Movie News, Reviews, and Discussion Super-Thread

[Beezy]

...any other recommends?

Shottas

spoiler (click to show/hide)

[close]

[Dickie Dee]

I'd read that Genndy Tartakovsky was either directing some of the action sequences, or at least helped plan them out. That got me a bit excited for what this might have to offer. I liked the first alot but the only action I can remember now is busting through a cave wall shooting up some afghans and doing a barrel roll beside a fighter jet...pretty lackluster.

[Great Rumbler]

I'd read that Genndy Tartakovsky was either directing some of the action sequences, or at least helped plan them out. That got me a bit excited for what this might have to offer. I liked the first alot but the only action I can remember now is busting through a cave wall shooting up some afghans and doing a barrel roll beside a fighter jet...pretty lackluster.

He was the storyboard artists for Iron Man 2.

[fistfulofmetal]

My Bloody Valentine

god, what a pile. terrible characters, absolutely no tension to be found, nothing but lame ass jump scares. shit ass ending. waste of time.

[Ichirou]

not spanish but they look the same to me!
[youtube=560,345]j4C0szpgokQ[/youtube]
go get this now

US version is censored.

[Eric P]

watched a few movies recently.

today watched The African Queen.  It was enjoyable but there were a few distinct Ye Olde Hollywood touches that kind of drove me up the wall, mostly relating to the portrayal of the characters.  Amazingly for a movie set in that period, i didn't get "this is crazy racist" vibes despite its setting.

Jerichow, loved it.  everything was perfect.

[The Fake Shemp]

How's the BD transfer on The African Queen? I almost went out and bought it.

[Eric P]

It looks pretty good.  I'm still in the "oh wow" phase of blu ray so if it's better than DVD, I'm happy. 

Oh, I tried to watch Whatever Works, but just gave up after an hour.  If it weren't Woody Allen and Larry David, I doubt I'd have lasted that long

[ManaByte]

How's the BD transfer on The African Queen? I almost went out and bought it.

It's apparently pretty damn good.  Warner is making sure their classic catalog gets perfect BD transfers while the newer stuff gets crapped on so you'll double dip in two years.

[TakingBackSunday]

I just saw Punch Drunk Love, expecting to hate it.  I actually fucking adored it.  Typical socially awkward indie flick, but it's a tremendously anxious and tense romance....which is pretty rare for a romantic movie.  PTA has a craft for creating suspense and tension in his movies, this one especially.  Great flick.

[Cindi Mayweather]

Watched Gomorrah and Metropolis (1927) tonight.

Metropolis was really surprising, what a high quality film. Both are great, but Metropolis ended up impressing me more, particularly due to the time period it was made in.

I just saw Punch Drunk Love, expecting to hate it.  I actually fucking adored it.  Typical socially awkward indie flick, but it's a tremendously anxious and tense romance....which is pretty rare for a romantic movie.  PTA has a craft for creating suspense and tension in his movies, this one especially.  Great flick.

Best Adam Sandler movie.

[Eric P]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

[Eel O'Brian]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

are they going to have someone playing live for the soundtrack?

[Raban]

I just saw Punch Drunk Love, expecting to hate it.  I actually fucking adored it.  Typical socially awkward indie flick, but it's a tremendously anxious and tense romance....which is pretty rare for a romantic movie.  PTA has a craft for creating suspense and tension in his movies, this one especially.  Great flick.

LOVE IT.

[Cindi Mayweather]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

Jeez. I know it was censored in the past, but they still have edited content?

[Great Rumbler]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

Jeez. I know it was censored in the past, but they still have edited content?

The original German release was 153 minutes, but American theaters wanted it cut down to about 90 minutes because they thought anything more than that was too long. They've slowly been piecing it back together over the years from various sources.

[Cindi Mayweather]

I want to see this "new" cut.

[fistfulofmetal]

Pandorum


god I love Sci-Fi horror. This movie hits all the right chords for me. Isolated space ship where a lot of bad shit has gone down, a group of characters who are trying to survive and figure out why it's all turned so bad, an interesting post-apocalyptic storyline.
It's a shame saying this because the movie comes really close to being really awesome but falters in a lot of key elements and ultimately is somewhat average.

The first half hour of the movie or so was really really great. This is before they actually introduce the enemy up-front. Before you actually see what is threatening our characters it's really tense and nerve wrecking. Especially when Ben Fosters character is being chased by the blue flame. It becomes the most frightening when the threat is only a minor blur in the backround. Something we can't really see but we know it's something that we need to stay away from.

When the actual threat gets shown to us... god. what a disappointment. I guess I'll spoiler tag it:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Some pale road-warrior/ninja/parkour bullshit? FFS.

[close]

I did get used to to the design as the movie went but it was the most annoying part of the movie. They aren't creepy or anything. Just dumb. Their dumbness culminates with this terrible fight scene between the token asian ninja and some generic baddie.

Getting over the lackluster enemy design, I really loved being in this kind of movie. Like I said before sci-fi horror is my personal favorite especially of the Alien variety. Most of the movie manages to retain the creepy space vibe and that was enough to enjoy it.

I especially enjoyed the ending.

[Eric P]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

are they going to have someone playing live for the soundtrack?

no, apparently in the script, fritz lang had musical cues written out kinda, so one has been presented for this showing

film forum, moma and lincoln center usually have live piano accompaniment when they show silent films, but not this time

[Joe Molotov]

film forum is showing the most complete version of Metropolis to date for the next two weeks. 

147 minutes long

Jeez. I know it was censored in the past, but they still have edited content?

The original German release was 153 minutes, but American theaters wanted it cut down to about 90 minutes because they thought anything more than that was too long. They've slowly been piecing it back together over the years from various sources.

There were several scenes that were presumed lost until a few years ago when an almost complete print was found in Argentina of all places (I guess the Nazis had time to grab a few things before getting out of Berlin).

[twerd]

man bites dog: it's a french faux-documentary where the production crew is following a thief/hitman/serial killer around, taping his diatribes/anecdotes and eventually getting a bit too involved in the filming. it's a dark comedy...really really dark. not the greatest movie, but certainly interesting. plus i'm a sucker for black and white film.

[Ichirou]

Man Bites Dog is awesome.  Pretty sure it's not French, though.  Belgian or something.

[Great Rumbler]

Man Bites Dog is awesome.  Pretty sure it's not French, though.  Belgian or something.

It's from Belgium, but the dialog is French.

[Ichirou]

People in America speak English, but we don't call movies made in America English movies, is what I meant.

[Fresh Prince]

French is spoken in Belgium too
And Dutch (Flemish)
 

[twerd]

my bad, goddam, i'm gonna go eat some  belgian fries

[chronovore]

[youtube=560,345]aD9wL0ffxqY[/youtube]

The original is more or less, about abortion.

Oh my god, these television spots are killing me. The second one, especially ("Now there are three of them").

[youtube=560,345]SSRMGVZ93HQ[/youtube]

Those TV spots scared the hell out of me when I was in elementary school; they seem pretty tame now, which makes me wonder what the ads for current horror movies must be doing to my kids' heads.  

The long spot you posted really looks like a 1950s style horror movie, except that it casts science as the villain instead of the hero. The pacing, the police called out to deal with a menace, these feel like '50s hallmarks.

[chronovore]

they remade it's alive?

fucking horror films.

content to constantly regurgitate itself as a genre.

Will, let's throw together a pitch remaking The Nest.  Sentient, evolved cockroaches operating with a hive mind.

Mimic was pretty good; I think it was about 2 meter cockroaches which could pass for humans in the dark.

[chronovore]

hey eric, it's still gay.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

I've never seen it but let me give Himu shit dammit!

[close]

the problem is that if you say "intelligent spice world" people will of course react poorly

gimme details.  that actually sounds enticing

It's a movie about the marketing of pop divas and how expendable you are.

You could say it tries to hard, but it's still a fun satire about the music industry.

I watched it the other day and thought it was surprisingly good. I'd actually say Spice World is more meta than Josie, because the movie almost appears to be a prank on the Spice Girls, themselves.

[chronovore]

Four posts in a row. This is what happens when I try to catch up with you guys. 

I watched Dragonball Evolution, and it was probably better than Die Hard 4.0
I'm not interested in canon for a movie based on an anime based on a manga where people are named after food and underpants, but the action sequences were fun and the Bluray transfer was sexy as all hell. It was so clean, my wife asked if it was all computer generated. So pretty. The Oozaru makeup and transformation was crap. Piccolo was pretty tight. I thought there were going to be more characters, but in the end it was a manageable group.

Fistfulofmetal, did you see Event Horizon? If so, what did you think of it?

[Cindi Mayweather]

I watched Dragonball Evolution, and it was probably better than Die Hard 4.0

NO WAY

[Cormacaroni]

I watched Dragonball Evolution, and it was probably better than Die Hard 4.0

NO WAY

man, children DO rot the brain

[Cindi Mayweather]

Die Hard 4 wasn't great but worse than Dragonball Evolution? I have to see DB: E

[Dickie Dee]

they remade it's alive?

fucking horror films.

content to constantly regurgitate itself as a genre.

Will, let's throw together a pitch remaking The Nest.  Sentient, evolved cockroaches operating with a hive mind.

Mimic was pretty good; I think it was about 2 meter cockroaches which could pass for humans in the dark.

That was Guillermo del Toro right?

[fistfulofmetal]

Fistfulofmetal, did you see Event Horizon? If so, what did you think of it?

I have seen it. It's alright. I didn't care for the "hell" stuff, tbh. Sam Neill's acting was pretty annoying as well. The scene when he see's something which I can't remember exactly what and reacts with the most unconvincing "scared" scream was pretty terrible. Tho the scene in the green circuit board compartment was pretty great.

[Great Rumbler]

Fistfulofmetal, did you see Event Horizon? If so, what did you think of it?

I have seen it. It's alright. I didn't care for the "hell" stuff, tbh. Sam Neill's acting was pretty annoying as well. The scene when he see's something which I can't remember exactly what and reacts with the most unconvincing "scared" scream was pretty terrible. Tho the scene in the green circuit board compartment was pretty great.

I was more annoyed by how loose the movie played with science.

The spaceship is suspended in orbit near Neptune, but yet there are clouds all around it? lulz

[Philip Cardgage]

Yeah, Event Horizon was pretty good. If you're concerned about movies following scientific practicality, uhhhh, don't watch movies.

[Great Rumbler]

Yeah, Event Horizon was pretty good. If you're concerned about movies following scientific practicality, uhhhh, don't watch movies.

Event Horizon stretched suspension of disbelief pretty far in several scenes.

[Philip Cardgage]

When it comes to science, I let it go. When it comes to general common sense, I have a problem with it.

Two things that recently bugged me.

1) Iron Man 2- How is he carrying his entire suit around as a suitcase, and carrying it with ONE HAND. THE FUCKING THING DEFLECTS TANK SHELLS YET IT WEIGHS AS MUCH AS A BRIEFCASE? Uhhhhh, yeah.

2) Halloween 2 (Rob Zombie one). Cutting off someones head with a piece of glass, that shatters once he drops it.

[Mupepe]

Toy Story is pretty amazing.  Everyone learns a great lesson.  It's really a coming of age story.  Woody is being a dick to Buzz because he's still in his fresh out of the package stage where he believes he's the real buzz lightyear, just like at some point Woody believed he was the real Sheriff Woody.  Woody just turns into a dick because he's jealous of Andy's love for him and uses Buzz's inexperience against him.  Then when Woody discovers what it's like to be bullied and hurt by Sid, he discovers what true friendship is.

Most toys come out of the packaging with doing whatever it is they were created for.  Buzz: Save the galaxy.  Woody: Be an awesome sheriff and rescue whats-her-face from the sequel.  Green alien dudes think they are going into some mystic portal and the claw chooses them.  "Nirvana is coming.  The mystic portal awaits."  Barbie parties with Ken and Tour Guide Barbie is out giving tours around the store.

But somewhere along the way they realize that they are just toys.  But usually it's by the love of their owner that they get by and realize that they are much more important than any of that.  "You are a child's plaything!"  Yes, Woody.  He is.  But he also provides enjoyment and love for a child that is not able to be measured.  That's far more rewarding than killing Zorg.  

Buzz would have learned in time that he wasn't the real buzzlightyear.  And when it happened, he would be okay because he had Andy.  But Woody was jealous and adamant that Buzz understand it and it all happened too quickly.  Buzz is like a child who was forced to grow up at too young of an age.  

It's really a great metaphor for children who grow up too early and see that the world isn't all roses.  Woody, Buzz, Slink, Potatohead are all living at Andy's (the white suburbs) while right down the street there are toys that never had a chance (in Sid's house).  They had to grow up knowing the harsh realities.  How long did the green alien have to believe he was going to reach nirvana in the mystic portal?  Minutes at most before he was chewed on by Scud and left for dead under bowl.  That shit causes you to grow up.  Believe it. 

Incredible movie.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I watched Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me after watching the first 2 seasons and I have no clue what the fuck I just watched.

"Gobble, gobble, gobble."

Fire Walk With Me is mostly horrible but it has two brilliant moments that makes it worth watching for Twin Peaks fans - the first 30 or so minutes with Keifer Southerland, Chris Isaak, and Kyle MacLachlan and the part where Laura hangs the picture given to her by Mrs. Tremond's Grandson on the wall and steps into it.  That last bit still kind of freaks me out whenever I see that.  Other than that though, the film is a fucking train wreck.

I've been watching a lot of moon related movies lately for some reason or another.  Moon, For All Mankind, From The Earth To The Moon (I know it's not a movie but whatever), In The Shadow of the Moon, Capricorn One, Magnificant Desolation.....kinda crazy really.  I think this current kick started because I watched Moon several times in a row at night because it was in my player and I was too lazy to swap it out.

[Great Rumbler]

Not really a moon movie per se, but you should check out Apollo 13 if you haven't already.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Yeah, I've seen Apollo 13.  The problem is is that I've seen it so many times now that I've got no desire to see it again, even in my current moon delirium.

[Great Rumbler]

Yeah, I've seen Apollo 13.  The problem is is that I've seen it so many times now that I've got no desire to see it again, even in my current moon delirium.

I can understand that.

How about some 2001?

[chronovore]

they remade it's alive?

fucking horror films.

content to constantly regurgitate itself as a genre.

Will, let's throw together a pitch remaking The Nest.  Sentient, evolved cockroaches operating with a hive mind.

Mimic was pretty good; I think it was about 2 meter cockroaches which could pass for humans in the dark.

That was Guillermo del Toro right?

Yup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimic_(film)

I watched Dragonball Evolution, and it was probably better than Die Hard 4.0

NO WAY

man, children DO rot the brain

Yeah. Pretty sure they made me a lot more easily entertained. Aren't you watching and enjoying a lot more Disney crap anymore?

The thing is DB:E doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. It's a hollywood popcorn action movie based on a cartoon that isn't even founded in western mores. Isn't DB based on the monkey king legend? Kinda? Halfway?

Die Hard starts off trying to be pretty believable, giving the audience all kinds of quasi-plausible explanation for what's happening. It states in the opening credits that the story is based on an essay from WIRED, implying that what's about to be shown is based largely in feasible sequence of events. And then by the end it has scrapped any claim on reality, and we're back to Die Harder levels of you-have-got-to-be-kidding action.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Yeah, I've seen Apollo 13.  The problem is is that I've seen it so many times now that I've got no desire to see it again, even in my current moon delirium.

I can understand that.

How about some 2001?

Same. 

Infact I don't know which movie I've seen more - Apollo 13 or 2001.  The thrill of 2001 is long gone, especially after I had to write a 10 page paper on it in my film communication class in college.  Honestly, I'd almost rather watch 2010 again than 2001.  Blasphemy I'm sure but that's how it is.

Not moon related but sci-fi none the less, I tried to watch Silent Running about a week ago but I couldn't get through it.  I know it's supposed to be a cult classic and all but a hippie floating around in a space arboretum did nothing for me.

[Great Rumbler]

Yeah, I've seen Apollo 13.  The problem is is that I've seen it so many times now that I've got no desire to see it again, even in my current moon delirium.

I can understand that.

How about some 2001?

Same. 

I've probably watched 2001 at least seven or eight times. I've loved it every single time, but I have to put it away for a while. Maybe in a few years I'll come back and watch it again, but not anytime soon.

[Cindi Mayweather]

Why the random post about Toy Story, Mups? It is in incredible. Top 5 animated movies easily.

[Phoenix Dark]

Why the random post about Toy Story, Mups? It is in incredible. Top 5 animated movies easily.

It's decent I suppose, but I prefer the obscure Japanese anime it ripped off

[Cindi Mayweather]

Why the random post about Toy Story, Mups? It is in incredible. Top 5 animated movies easily.

It's decent I suppose, but I prefer the obscure Japanese anime it ripped off

You're still mad about Pan's?

[Phoenix Dark]

i'm joking 

[Cindi Mayweather]

Toy Story was one of those childhood movies for me, that made me feel like a different person after watching it for the first time.

[Mupepe]

I watched it semi-fucked up last night and the movie just always amazes me when I see it (like once every 4 months).  Just felt like appreciating it

[Cindi Mayweather]

What do you think about Toy Story 2?

[Mupepe]

Damn incredible too.  It seems like a completely fleshed out Toy Story.  The characters feel like more like real personalities instead of just... characters.  The improvement in technology also makes the world feel much more alive.  By today's standards, the animation and effects in Toy Story are pretty damn dated.  Especially the animations.  Technically I think it's a better film, but I think the jokes, atmosphere and story all work better in Toy Story 1.  Plus nostalgia and all that.  I laugh out loud every damn time at "I AM MRS. NESBITT HEHEHEHEHEHEHE" and "Okay Mr Lightbeer.  Prove it"  or "Listen, Light Snack"  "YOU ARE A CHILD'S PLAYTHING"  "You are a sad, strange little man.  And you have my pity"

[TakingBackSunday]

I'm certainly pumped for Toy Story 3.  Hope it doesn't jump the shark 

[Mupepe]

I heard from people who went to the Houston premiere that it was incredible.

[Cindi Mayweather]

ditto

[TakingBackSunday]

Wonderful, Pixar scores again

[ManaByte]

Hector Hammond from Green Lantern: