task of playing the sole major female character in the film, and pulls it off wonderfully. Her role, as Colin's love interest, and Billy's shrink, has been greatly expanded for this remake, and Farmiga has the chops to believably pull off the very smart and conflicted Madolyn. Now, back to the three performances that really rivited me, from least to most. First up is Mark Wahlberg, in a smaller, supporting role as Queenan's right-hand man, Dignam, the "bad" portion of the previously mentioned good cop/bad cop team. Wahlberg doesn't have a lot of scenes, but boy is he ever memorable in the ones he has. He obviously had a lot of fun with his excessively vulgar dialogue, and acted like he was spitting fire. Next up is Jack Nicholson, who is a revelation as mob boss Frank Costello. This is the most impressed I have been with Jack since The Shining. He totally ownes this role, and turns in an unforgettable performance. Why it's taken this long for Nicholson and Scorsese to team, I'll never know, as it's a match made in bloody heaven. This is the sleaziest, most profane, digustingly enjoyable performance Jack has ever given, and he delivers at least two-thirds of the film's humor. He perfectly balances between going completely over-the-top, and keeping it grounded enough to make us scared shitless of someone like Costello. Last, but definately not least (in fact, most) is Leonardo DiCaprio's heartwrenching, seething, frightened and hopeless turn as the tortured Billy Costigan. I will fully agree with and endorse the claim that this is the best he has ever been. Hooking up with Scorsese is the best thing that could have ever happened to Leo, as his craft has improved tenfold since their first collaboration. He is absolutely on fire here, as the conflicted, aggressive and utterly lost undercover agent. DiCaprio totally sells the persona of a man trying his best to wrestle his inner demons, while falling deeper into Costello's world, and desperately seeking a way out. What is really great about his performance is that so much of it is internalized, and manifests itself not through dialogue, but through his body language and his eyes. And the eyes never lie. Brilliant acting from DiCaprio and the entire cast.

Well, it's definately time to wrap this up, as it's definately the longest review I have ever written here. It should also be said that compared to the original, The Departed has a few cards up it's sleeve, and takes its own direction at several key junctions. Also, for anyone who gets turned off by language, violence or general crudeness, this might not be for you. The Departed is the most graphic, excessively violent, profane, and vulgar film I've seen in some time. And I love Scorsese all the more for it. His unflinching and uncomprising style is always welcome. To sum it up, this is a total resurrection of a true auteur. And while it's a bit hard to gauge after a single viewing, with the insanity of excitement still surrounding me, this is possibly my favorite film Scorsese has ever done. I don't think theres a bigger compliment I could give The Departed. Welcome home, Martin Scorsese.


======

Time to reflect has made me do 3 things: lower the score to a 9, realize its NOT my favorite Scorsese, and have a film best it for tops of 2006 (CoM)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:29:08 PM

Solo's such a flip-flopper. ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:33:57 PM

I guess so  ::) To me its more a case of getting caught up in the initial thrill of finally getting another kickass Marty movie. Its not like I am turning around and saying I hate it. I dont, I love it. What Im saying was a 10 was too much, as I dont think the movie is bordering on perfect, instead its a 9, which is still fantastic. What I am also saying when I retract my statement about it maybe being my favorite is that where I now consider it a 9, Taxi Driver and Mean Streets still remain just a hair above, probably 9.5's. As for the final retraction, the year wasnt over when I saw TD, and then I saw CoM, which I liked a bit more.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:34:56 PM

Goodfellas > Taxi Driver > The Departed

:punch

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 12:38:57 PM

Running Scared deserves a higher score than Superman Returns or Mission: Impossible III and The Matador was your worst recommendation ever.

The rest of the list is pretty firm.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 12:39:29 PM

I'm just going to put my reviews in this thread for now on since it's pointless to have multiple users reviewing their movies in their own respective threads. I think we should all put our movie reviews into one movie review thread.

Vertigo - My second Hitch movie in the past few weeks. I found the story to be simply enthralling. The other Hitchcock movie I saw recently was North by Northwest, and that movie simply does not stand on the same foot as Vertigo in my eyes. I felt the whole "possessed" take was corny but I figured it fit Hitchcock's style. When the plot twist appeared, I was simply amazed at the execution of it all. Characters (namely Scottie's artist pal) could have used some more development, but I think that's forgivable given the rest of the film's quality. I actively anticipate seeing more from Hitchcock soon. 9/10

Moulin Rouge - I tried this movie out upon suggestion by some certain people and I really did not come out favoring it one bit. The pacing was off, it was too silly and random for me, and the songs weren't even that great because they mostly were well known songs already - just randomly placed for the crowd's enjoyment. It seemed to be like the Shrek or silly cg computer animation movie equivalent that uses random pop culture nods to tell a story, and quite frankly, it didn't help the movie at all. From a cinematography and visual perspective, the movie is glorious, but other than that it left to be desired. 5/10

A Clockwork Orange - I like Clockwork Orange. A lot. The movie has it's flaws, mainly in it's way of positioning it's themes so it doesn't come off as a movie that's too full of itself, but the good far outweighs the bad here.

Things I love about Clockwork: The script, by golly, is astounding. The way Alex and his peers communicate could single handedly make me want to quote them all damn day. There are many scenes in the movie that are absolutely insane -- such as the scene where Alex harasses the yoga chick with a giant cock statue -- and yet they totally fit the movie. The majority of the film feels almost dream like due to the costume design and other assets. I kept trying to connect the movie to a 1970's Britain but it always came off as creative as possible, Alex and his gang's costumes for a main example. This type of creativity, whether through the script or costumes, made Clockwork feel very much ahead of it's time in some ways.

Alex, the main character, despite his immature musings in the first half was an extremely likable character. I thought I'd end up hating him, but I felt sorry for him. I thought the ending could have been done better, but it certainly wasn't bad. I plan on importing the UK edition of the book eventually. Finally, the narration from Alex added to the movie's quality a lot. Unlike Full Metal Jacket, which used a pretty dull narrated voice over that didn't add anything to the film, Clockwork's narration was quite beautiful.

Things I didn't like about Clockwork: The reconditioning themes, and the sort of anti-government tidbits. I felt they could have been presented better, and that the final part of the movie where it shows Alex suffer for his decisions in the past, should have been much longer. I don't know if the movie is an exact adaptation of the book, so I'm not going to fault the source material.

All in all, I felt that A Clockwork Orange was a simply astounding movie, and while I'm not going to bust anyone's balls and claim it as the great moving picture achievement of all time, it's certainly earned it's place and deserves some respect as a high quality film. 8.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Van Cruncheon on February 15, 2007, 12:41:34 PM

y'all like too much stuff. the worst score is a 5/10? you're the egm of movies!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 12:42:14 PM

Haha, Drinky's score system is definitely more robust.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 12:43:10 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:41:34 PM

y'all like too much stuff. the worst score is a 5/10? you're the egm of movies!

Well, that's not the case, man. It's just that Moulin was the WORST of what I've seen recently.

I'm going to go watch Gozu right now.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Van Cruncheon on February 15, 2007, 12:43:23 PM

i'd never give a movie a 10, and i'd give very very few a 9. most movies i see are from 1-3. the keepers are 6-8.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 12:43:50 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:43:23 PM

i'd never give a movie a 10, and i'd give very very few a 9. most movies i see are from 1-3. the keepers are 6-8.

Jaded ftl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 12:44:04 PM

Why would you never give a movie a 10 - that makes no sense.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:44:12 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 15, 2007, 12:34:56 PM

Goodfellas > Taxi Driver > The Departed

:punch

I agree with Taxi Driver. Yet strangely, as one of the biggest Marty supporters around here or GAF, I honestly have never felt the Goodfellas love. Its obviously an extremely well made movie, but it just never gets its hooks in me like Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, or more recently, The Aviator or The Departed.

Quote from: Willco on February 15, 2007, 12:38:57 PM

Running Scared deserves a higher score than Superman Returns or Mission: Impossible III and The Matador was your worst recommendation ever.

The rest of the list is pretty firm.

I think my MI:III score is probably a bit high, but I like my SR score. I have flirted with rating Running Scared higher, but I really fear the posterity on that one. Something tells me that in about 5-10 years, the movie is going to play as being horrendously bad.

As for The Matador, I guess you and I have to disagree on something, from time to time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:45:25 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:41:34 PM

y'all like too much stuff. the worst score is a 5/10? you're the egm of movies!

Its more a case that I usually dont review the REAL stinkers. If you like though, I can post some of those. I also reviewed ALL 21 of the Bond movies, and there are some 2s and 3s to be found there!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 12:45:30 PM

Why would Running Scared not aged well?  There's hardly any technology in it and it's a crime movie, nobody is really wearing hot clothes of the era or using hip slang.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Van Cruncheon on February 15, 2007, 12:45:57 PM

Willco, because I have standards.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 12:46:43 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 15, 2007, 12:45:30 PM

Why would Running Scared not aged well?  There's hardly any technology in it and it's a crime movie, nobody is really wearing hot clothes of the era or using hip slang.

Not tech wise, but more in the sense, Im 24 now, and I can still get a hoot from this shit. But when I am 50, would I still think its cool?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 12:46:51 PM

That really doesn't explain why you wouldn't rate any movie ever a 10.  You pretty much concede you have a 1-9 scale then.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:51:56 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:45:57 PM

Willco, because I have standards.

Did you ever think that people here tend to only review the movies they enjoy? You're also an old cynical bastard who still trolls video game forums even though you have a kid.  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 12:52:57 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:51:56 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:45:57 PM

Willco, because I have standards.

Did you ever think that people here tend to only review the movies they enjoy? You're also an old cynical bastard who still trolls video game forums even though you have a kid.  :lol

Shut up.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 01:01:18 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 12:52:57 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:51:56 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on February 15, 2007, 12:45:57 PM

Willco, because I have standards.

Did you ever think that people here tend to only review the movies they enjoy? You're also an old cynical bastard who still trolls video game forums even though you have a kid.  :lol

Shut up.

Why? He's being pretty honest, dude.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:03:05 PM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 15, 2007, 12:20:17 PM

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brick/ (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brick/)

80% from the cream of the crop. I dub this the gaf-hates-something-that-becomes-popular phenomenon.

Uh, when I saw the movie, it was getting fairly mixed reviews from people that had actually seen it.  I generally don't trust critics.

And when have I ever hated something because it was popular?  Nobody actually likes or dislikes something because it is popular or well received.  I disliked Brick because (number 1 reason) the dialogue was awful to the point of being jarring, (2) the plot was really thin despite machinations to make it appear better, (3) the acting was bad, but this may be a side effect of 1.  

It also has length issues.  It doesn't seem like it knows when it wants to end, and dings a car or two while trying to pull into the parking place.  The movie also has some general suspension of disbelief issues, mainly in regards to 3rd Rock Kid's treatment by Shaft, although those issues would've disappeared had the movie not slavishly tried to imitate noir-ish dialogue.

So, bad dialogue, questionable acting, weak plot dragged on for far too long, doesn't know when to end (and then crashes during landing), unbelievability, and a few good camera shots.  Really great movie there.  I was intrigued by the idea of a High School Noir, but instead of focusing on the High School or Noir side of the coin, it tried to do both, and it failed.  I'm almost certain this movie only has fans because it is unique and quirky, both of which aren't necessarilly good traits to those with refined palettes.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:03:16 PM

Thats my reason why you wont see pretty much any reviews less than 5/10: I generally dont waste the time to write about shit. HOWEVER, the exception is movies with lots of hype/circle jerkage. Then I dont mind writing the inevitable 2/10 review when they disappoint.

I am already salivating over the prospect of the 300 one  :P

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 01:05:19 PM

Solo, I doubt anybody will care about your review of 300. Not to be mean or condescending, but it seems the type of film people will see no matter how much you bitch.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:06:32 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:03:16 PM

Thats my reason why you wont see pretty much any reviews less than 5/10: I generally dont waste the time to write about shit. HOWEVER, the exception is movies with lots of hype/circle jerkage. Then I dont mind writing the inevitable 2/10 review when they disappoint.

I am already salivating over the prospect of the 300 one  :P

 :starwars

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 15, 2007, 01:05:19 PM

Solo, I doubt anybody will care about your review of 300. Not to be mean or condescending, but it seems the type of film people will see no matter how much you bitch.

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

Who knows, it may prove me wrong, and I may actually love it. Stranger things have happened. I would never have thought Id love Running Scared, but I did.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:13:44 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

But Solo won't get banned for it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:14:22 PM

Shut up.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:17:05 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:13:44 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

But Solo won't get plutoed for it.

And even if he did, he wouldn't be dumb enough to bump the thread again after he got unbanned.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:18:51 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 01:17:05 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:13:44 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

But Solo won't get plutoed for it.

And even if he did, he wouldn't be dumb enough to bump the thread again after he got unbanned.

 :lol Oh, Himu.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:19:40 PM

Can you guys recommend me some italian movies?
Melena was great and i saw a movie called l'ultimo bacio which was pretty fucking amazing

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 01:17:05 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:13:44 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

But Solo won't get plutoed for it.

And even if he did, he wouldn't be dumb enough to bump the thread again after he got unbanned.

:lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:20:36 PM

Hey guys, what movie should I watch next?

On my dvr:

Dear Brigitte
Emperor of the North
Gothika
Gozu
In the Bedroom
May
McQ
Mister Buddwing
The Crow
The Exorcist (original)
The Flight of the Phoenix
The Grapes of Wrath
The Innocents
The Long, Hot Summer
The Marriage-Go-Round
The Quiet Man
The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 01:17:05 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:13:44 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:08:47 PM

No doubts. Its one I would do more for my amusement, and to draw the ire at GAF of people who cant take the slightest bit of negativity towards whatever they are obsessed with.  :lol Yes, playing the role of shit disturber can be fun, I admit.

I did that with Okami.

But Solo won't get plutoed for it.

And even if he did, he wouldn't be dumb enough to bump the thread again after he got unbanned.

That's it. No num nums for you tonight.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:23:03 PM

watch gothika for lolz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:23:25 PM

The only movie out of those that I've seen is The Exorcist. Meh.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:23:51 PM

Yeah I figured that Gothika was shit. It was on ACM and I was all "wtf? that just came out last year!'

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:24:22 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 01:23:25 PM

The only movie out of those that I've seen is The Exorcist. Meh.

I've wanted to see The Crow for years..

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:24:48 PM

Watch Gozu.  You are a japafag, you will love it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 15, 2007, 01:25:22 PM

If only they played Ichi The Killer.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:26:23 PM

Gozu is probably better, overall.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:26:57 PM

There's some actual semen dripping at the beginning of that movie :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:28:44 PM

Quote from: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:26:57 PM

There's some actual semen dripping at the beginning of that movie :lol

But Gozu has a lactation scene.  At least 2 of them, actually.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:30:00 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 15, 2007, 01:28:44 PM

Quote from: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:26:57 PM

There's some actual semen dripping at the beginning of that movie :lol

But Gozu has a lactation scene.  At least 2 of them, actually.

dripping semen > lactation

spoiler (click to show/hide)

wtf did i just say

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:30:42 PM

Gozu also has "the dog scene."

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:31:39 PM

...elaborate

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:35:06 PM

I would just show you the clip but YouTube is down for me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:39:34 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wkDrraiI1Lw (http://youtube.com/watch?v=wkDrraiI1Lw)

?

wtf is this shit

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 01:39:52 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMgPK2nXng0

the full version here explains it more.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 01:58:02 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 15, 2007, 01:25:22 PM

If only they played Ichi The Killer.

:hyper

But anyway, watch Gozu.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 01:58:12 PM

Watch The Crow, Himu. Love that flick.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 01:59:51 PM

Quote from: bud on February 15, 2007, 01:39:34 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wkDrraiI1Lw (http://youtube.com/watch?v=wkDrraiI1Lw)

?

wtf is this shit

Brilliant, brilliant opening. :rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 02:10:30 PM

The Exorcist!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 02:12:35 PM

Oh wait, didn't see the Excorcist on the list. Shit, if you haven't seen that yet Himu, WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF ROCK HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING UNDER?!?!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 02:15:02 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 15, 2007, 02:12:35 PM

Oh wait, didn't see the Excorcist on the list. Shit, if you haven't seen that yet Himu, WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF ROCK HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING UNDER?!?!

YEA! Even I've seen it!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 02:15:55 PM

Is it the original version of the Exorcist or the gay expanded version?

The expanded version isn't necessarilly bad, but I'd make sure the original is the first version you see.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 15, 2007, 02:16:56 PM

The extended cut is pretty good.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 15, 2007, 02:21:30 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 15, 2007, 02:16:56 PM

The extended cut is pretty good.

Yeah, but wouldn't you agree that it's best to see the unmolested cut first?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 15, 2007, 02:22:44 PM

Always check out the original cut first, then proceed to others. Anyways, you cant go wrong with The Exorcist either. First saw it when I was like 10, and there are certain scenes that are unforgettable.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 02:24:33 PM

It's like watching Redux first.  Who the shit does that?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 15, 2007, 02:25:02 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 15, 2007, 02:24:33 PM

It's like watching Redux first.  Who the shit does that?

 :gloomy

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 15, 2007, 02:26:21 PM

You poor bastard.  You poor, poor bastard.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 02:26:28 PM

lolz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 15, 2007, 03:20:01 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 02:22:44 PM

Always check out the original cut first, then proceed to others.

Well, many times the original cut is not on DVD. Such as E.T. in which the set with both verisons was a limited deal and the director's cut is the only edition to be bought currently. I am unsure but isn't the theatrical cut of Blade Runner also not currently available on dvd? And in the cases of many comedies the "unrated" cut is the only one you can get in widescreen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: beelzebozo on February 15, 2007, 03:21:24 PM

tsk tsk on that brick hate back on the first page.
so much so that i believe i'll utilize an emoticon

 :wag

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 15, 2007, 03:28:10 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 15, 2007, 03:20:01 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 15, 2007, 02:22:44 PM

Always check out the original cut first, then proceed to others.

Well, many times the original cut is not on DVD. Such as E.T. in which the set with both verisons was a limited deal and the director's cut is the only edition to be bought currently. I am unsure but isn't the theatrical cut of Blade Runner also not currently available on dvd? And in the cases of many comedies the "unrated" cut is the only one you can get in widescreen.

True.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 08:59:51 PM

You gave Rear Mirror a 9/10? It's a pure classic to me; I honestly can't think of any flaws in that movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 16, 2007, 08:06:18 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 08:59:51 PM

You gave Rear Mirror a 9/10? It's a pure classic to me; I honestly can't think of any flaws in that movie.

Such a classic that you can't even remember its name? Window, bitch!
Anyways, it is pretty much perfect, but I give it a 9 because I feel Hitchcock made even better films, like North By Northwest, Notorious, and especially Vertigo. Those 3 are my Hitch 10's.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 08:19:15 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 08:59:51 PM

You gave Rear Mirror a 9/10? It's a pure classic to me; I honestly can't think of any flaws in that movie.

 :lol :lol :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 08:23:52 AM

North By Northwest, Vertigo, Psycho, & Strangers on a Train are all better than Rear Window, even though rear window is great. But it is not Hitchcock's best.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 08:29:24 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 16, 2007, 08:06:18 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 15, 2007, 08:59:51 PM

You gave Rear Mirror a 9/10? It's a pure classic to me; I honestly can't think of any flaws in that movie.

Such a classic that you can't even remember its name? Window, bitch!
Anyways, it is pretty much perfect, but I give it a 9 because I feel Hitchcock made even better films, like North By Northwest, Notorious, and especially Vertigo. Those 3 are my Hitch 10's.

:bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 08:43:24 AM

One problem, though... Throne of Blood is most certainly not Mifune's best performance, dude.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 16, 2007, 08:49:42 AM

Who is discussing Toshiro Mifune OR Throne of Blood?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 08:52:13 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 16, 2007, 08:49:42 AM

Who is discussing Toshiro Mifune OR Throne of Blood?

Your second wave of reviews, dude. You claim its his best Kurosawan performance, which I disagreed with.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 08:54:53 AM

He's pretty fucking amazing in Seven Samurai.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 08:59:13 AM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 08:54:53 AM

He's pretty fucking amazing in Seven Samurai.

Yeah, and he was even crazier in Rashomon. But the BEST Mifune is in High and Low, haters be damned! :punch

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 08:59:40 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 16, 2007, 08:59:13 AM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 08:54:53 AM

He's pretty fucking amazing in Seven Samurai.

Yeah, and he was even crazier in Rashomon. But the BEST Mifune is in High and Low, haters be damned! :punch

Holy Shit, thank you.  Mifune was AMAZING in High and Low. One my top 5, if not top 3 Kurosawa movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 09:00:22 AM

High and Low <3

My third favorite Kuroawa, ever.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 09:27:46 AM

Have yall seen "The bad Sleep Well?" GAF convinced me to buy it. I was a little disappointed with it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 09:30:42 AM

Quote from: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 09:27:46 AM

Have yall seen "The bad Sleep Well?" GAF convinced me to buy it. I was a little disappointed with it.

How? Why? Its fan-fucking-tastic.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on February 16, 2007, 09:32:16 AM

I don't know, the end was pretty exciting but the first 75% was too slow for me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 09:35:05 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 16, 2007, 09:00:22 AM

High and Low <3

My third favorite Kuroawa, ever.

Top 5 Kurosawa movies that AREN'T Seven Samurai. Go.

Mine:
1. Rashomon
2. Ikiru
3. High and Low
4. Yojimbo
5. Dersu Uzala

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 09:37:55 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 09:35:05 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 16, 2007, 09:00:22 AM

High and Low <3

My third favorite Kuroawa, ever.

Top 5 Kurosawa movies that AREN'T Seven Samurai. Go.

Mine:
1. Rashomon
2. Ikiru
3. High and Low
4. Yojimbo
5. Dersu Uzala

1. Ikiru
2. High and Low
3. Rashomon
4. Yojimbo
5. RAN / Red Beard

Edited -- Forgot RAN, <3

Edited Again -- Red Beard is right up there with Ran for me, so... last edit, I promise. :)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 16, 2007, 01:10:27 PM

Oh man, Breach looks pretty cool.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 01:14:49 PM

Ran is great but I overall prefer the Mifune b/w era of Kurosawa over his 70's-90's stuff. However, Dersu is a exception. :)

Why the fuck Criterion won't pick it up is absurd though. Dersu is the only Kurosawa film to win an oscar!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 16, 2007, 01:38:29 PM

lmfao Gozu is awesome

The part with the dog  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 16, 2007, 01:42:18 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 16, 2007, 01:38:29 PM

lmfao Gozu is awesome

The part with the dog  :lol

It is probably my favorite Miike, all around.  It's got Yakuza, it's got absurdity, it's got violence, it's got freaky shit.  A lot of Miike films, even the best ones, have a lot of "fat" that could be trimmed, but Gozu doesn't even have that.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 16, 2007, 02:04:45 PM

 :lol Was that a spoon up the boss' ass when he was fucking that broad?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TVC15 on February 16, 2007, 02:08:46 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 16, 2007, 02:04:45 PM

:lol Was that a spoon up the boss' ass when he was fucking that broad?

Haha, holy shit, I forgot about that part!  And the chick is hitting the spoon with her feet, heh.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 03:03:22 PM

Quote from: TVC 15 on February 16, 2007, 01:42:18 PM

Quote from: Himuro on February 16, 2007, 01:38:29 PM

lmfao Gozu is awesome

The part with the dog  :lol

It is probably my favorite Miike, all around.  It's got Yakuza, it's got absurdity, it's got violence, it's got freaky shit.  A lot of Miike films, even the best ones, have a lot of "fat" that could be trimmed, but Gozu doesn't even have that.

qft

Miike does a stunning Cronenberg.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 16, 2007, 03:49:55 PM

KKBB: probably my favorite film of 2005, or at the very least, my favorite comedy.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 03:50:37 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 16, 2007, 03:49:55 PM

KKBB: probably my favorite film of 2005, or at the very least, my favorite comedy.

Read a few posts up, what do you think of High and Low? :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 04:00:49 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 16, 2007, 03:50:37 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 16, 2007, 03:49:55 PM

KKBB: probably my favorite film of 2005, or at the very least, my favorite comedy.

Read a few posts up, what do you think of High and Low? :-*

Everyone loves High and Low.  :heartbeat Solo will rank it as #4 I THINK

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 04:08:58 PM

Seven Samurai and Ikiru just barely beat it out, if only because those films are STRAIGHT TENS while H+L is like a 9.8 or so... :-[

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 16, 2007, 04:24:59 PM

Rate all the Kurosawa's you've seen.  :-*

Mine(bolded ones I own):
Sugata Sanshiro (1943) - 6/10
No Regrets for My Youth (1946) - 7/10
Scandal (1950) - 7.5/10
Rashomon (1950) - 10/10
Ikiru (1952) - 10/10
Seven Samurai (1954) - 10/10
I Live in Fear: Record of a Living Being (1955) - 8/10
Throne of Blood (1957) - 9/10
The Hidden Fortress (1958) - 8.5/10
Yojimbo (1961) - 9.5/10
Sanjuro (1962) - 9/10
High and Low (1963) - 10/10
Red Beard (1965) - 9.5/10
Dodes'ka-den (1970) - 5.5/10
Dersu Uzala (1975) - 9.5/10
Kagemusha (1980) - 8/10
Ran (1985) - 8.5/10
Rhapsody in August (1991) - 7/10
Madadayo (1993) - 6.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 16, 2007, 04:42:43 PM

Seven Samurai - 10
High and Low - 9.7
Yojimbo - 9.5
Sanjuro - 8.0
The Hidden Fortress - 8.5
Rashomon - 9.0
Red Beard - 9.0
Ikiru - 10
Throne of Blood - 8.5
The Lower Depths - 7.5
Ran - 9.0
Kagemusha - 8.5
Bad Sleep Well - 8.5
Stray Dog - 8.5
Rhapsody in August
Madadayo (not in full)
Dreams (not in full)

These are rated against one another, not in general. In general they're all at least 9's.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 19, 2007, 08:12:20 AM

Finally got around to watching my Departed DVD, and I think I would like to make a final alteration to my rating. From a 10 to a 9 to a....

The Departed (Scorsese, 2006) - 9.5/10

It holds up great (2 theatrical viewings, 1 DVD viewing), and almost gets more enjoyable with subsequent viewings. Definately something I'll be watching lots of times. See my previous review for long-winded gushing. This is the Coles notes version. Excellent film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 19, 2007, 09:55:43 AM

After watching OUATITW again, but this time on a big TV, I must change the rating from an 8 to a 9. The movie makes more sense and flows better on the second viewing.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 19, 2007, 12:17:47 PM

Solo :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 19, 2007, 03:30:08 PM

But thats it. I will allow no further changes to that score. Its not a "10" (TGTBATU, 2001, Vertigo, etc.) to me, but its as close to that as you can get. And its unbelievably fun to watch, and has amazing replayability, something that cant be said for several of my "10"'s.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 19, 2007, 03:51:50 PM

Paths of Glory (Kubrick)

Another hyped movie that didn't live up to it, Paths of Glory struck me as extremely average and flat. From the over dramatic theater acting to the laughable law procedings, the movie simply tries to hard. My reaction is quite surprising considering I love older movies, but here I found nothing to be impressed with. The acting is very loud and dramatic, but never strikes me as good. It reminded me of the very emotional, loud "dramatic elements" in certain animes, which presents drama as a bunch of guys screaming at each other. That's not good acting. To make matters worse Douglas's preformance was especially disappointing and totally unbelievable. I don't know many lawyers who would get bombshell information, sit on it, and then present it so casually the day before his clients were scheduled to die.

To make matters worse, there is absolutely no character development. I had no feelings towards the three men sentenced to die because the movie spent no time introducing them. Sure there were a couple scenes here and there, but overall they were inconsequential.

While A Few Good Men's take on the courts was rather...liberal, Paths of Glory makes it a joke. At least A Few Good Men was entertaining and built up characters. All in all, Paths of Glory is certainly not horrible or bad, simply average and passable.

6/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 19, 2007, 05:27:53 PM

Cheebs. >:(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 19, 2007, 05:49:00 PM

Cheebs hyped it as the best thing ever but it's quite MEH. When doing a movie that involves some kind of court/law drama, you HAVE to have great acting. A great lawyer is essentially a great actor anyway; they have to appeal to the jury's emotions ("emotionally manipulative? Yes"). There's got to be tension, drama, excitement. Movies like A Few Good Men and 12 Angry Men were able to capture this emotional fire and run with it, yet Paths of Glory is content to lazily sit still. There is no drama, there is no tension. In fact, when

spoiler

spoiler (click to show/hide)

the executions

[close]

happened I wasn't moved at all. If anything I felt even more pissed at Douglas's character for not trying his best

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 19, 2007, 05:50:42 PM

Inherit the Wind is my favorite courtroom drama. <3

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 06:52:25 AM

12 Angry men, bitch! <3 Lumet

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 10:34:08 AM

The best courtroom drama is obviously Ghostbusters II.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 10:52:37 AM

Lumet is one of the most underrated directors ever. 12 Angry Men, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network, Murder On The Orient Express, etc. Yet he never gets any love in "greatest director" debates.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 11:02:28 AM

That's because Ghostbusters II outshines all of those films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 11:14:39 AM

I hate that franchise.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 11:16:06 AM

Tell me you do not hate Ghostbusters.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 11:19:24 AM

Indeed. Or at least thats what my memory says. Havent watched either in probably a decade. Even as a kid, Id much rather sit down and watch something like Indy or Back To The Future.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 11:21:52 AM

I think you've just voided every opinion you've ever made by badmouthing Ghostbusters.  Nice Indy namedrop to try and lure the every iconoclastic Drinky to your side, but Ghostbusters has no enemies except good taste!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 11:22:20 AM

The original Ghostbusters is a classic and is one of the few films that can define a decade. Ghostbusters IS the 1980's.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 11:25:20 AM

I would put a bevy of films in the role of "being the 80's" ahead of Ghostbusters. Hell, I can do so right now, naming one of evilbore's other sacred cows: Die Hard.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 11:26:33 AM

Ghostbusters is a classic, man.  If this were the olden days, I'd have your limbs tied to horses and you drawn into quarters!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 20, 2007, 11:28:01 AM

Well, whatever. I cant give an honest critique, having not watched it since I was still in probably elementary school, but I also have no desire to revisit it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 11:28:24 AM

You are dead inside!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 20, 2007, 07:08:00 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 20, 2007, 11:25:20 AM

I would put a bevy of films in the role of "being the 80's" ahead of Ghostbusters. Hell, I can do so right now, naming one of evilbore's other sacred cows: Die Hard.

Reading this quick, I thought you just ripped on Die Hard. Then I remembered you're not an idiot and reread it.  :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Error Macro on February 20, 2007, 07:24:30 PM

I really like The Beach.  The last time I watched it was about five or six months ago, and I've been hankering to see it again lately.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 20, 2007, 08:09:26 PM

Best Buy has a pretty nice deal on past Oscar winning films this week.  I just grabbed Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Unforgiven, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for $40.  They're all the ~$20 two disc, SE sets too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:10:02 PM

Is Unforgiven as awesome as everyone says it is?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on February 20, 2007, 08:10:43 PM

Yes.  Yes it is.

I also grabbed The Prestige too.  I haven't seen it yet so hopefully it's decent.  It has motherfucking David Bowie in it, so it can't be that bad.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:14:41 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 20, 2007, 08:10:43 PM

Yes.  Yes it is.

I also grabbed The Prestige too.  I haven't seen it yet so hopefully it's decent.  It has motherfucking David Bowie in it, so it can't be that bad.

Amazing film. Both me and Solo put it on our top 10's of 2006.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:20:36 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 20, 2007, 08:09:26 PM

Best Buy has a pretty nice deal on past Oscar winning films this week.  I just grabbed Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Unforgiven, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for $40.  They're all the ~$20 two disc, SE sets too.

Old news.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on February 20, 2007, 08:21:37 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:14:41 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on February 20, 2007, 08:10:43 PM

Yes.  Yes it is.

I also grabbed The Prestige too.  I haven't seen it yet so hopefully it's decent.  It has motherfucking David Bowie in it, so it can't be that bad.

Amazing film. Both me and Solo put it on our top 10's of 2006.

I'm pretty sure he didn't.  :lol

Unforgiven is damn great though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on February 20, 2007, 08:22:21 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 20, 2007, 06:52:25 AM

12 Angry men, bitch! <3 Lumet

Yes.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:23:54 PM

Yeah, didn't Solo hate the Prestige?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:31:29 PM

Just watched the trailer of Unforgiven. It didn't look that great but it's fuckin Eastwood so I'll check it out. I should be able to get it and Goodfellas for $20 with the deal at Circuit City.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:31:36 PM

I just searched his post history. Solo's top ten:
10. The Prestige (Nolan)
09. Miami Vice (Mann)
08. Apocalypto (Gibson)
07. Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton)
06. Babel (Inarritu)
05. United 93 (Greengrass)
04. The Fountain (Aronofsky)
03. Casino Royale (Campbell)
02. The Departed (Scorsese)
01. Children of Men (Cuaron)


THE PRESTIGE!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on February 20, 2007, 08:32:44 PM

Apocalypto :heartbeat

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:39:50 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:31:36 PM

I just searched his post history. Solo's top ten:
10. The Prestige (Nolan)
09. Miami Vice (Mann)
08. Apocalypto (Gibson)
07. Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton)
06. Babel (Inarritu)
05. United 93 (Greengrass)
04. The Fountain (Aronofsky)
03. Casino Royale (Campbell)
02. The Departed (Scorsese)
01. Children of Men (Cuaron)


THE PRESTIGE!

Wasn't he hating on the Prestige a little while ago? Fuckin' flip-flopper.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on February 20, 2007, 08:41:41 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 20, 2007, 08:39:50 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:31:36 PM

I just searched his post history. Solo's top ten:
10. The Prestige (Nolan)
09. Miami Vice (Mann)
08. Apocalypto (Gibson)
07. Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton)
06. Babel (Inarritu)
05. United 93 (Greengrass)
04. The Fountain (Aronofsky)
03. Casino Royale (Campbell)
02. The Departed (Scorsese)
01. Children of Men (Cuaron)


THE PRESTIGE!

Wasn't he hating on the Prestige a little while ago? Fuckin' flip-flopper.

John Kerry Total.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:43:33 PM

There's a disturbing lack of Clerks II on that list, too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:43:39 PM

They don't have flip flops in Canada so we should call him something else. His opinions flucuate like the milk he buys in plastic bags

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:44:23 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:43:39 PM

They don't have flip flops in Canada so we should call him something else. His opinions flucuate like the milk he buys in plastic bags

:rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on February 20, 2007, 08:49:14 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:43:39 PM

They don't have flip flops in Canada so we should call him something else. His opinions flucuate like the milk he buys in plastic bags

:rofl :rofl :rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:54:35 PM

The Prestige is odd. It was ok the first time but due to the OMGZ TWISTS it Reeeeaaally gets to be amazing the second time. I rank the nolan films I have seen as:

1. Memento: 10/10
2. The Prestige: 9.5/10
3. Batman Begins: 9.5/10
4. Following: 8/10


Prestige was my #2 film of the year. :) Ahead of Children of Men & The Departed!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 08:55:32 PM

I refuse to believe its better than BB.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 08:56:44 PM

I want to see The Prestige, but I hear so many mixed things.  I want my Nolan love to remain sparkling.

Although, Shake likes The Departed and Borat, so The Prestige is probably PRETTY awesome.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:57:30 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 20, 2007, 08:55:32 PM

I refuse to believe its better than BB.

Only ever so slightly. I ENJOYED Batman Begins more and expect to re-watch it over the years much more but Prestige really wow-ed me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 20, 2007, 08:58:17 PM

If I had actually seen The Departed in 2006 it would have been my movie of the year. And actually, since it was made in 2006 I'll say it was my fav of 2006.

I'm looking at that "best of 2006" thread and holy shit I said horrible things.

Quote from: Phoenix on Drugs

Superman Returns>POTC2

POTC2 was great, but it dragged on for far too long and seemed uninspired. But the ending really redeemed it by coming straight out of nowhere.

What the hell. POTC2>>>Superman Returns omg

I voted for V for Vendetta in that poll, and at the time it was the best movie I had seen in 2006. My new list:

1. The Departed
2. Pan's Labyrinth
3. V for Vendetta
4. POTC2
5.Casino Royale

Note: I barely saw any movies in 2006 so don't give me shit. Once Babel comes out I'm renting it, and I can't wait to see Children of Men. I'm sure CoM will be on my list when all is said and done; I recognize that having POT2 on there is a disgrace to some, but I didn't see much.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 09:00:24 PM

V for Vendetta and Clerks II need more love.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 09:00:40 PM

No, they really don't.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 09:01:49 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 20, 2007, 09:00:40 PM

No, they really don't.

Didn't you yourself make a thread about Clerks II being "the movie of the year"?

Yeah, so STFU taco.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 09:02:37 PM

I said it was the best movie of the summer at the time of its release, and it was.  It was a crap summer.  And I really like the film.  Don't ruin it with your spamming.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 09:03:21 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 20, 2007, 09:02:37 PM

I said it was the best movie of the summer at the time of its release, and it was.  It was a crap summer.  And I really like the film.  Don't ruin it with your spamming.

http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=251.0 (http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=251.0)

Eat crow, dude. You're a lame movie troll.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 09:06:10 PM

Quote from: FROM ME

... so far.

Did you read that, Shake?

... so far.

... so far.

... so far.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 09:07:51 PM

And now you're saying it doesn't deserve any attention? What came out at the end of last year to make you dislike Clerks II?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 09:08:46 PM

You can add illiteracy to your growing list of CONS, Shake:

I said it was the best movie of the summer at the time of its release, and it was.  It was a crap summer.  And I really like the film.  Don't ruin it with your spamming.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 20, 2007, 09:09:43 PM

So asking for Clerks II to get on someone's list is spamming?

 ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 20, 2007, 09:11:14 PM

Once you start...

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 21, 2007, 08:12:25 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 20, 2007, 08:39:50 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 20, 2007, 08:31:36 PM

I just searched his post history. Solo's top ten:
10. The Prestige (Nolan)
09. Miami Vice (Mann)
08. Apocalypto (Gibson)
07. Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton)
06. Babel (Inarritu)
05. United 93 (Greengrass)
04. The Fountain (Aronofsky)
03. Casino Royale (Campbell)
02. The Departed (Scorsese)
01. Children of Men (Cuaron)


THE PRESTIGE!

Wasn't he hating on the Prestige a little while ago? Fuckin' flip-flopper.

Er, no. I said its not a great film. Call that "hate" if you want. It was a movie that was much less than the sum of its parts. I gave it a 6/10, which can be found at GAF. Youre always hot to crawl up my ass for "flip flopping", when I have consistently said Prestige was passable, but disappointing. Good enough to crack the top 10, but not to move up from the basement. Which says a lot for 2006. 4-5 amazing films in the 9-10 range, then a bunch of mediocre ones.

From here: "The Prestige isn't very great."

From GAF: "On paper, I should have loved it. In reality, not so much. It all felt so hollow and superficial, just a never-ending cycle of one-upsmanship leading to an ending that didnt warrant the build-up. Fallon's "twist" was especially evident from the first time you saw him. Also, the foray into sc-fi was a bit bizarre and felt unnecessary. I loved the acting, the visuals, and Nolan's direction, but his lacklustre writing is made this about a 6/10 for me. Fun but totally forgettable. People wont be talking about this in 5 years like Memento. The Prestige was a great little popcorn flick, but little more."

Also, you will NEVER find a Kevin Smith movie on any list mine aside from a "WTF is the shit" type of list.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 21, 2007, 08:14:36 AM

7/10? What did you give Batman and Memento for comparison?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 21, 2007, 08:16:31 AM

I dont know. Off the top of my head Id call Memento a 7 too, and BB a 7.5. On the whole I find Nolan gets far too much praise.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 21, 2007, 08:34:18 AM

But but but Nolan said he got into film cause of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 21, 2007, 08:53:41 AM

You cant twist my enjoyment of Bond around on me!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 22, 2007, 11:52:51 PM

.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 23, 2007, 01:04:10 AM

Just watched Goodfellas for the first time in its entirety, and unedited. Wow, this movie is fucking amazing. Full review for tomorrow.

As of right now I can't really think of any complaints about this movie. It's that good

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 23, 2007, 01:23:58 AM

.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 23, 2007, 08:46:20 PM

Solo, how the fuck can a film you gave a 6 to be in your top ten? What, did you watch like 11 or 12 movies the whole year?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 23, 2007, 09:54:50 PM

Quote from: Ichirou on February 22, 2007, 11:52:51 PM

I can't make a top ten of 2006 because the only movies I saw theatrically last year were The Producers, Narnia, and Casino Royale.

The Producers and Narnia were 2005 films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 23, 2007, 09:55:13 PM

lolz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 23, 2007, 10:15:30 PM

.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 24, 2007, 02:49:58 AM

Just watched Minority Report. I saw it shortly after it came out, but that was years ago. Very interesting, fun movie. The main problem I had with it was the mixture of interesting sci fi elements with totally stupid summer blockbuster action scenes. Many of them seemed forced - especially Cruise and Farrell fighting on top of a piece of metal in a car plant. The other problem I had was the wishy washy happy ending. It reminded me of WoTW in that sense lol.

But outside of that, the plot was pretty awesome and Cruise was badass as usual. 8.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 11:54:01 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 23, 2007, 08:46:20 PM

Solo, how the fuck can a film you gave a 6 to be in your top ten? What, did you watch like 11 or 12 movies the whole year?

Uh, yeah. I saw about 15 movies theatrically this year, and this is a best of 2006 list, so yeah.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 02:08:42 PM

Hmm... anyway, here's my BEST OF 2006 list:

1. The Departed
2. Children of Men
3. V for Vendetta
4. Clerks II
5. Miami Vice
6. Casino Royale
7. Borat
8. Little Miss Sunshine
9. Inside Man
10. Crank


Granted, I've yet to see The Prestige, Pan's Labryrinth, Babel or The Fountain...

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 24, 2007, 03:19:54 PM

Miami Vice>Casino Royale? I heard Miami Vice was absolute SHIT

I still need to see Little Miss Sunshine. Since I'm on break I'll rent Babel and LMS to see which am the best. I bet Babel shits all over LMS

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 03:35:17 PM

Miami Vice was infinitely more entertaining than Casino Royale, imo. I'd rather watch a film with true heart made by a cinematic visionary than a mediocre action film with a bit of an edge.

Actually, looking at my list now, it seems I forgot Crank -- put that there instead of Pirates 2, pleez. :-[

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 04:19:24 PM

Casino Royale was so much better than Miami Vice.  Miami Vice was pretty crap film and not entertaining whatsoever.  Casino Royale isn't deep, but it doesn't pretend to be - it's 007 with a few wrinkles and more emotion than in previous installments.  And it's a fucking blast.

Watch Miami Vice if you want to be bored.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 04:29:26 PM

Miami Vice is hardly "boring". I just guess there weren't enough "motherfucking snakes" for you. ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 04:59:44 PM

No, it was just boring. :zzz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:06:13 PM

CR >>>>>> MV

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 05:07:58 PM

We will forever disagree on this. Casino Royale was, imo, a by-the-numbers action flick with some good scenes, whereas Miami Vice was a brave, visual extravaganza from a master of the cinema.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:10:30 PM

I wont go on that limb with you. I do enjoy MV quite a bit though. And that "Bond fanboy" card cant be played against me here, since I also am a lover of Miami Vice the show, and especially Michael Mann.

I thought CR was just so raw and full of life, and that 007's licence to have balls had finally been renewed after about 25 years.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 05:12:02 PM

 :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:13:46 PM

And I will also go so far as to say that I am currently anticipating Bond 22 more than whatever Mann does next.

If its any consolation, Id wager that CR was a one shot deal, and Bond 22 will return to over-the-top mediocrity, and that in the end I will enjoy Mann's next more.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 05:16:05 PM

That's odd, because I'll pretty much see whatever Mann does next, and not waste money on the next Bond mediocrity-fest. I've never been a big Bond fan, and Casino Royale was probably one of few bumps in the road of outright crap.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:20:19 PM

Everyone's got their thing, I guess. Bond has always connected with me, despite most of the films not being overly well written, directed, shot, or acted.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 05:20:52 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:20:19 PM

Everyone's got their thing, I guess. Bond has always connected with me, despite most of the films not being overly well written, directed, shot, or acted.

At least you're honest. :-[

Edit - I've always thought of the Bond series as being the equivalent of Japan's Zatoichi series. Some good films thrown in with an abundance of mediocre, tired crap.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:22:54 PM

There are exceptions, though. I will argue til Im blue in the face over From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, or Casino Royale.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 05:24:49 PM

Check the edit. And yeah, I will admit I liked Casino Royale and From Russia... out of the Bond films. But then again, I still wouldn't hold either in very high regard.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 24, 2007, 05:31:25 PM

Ah, come on. FRWL is pretty much the definative Cold War thriller.
Either way, can't wait til March 13th when I have CR spinning in my player. I think its gonna be a great DVD, A/V wise.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 06:01:31 PM

I might pick it up once it goes on sale, or DDD.com has another 20% extravaganza.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 09:01:12 PM

Casino Royale is better than Casino, as well.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 09:13:36 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 24, 2007, 09:01:12 PM

Casino Royale is better than Casino, as well.

lolz, no.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 09:16:49 PM

The awesome, entertaining and refreshing spy film of the decade or Marty does Goodfellas, but not as good?

I take Bond.  So does AMERICA.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 09:21:49 PM

America also took X-Men 3 over Clerks II this year. America pretty much sucks.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 09:23:55 PM

Casino Royale is still better than Casino.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 09:24:56 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 24, 2007, 09:23:55 PM

Casino Royale is still better than Casino.

Different strokes for different folks. ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 09:25:24 PM

NO ADMIT CASINO IS MEDIOCRE AND I WILL LET MARTY WIN AN OSCAR

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 09:26:29 PM

Casino is mediocre Marty, which is still better than alot of other crap -- including Casino Royale. ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 09:32:00 PM

If Marty doesn't get Best Picture, it'll be because you're too stubborn to recognize that Casino Royale is so much better than Casino.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:22:08 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 24, 2007, 09:32:00 PM

If Marty doesn't get Best Picture, it'll be because you're too stubborn to recognize that Casino Royale is so much better than Casino.

You mean best director? He isn't up for best picture since he wasn't the producer.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:22:52 PM

WILLCOWNED ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:23:36 PM

MARTY DENIED YET ANOTHER BEST PICTURE OSCAR LOLZ

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:24:16 PM

Quote from: Willco on February 24, 2007, 10:23:36 PM

MARTY DENIED YET ANOTHER BEST PICTURE OSCAR LOLZ

The odds are against you, dude. Let's just wait and see.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:25:03 PM

he is denied best DIRECTOR being a director and all. ;)

And he isn't losing this year. Why are his 3 best friends Lucas, Spieberg, and Coppola presenting the award if they are just going to give it to that The Queen guy or something? They know he is winning and are making a big event out of it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:30:18 PM

Willco stays losin'

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:33:27 PM

stop turning my posts into attacks against willco!  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:34:13 PM

That avatar speaks for itself. :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:34:54 PM

It's my sign of love.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:37:10 PM

Shake is in desperate need of acceptance, I understand.

SUCK IT THE DEPARTED NO BEST PIC FOR U

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:38:13 PM

Once again, I could give two shits about best picture. Marty's Best Director oscar is a lock. :elephant

When's the last time Raimi won a Best Director oscar, Willco? :santocry

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:39:01 PM

I think Willco realizes it is best director everyone is talking about but is saying best picture to get you annoyed.  :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:39:13 PM

Unlike Marty, Oscar gold has never been Raimi's goal.  He's not desperate.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:39:39 PM

I love seeing my avatar right after yours.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 24, 2007, 10:39:58 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:39:01 PM

I think Willco realizes it is best director everyone is talking about but is saying best picture to get you annoyed.  :-*

I'm not annoyed, I'm embarrassed that Willco is stooping to such low level insults. :rofl

UR DIRECTOR IS NOT BETTER THAN MINE, STOOPID!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:40:01 PM

Me too.  Stupid Shake ruined the pattern, though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:40:54 PM

+1

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:41:36 PM

Woohoo, let's keep this going.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:43:30 PM

someone give marty a eyebrow plucker one of these days

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 24, 2007, 10:58:09 PM

So he can see someone else's movie win Best Pic lol am i rite

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 24, 2007, 10:58:35 PM

if I ever met him the first thing I'd do is give his eyebrows a big rub. I gotta touch those things.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 12:05:50 AM

I'm still reeling from the shock that Solo only saw 15 movies last year.  :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 12:16:43 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 12:05:50 AM

I'm still reeling from the shock that Solo only saw 15 movies last year.  :'(

Solo let me down this year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 10:40:48 AM

I watched about 300-400 films this year. Replays of great movies I love, first time viewings of other old movies, first time viewings of new movies on DVD, etc. The 15 applies to me getting my ass into the theatre. When 95% of shit that gets a wide release is awful, I dont feel the need to hit up the cinema.

To be honest, out of what I did see, only 4-5 were of the "can't miss" variety.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 10:45:12 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 10:40:48 AM

I watched about 300-400 films this year. Replays of great movies I love, first time viewings of other old movies, first time viewings of new movies on DVD, etc. The 15 applies to me getting my ass into the theatre. When 95% of shit that gets a wide release is awful, I dont feel the need to hit up the cinema.

To be honest, out of what I did see, only 4-5 were of the "can't miss" variety.

When I was in college, I went to the movies 3 or 4 times a month.  And when there was nothing playing in the mainstream theaters, I went to the local arthouse theater to see some obscure something-or-other.  You've gotta get out more, Solo!  For 2007, you must see at least 40 films in the theater! :)

Anyway, out of the films you saw last year, including stuff you re-watched, older movies, etc., what was your top 10?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:08:36 AM

There IS no arthouse theatre here, local or otherwise. Atlantic Canada is a shithole for getting quality cinema. Im not going to the theatres 40 times a year to see Ghost Rider and 300 and the like.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 11:13:37 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:08:36 AM

There IS no arthouse theatre here, local or otherwise. Atlantic Canada is a shithole for getting quality cinema. Im not going to the theatres 40 times a year to see Ghost Rider and 300 and the like.

300 looks pretty cool, dude... :(

Anyway, what were your top ten of last year, overall? Counting old stuff as well as new?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:15:27 AM

What do you mean? Old stuff I saw for the first time in 2006? If you just mean old stuff period, then youlll just be asking for my top 10 alltime, lol.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 11:18:16 AM

I tend to go to theaters for the more "blockbuster" movies and things I really am dying to see. The drama's and the like that I end up loving the most I usually catch on dvd once word of mouth hits me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:19:02 AM

Indeed. The rise of DVD and my theatre trips are inversely proportional.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 11:22:31 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:15:27 AM

What do you mean? Old stuff I saw for the first time in 2006? If you just mean old stuff period, then youlll just be asking for my top 10 alltime, lol.

All stuff you saw in 2006 - old movies you saw for the first time, old movies you rewatched, new movies you saw in theaters.  Just your top ten of movies seen in 2006, like the one I gave earlier in this thread.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:38:54 AM

Ok then.

15. Mean Streets (rewatch)
14. The Conversation (rewatch)
13. Serpico (rewatch)
12. The King Of Comedy (first time)
11. The Departed (first time)
10. Sword Of Doom (rewatch)
09. Le Samourai (rewatch)
08. Before Sunset (first time)
07. Children Of Men (first time)
06. M (rewatch)
05. The Third Man (rewatch)
04. The Godfather (rewatch)
02. Trois Coleurs: Rouge (first time)
01. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (rewatch)
 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 11:45:00 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:38:54 AM

Ok then.

15. Mean Streets (rewatch)
14. The Conversation (rewatch)
13. Serpico (rewatch)
12. The King Of Comedy (first time)
11. The Departed (first time)
10. Sword Of Doom (rewatch)
09. Le Samourai (rewatch)
08. After Sunset (first time)
07. Children Of Men (first time)
06. M (rewatch)
05. The Third Man (rewatch)
04. The Godfather (rewatch)
02. Trois Coleurs: Rouge (first time)
01. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (rewatch)
 

Criterion Collection for the WIN.  That's how I saw those bolded movies.  I've seen everything on your list except The Departed (weep), Children of Men, Trois Coleurs, and After Sunset.  I'm surprised a Brett Ratner film is in your top 15!  You must really love Salma Hayek's boobies. I do, too. :)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:48:34 AM

Er no. I meant the Linklater movie. Oops! Before Sunset!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:50:34 AM

Im SO re-purchasing The Third Man in May, for probably no other reason than for the AWESOME cover art.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 25, 2007, 11:53:56 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 11:48:34 AM

Er no. I meant the Linklater movie. Oops! Before Sunset!

Oh, I saw the first one, Before Sunrise.  I don't like Ethan Hawke, though, so I didn't see the second.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 25, 2007, 01:21:50 PM

Wha Lucas and Spielberg are Scorsese's friends?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 02:18:49 PM

Yes indeed. Strange match, I know, given that Lucas and Scorsese are leagues apart in their abilities.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 02:29:25 PM

They all became big around the same time, and all were known as the "film school wave" along with John Milius and a few others.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 04:36:26 PM

Spielberg and Lucas are the most close of the 4 of course. Everytime one of them has a movie open they go on vacation together with no one else to celebrate. gay sex amirite

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 04:37:39 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 04:36:26 PM

Spielberg and Lucas are the most close of the 4 of course. Everytime one of them has a movie open they go on vacation together with no one else to celebrate. gay sex amirite

I bet Speilberg foots the bill every damn time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 04:51:43 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 25, 2007, 04:37:39 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 04:36:26 PM

Spielberg and Lucas are the most close of the 4 of course. Everytime one of them has a movie open they go on vacation together with no one else to celebrate. gay sex amirite

I bet Speilberg foots the bill every damn time.

Lucas is faaaaaaar more richer than Steven. Star Wars was a gold mine.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 04:54:52 PM

Yeah, but wouldn't you treat your friend if your film was getting released? I bet Lucas hasn't treated Speilberg but like three or four times over the course of their island getaways.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 05:35:33 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 25, 2007, 04:54:52 PM

Yeah, but wouldn't you treat your friend if your film was getting released? I bet Lucas hasn't treated Speilberg but like three or four times over the course of their island getaways.

A bit odd logic. I suspect they are rich enough to not really care anyhow.

I saw a awesome three person interview with coppola, lucas, and spielberg on 60 minutes a few years ago. Awesome stuff. Coppola and Spielberg keep trying to set up Lucas on dates and keep trying to find him someone. It was cute. You can tell its a real friendship.

Spielberg on the set of TPM was fantastic. He broke one of the model battle droids and felt inclined to fix it, of which he did horribly.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:38:31 PM

Brian De Palma is also a member of that "crew". Him and Scorsese went to a porno together once, lolz. I wonder if thats where the Taxi Driver/The Departed porn theatre scenes came from.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 05:41:56 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:38:31 PM

Brian De Palma is also a member of that "crew". Him and Scorsese went to a porno together once, lolz. I wonder if thats where the Taxi Driver/The Departed porn theatre scenes came from.

I believe they saw Deep Throat together. That's an.... odd relationship. :-[

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 05:43:09 PM

Apparently they come in and help out on eachothers films, most of the time un-credited which is kind of cool, such as Lucas taking over Jurassic Park(which led him to do the SE's  :-[) when Spielberg had to run off to do 'List.

Both Spielberg and Coppola did a scene for Revenge of the Sith too. Didn't help much lol.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:43:23 PM

"Hey buddy! Wanna go see Debbie Does Dallas with me tonight?"

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 05:44:02 PM

Which scenes are you talking about, Cheebsie?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 05:45:43 PM

Sofia Coppola is becoming "one of the boys" in that group it seems. Lucas apparently "helped" her on Lost in Translation and had the first screening of the movie at Lucas's house.


No clue on Coppola, Spielberg did the story board and directed the scene in the duel at the end when they were about to go off the lava waterfal or something.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 05:46:56 PM

Wow, that's a hell of a lot to go uncredited for. ::)

Two or three shots of them flying through the air? Who even needs to direct those, the way Lucas makes movies?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 05:49:31 PM

It's to let his buddies have official touch on the star wars movies before he closes out the series forever.

The Jurassic Park stuff with Lucas was because he was needed and I think he(as did her dad) helped out on LiT since she didn't have too much experience yet.


Lucas does the second unit directing on all of the indiana jones movie as well, I am unsure if he is credited though due his "problems" with the director guild.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:56:20 PM

I dont think George had anything to do with LiT. Im pretty sure Sophia just took her crew and went to Japan and shot, with Bill Murray only agreeing at the 11th hour.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 05:58:29 PM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:56:20 PM

I dont think George had anything to do with LiT. Im pretty sure Sophia just took her crew and went to Japan and shot, with Bill Murray only agreeing at the 11th hour.

Well in all actuality her father, Lucas and Kurosawa all had a hand in LiT -- their Santori Whiskey commercials are said to be the insipiration for the film. ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on February 25, 2007, 06:42:59 PM

Nah, the inspiration for the film is her marriage to Spike Jonze. Ana Faris' character is Cameron Diaz. Scarlett is Sophia.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 25, 2007, 06:45:53 PM

The Bill Murray character is a psuedo-representation of her father.... which is pretty disturbing, given the above info.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on February 25, 2007, 07:47:19 PM

The fact of the SNL cast members Dan Akyrod and (soon) Eddie Murphy will have won but Bill has not is insane. Bill will never win now regardless what he does, he has TRASHED the oscars since he lost saying comedy was 100x harder than what he has done in recent years and hates how oscars ignored comedies.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on February 26, 2007, 02:15:21 AM

Quote from: Solo on February 25, 2007, 05:38:31 PM

Brian De Palma is also a member of that "crew". Him and Scorsese went to a porno together once, lolz. I wonder if thats where the Taxi Driver/The Departed porn theatre scenes came from.

The Taxi Driver scenes, I doubt it.  Paul Schrader wrote the script (he also wrote/directed the film Hardcore).

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 26, 2007, 03:46:26 AM

Little Miss Sunshine

I must say I didn't expect much from this movie. I'm rarely impressed by comedies, or comedic actors for that matter. But by the end of this movie I had laughed more times than I can remember laughing in awhile. While it's definitely not a great movie or deserving of a Best Picture nomination, I found it to be very good, and very entertaining.

The thing that really makes the movie work is the assortment of hilariously flawed characters. There isn't a stable person in the movie. Yet they all mesh together and really play off each other brilliantly. Much of the movie consists of these people driving around in a bus; this wouldn't work with boring characters, or boring actors, and the movie truly shines here (no pun intended).

The laughs are rather juvenile at times, yet always potent. And some of the funniest parts don't come from the dialogue: there are more than a couple scenes that are simply so ridiculous that it's impossible not to laugh. The climax of the movie - the Little Miss Sunshine competition - had me laughing so hard I couldn't believe it. So fucking random. In that sense it reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite. And like ND, the movie also suffered from a few extremely drab, boring parts that were placed between the more entertaining ones.

Yet overall I liked the movie; it's just a fun movie that is also able to tell a charming story without feeling generic or...sentimental.

8/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 26, 2007, 01:24:14 PM

Allan Arkin was the best thing about LMS.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on February 27, 2007, 01:10:45 AM

Just watched my new copy of Brazil; this was my second time seeing it, and I must say it's still as amazing as when I first saw it. While the beginning part of the movie is a bit slow, once the movie starts it never stops. Truly a magical movie.

9.5/10  :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on February 27, 2007, 08:00:35 AM

Beginning = slow? If anything, Brazil races into the story at top speed, dude. There's hardly any exposition in those first twenty minutes. >:(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 01, 2007, 04:31:47 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on February 27, 2007, 08:00:35 AM

Beginning = slow? If anything, Brazil races into the story at top speed, dude. There's hardly any exposition in those first twenty minutes. >:(

I said it's a BIT slow. Mainly the parts with Lowry and Bilbo trying to figure out the Tuttle/Buttle mystery.

Anway I watched Raiders of the Lost Arc today. OMG still amazing, still classic. This is the perfect adventure movie. The pacing is great, and it still makes me laugh so many years after my first viewing of it.

10/10  :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 02, 2007, 08:10:22 AM

The Prestige (Nolan, 2006) - 8.5/10

What a difference a second viewing can make. I saw the film theatrically back in October, and came away feeling disappointed. Be it due to my own anticipation, or the hype surrounding the film, for whatever reason, what I saw did not live up to my expectations. As such, I pretty much chose to forget about the movie, and it dropped off my radar. Well, on a whim, I decided to give it another go on DVD. With all the pre-conceptions and hype garbage long in the past, I just sat down and took in the film on its own merits. And it totally blew me away this time. Actually knowing the twists beforehand made me appreciate the film much more, as you could see the rather generous hints constantly being dropped, and just how well Nolan handled the material in this meticulously crafted film. Pretty much everything about this movie works wonderfully, and the film is a magic trick in itself. The writing is engaging, the cinematography is ace, Nolan's direction is in top form, and the acting is fantastic across the board. Most noticeably incredible is the pacing, which is almost perfect. At 130 minutes, it feels like a 90 minute film. Nolan's take on the material is very brisk and never boring. I originally commented that I felt this was one of Nolan's weaker efforts. After a second viewing, watched with an open mind, I'm ready to put it near the front, if not at the very top. An excellent and sadly over-looked piece of film-making. Highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 02, 2007, 12:26:16 PM

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring SE (Jackson, 2002)


There aren't many franchises that elicit schoolgirl screams from me. While I absolutely love the original Star Wars movies, I was never a huge Star Wars freak. Instead I'm a Rings fanbody at heart. From the first time I read the books I was hooked, and after that I immediately craved a movie adaption. I really liked the Lord of the Rings cartoon, which perhaps gives you a hint at my state of mind with respect to the franchise. When the movies came out me and my friends made it a ritual to skip the last day of school - after having other people turn in our finals papers of course - and see the movies. The day after seeing The Two Towers on opening day we bailed out of a school awards ceremony to see it again; later I found out I had won a couple school awards, and I can only imagine the look on the teaching staff's face when they realized I was nowhere to be seen.

So obviously the movies are...precious to me. Yet despite my mania I wasn't quick to get the SE versions of the movies. I had seen the TC in the theater so many times that I sort of put off getting the DVDs, feeling that I could wait a few more months until the price went down. Well, more than a few years passed, yet yesterday I finally made my way down to Barnes and Noble and picked up the SE for Fellowship of the Ring.

As I said earlier, I have seen the TC many times, so it was very easy for me to notice even the slightest musical changes in this version. And after watching this it's not surprising why so many diehard Tolkien fans love the SE. While the TC was as faithful as possible to the book, the SE is even better. From the very beginning the faithfullness is evident. After the story recap Jackson places a perfect adaption of "Concerning Hobbits" ahead of where the TC begins (with Frodo greeting Gandalf). Perhaps my favorite aspect of the movies is how brilliantly Jackson captured the essense of the book - from the environments to the music to the costumes. The "Concerning Hobbits" puts all of this on display as the Shire is put on display. With so little effort Jackson shows daily Hobbit life, from the tilling to the eating.

After this scene the TC parts become more evident, yet for the most part everything comes together perfectly. Yet it is the small things that most make an impression. For instance, the SE quickly establishes the Sackville-Baggins and their interest in Bilbo's house. Another short but effective scene happens in the bar, during which the Old Gaffer is actually seen - along with Sam, Frodo, and possibly Sandyman - gossiping. These little details brought a smile to my face and made me appreciate even more the fact that Jackson, a true fan at heart, made the movie.

And of course there are some even bigger additions that make more of an impact. These parts really seem to shine once the Hobbits reach Rivendell. Some of the changes seem casual, yet they are very insightful - such as Aragorn's visit to his mother's grave. Then there's a scene where Gandalf speaks the language of Mordor to repell Boromir from touching the ring - I need to see that again, because at the time it didn't make much sense. Once it was explained I got it more.

Yet easily the best addition comes during the Fellowship's journey into Moria. While I always felt the Moria scenes were great, the SE makes them brilliant. The added dialogue is insightful, and the extra footage makes the battle scenes much, much better. The SE is worth it for the troll battle alone imo.

Some of the additional scenes in Lothlorien seem rather flat though, especially the ones where Aragorn is convincing the elves to let the Fellowship into the city. And of course, this part also includes my least favorite scene in the entire trilogy: Galadriel's green rant about the ring. I hate that part because it just looks so tacky, and could have been done much better. But despite that there are some great scenes here, such as Gimli's change of heart with respect to the "Lady of the Wood". I also like the fact that here you finally get a sense that Legalos is not just some badass archer, but an elven prince.

Overall I found the SE to be great. While there are some flat scenes, for the most part it does a great job adding material to an already great film. The only complaint I have is about the sound mixing. During many scenes the music is just too loud compared to the dialogue, and it gets hard to hear what is being said; this is especially evident in Moria. And while the over use of overhead camera shots have been ragged on by some, I felt that they served an important purpose with respect to showing just how beautiful the environments were, and how perfectly suited NZ was in brining Middle Earth to life. Yeah I suppose different shots could have done this, but I'm not going to knock this since it's obviously Jackson's "thing". But then again, some of the slow motion shots he likes to use in his movies are rather annoying, especially in Kong.

Yet those technical flaws are not nearly enough to harm this perfect adaption of a fantasy masterpiece.

10/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 02, 2007, 12:41:27 PM

 :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 02, 2007, 12:42:42 PM

 :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 02, 2007, 12:44:20 PM

I'm sorry, I just can't take any long-winded review for Lord of the Rings by a geek on the Internet ending with TEN-out-of-TEN at face value.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 02, 2007, 12:46:07 PM

I feel you. As I said in the first paragraph, I'm a straight up Lord of the Rings fanboy, and unapologetic about it. My opinion is far from fair and balanced lol

 :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 02, 2007, 12:55:14 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 02, 2007, 08:10:22 AM

The Prestige (Nolan, 2006) - 8.5/10

What a difference a second viewing can make. I saw the film theatrically back in October, and came away feeling disappointed. Be it due to my own anticipation, or the hype surrounding the film, for whatever reason, what I saw did not live up to my expectations. As such, I pretty much chose to forget about the movie, and it dropped off my radar. Well, on a whim, I decided to give it another go on DVD. With all the pre-conceptions and hype garbage long in the past, I just sat down and took in the film on its own merits. And it totally blew me away this time. Actually knowing the twists beforehand made me appreciate the film much more, as you could see the rather generous hints constantly being dropped, and just how well Nolan handled the material in this meticulously crafted film. Pretty much everything about this movie works wonderfully, and the film is a magic trick in itself. The writing is engaging, the cinematography is ace, Nolan's direction is in top form, and the acting is fantastic across the board. Most noticeably incredible is the pacing, which is almost perfect. At 130 minutes, it feels like a 90 minute film. Nolan's take on the material is very brisk and never boring. I originally commented that I felt this was one of Nolan's weaker efforts. After a second viewing, watched with an open mind, I'm ready to put it near the front, if not at the very top. An excellent and sadly over-looked piece of film-making. Highly recommended.

 :bow 

I can't remember if I've said this here before, but my only major gripe is with the last 10 minutes or so, where everything is laid out and really pounded down your throat.  I also thought it was interesting that earlier on Bale mentions to never give away your secrets-- if you do they'll forget you and so on, and here we have the ending of this otherwise great film exposing what I percieved to be too much detail. 

I should note that I think this was done to drive home the "dedication" theme, so that Bale's and Jackman's characters could further explain themselves, which does work quite nicely. 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 02, 2007, 12:56:25 PM

What is with The Prestige hate, by the way?  By all accounts, even its detractors say it's not a bad movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 02, 2007, 12:58:27 PM

Quote from: Willco on March 02, 2007, 12:56:25 PM

What is with The Prestige hate, by the way?  By all accounts, even its detractors say it's not a bad movie.

Some stuff in it is far-fetched to the point of ridiculousness, even when we're talking about "magic."  It literally becomes sci-fi at a certain point.  That's the only major thing I've heard from people who really didn't like it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 02, 2007, 01:14:18 PM

It wasn't meant to be a historically accurate period piece.  The moment anyone saw trailers of David Bowie trotting around as Tesla with some kind of electricity farm, they should've known that.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 02, 2007, 01:24:37 PM

The rest of it could work perfectly as a period peice.  It takes a very deliberate turn about two thirds in and the manner in which all of it is introduced is pretty outrageous.  All of the "magic" up to that point consists of little tricks and gadgetry grounded in reality.

That said, although I understand the complaint, I don't agree with it at all.  The source material works the same way and the trailers made it pretty clear that it wasn't just a behind-the-scenes movie about magicians, like you said.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 02, 2007, 01:25:13 PM

I believe shake has bashed it somewhat, I don't remember why though. I don't think he saw it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 02, 2007, 02:23:00 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on March 02, 2007, 01:25:13 PM

I believe shake has bashed it somewhat, I don't remember why though. I don't think he saw it.

a. Wrong

b. Right

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 02, 2007, 02:45:08 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on March 02, 2007, 12:55:14 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 02, 2007, 08:10:22 AM

The Prestige (Nolan, 2006) - 8.5/10

What a difference a second viewing can make. I saw the film theatrically back in October, and came away feeling disappointed. Be it due to my own anticipation, or the hype surrounding the film, for whatever reason, what I saw did not live up to my expectations. As such, I pretty much chose to forget about the movie, and it dropped off my radar. Well, on a whim, I decided to give it another go on DVD. With all the pre-conceptions and hype garbage long in the past, I just sat down and took in the film on its own merits. And it totally blew me away this time. Actually knowing the twists beforehand made me appreciate the film much more, as you could see the rather generous hints constantly being dropped, and just how well Nolan handled the material in this meticulously crafted film. Pretty much everything about this movie works wonderfully, and the film is a magic trick in itself. The writing is engaging, the cinematography is ace, Nolan's direction is in top form, and the acting is fantastic across the board. Most noticeably incredible is the pacing, which is almost perfect. At 130 minutes, it feels like a 90 minute film. Nolan's take on the material is very brisk and never boring. I originally commented that I felt this was one of Nolan's weaker efforts. After a second viewing, watched with an open mind, I'm ready to put it near the front, if not at the very top. An excellent and sadly over-looked piece of film-making. Highly recommended.

 :bow 

I can't remember if I've said this here before, but my only major gripe is with the last 10 minutes or so, where everything is laid out and really pounded down your throat.  I also thought it was interesting that earlier on Bale mentions to never give away your secrets-- if you do they'll forget you and so on, and here we have the ending of this otherwise great film exposing what I percieved to be too much detail. 

I should note that I think this was done to drive home the "dedication" theme, so that Bale's and Jackman's characters could further explain themselves, which does work quite nicely. 

Indeed. In the end I think its a toss up as to who was more dedicated. I mean,

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Angier killed himself 100 times, while Borden led a double life for years

[close]

. Anyways, I was rooting for Borden the whole time. I liked his character more, and I love Christian Bale's performance.

But yeah, I really loved this on the second viewing, and its definately the type of film I think my appreciation will grow for.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 02, 2007, 03:01:06 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 02, 2007, 02:45:08 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on March 02, 2007, 12:55:14 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 02, 2007, 08:10:22 AM

The Prestige (Nolan, 2006) - 8.5/10

What a difference a second viewing can make. I saw the film theatrically back in October, and came away feeling disappointed. Be it due to my own anticipation, or the hype surrounding the film, for whatever reason, what I saw did not live up to my expectations. As such, I pretty much chose to forget about the movie, and it dropped off my radar. Well, on a whim, I decided to give it another go on DVD. With all the pre-conceptions and hype garbage long in the past, I just sat down and took in the film on its own merits. And it totally blew me away this time. Actually knowing the twists beforehand made me appreciate the film much more, as you could see the rather generous hints constantly being dropped, and just how well Nolan handled the material in this meticulously crafted film. Pretty much everything about this movie works wonderfully, and the film is a magic trick in itself. The writing is engaging, the cinematography is ace, Nolan's direction is in top form, and the acting is fantastic across the board. Most noticeably incredible is the pacing, which is almost perfect. At 130 minutes, it feels like a 90 minute film. Nolan's take on the material is very brisk and never boring. I originally commented that I felt this was one of Nolan's weaker efforts. After a second viewing, watched with an open mind, I'm ready to put it near the front, if not at the very top. An excellent and sadly over-looked piece of film-making. Highly recommended.

 :bow 

I can't remember if I've said this here before, but my only major gripe is with the last 10 minutes or so, where everything is laid out and really pounded down your throat.  I also thought it was interesting that earlier on Bale mentions to never give away your secrets-- if you do they'll forget you and so on, and here we have the ending of this otherwise great film exposing what I percieved to be too much detail. 

I should note that I think this was done to drive home the "dedication" theme, so that Bale's and Jackman's characters could further explain themselves, which does work quite nicely. 

Indeed. In the end I think its a toss up as to who was more dedicated. I mean,

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Angier killed himself 100 times, while Borden led a double life for years

[close]

. Anyways, I was rooting for Borden the whole time. I liked his character more, and I love Christian Bale's performance.

But yeah, I really loved this on the second viewing, and its definately the type of film I think my appreciation will grow for.

I don't think it's a toss up when you consider...

spoiler (click to show/hide)

that even with the knowledge that Angier could be exposed and he could possibly be freed, Fallon sacrificed his (one and only) life only to decieve Angier and allow Borden to kill him and get his child back.

Also, while it took balls for Angier to fall in that tank every night, he ultimately sacrificed nothing.  Borden and Fallon ruined each others lives to stay in character.

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 02, 2007, 03:13:48 PM

You got Fallon and Borden backwards, I think. Gets a bit confusing after a while, lol.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 02, 2007, 03:27:52 PM

spoiler (click to show/hide)

I just noticed the Wikipedia article mentions that Fallon is the one that saw Angier fall in the tank, but it says that Borden is the one who is hanged.  Then it goes on to say that Borden is the one that kills Angier.  Does it ever make it clear who is really Fallon and who is Borden?  I'll have to watch it again.

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 02, 2007, 03:33:00 PM

Im pretty sure

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Borden

[close]

dies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 02, 2007, 11:20:44 PM

I always felt it was

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Fallon. Borden being with his child just makes more sense in a happy ending sort of way.

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 03, 2007, 02:22:12 AM

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

WHAT THE HELL

I don't rememeber seeing 70% of this movie. I know I saw it as a kid, but clearly I must have forgotten most of it. I knew going in that it would be pretty over the top, but what I did not expect was the demon seed of Hook and Return of the Jedi :lol

First off: the movie is not horrible. I suppose I can forgive it for being a big dumb adventure movie. If Raiders is the blueprint for all good adventure movies, Temple of Doom is clearly the blueprint for all bad adventure movies; yet as the blueprint it finds a way to be better than the cheap imitations that have since come to be. Pretty early on the genre cliches are in full circle. The annoying, spunky female who wishes she was back on the LA strip hangin with her girlfriends. The uninteresting baddie who flunked out of EVIL VILLIAN UNIVERSITY - you know, the kind of guy who'd rather enslave some children instead of taking over the fucking world (these types seem to love Gotham City). And don't forget the sassy frass little kid sidekick! But hey, this dude is pretty BADASS don't you think? If the movie consisted of him and Indy trading dialogue and mimicing each other - minus the chick - the movie would be so much better.

The first ten minutes are so fucking crazy I couldn't help but laugh at the screen while throwing pretzels in the air. One car chase, one plane crash, and one water park ride later our heroes have made it from China to India lol. What follows next is a series of semi racist portrayals of Indians that made me cringe. The reason "savages" worked in King Kong is that there was no ethnicity linked to them - they were just some ugly ass savages splitting heads and worshipping monkeys on an island. Here you have fucking INDIANS, from India, eating bugs and drinking monkey brains. WTF Spielberg? This really disgusted me and made me want to put on a PASSION PLAY to show Willco's people who's really in charge of shit.

Overall this was like a late 90's Disney movie - a rather messy mix of mature themes and content with overly childish humor. It just didn't work to well. If anything it just makes me appreciate POTC even more. IF you're going to do a dumb adventure movie, DO IT RITE.

6/10

And a 6 is generous. It's hard to totally trash a movie with a character as awesome as Indiana Jones in it. The movie has many flaws, but it still manages to shine (albiet briefly) when Indy is being a badass.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 07:58:09 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on March 02, 2007, 11:20:44 PM

I always felt it was

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Fallon. Borden being with his child just makes more sense in a happy ending sort of way.

[close]

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Why? Fallon is the one who loved Sarah, and probably loved the kid more. When Sarah told Borden she was pregnant, why do you think his first words were "thats great, we shoulda told Fallon!". Borden would have loved the little girl too, no doubt, but since Fallon was the one who loved her mother, and presumably was the father of the child, it makes more sense for him to be alive. Besides, Borden was hung, not Fallon.

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 08:51:48 AM

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg blame the problems of Doom with the fact Lucas was in the middle of a messy divorce as he was writing the story lol

When Spielberg was asked the about the weakness of the film he said like "Hey, at least I met my wife on it..right?"  :lol


Watch Last Crusade when you have a chance. Raiders is the best film but oddly Last Crusade seems to age better.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:08:43 AM

Bah. Raiders gets put on a pedestal too much. Last Crusade is the most fun of the 3. James Bond and his role in The Untouchables aside, this is probably Connery's best role. He totally upstages Ford at every turn.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 09:14:47 AM

Raiders it the best "FILM" of the 3 while Last Crusade is the most fun and most re-watchable. Out of the 3 I probably have watched Last Crusade on VHS and then DVD like 5x as much as Raiders.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:17:02 AM

I wasnt born when Raiders came out, and was only a year old when Temple came out. But I was 6 when Crusade came out, and I have a lot of fond memories of watching it on VHS as a kid.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 09:19:52 AM

Other than Connery I think Marcus Brody steals many of the scenes he is in.

Quote

Indiana Jones: He's got a two day head start on you, which is more than he needs. Brody's got friends in every town and village from here to the Sudan, he speaks a dozen languages, knows every local custom, he'll blend in, disappear, you'll never see him again. With any luck, he's got the grail already.

[Cut to middle of fair in the Middle East, Marcus Brody wearing bright suit and white hat, sticking out like sore thumb]
Marcus Brody: Uhhh, does anyone here speak English?

:lol :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bagofeyes on March 03, 2007, 09:19:58 AM

I was 7 when Last Crusade came out. I still remember vividly going to see it at the cinema for my birthday.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:21:01 AM

What I love about Connery in TLC is he shows a comedic range that, before the movie, I never knew he possessed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 09:24:48 AM

Connery says Indy IV would be the only thing to bring him out of retirement but only if the script is good enough. He apparently just got a copy of the script last week. I hope he accepts it. Apparently he is asking for a fuck-load of money if he says yes. I doubt we'd find out if Connery gives it the ok. Spielberg and Lucas are being damn tight lipped about this.

I really hope he is in it even if the film is weaker than Last Crusade(which it likely will be) just because I would love to see him as that character at least one more time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:26:11 AM

Knowing Connery, he'll ask for a lion's share, but give most of it away.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 09:35:24 AM

I wonder what Connery would have done with the money had he said yes LOTR. He was offered a huge stake in the box office intake, far more if I remember than the record-setting percentage Nicholson got for Batman.

Connery would have crushed any record an actor has ever gotten paid by an obscene amount.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:40:46 AM

Are you sure his deal was for a backend cut of the gross? I mean, this wasn't the case for anyone else involved in the films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 03, 2007, 10:12:03 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 03, 2007, 09:40:46 AM

Are you sure his deal was for a backend cut of the gross? I mean, this wasn't the case for anyone else involved in the films.

Yeah it was, and he was the only one offered that because the studio wanted him BADLY.

Quote

refused an offer to play Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it has emerged.

If the actor had put on the long white beard and clasped the wizard's staff as the hero of Middle Earth he would have earned as much as £225 million.
Advert for SuperScotBingo

Peter Jackson, the director of the fantasy trilogy, has revealed that New Line Cinema, the production company behind the films, offered the Scottish actor between 10 and 15 per cent of worldwide box office takings to secure his participation.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1747562006

Wow, look at this list:
http://www.notstarring.com/actors/connery-sean


He turned down/was turned down A LOT of big name stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on March 03, 2007, 06:35:31 PM

Last Crusade is fucking amazing. I haven't seen it in years so I'm hyped to watch it tonight.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 04, 2007, 08:59:31 AM

Marie Antoinette (Coppola, 2006) - 8/10

Sophia Coppola is a modern day writer and director who seems to draw the strongest emotions from people. Either love or venomous hate is usually thrown her way. I have been on both sides of this fence. I hated The Virgin Suicides, but I gave Lost In Translation a chance, and it has become one of my favorite films. When Marie Antoinette was released this past year, once again, all I heard were extremely divisive reactions. There was the Cannes debable, and several major critics tore the film to shreds. On the other side, many called this a great film, and praised Coppola for being some kind of modern auteur. The bad-to-mixed reception, coupled with my own indifference to the subject matter, left me skipping this one during its theatrical run, and just now getting to it on DVD. After finally watching it, despite the general consensus saying otherwise, I loved it. This is the first time I can honestly say I really liked Kirsten Dunst in anything. I felt she was perfect for the role, having lived the young-and-famous lifestyle herself. The rest of the cast was quite good too. The writing wasn't anything incredible, but then, I feel Coppola's talent is in setting up the atmosphere, and not in writing great dialogue. To that end, I felt she was wildly successful. Much like her previous film, this feels more like a movie about Coppola herself than Antoinette. It's definately something that leaks into all her screenplays, much like the contemporary music leaks into her soundtracks. I enjoyed her direction, and I like her no-frills style, as it feels very natural to me. The movie had a nice, brisk pace, and the 2 hours rolled by pretty quick. The thing I loved most about the film was the visuals. The costumes, make-up, and cinematography were absolutely brilliant. Shooting on location in Versailles doesn't hurt when trying to create a realistic environment, either. Ultimately, like Lost In Translation, despite its scope, Marie Antoinette offers a small story about a young girl thrust into an impossible situation. It is not a masterpiece, nor even a great film, but it's a damned good one that was unfairly lashed-out against.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 04, 2007, 09:45:58 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 04, 2007, 08:59:31 AM

Marie Antoinette (Coppola, 2006) - 8/10

Sophia Coppola is a modern day writer and director who seems to draw the strongest emotions from people. Either love or venomous hate is usually thrown her way. I have been on both sides of this fence. I hated The Virgin Suicides, but I gave Lost In Translation a chance, and it has become one of my favorite films. When Marie Antoinette was released this past year, once again, all I heard were extremely divisive reactions. There was the Cannes debable, and several major critics tore the film to shreds. On the other side, many called this a great film, and praised Coppola for being some kind of modern auteur. The bad-to-mixed reception, coupled with my own indifference to the subject matter, left me skipping this one during its theatrical run, and just now getting to it on DVD. After finally watching it, despite the general consensus saying otherwise, I loved it. This is the first time I can honestly say I really liked Kirsten Dunst in anything. I felt she was perfect for the role, having lived the young-and-famous lifestyle herself. The rest of the cast was quite good too. The writing wasn't anything incredible, but then, I feel Coppola's talent is in setting up the atmosphere, and not in writing great dialogue. To that end, I felt she was wildly successful. Much like her previous film, this feels more like a movie about Coppola herself than Antoinette. It's definately something that leaks into all her screenplays, much like the contemporary music leaks into her soundtracks. I enjoyed her direction, and I like her no-frills style, as it feels very natural to me. The movie had a nice, brisk pace, and the 2 hours rolled by pretty quick. The thing I loved most about the film was the visuals. The costumes, make-up, and cinematography were absolutely brilliant. Shooting on location in Versailles doesn't hurt when trying to create a realistic environment, either. Ultimately, like Lost In Translation, despite its scope, Marie Antoinette offers a small story about a young girl thrust into an impossible situation. It is not a masterpiece, nor even a great film, but it's a damned good one that was unfairly lashed-out against.

I loved this movie, I gave it a 8.5/10 after re-watching it when I "only" gave it a 7/10 in theaters. I loved Lost in Translation more though. I wonder if I would like Virgin Suicides I am suprised I never got around to it because her other two films are fantastic.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 04, 2007, 09:53:30 AM

Nice to see another fan. Yeah, I totally love this movie. I can understand the criticisms her detractors throw her way, but they just dont bother me. I find Coppola to be a great young filmmaker. Hell, its nice to see a woman director becoming one of the greats of her era. I like LiT more too, but thats because I LOVE that movie, and its one of my 10's. MA is still exceptionally stellar though. It just doesnt click with me on a personal level.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 04, 2007, 09:55:27 AM

The movie also had a Barry Lyndon vibe, in the costumes and lighting, which rocks.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 04, 2007, 10:01:14 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 04, 2007, 09:55:27 AM

The movie also had a Barry Lyndon vibe, in the costumes and lighting, which rocks.

Well the costumes were done by the same person. Notice how when MA won for best costumes the costume designer for MA thanked Kubrick?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 04, 2007, 10:06:36 AM

Nope. Didn't know that! Well I guess it makes sense why I got that vibe, lol.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 06, 2007, 04:42:39 PM

Zodiac (Fincher, 2007) - 8.5/10

David Fincher's first film in several years is his most solid in a decade. The subject matter he tackles with this film is intriguing to say the least. However, unlike Fincher's Se7en, this film isn't so much about the logistics of the murders, or the killer himself. Zodiac as a film is more about the men who worked for years on the case, and is equally a story about obsession. In fact, I would go so far as to say that what ultimately makes the film so engaging is not the case itself, but watching the characters grow more and more obsessed with catching the killer. That's not to say that there isn't lots of suspense to be found here, because there is, and at times it is quite masterfully achieved. Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo are great in the lead roles, but unsurprisingly, it is Robert Downey Jr. who steals the show with his performance, lending the picture most of its humor. The rest of the cast is uniformly solid. The movie is nearly three hours long, but the pacing and editing is pulled off well enough such that it never feels that long. Fincher's direction is in fine form, however, the film doesn't feel like a typical David Fincher film. He has toned down his super-stylized form of his previous efforts, and it seems to fit this film more appropriately, although it isn't instantly recognizable as a Fincher film. Not a masterpiece by any means, but a very solid film, and the best of 2007 thusfar.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 06, 2007, 04:44:29 PM

Robert Downey Jr.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 06, 2007, 04:45:27 PM

LOLZ

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 06, 2007, 04:46:41 PM

lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 06, 2007, 04:54:13 PM

Delicious as hell.

I liked Zodiac, but the detail it goes into is too gratuitous.  I felt like Fincher was mirroring Graysmith's obsession on film and it's sort of disturbing.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 06, 2007, 04:55:48 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on March 06, 2007, 04:54:13 PM

Delicious as hell.

I liked Zodiac, but the detail it goes into is too gratuitous.  I felt like I was watching Graysmith's obsession played out on film and it's sort of disturbing.

Pretty much, yeah. :-[

Still a B+, especially considering nothing of substance has really been released this year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 06, 2007, 04:59:37 PM

I think it's his second best after Se7en. I really loved Zodiac.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 10, 2007, 07:13:45 AM

Lost In Translation (Coppola, 2003) - 9/10

Short and sweet this time, since I've reviewed this several times before: aside from Oldboy, Lost In Translation remains my favorite film from 2003. I love everything about it, from Bill Murray's performance, to his chemistry with Scarlett, to the cinematography, to the musical choices, and most of everything in between. More importantly, I love how it is really a small, intimate film about two people whose lives are completely off the rails when they meet randomly, and by the time they part, they are both in a much better place than they were when we first met them. Some people think it is a depressing movie, but I feel totally the opposite way. I think it is a movie full of hope.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 10, 2007, 08:46:40 AM

I liked it more than you! I gave it 10/10 and would put it in my top 20 of all time. Currently it is my favorite film of this decade.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 10, 2007, 09:02:52 AM

I would put it in my Top 50 probably, and in my top 5 of the decade thusfar.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 10, 2007, 09:07:01 AM

What is your #1 of the decade so far?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 10, 2007, 10:20:47 AM

After about 2 whole minutes of thought, so Im definately gonna miss something:

Since 2000:

10. Master And Commander
09. Wonder Boys
08. In The Mood For Love
07. Downfall
06. Collateral
05. Eternal Sunshine
04. Lost In Translation
03. Oldboy
02. City Of God
01. Children Of Men

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: MrAngryFace on March 10, 2007, 10:54:18 AM

Master and Commander would have rocked without the part where they doof the fuck around on that goddamned island for like an HOUR.

I love that someone gives Collateral and Wonder Boys some credit tho.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Human Snorenado on March 10, 2007, 11:17:16 AM

Quote from: RoboJ on March 06, 2007, 04:54:13 PM

Delicious as hell.

I liked Zodiac, but the detail it goes into is too gratuitous.  I felt like Fincher was mirroring Graysmith's obsession on film and it's sort of disturbing.

Me too, I also read somewhere that Fincher grew up in the area and that he remembers his dad telling him before school that the Zodiac had threatened to shoot children coming off of a bus.  Provides a good insight into Fincher's head!  :lol

Personally I don't get Solo's dislike of Fight Club, and thought that Zodiac was a bit weak for Fincher yet still a good film.  I'd give it a 7/10.  Still, it is better than Panic Room.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 10, 2007, 12:27:26 PM

For me and Fincher, its Se7en > Zodiac > Fight Club > The Game > Panic Room
Never saw his Aliens movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Flannel Boy on March 10, 2007, 12:45:20 PM

LOL I forgot I wathed Master and Commander. I really should stop watching movies while loaded.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: MrAngryFace on March 10, 2007, 12:49:05 PM

Buy a copy of House of the Dead, its a great 'while drunk' movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Flannel Boy on March 10, 2007, 12:51:13 PM

Quote from: MrAngryFace on March 10, 2007, 12:49:05 PM

Buy a copy of House of the Dead, its a great 'while drunk' movie.

Translation: The only way you can get through this movie is if you're too drunk to hit stop on the remote.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: MrAngryFace on March 10, 2007, 12:59:24 PM

exactly, its hilarious when youre drunk tho

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:01:14 AM

28 Days Later... (Boyle, 2002) - 8/10

Probably my favorite movie in one of my least favorite genres - zombie flicks. Usually the cheesiness of these types of movies, the over-the-top gore, bad acting, and even worse writing, is what turns me away. I realize these things are sort of part of the package when it comes to these movies, but I guess that is why I'm never in a rush to receive such a package. Writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle manage to successfully avoid most of these genre traps, and craft something more down to earth, with more plausibility than the set-up for most zombie movies. That realism only serves to add to the isolated and haunting feel of the movie. I like the decision to shoot the movie like a documentary, complete with grainy, low-budget visuals and natural lighting. I also really like the casting. Between Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Christopher Eccleston, Boyle has assembled some of my favorite talent from the United Kingdom, and they all perform very well. The movie does offer up several good scares of the "boo!" variety, but it mostly draws fear from the psychological standpoint, and those types of movies are always my preferred ones in the horror genre. Another very good movie from Danny Boyle, who has yet to really let me down.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:14:37 AM

28 Days Later?  God, I thought that movie was awful.  A friend of mine who likes the zombie genre and I went to see it in a theater, and we were so bored during it.  It basically touched on a lot of things that'd been touched on before, its only 'improvements' to the genre were "fast" zombies, and a plausible reason for the "rage plague"...eliminating the creepy supernatural aspect that makes these movies so cool in the first place.

I give it a 5/10.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:27:00 AM

Uh huh.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:29:24 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:27:00 AM

Uh huh.

Fine, be a fucktard.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:50:24 AM

Fucktard? Grow up. I am done with this "dispute" we had, but like usual, you're making it your mission to make a post right me basically stating the exact opposite/trying to make my views seem wrong (witness this thread and the GONY thread in the last, what, 10 minutes?). That was my motivation behind the "uh huh". If you didn't like the movie, that is fine, I have no problems with that. Free country and all. Its just that you for whatever reason love to hold these personal grudges, and I cant help but see that you've posted right after me and think "gee, what is Ichirou gonna say this time?". I have offered to end this petty tiff a bunch of times now, yet you seem content to keep that hatchet above ground.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:55:14 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:50:24 AM

Fucktard? Grow up. I am done with this "dispute" we had, but like usual, you're making it your mission to make a post right me basically stating the exact opposite/trying to make my views seem wrong (witness this thread and the GONY thread in the last, what, 10 minutes?). That was my motivation behind the "uh huh". If you didn't like the movie, that is fine, I have no problems with that. Free country and all. Its just that you for whatever reason love to hold these personal grudges, and I cant help but see that you've posted right after me and think "gee, what is Ichirou gonna say this time?". I have offered to end this petty tiff a bunch of times now, yet you seem content to keep that hatchet above ground.

Uh huh.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:58:02 AM

Again your rationality and maturity shine through. Since you obviously dont want to end this, why not just post in other threads, namely ones without my name in the very title? I think we can easily co-exist by ignoring eachother.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:00:06 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 11, 2007, 09:58:02 AM

Again your rationality and maturity shine through. Since you obviously dont want to end this, why not just post in other threads, namely ones without my name in the very title? I think we can easily co-exist by ignoring eachother.

Yeah, now you see how annoying replying with a simple fucking "Uh huh" is, right?  I wasn't trying to challenge your "view" on 28 Days Later, I was offering my own differing opinion.  I wasn't expecting a reply from you, much less a condescending "uh huh."  I'll post in whatever thread I want, and since this is one of the more active threads related to movies, I'll keep posting here.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:02:18 AM

Fine. Can you at least try to keep your personal contempt out of things? Other than that, I have no problems with you, as you do offer some of the better insight and knowledge to movies around here, when youre not making personal attacks.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:06:48 AM

The 'improvements' line wasn't even a dig at your review, it's the mainstream view of the film, and one which I totally disagree with.  The origins of the zombie film date back to the '40s, and the films of Jacques Tourneur.  The basis is in voodoo and the culture and superstitions of Haiti, and the Romero films themselves maintain an aura of the supernatural about them, since they never make it completely clear what brought the dead back to life.  28 Days Later eschews that aspect completely in favor of the totally banal disease angle, and I think it hurts the picture, and the genre.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:09:57 AM

Fair enough. I actually felt getting rid of the supernatural elements, and basing the "zombie" creation on a viral outbreak, was something that I was much more willing to buy into as a viewer. But, like I said, zombie movies have NEVER been amongst my favorites, so Im probably looking for something different then what they generally offer.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:12:11 AM

Removing the supernatural element weakens the picture, I believe.  What was going through my mind as I was watching the film was the idea that these plague-ridden zombies were obviously stupid creatures and eventually they'd die of starvation, and all the main characters had to do was wait it out.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:15:34 AM

The most interesting zombie film since Romero's heyday has been The Serpent and the Rainbow, which deals with the whole voodoo aspect I was talking about that most zombie films have completely abandoned.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:16:21 AM

True, but then I've yet to see genuinely "smart" Zombies. I think Romero was trying to go that way somewhat in Land Of The Dead, but I dont think it worked.

EDIT: havent seen that movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:20:53 AM

The Serpent and the Rainbow is an '80s movie...I haven't seen it in over ten years so I don't know how well it has aged, but I remember it being extremely unsettling.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:22:25 AM

I guess when it comes to horror my bias' tend to slant more towards the psychological variety, and also slasher films. I mean, I still consider Halloween to be my favorite horror movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:24:16 AM

My bias tends towards horror comedies like Evil Dead or Dead/Alive, but I also enjoy being genuinely creeped out - Jacob's Ladder, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Exorcist, and to a lesser extent The Ring.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:26:48 AM

Jacob's Ladder is also a favorite, as is The Exorcist. Right up there with Halloween and The Thing. Pretty much whatever Carpenter was doing around the mid-70's to mid-80's I was digging. I love The Fog too, but its definately a lesser film to his other horror ventures. I loved In The Mouth Of Madness too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:31:18 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:26:48 AM

Jacob's Ladder is also a favorite, as is The Exorcist. Right up there with Halloween and The Thing. Pretty much whatever Carpenter was doing around the mid-70's to mid-80's I was digging. I love The Fog too, but its definately a lesser film to his other horror ventures. I loved In The Mouth Of Madness too.

I lent my tape of In The Mouth of Madness to one of my college professors and he lent me Jacob's Ladder.  He told me he thought ITMOM was weak and cliched...I think he didn't get the numerous Stephen King/H.P. Lovecraft references, so I was a bit disappointed at his reaction.  It's basically a homage to those two writers.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 11, 2007, 10:41:58 AM

whats going on in this thread

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:49:58 AM

Argument -> Zombie love

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 10:54:52 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on March 11, 2007, 10:41:58 AM

whats going on in this thread

The backstory is that I was riding Solo's ass for a while 'cuz he saw about 15 movies theatrically last year, which pissed him off (for the record, I saw way less than him last year), we got into an argument, we were both still kind of pissed at each other, I replied to his review of 28 Days Later, he thought I was making a personal dig at him and made a snarky reply, I insulted him, we almost got into another argument, but then were brought together again by our mutual love of movies.  :heartbeat

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 10:58:02 AM

Wait, what?  :lol You saw less than me at the theatres, and this whole argument was for nothing? Oogami, you so crazy!  :P

Also, the point I never felt I got across in that argument well enough is that 95% of the time, I wait for the DVD. Its not like Im skipping these theatrical showings and missing the movie forever or something. I generally go to the theatres for the big budget blockbuster stuff that needs to be seen on the big screen. Comedies, dramas, etc, I can wait for the DVD and watch from the comfort of my home.

Anyways its all in the past now. I am on pace to have my best theatrical year in some time though. 5 movies in the 3 worst months of the year is quite a few for me. Probably wont see anything else til Spidey in May though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 11:01:35 AM

Movies in Japan are like $20, so nobody wants to go with me.  I'd go once a week if I could, but my female friends only go during the week so they pay less (wednesday is lady's day so they can watch movies for half price or something) and I work late on weekdays so I can't leave in time to watch a movie and catch the train afterwards.  I saw like 3 movies theatrically last year.

I think I mentioned it in the same thread where you said you saw 15 movies last year.  That's why I initially didn't get why you were pissed off - I thought it was obvious I was mostly just riding your ass.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 11:04:33 AM

Apparently I can't detect sarcasm, and you take jokes too far.

All is forgiven  :heartbeat

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 11:09:19 AM

I really want to see more movies theatrically this year.  I'm really pissed that my friends went to see The Departed without me just so they could save a few bucks by seeing it during a weekday.  Now I have to wait for the Japanese DVD.  >:(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 11, 2007, 11:34:02 AM

Scorsese will have made his next movie by the time you see TD, Oogami  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 07:00:07 PM

No way!  I'm thinking of just buying the US DVD from Amazon and having it shipped to Japan (I think they can do that).

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 08:03:47 PM

hey Ichirou, have you seen or are going to check out the new Ghengis Khan flick, Ryu Ga Gotoku, or Dorororo?

If I were living in Japan, I'd be taking advantage of the local cinema and such, heck, any video rental place in Japan probably has more good Asian cinema then you could find in almost any American store.  So quit wasting time worrying about inferior remakes and go see something us stateside nerds could only hope to get when you do.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 08:05:19 PM

The Departed is far from an inferior remake, and most GOOD Japanese films are readily available in the US.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 08:12:00 PM

Its a plenty good movie, but it sure as heck ain't better then Inferal Affairs.

And I just asked about three new releases that came out in Japan that won't hit America for months, maybe even longer.  And yeah, every good Japanese and Asian film is widely available in America, yep, no problem whatsoever with foreign film distribution in America, not even the slightest.  Nope, not at all.
(http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/pinocchio/02.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 08:13:44 PM

Aw, someone's mad about their crappy IA coverart and yellow subtitles :(

 ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on March 11, 2007, 08:44:12 PM

Someone said Ryu Ga Gotoku is the weakest Miike film.  ??? I hope it's not true because I'm excited for it because I like the game a lot.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 11, 2007, 08:44:36 PM

IA is cheesey

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 08:45:51 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on March 11, 2007, 08:44:36 PM

IA is cheesey

BU BU BU ITS ASIAN AND KEWL

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 11, 2007, 08:46:41 PM

Hi2u my second account.  :shh

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 08:55:04 PM

IA had Anthony Wong and subtly, which was kinda nice.  I don't want this to be a Departed/Infernal Affairs battle, lets just agree they both are pretty dang good films.

shame about Ryu Ga Gotoku.  But I refuse to believe its the worst Miike film ever, just because that guy has made a hellava lot of shit.  Interesting and well shot shit, but shit nonetheless.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:22:53 PM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 08:03:47 PM

hey Ichirou, have you seen or are going to check out the new Ghengis Khan flick, Ryu Ga Gotoku, or Dorororo?

If I were living in Japan, I'd be taking advantage of the local cinema and such, heck, any video rental place in Japan probably has more good Asian cinema then you could find in almost any American store.  So quit wasting time worrying about inferior remakes and go see something us stateside nerds could only hope to get when you do.

Is Ryu Ga Gotoku even going to make it to theaters?  Most Miike stuff is straight to video.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 09:24:21 PM

When's Miike's sushi-western gonna hit the states? Sounds like it could be fucking great. :hyper

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:30:51 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on March 11, 2007, 09:24:21 PM

When's Miike's sushi-western gonna hit the states? Sounds like it could be fucking great. :hyper

That's going to be a bizarre movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 09:31:46 PM

Quote from: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:30:51 PM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on March 11, 2007, 09:24:21 PM

When's Miike's sushi-western gonna hit the states? Sounds like it could be fucking great. :hyper

That's going to be a bizarre awesome movie.

Fixed for accuracy. It could very well be the greatest thing we've ever seen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 09:34:04 PM

"Is Ryu Ga Gotoku even going to make it to theaters?  Most Miike stuff is straight to video."

[/quote]Its in theaters now, and its a fairly limited release and isn't doing so hot.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2007&wk=9&p=.htm (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2007&wk=9&p=.htm)
If you're going to see it in a theater, better go soon.

and the last foreign made Westerns weren't exactly outstanding (The Proposition, Blueberry), and I just know there's going to be shitloads of engrish in it.  I'm wary, but hey, it could very well be awesome.  Watching a Miike film is like rolling some dice.

sorry, I suck at internets.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 11, 2007, 09:35:28 PM

Wait, what?! :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 11, 2007, 09:40:42 PM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 09:34:04 PM

"Is Ryu Ga Gotoku even going to make it to theaters?  Most Miike stuff is straight to video."

Its in theaters now, and its a fairly limited release and isn't doing so hot.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2007&wk=9&p=.htm (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2007&wk=9&p=.htm)
If you're going to see it in a theater, better go soon.

and the last foreign made Westerns weren't exactly outstanding (The Proposition, Blueberry), and I just know there's going to be shitloads of engrish in it.  I'm wary, but hey, it could very well be awesome.  Watching a Miike film is like rolling some dice.

sorry, I suck at internets.

I liked The Proposition a lot....

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on March 11, 2007, 09:55:31 PM

I loved the performances, the cinematography, I really liked the discordant and dreamy tone it took on.  There were many things I really liked about it, but it just didn't click for me.

I don't quite know how to explain it, but it was one of those well made movies that I felt very little for, like Cronenberg's Spider or some of Robert Altman's(but not all) stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 07:56:34 AM

Spider-Man 2 (Raimi, 2004) - 9/10

After giving this my first re-watch in over a year, I definately can say it is still my favorite of all the super-hero movies yet released. It pretty much has everything I could possibly ask for in this type of movie. It surpasses the original in every area, the new villain is fleshed out and given some real personality, the stunts are bigger and better, the screenplay is much better, as are the effects and cinematography. The movie also packs an emotional punch that the first didn't deliver on. Most importantly, I think the movie works wonderfully as a film, period, without constraining it to the genre of super-hero movies. The set-up, conflict, and resolution are much better than we see in many other Hollywood dramas. Peter actually has a well-defined character arc and journey that he takes in the movie. It also is a perfect example of a cliff-hanger ending done right, by throwing us a bone, but leaving the audience salivating for the third movie. People complain about these movies being cheesey and sentimental, but that is part of the appeal for me. From what I understand, they are very true to the source. For my myself personally, I really like that Raimi is trying to make movies and develop a character about honor, responsibility, and doing the right thing. Simple themes, yes, but timeless ones that are often forgetten these days. Comic book movie perfection in my eyes.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 07:59:47 AM

Quote

Most importantly, I think the movie works wonderfully as a film, period, without constraining it to the genre of super-hero movies. The set-up, conflict, and resolution are much better than we see in many other Hollywood dramas. Peter Bruce actually has a well-defined character arc and journey that he takes in the movie. It also is a perfect example of a cliff-hanger ending done right, by throwing us a bone, but leaving the audience salivating for the third second movie.

Two changes and I would have thought you were talking about BB, not Spider-Man. Sure, the Spider-Man series is a whole lot better than most comic book movies, but it FEELS too much like a comic book movie to really "work wonderfully as a film, period."

BTW, why do you dislike Batman Begins?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 08:15:54 AM

I don't, as I have said many times. I just don't worship it or find it a flawless movie as many on the internet do. It has an absolutely fantastic first hour, but it all falls apart for me when he becomes Batman. The third act just turns the movie into a generic action flick. The final scenes help to redeem it a bit, but the picture on the whole has lots of problems for me. Spidey 2 isn't flawless either, obviously, but I feel it makes fewer missteps, and engages me more, and the emotional peaks resonate more with me. They are both are the pinnacle of the genre, but Spider-Man 2 is the better film to me.

Also, I dont think S-M is anywheres near the top. S-M2, for me, was a quantum leap.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 08:26:53 AM

Quote

Spidey 2 isn't flawless either, obviously, but I feel it makes fewer missteps, and engages me more, and the emotional peaks resonate more with me.

After careful analysis, it appears you have what they call "emo" tendancies. :shh

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 12, 2007, 08:52:30 AM

Batman will have a near perfect trilogy barring some unforseen problem, Spider-Man will have one fantastic film and two average at best ones(you KNOW the third has no hope of topping 2).

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on March 12, 2007, 08:53:49 AM

Batman's had like 5 movies...

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 08:56:53 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on March 12, 2007, 08:52:30 AM

Batman will have a near perfect trilogy barring some unforseen problem, Spider-Man will have one fantastic film and two average at best ones(you KNOW the third has no hope of topping 2).

:bow

Cheebs is the new cinematic beacon, confirmed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:05:26 AM

Lets wait until, you know, BB2 and 3 are out before we crown that trilogy. Other than that, I would agree. Spidey has had one decent movie, one fantastic movie, and the third looks like an oncoming trainwreck. BB has had one great movie, and we dont have a clue about the other 2.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:06:42 AM

As long as Nolan and Bale are on for another two, there is no doubt in my mind that they will be fantastic.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:11:02 AM

The potential problems lie more in the writing than the cast and director.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:14:09 AM

Who needs a script? I could watch Bale do his taxes for an hour and a half and it would still be a great film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:16:07 AM

If the screenplay for BB was garbage, you're not sitting here today joygasming over it and its upcoming sequels. So I would say that you should care.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:18:09 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:16:07 AM

If the screenplay for BB was garbage, you're not sitting here today joygasming over it and its upcoming sequels. So I would say that you should care.

If Bale hadn't been cast, maybe. ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:22:32 AM

So basically you are saying that if Bale was in Batman and Robin, it would have been a masterpiece.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:23:17 AM

Quote from: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:22:32 AM

So basically you are saying that if Bale was in Batman and Robin, it would have been a masterpiece.

You bet. :punch

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:34:45 AM

Damn. I love Bale too, but not THAT much. I mean, he's not even the best Batman! Bruce Wayne? Yes. Michael Keaton was a better Batman though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 12, 2007, 09:37:23 AM

He's just playing Patrick Bateman for Wayne anyway.  I'd wager that's most of the reason he was chosen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 09:41:32 AM

An older, not as fit, less psychotic Bateman? Pretty much yeah.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on March 12, 2007, 09:43:52 AM

I can't imagine the screenplay would be that awful since both brothers Nolan worked on it instead of Goyer.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on March 12, 2007, 09:46:40 AM

Why did they put goyer on batman?  Why do they hate batman?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:50:31 AM

Quote from: am nintenho on March 12, 2007, 09:46:40 AM

Why did they put goyer on batman?  Why do they hate batman?

Yeah, they hate him enough to have had Goyer crank out a fantastic script. Moron. ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on March 12, 2007, 09:52:42 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on March 12, 2007, 09:50:31 AM

Quote from: am nintenho on March 12, 2007, 09:46:40 AM

Why did they put goyer on batman?  Why do they hate batman?

Yeah, they hate him enough to have had Goyer crank out a fantastic script. Moron. ::)

It's few shortcomings were probably becuase of Goyer.  Begins is my favorite super-hero movie ever, but there were, as Solo mentioned, some iffy parts.  I liked Goyer's work, and I do like that he's back as a producer (and somewhat helped writing as well).  But I just feel better having the Nolans be completely in charge of it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 09:55:24 AM

As do I. But hiring Goyer instead of some other hack like Akiva Goldsman was a blessing, not a curse. Nintenho is just stupid.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on March 12, 2007, 09:57:19 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on March 12, 2007, 09:50:31 AM

Yeah, they hate him enough to have had Goyer crank out a fantastic script. Moron. ::)

The script was the only thing that flawed the movie.  A lot of very out-of-place moments with the characters.

Quote from: BrandNew on March 12, 2007, 09:52:42 AM

It's few shortcomings were probably becuase of Goyer.  Begins is my favorite super-hero movie ever, but there were, as Solo mentioned, some iffy parts.  I liked Goyer's work, and I do like that he's back as a producer (and somewhat helped writing as well).  But I just feel better having the Nolans be completely in charge of it.

It's VERY, VERY, VERY good if he's not the main writer since that is something he simply has no talent in doing.

Besides BB, what has Goyer done that was decent?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Bloodwake on March 12, 2007, 09:58:30 AM

My favorite comic book movie is Batman Begins, yet I see the flaws in the film as well (especially once he returns to Gotham).

Still, I enjoy it more than either Spider-Man film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 10:01:02 AM

Quote from: Bloodwake on March 12, 2007, 09:58:30 AM

My favorite comic book movie is Batman Begins, yet I see the flaws in the film as well (especially once he returns to Gotham).

Still, I enjoy it more than either Spider-Man film.

qft

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 12, 2007, 11:58:16 AM

I have more faith in the new script for one reason. Goyer is replaced by Nolan's brother who wrote The Prestige and Memento with Christopher Nolan. Goyer was mostly responsible responsible for the "cliche" extra action in the third act and the stuff with the water supply. He was brought in by WB to make it more of a summer blockbuster. Chris Nolan has more leeway this time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 12, 2007, 12:01:24 PM

That's not true at all, Cheebs. Goyer was in on the movie from the first draft.  Nolan had nothing to do with the script until afterwards, and all he did was pretty much expand and move around the action in the third act from the original draft.

And Nolan would love for him to return, but Goyer is pretty busy with his own projects and directing gigs that he couldn't commit.  So Nolan and his brother are working off a story that he created.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 12, 2007, 12:06:49 PM

You guys are making me want to see BB again, despite the fact that I damn near hated it the first time around.  Maybe another viewing is in order.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 12, 2007, 12:10:26 PM

Quote from: Willco on March 12, 2007, 12:01:24 PM

That's not true at all, Cheebs. Goyer was in on the movie from the first draft.  Nolan had nothing to do with the script until afterwards, and all he did was pretty much expand and move around the action in the third act from the original draft.

And Nolan would love for him to return, but Goyer is pretty busy with his own projects and directing gigs that he couldn't commit.  So Nolan and his brother are working off a story that he created.

oh? Regardless Goyer is out and The Nolan brothers are doing it alone that in itself is something that will be helpful

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 02:55:33 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on March 12, 2007, 12:06:49 PM

You guys are making me want to see BB again, despite the fact that I damn near hated it the first time around.  Maybe another viewing is in order.

I really like it, aside from my previous qualms. And I also think S-M2 is superior, as I already stated. But BB is still pretty darn great. Since Ive already said what I hate about the film (Bale's Batman, and pretty much everything from the League of Shadows appearing at the Wayne Manor until the end of the final action set piece. AKA I pretty much love the first 60% of it and the last 5%. Also, there are some pretty grating lines to be found here and there), Ill say some of the things I do love about it.

- Bale as Bruce Wayne. Excellent casting, and he brought a real weight to the role that no one has before.
- pretty much the entire cast, mostly great actors in mostly great form.
- the approach they took to the look and feel of the film (minimal CG, moody lighting, great cinematography, etc).
- the score. I usually am indifferent to Newton Howard and HATE Zimmer, yet strangely, their pairing led to my favorite score of 2005. Totally love it.
- the editing/pacing. The final act aside, the pacing in this is stellar, namely in the first hour.

and most importantly:

- the aforementioned first hour or so (from the opening to Bruce returning to Gotham). Awesome, just awesome. Pretty much entirely character development, and pretty much perfectly paced and cut together. If the whole movie were this good, then it would be the first masterpiece of the genre.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on March 12, 2007, 03:24:52 PM

I know I posted a minimal review somewhere on GAF, but I can't find the damn thing. 

What I disliked most about it boiled down to some really piss poor action sequence directing (or action sequence style choices) on Nolan's part, which is a damn shame.  We're talking surpassing the mighty Bourne on the shakey cam front-- and being a dyed-in-the-wool Hong Kong kung fu cinema fan, I have no patience for stuff like that.  The entire technique only serves as a gimmick to "fake" quick, high tension fights or otherwise, but in turn makes everything confusing, disorienting, and sloppy looking.  As an equal part action/drama, the action half fails miserably.

But because I think the shakey cam topic has been beaten to death, I'll also add that while I enjoyed the beginning parts with Wayne becoming Batman, when he actually becomes Batman is when the film takes a nosedive.  I don't think the use of Scarecrow as a villain was particularly well implemented either.  His presence is felt, but he never seemed to be a serious threat.

I should watch it again just to see if my initial impression is the one I'm going to stick with.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 12, 2007, 03:35:27 PM

For sure. A second viewing never hurts, unless the movie in question was completely awful the first time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on March 12, 2007, 03:49:17 PM

Here's hoping for a Batman/American Psycho hybrid in the near future. :hyper

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 14, 2007, 07:46:13 AM

Casino Royale (Campbell, 2006) - 9/10

This will be the Coles Notes review, since I already did my long-winded one when the film was released theatrically. Quite simply, the best Bond film in some 40 years, if not ever. Daniel Craig is the best actor to ever play the role of James Bond, and his performance is excellent. The movie is the kick to the balls that the franchise needed so badly. Not the best film of 2006, but easily the one I had the most fun with, and one I will enjoy for many years to come. The DVD for the film is also fantastic. The sound mix is extremely lively, and the video transfer is absolutely pristine. Highly recommended, for Bond fans and general movie fans alike.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: G The Resurrected on March 14, 2007, 07:49:36 AM

Shitty Extras and no screen tests come on

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 14, 2007, 07:51:47 AM

I'm talking about A/V presentation, not extras. What is there is fine anyways though. You'll have to wait for the next re-release of the series to get in-depth CR features though, count on that.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: G The Resurrected on March 14, 2007, 07:53:43 AM

Yeah i fucking hate sony now, fucking horrible redips are not cool. The last jamesbond had lots more extras. And it was a shitty bond movie.

But yea it looks great and sounds great.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 14, 2007, 08:04:23 AM

That's how they make money - by holding back extras for the inevitable re-issue in 5-6 years. Slimey tactics, but they work.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 14, 2007, 08:41:25 AM

Die Another Day was before Sony bought the franchise though. A different studio did the DVD if I recall correctly.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on March 15, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

I watched The Muppet Movie for the first time in years last night. Luvs it.

I saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind last night as well, for the first time. I rented quite a few movies: The Muppet Movie, Eternal Sunshine, Muppets Take Over Manhattan, Oldboy, and Chinatown.

I liked it enough, despite the fact I feel it's a bit over hyped. I love romance comedy stories, so Eternal Sunshine fit the bill perfectly, but it felt flawed all over the place as I watched it. I love the story, the acting, the script, but the direction...holy moly was it bad (imho). Some scenes (like the baby scene) felt utterly confusing and incoherent. I don't know if it was because I was tired as hell, but some scenes left a bad taste in my mouth. Despite all of that, I loved the movie, and I would watch it again if I could. I've been wanting to see it for years.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 15, 2007, 05:50:05 PM

Quote from: In Limbo on March 15, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

I watched The Muppet Movie for the first time in years last night. Luvs it.

I saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind last night as well, for the first time. I rented quite a few movies: The Muppet Movie, Eternal Sunshine, Muppets Take Over Manhattan, Oldboy, and Chinatown.

The Muppet Movie is indeed a classic. Of the Henson-Era muppet films(he died after the first 3) I'd rank them as:
1. The Great Muppet Caper
2. The Muppet Movie
3. The Muppets Take Manhattan


Family movies aren't done like that anymore. :-\ Hilarious for adults just as much as kids without resorting to LOL POP-CULTURE REFERENCES

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: beelzebozo on March 15, 2007, 10:42:47 PM

muppets from space is pure hilarity.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on March 15, 2007, 10:57:40 PM

no.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: beelzebozo on March 15, 2007, 11:17:16 PM

yeah, i see your point.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on March 15, 2007, 11:17:47 PM

Who cares? What do you think of my Eternal Sunshine thoughts?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: beelzebozo on March 15, 2007, 11:21:29 PM

my problems with it have less to do with coherence and more to do with relatability; i think it's coherent in a very kaufman sort of way, with it being possible to arrange all those disjointed pieces into a chronology that ultimately makes a lot of sense.

i actually enjoy adaptation quite a bit more as a film for a number of reasons, not the least of those being that it lays out a set of laws about writing and successfully breaks every one.  beautiful.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 15, 2007, 11:35:04 PM

I never really understood the Adaptation hate.  It's a pretty neat film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on March 16, 2007, 12:12:28 AM

Quote from: beelzebozo on March 15, 2007, 11:21:29 PM

my problems with it have less to do with coherence and more to do with relatability; i think it's coherent in a very kaufman sort of way, with it being possible to arrange all those disjointed pieces into a chronology that ultimately makes a lot of sense.

One of my biggest problems with the film is the way the memories are presented.

It's obvious the scenes should be fragmented and "wtf?" because they're erasing his memories during the film, but at the same time I think the director could have presented them better. At one point I thought it started to get annoying.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 16, 2007, 03:35:12 AM

Quote from: In Limbo on March 15, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

I liked it enough, despite the fact I feel it's a bit over hyped. I love romance comedy stories, so Eternal Sunshine fit the bill perfectly, but it felt flawed all over the place as I watched it. I love the story, the acting, the script, but the direction...holy moly was it bad (imho). Some scenes (like the baby scene) felt utterly confusing and incoherent. I don't know if it was because I was tired as hell, but some scenes left a bad taste in my mouth. Despite all of that, I loved the movie, and I would watch it again if I could. I've been wanting to see it for years.

I think the confusion was intentional.  A lot of the dream/memory sequences are somewhat incoherent but I "got" them.  My bigger problem with the movie is the casting - I think Jim Carrey is just miscast.  I don't think the guy has the acting chops to do dramas.  He goes after these projects in some attempt to legitimize himself as an actor and I don't think it works to the benefit of the films he does.  I think The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine, and The Majestic  (all of which I like) would have been better films with different lead actors.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on March 16, 2007, 03:42:00 AM

The directer wanted Carrey, don't know/remember why since I haven't seen the movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 16, 2007, 03:44:22 AM

Quote from: am nintenho on March 16, 2007, 03:42:00 AM

The directer wanted Carrey, don't know/remember why since I haven't seen the movie.

Yeah, I don't get it.  Carrey's good at physical comedy, but I've never bought him in a dramatic role.  I'm not even knocking those films, since some of them are truly great (Truman Show), and I'm really really fond of others (The Majestic, which reminds me of Capra and Sturges movies).  I just think if they'd gone a different route with casting they could've ended up as better films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on March 16, 2007, 05:24:13 AM

I need to see it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 16, 2007, 07:36:02 AM

I love Eternal Sunshine, and Carrey's performance.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 16, 2007, 02:32:57 PM

I never saw the movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Tauntaun on March 16, 2007, 02:36:56 PM

it was pretty good

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on March 16, 2007, 11:22:02 PM

You people will all laugh–but I at least thought Carrey should've gotten tons mroe praise than he did for his role in the flick.  Hell, that year, I've wanted him to get nominated for fucking something.  He was awesome in it.

Love that movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Himu on March 18, 2007, 12:11:35 AM

I saw Chinatown tonight. Amazing movie. People these days would hate it though, because it's takes patience. The ending was really sad. It was a well done ending, but I just felt sorry for the characters. Jack Nicholson's role was pretty good. His character wasn't that interesting, in my opinion, but the dialogue was great stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 18, 2007, 07:44:53 PM

Quote from: In Limbo on March 18, 2007, 12:11:35 AM

I saw Chinatown tonight. Amazing movie. People these days would hate it though, because it's takes patience. The ending was really sad. It was a well done ending, but I just felt sorry for the characters. Jack Nicholson's role was pretty good. His character wasn't that interesting, in my opinion, but the dialogue was great stuff.

Watch The Two Jakes next.  The Chinatown sequel...not nearly as good, but still very entertaining.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 21, 2007, 08:02:52 AM

Rocky Balboa (Stallone, 2006) - 8/10

The second best film in the series, Rocky Balboa is a surprisingly touching and emotional film. Stallone wisely chose to mold this film after the original, and it is amazing how close in tone this feels to that film. Even the little details like re-visiting many of the original locations, to the re-appearance of minor characters, to the barrage of flashbacks, just felt right to me, and really drove home that nostalgic feel Stallone was no doubt going for. The movie is very corny, but then, that has always been the case for this series. But they pull it off with such honesty that I find myself relishing in it. Bill Conti turns in yet another fantastic score, and I really liked the cinematography and Sly's direction in this one. And at just over 90 minutes, the film never out-stays its welcome. The best thing this movie has going for it is Stallone, who once again proves that, when given the right roles, the man is one hell of an actor. His performance impressed me more than anything he has done in over a decade. A great little movie about having heart at any age, and an extremely satisfying conclusion to the series.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on March 21, 2007, 02:48:57 PM

It was a definite surprise and one of the most "warm" films I've seen in awhile.  It's a brilliant way to cap off the series.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Bloodwake on March 21, 2007, 04:04:35 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 16, 2007, 07:36:02 AM

I love Eternal Sunshine, and Carrey's performance.

There ya go.

Me too. Fucking awesome movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 22, 2007, 06:35:18 AM

Quote from: Willco on March 21, 2007, 02:48:57 PM

It was a definite surprise and one of the most "warm" films I've seen in awhile.  It's a brilliant way to cap off the series.

Agreed 100%. Dare I say it? This actually makes me curious for Rambo.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on March 22, 2007, 10:55:59 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 22, 2007, 06:35:18 AM

Quote from: Willco on March 21, 2007, 02:48:57 PM

It was a definite surprise and one of the most "warm" films I've seen in awhile.  It's a brilliant way to cap off the series.

Agreed 100%. Dare I say it? This actually makes me curious for Rambo.

The new Rambo movie better not be warm and soft.  I want lots of violent kills! 

"MURDOCK...I'M COMIN' TO GET YOUUUUU." :punch

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on March 23, 2007, 07:44:12 AM

When are they starting production on Rambo anyways?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 07, 2007, 07:31:44 AM

The Proposition (Hillcoat, 2005) - 9/10

Short and sweet: simply awesome "western" (what are we calling Australian westerns? BBQ westerns?). Great cinematography, great dialogue, awesome music, brutal and unflinching, and featuring Danny Huston being as awesome as always. Best western I've seen in ages. Not much more to say then that. If you're remotely interested in brutally realistic westerns, and like great casts (Guy Pearce, Danny Huston, John Hurt, Ray Winstone), see this without hesistation.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 07, 2007, 07:44:39 AM

Seen the Sabata films yet, Solo?  Two of 'em star Lee Van Cleef, so I know you'd like 'em. :hyper

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 07, 2007, 07:54:51 AM

Nope. But anything with Van Cleef is worth a viewing. I will eventually, count on that. I have a real morbid curiousity to check out Grindhouse, despite not liking Rodriguez, and thinking QT is overrated, so I may see that today.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 07, 2007, 12:23:12 PM

I'm planning on renting a few movies tonight...

-The Maltese Falcon (if I can find it)
-Borat
-Children of Men

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 07, 2007, 01:40:14 PM

- Awesome
- Didn't like it
- Awesome

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on April 07, 2007, 02:44:02 PM

Didn't like Borat? At all? Solo I loved you.  :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on April 07, 2007, 02:52:26 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 16, 2007, 07:36:02 AM

I love Eternal Sunshine, and Carrey's performance.

QFT

That's the only one that I think Carrey did alright in with drama.  Mostly because he's supposed to be quirky in the film.  He's supposed to be a weirdo.

AND FUCK YOU HIMU!  ETERNAL SUNSHINE IS ONE OF, IF NOT MY FAVORITE MOVIE

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on April 07, 2007, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Mupepe on April 07, 2007, 02:52:26 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 16, 2007, 07:36:02 AM

I love Eternal Sunshine, and Carrey's performance.

QFT

That's the only one that I think Carrey did alright in with drama.  Mostly because he's supposed to be quirky in the film.  He's supposed to be a weirdo.

AND FUCK YOU HIMU!  ETERNAL SUNSHINE IS ONE OF, IF NOT MY FAVORITE MOVIE

Have sex with me.  In any orifice.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 07, 2007, 03:01:10 PM

Quote from: BrandNew on April 07, 2007, 02:44:02 PM

Didn't like Borat? At all? Solo I loved you.  :(

Nah, I didn't. Which is strange, because I do find many of the Borat clips from Ali G to be pretty good. I think part of the problem is that Borat just got way too overexposed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on April 07, 2007, 03:13:18 PM

Quote from: BrandNew on April 07, 2007, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Mupepe on April 07, 2007, 02:52:26 PM

Quote from: Solo on March 16, 2007, 07:36:02 AM

I love Eternal Sunshine, and Carrey's performance.

QFT

That's the only one that I think Carrey did alright in with drama.  Mostly because he's supposed to be quirky in the film.  He's supposed to be a weirdo.

AND FUCK YOU HIMU!  ETERNAL SUNSHINE IS ONE OF, IF NOT MY FAVORITE MOVIE

Have sex with me.  In any orifice.

:heartbeat  I choose your left ear

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 02:10:38 AM

The Prestige (Nolan, 2006)

Wow. Just...wow. I'm almost speechless. Finally I have seen a movie that kept me on the edge of my seat for what seemed like hours, all leading up to a magnificent climax of brilliance. And for once I actually saw it coming. This is not only one of the best movies I've seen in some time, but perhaps the best movie of 2006. Yes, the biggest Departed fan on this messageboard just might, just might, have to revise his best of 2006 list.

The Prestige is an intelligent film that shines on so many levels. As I always like to do, let's start with the basics. The acting in this movie is quite impressive for the most part. Michael Caine truly shines, and his role as the wise mentor-type suits him fine, as it did in Batman Returns. Christian Bale's preformance as the obsessed and fragile Borden also stands out. I really like Hugh Jackman, mainly due to his perfect adaptation of Wolverine in the X-Men movies, and he does a good job here as well; but still, I couldn't help but feel that his preformance was rather weak in some of the more emotionally dramatic scenes. David Bowie and the great Andy Serkis both added great depth to the supporting character roles.

It's not hard to understand why the movie was nominated for the best screenplay Oscar; it's intellegent without being pretentious, yet it entertains at the same time with a sharp wit. The movie jumps around a lot, which could lead to some confusion, but that's where the brilliance shines through; on many occassions I felt as if a light switched on in my head as I finally "got it", and once that happened I was hooked.

At the core The Prestige is a tale of rivalry and deception. Yet unlike other movies or even books that share this similarity, the lines between good and evil are quite muddied. There is no character you could definitively classify as the "good guy" or "bad guy", as both go to ruthless ends to achieve their goal. This goal is somewhat simple: to preform the greatest magic trick ever seen. But is it a trick?

But there is more than one trick here. The movie contains many slight hints at the true secret, yet even once the full hand is shown you can't help but be amazed.

Spoilers:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

I must say, I was able to determine the twist early. Once Jackman saw the cat and hat duplicates a light turned on in my head, and I realized there was more to Bale's "assistant" than met the eye. Even before that the main clue was given by Johansson's character when she revealed that Borden (Bale's character) had lots of makeup and wigs back stage. It became clear that he was indeed a duplicate; this also explained the differences in demenor shown by Borden.

The last confirmation came when Borden began prepping his assistant on taking his daughter to the zoo, and mentioning his wife suspected something. But despite catching this early, I was very interested when the movie kept going, without revealing this. For a second I wondered if I was wrong. But no. Then Jackman got control of the machine and even more hints dropped. For instance, after every use of the machine Caine would be seen carting a big box off into a warehouse. What was in the box? Bodies, as the end showed. Borden met Tesla first, but Angier (Jackman's character) used the technique the most - countless times. I think they said something like he had the show 100 times but I don't remember.

The one thing I didn't get was why Caine helped Borden in the end.

[close]

In conclusion, The Prestige definitely lived up to the hype and is one of the best new movies I've seen in awhile. It would be a crime for me to not watch it again. After that I should be able to determine whether it's better than The Departed or not; currently I'm leaning towards The Departed, but oh man...I'm torn. Either way both are great movies in my eyes.

9.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: MrAngryFace on April 08, 2007, 02:15:06 AM

OMG A PD REVIEW I AGREE WITH

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 08, 2007, 08:41:44 AM

Grindhouse (Rodriguez/Tarantino, 2007) - 8.5/10

First and foremost: how hot is Rose McGowan in Planet Terror? Yowza!

How would I describe Grindhouse, the new collaboration between best friends and filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, paying homage to the cheap, cheesey, exploitation grindhouse movies of years past? I would say that one film is an adrenaline-charged, but forgettable piece of trashy fun, while the other film shattered all expectations, becoming a certifiable masterpiece in the process. This was an interesting idea on paper, but the final result was so much more than could ever have been expected.

Things opened up with Rodriguez's "Planet Terror", a pastiche of zombie flicks, dark comedy, and over-the-top action. This movie is definately a blast, if wholly unoriginal. What I really loved about this one is that, blatant CGI and comedy aside, it felt like a classic John Carpenter movie - which I believe was Rodriguez's goal. Everything from the way it was shot, to the locations, and especially the awesome score, felt like it was straight out of a Carpenter flick circa 1980. Rose McGowan rocks this one completely, and awesome supporting work is turned in from journeymen like Michael Parks, Jeff Fahey, and the ever-awesome Michael Biehn. There were also problems with this movie, though. The excessive CGI usage felt tacky and totally betrayed the idea behind a grindhouse flick. The movie, despite lasting only 80 minutes, actually felt like it ran on far too long. Finally, Tarantino should never be allowed to step in front of the camera again. His scenes were a waste of time and totally cringe-worthy. But on sheer adrenaline alone, the film won me over. I'd give "Planet Terror" a 7/10.

Next up is Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, "Death Proof". Let's get one thing straight right away: this isn't a horror or exploitation flick, like you had been led to believe. No, this is Tarantino's movie about female empowerment. Yes, leave it to a screwball like Quentin to drop a movie like this in the midst of the carnage. There is a slight bit of homage paid to road rage and slasher flicks, but that all falls in the background. The movie features more "signature" Tarantino dialogue than any of his previous work, so be warned, if that is not your cup of tea. A solid 50 minutes or so of this movie is dialogue and character interaction. The movie does really hit the road, however, when Tarantino finally gives the audience what they came for: pure metal-on-metal vehicular insanity. The chase scenes are wonderfully exciting and well-shot. Kurt Russell is great in his small role, but this movie really belongs to all the fine ladies in the cast, from Rosario Dawson to Zoe Bell. I think this is near Tarantino's best work, but it is sure to turn lots of people off. With that said, I think he "gets" what a grindhouse movie is, and is equal to the task. Tarantino masterfully toys with the audience in this one, and it's such a slickly-crafted film that really shocks the viewer by going everywhere but where you would expect, and in doing so, turns many cliches on their heads. You really have to see this one to believe it, but what Tarantino did with this film is nothing short of brilliant. His most vital work in years. I'd give "Death Proof" a 9.5/10.

Last but not least, I would be doing the film a grave injustice if I were to forget the fake trailers. Whereas the beef of the film is of varying quality, these trailers, each and every one of them, are solid gold. I live in Canada, so first up was the special trailer attached to Canadian prints, "Hobo With A Shotgun". Let me tell you, this set up the evening perfectly. The audience was just howling in laughter to this one. It was too funny. Next up was "Machete", a parody of all the god-awful low budget action movies I grew up watching, complete with cheesey dialogue and gratuitous nudity, and it struck all those notes masterfully. "Werewolf Women Of The SS" drew a ton of laughs, probably mostly from myself, as I found the concept to be genius, and always dig crazy Nazi's being portrayed. "Don't!" again had the audience in stitches, with its hilarious pace, and by the end of the trailer, people were yelling along with the narrator. Finally, the slam dunk on whole event, the best trailer of them all, was for the Halloween rip-off, "Thanksgiving". Oh my god, if this wasn't the most pitch-perfect spoof I've ever seen of a horror movie, I don't know what is. I was in tears after that one. I'd give these trailers a 9/10.

So there it is. I went to the Grindhouse and came out with an fantastic experience on the whole. Extremly highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on April 08, 2007, 02:44:28 PM

unf, I agree with Solo on almost everything so, that sealed the deal for me totally.  Fuck the haters  :drool

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on April 08, 2007, 03:42:47 PM

How come you guys get a special trailer?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 08, 2007, 04:50:55 PM

Us Canadians are a special people! Seriously though, the Hobo trailer is on YouTube. Watch it if you havent already. So great.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Robo on April 08, 2007, 05:03:46 PM

I couldn't believe how much I hated Death Proof.  I'd like to believe that it was Tarantino's intention to make a movie about boring Wanda Sykes clones having fucking boring conversations and ultimately turning one of my favorite actors into a total pussy in its final moments.  I'd like to believe this so I can maintain that Tarantino still has some wits about him and the ability to make a good film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on April 08, 2007, 05:06:57 PM

The shit about the black girl is just so fucking stupid.

IMA TAP THAT ASS LEMME TAP DAT ASS WONMO TAME nicca

It's NOT fucking funny at all.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 08, 2007, 05:07:36 PM

DP is officially the most polarizing movie of the year so far. PT seems to have everyone ranging from liking it to really liking it, but DP seems to be love or hate.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 11:04:07 PM

Capote

Saw it earlier tonight. Overall it was good I suppose, but it dragged on through much of the movie and it was too long. The actings was superb though, and Hoffman was simply brilliant as Capote. I couldn't help but feel that Capote was a pretty selfish bastard lol, completely in love with himself.

8/10


Also the rest of my family watched Children of Men last night lol. Here are their reviews; I'll watch it tomorrow

Mom: 4/10 (she said she fell asleep though)
13yr old brother: 4/10
12yr old brother: 5/10
16yr old brother: 7/10
Dad: 9/10

On a plus side both my parents LOVED The Prestige; they watched it a few days ago apparently. My mom totally didn't get the ending and didn't realize what happened, so I explained it to her. Now she likes it even more :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on April 08, 2007, 11:06:21 PM

Your dad is the only one with taste!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 08, 2007, 11:06:41 PM

You should watch the OTHER Capote movie...I think it's called Infamous...people say it's actually better than Capote.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 11:10:12 PM

Many things seemed odd in the movie. He obviously liked the guy who was on trial, but it seemed like when the dude finally revealed how he killed the family...Capote just lost it. It was as if Capote assumed he wasn't the murderer, and the other guy was.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 08, 2007, 11:44:53 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 11:10:12 PM

Many things seemed odd in the movie. He obviously liked the guy who was on trial, but it seemed like when the dude finally revealed how he killed the family...Capote just lost it. It was as if Capote assumed he wasn't the murderer, and the other guy was.

Did you read In Cold Blood?  It's pretty clear with which of the guys Capote's sympathy lies.  I think it's kinda hard to extrapolate from that, that Capote was in love with him or whatever, though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 11:46:07 PM

Quote from: Ichirou on April 08, 2007, 11:44:53 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 08, 2007, 11:10:12 PM

Many things seemed odd in the movie. He obviously liked the guy who was on trial, but it seemed like when the dude finally revealed how he killed the family...Capote just lost it. It was as if Capote assumed he wasn't the murderer, and the other guy was.

Did you read In Cold Blood?  It's pretty clear with which of the guys Capote's sympathy lies.  I think it's kinda hard to extrapolate from that, that Capote was in love with him or whatever, though.

Maybe I'm confused as to why Capote's behavior seemed to change once he found out the guy he had been obsessing over was actually the main killer.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 08, 2007, 11:46:54 PM

'Cuz Capote is teh gay and wanted the guy's pen0r.  At least, that's what it seemed like to me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 02:34:33 AM

Just got done watching Unforgiven. I'll have a review tomorrow, but I must say I was almost completely underwhelmed. Wow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 09, 2007, 02:36:23 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 02:34:33 AM

Just got done watching Unforgiven. I'll have a review tomorrow, but I must say I was almost completely underwhelmed. Wow

Really!?

It's Eastwood's best western...

spoiler (click to show/hide)

...of the ones he directed.

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 09, 2007, 07:02:15 AM

Im partial to The Outlaw Josey Wales myself.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on April 09, 2007, 07:51:51 AM

The Outlaw Josey Wales rocked. Unforgiven was great and deserved the oscar though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Bloodwake on April 09, 2007, 01:09:22 PM

Unforgiven was fucking awesome.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 01:27:44 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 09, 2007, 07:51:51 AM

The Outlaw Josey Wales rocked. Unforgiven was great and deserved the oscar though.

There was nothing great about Unforgiven. I was seriously considering giving it a 6 until the last few minutes, and even then I still wanted to.

Unforgiven (Eastwood)

Eastwood's character is beyond manufactured. He constantly repeats the same lines over and over again. For instance, whenever someone confronts him about his killer past his answer is along the lines "I used to be a rotten no good dirty killer, but now I'm on the right path thanks to my wife. I'm not like...that, anymore." How many times does he have to say that? It gets to the point where you can just tell when he'll say it again, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time.

The entire plot of the movie seems quite senseless. A whore's face is "cut up" by a few drunk guys, and her fellow prostitutes decide to raise some money to pay for revenge since the evil sherriff won't do anything. And I hate calling him evil, because Hackman's character was quite disgraceful as the "sadistic" villian he was billed to be. When I think of truly evil villians in Westerns I think of characters that actually live up to that billing. Such as Fonda in OUATITW, who killed a small boy point blank, or the villian in The Cowboys, who shot John Wayne in the back multiple times in front of a bunch of kids. That's evil. Yet here, Hackman does absolutely nothing to give me the impression that he's truly some evil bastard. Yes he's definitely a douche, but not evil. Even when he kills Munny's best friend the movie failed to drive the point home. Not only do you NOT see the murder, you also are told that it was an "accident". An accident? Wow, that's definitely badass. ::)

Speaking of someone not being badass or entertaing, you have Richard Harris' character Bob. At first it seems like he's the real badass of the movie, yet five minutes later he's neutralized in totally underwhelming fashion. His purpose in the movie is so forced and un-needed that I couldn't help but be shocked at the lazy execution of it. It's almost like giving a couple badass, full dialogue scenes to those fancy villians in Batman movies who do a bunch of impressive ninja moves only to be beaten by Batman with one hit.

Finally in terms of characters, there's the young apprentice. Throughout the movie he doesn't stop trying to prove how awesome he is. He drinks, he fucks prostitutes, he brags of killing five men; all to prove himself to the herelded assassins he rides with. Yet after he kills his first man he changes, and seems to replace Eastwood as the repentant man sorry for his sins. Not only was this predictable, it was done quite poorly.

As I said earlier, Eastwood's character is quite repentant as well, to say the least. But he seems a slight metamorphasis on two occassions. First, when he awakens from his fever induced sleep (all the while doing it in a snow covered environment, which made absolutely no sense). Yet even now he's not the badass he once was; if anything, it's clear that he's getting there. When his friend is "murdered" he snaps. He begins to swig whiskey, and then finally confronts Hackman's entire gang in the epic bar shootout. At this moment he's reverted to the Eastwood we all know and love: the badass, unstoppable killer. In a few minutes he basically seems to preform an "Eastwood Greatest Hits" reel, regurgitating many scenes from older movies in his rampage. Finally, the hero victorious, he rides off into the rainy, dark night as the prostitutes and men stare on in amazement and thanks.

Overall I can't really think of anything that stood out in this movie. Everything seemed second rate, and even the music was bland - which is unacceptable in Western movies. I didn't see a single justifiable reason for this movie's universal praise or its Oscar sweep. Best director? Why? There was nothing impressive about the direction or execution of the movie; in fact, in many instances it seemed quite sloppy and uninspired. I can't even think of any interest shots from the movie; instead we got plenty of the "close up on one face, cut to closeup on another face, closeup to former face, closeup to latter face, etc" editing.

6/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on April 09, 2007, 01:44:49 PM

children of men is one of the greatest movies i've ever seen. my only problem with the movie was the scene with the girl giving birth, which was too graphic. you could totally see the lips and all... 9.5/10

the last movie i've seen was running scared which was HOLYSHITAWESOME. 8/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Bloodwake on April 09, 2007, 02:04:06 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 01:27:44 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 09, 2007, 07:51:51 AM

The Outlaw Josey Wales rocked. Unforgiven was great and deserved the oscar though.

There was nothing great about Unforgiven. I was seriously considering giving it a 6 until the last few minutes, and even then I still wanted to.

Unforgiven (Eastwood)

Eastwood's character is beyond manufactured. He constantly repeats the same lines over and over again. For instance, whenever someone confronts him about his killer past his answer is along the lines "I used to be a rotten no good dirty killer, but now I'm on the right path thanks to my wife. I'm not like...that, anymore." How many times does he have to say that? It gets to the point where you can just tell when he'll say it again, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time.

The entire plot of the movie seems quite senseless. A whore's face is "cut up" by a few drunk guys, and her fellow prostitutes decide to raise some money to pay for revenge since the evil sherriff won't do anything. And I hate calling him evil, because Hackman's character was quite disgraceful as the "sadistic" villian he was billed to be. When I think of truly evil villians in Westerns I think of characters that actually live up to that billing. Such as Fonda in OUATITW, who killed a small boy point blank, or the villian in The Cowboys, who shot John Wayne in the back multiple times in front of a bunch of kids. That's evil. Yet here, Hackman does absolutely nothing to give me the impression that he's truly some evil bastard. Yes he's definitely a douche, but not evil. Even when he kills Munny's best friend the movie failed to drive the point home. Not only do you NOT see the murder, you also are told that it was an "accident". An accident? Wow, that's definitely badass. ::)

Speaking of someone not being badass or entertaing, you have Richard Harris' character Bob. At first it seems like he's the real badass of the movie, yet five minutes later he's neutralized in totally underwhelming fashion. His purpose in the movie is so forced and un-needed that I couldn't help but be shocked at the lazy execution of it. It's almost like giving a couple badass, full dialogue scenes to those fancy villians in Batman movies who do a bunch of impressive ninja moves only to be beaten by Batman with one hit.

Finally in terms of characters, there's the young apprentice. Throughout the movie he doesn't stop trying to prove how awesome he is. He drinks, he fucks prostitutes, he brags of killing five men; all to prove himself to the herelded assassins he rides with. Yet after he kills his first man he changes, and seems to replace Eastwood as the repentant man sorry for his sins. Not only was this predictable, it was done quite poorly.

As I said earlier, Eastwood's character is quite repentant as well, to say the least. But he seems a slight metamorphasis on two occassions. First, when he awakens from his fever induced sleep (all the while doing it in a snow covered environment, which made absolutely no sense). Yet even now he's not the badass he once was; if anything, it's clear that he's getting there. When his friend is "murdered" he snaps. He begins to swig whiskey, and then finally confronts Hackman's entire gang in the epic bar shootout. At this moment he's reverted to the Eastwood we all know and love: the badass, unstoppable killer. In a few minutes he basically seems to preform an "Eastwood Greatest Hits" reel, regurgitating many scenes from older movies in his rampage. Finally, the hero victorious, he rides off into the rainy, dark night as the prostitutes and men stare on in amazement and thanks.

Overall I can't really think of anything that stood out in this movie. Everything seemed second rate, and even the music was bland - which is unacceptable in Western movies. I didn't see a single justifiable reason for this movie's universal praise or its Oscar sweep. Best director? Why? There was nothing impressive about the direction or execution of the movie; in fact, in many instances it seemed quite sloppy and uninspired. I can't even think of any interest shots from the movie; instead we got plenty of the "close up on one face, cut to closeup on another face, closeup to former face, closeup to latter face, etc" editing.

6/10

You either had outrageously high expectations for this movie, or you just don't know a good film whenever you see it.

One of the best things about the film to me is everything you say sucks. Hackman isn't too outrageous, and neither is the protagonist. The characters seem more real to me if they aren't straight assholes or good guys. This movie delivers on that level.

The music is a little weak, but whatever. I still loved it.

I'm not saying this is Dollars trilogy quality, but then again, it's a different type of fucking movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 02:07:19 PM

I'm not even comparing it to spaghetti Westerns. Movies like The Cowboys did this much better; that movie is far from a typical western and still manages to feel fresh while still having some western staples such as evil villians and great music.

Unforgiven fails on nearly every level.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: The Fake Shemp on April 09, 2007, 04:00:09 PM

Bad taste confirmed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 09, 2007, 05:40:06 PM

 :-\

I was making progress too

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 09, 2007, 05:44:49 PM

I'm not saying I agree with PD (hell naw), but he's right about the English Bob and dime author subplot taking up too much time.  The pulp biographer doesn't really belong with those guys, which is the point of him being there, to further demystify the West, but it felt a bit overplayed to me.

Other then that the film is damn near flawless.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 09, 2007, 07:20:45 PM

What...the...fuck....

PD, I've never seen someone miss the point of a movie as badly as you just did.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Human Snorenado on April 09, 2007, 08:32:39 PM

Goddammit Pee Dee, you don't know shit about shit.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on April 09, 2007, 08:45:04 PM

If you watch Outlaw Josey Wales and also give it a low score then we will know you didn't hate Unforgiven for stupid reasons, you just generally don't like good westerns.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 10, 2007, 03:04:13 AM

Just finished Children of Men. My hands are shaking, and for the first time in awhile I'm actually considering giving a movie of the 21st century a 10/10. I probably won't in the end, but this movie definitely deserves that consideration.

Review for tomorrow. Oh god

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: EvilBoris on April 10, 2007, 03:10:24 AM

 Are you going to continually give us 'previews' of your next selection to critique :/ Quite pompous of you.
 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 10, 2007, 03:12:57 AM

What?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: EvilBoris on April 10, 2007, 03:17:52 AM

 Forget it.... I guess am overreaching. Just all this dignity and importance you build up in your posts is kinda off-putting.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 10, 2007, 03:19:55 AM

No. It's just that it's THREE IN THE MORNING and I don't feel like writing 5 paragraphics. I'm a dumbass: I have no right to be pompous >:(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 11, 2007, 10:17:00 PM

BUMP

So all can see the imfamous review

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: CajoleJuice on April 11, 2007, 10:18:28 PM

And the awesome typo.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 13, 2007, 10:54:25 PM

Children of Men: 9.5/10

Anyway I got two more movies tonight. Babel and Collateral. I've really wanted to see Babel for some time. This is the third and final movie in the "Three Amigo" trilogy of movies that came from Mexican directors last year, all of which were met with much praise and awards. I gave Pan's Labrinth a 9 and Children of Men a 9.5. Woohoo

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Van Cruncheon on April 14, 2007, 11:58:15 AM

wow, that review of unforgiven reads like a satire of someone who completely and utterly did not get the fucking movie. the whole point of english bob is that he's a trumped up fictional hero who can't handle the real west; the point of hackman is that he really is just a petty, amoral small-town sheriff tryin' to get by in his retirement; the point of the "kid" is that he's possessed of false bravado based on his romantic notions of the west; the point of clint fucking eastwood's character is to prove that the mentality of the "traditional western hero" is that of a psychopath. the concept of unforgiven is that of a classic western structure wed to more realistic and less heroic characters -- this is the road that leone began to tread with his films and that eastwood finished. the movie is so 100% consistent on these points that i'm amazed that you -- yes, even you -- so completely and utterly missed it. for the sake of your soul and your god, i hope that review was a joke.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 14, 2007, 02:39:32 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 14, 2007, 11:58:15 AM

wow, that review of unforgiven reads like a satire of someone who completely and utterly did not get the fucking movie. the whole point of english bob is that he's a trumped up fictional hero who can't handle the real west; the point of hackman is that he really is just a petty, amoral small-town sheriff tryin' to get by in his retirement; the point of the "kid" is that he's possessed of false bravado based on his romantic notions of the west; the point of clint fucking eastwood's character is to prove that the mentality of the "traditional western hero" is that of a psychopath. the concept of unforgiven is that of a classic western structure wed to more realistic and less heroic characters -- the is the road that leone began to tread and eastwood finished. the movie is so 100% consistent on these points that i'm amazed that you -- yes, even you -- so completely and utterly missed it. for the sake of your soul and your god, i hope that review was a joke.

Thank you for writing the rebuttal that I was too lazy to do.  PD is like a mental midget when it comes to movies, or something.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 14, 2007, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 14, 2007, 11:58:15 AM

wow, that review of unforgiven reads like a satire of someone who completely and utterly did not get the fucking movie. the whole point of english bob is that he's a trumped up fictional hero who can't handle the real west; the point of hackman is that he really is just a petty, amoral small-town sheriff tryin' to get by in his retirement; the point of the "kid" is that he's possessed of false bravado based on his romantic notions of the west; the point of clint fucking eastwood's character is to prove that the mentality of the "traditional western hero" is that of a psychopath. the concept of unforgiven is that of a classic western structure wed to more realistic and less heroic characters -- the is the road that leone began to tread and eastwood finished. the movie is so 100% consistent on these points that i'm amazed that you -- yes, even you -- so completely and utterly missed it. for the sake of your soul and your god, i hope that review was a joke.

This is the stupidest thing I've ever read

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 14, 2007, 03:04:14 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 14, 2007, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 14, 2007, 11:58:15 AM

wow, that review of unforgiven reads like a satire of someone who completely and utterly did not get the fucking movie. the whole point of english bob is that he's a trumped up fictional hero who can't handle the real west; the point of hackman is that he really is just a petty, amoral small-town sheriff tryin' to get by in his retirement; the point of the "kid" is that he's possessed of false bravado based on his romantic notions of the west; the point of clint fucking eastwood's character is to prove that the mentality of the "traditional western hero" is that of a psychopath. the concept of unforgiven is that of a classic western structure wed to more realistic and less heroic characters -- the is the road that leone began to tread and eastwood finished. the movie is so 100% consistent on these points that i'm amazed that you -- yes, even you -- so completely and utterly missed it. for the sake of your soul and your god, i hope that review was a joke.

This is the stupidest thing I've ever read

The joke doesn't work when you're actually quoting something intelligent.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Mupepe on April 14, 2007, 03:07:12 PM

Pathfinder:

holy fucking crap this movie is terrible. there is like really, no plot. The action is terible. The acting is the most offensive crap I've ever seen. They're all Native Americans with LA accents

Here is one of the lines I can remember that stood out as terrible:

"3 of the 4 hunting parties were lost. along with them, he who is to replace me."

WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?

God the movie sucked balls. The costumes looked like they were made by a highschool theater group.

The cinematography was fucking awful.

Jesus, probably the worst movie I've ever seen. There were times when I literally could not control my laughter

.5/10

It got a .5 because it made me laugh so fucking much

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on April 14, 2007, 06:39:51 PM

pd hasn't seen collateral yet?

 ::)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 15, 2007, 02:03:27 AM

COLLATERAL OMG

Another steller Tom Cruise Production :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 15, 2007, 07:14:29 AM

+10 redemption points. Collateral is my favorite movie of 2004, or second behind Eternal Sunshine, I can never decide.

That +10 bring your overall score to -8935, PD.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Ichirou on April 15, 2007, 08:37:54 AM

I suggest this thread be retitled, "Solo does the movies, Phoenix Dark ruins them."

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 15, 2007, 08:41:36 AM

Haha, that would be great.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 15, 2007, 12:02:32 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 15, 2007, 07:14:29 AM

+10 redemption points. Collateral is my favorite movie of 2004, or second behind Eternal Sunshine, I can never decide.

That +10 bring your overall score to -8935, PD.

It wasn't omg amazing but there was definitely enough awesome-ness to go around. I'll review it later but I must say: Will Smith's wife was very good in the movie. Everyone expected Cruise and Foxx to be good, but hell, Jada especially impressed me in that opening cab scene.

And Jamie Foxx. Damn. The thing I liked about his preformance was that for the most part you got the sense that he was channeling a regular guy. It never felt fake or manufactured; he conviced you he was terrified. And Tom Cruise...what can I say. He's Tom Cruise, and I'm not. :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on April 15, 2007, 12:04:54 PM

PD really loves Tom Cruise.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 15, 2007, 12:13:20 PM

Tom Cruise makes enjoyable movies. Even when I'm not too crazy about them, like say WotW, they're still good.

He's not my favorite actor, but I respect him.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Van Cruncheon on April 15, 2007, 12:18:48 PM

i don't respect him. he mugs a lot, he's about as nuanced an actor as harrison ford, and he's l. ron hubbard's crazy-ass jesus. i consider him a detriment to any movie he's in, where he could easily be replaced by any superior actor. i like collateral, but foxx's performance was so much more credible than tom's bombast.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 15, 2007, 05:35:38 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 15, 2007, 12:18:48 PM

i don't respect him. he mugs a lot, he's about as nuanced an actor as harrison ford, and he's l. ron hubbard's crazy-ass jesus. i consider him a detriment to any movie he's in, where he could easily be replaced by any superior actor. i like collateral, but foxx's performance was so much more credible than tom's bombast.

It was indeed bombast, but at the same time that's what the character was.

The movie reminded me of Heat in the sense that it revolved around two vastly different characters who's lived dangerously intersected. Foxx is brilliant as the everyman cab driver, and really gives a touch of reality to the movie; you get the sense that in some ways, he's not even acting - just being Jamie. As Drinky said Cruise is more loose and wild in his role, and it fits the character perfectly. He has very little sense of any reality outside of his own, until of course he meets Foxx.

Like Heat, the movie is quite...stylistic. These are Mann's fingerprints, and everything just looks alive. Also I don't think many directors are able to shoot gun scenes with the same intensity as him; the third person-esque shooting is featured throughout the movie, and it's not surprising why Mann's work is so influencial to western videogames (and let's not forget John Woo).

My only complaints would be about the supporting cast, which is quite bland. Cruise and Foxx turn in great preformances, but outside of Jada the other acting pieces are weak. Also, the writing tries too hard at time. There are more than a couple parts where Cruise's lines are infused with this faux street slang that don't fit the character; it's clear a 45+ year old white guy wrote it because I don't know anyone who still says "yo homie". That definitely wasn't Cruise's fault.

Overall I found the movie to be smart and very intense. The last chase scene had my mouth open; I couldn't help but get flashbacks of the first Terminator movie. Cruise especially shines throughout that last 20 minutes or so, and he just takes everything to another level (especially once he gets shot in the jaw lol). DAMN

8.5/10

Now question time: what was the coyote scene for? It seemed to just show a sense of displacement - being out of one's environment and having to adapt. I thought it was an interesting scene, although the music was way too loud - I love Audioslave and Mann does too, but it seemed kinda thrown together. Sort of like some of the musical cues in The Departed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: bud on April 15, 2007, 05:40:31 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark

Now question time: what was the coyote scene for? It seemed to just show a sense of displacement - being out of one's environment and having to adapt. I thought it was an interesting scene, although the music was way too loud - I love Audioslave and Mann does too, but it seemed kinda thrown together. Sort of like some of the musical cues in The Departed.

that was one of my favourite scenes in the movie and it's about them being in awe regarding the whole situation they were in. the audioslave music was perfect

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eUwG0FuY1Lk (http://youtube.com/watch?v=eUwG0FuY1Lk)

MANN :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 03:00:12 AM

Just watched Babel. What a beautiful, thought provoking...diffulcult movie. I haven't seen a movie that created such a sense of human frailty in some time.

And my friendgirl cried at the end. I didn't cry though :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: brawndolicious on April 16, 2007, 05:42:36 AM

It was the shittiest thing I've ever seen film wasted on.

Why in the fuck would anybody go pay money to see bitches-desperate-for-sex, mexican-bashing, or ragheads-waving-their-guns?

ARE YOU THAT FUCKING DUMB?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: TakingBackSunday on April 16, 2007, 06:49:58 AM

...because that description is awesome?

Babel was really cool.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Human Snorenado on April 16, 2007, 08:49:55 AM

Babel was eh.  It wasn't a BAD movie necessarily, but at the same time I really felt like I was being preached at the entire time I watched it.  It's like an acceptable version of Crash, which no-taste PD probably also loved.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Cheebs on April 16, 2007, 09:29:24 AM

Quote from: am nintenho on April 16, 2007, 05:42:36 AM

It was the shittiest thing I've ever seen film wasted on.

Why in the fuck would anybody go pay money to see bitches-desperate-for-sex, mexican-bashing, or ragheads-waving-their-guns?

ARE YOU THAT FUCKING DUMB?

you are often angry

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 10:05:30 AM

Uh, yeah. Saw Grindhouse for the second time last night, and my suspicions were correct: I rated the film overall too low, and I especially rated Death Proof too low.

I have edited my original review, bumping the film from a 7 to an 8.5, changing the Planet Terror and trailer scores ever-so-slightly, and, most importantly, bumping my Death Proof score up 2 whole points, from a 7.5 to a 9.5. Everything that I had been mulling over in my head about the film the past week just clicked perfectly upon seeing Death Proof again. I hate to throw this word around, especially for a film that has been so split between love and venomous hate, but I think Death Proof just might be a god-damn masterpiece. I would rank it just a hair below Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction in QT's filmography, above Reservoir Dogs, and leagues above Kill Bill 1 and 2.

What my second viewing really affirmed for me though is this: Death Proof is far too good for Grindhouse. This movie should not have been cut from 2+ hours down to 90 minutes, and should have been released on its own as a full-length feature film. I think its the most vital thing QT has done in years, and strikes me as being brilliant on so many levels. And I am admittedly somewhat anti-QT, so I know he truly delivers when I find myself gushing over his work.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Human Snorenado on April 16, 2007, 10:20:02 AM

Solo, you need to go back and edit the original post to say "Solo does the movies, and Phoenix Dark ruins them"

MAKE IT SO

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on April 16, 2007, 11:26:47 AM

Hilarious new thread title forgives all the gushing over Death Proof.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 16, 2007, 11:30:24 AM

Me and Mupepe are going to see Hot Fuzz on a date this week  :-[

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 11:45:41 AM

Quote from: RoboJ on April 16, 2007, 11:26:47 AM

Hilarious new thread title forgives all the gushing over Death Proof.

Thanks, I thought it was a good title myself.

You should give DP a second chance on DVD. You may like it. You may hate it even more, lolz, but you may end up liking it too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 16, 2007, 12:21:54 PM

I finally saw Grindhouse. Here is how I would rate the two films in comparison to their other films I have seen:

Rodriguez Rankings:
Desperado: 9.5/10
Once Upon a Time in Mexico: 9/10
From Dusk Till Dawn: 8/10
El Mariachi: 7.5/10
Planet Terror: 7.5/10
Sin City: 7/10

Tarantino Rankings:
Pulp Fiction: 10/10
Reservoir Dogs: 9.5/10
Death Proof: 9/10
Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2: 8.5/10
Jackie Brown: 8.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 12:25:22 PM

Finally, a fellow DP lover! You are a gentleman and a scholar!

Now we just have to do something about that Jackie Brown under-rating ;)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 16, 2007, 12:37:49 PM

8.5 is bad?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 12:40:57 PM

It is when you give KB equal rating, and put it below RD!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 12:42:11 PM

BTW, after a second DP screening:

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Jackie Brown
3. Death Proof
4. Reservoir Dogs
5. Kill Bill Vol. 2
6. Kill Bill Vol. 1

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 16, 2007, 12:42:23 PM

I really need to see Grindhouse. I love Tarantino movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 12:48:45 PM

Stolen from another board I visit. Basically a perfect encapsulation of one of the MANY reasons why I loved DP so much, only worded better than I could think of:

"To me, the way Tarantino totally flips our expectations is incredible, and to put it frankly, ballsy. He spends half his time in a specific setting with a group of characters, and in an instant, he takes them away and brings us somewhere completely different for the remainder of the film. Who does that in a "genre" picture? I might hate the move if it didn't make complete sense. The first half of the film has much to do about Jungle Julia's facade of toughness. She has the billboards and she talks the talk, but at the end of the day, she's still consumed by a man who stood her up. Her vulnerability is exposed, and ultimately, she is not strong enough to finish this film as its protagonist. Tarantino sets it up brilliantly with the subtle jabs at her character. The line between antagonist and protagonist is suddenly blurred as the first segment reaches its close. The vulnerability factor is played up more bluntly with Butterfly. Stuntman Mike basically spells it out in his speech for her, but he also uses her exposed vulnerability to completely manipulate her. She is not strong enough to finish this film as its protagonist either.

Now we're all set up for the final half of the film. This half isn't just about women who talk tough. It's about women who are tough. I don't believe these characters are just emulating men either. Their initial car ride scene establishes them as being very feminine. The point that Tarantino is getting at is that being assertive and strong willed isn't an exclusively male trait. It's not as though they are going around shooting up a mob of baddies with a pistol in their left and right hands as if it were some violent male fantasy. The last half of the film is simply about a group of women who won't be victimized. The position in which Stuntman Mike finds himself is completely flipped from the first half of the film. He hasn't just met his match; he's been totally dominated. For Tarantino to encase all of this in a film that feels this smooth and effortless is a remarkable achievement in my book (and Stuntman Mike's book too)."

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:06:52 PM

Hot Fuzz: 10/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:15:12 PM

Quote from: am nintenho on April 16, 2007, 05:42:36 AM

It was the shittiest thing I've ever seen film wasted on.

Why in the fuck would anybody go pay money to see bitches-desperate-for-sex, mexican-bashing, or ragheads-waving-their-guns?

ARE YOU THAT FUCKING DUMB?

I notice you constantly simplify things to the extreme, and rarely see things outside the mental box you have created for yourself. It's not "bitches desperate for sex" or "Mexican bashing". In fact, there is no Mexican bashing in the movie, or at least the film doesn't attempt to do it; the fucking director is Mexican for christ's sake.

Triumph: I didn't see it as preachy at all. If anything it presented the viewer with a real look at human frailty as well as the importance of communication. The movie constantly took basic things we are quite used to as Americans and complicated them with this problem.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Mupepe on April 16, 2007, 01:15:19 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 16, 2007, 12:48:45 PM

Stolen from another board I visit. Basically a perfect encapsulation of one of the MANY reasons why I loved DP so much, only worded better than I could think of:

"To me, the way Tarantino totally flips our expectations is incredible, and to put it frankly, ballsy. He spends half his time in a specific setting with a group of characters, and in an instant, he takes them away and brings us somewhere completely different for the remainder of the film. Who does that in a "genre" picture? I might hate the move if it didn't make complete sense. The first half of the film has much to do about Jungle Julia's facade of toughness. She has the billboards and she talks the talk, but at the end of the day, she's still consumed by a man who stood her up. Her vulnerability is exposed, and ultimately, she is not strong enough to finish this film as its protagonist. Tarantino sets it up brilliantly with the subtle jabs at her character. The line between antagonist and protagonist is suddenly blurred as the first segment reaches its close. The vulnerability factor is played up more bluntly with Butterfly. Stuntman Mike basically spells it out in his speech for her, but he also uses her exposed vulnerability to completely manipulate her. She is not strong enough to finish this film as its protagonist either.

Now we're all set up for the final half of the film. This half isn't just about women who talk tough. It's about women who are tough. I don't believe these characters are just emulating men either. Their initial car ride scene establishes them as being very feminine. The point that Tarantino is getting at is that being assertive and strong willed isn't an exclusively male trait. It's not as though they are going around shooting up a mob of baddies with a pistol in their left and right hands as if it were some violent male fantasy. The last half of the film is simply about a group of women who won't be victimized. The position in which Stuntman Mike finds himself is completely flipped from the first half of the film. He hasn't just met his match; he's been totally dominated. For Tarantino to encase all of this in a film that feels this smooth and effortless is a remarkable achievement in my book (and Stuntman Mike's book too)."

:bow :bow :bow

:bow :bow :bow

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 16, 2007, 01:17:08 PM

Death Proof was so awesome.
Yeah, the pacing could be charitably described as "spotty", but without the slow parts, the action scenes wouldn't have hit as hard as they did, and boy howdy, I was taken back by them.

The first segment also raised the stakes for the second act.  I was much more invested in the Hollywood girls because I believed that they were seconds away from a very messy death during the chase.  Of course it helped that the stuntwork was absolutely insane.

So its a slow build, but its got a point to it all, and it really pays off.  There's all that subtext and such, and that's great, it really is.  But Death Proof deserves a medal for being the most satisfying and thrilling action/horror (really, it was scary) movie I've ever seen in a theater.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on April 16, 2007, 01:18:43 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:15:12 PM

Triumph: I didn't see it as preachy at all. If anything it presented the viewer with a real look at human frailty as well as the importance of communication. The movie constantly took basic things we are quite used to as Americans and complicated them with this problem.

see, i'd like to believe that you came to this conclusion through semi-intelligent analysis of the film, and then i remember that you didn't fucking get unforgiven at all despite it being completely in your face about its themes. as a result, we can't trust you. :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: G The Resurrected on April 16, 2007, 01:27:41 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:06:52 PM

Hot Fuzz: 10/10

8.5 not as funny as shaun but deffinatly up there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:28:04 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 16, 2007, 01:18:43 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:15:12 PM

Triumph: I didn't see it as preachy at all. If anything it presented the viewer with a real look at human frailty as well as the importance of communication. The movie constantly took basic things we are quite used to as Americans and complicated them with this problem.

see, i'd like to believe that you came to this conclusion through semi-intelligent analysis of the film, and then i remember that you didn't fucking get unforgiven at all despite it being completely in your face about its themes. as a result, we can't trust you. :'(

:-\

Oh come on. I may be dumb but the theme of Babel was quite obvious from the title alone. I didn't see anything as preachy because it never really gave you any type of "this is how you should be" spill. Instead it was more along the lines of "this is how it is".

The mere thought of being deaf and not being able to associate with people on a level field is terrifying. She felt naked to everyone, and she became naked physically in the end as well

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:31:25 PM

Quote from: G on April 16, 2007, 01:27:41 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:06:52 PM

Hot Fuzz: 10/10

8.5 not as funny as shaun but deffinatly up there.

Shaun of the Dead: 10/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 01:35:18 PM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 16, 2007, 01:17:08 PM

Death Proof was so awesome.
Yeah, the pacing could be charitably described as "spotty", but without the slow parts, the action scenes wouldn't have hit as hard as they did, and boy howdy, I was taken back by them.

The first segment also raised the stakes for the second act.  I was much more invested in the Hollywood girls because I believed that they were seconds away from a very messy death during the chase.  Of course it helped that the stuntwork was absolutely insane.

So its a slow build, but its got a point to it all, and it really pays off.  There's all that subtext and such, and that's great, it really is.  But Death Proof deserves a medal for being the most satisfying and thrilling action/horror (really, it was scary) movie I've ever seen in a theater.

Great post all around, and I agree totally. DP is a slow burn, but its so meticulously crafted, that when QT finally floors it, you feel it. Cant say many other films recently worked on that level for me. It really clicks on a very primal level, and I totally loved it. Thats why I say that I think DP was too good for this setup. RR should have teamed with Roth or Zombie or Wright, and QT should have just made DP standalone.

Also, the car chase has got to be the most exciting one Ive seen since Ronin, a decade ago.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on April 16, 2007, 01:36:59 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:28:04 PM

The mere thought of being deaf and not being able to associate with people on a level field is terrifying. She felt naked to everyone, and she became naked physically in the end as well

It takes a stupid person and gives them a disability.

You swoon.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: G The Resurrected on April 16, 2007, 01:39:07 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:31:25 PM

Quote from: G on April 16, 2007, 01:27:41 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:06:52 PM

Hot Fuzz: 10/10

8.5 not as funny as shaun but deffinatly up there.

Shaun of the Dead: 10/10

Agreed but only cause I like zombies.

Spaced: 9/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 16, 2007, 01:42:58 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 16, 2007, 01:35:18 PM

Great post all around, and I agree totally. DP is a slow burn, but its so meticulously crafted, that when QT finally floors it, you feel it. Cant say many other films recently worked on that level for me. It really clicks on a very primal level, and I totally loved it. Thats why I say that I think DP was too good for this setup. RR should have teamed with Roth or Zombie or Wright, and QT should have just made DP standalone.

Also, the car chase has got to be the most exciting one Ive seen since Ronin, a decade ago.

Best car chase since Ronin?  Easily.

I do think that Death Proof works very well when coupled with Planet Terror, especially the placement of it.  PT was just so balls-out-crazy that it began to wear on me after a while.  I very much enjoyed it, but I was SO ready for a change of pace.  Death Proof was more then willing to accomadate me.  It gave me some rich atmosphere to drink in and characters worth caring about, and THEN they get horrifically butchered.

I can't oversell just how great the setup was.  And if Planet Terror hadn't perfectly primed me for it, I'm not sure I would have been as patient as I was.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:46:01 PM

Quote from: G on April 16, 2007, 01:39:07 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:31:25 PM

Quote from: G on April 16, 2007, 01:27:41 PM

Quote from: demi on April 16, 2007, 01:06:52 PM

Hot Fuzz: 10/10

8.5 not as funny as shaun but deffinatly up there.

Shaun of the Dead: 10/10

Agreed but only cause I like zombies.

Spaced: 9/10

That's not a movie, idiot.

Kinky Boots: 5/10 -- the 5 is because Nick is in it

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: G The Resurrected on April 16, 2007, 01:47:12 PM

MI3: 1/10 thats for pegg

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on April 16, 2007, 01:57:57 PM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 16, 2007, 01:42:58 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 16, 2007, 01:35:18 PM

Great post all around, and I agree totally. DP is a slow burn, but its so meticulously crafted, that when QT finally floors it, you feel it. Cant say many other films recently worked on that level for me. It really clicks on a very primal level, and I totally loved it. Thats why I say that I think DP was too good for this setup. RR should have teamed with Roth or Zombie or Wright, and QT should have just made DP standalone.

Also, the car chase has got to be the most exciting one Ive seen since Ronin, a decade ago.

Best car chase since Ronin?  Easily.

I do think that Death Proof works very well when coupled with Planet Terror, especially the placement of it.  PT was just so balls-out-crazy that it began to wear on me after a while.  I very much enjoyed it, but I was SO ready for a change of pace.  Death Proof was more then willing to accomadate me.  It gave me some rich atmosphere to drink in and characters worth caring about, and THEN they get horrifically butchered.

I can't oversell just how great the setup was.  And if Planet Terror hadn't perfectly primed me for it, I'm not sure I would have been as patient as I was.

Fair enough. That was my biggest problem with PT - it was great fun, but I felt that with the pace it was going it, although only 80 minutes long or so, it felt about 15 minutes too long for me. In a sense, the pace of the film didn't warrant a longer run-time. I would have liked too see PT chopped down a bit. Either way, its no big deal, Grindhouse was a rousing success on every level (save for the one that counts, financially, lolz), and easily the most fun Ive had in theatres in a long time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Bloodwake on April 16, 2007, 04:08:25 PM

I loved Death Proof as well. Much better than Planet Terror and back to the dialogue heavy Tarantino we love.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Human Snorenado on April 16, 2007, 08:16:43 PM

The more I think about DP in the abstract, the more I think I will end up liking it more.  However, I think it was placed all wrong- it should have been it's own entity instead of the second half of double feature, with the first half being a really fun albeit not fantastic zombie flick.  After that, and the fun of the trailers, I wasn't really ready to give DP the attention that it deserves. 

Basically, I look at the two movies like ex-girlfriends.  Planet Terror is the fun, meaningless relationship you had with a pretty girl.  Your times were consistently pretty good but never anything wonderful or meaningful.  Death Proof is the crazy girl that ends up rocking/ruining your world.  You have to sit through a bunch of weirdness and lame foreplay, but when she decides it's time to rock your world, SHE ROCKS YOUR FUCKING WORLD.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on April 17, 2007, 01:05:08 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:28:04 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 16, 2007, 01:18:43 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 16, 2007, 01:15:12 PM

Triumph: I didn't see it as preachy at all. If anything it presented the viewer with a real look at human frailty as well as the importance of communication. The movie constantly took basic things we are quite used to as Americans and complicated them with this problem.

see, i'd like to believe that you came to this conclusion through semi-intelligent analysis of the film, and then i remember that you didn't fucking get unforgiven at all despite it being completely in your face about its themes. as a result, we can't trust you. :'(

:-\

Oh come on. I may be dumb but the theme of Babel was quite obvious from the title alone. I didn't see anything as preachy because it never really gave you any type of "this is how you should be" spill. Instead it was more along the lines of "this is how it is".

The mere thought of being deaf and not being able to associate with people on a level field is terrifying. She felt naked to everyone, and she became naked physically in the end as well

Hot.  Screen caps please.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on April 17, 2007, 08:41:20 AM

Quote from: Emperor Triumph I on April 16, 2007, 08:16:43 PM

Basically, I look at the two movies like ex-girlfriends.  Planet Terror is the fun, meaningless relationship you had with a pretty girl.  Your times were consistently pretty good but never anything wonderful or meaningful.  Death Proof is the crazy girl that ends up rocking/ruining your world.  You have to sit through a bunch of weirdness and lame foreplay, but when she decides it's time to rock your world, SHE ROCKS YOUR FUCKING WORLD.

I like this analogy  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 19, 2007, 11:37:33 AM

So I didnt feel like popping in a DVD last night, so I browsed around different movie channels and ended up watching an odd triple bill: Into The Blue (yes, the Alba/Walker movie, lolz), followed by Blow Out (De Palma), capped off with Edmond (David Mamet screenplay, not sure who directed).

- Into The Blue was about what Id expect, yet surprisingly didnt hurt my brain as much as Id expect, and there was a ton of gratuitous Alba bikini/tight shorts/dripping wet shots, so I cant hate on that.
- Blow Out Ive seen a few times before, and its probably my favorite De Palma flick, despite his hallmark unoiriginality. Its a well put together film, and its scary seeing Travolta as a young stud.
- Edmond was pretty fucking crazy, and pretty much what Id expect out of Mamet. Very interesting little movie, and William H. Macy gives a fucking awesome performance.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 19, 2007, 11:48:13 AM

I freaking love De Palma, even his nutso I-don't-shivaget-about-making-sense films are awesome (Raising Cain comes to mind)

I haven't seen Edmond yet, but Stuart Gorden (Re-Animator) directed it, which sounds weird, but apparently they were old buddies back in the day when they were small-time Chicago theater drones.

and Blowout is easily among De Palma's top three, so good choice there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on April 19, 2007, 11:55:28 AM

I wouldn't figure Stuart Gordon and David Mamet as friends, but - hey! - weirder things have happened.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 19, 2007, 11:56:20 AM

You should check out Edmond, Hyper. Its worth it for Macey's work alone. Its also got the trademark Mamet style to the screenplay.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on April 19, 2007, 12:03:32 PM

Oh, I see how it is, Solo.  Forget who your friends are.  You recommend it to him, but not to me?  You will rue the day you overlooked me!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 19, 2007, 12:07:58 PM

Haha, no, I was not overlooking you, dear Federman! I just felt that Edmond is something that would skew more towards Hyper's tastes than yours.

For you I would recommend something wild. Hit up some Suspiria or Deep Red! Although I think youve seen both.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:12:09 PM

Death Proof is the build up to Tarantino's next project.

I have a feeling Inglorious Bastards will be the definitive Tarantino film, and one even the Academy can not deny being awesome. He's worked on the screenplay for ten plus years, and I just can't help but feel REALLY PUMPED about this film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 19, 2007, 12:13:17 PM

If the Academy didnt reward him for Pulp, I really dont see them ever awarding him for anything.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:15:49 PM

Tarantino and Academy Awards just don't seem to fit. He'll get one of those life time achievement oscars when he is like 70 like they did with Robert Altman and George Lucas in years past if his career holds up.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 19, 2007, 12:16:24 PM

Its on the list, I'll catch it soon, don't you worry.
and I, as well as every good EB-er shall, will go see Hot Fuzz as soon as I can.

but what if he doesn't do Inglorious Bastards next?  What if he takes another five years to polish something else up to a fine sheen?  Even his biggest fans (like me) would have to acknowlege that the guy isn't exactly prolific.  Death Proof was a quickie project for him and that still took a long dang time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:18:26 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 19, 2007, 12:13:17 PM

If the Academy didnt reward him for Pulp, I really dont see them ever awarding him for anything.

Yeah, I know, but something feels different about this one. Kill Bill was a different type of Tarantino film, and I think Inglorious Bastards will be too. I think Tarantino has the ability to bring an entirely new look at how war films are done.

You guys are more than likely right though. He should have been recognized for Pulp Fiction, and he probably won't be recognized for anything else.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on April 19, 2007, 12:21:22 PM

Quote from: Solo on April 19, 2007, 12:07:58 PM

Haha, no, I was not overlooking you, dear Federman! I just felt that Edmond is something that would skew more towards Hyper's tastes than yours.

For you I would recommend something wild. Hit up some Suspiria or Deep Red! Although I think youve seen both.

Yes, I have seen and enjoy both.  Suspiria is a showcase for how to do lighting in movies and Deep Red is highly enjoyable fun.  I actually saw Deep Red on a public access television show for overlooked or downright bad horror films that was hosted by this goth chick with huge boobs (not Elvira, much younger and hotter!).  It became a Saturday tradition with my roommate; we'd eat cheap food like Carl Jr's 99 cent chicken sandwhich or sausage and drink beer, as we basked in the glow of this chick's bosom and hammy sketches interwoven into the film of the night.

We were bummed when it got cancelled.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:24:10 PM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 19, 2007, 12:16:24 PM

Its on the list, I'll catch it soon, don't you worry.
and I, as well as every good EB-er shall, will go see Hot Fuzz as soon as I can.

but what if he doesn't do Inglorious Bastards next?  What if he takes another five years to polish something else up to a fine sheen?  Even his biggest fans (like me) would have to acknowlege that the guy isn't exactly prolific.  Death Proof was a quickie project for him and that still took a long dang time.

Inglorious Bastards is more than likely next. He's been working on the screenplay for TEN YEARS. If Tarantino can spit out a screenplay like Death Proof in just a few months, then just think about the potential this screenplay has.

It wasn't until after Jackie Brown whenever he started working on Inglorious Bastards that the amount of time it took for him to do projects started to grow. Counting From Dusk Till Dawn, he did four movies in five years during the '90s.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on April 19, 2007, 12:27:30 PM

scripts that are worked on "for a very long time" tend to suck due to the endless revisions, edits, and the general diffusion of the original spark. the best scripts are generally those like death proof: knocked out in a moment of brilliance.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:31:42 PM

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 19, 2007, 12:27:30 PM

scripts that are worked on "for a very long time" tend to suck due to the endless revisions, edits, and the general diffusion of the original spark. the best scripts are generally those like death proof: knocked out in a moment of brilliance.

You also have a point, and this is a concern that I have too.

However, I have faith in Tarantino. IMO he's not done a single bad film, and I don't think he's going to start doing so now, especially after Death Proof.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:32:04 PM

Tarantino changes his mind and switches project ideas a lot. There is no telling what he will do untill he starts filming it. Hell, he has been rambling about a potential third kill bill for a little while now as well I think.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:41:41 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:32:04 PM

Tarantino changes his mind and switches project ideas a lot. There is no telling what he will do untill he starts filming it. Hell, he has been rambling about a potential third kill bill for a little while now as well I think.

Yeah, isn't that the one that's supposed to be an animated prequel?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:46:10 PM

No that is different.

Quote

Quentin Tarantino said at the 2006 Comic Con that, after the completion of Grindhouse, he wants to make two anime Kill Bill films. One will be an origin story about Bill and his mentors, and the other will be an original tale starring The Bride.

THIS is the sequel (quote from Tarantino what he has planned for the third movie)

Quote

I've already got the whole mythology: Sofie Fatale will get all of Bill's money. She'll raise Nikki, who'll take on The Bride. Nikki deserves her revenge every bit as much as The Bride deserved hers. I might even shoot a couple of scenes for it now so I can get the actresses while they're this age.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 19, 2007, 12:48:29 PM

by the way, Tarantino doesn't like True Romance.

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000NHG7BQ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_V22364013_SS500_.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:50:10 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:46:10 PM

No that is different.

Quote

Quentin Tarantino said at the 2006 Comic Con that, after the completion of Grindhouse, he wants to make two anime Kill Bill films. One will be an origin story about Bill and his mentors, and the other will be an original tale starring The Bride.

THIS is the sequel (quote from Tarantino what he has planned for the third movie)

Quote

I've already got the whole mythology: Sofie Fatale will get all of Bill's money. She'll raise Nikki, who'll take on The Bride. Nikki deserves her revenge every bit as much as The Bride deserved hers. I might even shoot a couple of scenes for it now so I can get the actresses while they're this age.

AH, yeah, forgot about the "Nikki" revenge movie.

Still, IMDB has Inglorious Bastards listed as next, and he was talking about it whenever he was on Opie and Anthony.

The problem (and sometimes the cool thing) about Tarantino is that whenever he has an idea, he talks about it, even if it is just a small idea. This makes it hard to gauge which ones are actually going to be films. Even when Grindhouse was announced I wasn't positive that was going to take precedence over Inglorious Bastards until I saw trailers for it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 19, 2007, 12:54:19 PM

Like I said, that means nothing. IB was listed as his next project before Grindhouse. He keeps putting it off and doing something else. Till he starts filming it there is no telling what his next film is.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on April 20, 2007, 07:55:58 AM

Quote from: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 19, 2007, 12:16:24 PM

Even his biggest fans (like me) would have to acknowlege that the guy isn't exactly prolific.  Death Proof was a quickie project for him and that still took a long dang time.

You got that right. If theres anything that DP really left me thinking, its that QT needs to make more movies. I rag on his unoriginality a lot, but hes still more interesting than most working today, and it almost feels like he is criminally underworked.

Anyone know why he took a freaking 6 year break after Jackie Brown? Those were pretty much the prime years of his career, and he pissed them away.

Quote from: Drinky Crow on April 19, 2007, 12:27:30 PM

scripts that are worked on "for a very long time" tend to suck due to the endless revisions, edits, and the general diffusion of the original spark. the best scripts are generally those like death proof: knocked out in a moment of brilliance.

This man speaks the truth. This is why I fear Inglorious Bastards, should it ever get made, will be a clusterfuck of epic proportions. 10 years, think about that. Thats from Jackie Brown to the 6 year hiatus, through KB, through Grindhouse, and the countless foreign movies he has attached his name to in order to get released here. Thats a HELL of a long time to work on a screenplay. And if the thing is a mixture of JB era QT, KB era QT, and GH era QT, and beyond, its gonna be manic to say the least.

Personally, Im hoping he doesnt make this, and does something else fresh in a moment of inspiration, ala DP. On CHarlie Rose, QT himself said that DP was the first time since Reservoir Dogs that he just sat down and wrote something on the spot, during a flash of thought, as opposed to the long premeditated Kill Bill or Jackie Brown.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 11:04:08 AM

I feel as if Inglorious Bastards is the project he needs to get out of the way so he can move on and make films on a more consistent basis.

That being said, I still have huge hopes for this project.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 20, 2007, 11:13:10 AM

Quote from: Bloodwake on April 19, 2007, 12:12:09 PM

I have a feeling Inglorious Bastards will be the definitive Tarantino film, and one even the Academy can not deny being awesome. He's worked on the screenplay for ten plus years, and I just can't help but feel REALLY PUMPED about this film.

Let's hope it comes out in the next year or so, and not around 2010 or something.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 20, 2007, 12:45:58 PM

Quote from: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 11:04:08 AM

I feel as if Inglorious Bastards is the project he needs to get out of the way so he can move on and make films on a more consistent basis.

That being said, I still have huge hopes for this project.

?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 12:48:59 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 20, 2007, 12:45:58 PM

Quote from: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 11:04:08 AM

I feel as if Inglorious Bastards is the project he needs to get out of the way so he can move on and make films on a more consistent basis.

That being said, I still have huge hopes for this project.

?

Have you not heard about Inglorious Bastards?

Basically it's Tarantino's take on a war film. During WWII, several dishonored US soldiers are given one more chance to succeed when they are given a mission in Nazi occupied France.

Tarantino made a crack at his Sergio Leone worship: "I thought about subtitling it Once Upon A Time In Nazi Occupied France"

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 20, 2007, 12:50:15 PM

Quote from: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 12:48:59 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 20, 2007, 12:45:58 PM

Quote from: Bloodwake on April 20, 2007, 11:04:08 AM

I feel as if Inglorious Bastards is the project he needs to get out of the way so he can move on and make films on a more consistent basis.

That being said, I still have huge hopes for this project.

?

Have you not heard about Inglorious Bastards?

Basically it's Tarantino's take on a war film. During WWII, several dishonored US soldiers are given one more chance to succeed when they are given a mission in Nazi occupied France.

Tarantino made a crack at his Sergio Leone worship: "I thought about subtitling it Once Upon A Time In Nazi Occupied France"

Sounds like the Dirty Dozen mixed with the A Team

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 20, 2007, 12:56:18 PM

Thats what it is, QT always says its like the Dirty Dozen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 01:56:40 AM

Watched Seven Samurai for the first time.

It was a pretty good movie. Not great, mind you, because a few glaring flaws, but pretty good. The acting in many cases is questionable, the fights aren't that good, but it was fun.

I was wondering why Katsushiro always stood in one place. The part where they give Manzo a lecture about not going apeshit because a samurai was dickin' her was pretty lame. He just stood there. Be a man you pussy.

Kikuyochi or whatever the fuck was a good character, but his acting was often annoyingly exaggerated in comparison to everyone else. I like him the most though. When he got offed I boo'd. That one guy who always. ALWAYS. ALWAYS has the fucking :o face mixed with  :-\ pissed me off. He seemed like he had downs or something. The direction and camera angles were pretty good, I guess. Excellent music.

Nothing left to say except it's a good movie. I definitely wouldn't pay 40-50 dollars for it though. That'd be grade a bullshit. When compared to other movies I've seen made in the same time period, it's pretty tame. Especially when compared to stuff like Singin' in the Rain.

I give it a 7/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on April 30, 2007, 01:59:39 AM

7/10? Dude.... :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Stocky on April 30, 2007, 02:00:38 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on April 30, 2007, 01:59:39 AM

7/10? Dude.... :(

(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1373/dorkshake2ur0kl8.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:00:47 AM

What? The only thing that I can compare it to are maybe westerns, and I've seen so many westerns that kick the shit out of Seven Samurai.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on April 30, 2007, 02:01:14 AM

(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1373/dorkshake2ur0kl8.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Stocky on April 30, 2007, 02:01:25 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on April 30, 2007, 02:01:14 AM

(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1373/dorkshake2ur0kl8.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 30, 2007, 02:02:35 AM

Himu basically confirmed my beliefs about this. Lots of exaggerated "acting", boring sword play, and dull lines.

I AM HOTETEP OF NAVAHOE TRIBE
MY COUSIN DIED AT YOUR BLADE
AGHHHHH

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:07:09 AM

The fights in Seven Samurai are pretty boring. It's more about character development, but the movie has trouble establishing characters aside from a select few. Like, for instance, only 3 or 4 of the seven samurai really get development at all. The movie feels as if it wastes so much time and energy other things like a stupid taco farmer who's wife got taken by bandits and an idiot taco farmer who goes batshit if a samurai is givin' his daughter a dick creamin', rather than the thing the movie is titled after: the seven fucking samurai.

Often when characters die in the movie, I had to rewind it because they all looked the same. That goes to show you how well the movie established characters. "KATASHAMINASUKO-SANNNNNNN NOOOOOOO!" and I'm like,"Who died again? They used his name in the movie like two times."

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Miles Trahan Burger Experiment on April 30, 2007, 02:08:09 AM

Fights = boring? Dude, the final battle sequence is amazing, and one of the most cribbed in the history of cinema.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:09:33 AM

Quote from: The Dark Shake on April 30, 2007, 02:08:09 AM

Fights = boring? Dude, the final battle sequence is amazing, and one of the most cribbed in the history of cinema.

What are you talking about? He gets shot, runs toward the gunman who's totally pussying out, stabs him, and dies. You call that a gripping last fight? Full Metal Jacket has a gripping final battle. My heart wouldn't stop beating at that scene. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Now THAT'S  final battle. Seven Samurai ain't shit compared to other movies when it comes to fights.

Now, they had great STRATEGY against the bandits, but the actual swordsman ship was lame.

WOW. I STOLE THESE 2 GUNS FROM THE BANDITS BUT I WON'T USE THEM ONCE. Average fights.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on April 30, 2007, 02:13:25 AM

Quote from: Himuro on April 30, 2007, 02:07:09 AM

Often when characters die in the movie, I had to rewind it because they all looked the same.

You fucking racist.  >:(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:14:16 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on April 30, 2007, 02:13:25 AM

Quote from: Himuro on April 30, 2007, 02:07:09 AM

Often when characters die in the movie, I had to rewind it because they all looked the same.

You fucking racist.  >:(

It doesn't help they all have the same damn hair cut.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 30, 2007, 02:14:41 AM

And it's in black and white, omg

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:16:23 AM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on April 30, 2007, 02:14:41 AM

And it's in black and white, omg

Nothing wrong with that.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on April 30, 2007, 02:18:51 AM

Play along!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 02:19:30 AM

But I've actually seen the movie, and it's pretty good. It's not horrible at all, like you're making it out to be.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: captainbiotch on April 30, 2007, 03:58:49 AM

Quote from: Himuro on April 30, 2007, 02:09:33 AM

WOW. I STOLE THESE 2 GUNS FROM THE BANDITS BUT I WON'T USE THEM ONCE. Average fights.

... Jesus fuck.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on April 30, 2007, 06:09:12 AM

Himuro is wrong and PD is predictably tasteless. Seven Samurai is grade A sex throughout. Its the least boring almost-4 hour film youll ever see. Not a second is wasted. Not to mention that it set the mold for pretty much every adventure/action movie since.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Fresh Prince on April 30, 2007, 06:16:14 AM

Quote from: Solo on April 30, 2007, 06:09:12 AM

Himuro is wrong and PD is predictably tasteless. Seven Samurai is grade A sex throughout. Its the least boring almost-4 hour film youll ever see. Not a second is wasted. Not to mention that it set the mold for pretty much every adventure/action movie since.

QFT. The theatrical acting is probably it only fault but that is understandable for that time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Human Snorenado on April 30, 2007, 06:40:27 AM

Chubkins Shake, now that you're back, what's your take on the celebrated Pee Dee review of Unforgiven?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 09:03:48 AM

what the fuck at this thread.

You haters! There would be no Leone westerns nor star wars without Kurosawa!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on April 30, 2007, 10:11:53 AM

Tonight I am probably going to watch Seven Samurai for the first time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 10:39:57 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 09:03:48 AM

You haters! There would be no Leone westerns nor star wars without Kurosawa!

So? Just because it was influential then doesn't mean I have to think it's that great.

Quote from: Solo on April 30, 2007, 06:09:12 AM

Seven Samurai is grade A sex throughout. Its the least boring almost-4 hour film youll ever see.

While this may be true, I think Return of the King did a great job.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 10:56:53 AM

Quote from: Himuro on April 30, 2007, 10:39:57 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 09:03:48 AM

You haters! There would be no Leone westerns nor star wars without Kurosawa!

So? Just because it was influential then doesn't mean I have to think it's that great.

Quote from: Solo on April 30, 2007, 06:09:12 AM

Seven Samurai is grade A sex throughout. Its the least boring almost-4 hour film youll ever see.

While this may be true, I think Return of the King did a great job.

watch the hidden fortress, I bet you'd like it based on your complaints. It's a much shorter, "lighter" story. And its basically the same exact plot of Star Wars Episode IV.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 10:57:46 AM

Star Wars IV is pretty average though.

Seven Samurai's length wasn't a complaint at all. Lighter story? Why would I want a lighter story? That had nothing to do with any of my complaints. My biggest complaint is that the movie doesn't let you get to know the seven samurai that are titled after the movie aside from a few. That and the acting. Those are the only two glaring flaws I find that the movie has. It has great pacing, and the characters that WERE featured in the film were great, but they weren't enough.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 11:05:53 AM

After reading this I have to say I admire the film more. I thought Kurosawa was using better film than that, and when you consider that many  of his camera shots and angles were pretty damn good you have to hand it to him.

Quote

When watching "Seven Samurai," one must remember two things: The first is that Asian cinema has been at a great disadvantage to their western counterparts. At a time when Asia was still trying to come out of the shadow of World War II, America and other Western powers were already a dominant force in world cinema. The Asians had a hard time trying to find the balance between art and social commentary and simple entertainment.

 

The second thing to keep in mind is that before 1990 -- and even to a point after 1990 -- a lot of Asian films were shot on terrible filmstock. Many films were actually using filmstock that were dozens of years old. This usually resorted in grainy pictures and scratches on the film. Filmmaking was an expensive venture and required a lot of time and dedication, not to mention money. Which leads me to this conclusion: I cringe every time I see "Seven Samurai," because the filmstock is so bad that it tries its damnedest to destroy Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece. And let's not talk about the quality of film cameras available back then.

"Citizen Kane" is commonly regarded as the greatest movie ever made, especially in light of its time period and the many innovations that Welles pioneered. In that same light, "Seven Samurai" is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Asian film ever made. Although, as prefaced, its grainy filmstock leaves a lot to be desired. Unlike Welles, Kurosawa had neither the budget nor the technical resources at his disposal to film the movie the way he might have wanted to. Anyone who has seen Kurosawa's later samurai work understands that the man had a great eye for cinematography.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on April 30, 2007, 11:33:06 AM

ya'all need to see Throne of Blood, its amazing.  Some of the best B&W cinematography ever filmed, and possibly the best Shakespere adaption ever made.

(don't hurt me for not seeing Ran yet please, I'm saving it)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 12:20:50 PM

My ratings/rankings of every kurosawa I have seen:

1. Ikiru (10/10)
2. High and Low (10/10)
3. Derusu Uzara (10/10)
4. Rashomon (10/10)
5. Yojimbo (10/10)
6. Seven Samurai (10/10)
7. Sanjuro (9.5/10)
8. The Hidden Fortress (9/10)
9. Ran (9/10)
10.Throne of Blood (9/10)
11. Kagemusha (8.5/10)
12. I Live in Fear: Record of a Living Being (8.5/10)
13. No Regrets for My Youth (7.5/10)
14. Rhapsody in August (7/10)
15. Madadayo (7/10)
16. Sugata Sanshiro (6.5/10)
17. Dodes'ka-den (6/10)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on April 30, 2007, 12:22:26 PM

I'm going to watch Ikiru and Yojimbo in a few minutes.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on April 30, 2007, 12:28:45 PM

Quote from: Himuro on April 30, 2007, 12:22:26 PM

I'm going to watch Ikiru and Yojimbo in a few minutes.

Ikiru is amazing, it is not a samurai film. It is a slow lengthy drama about cancer and dealing with death. But it is PERFECT.

Soon as you watch Yojimbo you have to watch Sanjuro. It's a two-part movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 01, 2007, 12:52:05 AM

The Truman Show.

one of the best movies I've ever seen.

very fucking awesome how they changed it from the script.

overall: 10/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on May 01, 2007, 12:53:47 AM

you r liar

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 01, 2007, 12:54:54 AM

how?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 01, 2007, 06:17:19 AM

Hyper: Throne IS awesome. On any given day its either Throne, Ran, or Stray Dog as my favorite Kurosawa.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 06:42:04 AM

Spider-Man 3 (Raimi, 2007) - 6.5/10

When I walked out of Spider-Man 2 (all 4 times!) 3 years ago, I was absolutely floored. Not only was that film my favorite superhero movie ever (it still is, and by a landslide), but it left me so excited for the final movie in the trilogy, and the greatness it would hold. I mean, how could they mess this up? The cast and crew was largely the same, as was the writing team, and this was the epic finale to the series. So Spider-Man 3 would be the comic book movie to end all comic book movies, right?

Unfortunately, no, it is not. Irrelevant, inconsequential and unengaging are the three words I would use to describe Spider-Man 3. It is not a bad movie but any stretch, but it simply fails on every level that the original, and especially the sequel, excelled on. Whereas Spider-Man 2 had me hooked from the outset and took me on an epic roller-coaster of emotion and thrills, Spider-Man 3 seemed to just plod around for 2.5 hours, merely existing, occasionally hitting the right note, but mostly just plowing ahead.

What went wrong? Well, there are two big issues with the film. First, let's blame Marvel boss Avi Arad for making director Sam Raimi shoehorn Venom into the film. The movie was already at content overload without his entrance, and with him in the film, there are about five subplots being juggled, and none of them are fully developed or satisfactorily concluded. Had the film been without Venom, his storyline plus the symbiote storyline could have been cut completely, and we would be left with a much leaner film, which could be much more fleshed out. The second issue is the writing. The film is totally bipolar, and has more plot threads that could ever be given room to breathe in 2.5 hours. Alvin Sargeant, who did a re-write of the first film to make it passable, and wrote the excellent screenplay for the second film, seems to have been inexplicably made an outcast, serving only to polish off the Raimi brothers' script, instead of being an integral part of the writing staff from day one. Most of the great touches in Spider-Man 2, which I fully attribute to Sargeant, are sadly missing here.

Up to this point, you may think I hated the film. But the truth is, amongst all the elements I hated about the film, there is still a lot to love here. The cast is in top form here, with the real notable performance coming unexpectedly from James Franco, who I felt excelled as the conflicted Harry Osborn. Tobey Maguire was also as enjoyable as ever in the Peter Parker role. Bruce Campbell's trademark cameo is his best one yet, and totally hilarious. I enjoyed Christopher Young's work on the score, especially his new themes for Sandman and Venom. The main titles once again were excellent, and totally succeeded in ramping up my excitement. The special effects and the action scenes in the film didn't disappoint, and there are several breath-taking set pieces littered throughout the film. Another great element remaining from the previous films is the humour. Spider-Man 3 in particular seems to go for even more laughs than its predecessors, and most of the time the gags work. Finally, I cannot conclude this review without making mention of easily the best scenes in the entire film, the "Saturday Night Fever" montage. Yes, this film features a scene which makes the "Raindrops" scene in Spider-Man 2 look downright tame. Kudos to Sam Raimi for having the balls to put such an extended scene in a major studio motion picture, and even bigger kudos to Tobey Maguire for taking that scene and running with it. I haven't laughed as much in ages as I did last night at Peter Parker strutting his stuff and gyrating his pelvis in downtown New York.

Spider-Man 3 is totally entertaining, if wholly unengaging and vastly inferior to its predecessor. The film simply tries to be too much, and accomplish too much in 2.5 hour running time. It saddens me to see a trilogy I love dearly, one that hit such highs, go out on such a middle-of-the-road note, but such is the case. We'll always have Spider-Man 2.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on May 05, 2007, 07:03:43 AM

The fact that you LIKED the dance segment makes me very sad, very sad indeed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 05, 2007, 07:21:25 AM

Solo, why do you attribute the best parts of 2 to Sargent?  Michael Chabon and a bunch of other writers worked on the Spider-Man 2 script.  How do you distinguish his contributions from everyone else's?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 05, 2007, 08:47:50 AM

Quote from: Tobias Funke on May 05, 2007, 07:03:43 AM

The fact that you LIKED the dance segment makes me very sad, very sad indeed.

What was wrong with it? It was one of the best moments of the trilogy, period. Disco Peter (NOT EMO!) was perfection.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 02:41:22 PM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 05, 2007, 07:21:25 AM

Solo, why do you attribute the best parts of 2 to Sargent?  Michael Chabon and a bunch of other writers worked on the Spider-Man 2 script.  How do you distinguish his contributions from everyone else's?

Everytime Ive seen a writer praised for S-M2, be it a fellow crew member, or Raimi, or the media, they alwaus name Sargeant. I know Chabon worked on it, but not to much of an extent I think, and S-M2's greatness SURE AS HELL ain't a product of Gough and Millar. Ive seen Smallville enough times to know these guys cant write. So process of elimination plus what Ive been led to believe equals me believing Sargeant is to praise.

Quote from: Tobias Funke on May 05, 2007, 07:03:43 AM

The fact that you LIKED the dance segment makes me very sad, very sad indeed.

Are you kidding me? That whole segment, from the strut to the thrusting to the flirting with cake girl to the dance scene was perfection. Easily my favorite part about the film, and my favorite scene this year so far. Things like that make me love Sam.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on May 05, 2007, 03:21:47 PM

It's nigh UNWATCHABLE for people going into the movie without knowing.  I'm sorry, but it's just embarrassing seing that unfold–Evil Spidey shouldn't have been a party animal, he should've been a fucking pariah.  You know, where people start ousting him, going against him–the whole public, not just Mary-Jane.  That whole Saturday Night Fever shit makes him look like a freakin' comedian.  I know that Sam likes to put some comedy into his movies, and I enjoyed the parts of Spider-man 2 where it was evident.  But this was "holy christ make it stop" worthy.  It was boring, it was embarrassing, and it was sad.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 03:36:44 PM

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/features/special/2007/comic/?r=1&mid=1133520&photo_page=2

Nevar forget!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 04:31:54 PM

Its almost like they let the B-team take over while the A-team chilled in the Bahamas. Im talking all the way down the line here, too. Everything from the costume design (Harry's Goblin comes instantly to mind) to the music (I dont even like Elfman, yet this film made me miss him) and especially to the effects (the CG was worse than S-M2's in points) and REALLY for the action sequences (despite having about 10, there wasnt a single action scene in 3 to match the train scene in 2) was sub-par. The only times the film felt Raimi-esque to me were the disco-Peter/flirting/strutting scenes, and some of the Marko stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 05, 2007, 04:33:45 PM

Quote from: Tobias Funke on May 05, 2007, 03:21:47 PM

It's nigh UNWATCHABLE for people going into the movie without knowing.  I'm sorry, but it's just embarrassing seing that unfold–Evil Spidey shouldn't have been a party animal, he should've been a fucking pariah.  You know, where people start ousting him, going against him–the whole public, not just Mary-Jane.  That whole Saturday Night Fever shit makes him look like a freakin' comedian.  I know that Sam likes to put some comedy into his movies, and I enjoyed the parts of Spider-man 2 where it was evident.  But this was "holy christ make it stop" worthy.  It was boring, it was embarrassing, and it was sad.

But he wasn't EVIL spider-man. The suit did not make him evil or emo. It made him overly-confident. Thus the flirting with Betty and Cake Girl..etc

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 05, 2007, 04:46:43 PM

spiderman 1 had most of the writing bearable because it didn't try any emo crap that falls on it's face.  2 was horrible in terms of writing because the characters were boring, predictable, and you wondered if anybody hated them since they were in a blockbuster.  It really took one up the ass for the studios and destroyed any hope of a decent movie in the spiderman franchise for me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 04:49:32 PM

Your ass is like fine wine. That shit is turning to vinegar.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 05, 2007, 04:55:58 PM

why, the dialogue was good?  are you saying there was something else in the story that the writer you like wrote but was completely cut out?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 05:00:19 PM

Im saying you just praised a David Koepp screenplay and blasted a superior one, and that there truely is no hope for you.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on May 05, 2007, 05:01:30 PM

Can you tell me more about Marvel's pres forcing Raimi to put Venom in to the film? I never heard of that announcement.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on May 05, 2007, 05:01:57 PM

did any of you guys ever saw sideways?

awesome movie

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 05, 2007, 05:07:21 PM

I didn't praise the screenplay...

I said it was a good movie idea but the way they changed it from the screenplay was amazing.

I could get into detail if you want but what would you say I've just said wrong?

I saw sideways, it's a pretty fun movie to watch cause Giotti pulled off the wine-freak well but it was a little too unoriginal to be a great movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 05, 2007, 05:11:23 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 05, 2007, 05:01:30 PM

Can you tell me more about Marvel's pres forcing Raimi to put Venom in to the film? I never heard of that announcement.

Sam loves the classic villains, and has said so since S-M1 commenced. Sam hates the newer ones, like Venom, and has said so since S-M1 commenced, as well as saying he would never do a Venom movie. All of a sudden we get Venom in S-M3. Turns out this was Avi Arad meddling, who forced both Venom and Gwen Stacey into the film. Sam just wanted Harry and Sandman, which would have effectively cut out half the plot threads, and made for a much simpler, and better film (more time to fully develop characters, resolve everything, etc). I mean look at 1 and 2, both of which were deceptively simple and wildly successful.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on May 05, 2007, 07:03:44 PM

Doc Ock <3 <3 <3

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 05, 2007, 07:11:03 PM

Quote from: Solo on May 05, 2007, 05:11:23 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 05, 2007, 05:01:30 PM

Can you tell me more about Marvel's pres forcing Raimi to put Venom in to the film? I never heard of that announcement.

Sam loves the classic villains, and has said so since S-M1 commenced. Sam hates the newer ones, like Venom, and has said so since S-M1 commenced, as well as saying he would never do a Venom movie. All of a sudden we get Venom in S-M3. Turns out this was Avi Arad meddling, who forced both Venom and Gwen Stacey into the film. Sam just wanted Harry and Sandman, which would have effectively cut out half the plot threads, and made for a much simpler, and better film (more time to fully develop characters, resolve everything, etc). I mean look at 1 and 2, both of which were deceptively simple and wildly successful.

Sam even admitted it in a interview. He said Arad told him to include more characters "the fans" wanted like gwen and venom.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 14, 2007, 07:49:37 AM

Blood Diamond (Zwick, 2006) - 8/10

A manipulative movie, with a lot of creative liberties taken, but continuously engaging nonetheless, and anchored by a solid lead performance. Yep, sounds like an Edward Zwick film to me. Keeping up with his tradition of making fairly Hollywood films about fairly non-Hollywood topics of controversy, Zwick delivers his most compelling work since Glory. Blood Diamond tells two tales: one about the world of conflict diamonds, in which human life has little value, and one about real characters with real flaws, which is ultimately a redemption story. The latter is infinitely more intriguing. I've never had a problem with Zwick as a director on the technical side of things, and that trend holds here. The film is well made, and Zwick knows how to shoot everything from bombastic action scenes to simple character moments. James Newton Howard's score is very nice, if totally unmemorable. The cinematography is fantastic, as are the sets and costumes. In other words, the film really delivers on the visual side of things. The script seems pretty standard for this type of film, but there is a bit of beathing room in it, and it occasionally hits the viewer with some hilarious, totally unexpected laughs. What really elevates the film a few notches though are the performances, and namely the one delivered by Leonardo Dicaprio. 2006 really was the year of Leo, and after seeing this film, I believe the Academy nominated him for the correct movie. Everything from his accent to his look to his mannerisms just clicked perfectly for me, and it is really refeshing to finally see DiCaprio as a man instead of a teen heart throb. His work alone is worth seeing the film for, and his performance is really the heart and soul of the movie. Blood Diamond is an average film on paper, elevated on the silver screen by some nice direction, great visuals, several genuinely emotional scenes, and a stellar lead performance.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 14, 2007, 02:37:14 PM

I agree with that review. But was I the only person who got tired of the constant "everything's quiet...BOOM ACTION OUT OF NOWHERE SCENE" stuff? It seemed relevent the first time, but after awhile it got annoying.

Leo Departed>Leo BD. Both were great, but his emotional performance as a paranoid, scared undercover cop sealed it for me. At the beginning of the movie he's in full confidence mode, but as the movie progresses he slowly unravels and becomes a nervous wreck. When all seems won and he once again resorts to confident mode, well...we know what happens. He truly looks scared shitless, and if you look closely you can see him twitching. A very convincing performance.

His performance in BD is amazing too, and really makes me wish he was

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Indy's son, or brother, or fucking apprentice in Indy4

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Bloodwake on May 14, 2007, 02:41:22 PM

Quote from: Solo on May 14, 2007, 07:49:37 AM

Blood Diamond (Zwick, 2006) - 8/10

A manipulative movie, with a lot of creative liberties taken, but continuously engaging nonetheless, and anchored by a solid lead performance. Yep, sounds like an Edward Zwick film to me. Keeping up with his tradition of making fairly Hollywood films about fairly non-Hollywood topics of controversy, Zwick delivers his most compelling work since Glory. Blood Diamond tells two tales: one about the world of conflict diamonds, in which human life has little value, and one about real characters with real flaws, which is ultimately a redemption story. The latter is infinitely more intriguing. I've never had a problem with Zwick as a director on the technical side of things, and that trend holds here. The film is well made, and Zwick knows how to shoot everything from bombastic action scenes to simple character moments. James Newton Howard's score is very nice, if totally unmemorable. The cinematography is fantastic, as are the sets and costumes. In other words, the film really delivers on the visual side of things. The script seems pretty standard for this type of film, but there is a bit of beathing room in it, and it occasionally hits the viewer with some hilarious, totally unexpected laughs. What really elevates the film a few notches though are the performances, and namely the one delivered by Leonardo Dicaprio. 2006 really was the year of Leo, and after seeing this film, I believe the Academy nominated him for the correct movie. Everything from his accent to his look to his mannerisms just clicked perfectly for me, and it is really refeshing to finally see DiCaprio as a man instead of a teen heart throb. His work alone is worth seeing the film for, and his performance is really the heart and soul of the movie. Blood Diamond is an average film on paper, elevated on the silver screen by some nice direction, great visuals, several genuinely emotional scenes, and a stellar lead performance.

I think I gave it a 7/10, mainly because there were some cliche moments in the film. Overall, it was a good film though, and I definitely love DiCaprio in this film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 19, 2007, 07:40:05 AM

Children Of Men (Cuaron, 2006) - 9.5/10

I already did the long-winded, gushing review during the film's theatrical run, so this one will be brief. Still my favorite film of 2006, and possibly the best movie Cuaron will ever make. I don't particularly care if it isn't totally faithful to the source, as I've never read the book, and find the movie to stand quite wonderfully on its own. As for the DVD, the transfer is everything I'd hoped it would be for such a beautiful film. The image quality is immaculate. Great DVD, excellent film, and highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 19, 2007, 08:35:14 AM

Alfonso Cuarón is fantastic. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:36:07 AM

What if what he wants to do is...you?  :o

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 19, 2007, 08:37:49 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:36:07 AM

What if what he wants to do is...you?  :o

:hump

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:39:05 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on May 19, 2007, 08:37:49 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:36:07 AM

What if what he wants to do is...you?  :o

:hump

Cheebs, I have a secret to tell you.  My name is Alfonso Cuaron.  :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 19, 2007, 08:40:06 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:39:05 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on May 19, 2007, 08:37:49 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:36:07 AM

What if what he wants to do is...you?  :o

:hump

Cheebs, I have a secret to tell you.  My name is Alfonso Cuaron.  :-*

How exciting!
(http://nymag.com/daily/intel/20061129cuaron2.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 19, 2007, 08:41:59 AM

Now let us make sexytime in your backside.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 19, 2007, 08:56:42 AM

Cuaron is my favorite of the threee amigos.

3. Inarratu
2. Del Toro
1. Cuaron

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on May 19, 2007, 02:05:53 PM

I saw V for Vendetta last night while all my friends were asleep.

Horrible movie. I felt like I was being brainwashed the entire time, and getting taught a crash course on literature and music on the side. FIGHT THE POWER

And that last "stand" by V with the slowmo slicing of their throats was hilarious.

OHHHHH SHHHHIIIII -slice-


zzz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 19, 2007, 02:20:53 PM

Repost from Mupepe.com

Sleepers

[youtube=425,350]py0USuvtmxA[/youtube]

Robert DeNiro. Dustin Hoffman. Kevin Bacon. Brad Pitt. Score by John Williams. Seems pretty fucking un-missable right? Well yeah, basically. While the movie definitely shows its flaws at times, overall it's a very good movie. I'm sure many here would dismiss it merely as "sensationalist" or "manipulative", an argument that has always seemed beyond hypocritical to me.

It's pretty clear from the cast that the acting is good. But what I was most impressed by was the acting of the child actors who had to carry the movie's beginning. Child actors can make or break a movie, and here I thought they did a good enough job acting like kids. It felt like I was watching a depiction of kids I used to hang with when I was younger. These scenes were all very cool, and I couldn't help but be reminded of Goodfellas. It seems pretty damn hard to make a bad movie set in Hell's Kitchen, or the surrounding areas lol

My mom loves the movie because it hits home for her. She told me that the movie reminded her so much of friends and loved ones she knew through the years that she couldn't help but cry at the end. I didn't have that reaction, but I still found the movie to be quite sad. There are many movies that have plots that revolve around one bad decision and how it can spiral out of control for those involved. Here, that is expanded in some pretty disturbing ways.

While the first act of the movie serves to introduce the characters and the world they lived in, the second is based strictly on the aftermath of a poor decision. After a childish prank goes horribly wrong, 4 friends are sent to a hardline boys "rehabilitation" center, where they are beaten and raped by the guards for more than a year. It's here that the movie pulls no punches. There's a part where one of the boys is anally raped by a guard, who uses his baton to preform the act - while demand the boy to say his Catholic prayers.

The final act of the movie revolves around the aftermath, and a plot of revenge. But this isn't just a simple revenge plot of finding and killing everyone who did you wrong. No, it's far more layered. I don't want to spoil anything just in case people decide to see the movie though.

One of the things I didn't like about the movie was the constant childhood flashbacks. While some are used very well in the beginning - such as scenes where the only thing that gets the character's through tough times is their memories of happier times - this theme becomes played out by the third act. It comes to a point when you're tired of the director constantly showing you everything; let us think sometimes please. I don't need a flashback everytime someone sees the water hydrant they used to play near as kids - I remember that, no need in telling me again and again. Also some of the writing is quite empty at times. Much of the dialogue lacks wit, at least once the main characters grow up.

I don't want to spoil anything just in case people want to see the movie, so I'll end by saying that I found the movie to be quite enjoyable. I'm sure it's a movie that will mean more to me later in life, when I experience and see more things.

9/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on May 19, 2007, 03:56:13 PM

Quote from: Dick Frost on May 19, 2007, 02:05:53 PM

I saw V for Vendetta last night while all my friends were asleep.

Horrible movie. I felt like I was being brainwashed the entire time, and getting taught a crash course on literature and music on the side. FIGHT THE POWER

And that last "stand" by V with the slowmo slicing of their throats was hilarious.

OHHHHH SHHHHIIIII -slice-


zzz

It certainly wasn't Hott Fuzz

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on May 19, 2007, 03:56:58 PM

Hot Fuzz is amazing, you'd be a pretty boring person to consider otherwise.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on May 19, 2007, 04:27:45 PM

Oh no, I concur.  Hott Fuzz is still the best movie I've seen this year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 20, 2007, 01:49:40 AM

Pan's Labyrinth (Del Toro, 2006)

I loved the movie last year when I saw it in the theater; now on DVD, Pan's Labyrinth remains a great film, and I actually enjoyed it more on this second viewing. It is truly a fantasy masterpiece.

Some of our more juvenile members have complained that the fantasy elements were too few, but I strongly disagree. The movie is able to walk a thin line while balancing both elements, which truly compliment each other.

Del Toro has created a wonderfully diverse world - fantasy and reality. Technically the film is quite impressive, but not like Children of Men, for instance. Del Toro still manages to impress, especially in the frightening Pale Man scene, which actually had my heart pumping despite having seen it before.

Overall this is a beautiful film, and I am truly glad that it was rewarded for its excellence with three Academy Awards; going into the Oscars it looked like Dreamgirls was going to sweep up all the costume/makeup/etc awards, but luckily the voters made the right decision. It's a shame this movie wasn't more popular in the US box office.

New rating:9.5/10
Previous rating: 9/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 20, 2007, 08:27:04 AM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 20, 2007, 01:49:40 AM

Pan's Labyrinth (Del Toro, 2006)

I loved the movie last year when I saw it in the theater; now on DVD, Pan's Labyrinth remains a great film, and I actually enjoyed it more on this second viewing. It is truly a fantasy masterpiece.

Some of our more juvenile members have complained that the fantasy elements were too few, but I strongly disagree. The movie is able to walk a thin line while balancing both elements, which truly compliment each other.

Del Toro has created a wonderfully diverse world - fantasy and reality. Technically the film is quite impressive, but not like Children of Men, for instance. Del Toro still manages to impress, especially in the frightening Pale Man scene, which actually had my heart pumping despite having seen it before.

Overall this is a beautiful film, and I am truly glad that it was rewarded for its excellence with three Academy Awards; going into the Oscars it looked like Dreamgirls was going to sweep up all the costume/makeup/etc awards, but luckily the voters made the right decision. It's a shame this movie wasn't more popular in the US box office.

New rating:9.5/10
Previous rating: 9/10

It lost the only one that mattered, Best Foreign Picture. 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 20, 2007, 08:48:02 AM

The Fountain (Aronofsky, 2006) - 9.5/10

Every so often, say once or twice a decade, a film comes along that just doesn't jive with, or play by, the rules that Hollywood has told us they "should" follow. These films often get mediocre-to-bad reviews initially, and fade fast from theatres. Sometimes, years later, people start re-visiting these films, and in very rare cases, they eventually become known as masterpieces; visionary films that were ahead of their time. In the science fiction genre, the two most well known examples of this phenomenon are 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Blade Runner. Darren Aronofsky's latest film, The Fountain, seems like it may be destined to the same fate as those legendary films.

The plot synopsis is simple and well known by now: a man and a woman seek to find the key to immortality, and live together forever. The film jumps from 16th Century Spain to the present to 500 years in the future, and deals heavily with various religious themes, from Mayan to Judeo-Christian beliefs. So, is it a science fiction movie, or a love story, or a time-travel tale, or a film about religion and faith? The answer is none of the above. While Aronofsky's film dabbles in all these fields, it is ultimately a heart-wrenchingly beautiful movie about learning to let your loved ones go after they pass on.

The movie is absolutely stunning in every regard. Hugh Jackman delivers the performance of his career, and his chemistry with Rachel Weisz is what anchors the entire film. Aronosky's script is deceptively simple, yet completely engaging. His direction proves to be more than up to the task, and one can tell that this is the work of a great filmmaker, driven by passion. The costumes, set design, lighting, and especially cinematography are outstanding. The film is incredibly big on visual themes, namely darkness vs. light, and these motifs are pulled off with class and skill. The special effects, and their lack of CGI, are a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

Finally, the film is woven together with Clint Mansell's haunting score. This is easily the most impressive piece of work heard in a motion picture in the past decade. The musical cues are moving, unforgettable, and hit their highs at precisely the right moments. There is a scene at the end of the film that stands out as the most amazing blend of music and visuals witnessed in recent memory. Easily his best work so far, Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain is a towering achievement. Highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 20, 2007, 08:50:06 AM

My film noir thread died because nobody contributed to it besides me.  You like film noir, Solo, why don't you write some reviews for that thread? :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 20, 2007, 09:01:56 AM

Like I said about the westerns, once I get through my current backlog, I will move on to other stuff. I am almost there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: etiolate on May 20, 2007, 09:24:32 AM

I'm watching This is England and so far I'm liking it.  It's like a period piece with a Stand By Me vibe. They get the 80s down pretty good, and not just in easy pop culture reference ways.  I didn't grow up in England, but there seems to be some universal images associated with being low-middle to middle class during that age.  There's one great shot of a tree shadow against the side of an apartment complex, and multiple scenes of rubble and abandoned structures as play things. Plus, it has the consumerism/fitting in rite of passage of the 80s.


Also, The Fountain is my biggest disappointment of recent memory.  I'm not the type that revisits a movie later to realize it was great, I normally get that right away.  Bizarre and unorthodox fit my style, but The Fountain's problem is not that it's unorthodox, but that it's lacking in substance. There are plotlines that never reach their end, there is a timid score by Mansell that is not memorable and a passing, nice relationship between Jackman and Weisz's character.  There is an overdone message of looping, of 'death is only the beginning', of the cycle of life, but there lacks a compelling story that brings you through it. The image on screen is the message and it's far too obvious and blunt.  What the film really lacks is making you feel any of these characters or anything much is real.  Sure' maybe realism is not great for this sort of movie, but even the bizarre Pi felt more realistic. The movie does have gorgeous shots and it is a beautiful looking movie.  It's just not much different than The Cell though.  Vivid imagery, but just an okay movie.  I felt like I got the Diet Coke version of this movie, that there is a meatier, deeper version that got circumsized along the way.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 20, 2007, 09:46:28 AM

The Cell? Honestly. You may have not liked the movie, but that is just ridiculous. I think The Fountain is the type of movie that you'll find as much or as little as you want to.

Also, what plotlines dont end?

And finally, I must say anything negative I hear about Mansell's work I consider categorically false. I know a ton of people who hate the movie but still think the Mansell + Kronos + Mogwai score is pure sex.

And Pi is something I would never watch again.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: etiolate on May 20, 2007, 09:55:29 AM

Yes, The Cell.  Is there really much there to grasp onto besides the visuals? You have this love story going on, but the best scenes aren't with either of the love birds, but with the Inquisitor whipping himself or preaching to naked bodies strung up to die. That was great, but the Inquisitor and the plotline he belongs to disappears. 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 20, 2007, 10:05:13 AM

The whole movie was about Tommy finally excepting death, which in turn finally allows him to reach enlightenment, and live forever. The Inquisator served no purpose save to drive the plot forward of the Queen wanting the Tree of Life. They way I saw the film, none of the stuff in the past really happened anyways - that was all the stuff that Izzy had written in her book. The "real" stuff is the present scenes, and the future represents Tommy's writings (after being told by a dying Izzy to "finish it"), in which he finally accepts his wife's death, and his own mortality. Thats why he can never find his wedding ring I think - because like a tree of life, one who doesnt age wouldnt have any rings. In the "past", and all throughout the present, Tommy refuses to except death, and is trying to fight it. In the future, he embraces it. And like the stuff Izzy was talking about with respect to dying stars, he burns out only to be re-lit.

Hell, I could talk for hours here - which I why I think you are selling the movie short by saying theres no substance. Id say its a damn meaty film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: etiolate on May 20, 2007, 10:13:33 AM

I got the death bit, but:

Quote

The whole movie was about Tommy finally excepting death, which in turn finally allows him to reach enlightenment, and live forever

I don't care about that new age stuff and the movie doesn't make me care about it. The fact that the Inquisitor is more interesting than the main character is partly the reason why.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 20, 2007, 10:20:45 AM

I found the main character plently interesting, mostly because of Jackman's work. But hey, I understand your criticisms. And if the movie fails for you on that level, then I can understand why it did on most levels too, since its hard to attach to a character you have no interest in.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on May 20, 2007, 08:21:59 PM

Quote from: Solo on May 20, 2007, 09:01:56 AM

Like I said about the westerns, once I get through my current backlog, I will move on to other stuff. I am almost there.

Since I'm missing out on current movies due to expensive theater prices around here, most of my movie watching is confined to seeing stuff in my DVD backlog.  I've been watching some westerns with Yul Brynner lately.  How did this guy become a Western movie star?  He has a noticeable European accent, is completely bald and weird-looking, and isn't particularly convincing in any of his cowboy roles.  Stuff like The Magnificent Seven succeeds due to guys like Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, and Robert Vaughn.  Then there are guys like Horst Buchholz and Yul Brynner and it's like they came in from a whole other movie.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 09:38:26 AM

Pan's Labyrinth (Del Toro, 2006) - 8/10

Visually arresting and wonderfully acted, Pan's Labyrinth is an amazing little film. Be forewarned however, as the movie has been woefully mis-marketed. Do not expect a full blown fantasy adventure, with dashes of real-world drama. Expect quite the opposite, really. The labyrinth and its odd inhabitants appear for less than a third of the film. Fortunately, none of this really matters, as there is a lot of fantasy in the film's reality, and it succeeds in engaging on several levels. The beauty of the movie, and the passion that went into making it are quite visible, and this highly-acclaimed film is an evokative and enriching experience.

The basic plot involves Ofelia, a young girl whose mother is with child, moving to live with her new "father", a fascist military leader named Captain Vidal, in Spain near the end of World War II. Revolution is on the way, with rebels surrounding the homestead, and daily life is filled with acts of cruelty and brutality. The bleak reality surrounding her leads Ofelia to seek comfort in a fantasy world, which she discovers when she meets a strange faun one night in a labyrinth on Vidal's grounds. The faun tells her that she is really a princess of the underworld, and sets her off on several tasks to prove her worth.

Del Toro does a masterful job of blending the two narratives of the film (which are really two sides of the same coin), that of life in fascist Spain under a ruthless military leader, and the fantastical world of the faun's labyrinth. Certain events occurring in reality, usual led by the ruthless Captain Vidal, are mirrored by the quests young Ofelia must undertake (it is also interesting to note that Ofelia's success is often matched by complete failure by the adults). The movie deals with a variety of topics and themes, but in the end, it can most easily be read as a morality tale about obedience. More precisely, it is a film about disobedience, or at the very least, questioning the things one is told to do. Choices, and how it the ones we make define us, also is a large theme tackled in the movie.

Del Toro asks us to ponder which is the better path: obedience without question, even though the power we serve may be misguided (or even flat-out wrong), or justifiable disobedience? We see throughout the film that Vidal expects obedience without question, and when he doesn't get it, he lashes out with incredible rage and violence. Ofelia on the other hand personafies righteous disobedience. She refuses to do certain things she is told to do, based on moral conflicts. She ultimately refuses to sacrifice another life for the sake of her own, and in doing so, proves her worth, and passes the faun's final test. It is this lack of flexiblilty and humanity that eventually leads to Vidal's downfall, while Ofelia's strength sets her free. One gets the feeling that Vidal is somewhat of a tragic figure, who could have become a completely different man, had he questioned his actions and made certain choices along the way, much like the young Ofelia did.

The acting in the movie is phenomenal and is what really makes it work. The actors portraying Ofelia, Vidal, and Mercedes (a supporting character with an interesting story arc of her own) are all stand-outs. The entire visual package is inspired, from the Oscar-winning cinematography to the sets to the make-up. The score is excellent, if slightly repetitive and lacking in scope. Finally, Del Toro really comes into his own as a director on this film, and I really enjoyed a lot of the stylistic and editing choices he made on the movie (and the Pale Man sequence itself is worth the price of admission). Easily the most accomplished work of his young career.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 09:43:03 AM

...except revolution is NOT on the way.  The Spanish Civil War ended four years ago (in the film's timeline), and the Franquistas are concentrating their power.  The action of the rebels in the film are the last gasps of dissent, which will be successfully quelled for the next forty years.

Any reading of the film needs to take it in historical context, but I think most Americans don't know enough about the situation in Spain during WWII to do that.  FlameofCallandor pretty much proved it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 09:44:30 AM

Bah. Bad choice of words. I dont mean Revolution, as in like the Spanish Revolution or some junk, I meant revolution, as in change. And yes, I am woefully ignorant on Spanish history, and would never say otherwise.

I disagree about needing to throw historical context in there. Do the hundreds of critics who jerked off to PL know the history? I doubt it. The film stands on its own. Thats not to say that you wont get more out of it if you do understand the history, but the film stands on its own.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 09:46:53 AM

I think it's wrong to imply that change is coming...and I don't think the movie means to imply that the time of fascism is ending.  At the time the movie is taking place, the civil war has just ended.  Spain has pretty much stayed out of World War II (so they won't benefit from the reconstruction that will happen in the wake of the Allies' victory in the coming year), and things are about to stay really shitty for a long, long time.  As far as the time period depicted in the film is concerned, the face of Vidal IS the face of the future.

I think the movie requires knowledge of historical context just as much as, say, Once Upon a Time in the West, which deals with western expansionism.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on May 24, 2007, 09:58:28 AM

Here are some quickie reviews for you guys... not too much, but I will defend myself if I have to

Hot Fuzz: 8.5/10
Pan's Labyrinth 9/10

I have yet to see the Fountain and Babel, but I hope to knock those out this summer. My massive game/movie backlog is about to be cleared out, beginning with Super Paper Mario and Pokemon (for games) and Once Upon A Time In The West, Seven Samurai, and the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 10:02:43 AM

I think that, to say that "the history in Pan's Labyrinth doesn't really matter in the context of the story" is to completely miss the point of the movie.  If Del Toro had changed the bad guys to Nazis and moved the setting to Germany, this would be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MOVIE.  It's not just about the story, it's about the time and place the story takes place in.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 10:03:09 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 09:46:53 AM

I think it's wrong to imply that change is coming...and I don't think the movie means to imply that the time of fascism is ending.  At the time the movie is taking place, the civil war has just ended.  Spain has pretty much stayed out of World War II (so they won't benefit from the reconstruction that will happen in the wake of the Allies' victory in the coming year), and things are about to stay really shitty for a long, long time.  As far as the time period depicted in the film is concerned, the face of Vidal IS the face of the future.

I think the movie requires knowledge of historical context just as much as, say, Once Upon a Time in the West, which deals with western expansionism.

Perhaps. I guess knowing about the context of OUATITW puts me on the other side of the fence with that movie. Fair points though. I guess what I am ultimately saying is that lacking that knowledge, I still enjoyed the heck out of PL, and I would presumably only respect it more if I were educated on Spain's history.

Quote

I think that, to say that "the history in Pan's Labyrinth doesn't really matter in the context of the story" is to completely miss the point of the movie.

This is a rather shrewd re-wording of what I said, changing its meaning totally. This is not what I said.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 10:06:44 AM

You're saying "the film stands on its own" meaning divorced from the time period the movie is set in.  I think this is a very silly way of looking at it - don't you think Del Toro specifically chose that time and that place to set his movie in for a reason?  And don't you think that ignoring that is doing a HUGE disservice to the movie, the themes it's trying to get across, and most of all to the director's intentions?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 10:18:33 AM

Im not divorcing it from anything. Im saying as a viewer with a rudimentary knowledge of the history at best, it didnt detract from my viewing. I knew enough - fascist control, tumultuous times, etc. Much like someone who knows very little about WWII can still get lots from Schlinder's List. If they know what the holocaust is, then do they really need to know everything from the beer hall putsch to Nuremberg? No. Will it enhance their viewing? Perhaps, but its not required.

As for the themes, I felt they were pretty much in your face, regardless if you knew nothing or everything about the topic. They were pretty universal themes, not unique to one struggle in one place at one time.

Id love to know some more about the history, but honestly, where is the time to meticulously research each and every movie you watch?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 10:24:19 AM

...dude, a cursory look at the wikipedia entry on the Spanish Civil War would have sufficed.  You're comparing basic knowledge of a huge conflict like that to "the beer hall putsch"?  There is a HUGE difference between these two things.  Have you seen Bertolucci's The Conformist?  Would you say a movie like that could be (or rather, SHOULD be) watched and understood without a knowledge of the historical background the characters inhabit?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on May 24, 2007, 10:28:16 AM

I knew about the history, and it helped a tad with my comprehension of the film.

After I explained the history to my friends, it helped with their comprehension of the film as well.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 10:38:40 AM

Ichirou, you win this round. Many days I am up for a long debate, but today isnt one of them. But I will wiki the civil war just for you.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 10:40:30 AM

I think we're arguing different philosophies as to movie viewing more than debating something that can be "won" or not.  I think you're arguing that movies, as art, should be able to be enjoyed either separately or within some sort of historical or cultural context, whereas I'm arguing that films are endemically creations of the time and place they were made or which they reference.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 10:50:55 AM

Bipolar as it seems, I find myself agreeing with both ideas. More precisely, I find that depending on the film in question, either can apply. I will concede that I probably arent getting the full thrust of PL, being ingorant on the context and time period referenced. But then look at something like Master And Commander. I know next to nothing of naval warfare, and havent read the books it was based on, yet I cant conceive getting anything more out of the film (which I loved, BTW), if I knew the history or had read the books. Probably not the best example, but it was the first movie I thought of. I guess what Im saying is that I agree with you on a lot of films, but stand by my stance on other, lighter, less significant fare. Like duh, obviously something like Bicycle Thieves is representive of the film movement and the conditions going on in Italy during the 40's, but then something like Caddyshack I dont feel is representive of, or attached to/a product of anything.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on May 24, 2007, 10:54:41 AM

I dunno, man, I think someone could probably argue convincingly for Caddyshack as a cultural product of the eighties that could not be replicated at any other moment in time. I'm not brave or smart enough to attempt it, though. :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 24, 2007, 10:57:44 AM

If you REALLY want to put the effort into it, then yes, I guess you COULD do that for every film.  :lol

I need to watch Caddyshack again soon.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 25, 2007, 03:07:35 AM

I'm watching The Fountain right now; had to stop it for a bathroom break. This movie is amazing

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on May 25, 2007, 03:15:01 AM

I should check it out on Stage6. I wish I had seen it in theaters. :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 25, 2007, 04:23:13 AM

The Fountain (Aronofsky, 2006)

I will forever remember 2006 as the year that introduced me to a variety of films which greatly impressed me. From The Departed to Children of Men, that year was filled with movies that entertained me and made me think. After viewing The Fountain it is clear that I have to add another film to this great list of 2006 films.

There isn't much I can say that Solo hasn't already. But first, The Fountain is not what you think it is. It is not a tale of space travel, or of religion. It is all of these things, but none of them at the same time. At its heart the movie is a tale of love and death. Hugh Jackman plays a doctor trying to cure his ailing wife from the oldest "disease" in human history: death. This journey mimics that of the main character in a book she is writing, and throughout the movie these two stories interweave. While sometimes it may seem confusing, the themes between both stories stay the same.

The movie dwells on issues of life and death, and the connection between these opposite forces. The religious theme of "life through death" is throughly explored, for it is through this realization that we truly find the meaning of life. Death is not the end, and this truth is not discovered in the lab or hospital - it is a realization of self we must all face one day, within ourselves. These Gnostic themes becomes the key to understanding the film's depth.

As Solo said earlier, Jackman's performance is quite impressive. By the end of the movie his acting range and depth are put on display in grand fashion; much of the movie focuses on him, and he proves himself more than capible of holding it together. Rachel Weisz also provides an emotional anchor for the movie, and her chemistry with Jackman helps to make everything work. Meanwhile I found the actual directing to be well done. This is the first Aronofsky film I have ever seen, and I feel he did a good job at keeping things focused and coherant; it would be quite easy to get lost in movie of this magnitude, but by the end  you should be left with a feeling of understanding and satisfaction.

Overall I thought this was a great, great film. As I said earlier, this is not a mere space travel movie, if one at all. This fact has left some upset, but I would contend that something as fictitious as time travel would only serve to cheapen the reality the movie depicts.

9.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 26, 2007, 07:58:18 AM

2 quickies from yesterday's 2005 double bill. Not really reviews (since everyone has seen them many times by now), but random thoughts.


Sin City (Rodriguez/Miller/Tarantino, 2005) - 9/10

Still one of my favorites from 2005. Love the visual style of the whole thing, the cheesey dialogue and over-the-top acting, and how unrelentengly violent and bleak it is. Oh, and Jessica Alba's body. Worst part of the movie is Michael Madsen's acting and "That Yellow Bastard". Best part of the movie is Mickey Rourke and "The Hard Goodbye". Clive Owen also rocks out in "The Big Fat Kill". Loud, stylish, dumb, and awesome. This is precisely how I like my braindead popcorn flicks to be - mostly mindless, but never insulting me with appealing to the lowest common denominator. Can't believe it's gonna end up taking 4 years to get a sequel, especially from Mr. "I shoot my movies in a week!" Rodriguez.


Batman Begins (Nolan, 2005) - 8.5/10

Another of my favorites from 2005, and the first Batman movie I've really loved. The first 40 minutes is easily the best in the entire film, before Batman even becomes part of the equation. It's perfectly paced, and I love how if you didn't know any better, you wouldn't think it was a Batman movie. The movie falls apart somewhat once it gets into action movie mode, but it's still pretty great. Love the look of this movie; Wally Pfister's Oscar nom for cinematography was well earned. The score also totally rocks, and despite lacking a main theme, is better than any of the other Batman movies'. The best things the movie has going for it is a stellar cast, and a director who has respect for the material, and understands the character. Still lots of flaws, but the good outweighs the bad, and I can't wait to see what Nolan does in the sequel, now that telling the origin story is taken care of.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 26, 2007, 12:52:01 PM

Good to see someone else willing to give BB a score lower than 9. It's a great comic movie, but it's an 8.5 imo. The camera work during some of the fight scenes is quite bad shaky, and I actually found the beginning of the movie (in the prison) to be bad

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 26, 2007, 06:50:24 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 26, 2007, 12:52:01 PM

The camera work during some of the fight scenes is quite bad shaky, and I actually found the beginning of the movie (in the prison) to be bad

The first half was by far the strongest half of the film. :punch

The worst (and it's hard to call something in BB the worst) was the final act in which Nolan felt compelled to have some AWESOME ACTIONZ to please the mainstream, it overall felt forced.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Flannel Boy on May 26, 2007, 06:51:56 PM

You have to have action in a comic book movie. I DON'T MAKE THE RULES.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 26, 2007, 06:58:23 PM

Quote from: Malek: King of Kings on May 26, 2007, 06:51:56 PM

You have to have action in a comic book movie. I DON'T MAKE THE RULES.

Who does?

And I realize that. But it felt forced it could have been done better. It was serious drama, serious drama, serious drama, and then suddenly BIG ACTION FUN.

The film is still the greatest super hero film ever made, but still.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on May 26, 2007, 07:08:17 PM

actually, the greatest superhero movie ever made is s-m2

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 26, 2007, 07:08:37 PM

Quote from: bud on May 26, 2007, 07:08:17 PM

actually, the greatest superhero movie is s-m2

I love both, let me be

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on May 26, 2007, 07:13:44 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 26, 2007, 12:52:01 PM

Good to see someone else willing to give BB a score lower than 9. It's a great comic movie, but it's an 8.5 imo. The camera work during some of the fight scenes is quite bad shaky, and I actually found the beginning of the movie (in the prison) to be bad

agreed, it was awful.

if nolan gets rid of the shaky cam (or atleast makes it work) then tdk could quite possible be the greatest superhero movie ever made.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on May 26, 2007, 07:22:14 PM

"The Big Fat Kill" was distinguished mentally-challenged and uncomfortable. However, you're right about "The Hard Goodbye" -- it was far and away the best part of Sin City.

And the shaky cam fighting worked great for Nolan's vision of Batman -- Batman isn't supposed to be some wire-fu shadowboxing schlep. He's a predator, and when he strikes, it's over in a noisy, brutal flurry.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on May 26, 2007, 07:24:14 PM

it was almost impossible to follow what was going on in the scenes. shaky cam is great if used correctly though (bourne movies)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on May 26, 2007, 07:26:30 PM

why do you need to see what was going on in those scenes? like i said, the impression is suppose to be that of a predator thrashing his prey, not a chance for you to go OOH LOOK AT THAT UPPERCUT and OMG DID YOU SEE THAT SPINNING SIDE KICK INTO ELBOW STRIKE COMBINATION FINISHER

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: etiolate on May 26, 2007, 09:40:52 PM

It didn't feel violent or sudden or vicious, because you couldn't see what was going on.  It be like a violent execution off-camera without being able to see the killer and there no splash of blood.  It just didn't work.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 26, 2007, 10:17:45 PM

Just got back from POTC3 :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 26, 2007, 10:40:45 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 26, 2007, 10:17:45 PM

Just got back from POTC3 :-\

:)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 26, 2007, 10:59:41 PM

Cheebs you made the right decision not seeing this twice.

Overall this movie was extremely lackluster, repetitive, and a sad way to end such a promising trilogy.

Nearly everything about the movie felt wrong. This started with the beginning of the entire Singapore scene, which served as a blueprint for the rest of the movie. Bloated, unnecessary, and quite anti climatic. These action scenes were then repeated over and over again through the rest of the movie as ship after ship saw some stupid battle, then some story is thrown in, then oh snaps another battle on another ship.

The second movie ended on quite an interesting note, and the prospect of them saving Jack was indeed worth anticipation. But this anticipation was quickly dashed. Jack goes to the end of the earth...

spoilers

spoiler (click to show/hide)

...and they find him after going through basically nothing? Some cold weather? An utterly horrible "rock the boat" gag? What the **** is this. I would imagine that the end of the world would be guarded by a dragon, or anything cool. Instead we get a water cliff and that's it. Anti-climatic

Speaking of anti-climatic, Jack's first appearance was stupid. After the boring beginning I couldn't wait for him to show up, but when he did the feeling of being let down continued. The multiple personality bit was poorly done, to say the least. It wasn't funny at all. Jack's madness was backed up by the weird music that played whenever he had a fit, but I saw this as a wasted opportunity. Why not pull out some imaginative, crazy camera shots to present this madness? I'm not saying go all out Terry Gilliam style, but DO SOMETHING. Ugh. It would have been much better if Jack's first appearance came as the ship sailed over the sand hill, followed by the signature swooping shot of him posing.

[close]

What follows is a series of backstabbings and new plot revelations, all of which feel as if the writers simply made them up as they went.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

This was best seen with Calypso imo. But I don't even feel like talking about that, or the hilariously bad scene where she turns into the 60 foot woman, and doesn't even sink the ship

[close]

The only saving grace of the movie came towards the end. Perhaps because I couldn't wait to leave, but I digress. The final battle is indeed fun, and the final "twist" is interesting. I certainly didn't see that coming. But even the end wasn't without flaws, and I found the shameless set up for the fourth movie to be once again a tacked on surprise I didn't want.

I wanted to like this movie. It was my most anticipated movie of the summer. To me, POTC2 was much better than POTC1. I'm in the minority there, but it seems like I'm not alone when I say this movie was indeed quite lackluster. Not horrible like a Star Wars prequel, but quite meh indeed. I left unsatisfied, and I doubt I'll be hyped to see POTC4, assuming I do see it.

6/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Mupepe on May 26, 2007, 11:51:26 PM

dude, PD, that bad?

fuck.  fuck.  for reference, what did you give 1 and 2?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Flannel Boy on May 26, 2007, 11:56:41 PM

Anihawk: So you're saying PotC 3 is about as goood as Unforgiven.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on May 27, 2007, 12:58:20 AM

I saw Catch Me If You Can tonight at a friends.

Good flick.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 27, 2007, 01:14:32 AM

it sucked cock.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on May 27, 2007, 01:19:10 AM

A compelling argument from a compelling man.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on May 27, 2007, 01:24:17 AM

it's pretty compelling if I do say so myself.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on May 27, 2007, 03:12:30 AM

Welp, POTC3 sucked. Didn't see that one coming... :-\

The best joke was at the very end of the movie, too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 27, 2007, 03:21:07 AM

Quote from: Rob Thomas on May 26, 2007, 11:51:26 PM

dude, PD, that bad?

fuck.  fuck.  for reference, what did you give 1 and 2?

POTC1: 8
POTC2: strong 8.5
POTC3: 6.5 (I'll up it a bit for the ending)

For shits and giggles - Spiderman 3: 8.5

That's how bad it is. VERY disappointing. What I found most disappointing was that overall, the movie is not funny. Sure the two pirates (the one eyed one and the bald guy) are funny in most of their scenes, but overall the writers drop the ball on nearly all the gags. Some are downright distinguished mentally-challenged.

I honestly didn't care about Will or his woman this time. Jack couldn't save the movie because even his scenes were rather meh, outside of a few awesome ones. Hell, even Mic Jagger wasn't that impressive to me

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on May 27, 2007, 03:22:09 AM

MIC JAGGER?!?!?!? :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: G The Resurrected on May 27, 2007, 03:24:00 AM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 27, 2007, 03:21:07 AM

Hell, even Mic Jagger wasn't that impressive to me

what the fuck man his name is Keith Richards you fuck

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on May 27, 2007, 03:24:43 AM

And he spelt "Mick" wrong too. :lol sdajdsjfaskjdfas :rofl :rofl :rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 27, 2007, 03:39:58 AM

FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK :lol :lol :lol

I'm going to bed fuck you guys! :rofl

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 27, 2007, 08:33:45 AM

Quote from: Professor Prole on May 26, 2007, 07:22:14 PM

"The Big Fat Kill" was distinguished mentally-challenged and uncomfortable.

Oh, I agree. I didnt say I liked that segment, just that I loved Clive Owen in that segment. But then, I love Clive in pretty much everything. He made Closer watchable.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on May 27, 2007, 08:35:04 AM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 26, 2007, 10:59:41 PM

What follows is a series of backstabbings and new plot revelations, all of which feel as if the writers simply made them up as they went.

They did.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 27, 2007, 11:49:18 AM

Quote from: Solo on May 27, 2007, 08:35:04 AM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 26, 2007, 10:59:41 PM

What follows is a series of backstabbings and new plot revelations, all of which feel as if the writers simply made them up as they went.

They did.

I figured as much. Especially the Calypso thing

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 27, 2007, 11:59:18 AM

If I wrote the movie I would get rid of half of that switching sides shit, giant lady...etc nonsense. And get rid of everything to do with the asian guys.

Instead have Barbossa, Will, & Elizabeth go to Jack's DAD at the start telling him what happened and asking for a ship from HIM to go get Jack. But he'd go along to save his son (with a more exciting rescue) and most of the focus would be on Depp and Richards playing off one another throughout the film. In the final act Davey Jones instead of killing Will would kill Keith Richard's sending Sparrow off the deep end and giving him some real reason to want to kill Davey Jones other than *maybe* *considering* taking his heart which was his cheesey motivation in this movie.

But that's me.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Junpei the Tracer! on May 27, 2007, 06:01:10 PM

Um well I just seen Star Wars(EP4) and it was pretty good.My only problem was the way Obi-Wan died....it looked REALLY odd but the special effects for a movie that was made in 77 are quite spectacular.Thankfully episodes 5 & 6 are coming on in a week or two.

Luke likes Leia.LOL UNKNOWN INCEST.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 27, 2007, 06:17:11 PM

Quote from: Junpei the Tracer! on May 27, 2007, 06:01:10 PM

Um well I just seen Star Wars(EP4) and it was pretty good.My only problem was the way Obi-Wan died....it looked REALLY odd but the special effects for a movie that was made in 77 are quite spectacular.Thankfully episodes 5 & 6 are coming on in a week or two.

Luke likes Leia.LOL UNKNOWN INCEST.

it looked odd because he didn't die in a normal way. Wait for the next movie, you'll see him. Jedi who become ghosts have their body dissapear.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on May 28, 2007, 08:03:06 AM

A Simple Plan (Raimi, 1998) - 8/10

Great little character study about greed, desperation, and paranoia. Very similar in structure and tone to The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (though not as good). I love how its a story about a man who already has everything important, but ends up losing everything due to his greed. Billy Bob Thornton steals the show with his performance, I liked Danny Elfman's score, and I really felt that Raimi did an excellent job progressively building up the suspense and the feeling of the walls closing in. I would actually say this is Raimi's best directed movie. Definately worth a watch.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 28, 2007, 01:11:00 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on May 27, 2007, 11:59:18 AM

If I wrote the movie I would get rid of half of that switching sides shit, giant lady...etc nonsense. And get rid of everything to do with the asian guys.

Instead have Barbossa, Will, & Elizabeth go to Jack's DAD at the start telling him what happened and asking for a ship from HIM to go get Jack. But he'd go along to save his son (with a more exciting rescue) and most of the focus would be on Depp and Richards playing off one another throughout the film. In the final act Davey Jones instead of killing Will would kill Keith Richard's sending Sparrow off the deep end and giving him some real reason to want to kill Davey Jones other than *maybe* *considering* taking his heart which was his cheesey motivation in this movie.

But that's me.

Cliche but much better than the actual "plot". I've never seen a movie series with such a stupid villian with no backstory. He should have had a better "second in command" guy than that assassin.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 28, 2007, 01:36:56 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 28, 2007, 01:11:00 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on May 27, 2007, 11:59:18 AM

If I wrote the movie I would get rid of half of that switching sides shit, giant lady...etc nonsense. And get rid of everything to do with the asian guys.

Instead have Barbossa, Will, & Elizabeth go to Jack's DAD at the start telling him what happened and asking for a ship from HIM to go get Jack. But he'd go along to save his son (with a more exciting rescue) and most of the focus would be on Depp and Richards playing off one another throughout the film. In the final act Davey Jones instead of killing Will would kill Keith Richard's sending Sparrow off the deep end and giving him some real reason to want to kill Davey Jones other than *maybe* *considering* taking his heart which was his cheesey motivation in this movie.

But that's me.

Cliche but much better than the actual "plot". I've never seen a movie series with such a stupid villian with no backstory. He should have had a better "second in command" guy than that assassin.

Yes it is cliche but pirates is at it's core, a family movie. Keith Richards is a father figure to Johnny Depp in real life and they have been very close for many many years. They could play off eachother so well if given the room to do so and given richards more than one line due to their real life relaitonship.

It is indeed cliche but it would have been 100x more enjoyable than pirates 3.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on May 28, 2007, 01:38:55 PM

Maybe a thousand times more enjoyable even!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on May 29, 2007, 03:50:15 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 25, 2007, 04:23:13 AM

The Fountain (Aronofsky, 2006)

I will forever remember 2006 as the year that introduced me to a variety of films which greatly impressed me. From The Departed to Children of Men, that year was filled with movies that entertained me and made me think. After viewing The Fountain it is clear that I have to add another film to this great list of 2006 films.

There isn't much I can say that Solo hasn't already. But first, The Fountain is not what you think it is. It is not a tale of space travel, or of religion. It is all of these things, but none of them at the same time. At its heart the movie is a tale of love and death. Hugh Jackman plays a doctor trying to cure his ailing wife from the oldest "disease" in human history: death. This journey mimics that of the main character in a book she is writing, and throughout the movie these two stories interweave. While sometimes it may seem confusing, the themes between both stories stay the same.

The movie dwells on issues of life and death, and the connection between these opposite forces. The religious theme of "life through death" is throughly explored, for it is through this realization that we truly find the meaning of life. Death is not the end, and this truth is not discovered in the lab or hospital - it is a realization of self we must all face one day, within ourselves. These Gnostic themes becomes the key to understanding the film's depth.

As Solo said earlier, Jackman's performance is quite impressive. By the end of the movie his acting range and depth are put on display in grand fashion; much of the movie focuses on him, and he proves himself more than capible of holding it together. Rachel Weisz also provides an emotional anchor for the movie, and her chemistry with Jackman helps to make everything work. Meanwhile I found the actual directing to be well done. This is the first Aronofsky film I have ever seen, and I feel he did a good job at keeping things focused and coherant; it would be quite easy to get lost in movie of this magnitude, but by the end  you should be left with a feeling of understanding and satisfaction.

Overall I thought this was a great, great film. As I said earlier, this is not a mere space travel movie, if one at all. This fact has left some upset, but I would contend that something as fictitious as time travel would only serve to cheapen the reality the movie depicts.

9.5/10

God DAMN you suck at movies

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on May 29, 2007, 04:50:46 PM

Please. I dare you to criticize that review. It hits the nail right on the head, and isn't much different than Solo's, who also seemed to "get" the movie far more than you.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Stocky on May 29, 2007, 04:54:00 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on May 29, 2007, 04:50:46 PM

Please. I dare you to criticize that review. It hits the nail right on the head, and isn't much different than Solo's, who also seemed to "get" the movie far more than you.

Your name is Michelle The Fibber. End.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 09:49:45 PM

Mulholland Drive (Lynch, 2001)

Today I had the pleasure of losing my David Lynch film virginity. It was a wonderful cherry popper too. I have always wished to watch a film of his, and Mulholland Drive has been on my list for ages. I popped the dvd with no expectations, no knowledge regarding the film other than it weirds people out, and other than connecting the street of the same name, I had previously no knowledge whatsoever regarding the movie's story. I felt as if I was a Cheshire cat pumpkin coming out of the picture. It makes me beam with admiration that someone could come up with such a beautiful story, but it depresses me so much and makes me raw with emotion; cut from emotional twists and knifings done to my other wise hard exterior, but still with a smile on my face.

I was not always so keen on the acting. Up until the last half of the movie, the acting felt quite forced in my opinion. I'm not exactly sure what it was - either the dialogue or the way the actors played their parts gave me this feeling, or whether it was all done on purpose to give a dream like quality - but it all turns out okay. The real meat of the film is how Lynch uses the movie to manipulate the viewers and requires the watcher to play an active role in putting the film in the right order. I am not sure if this is the right comparison, but it's like a Tarantino movie (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill vol 1 and 2) with a new found emphasis on subtlety, symbolism, and thematic situations that help create a much richer, deeper film than anything Tarantino can ever muster.

To divulge in the plot would only spoil it for someone else, but Mulholland Drive is a treat. It, like 2001: A Space Odyssey does not treat the viewer like a simpleton; it does not insult your intelligence, in fact, it requires it. However, the movie never comes off as pretentious or full of itself like many stories that try to come off as deep and pass off subtlety as story depth (Xenosaga games being the top ones). I really enjoyed this movie and it was like none other. A masterpiece in the thriller genre that may have even topped Jacob's Ladder. I am usually not one to use hyperbole when it comes to film, but this may be in my top 20 already. I sent the dvd in the mail right when I finished it just so I can get movies asap from netflix. I plan on buying the dvd as soon as possible.

9.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 30, 2007, 10:09:11 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 30, 2007, 09:49:45 PM

Mulholland Drive (Lynch, 2001)

Today I had the pleasure of losing my David Lynch film virginity. It was a wonderful cherry popper too. I have always wished to watch a film of his, and Mulholland Drive has been on my list for ages. I popped the dvd with no expectations, no knowledge regarding the film other than it weirds people out, and other than connecting the street of the same name, I had previously no knowledge whatsoever regarding the movie's story. I felt as if I was a Cheshire cat pumpkin coming out of the picture. It makes me beam with admiration that someone could come up with such a beautiful story, but it depresses me so much and makes me raw with emotion; cut from emotional twists and knifings done to my other wise hard exterior, but still with a smile on my face.

I was not always so keen on the acting. Up until the last half of the movie, the acting felt quite forced in my opinion. I'm not exactly sure what it was - either the dialogue or the way the actors played their parts gave me this feeling, or whether it was all done on purpose to give a dream like quality - but it all turns out okay. The real meat of the film is how Lynch uses the movie to manipulate the viewers and requires the watcher to play an active role in putting the film in the right order. I am not sure if this is the right comparison, but it's like a Tarantino movie (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill vol 1 and 2) with a new found emphasis on subtlety, symbolism, and thematic situations that help create a much richer, deeper film than anything Tarantino can ever muster.

To divulge in the plot would only spoil it for someone else, but Mulholland Drive is a treat. It, like 2001: A Space Odyssey does not treat the viewer like a simpleton; it does not insult your intelligence, in fact, it requires it. However, the movie never comes off as pretentious or full of itself like many stories that try to come off as deep and pass off subtlety as story depth (Xenosaga games being the top ones). I really enjoyed this movie and it was like none other. A masterpiece in the thriller genre that may have even topped Jacob's Ladder. I am usually not one to use hyperbole when it comes to film, but this may be in my top 20 already. I sent the dvd in the mail right when I finished it just so I can get movies asap from netflix. I plan on buying the dvd as soon as possible.

9.5/10

that was a quick avatar change.

watch fucking twin peaks now

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 10:09:57 PM

Blue Velvet is on its way along with Blood Diamond. I'll move the other Lynch stuff to the top of my queue. Just make suggestions.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 30, 2007, 10:11:21 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 30, 2007, 10:09:57 PM

Blue Velvet is on its way along with Blood Diamond. I'll move the other Lynch stuff to the top of my queue. Just make suggestions.

twin peaks season 1 and season 2 are his musts. Watch them ASAP.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 10:11:45 PM

How many seasons are there?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 30, 2007, 10:13:05 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 30, 2007, 10:11:45 PM

How many seasons are there?

two seasons he later did a film prequel to it (but not as good as the series)

Both seasons are on dvd, assuming you are renting go with those. A big giant franchise boxset is in the works but if you are renting that doesnt matter.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 10:13:49 PM

But still good?

I'll watch the tv series and then check out the prequel.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on May 30, 2007, 10:15:04 PM

Quote from: Himuro on May 30, 2007, 10:13:49 PM

But still good?

I'll watch the tv series and then check out the prequel.

Yes it is still good, it is worth watching obviously. The TV show should be seen first however.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 10:17:05 PM

Added to the queue.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Himu on May 30, 2007, 10:19:32 PM

Actually, I tried adding season 1 to my queue but it had save all. I clicked it and now it's not on my queue but the save movies section. What's that? Does that mean it's not available and I'm on the reserve list?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: etiolate on June 05, 2007, 05:55:15 AM

I saw Pan's Labrynth and really liked it. I'm not sure what historical context has to do with themes of obedience or the fact that it pulled the "all the real monsters in this movie are human".  The only historical thing I can see is the evacuation of children during the war.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 05, 2007, 09:07:38 AM

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (Verbinski, 2007) - 5/10

One word that has been used a lot to describe At World's End is "convoluted". After finally seeing it, I can say that a more perfect word could not have been chosen. What in the hell was that mess? What was it even about? Amidst the neverending double-crossing and backstabbing, and the addition of a whole host of new, utterly pointless characters, telling a structured and coherent story was cast overboard. There is a certain line in the movie which totally sums up the movie itself, when a soldier asks "Do you think he plans it all out, or just makes it up as he goes?" of Jack Sparrow. Indeed, I was left wondering that same question of Verbinski and Co. myself. It seems as if they sat around a table for a hour or two, came up with as many random ideas as they could (Calypso, pirate brethren, "hey, lets cast Chow Yun Fat and Keith Richards!"), and formed a patchwork screenplay around them. Perhaps if any mention or build-up to these events and appearances had been made in the previous films, things would sit better. The movie, like its predecessors, runs woefully long. As with its prequels, a solid 30-50 minutes could have been chopped, without losing anything. In fact, a much tighter, focused movie could have been arrived at. Alas, there were still a few redeeming factors about the movie. Hans Zimmer delivers another totally over-the-top, bombastic score, which actually suits the material perfectly. The special effects are the best ever seen as of this very moment, and the movie is great eye candy at many points. There are also several rather incredible action scenes, namely the amazing final battle, set in a giant whirlpool. Finally, Keira Knightley looked absolutely smokin'.

Bloated, mediocre finale to an overrated, but decent trilogy.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on June 05, 2007, 10:54:07 AM

blah blah, I wish this was a real newspaper so I could fire you muhahaha

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 05, 2007, 12:30:50 PM

Blah, I wish this were a real newspaper so I could get paid. Sorry if I didnt satisfy your need for deep intellectual criticism of Pirates 3.

Also, did you like Der Untergang? I dont think its up your alley, but I could be wrong.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on June 05, 2007, 12:57:34 PM

I like my reviews to equate directly to the SUX/ROX scale.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on June 05, 2007, 12:58:30 PM

I was just thinking the other day...I would've given Pirates a 5 too.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on June 05, 2007, 01:13:31 PM

I like Verbinski.  Hopefully he's able to move on from here to something that more successfully shows his talents.  The Weatherman suggests that he could fit right in with Spike Jonze given suitable material, and The Ring and PotC1 prove that he's capable of being a more-than-competant director for more pedestrian work... when he isn't dealing with a property that is beyond his control.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on June 05, 2007, 01:29:38 PM

POTC3 SUX

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 05, 2007, 01:42:59 PM

Quote from: Bubblicious Panda on June 05, 2007, 12:57:34 PM

I like my reviews to equate directly to the SUX/ROX scale.

If I have to be so discriminating: POTC3 - SUX

EDIT: I like Verbinski too, and wouldve liked the POTC trilogy hella more if they had churned out all 3 scripts before shooting, and capped them around 2 hours running time MAX for each.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on June 05, 2007, 01:44:59 PM

I will add to the SUX train.

And Robo, I quite enjoyed The Weather Man.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on June 05, 2007, 01:51:40 PM

Here's my problem with the third installment:

- It's way too long.
- It's way too boring for large chunks of time.
- Jack Sparrow is absent or forced off-screen too much (stick him in a jail cell for the third act!).
- The climax lacks any emotional weight whatsoever (Jones/Sparrow duel had no meaning).
- Instead of introducing plot elements in the last one and carrying over to this one with a decent payoff, they use the third one to introduce assload of storylines and cram the exposition in the same film.  Dead Man's Chest really seems irrelevant in retrospect.
- Kiera's laughable Braveheart speech, equating pirates to freedom fighters, when they are - uh - pirates.  Who are thieves and rapists and murderers in this film.  Hell, she almost got raped by a pirate in this film.  But, hey, whatever - FREEEEEDDOOOOMMMMM!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on June 05, 2007, 02:05:40 PM

The Braveheart speech was so sexy.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on June 05, 2007, 02:08:21 PM

WILLCO LIKED SPIDERMAN 3 haha opinion invalid on all other movies

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on June 05, 2007, 02:08:40 PM

SUX OR ROX! FIGHT!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 02:08:49 PM

Quote from: RoboJ on June 05, 2007, 02:05:40 PM

The Braveheart speech was so sexy.

Even the speech fell flat. By that time I just didn't give a fuck. It's sad because usually any type of FREEDOMMM speech in a movie roxx, but here...meh

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on June 05, 2007, 02:09:14 PM

I meant Mel Gibson's.

Keira Knightly :yuck

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 05, 2007, 02:09:54 PM

I dont love any of em, but Im gonna say POTC: 2 > 1 > 3

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on June 05, 2007, 02:40:18 PM

Quote from: Billy Rygar on June 05, 2007, 02:07:48 PM

At least 300 had like a million decapitations to cover its FREEEEEEDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM speech.

Also, and what separates it from Pirates, is that in the context of the movie, the Spartans were fighting for freedom.  Now people can get all up in arms and say Spartans owned slaves, but I think the history books need to be left at the door considering the movie also features lobster executioners and those elephant things from Lord of the Rings.

In Pirates, it makes no sense.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 02:42:36 PM

Don't forget the hunchback!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 02:46:49 PM

I'll see it, but my hopes are in the nether regions.

Only Jason Bourne can save us!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on June 05, 2007, 02:47:38 PM

Borune movies are not blockbusters.  That's like saying Clerks II was a blockbuster.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 02:50:56 PM

The Clerks II analogy is horrible of course, but you're right.

Only Harry can save us!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Quote from: Willco on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

2008. JUST WAIT.

Iron Man :heart
The Dark Knight :heart
Indiana Jones 4 (I know but still will be better than the 2007 offerings)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 02:54:26 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Quote from: Willco on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

2008. JUST WAIT.

Iron Man  :-\
The Dark Knight :heart :heartbeat :heartbeat
Indiana Jones 4 (I know but still will be better than the 2007 offerings) :maf

Fixed

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Flannel Boy on June 05, 2007, 02:55:37 PM

Dirty Harry?

As for the Spartans, they might have been fighting for freedom from Persian invaders, but they were not fighting for freedom in any wider sense. In the movie 300, they are portrayed like democratically inclined Athenians and less like the militaristic authoritarians that they were.   

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 03:01:39 PM

It's based on a fucking comic based on history. Did you see the minotaur playing the god damn flute?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 03:34:03 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 02:54:26 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Quote from: Willco on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

2008. JUST WAIT.

Iron Man  :-\
The Dark Knight :heart :heartbeat :heartbeat
Indiana Jones 4 (I know but still will be better than the 2007 offerings) :maf

Fixed

you are like the only person on the internet who doesnt think Iron Man will be one of the better comic book movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 04:30:40 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 03:34:03 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 02:54:26 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Quote from: Willco on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

2008. JUST WAIT.

Iron Man  :-\
The Dark Knight :heart :heartbeat :heartbeat
Indiana Jones 4 (I know but still will be better than the 2007 offerings) :maf

Fixed

you are like the only person on the internet who doesnt think Iron Man will be one of the better comic book movies.

I smell another Hulk. Lots of hype, lots of good actors. Except this doesn't have a good director.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 05:17:27 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 04:30:40 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 03:34:03 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 02:54:26 PM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Quote from: Willco on June 05, 2007, 02:44:34 PM

If Transformers suck, this could be the worst summer ever.  Help us SpielBay, you're our only hope!

2008. JUST WAIT.

Iron Man  :-\
The Dark Knight :heart :heartbeat :heartbeat
Indiana Jones 4 (I know but still will be better than the 2007 offerings) :maf

Fixed

you are like the only person on the internet who doesnt think Iron Man will be one of the better comic book movies.

I smell another Hulk. Lots of hype, lots of good actors. Except this doesn't have a good director.

except it does. Made was very good. And the best part of Elf was its direction and style.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 05:20:15 PM

Elf? Ah, the Ferrrel abortion? I will never see that movie, nor any Ferrrel motion picture

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on June 05, 2007, 05:24:49 PM

My only worry is that Favreau is going to flub Iron Man's action sequences.  He hasn't done anything to prove that he's capable of handling action well, so I think it's a valid concern.  Otherwise, he's a fine choice.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 05:36:40 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 05:20:15 PM

Elf? Ah, the Ferrrel abortion? I will never see that movie, nor any Ferrrel motion picture

how do you know if it is a abortion then? You bash Kingdom of Heaven with never seeing it as well.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 05:41:34 PM

Let me borrow KOH

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 05:43:25 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 05:41:34 PM

Let me borrow KOH

wait
first watch ANCHORMAN

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 05:44:47 PM

And after that you'll let me borrow it?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 05:45:41 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 05:44:47 PM

And after that you'll let me borrow it?

I need a traditional PD style review to go along with it, and you better watch it for real!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on June 05, 2007, 05:51:14 PM

Did I hear BOURNE

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 05:59:42 PM

WE'LL FIND THE GIRL, BOURNE

NO, SHE'S NEXT TO YOU

*MIND BLOWN*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: TVC15 on June 05, 2007, 06:03:42 PM

PD, if you actually watched Blue Velvet and Wild at Heart, review them.  Or I will just assume you are lying.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on June 05, 2007, 06:47:18 PM

I am lying. But the point is I expect a 9.5 movie. It will be mine tomorrow (blue velvet)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 06:49:32 PM

what the fuck

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: etiolate on June 05, 2007, 08:32:57 PM

POTC1 >POTC3>POTC2

Is the proper order.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on June 05, 2007, 08:37:24 PM

well they're all shit.

I had to put EFFORT into liking them and they're summer movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 23, 2007, 07:51:14 AM

A Fistful Of Dollars (Leone, 1964) - 8.5/10

Eat your heart out, Yojimbo! Sergio Leone crafts a superior remake, redefines the entire western genre, and creates the action hero all with one swift, 100 minute long little slice of cinema. Unlike his work that would follow, Leone isn't trying to say anything here or make any grand commentary - he is simply content to remake Kurosawa's film, set in the west, with a mysterious gunslinger leading the charge. Oh, and he may just have turned a few genre conventions on their heads, and totally revolutionized what a "western" could be along the way. There is no sentimentality to be found here, no clear-cut black and white, no John Wayne riding off into the sunset. The film is raw and brutal, morally grey, and littered with dark humour. Clint Eastwood is the epitome of cool, and deserves a lot of credit for the way the character turned out, by insisting to cut lots of his dialogue out, and using much of his own gear to craft the famous look and style of "The Man With No Name". Leone's style isn't as fully evolved and bombastic as it would eventually become, but it's still instantly recognizable and totally unforgettable, just like this film. Highly recommended!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on June 23, 2007, 07:58:23 AM

You never posted anything in my film noir thread. :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 23, 2007, 08:14:45 AM

Sorry old chap. I am going to watch Dark Passage or Key Largo very soon, so I can post about those in there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on June 23, 2007, 08:36:23 AM

Ever the Bogey & Bacall fan! :)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 23, 2007, 08:42:07 AM

My favorite screen couple ever! I guess them being a real life couple too really helped with that chemistry.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on June 23, 2007, 08:45:46 AM

The thing about Bogey & Bacall is that I don't really like Bacall at all, so the duo doesn't really work for me.  I just think she's a poor actress.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 23, 2007, 08:56:44 AM

I think she worked well in the noir era, as that sort of flat, brassy tone of voice and style was a good fit. In other stuff? Yes, I would agree that shes not a fantastic actress by any means.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on June 23, 2007, 09:32:25 AM

I remember when she was nominated for best actress or best supporting actress for Love Affair, and you could tell from the pre-Oscar interviews that she thought she was going to win it because she was basically Hollywood royalty at that point, one of the old guard.  Then the winner was announced and it was Juliette Binoche, and I could have sworn Bacall was going to drop dead right then and there.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 26, 2007, 09:32:51 AM

For A Few Dollars More (Leone, 1965) - 9/10

This is the film where Sergio Leone's iconic style really took off and became its own entity. With a higher budget and more clout, Leone began to experiment with two things that would become his trademarks: interesting framing (often shots contained tight close-ups and panoramic views at the same time) and long sequences that were mostly exercises in style (and sometimes not relevant to the rest of the film). The film also marks one of the very first great Morricone scores, which is unforgettable, and has been copied a thousand times over since. Where the first film was Clint Eastwood's show, and the third film would become Eli Wallach's coming out party, this second film really belongs to Lee Van Cleef. A career character actor, he had never done a role with as much dialogue, yet he totally knocks the character of Colonel Mortimer out of the park (which subsequently made him somewhat of a movie star in Europe). It is his work, and the great chemistry exhibited between him and Eastwood, as mentor and pupil, that really holds the film together. Finally, the film contains the obvious prototype for the famous duel that would occur in Leone's next film. The one contained here is shorter, yet packs more of an emotional punch. This film serves as a great bridge from Leone's small previous works to his future epics. Highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on June 26, 2007, 09:39:10 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on June 05, 2007, 05:43:25 PM

Quote from: Michelle the Fibber on June 05, 2007, 05:41:34 PM

Let me borrow KOH

wait
first watch ANCHORMAN

anchorman is one of the best dumb comedy movies ever. i love it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 28, 2007, 08:52:31 AM

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Cameron, 1991) - 9/10

From the opening at the biker bar to the steel plant finale, T2 remains perhaps the best foray into the sci-fi/action hybrid genre ever crafted. One thing that really struck me while viewing the film for the first time in a couple of years is just how talented of a man James Cameron is. He obviously wrote the film, his direction is top-notch (I really noticed a brilliance in the way he jumps from scene to scene that I had never picked up on before), and I can't really think of anyone who understands special effects better, both in their technicalities, and in how they should be used. It actually made me a bit sad to watch this movie, knowing that Cameron would go on to eventually piss away a decade at the peak of his career shooting a couple of shipwreck documentaries. Nevertheless, this is the man at his peak. Despite all the effects and sci-fi trappings, the man is more than anything a master storyteller. The film is completely engaging on several different levels, and the plot and themes of this series have always intrigued me, and continue to do so to this day. It is funny to say due to the film's relatively young age, but they really don't make movies like this anymore, which is a damn shame. Highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on June 28, 2007, 09:11:39 AM

james cameron is one of the best sci-fi directors working today and i can't wait for avatar.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 28, 2007, 09:44:58 AM

Cameron is a fantastic director, I can't wait for Avatar either.

The Terminator: 9.5/10
Terminator 2: 9/10
True Lies: 9/10
The Abyss: 9/10

FANTASTIC movies, all of them (I haven't seen titanic in years, no idea what I'd give it now. It is over-rated though)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on June 28, 2007, 09:46:29 AM

i always end up watching titanic whenever it's on tv :-*

it's not an oscar-worthy movie but it was nice

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on June 28, 2007, 09:50:57 AM

Eh, I get why it won the oscar. Making 600 million in USA is something so iconic you can't really ignore it.

Same with Lord of the Rings ROTK, Lost In Translation was far and away the oscar crazy members likely pick that year but due to LOTR's iconic boxoffice and mainstream appeal they could not ignore it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on June 28, 2007, 09:58:03 AM

T2 needs no review.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 28, 2007, 10:03:18 AM

Yet it got one anyways  :P

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on June 28, 2007, 10:05:27 AM

lol, according to roger ebert: dh2>dh3>dh1

when is he going to review dh4? he doesn't seem to review that many movies lately, i guess he's still recovering.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on June 28, 2007, 10:06:41 AM

Quote from: bud on June 28, 2007, 10:05:27 AM

lol, according to roger ebert: dh2>dh3>dh1

when is he going to review dh4? he doesn't seem to review that many movies lately, i guess he's still recovering.

Wow. That's completely backwards. :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on June 28, 2007, 10:11:25 AM

some people on gaf are saying that dh4>dh3 :o

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on June 28, 2007, 10:24:02 AM

I'll catch DH4 next week. Not expecting much, but I'll give it a go.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 01, 2007, 07:53:50 AM

The Hills Have Eyes (Aja, 2006) - 8/10

Still easily my favorite of the horde of horror remakes in the past decade. Enjoyed it just as much yesterday as I did when I first watched it a year ago. Features some great, inventive kills (often involving axes), and several genuinely disturbing scenes (the trailer rape comes to mind). Also has a pretty kickass score (which sounds a little Morricone-inspired at times), and surprisingly great cinematography for a horror movie. I also liked the little backstory on the baddies being nuclear weapon radiation freaks (and the make-up job on most of them is incredible). There isn't much more to say, as the film is pretty superficial, but I will say that it delivers several scenes that inspire you to cheer out loud for the good guys, which is a rare thing to find in modern horror movies. It is short and sweet, doesn't outstay its welcome, and offers a ton of intensity and badass carnage.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 02, 2007, 01:24:45 AM

My latest reviews:

Die Hard 4.0 (Wiseman, 2007): Fucking sucked.

Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End (Verbinski, 2007): Fucking sucked.

What a shitty year for movies so far.  Thank goodness for Spider-Man 3 (not inviting debate, I know a lot of you douches hate it).  I fully expect Transformers to suck ass as well.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 02, 2007, 07:57:47 AM

Ichi has returned!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 02, 2007, 02:22:13 PM

I also enjoyed The Hills Have Eyes remake.  Aja is probably the most talented of the new horror directors.  It also gives off a real Evil Dead vibe.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 02, 2007, 02:26:41 PM

wrong turn is a similar movie and i liked it the first time but hated it the 2nd time i saw it

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 02, 2007, 02:36:13 PM

I don't think it's that similar to Wrong Turn.  Did you ever see Aja's debut flick, High Tension, Solo?  It's pretty good.  I really wish they'd make more stuff like that here.  I know a lot of folks see it as a draw as to whom is the best new genre director - Eli Roth or Zombie or Aja.  But to me, it's not even a contest.  Roth is potential never fulfilled and his ego rivals Tarantino, but his filmography isn't good enough to lick Tarantino's ball sweat.  Zombie is getting better, but his films aren't very enjoyable or original.  Aja has put out two quality genre films back-to-back, one of which I walked in wanting to hate because it was a horror remake.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Bloodwake on July 03, 2007, 01:53:14 AM

The Hills Have Eyes remake actually was really good, I was extremely surprised by how good it was.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on July 03, 2007, 08:30:21 AM

Quote from: Willco on July 02, 2007, 02:22:13 PM

I also enjoyed The Hills Have Eyes remake.  Aja is probably the most talented of the new horror directors.  It also gives off a real Evil Dead vibe.

Indeed. I feel the exact same, especially about Aja being the most talented horror director currently working.

Quote from: Willco on July 02, 2007, 02:36:13 PM

I don't think it's that similar to Wrong Turn.  Did you ever see Aja's debut flick, High Tension, Solo?  It's pretty good.  I really wish they'd make more stuff like that here.  I know a lot of folks see it as a draw as to whom is the best new genre director - Eli Roth or Zombie or Aja.  But to me, it's not even a contest.  Roth is potential never fulfilled and his ego rivals Tarantino, but his filmography isn't good enough to lick Tarantino's ball sweat.  Zombie is getting better, but his films aren't very enjoyable or original.  Aja has put out two quality genre films back-to-back, one of which I walked in wanting to hate because it was a horror remake.

Yeah, I loved Haute Tension too. I liked Hills even more, though. Roth to me is a joke. Zombie I am becoming a fan of, having hated his first film, but loving The Devil's Rejects.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 03, 2007, 08:34:20 AM

Aliens (Cameron, 1986) - 7.5/10

Inferior in virtually every way to Ridley Scott's original sci-fi/horror film, James Cameron's sci-fi/action sequel is still pretty incredible in its own right, and strives for different things. The first film was a suspenseful game of cat and mouse, while this one is a more epic, balls to the wall action movie (and in fact, may actually be the very first example of the big, dumb action movie; it also became apparent during this viewing how much Halo ripped off this movie). James Cameron needs to make more movies. I always love the look his films have, and his direction, both of which are in top form here. He masterfully handles a large cast of characters and does a good job of making use of what must have been a fairly sparse budget, by not showing the aliens any more than he has to. The aliens themselves are classic Stan Winston creations, and look very cool. Sigourney Weaver is great as ever as Ripley, who finally starts kicking ass in this one. Inferior sequel, but a great action movie nonetheless, Aliens is totally worth a watch.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: EvilBoris on July 03, 2007, 08:40:26 AM

 Aliens needs no review.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 03, 2007, 08:51:10 AM

Nor does Cajole Juice need to be re-quoted. Yet, here we stand.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 03, 2007, 08:46:45 PM

Aliens and Alien are about equal, in my estimation.  They're just two completely different types of movies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 09:04:27 AM

Live Free Or Die Hard (Wiseman, 2007) - 5/10

Newsflash to all the fans of this franchise who cried foul over the PG-13 rating: it didn't matter. No amount of F-bombs or violence in an R-rated cut could have saved this wretch of a movie. Theres no point in going over what paper-thin of a plot there is, so let us just get down to it. This is standard action fare, with under-developed villains that you can't even be bothered to hate. There is no masterful Alan Rickman/Hans Gruber to be found here. As mentioned, the plot is stupid and forgettable. The film itself is incredibly sloppily made. There are the much maligned dubs and ADR issues, but there are other problems too. Len Wiseman isn't much of a director, and his action scenes are unspectacular and unengaging to watch. The cinematography is downright amateurish, and it is always bad when you find yourself noting how bad a shot is framed, instead of being locked into the action onscreen. The editing is also pretty terrible, and there were several times in which it appeared they cut out several minutes between scenes. The one saving grace for the movie was Bruce Willis, who still has it. Watching him fire off wisecracks and cackle like a madman throughout the carnage was a joy to watch. His performance alone gets the movie the points I have awarded. In the end, all this pointless sequel achieved was the same thing the other pointless sequels to this franchise achieved, which is to reiterate just how incredible the original film was, and still is.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 04, 2007, 10:35:24 AM

Damn, I would've given it a SIX myself because he beat up a girl.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 10:46:22 AM

Hah, a valid point Mr. Federman  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 04, 2007, 10:49:59 AM

Seriously, though, that part was pretty great.  I wish more action films had male-on-female brutality.  It is definite an awful Die Hard sequel, but I can't say that taken for a Bruce Willis 90s actioneer throwback that it's not fun.  Definitely a movie I walked out of saying, "Meh, it's alright."

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:00:03 AM

Yeah, like I said, Willis is the only thing that kept this afloat. He had my sides hurting a couple of times from laughing. I really liked him as the dude living in 2007 who is stuck in 1987.

Transformers is now the last bastion of hope for a decent action movie this summer. If that doesnt do it, this may be the first summer I can remember without one decent action movie.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 04, 2007, 11:04:31 AM

For reference, what would you score the other Die Hard films?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:07:00 AM

In order: 9.5, 6.5, 8

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:08:16 AM

DH movies seem to require McTiernan and a great actor playing a Gruber brother to work.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 04, 2007, 11:08:45 AM

I wonder if McTiernan and Willis will ever do one more before riding off into the sunset. :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 04, 2007, 11:09:38 AM

they certainly could since mctiernan isn't in jail anymore lawl

his remake of the thomas crown affair was pretty awesome btw, it was the last good movie he did :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:11:30 AM

McTiernan doesnt get anywheres near enough recognition as far as Im concerned. I loved his DH movies and Red October, and really liked Predator and the Thomas Crown remake.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:13:16 AM

Willco: I could actually see it. I mean, McTiernan seems to be clear of his troubles now, and after the PG-13 debacle, Bruce may wanna give er one more go, and McTiernan seems to do the odd numbered ones.

DH5: McTiernan + Willis + a Gruber = cinema gold in 2012. Believe!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 04, 2007, 11:15:25 AM

I'd love to see one more Die Hard and McTiernan should end the series.  Live Free or Die Hard, which has gotten pretty positive critical and audience reception, should prove to FOX brass that there's still some milk left in the golden cow.

Heck, I say bring back Bonnie Bedelia.  Nothing is more humorous than divorced couples.  Watch her be dating some stable, business-minded man that McClane is disgusted with.  And we have McClane's daughter now.  LET'S TERRORIZE THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:22:00 AM

Indeed. I was sad that she wasnt in this one (or Vengeance). Same with Family Matters dude, he should come back. That was the big problem with the last two movies is that they just sort of forgot about the first two movies, and dropped all those great characters.

AND LETS GO BACK TO THE NAKATOMI PLAZA

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 04, 2007, 11:24:55 AM

hell, let's bring smj back too!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:28:24 AM

To Live And Die Hard In LA

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 04, 2007, 08:16:25 PM

Quote from: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:11:30 AM

McTiernan doesnt get anywheres near enough recognition as far as Im concerned. I loved his DH movies and Red October, and really liked Predator and the Thomas Crown remake.

McTiernan is one of the best action directors to come out of the '80s.  It's too bad he often gets saddled with such shit scripts like Rollerball or Rollerblade or whatever the fuck that piece of crap with the kid from American Pie was called.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on July 05, 2007, 07:06:04 AM

I hated Die Hard 4 (over here they call it the whole live free shit which I DO NOT GET).  They made John look like an old ass.  He can't shoot right.  He can't fight right.  And no, not in this movie will you see him even swear right.  The action was half-assed the whole time but the pacing of the story just got worse and worse.  All the story consisted of was long scenes where they're talking about computer bs and then an explosion happens and everybody's shooting each other.  That happens over and over again.

don't wait for dvd.  wait for it to come on tv or maybe download it if you really feel like seeing for yourself if it sucks.  I doubt there's a single person here that can say they would pay $8 to watch it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on July 05, 2007, 08:18:41 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:13:16 AM

Willco: I could actually see it. I mean, McTiernan seems to be clear of his troubles now, and after the PG-13 debacle, Bruce may wanna give er one more go, and McTiernan seems to do the odd numbered ones.

DH5: McTiernan + Willis + a Gruber = cinema gold in 2012. Believe!

First, debacle? Don't act like you are in the majority on this. DH4 got solid reviews and is having suprisingly good word of mouth at the box office.

Also Willis has said he wants to do part 5 after this, and with 4 easily making back it's budget soon, it wll happen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:22:42 AM

And really, would it have killed Bruce to sport a wig and a wife beater?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:25:50 AM

Quote from: Cheebs on July 05, 2007, 08:18:41 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 04, 2007, 11:13:16 AM

Willco: I could actually see it. I mean, McTiernan seems to be clear of his troubles now, and after the PG-13 debacle, Bruce may wanna give er one more go, and McTiernan seems to do the odd numbered ones.

DH5: McTiernan + Willis + a Gruber = cinema gold in 2012. Believe!

First, debacle? Don't act like you are in the majority on this. DH4 got solid reviews and is having suprisingly good word of mouth at the box office.

Also Willis has said he wants to do part 5 after this, and with 4 easily making back it's budget soon, it wll happen.

Did you read my post, Cheebs? I said PG-13 debacle. Not this-is-a-shitty-movie debacle. Although that applies too. As for its box office, it wont get a single day at #1. Hell, when I saw it, less than a week after it opened, it was already in theatre 10 at my multiplex, which is the last theatre and means it will be gone soon.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on July 05, 2007, 08:42:25 AM

it won't be number 1 against ratatouille.  DECENT movie for all ages versus rape willis' most memorable action character.  Don't believe me?  watch it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 05, 2007, 09:58:26 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:22:42 AM

And really, would it have killed Bruce to sport a wig and a wife beater?

i don't really see what the big deal is with a bald john mcclane. willis has gotten older and he looks awesome as a bald mcclane. his hair looked weird in 16 blocks, i dunno if that was a wig or not but i prefer him bald nowadays.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on July 05, 2007, 09:59:44 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:25:50 AM

it was already in theatre 10 at my multiplex, which is the last theatre and means it will be gone soon.

well that may be canada. The movie is BEATING expectations overall here. It is doing better numbers than predicted due to strong WOM and should easily top Die Hard 2 and be the most successful film in the franchise (non-inflated obviously) earning back it's budget and then some with over 120-130 million. As of 4th of July it's made nearly 70 million.

Quote from: bud on July 05, 2007, 09:58:26 AM

i don't really see what the big deal is with a bald john mcclane. willis has gotten older and he looks awesome as a bald mcclane. his hair looked weird in 16 blocks, i dunno if that was a wig or not but i prefer him bald nowadays.

Agreed. I mean it's 2007 now. It is very common and perfectly normal for white guys when going bald to just shave it all off. Plus shaven head Willis looks younger than a Willis with big bald spots overall.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 05, 2007, 10:17:21 AM

Quote from: bud on July 05, 2007, 09:58:26 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:22:42 AM

And really, would it have killed Bruce to sport a wig and a wife beater?

i don't really see what the big deal is with a bald john mcclane. willis has gotten older and he looks awesome as a bald mcclane. his hair looked weird in 16 blocks, i dunno if that was a wig or not but i prefer him bald nowadays.

He looked weird in that movie because he had that awful moustache. Again, the hair/beater combo would go that extra mile in adding some sense of continuity/this actually being a DH movie. As it stands, it sure as hell didnt feel like one.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Cheebs on July 05, 2007, 10:21:53 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 10:17:21 AM

Quote from: bud on July 05, 2007, 09:58:26 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:22:42 AM

And really, would it have killed Bruce to sport a wig and a wife beater?

i don't really see what the big deal is with a bald john mcclane. willis has gotten older and he looks awesome as a bald mcclane. his hair looked weird in 16 blocks, i dunno if that was a wig or not but i prefer him bald nowadays.

He looked weird in that movie because he had that awful moustache. Again, the hair/beater combo would go that extra mile in adding some sense of continuity/this actually being a DH movie. As it stands, it sure as hell didnt feel like one.

But why would he have to keep his hair? Like I said today it is VERY normal for white guys who are going bald to shave it all off.

People don't tend to keep the same hairstyle for 20 years! Willis looks 10x better shaved, if Willis shaved off his balding hair why can't McClane?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 05, 2007, 10:22:10 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 10:17:21 AM

Quote from: bud on July 05, 2007, 09:58:26 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 05, 2007, 08:22:42 AM

And really, would it have killed Bruce to sport a wig and a wife beater?

i don't really see what the big deal is with a bald john mcclane. willis has gotten older and he looks awesome as a bald mcclane. his hair looked weird in 16 blocks, i dunno if that was a wig or not but i prefer him bald nowadays.

He looked weird in that movie because he had that awful moustache. Again, the hair/beater combo would go that extra mile in adding some sense of continuity/this actually being a DH movie. As it stands, it sure as hell didnt feel like one.

i thought the 'stache looked awesome it was just his hairdo that bothered me. it looked so straight compared to his more natural looking hair in the previous dh's

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 05, 2007, 11:27:38 AM

Personally I think he doesnt look overly cool bald. He looks a lot older, actually. He was one of the few people ever who successfully rocked the balding look.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on July 05, 2007, 08:45:02 PM

who gives a shit how he dresses?  the movie was boring.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 05, 2007, 08:45:57 PM

Die Hard 4.0 was a big smelly turd.  Worst movie of the year so far, followed closely by Pirates 3.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 06, 2007, 08:21:04 AM

The Devil's Rejects (Zombie, 2005) - 8.5/10

Still as insane and strangely engaging as ever. I'm not sure why people want to paint this into the corner of the horror genre, as it is clearly much more of a road movie that just so happens to feature a band of homicidal lunatics as our protaganists. I've said it several times before, but I feel it needs to be said again: in recent memory, I can think of no director who has made such a quantum leap in talent between his first and second film as Rob Zombie. Both in the technical arena, and in his writing, Zombie went from someone who I couldn't care less to see direct a movie, to someone I am definitely a fan of, over the course of two movies. What I really love about this movie is that Zombie takes these people, who are essentially the scum of the earth, and the villains of the first movie, and turns everything on its head, and by the end of this second movie, has us rooting for them. Everything climaxes with the brilliant "Free Bird" scene, which is still one my favorite scenes in any movie in the last decade. Highly recommended.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 06, 2007, 03:58:31 PM

I do not like it at all.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 08:00:23 AM

The Terminator (Cameron, 1984) - 8.5/10

While my own personal preference is for the film's sequel, there is no denying that this original film contains all the creativity and innovation. In fact, this being the first I had watched both films in relatively close proximity in years, it really struck me how the second is really nothing more than a glorified remake of the first (but featuring much higher production values, better effects, and more competent direction from Cameron). It is in this first film that Cameron really had to use his brain and stretch the sort of budget any unknown director would have been given back then. This movie is pretty tightly edited and well-paced, saying everything it needs to in a lean 100 minutes. Most of the film seems to have been shot on location, at night, in rundown areas of Los Angeles. This not only would keep the budget down, but it really adds to the sense of a bleak future that Cameron was going for. I've never been able to figure out why Michael Biehn never became a star. His performance really anchors the movie, and balances out a rather simple, somewhat bland Arnie outing. There's not much else really to say about the movie (or its themes, impact, or social commentary) that hasn't been said a million times before. All I will say is that, along with Blade Runner and Brazil, James Cameron's The Terminator is one of the most important science fiction movies of the 1980's.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 12:23:02 PM

I'm sorry, but that film has not aged well at all.  The last twenty minutes of the film are nearly unwatchable with the green screen stop motion effects.  It absolutely destroys all the tension in that film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 12:31:59 PM

That only comes into play in like 3-4 scenes though. For the most part, they wisely choose to just use a practical model close-up (presumably moved by a puppeteer). But I hear ya. Those stop-motion scenes are pretty bad, as are certain scenes of Arnie's face when he is cutting himself open which is obviously a model head. I generally let that slide since it was 1984, and they didnt have much of a budget, Cameron being an unknown and all.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 12:44:03 PM

Three to four scenes?  It undoes the whole climax!  It's really hard to take the threat of an unstoppable killing machine seriously because the effects are so bad and as so, there's no longer any tension or dread.  It's actually kind of boring now.  I understand the time period, but budget is no excuse.  Cameron got too ambitious with his budget and now the film suffers as a result.

The stuff prior to that is pretty great, though.  Due to a poorly aged and pretty boring climax, the film is like a C- for me.  I appreciate its impact, but that doesn't necessarily make it great as a result.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 12:50:44 PM

I haven't watched T1 in its entirety in so long.  :(

Like Solo, I think Michael Biehn is awesome.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: AdmiralViscen on July 07, 2007, 12:51:52 PM

Quote from: Willco on July 07, 2007, 12:23:02 PM

I'm sorry, but that film has not aged well at all.  The last twenty minutes of the film are nearly unwatchable with the green screen stop motion effects.  It absolutely destroys all the tension in that film.

I disagree.

T1 > T2. But it's kind of like Alien vs Aliens, where they're each good for different reasons.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 12:52:44 PM

Biehn is like my favorite 80's action dude, hands down. It made my heart happy to see him in Planet Terror.

EDIT:

For me:

Alien > Aliens
T2 > T1

All 4 are some of my favorite sci-fi movies though.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 12:54:59 PM

I can't wait for Cameron to make me his bitch with Avatar. I am slowly working on morphing the GAF Transformers thread into an Avatar one  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 12:58:49 PM

Yea, that movie is going to be fucking INCREDIBLE.

And Solo, I could've sworn you ALWAYS, ALWAYS say T1 is the better movie. Are you still saying that when you state "originality and innovation" and that T2 is only your PERSONAL preference?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:00:53 PM

I wanna see Biehn, Weaver, Paxton, Henrikson, and even an Arnie cameo in it. All the Cameron peeps. I would love that.

EDIT:

T1 like I said is the real movie. T2 is like the hot sex remake. I tend to give T1 props over it for blazing the trail, but I feel that T2 is the better product, and its also my personal preference. T2 is only like the perfect action movie. 9 times outta 10, Ill watch 2 over 1. But you gotta revisit the original sometimes.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:18:18 PM

If Transformers is better than Avatar, you'll be sorry.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:21:08 PM

I cant see that happening. Transformers is a popcorn flick, nothing wrong with that. Cameron's movies are also popcorn flicks for the most part, but theres always something else, something deeper at work. Bay doesnt have that. His movies are as superficial as they get.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on July 07, 2007, 01:21:13 PM

Transformers is a pretty low bar

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 01:22:35 PM

Quote from: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:21:08 PM

I cant see that happening. Transformers is a popcorn flick, nothing wrong with that. Cameron's movies are also popcorn flicks for the most part, but theres always something else, something deeper at work.

(http://www.pelzer.com/dvd/truelies.full.jpg)

 :heartbeat

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:23:24 PM

Quote from: Lil' Slugger on July 07, 2007, 01:21:13 PM

Transformers is a pretty low bar

That's why it be funny.

I'm hesitant to get on the Avatar bandwagon.  Cameron has been out of commission on a real project for quite some time.  It's rare to have an artist jump in after such a long hiatus and be as good as he was at his peak.  I guess we'll find out.

And Transformers is DEEP, Solo.  You just don't get it.  See, they're robots but they're MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:23:51 PM

I havent watched TL in years. Thankfully, since Ive been revisiting the Cameron filmography, I will be seeing it again soon.

EDIT: I was hesitant too, Willco. But rewatching his old shit has reignited my excitement.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:24:13 PM

I actually like True Lies the least out of Cameron's stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 01:25:00 PM

Quote from: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:23:51 PM

I havent watched TL in years. Thankfully, since Ive been revisiting the Cameron filmography, I will be seeing it again soon.

Along with Die Hard 1 and 3, it's ALWAYS on Fox Movie Channel. :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:25:52 PM

Also, oddly enough, I think James Cameron would be awesome for a Transformers movie.  Especially since it'll need a new writer and Bay is haggling with Paramount over his contract.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:26:31 PM

Personally I think its:

T2 > Aliens > The Abyss > The Terminator > True Lies > Titanic

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:28:44 PM

I am down with that, if only because I pretty much hate Titanic.  True Lies bugs me because it's like half comedy, half SERIOS ACTION (and in that order).  It doesn't really know what kind of film it wants to be.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 01:29:52 PM

Yea, good order there, although I haven't seen The Abyss in so long and don't remember any of it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 01:31:24 PM

The Abyss is too long and boring at times, but the ending is cool and Alan Silvestri pumped out one of the best motion picture scores in decades.  Probably one of the most underrated film scores evar!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 07, 2007, 01:33:54 PM

Quote from: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 01:29:52 PM

Yea, good order there, although I haven't seen The Abyss in so long and don't remember any of it.

I havent seen it in a long time either, like TL. So the order may change once Ive re-viewed his other 3 movies again (Abyss, TL, Titanic). I make it a point to watch T1, T2, and Aliens at least once a year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 02:08:00 PM

I'd figure I'd use your thread to post my review, Solo:

TRANSFORMERS: B-

There's not much need to write anything here, so I'll cut to the chase - this is a raw, entertaining piece of robot, gun and military porn.  And it's fun.  And even more surprisingly, it's funny.  The humor works for the most part, although a few gags are juvenile (Bumblebee urinates on John Turturro!) and some just fall flat (John Turturro is crazy!).  It's cheesy , but it knows its cheesy and that kind of self-relevance really helps the movie a long way.

The film opens up with a fantastic action set piece in Qatar that introduces how destructive the robots are.  These aren't the boxy sentient beings from the cartoon, whose lasers made "pew! pew!" noises - these things are giant pieces of metallic destruction that will beat the living shit out of you.  They don't look cheesy or dumb, they look like walking pieces of carnage.

Then we meander in and out of what feels like a Spielberg film.  Shia LeBouf wants the car to get the hot chick (Megan Fox, who looks insanely hot) and finds an otherworldly protector in Bumblebee as a Camaro.  It feels like coming of age tale and it feels suburban and it's got humor never seen in a Bay film, but we've seen all of these elements in a Spielberg film.  Even the way the Autobots are utilized early on, as a form of comedic relief (they struggle to stay incognito and at one point Ironhide recommends incinerating Shia's parents) and gentle giants feels very Spielberg.  One wonders how involved he was.

The paper thin story has just enough juice to juggle its convenient subplots to the film's MacGuffin (called the Allspark here!) and a frozen Megatron.  His mere physical form just looks evil and his presence, voiced by Hugo Weaving, is so menacing that you wonder if the Autobots are more worried about the MacGuffin or Megatron.  Also, why the military would house something that just looks like evil incarnate, waiting for the inevitable day it thaws out and slaughters mankind, is mind boggling.  But I digress, because if you're looking for a gritty and clever Sci-Fi story, you're all out of luck in this installment.

What Transformers is, especially in its last half (in which Bay has murdered his Spielberg-self and is in full out Bad Boys II w/ robots mode), is loud and big and chock full of explosions as the robots launch an all out inner city war against one another.  The Autobots, so determined to protect humanity, don't really seem to care about the mounting body count, especially as Optimus Prime and Megatron crash through office and apartment buildings.  Which, despite the almost positive decimation of half of the population of "Mission City", is one of the most awesome things put on celluloid. 

No matter what you think of the story, how preposterous is, the fact is that Bay and ILM have created imagery on a scale that you've never, ever seen before.  Prior to the inner city ruckus, and clocking in just shy of four minutes, the brawl between Prime and Barricade (from transformation to Prime's violent resolution) made jaws unhinge in the theater.  I don't think I've heard an audience kind of make a collective gasp like that in a long time.

One wishes Bay had a real set of writers or (at the very least) a better shooting script, because this film falls short of the definitive blockbuster status it reaches for.  Shia LeBouf and amazing robot imagery carry the entire film, which struggles with its subplots and lack of fleshed out characters, but is never completely undone by its faults.  In such an awful year for blockbusters, this one is easily the best, and is a great deal of fun.  I enjoyed it as an adult, but I bet if I was 8-years-old, I would probably consider this the greatest film of all-time.

Overall: Michael Bay pulls out every conceivable trick from his beginning-to-feel overused bag of tricks, and combines them with the fantastic use of real military props and ILM wizardry to make one of the slickest action films this decade that overcomes a paper thin story and shoddy character development.  Way better than an adaptation of an animated 80s cartoon deserves to be.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on July 07, 2007, 02:13:07 PM

hahah B-

Quote

paper thin story and shoddy character development

BWAHAHAHAHAHAH

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 02:13:23 PM

For relevance:

Hot Fuzz: A+
Spider-Man 3: D+
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: F
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: C+
Live Free or Die Hard: C-

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on July 07, 2007, 02:14:43 PM

Spider-Man 3 needs an F too

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 02:17:04 PM

As a Raimi aficionado, I enjoyed the parts where Raimi lets his freak flag fly and that prevents the film from being a failure to me, personally.  To those that aren't fans or don't want to dabble into our occult, I can see how the film could be perceived as a total failure.

I think CrystalGemini said it best, despite Transformers matching Spider-Man 3's running time, we both never (ever!) looked at our watches.  It goes by fast.  Spider-Man 3 felt long.  And for both of us, Pirates was like going to the dentist.  I think we both sighed when we realized how long the end was going to be.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 02:17:42 PM

Pirates was so fucking bad.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 02:19:51 PM

It was probably one of the worst times I had in theaters, and I felt bad because the two of us saw it on CrystalGemini's birthday (she wanted to go).  What a shitty way to ring in your new year!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on July 07, 2007, 02:36:47 PM

Quote from: Willco on July 07, 2007, 01:28:44 PM

I am down with that, if only because I pretty much hate Titanic.  True Lies bugs me because it's like half comedy, half SERIOS ACTION (and in that order).  It doesn't really know what kind of film it wants to be.

 :lol

what if it tries to be part comedy part serious action.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on July 07, 2007, 03:09:40 PM

So because Transformers was bad for a shorter period of time it gets a better grade? B- is way to high for such shallow trash.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 07, 2007, 03:11:49 PM

i'd like to know if willco prefers transformers over true lies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 03:14:18 PM

I probably like them both the same.  Transformers is pretty much the same comedy/action tone throughout, but it does feel Spielbergian at times.  It doesn't have the identity crisis that True Lies has.

And Transformers was never bad over any period of time.

Quote from: Lil' Slugger on July 07, 2007, 03:09:40 PM

So because Transformers was bad for a shorter period of time it gets a better grade? B- is way to high for such shallow trash.

A better grade than what?  I don't even know what you're trolling about today!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: MrAngryFace on July 07, 2007, 03:27:27 PM

PTOC3! S-M3!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 03:30:41 PM

Dude, it's easily better than both.  Easily.  Not a contest.  Pirates was a chore to watch and even Spidey was tiresome, and that's for a rabid Raimi fanboy such as myself.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on July 07, 2007, 03:30:56 PM

I told you, Hot Fuzz will be THE movie of 07, just like Shaun was for its year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 03:40:38 PM

Quote from: demi on July 07, 2007, 03:30:56 PM

I told you, Hot Fuzz will be THE movie of 07, just like Shaun was for its year.

It is for now, that's for sure.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on July 07, 2007, 03:42:51 PM

Nope, will be. Guaranteed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 07, 2007, 04:56:07 PM

Quote from: demi on July 07, 2007, 03:42:51 PM

Nope, will be. Guaranteed.

rush hour 3 will shit all over it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 04:57:54 PM

The Rush Hour 3 trailer had two moderately funny bits, the rest was crickets.  And that was the trailer!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on July 07, 2007, 05:01:26 PM

Quote from: Willco on July 07, 2007, 04:57:54 PM

The Rush Hour 3 trailer had two moderately funny bits, the rest was crickets.  And that was the trailer!

excellent observation :claps

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 05:08:23 PM

THE BOURNE REDUNDANCY

/Willco

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 07, 2007, 05:17:39 PM

At best, the Bourne movies are just good fun, not MOVIE OF THE YEAR stuff.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 05:18:56 PM

Well, this year is fucking awful.

I didn't like Hot Fuzz as much as Shaun.

That being said, it's still one of two great movies I've seen this year.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 07, 2007, 05:27:23 PM

Frankly, if this year continues to suck, I'm just going to pretend that Children of Men was actually a 2007 movie, since I saw it in January.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: TVC15 on July 07, 2007, 05:29:28 PM

Look at you fegs talking about summer shit movies like they are movie of the year material.  You pubes are aware that there is a new Cronenberg movie this year, right?  With Naomi Watts (MOAR LIKE HOTTS).

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on July 07, 2007, 05:40:26 PM

Hot Fuzz > Crohns Disease Berg

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 07, 2007, 05:58:41 PM

now that we're talking cronenberg: a history of violence has an amazing sexscene at the beginning, i think it's the first time i've seen two actors in a non-porn movie do 69. it's a shame that chick wasn't too hot though

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 08, 2007, 09:36:11 AM

Movie of the year will be There Will Be Blood or No Country For Old Men. Eastern Promises perhaps, but havent seen anything from it yet.

My own PTA wankery leaves me hoping Blood comes out on top. Sure, its bound to be long as fuck and pretentious, but still, its PTA and Daniel Day Lewis. How can that not rock?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 08, 2007, 01:48:44 PM

even it turns out to be shit --which i very much doubt, i mean, anderson :bow-- it'll at the very least have an awesome performance by day-lewis.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 08, 2007, 02:37:29 PM

I make my fight with Coen and Cronenberg - I rather dislike Anderson.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 08, 2007, 02:47:38 PM

 :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 08, 2007, 02:50:17 PM

Like I said before, Boogie Nights is the only one of his films I enjoy.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on July 08, 2007, 02:51:10 PM

solo:

Quote from: Willco on July 07, 2007, 03:14:18 PM

I probably like them both the same.  Transformers is pretty much the same comedy/action tone throughout, but it does feel Spielbergian at times.  It doesn't have the identity crisis that True Lies has.

And Transformers was never bad over any period of time.

(http://imageshock.eu/img/will-smith-john-hancock-01.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 08, 2007, 02:55:42 PM

What, True Lies isn't that great.  I like the rest of Cameron's filmography, with the exception of Titanic, but if you're asking me which I enjoyed more - the Bay-helmed popcorn flick about giant transforming robots or the decent action flick with weird pacing/tone/structure issues, I pick ROBOTS.

Not really.  I like them both about the same, though. :P

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 08, 2007, 03:04:22 PM

Quote from: Willco on July 08, 2007, 02:55:42 PM

What, True Lies isn't that great.  I like the rest of Cameron's filmography, with the exception of Titanic, but if you're asking me which I enjoyed more - the Bay-helmed popcorn flick about giant transforming robots or the decent action flick with weird pacing/tone/structure issues, I pick ROBOTS.

Not really.  I like them both about the same, though. :P

"You're fired"
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/CajoleJuice/true_lies.jpg)

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 10, 2007, 08:53:42 AM

Transformers (Bay, 2007) - 6/10

Well, I have now seen this year's most highly touted blockbuster, and guess what? It is a Michael Bay movie, through and through. All the positive and (mostly) negative things that come with a Bay production are all present and accounted for here. The over-saturated look to the film? Check. The slow-motion money shots? Check. The abundance of cheese? Check. The now-imfamous Bay tracking shot circling a character? Check. A 90 minute movie stretched into something an hour longer? Check.

Now, not everything that is wrong with the movie is Bay's fault. In fact, I had fewer issues with the Bay-isms than I did with the overwhelming stupidity of the movie itself (although I did feel that the this was Bay's worst edited movie; there is a usual slickness to his movies that I didn't find here). In short, I guess I am blaming the source material for a lot of the issues, as crazy as that sounds. Giant robots who can shift into a variety of highly-pimped GM vehicles come to earth to fight over a MacGuffin, er, a giant cube? One which just happens to be located under the Hoover Dam, along with the Darth Vader of robots? Said robots who are advanced enough to bring down the defence network in less than a minute, yet can't stop a teenage boy? One of my most hated cliches is "just turn you brain off and enjoy it". What? Blockbusters can be plenty entertaining without treating the audience like idiots, thank you very much.

I didn't hate everything, as evidence by my passing score. Just pretty much the entire screenplay, some of Bay's usual wankery, the editing, the bland musical score, and a good chunk of the acting. Alright, that does make it sound like I hated everything, but really, there was a fair bit to enjoy here. As much as many, myself included, rag on Bay, he really knows how to shoot an action scene. Bay as usual is at his best when the shit hits the fan. The movie contained several of the most exciting action scenes in recent memory, so kudos to Bay and the effects team there. The CG in the movie is spectacular, and possibly the very best ever up to this moment in time. I really dug the look of the Autobots and how real they looked when they shifted shapes (my only gripe is that Prime and Bumblebee aside, most of the other 'bots were pretty generic looking, and often hard to tell apart).

The best parts of the movie were threefold: Shia LaBeouf, the humor, and the Spielberg-ian first hour of the movie. I am starting to see why LaBeouf is becoming the next big star in Hollywood. He has that every-man look to him, so we identify with him, and he has really strong comedic skills. Speaking of comedy, the biggest and best surprise for me was how funny the movie was in certain scenes (namely the scene in Sam's house with the Autobots outdoors, and anything Sam's hilarious mother said). Those scenes in particular, along with the nice relationships between Sam and his dad, and Sam and Bumblebee, felt straight out of a Spielberg Transformers movie (had he ever made one), and I really liked that. Perhaps if Spielberg had directed, then the film would have had soul, something which the final Bay product lacked. In fact, that is a nice way to sum up Tranformers: pretty, funny, but shallow and ultimately soulless. Don't go out of your way to see it, but at the same time, don't pass it up if the opportunity arises to catch it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 10, 2007, 08:56:47 AM

just for reference, how would you rate true lies.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 12, 2007, 08:06:56 AM

Triple-bill quickies:


Layer Cake (Vaughn, 2004) - 8/10

The best movie Guy Ritchie never made. Very slick production, some nice twists and turns, and Daniel Craig rocks as the protaganist. Less humor and more drama than a Ritchie movie, and I think I like Matthew Vaugn's direction more, quite frankly. Best use of Duran Duran in a movie that I can think of.


The Thing (Carpenter, 1982) - 9.5/10

What is there really left to say about this? Along with Halloween, The Thing is John Carpenter's masterpiece. Excellent thriller, Carpenter does a great job of building palpable tension. Features a great Morricone score, and the best practical effects I've ever seen in a movie. Only gets better with time.


The Beach (Boyle, 2000) - 7.5/10

I really like this movie, and find my appreciation of it grows with each viewing. Kind of a clusterfuck mixture of everything from Lord of the Flies to Apocalypse Now to Fight Club, The Beach has a serious identity problem. And to me, that is the biggest issue with the film - it doesn't know what it wants to be. Nevertheless, DiCaprio is good in this, Virginie Ledoyen is all shades of hot, the cinematography is gorgeous, and Boyle keeps things moving at a brisk pace. Hard to nail down to a genre, but still immensely engaging and fun.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on July 13, 2007, 12:35:06 AM

American History X: 10/10

pretty much the best movie I've ever seen.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: TVC15 on July 13, 2007, 12:37:14 AM

True Lies is a fun movie, but it's a generic action movie.  If I didn't know better,  I wouldn't have ever guessed Cameron was behind it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 01:14:10 AM

Quote from: TVC 15 on July 13, 2007, 12:37:14 AM

True Lies is a fun movie, but it's a generic action movie.  If I didn't know better,  I wouldn't have ever guessed Cameron was behind it.

I remember that most of the uproar about that movie wasn't about the action but about Jamie Lee Curtis's striptease/dance scene.  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Smooth Groove on July 13, 2007, 01:29:29 AM

Quote from: TVC 15 on July 13, 2007, 12:37:14 AM

True Lies is a fun movie, but it's a generic action movie.  If I didn't know better,  I wouldn't have ever guessed Cameron was behind it.

Also, Jamie Lee Curtis was pretty hot for an ugly woman. 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on July 13, 2007, 01:30:23 AM

nice transformers review, solo!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: TVC15 on July 13, 2007, 01:32:17 AM

Man, I wanted to pound Jamie Lee so hot before I realized it wasn't an underdeveloped man.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Smooth Groove on July 13, 2007, 01:46:44 AM

Quote from: TVC 15 on July 13, 2007, 01:32:17 AM

Man, I wanted to pound Jamie Lee so hot before I realized it wasn't an underdeveloped man.

Did the large chest tumors tip you off? 

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 13, 2007, 03:00:51 AM

Jamie Lee Curtis is a MILF.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 03:21:02 AM

Quote from: Willco on July 13, 2007, 03:00:51 AM

Jamie Lee Curtis is a MILF.

MILF? Man I'd Like to Fellate?

spoiler (click to show/hide)

:-*

[close]

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 13, 2007, 07:56:01 AM

Im not what the Transformers/True Lies link is, bud  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 13, 2007, 08:36:50 AM

then read willco's replies on the previous page

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:04:36 AM

Oh. TL > TF

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 09:07:27 AM

What's better, The Unbearable Lightness of Being or Transformers?  :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 13, 2007, 09:13:46 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:04:36 AM

Oh. TL > TF

 :-*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:22:42 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 09:07:27 AM

What's better, The Unbearable Lightness of Being or Transformers?  :-*

Footloose

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 09:24:11 AM

Quote from: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:22:42 AM

Quote from: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 09:07:27 AM

What's better, The Unbearable Lightness of Being or Transformers?  :-*

Footloose

I know you're just hankering for that Footloose remake that was just announced.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:35:05 AM

 :-X

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: AdmiralViscen on July 13, 2007, 03:25:27 PM

I bought Brazil, hopefully watch it tomorrow.

Hey Solo, how do you feel about Armageddon and The Island?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 13, 2007, 10:26:46 PM

Quote from: Solo on July 13, 2007, 09:35:05 AM

:-X

Starring one of the kids from that Disney Channel movie, High School Musical.  You're gonna luv it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on July 14, 2007, 08:28:54 AM

Quote from: AdmiralViscen on July 13, 2007, 03:25:27 PM

I bought Brazil, hopefully watch it tomorrow.

Hey Solo, how do you feel about Armageddon and The Island?

Armageddon is crap. So is The Island, but I actually enjoyed certain things about that one.

MICHAEL BAY FILMOGRAPHY: The Rock > Transformers > Bad Boys > The Island > Armageddon > Bad Boys II > Pearl Harbour

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: bud on July 14, 2007, 09:47:46 AM

armageddon and bb2 are dumb fun while the island is, like, bay trying to do something smart and different in which he fails. i'd rank them both higher than the island.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 14, 2007, 10:20:43 AM

Thats what I liked about The Island - it was a total ripoff and a total failure, but hey, Bay actually attempted to do something different.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 14, 2007, 10:38:18 AM

i think i'm going to watch little miss sunshine today. i hear great things about it.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 16, 2007, 11:38:17 PM

Some moar mini-reviews from me.  To recap, Die Hard 4.0 sucked sweaty balls, Spidey 3 was the most fun I've had in a movie theater all summer, and Pirates 3 was a smelly turd.

New ones:

Zodiac: Almost skipped this one in theaters, but I'm glad I didn't.  I was worried that Fincher was going to do a Seven redux type thing with this movie, but he went in a completely different direction, making a police procedural type flick with heavy emphasis on the late sixties/seventies atmosphere.  I'm surprised at how meticulous the recreation of the time period is, and this is definitely one of the best parts of the film.  Gyllenhaal is miscast, but not enough to ruin the movie.  This movie's pleasures lie in the almost fetishistic passion Fincher finds in recreating events, people, and just the look of the '70s.  Very good stuff, and my interest is officially piqued for the director's cut.

300: This movie was so ridiculously overhyped over on GAF that I didn't really know what to expect.  Amped up excess with a ton of CGI.  Enjoyable fluff, with a surprisingly overt message regarding eugenics and genetic superiority.  Like Sin City, I was turned off by the fact that emotion was secondary to stylization, but what can you do...that's what the kids like nowadays.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 17, 2007, 08:00:45 AM

Zodiac is pure awesome. Glad you liked it Ichi.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 17, 2007, 08:53:15 PM

Next up are Transformers and Ratatouille.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 18, 2007, 07:33:07 AM

Not doing an actual review today of it (want to get the DVD first), but I just finally watched Neil Marshall's The Descent, and I totally thought it rocked.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on July 19, 2007, 01:10:13 AM

Just saw Rescue Dawn. I was really looking forward to this based on early reviews and Christian Bale. This one really disappointed me though. It is easily Bale's worst performance, but not because of him, but because of the poor direction. Through out the whole film he has a goofy fucking smile and never looks like he is in a P.O.W camp. The movie is edited weird and times seems like it was filmed by a 12 year old. The scene when his plane goes down is so nonchalant I wanted to laugh. The film does get exciting in the last 30 minutes, but it's a tad anti-climatic. Over all I think it is way over hyped.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 20, 2007, 07:47:20 AM

i saw u turn last night and i was pleasantly surprised. it's basically murphy's law applied to sean penn's character and joaquin phoenix was hilarious  :lol

j. lo  :hump :drool

have you seen it solo?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 20, 2007, 08:03:24 AM

Nope. I think I might have fapped to the J-Lo nude scene in my younger days though  :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 20, 2007, 09:33:40 AM

U Turn is pretty awful, IMO.  But J. Lo :drool

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 20, 2007, 12:06:54 PM

i'd give it a 6

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Robo on July 20, 2007, 12:27:00 PM

Is someone who isn't fucking distinguished mentally-challenged going to watch Rescue Dawn and post thoughts?  Unfortunately, it isn't playing anywhere around here.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 20, 2007, 12:29:17 PM

bale is in rescue dawn!?!? i've never heard of this movie before. it's by the same director that did grizzly man :o

*looks for trailer*

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 20, 2007, 12:32:47 PM

pow movies are awesome. you should check out to end all wars. there was this one scene with kiefer sutherland that almost made me cry :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on July 21, 2007, 06:53:23 AM

It's a Werner Herzog movie, it stars Christian Bale, and FlameofCallandor didn't like it.  It must be great.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on July 25, 2007, 09:15:40 PM

I saw many movies while on exile and I'll review a few

Apocalypse Now (Coppola, 1979)

Apocalypse Now is the kind of film that assaults your every sense while showing you things you may not want to see; in short, it is Vietnam, as Coppola famously stated at Cannes. No other war film has better illustrated the sheer madness created through such wanton destruction. The film follows a well trained and experienced military captain as he journeys through the Vietnam war on an assassination mission. His target is a dangerously insane general. His crime, murder.

From the first shot its clear that the film strives to be as authentic as possible, and the infamous budget issues that surfaced during the epic production of the film attests to that. Perhaps the pain and anger that went into filming the film helps the similar atmosphere of the film.

The film is pure candy for fans of good acting, as the lead and supporting actors hand in great performances. Brando's portrayal of the insane general is simply mesmerizing, and truly embodies the themes of the film. This is especially evident in my favorite scene
[youtube=425,350]AGosYIlXdmU[/youtube]

Perhaps its the eyes, from which you can see the very shadow of the horrors Brando speaks of. War is horror, yet in Vietnam we faced an enemy willing to take this horror to levels unseen. Throughout the film Sheen's men commit horrible acts, yet their emotional response to them seems to separate them from the level of Kurtz, monster without feelings or judgment as he calls it. Perhaps that inability to separate emotion from the horror is what doomed us on the ground in Vietnam, but what is victory if in the process one loses his soul?

The acting works to bring life to a truly amazing script, which really impressed me; this is one of the best written films I've ever seen. Interestingly I've heard George Lucas had some hand in it (not in the dialogue though, thankfully). My second favorite scene in the film, and another I consider to be one of the best I've ever seen, occurs when Sheen's character is given his mission.
[youtube=425,350]-zkcNB0f5KI[/youtube]

9.5/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on July 25, 2007, 10:37:56 PM

you DO know that apocalypse now is based on the joseph conrad novel "heart of darkness" right

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 25, 2007, 10:39:59 PM

Quote from: Professor Prole on July 25, 2007, 10:37:56 PM

you DO know that apocalypse now is based on the joseph conrad novel "heart of darkness" right

we all know the answer to this

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Van Cruncheon on July 25, 2007, 10:41:21 PM

it was a rhetorical question

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Robo on July 25, 2007, 10:41:57 PM

It was the original cut that you watched, right?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 25, 2007, 10:42:14 PM

I know...

...I didn't have anything witty to add.  :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on July 25, 2007, 10:43:26 PM

Quote from: Professor Prole on July 25, 2007, 10:37:56 PM

you DO know that apocalypse now is based on the joseph conrad novel "heart of darkness" right

Yes I do. It's still well written though, wouldn't you say? :-\

It wasn't the Redux version

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on July 28, 2007, 04:23:21 PM

The Godfather (Copolla, 1972)


Now I had seen the movie before (I'm not THAT secluded), but more in passing. It was something I'd rather whenether it came on AMC, but never saw from beginning to end; I'd see a bit here and there until I had basically seen it. But during my exile I sat down and watched the entire thing on DVD.

There's not much I could possibly say about The Godfather that hasn't been said before, much better, so I'll just do a quick run down. I will simply say that to me, this is a perfect film. The acting, writing, pacing, music, set design, etc are all top notch; this is even more impressive when you remember that at the time, this was not a big budget film at all.

Youtube has some great videos about the production of the film. The main actors did a lot of rehearsing with each other while the film's progress went through production/studio problems, and it really shows; the chemistry among them is just amazing. So much class, so many classic scenes, it's just amazing

10/10

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 28, 2007, 04:25:45 PM

amazing review, just like your taste in films.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on July 28, 2007, 04:27:07 PM

Quote from: bud on July 28, 2007, 04:25:45 PM

amazing review, just like your taste in films.

Sarcasm? :(

It's more of a quick run down. Everyone's seen Godfather and critiqued it I didn't want my illiterate 2 cents to taint anythang

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Robo on July 28, 2007, 04:42:28 PM

Get around to watching the full series.  The Godfather, Part II matches the quality of the first and if the third is viewed as more of an epilogue rather than an equal part of the story, it isn't too bad either.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: TakingBackSunday on July 28, 2007, 04:53:19 PM

Solo, you need to watch Big Fish when you get the chance.  I know you're not a big Burton fan (neither am I, honestly–Scissorhands, Big Fish, and Nightmare Before Christmas are the only two I truly like), but I think it deserves a viewing.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on July 28, 2007, 04:54:17 PM

I have a somewhat similar experience with Godfather II in the sense that I've seen a bunch of scenes. I'll make sure to watch it as soon as possible. I've seen lots of Godfather III and didn't think it was that bad; granted it wasn't great or anything but Andy Garcia was badass!

Brandnew: Solo will say it's "sentimental"  :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 28, 2007, 05:05:19 PM

gfiii is a great movie that sadly couldn't live up to its predecessors. i think it would've gotten alot more praise if it wasn't part of the godfather saga.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 29, 2007, 08:10:08 AM

GFIII is the typical case of a good movie that stands well on its own, but when serving as an end to the great American film saga, fails miserably. Its a good movie, but when stacked up against 2 undeniable masterpieces, it looks inferior.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on July 29, 2007, 09:40:01 AM

that's what i said!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on July 29, 2007, 09:42:53 AM

But I did it with punctuation!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 29, 2007, 01:19:50 PM

Quote from: Solo on July 29, 2007, 08:10:08 AM

Spider-Man 3 is the typical case of a good movie that stands well on its own, but when serving as an end to the great American film saga, fails miserably. Its a good movie, but when stacked up against 2 undeniable masterpieces, it looks inferior.

/Willco

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on July 29, 2007, 01:36:39 PM

What - I never said that about Spider-Man!

Also, Ed Wood is Burton's best film.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: CajoleJuice on July 29, 2007, 03:08:07 PM

Oh, but you wanted to! :P

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on August 20, 2007, 04:54:13 PM

Guess who is watching The Third Man, projected in 35mm on the big screen tomorrow?? 

Then on Wednesday I am watching a 70mm print of Laurence of Arabia!

 :D

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on August 20, 2007, 04:54:46 PM

FUCK I spelled Lawrence of Arabia  wrong.  :(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on August 20, 2007, 09:44:07 PM

The Third Man is great.  You are so lucky.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Junpei the Tracer! on August 26, 2007, 10:14:44 PM

I just seen The Departed.I don't think I've ever seen so much blood in a non-horror movie before and LOL at the end.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Gay Boy on August 26, 2007, 11:04:08 PM

Quote from: Junpei the Tracer! on August 26, 2007, 10:14:44 PM

I just seen The Departed.I don't think I've ever seen so much blood in a non-horror movie before and LOL at the end.

new to the "gangster" sub-genre I take it eh?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Junpei the Tracer! on August 26, 2007, 11:47:12 PM

Quote from: Gay Boy on August 26, 2007, 11:04:08 PM

Quote from: Junpei the Tracer! on August 26, 2007, 10:14:44 PM

I just seen The Departed.I don't think I've ever seen so much blood in a non-horror movie before and LOL at the end.

new to the "gangster" sub-genre I take it eh?

Yeah.I don't watch this genre much.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on September 02, 2007, 09:40:05 PM

I've seen many films during the last couple weeks. I'll just post some quick paragraphs.

The Paper Chase (Bridges, 1973)

If I wind up entering law school I'll be able to say that this film was one of the things that convinced me to do so. It's a great movie about a law student who falls in love with his professor's daughter. In 2007 that plot device sounds quite generic and unappealing, but it's only the surface. The movie's main character becomes obsessed with his professor, going to all extremes to best him - conquering his daughter is only one aspects of this intellectual fight. Yet while all this is going on the pressures of law school build up around everyone.

9.5/10

The Aviator (Scorsese, 2004)

I was quite apprehensive about watching this. Forced accents become an annoyance to me, especially when they're inconsistent or extremely over-the-top. But I must say that overall the southern accents didn't hurt the film's quality for me. To me, a great biopic film should introduce characters or events that are told so well that I feel compelled to search for the real story. After seeing this I've become quite interested in Hughes, and I've since began to read more information on his life. The film is quite tragic, detailing the life of a man bent on mastering something so un-natural to humans (flying) while being pulled back down to earth by crippling human illness. While Leo is definitely great in the main role, I was blown away by Blanchett's larger than life (or over the top, depending on how you see it) portrayal of Katharine Hepburn.

9/10

Cape Fear (Scorsese, 1991)

I am ashamed to admit that I've never seen the original. While DeNiro's performance is great, the film seemed to fail on many levels. DeNiro's character is menacing, a true monster - but I never truly felt any emotion for the family he terrorizes. I watched with a wandering indifference. Scorsese's handling of the watery climax also seemed...off; it felt too manufactured for me. The film's only saving grace comes from the nice performances throughout it.

6/10

Bram Stolker's Dracula (Coppola, 1992)

Bombast killed the beast. There are so many interesting things about this film, but overall it's dragged down by over production. The film has a heavy theater influence to me, and for the most part it simply doesn't work; I'm utterly baffled that this won awards for costumes/makeup/etc as they all look so amateur and theatrical. I liked the love story, and many of the characters are indeed interesting. Anthony Hopkins is great as always, and Wyona Rider is damn sexy. While I sat in confusement and utter disgust for much of the beginning of the film, the last 30 minutes or so are great. This could have been a great movie.

7/10

Team America (2004)

It's hilarious, it's offensive, it's utterly stupid. You know the deal. I must say I love the satire here.

7.5/10

Guess Who, Alien vs Predator, Independance Day, Godzilla (Broderick): distinguished mentally-challenged, stupid, stupid, disgusting. Each only deserves a one word review

More later :-\

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Ichirou on September 02, 2007, 09:46:30 PM

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on September 02, 2007, 09:40:05 PM

The Aviator (Scorsese, 2004)

I was quite apprehensive about watching this. Forced accents become an annoyance to me, especially when they're inconsistent or extremely over-the-top. But I must say that overall the southern accents didn't hurt the film's quality for me. To me, a great biopic film should introduce characters or events that are told so well that I feel compelled to search for the real story. After seeing this I've become quite interested in Hughes, and I've since began to read more information on his life. The film is quite tragic, detailing the life of a man bent on mastering something so un-natural to humans (flying) while being pulled back down to earth by crippling human illness. While Leo is definitely great in the main role, I was blown away by Blanchett's larger than life (or over the top, depending on how you see it) portrayal of Katharine Hepburn.

9/10

What Southern accents?

Quote

Cape Fear (Scorsese, 1991)

I am ashamed to admit that I've never seen the original. While DeNiro's performance is great, the film seemed to fail on many levels. DeNiro's character is menacing, a true monster - but I never truly felt any emotion for the family he terrorizes. I watched with a wandering indifference. Scorsese's handling of the watery climax also seemed...off; it felt too manufactured for me. The film's only saving grace comes from the nice performances throughout it.

6/10

The original was far stronger because it showed Gregory Peck as a moral man descending into savagery and compromising his beliefs to fight against someone who is threatening his family.  The remake compromises the character by making Nick Nolte play him as someone who's already "dirty" in many ways.  As such, there is no real progression on the part of his character - he starts off as sort a sleazebag lawyer and ends as sort of a sleazebag lawyer.  The adversarial relationship between Peck/Mitchum is a lot more intense (if perhaps too old-Hollywood-y) than the one between Nolte/DeNiro.  A flawed picture, but still interesting to see due to DeNiro's performance more than anything else.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: brawndolicious on September 02, 2007, 10:26:11 PM

I think he's trying to come up with something to complain about.  I didn't like the aviator but who the fuck thought the accents were a major thing before watching it?

Most people were worried about cate blanchett never acting again since she's supposed to pull of katherine hepburn or scorsese's directing being too boring/uncreative.

Team America is genius.  Shit taste confirmed.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on September 02, 2007, 10:38:44 PM

The Hepburn accent isn't even Southern, if that's what PeeDee is referring to.  It's from New England.  :lol

I recently saw Ratatouille.  Thought it was lovely.  Pixar's back on track after the very disappointing Cars.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Phoenix Dark on September 03, 2007, 03:24:06 PM

As I said accents really annoy me in film. It's a small thing to most people but can really take me out a movie, especially when it's inconsistent. With the Aviator I had no problem with it due to the great acting.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on September 03, 2007, 03:29:48 PM

i saw carlito's way today. it was much better than i expected and the chase scene in the train station was awesome.

carlito :'(

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Ichirou on September 03, 2007, 08:18:12 PM

Quote from: bud on September 03, 2007, 03:29:48 PM

i saw carlito's way today. it was much better than i expected and the chase scene in the train station was awesome.

carlito :'(

Next up on the queue is Carlito's Way: Rise to Power, I assume? :lol

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: bud on September 04, 2007, 06:58:27 AM

i'll probably catch it on tv some day, so i won't bother rent it or to download it -- diddy :-\

anyway, pacino with a beard is always awesome and his performance in this one wasn't over-the-top at all, especially compared to his performance in scarface. i'm thinking of watching revolution, the movie with pacino that bombed big time, next. i mean, it's pacino, how bad can it be, right? :-[

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on September 04, 2007, 08:44:29 AM

Halloween (Zombie, 2007) - 6/10

Fantastic direction. Great action. Mediocre casting. Bad acting. Terrible writing. From best to worst, that is Rob Zombie's Halloween in a nutshell. I found more to like than to hate, based on my passing score, but there are a ton of major flaws with the film, amidst several rather inspired other things.

Starting with the negatives, the writing is awful. In 1000 Corpses and especially The Devil's Rejects, Zombie's white trash characters and dialogue fit perfectly, and even added to the charm. Same with the incessant gore and nudity. In Halloween, those elements couldn't be a worse fit. I almost wanted to walk out after the opening 10 minutes. The trailer park trash dialogue and vulgarity of everything was a big turn off. Same with the gratuitous sex scenes (although all three girls had very nice assets to show off) and abundance of gore. The original film worked so well because it played on the implication of terror, not directly showing it. Same goes for adding the backstory to Michael Myers. His character worked so well in the original film because he was just pure evil. No stereotypical bad childhood garbage, just pure evil. The more you try and delve into the motives of someone like Myers, the more you destroy his mythos.

The cast and their performances are the source of more headaches. The casting was just bad in the first place. I understand that Zombie has a stable of actors he likes working with, but that doesn't mean he needed to shoehorn every cast member of The Devil's Rejects into a role. Fact of the matter is, most of them aren't good actors. So here you have a cast of mediocre actors turning in bad performances based off a mostly awful script. The kid they chose for the child Myers was especially bad, to the point of leaving me feeling embarassed we had to see Michael like this. It was akin to having Darth Vader's legacy sullied by Jake Lloyd. The few positive acting standouts were Malcolm McDowell hamming it up as Loomis, the new Laurie Strode, and the adult Michael Myers, who was genuinely terrifying.

It wasn't all doom and gloom, however. The film really hits its stride when it turns into a remake of the first movie around the half way mark, which was hardly a surprise. There are a few interesting twists and turns on the original here, enough to keep viewers on their toes until the end credits roll. Watching the adult Michael reek havoc on Haddonfield was really worth the price of admission. Two scenes that sold the movie to me were the sad revelation from Michael to Laurie, and Michael relentlessly tearing down the ceiling to the attic in pursuit of her. The final half hour or so of the movie was really well done.

I've said it many times before, and I will again here: I feel that Rob Zombie is rapidly becoming one of the better young American directors out there. Halloween's faults lie on Zombie's failure as a writer, not as a director. I love his style, the types of shots he employs, the color palette and lighting he uses. He knows how to shoot action and horror scenes, and I really find his movies a treat to watch. In the hands of a lesser director (ie. any of the Halloween 2-8 directors), this would have been a total trainwreck. In Zombie's hands, there is something to salvage amongst the many problems.

As it stands, Rob Zombie's Halloween is something of an oddity. Not a great movie, not a terrible one. A flawed but interesting "re-imagining" of a classic. At the end of the day, one is reminded just how special the original film was.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on September 04, 2007, 02:05:04 PM

You are too lenient on Rob Zombie!

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on September 04, 2007, 02:11:02 PM

Nah. I actually am liking the movie even more after spending today giving it some thought! Im not gonna change my rating, because I feel its the correct one, but I am liking it more after a day to reflect.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on September 04, 2007, 02:12:09 PM

The beacon is dead, long live the beacon.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on September 04, 2007, 02:16:47 PM

Haha. Im not calling it a great movie, because clearly its not, but you were never going to give it a fair shake, lets be honest. That has been obvious for a long time.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on September 04, 2007, 02:21:45 PM

That's not true, at all. 

I can be completely objective regarding remakes, especially when the lights go down.  Sure, I might be kicking and screaming to the theater, but I will always give a film a fair shake, even if I think it shouldn't exist.

Case in point - Zach Snyder's remake of Dawn of the Dead, a film I cherish more than Carpenter's landmark original (I love my zombies more than slashers!).  To remake that zombie masterpiece with a script from the guy whose only credit was Scooby Doo felt like a slap in the face and I bitched and moaned 'till its release.  But y'know what?  I enjoyed it a lot.  Same goes for Aja's remake of The Hills Have Eyes.  Another needless remake that I thought looked stupid from trailers and had no intention of seeing, but was surprised once again when I finally saw it.

I will totally give credit where credit is due.  Here?  The only credit due is a massive ass whoopin'.  Zombie's ego is out of control and I can't wait for him to crash and burn.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Solo on September 04, 2007, 02:25:48 PM

*cough* Romero, not Carpenter *cough*

Fair enough. Personally Id put this about equal to DOTD2004 and THHE2006 above both of 'em.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on September 04, 2007, 02:30:33 PM

No, I meant what I said.  I said I like Dawn of the Dead more than Carpenter's original (meaning Halloween).  I probably should of phrased that better.  But to me, Dawn of the Dead is more than just a damn fine horror film, because Romero always puts his social commentaries under the gore.  Carpenter's Halloween is just one of the slickest horror films ever - the ultimate ride.

I'd put it way below either Snyder's Dawn of the Dead or Aja's The Hills Have Eyes.  They both bring something to the table without tarnishing the original, have at the very least an adequate ensemble of actors and above average scripts.  Also, on a technical level, Snyder and Aja are so far ahead of Zombie it's not even fair.  And it's not that I don't think Zombie has talent - I own A House of 1,000 Corpses for Christ's sake.

This production just seems like a huge, gigantic step backwards for him.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on September 04, 2007, 02:33:30 PM

Quote from: Willco on September 04, 2007, 02:30:33 PM

No, I meant what I said.  I said I like Dawn of the Dead more than Carpenter's original (meaning Halloween).  I probably should of phrased that better.  But to me, Dawn of the Dead is more than just a damn fine horror film, because Romero always puts his social commentaries under the gore.  Carpenter's Halloween is just one of the slickest horror films ever - the ultimate ride.

Ah, strangely worded indeed, but I understand. No horror movie tops Carpenter's Halloween for me. Although Carpenter's The Thing is damn close. Hell, Carpenter from about '78 to '88 was damn near untouchable.

Quote

Also, on a technical level, Snyder and Aja are so far ahead of Zombie it's not even fair.

 

Now this, I can in no way agree with, and I dont think we ever will, haha.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: The Fake Shemp on September 04, 2007, 02:41:16 PM

Yeah, that golden era of Carpenter is pure awesome indeed.  Carpenter's The Thing is also another example of how to do a good remake (I'll contest that it's a great remake).  It's only rivaled by Cronenberg's The Fly in terms of the gap in quality between the remake and the original.

That's why I'm surprised that considering this and the fact that you like Carpenter's Halloween even more than I do, how you can let this kidney punch slide.

As a sidenote, my best buddy knows the kid who plays young Michael Myers.  He was working on his own horror film several years ago wand anted to do makeup tests on the boy, but my buddy pulled the plug at the last minute.  I called him this weekend to let him know it's a good thing his film never got off the ground, because that kid is an awful actor.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: demi on September 04, 2007, 02:43:05 PM

I'm going to see WAR tonight. Is it any good, or should I bail and see Halloween instead?

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: Solo on September 05, 2007, 08:42:44 AM

Quote from: Willco on September 04, 2007, 02:41:16 PM

That's why I'm surprised that considering this and the fact that you like Carpenter's Halloween even more than I do, how you can let this kidney punch slide.

Because it doesnt taint the original. Carpenter's masterpiece stands as one of the all-time greats, and no matter how awful or great Zombie's "vision" was, Carpenter's film remains and always shall remain its own entity. Much like how I manage to shrug off the other 7 sequels. If anything, I came out of Zombie's film with an even greater appreciation for Carpenter's film and the skill on display in its execution.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling taste
Post by: Stocky on September 05, 2007, 08:52:26 AM

I still want to see a remake of The Last House on The Left

The way the mother killed that guy made every man hold his dick for the next 3 weeks. I declined sex immediately after seeing the movie. Scarred.For.Life.

Title: Re: Solo does the movies, PD farts in his general direction with his appalling t
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on September 05, 2007, 10:01:48 AM

Quote

It's only rivaled by Cronenberg's The Fly in terms of the gap in quality between the remake and the original

I assume you mean the remake is better, because The Fly is one of cronenbergs better movies.