What is the last movie you saw? and rate it. [Archive] - Page 10

Janine

08-27-2007, 06:01 PM

Oddly enough, Martin Scorsese must know quality when he sees it. He is crazy over the film "The Red Shoes" and it is not a bloody hoodlum film at all, it is one of my favorite films - really wonderfully done by two British directors, Powell and Pressburger. It is sensitive and complex. For heavn's sake, it is about a ballet dancer and her presario, based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. Scorsese does the commentary on the DVD and shows his extensive collection of the film memorabilia, raving about his love for the film. I have seen the film a zillion times. So I can never fathom Scorsese's other apparent fascination with the mob/bloodbath films. The man sure is an enigma. Maybe it is the box office/public demands that drives him to make films like "The Departed".
I have no desire to see "The Departed" - although one of my librarians said it was a great film - no matter - being a librarian does not give one good taste.
Everyone who said the film is a bloodbath on Lit Net turned me off to the film. I agree with this reviewer although I have not seen it. I have seen others by him that were very bloody.
I heard of the film "Kundun" and I hope to check that one out someday, more to my liking and taste I am sure. Thanks for mentioning it, byquist.

Niamh

08-27-2007, 06:18 PM

well i watched a few movies over the weekend. Orange county, A life less ordinary, and Jane Eyre. (an odd combination but ah well!)

Niamh

08-28-2007, 11:31 AM

i havent seen it but i really want to. The lead singer of one of my favourite bands is in it. I heard its very good!

andave_ya

08-28-2007, 05:49 PM

Babel. What a sincerely odd movie. I wanted to see it because it has Cate Blanchett in it and I think won best score at the Oscars but what a queer film.

Niamh

08-28-2007, 06:07 PM

i just watched the ITV drama versions of Mansfield Park (one with billie Piper) and Persuason (one with Rupert Penry-Jones)

ampoule

08-29-2007, 07:43 AM

i havent seen it but i really want to. The lead singer of one of my favourite bands is in it. I heard its very good!

Niamh, I loved it. I've seen it twice now. It is so touching. I love the music.

manolia

08-29-2007, 01:25 PM

"Black Adder" series all over again 10/10
It is so hillarious and makes my day ;)

Mark F.

08-29-2007, 03:49 PM

Black Adder's great. Have you seen the Fawlty Towers series? It's my favorite BBC show.

I've been watching some oldies, The Third Man and Laura.

Pensive

08-29-2007, 04:04 PM

Black Adder's great. Have you seen the Fawlty Towers series? It's my favorite BBC show.

Love Fawlty Towers! :D

Demian

08-29-2007, 04:47 PM

I just watched Sherry Baby with Maggie Gyllenhal and Ingmar Bergman's The Passion of Anna. Both were very good. This was the first Bergman film I've seen, and I can see why he is hailed as a genius. This movie seemed avant garde to me even though it was made years ago.

Mark F.

08-29-2007, 04:55 PM

There are so many Bergman masterpieces, the most avant garde of his films is Persona, though. You should check out The Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, Hour of the Wolf...

manolia

08-30-2007, 06:58 AM

Black Adder's great. Have you seen the Fawlty Towers series? It's my favorite BBC show.

Hi Mark :)
I don't think i have..what is it about?

Pensive

08-30-2007, 12:59 PM

I don't think i have..what is it about?

Basil. Basil. Basil. :D

Nah, it's about the art of bringing a smile on people's lips, here on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawlty_Towers) there is something about it! :)

manolia

08-30-2007, 02:53 PM

Thanx Pensive :)

Shalot

08-30-2007, 07:06 PM

I just finished watching American Beauty for the 20th time probably. And i may have even written up a little review on it here too but I am too lazy to look so I will just post again. I love this movie.

It's too bad it ended where it did. There are so many unanswered questions - like do Jane and Ricky ever run away together? Is the shooter ever caught/charged?? And what becomes of Carolyn? Does she spend the rest of her days in agony because her husband died the day he found out she was cheating on him?

I wish they had left a hint or something.

Niamh

08-30-2007, 07:11 PM

Niamh, I loved it. I've seen it twice now. It is so touching. I love the music.
you should check out the band The Frames. The lead singer Glen Hansard is the guy in the movie. Their albums Dance the Devil and For the Birds are by far their best. This band is very famous in Ireland and can fill up the same type of venue as the Foo Fighters!

"Black Adder" series all over again 10/10
It is so hillarious and makes my day ;)

I LOVE Blackadder! Baldric Rules!
"I have a cunning plan, My Lord!"

Mark F.

08-30-2007, 07:32 PM

Hi Mark :)
I don't think i have..what is it about?

Hey. Check out "The Germans" episode.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videos/relevance/search/fawlty+towers/1

manolia

08-31-2007, 02:12 PM

Thanx Mark. I will :nod:

vheissu

09-02-2007, 12:43 PM

2 days in Paris

Written, directed and starring Julie Delpy this is a film about a couple, Marion (french) and Jack (american), spending just two days in Paris at Marion's parents.
Of course, everything happens in those two days and it challenges Marion's and Jack's faith in each other.
It's nice enough, has some good laughs and I guess I liked the theme of it mainly because my parents come from different countries. Althought they're not as psychotic as the couple in the film :D
But I think that the rest of the cast, Marion's family, ex-boyfriends (plenty of those) and just randoms, added a lot of character to this film, more that the main protagonists who sometimes got a little bit repetitive...

7/10

manolia

09-02-2007, 12:43 PM

"The silence", Ingmar Bergman 9/10

LadyWentworth

09-02-2007, 12:56 PM

I watched "Everyone's Hero" last night. I'd give it a 9 out of 10. I thought it was a cute film.

Madhuri

09-02-2007, 02:53 PM

TheFifthElement

09-02-2007, 03:15 PM

A Passage to India -- A very mysterious story, that has an open ending, the outcome of the story can have several interpretations. I am still trying to connect all the loose ends from the movie. I will perhaps read the book to find out more about the mysterious nature of the story.

9/10

Has anyone else seen this movie? It is set at the time of British rule. A movie by MGM made in 1984, based on the novel of the same name by E. M. Forster.

Yes, I've seen A Passage to India a few times, and read the book. It's an excellent movie, well deserving of the 9/10 rating.

Have you seen A Room With a View - another adaptation of an E M Forster book. One of my favourite movies of all time with some fantastic performances from Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Daniel Day Lewis and Denholm Eliot in particular. Such a lovely movie, one everyone should see at least once.

Madhuri

09-02-2007, 04:58 PM

Yes, I've seen A Passage to India a few times, and read the book. It's an excellent movie, well deserving of the 9/10 rating.

Great ! So what do you think of the echo that Adela and Mrs Moore hear? Why did Godbole, that Brahmin, fold his hands on the station, when Mrs Moore was sent back to England? What actually happened in the cave that made Adela hysterical and press charges against Dr. Aziz? Why was the telegram of Mrs Moore's death sent to Fielding and not her son (the thing that Godbole pointed out)? And what eventually happened to Adela?

Too many questions I asked :p I should better read the novel.

Have you seen A Room With a View - another adaptation of an E M Forster book. One of my favourite movies of all time with some fantastic performances from Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Daniel Day Lewis and Denholm Eliot in particular. Such a lovely movie, one everyone should see at least once.

I haven't seen this one. If you are saying so, I am sure it will be an excellent movie, I will definitely try to get it's dvd.

Just finished watching -- Train to Pakistan (another one based on a novel by Khushwant Singh). I have this feeling that the novel will be better than this adaptation. The sequence of events in the movie did not seem related.

5/10 (for the movie atleast, can't say the same about the novel)

Nightshade

09-02-2007, 05:22 PM

Room with a view the film completley ruined the book for me. Maybe because I was so young when I originally read the book that I missed alot of what was going on but in the film I thought the guy whats his name came across as rather insane and not a little bit scary.

byquist

09-02-2007, 10:46 PM

3:10 to Yuma -- tough, gritty Western with Russel Crowe and Christian Bale. You'll get your money's worth.

Bakiryu

09-02-2007, 11:17 PM

Currently crying to Brokeback mountain. WHYYYYYYYYYYYY DID HE HAVE TO DIE!!!!

Lauren81492

09-03-2007, 12:11 AM

"Much Ado About Nothing", my fourth time seeing it. I'd give it a 9/10. (This is the 1993 version directed by Kenneth Branagh.)

kiz_paws

09-03-2007, 02:52 AM

I went to see Mr. Bean's Holiday because I heard that it would be funny. I think one needs to be an established fan of this Bean character, else some of the 'amusement' can actually become annoying. Anyhow, I had never seen anything with Mr. Bean in it, so I will rate the movie as a 5/10 rating. There was lots of action, to be sure, and I did laugh a great deal, but I don't really care for a snivvling (spell) buggy-eyed little elf of a man making a fool of himself. Sorry so sharp but that is how the movie struck me.

Nossa

09-03-2007, 07:07 AM

I just bought Becoming Jane last night. and saw it this morning.
I think the movie is quite good, except for the fact that I always had in mind that Anne Hathaway (Jane Austen) isn't British by American, which made it hard for me to really get invovled in the movie. She was really good though. But I loved the acting of James McAvoy (Thomas Lefroy), who acted as Austen's love intesrest in the movie.
The movie is a bit far from the real story though. The movie presents the love story between Austen and Lefroy to be very deep and complicated, while the real love story between the two was somewhat 'boyish' as Lefroy called it later on.
In general, the movie is worth watching, more as a beautiful love story, very well acted, rather than an autobiographical movie about Jane Austen.

manolia

09-03-2007, 02:27 PM

"Castle in the sky", Hayao Miyazaki. Nice. 7/10

papayahed

09-03-2007, 06:12 PM

The Thing - John Carpenter

I've seen it before quite a while ago but forgot most of and was quite horrified at the opening scene. Suspenseful and nostalgic, I had a tape recorder like the one in the movie.

8/10

antagonist22

09-04-2007, 01:26 AM

The pursuit of happyness I give it a 7.5/10. Quite a touching story.

Nossa

09-04-2007, 03:13 AM

Oh! I loved The Pursuit of Happyness! :D It is a touching story indeed!

Idril

09-04-2007, 03:40 PM

Bottle Rocket, the directorial debut of Wes Anderson and the debut of the Wilson brothers. As with all Wes Anderson movies, it's offbeat, wierd and wonderful.

Mark F.

09-04-2007, 05:53 PM

TheFifthElement

09-04-2007, 06:22 PM

Miss Potter. Lovely, sad, touching movie. Loved it. 9/10

papayahed

09-04-2007, 06:43 PM

Walk the Line - The Story of Johnny Cash and June Carter. I really enjoyed the music, the story was pretty interesting as well.

9/10

andave_ya

09-04-2007, 06:54 PM

Dreamgirls. I liked the music and the general plotline but I don't think I would have missed out on much had I not seen it.

7/10

manolia

09-07-2007, 06:03 AM

"Nausica of the valley of winds", Hayao Miyazaki. Beautiful 9/10

Nightshade

09-07-2007, 03:51 PM

Saw Hot fuzz last night I was sooo amazed that actually really enjoyed it.
Bit too gory in parts for me but on the whole fantastic.

8/10

Madhuri

09-07-2007, 04:31 PM

The pursuit of happyness I give it a 7.5/10. Quite a touching story.

I too liked this movie, saw it a couple of times. Its a very good story, the anguish, helplessness (sp?), the determination is all shown so beautifully.

Idril

09-07-2007, 05:55 PM

I finally finished The Stalker. It was a hard movie for me to watch simply because the dubbing. :rolleyes: I didn't have the option of subtitles or dubbing and then they had one guy and one woman doing the voice overs. It wasn't a big deal with the woman because there weren't many of them in the movie, but in scenes were there were the 3 main male characters, it was frustrating because it was the same voice, I'm assuming, reading cue cards or something because it was so lifeless and completely free of any appropriate inflection. If I concentrated on the subtitles (they had both, but I couldn't choose between them on the dvd menu), then I would have no idea who was saying what because it was the same voice and if I listened to the dubbing, I would be so distracted by the ridiculous line reading that I couldn't take the film seriously. It was a laborious effort and I have no doubt it took something away from my enjoyment of the movie.

Shalot

09-08-2007, 12:25 AM

Stranger Than Fiction

Good idea for a story: the character in the story begins to hear the narrative voice of the story he is in.

The way the author character smoked cigarettes and then spit into a tissue and put the cigarette out in her wet tissue was NASTY. Is that not the nastiest thing? Then again, have you ever gotten off the interstate and looked at the side of the road only to see millions of cigarettes butts lining the side of the road? :sick: I guess the tissue thing is better for that purpose, but it's such a nasty way to put to your cigarette out.
.

manolia

09-10-2007, 12:38 PM

"Dead man", Jim Jarmusch 9/10. Excellent and funny. But more than that. Conveying interesting messages about what happened to indian populations in America ;)

formality hater

09-10-2007, 02:52 PM

You've got the mail 5/10.

NickAdams

09-10-2007, 03:12 PM

Bottle Rocket, the directorial debut of Wes Anderson and the debut of the Wilson brothers. As with all Wes Anderson movies, it's offbeat, wierd and wonderful.

I think it's Anderson's best.

Stranger Than Fiction

Good idea for a story: the character in the story begins to hear the narrative voice of the story he is in.

The way the author character smoked cigarettes and then spit into a tissue and put the cigarette out in her wet tissue was NASTY. Is that not the nastiest thing? Then again, have you ever gotten off the interstate and looked at the side of the road only to see millions of cigarettes butts lining the side of the road? :sick: I guess the tissue thing is better for that purpose, but it's such a nasty way to put to your cigarette out.
.

My wife loves this film. I enjoyed it, but not as much as her. Maggie G is adorable. All and all, this is a nice metaphysical film.

"Dead man", Jim Jarmusch 9/10. Excellent and funny. But more than that. Conveying interesting messages about what happened to indian populations in America ;)

One of my favorites. Funny indeed. It also has that great line, "Have you heard my poetry." BLAM!

LadyWentworth

09-17-2007, 02:35 PM

"Ray"

I'd give it 9/10. I thought it was pretty good (even though I cannot stand Jamie Foxx).

BulletproofDork

09-18-2007, 12:18 AM

"Double 07" And I'm not quite sure if that's how you spell it.

JAMES BOND ROCKS!!! But I don't like Pierce Brosman much.

I think I'll give it 7/10

Idril

09-19-2007, 04:15 PM

Sherrybaby which was ok, nothing really earth shattering but it had a few moving scenes. The other movie I watched was After The Wedding, a movie brought to my attention by LTFR in the movie scenes thread and I absolutely loved that one. I think I'm going to need to find a few more Danish movies with Mads Mikkelsen because I really enjoyed that one.

Niamh

09-19-2007, 04:23 PM

The Black Cauldron:thumbs_up

Gadget Girl

09-22-2007, 10:23 AM

"Hairspray" (2007)

I'd give it a 9.5/10. The movie is so cool. I was brought back in the 'welcome to the 60's!' it was hiliarious! Full of famous stars like John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, and some singers like Queen Latifa, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelly and so much more!

I was truly amazed in the acting of John Travolta 'cuz he was so good in the role of Edna Turnblad! *laughs hard* He acted like a true woman and a true mother! He is such a great actor. He can handle his roles magnificently!

stormy sky

09-22-2007, 10:24 AM

Hiroshima mon amour.9/10
i loved the movie

Mortis Anarchy

09-22-2007, 10:34 AM

Has anyone seen 3:10 to Yuma?

Last movie I saw was Must Love Dogs. Its a corny romance/comedy, but I still like it. 7/10

I'm going tonight to see Good Luck Chuck...hopefully it will be good...my friends want to see it but I want to see Shoot 'em Up.:)

Bakiryu

09-22-2007, 04:38 PM

Mr.Bean's Holiday. It was just Hilarious 8/10, he ate a whole shellfish with shell and everything!

thelastmelon

09-22-2007, 05:46 PM

The Nightmare Before Christmas
4/5.

Lady19thC

09-22-2007, 06:54 PM

Lady in the Water.

3/10 Just didn't have the kick that Signs and The Village had.

BulletproofDork

09-23-2007, 11:21 AM

A dvd collection of old "I Love Lucy" episodes. It isn't exactly a movie, but it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Old comedians rock. :thumbs_up:
I'll give it a 10.

manolia

09-23-2007, 12:13 PM

"La terra trema", Luchino Visconti 10/10

jon1jt

09-23-2007, 02:25 PM

In The Shadow Of The Moon, the new Ron Howard documentary. the entire movie is told by the Apollo astronauts, mostly Collins and Aldrin. the most gorgeous footage taken through Apollo 11's window of Earthrise, etc. shown for the first time, don't miss it.

LadyWentworth

09-24-2007, 12:40 AM

"The Number 23". Jim Carrey movie. I'd say 8/10. I liked it. I will say, though, that it made me very concious of the number 23!! It is like I am quite aware of all these things/events that are connected to 23. Crazy!

Gadget Girl

09-24-2007, 01:35 AM

Hahaha! That movie was creepy. I've seen the trailer and I thought to myself, 'No way! You can't make me watch it even if you'll pay the tickets!' I thought that if I'm going to see it, the movie will be in my head constantly and I'll be afraid of the number 23! Hehe, good thing I haven't. :lol:

Gadget Girl

09-24-2007, 07:22 AM

I didn't see the movie and I didn't know that it is a play. All I know is she's Harry Potter's snowy owl.

papayahed

09-24-2007, 07:34 AM

oh:( I thought this was about me.:bawling: :( ;)

Anyways, about the movie - Loved It!!

manolia

09-24-2007, 05:18 PM

"Raging Bull", Martin Scorsese 8/10

manolia

09-26-2007, 02:17 PM

"The Prestige", Christopher Nolan 7/10

amalia1985

09-26-2007, 05:51 PM

"Munich"-Steven Spielberg
10/10

Oniw17

09-26-2007, 06:05 PM

Pan's Labyrinth- 9/10

manolia

09-28-2007, 03:58 PM

"Spirited Away", Hayao Miyazaki 9/10

Mark F.

09-28-2007, 04:03 PM

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead 10/10

At 82, Sidney Lumet is still making more modern films than most directors. He also just made one of the greatest films I've seen recently. It's not for everybody, it's so intense that by the time you leave the theatre you will be gasping for air. The film isn't long (two hours), but the atmosphere is extremely heavy.

The plot is also very tight and shows how the family, as an institution, has been overthrown in today's world by other values (money). The characters are genuine and the acting makes them even more believable. Finney and Hoffman are great as always and Ethan Hawk sometimes manages to match them. I felt their despair and understood their acts which is something a lot of films fail to do.

So, if you like films, go see this. It will be in my 2007 top three.

vheissu

09-28-2007, 06:51 PM

Écoute le temps (2007)

Very good, I'll probably write a review tomorrow... 8/10

Oniw17

09-28-2007, 07:13 PM

Painful Secrets 8/10

Idril

09-28-2007, 08:47 PM

My Life As A Dog and Open Hearts. You just gotta love those depressing, intense Scandinavian movies. :thumbs_up

Janine

09-29-2007, 02:39 PM

Wide Sargasso Sea 8/10

This is an adaptation of the book and quite good. I was pleasantly surprised. It kept my interest throughout and I liked Nathaniel Parker (he was in Oilver Parker's "Othello" and a fine adaptation of "Far From The Madding Crowd"). He played the role of Rochester; when ordering the DVD I was not sure he would fit this role, but he did a fine job portraying the younger version of Rochester from Jane Eyre. Karina Lombard is certainly beautiful in a rare sort of way. She is stunning to watch with her subtle facial expressions. The two had great chemistry together! It was a very enjoyable film with beautiful scenery, set in a lush tropical island and intensely romantic/passionate love scenes (I felt these were tastefully done). All the acting was good, in fact, and it was interesting to see Rachel Ward play Antoinette's mother, Micheal York her step-father. I felt this adaptation stayed closely faithful to the idea and tone of the original book, which I read last spring; I can't recall precisely the plot or the narration so I can't fully judge if the film is faithful to that. It made me want to re-read the book. This fine film also depicted well the cultural differences and made the story more believable to me. I will definitely read the book again. I think the film could have been a little longer with a little more mystery and depth and with more about Antoinette's childhood history explored. Also, I think the ending could have been a little more emotional - Lombard's acting was a little too restrained. This is why I choose to give it an 8 and not a 9 rating. I liked the film enough to view it again, several times. Stunning score and scenery and super photography.

papayahed

09-29-2007, 10:05 PM

Shalot

09-29-2007, 10:12 PM

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - The best thing I can say about this movie is that it prodded me into cleaning the house. I put the movie on and made it about ten minutes in, to the part where the kids were back talking to the grandfather, and I found other stuff to do. I kept the movie on while I cleaned and that's probably the best way to view the movie.

4/10

Yes it was totally stupid. but you might have missed the part where they said grace to the little baby jesus. and then argued about whether it was right or wrong to pray to the little baby jesus. and as far as the costumes and hairstyles, they were right on. Will Ferrel's facial hair and sideburns were typical of the Nascar crowd. they nailed it

papayahed

09-29-2007, 10:53 PM

Yes it was totally stupid. but you might have missed the part where they said grace to the little baby jesus. and then argued about whether it was right or wrong to pray to the little baby jesus. and as far as the costumes and hairstyles, they were right on. Will Ferrel's facial hair and sideburns were typical of the Nascar crowd. they nailed it

I did make it that far, that was just before I had to clean.

Shalot

09-29-2007, 11:08 PM

I did make it that far, that was just before I had to clean.

Oh, was that the part that sent you right over the edge? :lol: I didn't watch the whole thing either. It played but I couldn't pay attention at all. I caught a few scenes. I think he might have crashed and then run the track in his tightie whities. And at the end, he kissed the Perrier driver, but that's all I know (other than they prayed to the little baby jesus)

amalia1985

09-30-2007, 09:56 AM

Blueberry 5/10
And 5, only because Vincent Cassel was in it...otherwise...JESUS!!!!AWFUL!!!

RobinHood3000

10-01-2007, 06:37 PM

Waitress, 9/10

A very sweet movie, with great acting and a perfect ending. =)

Idril

10-01-2007, 06:45 PM

The Virgin Spring by Bergman. Very intense, the lead up to the father's revenge was just excrutiating, it kept building and you knew full well things were going to go very badly for those goatherders but the resolution seemed like it took forever. And Max Von Sydow was a handsome young man, I didn't know that, neither did I know he was Swedish...you learn something new every day. :D

vheissu

10-01-2007, 06:47 PM

Blow up by Michelangelo Antonioni (1966) and a younger Vanessa Redgrave.

Very long, but very very good. 8/10

And that is my non-existent constructive criticism....I just read a review on imdb.com which was good

Mark F.

10-02-2007, 02:21 AM

Through a Glass Darkly 7/10

First part of Bergman's Silence of God trilogy. The acting of the very small cast (only four characters) is exceptionnal. Gunnar Bjornstrand is always great. Harriet Anderson and Max Von Sydow push each other to the limit. The scene in the wrecked boat has some great cinematography.

Shalot

10-02-2007, 08:27 PM

I am watching Tenacious D Pick of Destiny with Jack Black. I think it's good.
Jack Black is very talented and this movie is hilarious with funny drug situations, and heavy metal spoofs. I LOVE Jack Black

5 stars and two thumbs up!! :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

Granny5

10-03-2007, 11:43 PM

8/10

3:10 to Yuma

with Russell Crow, Christian Bale, and James Fonda.
It is an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's short story and I thought it was well made. There is a lot of shooting and killing of both good guys and bad guys and a little bad language, but nothing too bad. The only problem I had with the movie is that early on James Fonda gets gut shot and continues on after the bullet is removed like nothing happened. It's a good story and the acting was good. Christian Bale was excellent, I thought.

LadyWentworth

10-04-2007, 12:16 AM

3:10 to Yuma

Did you ever see the original with Glenn Ford?

byquist

10-06-2007, 12:48 PM

The original "3:10 to Yuma." Similar, and very diff., from the Russel Crowe version of a month ago. The black & white original is very simple, great Western scenery, fine acting.

manolia

10-07-2007, 12:28 PM

"Il Bidone" Federico Fellini 8/10. Not a big fan of Fellini, but this one was fun ;)

Idril

10-07-2007, 10:39 PM

I watched a couple of movies this weekend. First up was Lilya 4-Ever which was a recommendation from LTFR because she knows I like sad, depressing movies and this certainly fit the bill. When death of the major character can be considered a happy ending...you know that's a depressing movie. The second movie of the weekend was also brought to my attention by LTFR, in a manner of speaking. She posted a picture of After The Wedding on the movie scenes thread and she said it was good so I watched it and loved it and now netflix is recommending all these Danish movies starring Mads Mikkelsen so I keep getting them. This selection was The Green Butchers which is an incredibly dark comedy. The ending was a little too neat but the humour was wonderfully wicked and dark. Not a movie for everyone because...it contains cannibalism...but there were a several lines and sitations that were both hilarious and horribly gruesome.

GothMan

10-08-2007, 04:02 AM

The Marsh - a typical thriller (with a child-ghost who takes her revenge...) ***
Idiocracy - an individual but not so entertaining comedy ***
Zoom - a comedy with Tim Allen as a retired superhero? *

manolia

10-08-2007, 03:11 PM

I watched a couple of movies this weekend. First up was Lilya 4-Ever which was a recommendation from LTFR because she knows I like sad, depressing movies and this certainly fit the bill. When death of the major character can be considered a happy ending...you know that's a depressing movie.

Oh my! I own this movie. It is really sad. And the movie theme by Rammstein ("Mein Herz brennt") is very powerfull. Although i liked it, it is definately a movie i won't watch again :(

If you like Danish movies check out Carl Theodor Dreyer's movies. I recommend "Gertrud", Vredens Tag" and "Ordet". For me Dreyer is the best danish director and his movies might remind you a bit of Bergman's movies.

Here's a link in case you haven't heard of him

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Theodor_Dreyer

jon1jt

10-08-2007, 03:17 PM

Go check out Into The Wild. i'm willing to bet this one is going to win Film of the Year, and if it doesn't then there's something wrong in the world.

and the soundtrack is phenomenal.

Idril

10-08-2007, 05:44 PM

Oh my! I own this movie. It is really sad. And the movie theme by Rammstein ("Mein Herz brennt") is very powerfull. Although i liked it, it is definately a movie i won't watch again :(

I was wondering if that was Rammstein but then I tend to think every hard rock German band I hear is Rammstein. :rolleyes: And no, I wouldn't want to watch it again either, I just really don't think I could put myself through that again, especially knowing that life never gets better for her. At least the first time through you can fool yourself that that possibility exists.

If you like Danish movies check out Carl Theodor Dreyer's movies. I recommend "Gertrud", Vredens Tag" and "Ordet". For me Dreyer is the best danish director and his movies might remind you a bit of Bergman's movies.

Thank you for that, I will most definitely check him out...having done that, I discovered that I already had one of his movies in my queue, The Word and I also had a made for tv version of one of his plays, Medea so that will be an easy recommendation to take. :p ;)

Gadget Girl

10-09-2007, 07:15 AM

Pretty in Pink for 3/10. This movie is pretty old, I thought it's a nice one, but after I watched it, I was very bored.

MrD

10-09-2007, 01:04 PM

Can't Hardly Wait http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127723/

A teen movie delving into some of the realities of social structure in US high school and the fear of change in lifestyles afterwards. Some interesting parts in it.

Big Al

10-13-2007, 11:30 AM

Eastern Promises (David Cronenberg, 2007) - Maybe a bit too "normal" and plot-oriented to suit Cronenberg's unique talents, and it doesn't defy easy characterization like the superior A History of Vioence did. Still, on its own terms it's a perfectly well-made thriller, and it's very interesting in that it suggests that the stereotypical "macho male mentality" present in the mob is simply the result of repressed homosexual desires, the most obvious representation of this idea being the bath house fight scene (an instant Cronenberg classic).

I'm also currently in the process of watching Les Vampires, and The Adventures of Prince Achmed, but I've yet to finish either.

Xcape

10-13-2007, 08:09 PM

Trois Couleurs: Bleu - Krzysztof Kieslowski

Haunting, beautiful, stunning, splendid.

10/10

I loved it so much that White and Red paled in comparison for me.

vheissu

10-14-2007, 07:17 AM

Trois Couleurs: Bleu - Krzysztof Kieslowski

Haunting, beautiful, stunning, splendid.

10/10

I loved it so much that White and Red paled in comparison for me.

I loved that film as well and it's indeed the best out of the 3.

Went to see 'The Kingdom' yesterday. Was a lot better than expected, but I won't comment more on it or I'll get into politics. I was glad that they tried to make it as objective as possible, without favouring any of the two sides

7.5/10

manolia

10-14-2007, 12:47 PM

I've seen two movies lately, both excellent.
"The red Violin" 9/10
"Dodes-ka den" Akira Kurosawa 10/10

amalia1985

10-14-2007, 04:11 PM

"Vanity Fair" 7/10

manolia

10-15-2007, 03:59 PM

Amalia, which "Vanity fair" adaptation is that? I've recently read the book (great book :thumbs_up ) and i'd like to see a good adaptation ;)

Last movie:

"Aleksandra", Aleksandr Sokurov. A russian film and a good one. Moreover a political film (well, almost) which treats its subject with respect to both sides.
8/10

Idril

10-15-2007, 05:10 PM

I watched 2 movies this weekend. The first one was Good Bye, Lenin which I really enjoyed. I've seen bits and pieces of it but never the whole thing so it was nice to put it all together. 8\10 The other movie was Sweet Land which I got because it was about Norwegian and German immigrants in Minnesota and being the decendent of both Norwegian and German immigrants and living very near Minnesota it seemed like a movie I should watch. It was a very...sweet...movie. Also 8\10

Janine

10-15-2007, 05:49 PM

Two night ago I watched "Perfume". I thought this was a very strange movie but I was totally captivated by it. It was almost too realistic in it's portrait of Paris in that time period. I thought all the acting was superb. I thought as a total the film was very well photographed and very well directed. It is a strange tale and when I read the synopsis on the cover of the DVD I thought I would possibly hate it but I did not. I did find it fascinating. Definitely an A-moral film, the director stated. The ending was more than strange. Did anyone else see it? I would like to talk to them about the film. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

Last night I watched "Cinderella Man". I really loved this story and film. I think the direction by Ron Howard was sensitive and very well done. I watched some of the extras and found them quite interesting, especially finding out about the real 'Cinderella Man'...and seeing photos and films of he and his wife and family. Very heartfelt film indeed. Good look at the sadness and deperate feelings of the 'Great Depression' years. The ending was wonderful. It is good to see a film that is so uplifting and I hate boxing but found this film was sensitively handled and more about family ties than anything else.

Manolia, I think I saw "The Red Violin" awhile back. We should discuss it. Did you like it?

packersfan

10-16-2007, 12:58 AM

Across the Universe! 10/10
Fantastic, great story, great acting, great directing
weird, weird, werid
Main Adjective to describe this movie: weird
but i loved it!

manolia

10-16-2007, 02:33 AM

Manolia, I think I saw "The Red Violin" awhile back. We should discuss it. Did you like it?

Yes i did. Very much. In fact it is the third time i've seen this film (after i saw it for the first time i bought the dvd). It combines many things i like in a film. Good acting, great story and wonderful music :)

Gadget Girl

10-16-2007, 09:14 AM

I just saw "I Know Who Killed Me" and I'm going to rate it... 4/10. There were blood everywhere! And I don't like movies where there are blood gushing out of you like it will never stop. The movie was creepy man, I'm telling 'ya. But the plot is fine, though.

vheissu

10-16-2007, 09:43 AM

Two night ago I watched "Perfume". I thought this was a very strange movie but I was totally captivated by it. It was almost too realistic in it's portrait of London in that time period. I thought all the acting was superb. I thought as a total the film was very well photographed and very well directed. It is a strange tale and when I read the synopsis on the cover of the DVD I thought I would possibly hate it but I did not. I did find it fascinating. Definitely an A-moral film, the director stated. The ending was more than strange. Did anyone else see it? I would like to talk to them about the film. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

Was it 'Perfume, the story of a murderer', based on the book by Suskind? If it's that, then it was indeed an excellent film (the book more so). But you said it portrayed London, so maybe it's a different film? The one I'm thinking of was definetely set in Paris.
But the again, both had a stricking ending, so we're probably talking about the same one ;)

Janine

10-17-2007, 01:27 AM

Was it 'Perfume, the story of a murderer', based on the book by Suskind? If it's that, then it was indeed an excellent film (the book more so). But you said it portrayed London, so maybe it's a different film? The one I'm thinking of was definetely set in Paris.
But the again, both had a stricking ending, so we're probably talking about the same one ;)

Oh dear, I meant Paris. I don't know why I said London. Sorry. I guess I was thinking of "The Libertine" which had a similiar brooding, dismal, filthy, atmosphere and set design and dramatic photograph with lots of facial closeups.
Yes, definitely, this is the film you speak of and it is set in France. Amazing film I thought! I have not read the book, unfortunately.

Janine

10-17-2007, 01:43 AM

Yes i did. Very much. In fact it is the third time i've seen this film (after i saw it for the first time i bought the dvd). It combines many things i like in a film. Good acting, great story and wonderful music :)

manolia, Is the violin film one that takes place over many generations? If so, that is the one I saw. That was great and so was the music, hands down! I like the same "good acting, great story and wonderful music". In fact, I just watched one of my favorite films tonight which encompasses all three attributes. I recently picked (reasonally priced) and glad I bought (to keep) the DVD version of:

"The Piano" With Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel, Sam Neil

I thought this film was simply outstanding! This is a second or third viewing for me and it still seems as fresh as when I first watched it. I kept thinking this had to be the best performance by Holly Hunter, ever, and after viewing it, I read the cast biographies and I see she won the Academy Award that year for best actress - totally well deserved! She was so amazing to watch and acted with full expressions and her wonderfully expressive eyes. When she sung down, in the mud is shock and dispair, it was so believable and one of the most amazing moments in film I have ever seen. I was totally torn appart at that moment. I felt her shattering.

Hey, manolia, if you have seen this film, you will know what I mean, I kept thinking that Keitel (Baines) represented the 'blood philosphopy' and 'the type of passion' in Lawrence's work. Her husband could not relate to her as a woman, but Baines connected to her flesh through through the passion of her music and the piano. The movie was truly sensual.
It had all three elements - great plot, fine fine acting, and wonderful music and Holly Hunter did her own magnificent piano work. I could not believe how great she can play. Guess graduating from Julliard is nothing to sneeze at.

manolia

10-17-2007, 09:51 AM

manolia, Is the violin film one that takes place over many generations? If so, that is the one I saw. That was great and so was the music, hands down! I like the same "good acting, great story and wonderful music"..

Yes, Janine that's the film :)
As for the other film you mentioned, "The piano", I haven't seen it yet but it is on my list (along with a few hundrend more films i want to see :( ).

aswelch

10-17-2007, 02:31 PM

Transformers! 9/10! Very good for this kind of movie. I would watch it again.

Janine

10-17-2007, 03:04 PM

Yes, Janine that's the film :)
As for the other film you mentioned, "The piano", I haven't seen it yet but it is on my list (along with a few hundrend more films i want to see :( ).

manolia, Last night I looked up "The Red Violin" on Amazon and read the synopsis; and yes, that is definitely the one I saw. It came into my library. When it comes in again, I will try to get it and watch it over again - I always get more from a second viewing. That was an very interesting film. I recall I saw it and knew no one who had seen it, to discuss it with; it seemed pretty obscure but now I see it is not. Funny, now you should mention it and we seem to think alike about books and films...;) .

manolia, you have to see "The Piano" - it is amazing! I am still thinking about it, even though I have seen it perhaps 2 times prior. I was thinking that the setting was Australia, but I picked up on it last night in the very beginning that she and her daughter were bound for New Zealand. I think it was, however, filmed on the coast of Australia - very rugged terrain. The location is a character all of it's own - very dark and dismal place and yet does have it's rugged austere beauty. You will like it because it is very pyschological also, basically comprised of very complex characters. Four fine actors make the film what it is and it is very cerebral. Listen closely to the words that the 'dumb' (note not deaf and dumb, just dumb - can't speak) woman, Aida, is speaking internally. The words are so meaningful and deep. The film is deep and sensual and passionate. I think you will find it fascinating.

amalia1985

10-17-2007, 03:09 PM

manolia

10-17-2007, 03:14 PM

I recall I saw it and knew no one who had seen it, to discuss it with; it seemed pretty obscure but now I see it is not.

You just found someone :)

Thanx for the review of "The piano". I'll check it out this week ;)

The 2005 production. It's a motion picture, not a TV production, the BBC one was much better.(2001)

I'll look for the BBC then, don't know if i'll find it though :(

LadyWentworth

10-17-2007, 03:30 PM

Nossa

10-17-2007, 03:55 PM

Anger Management...I liked it, not much, but it was okay. There could have been a better way to spend the eneving though..lol 6/10

applepie

10-17-2007, 05:07 PM

Transformers. I loved it, and I'm pretty picky about cartoons turned into live action movies. This one did a pretty good job. 9/10

cactus

10-17-2007, 08:36 PM

Transformers. I loved it, and I'm pretty picky about cartoons turned into live action movies. This one did a pretty good job. 9/10

Me too! I thought Transformers was better than I anticipated.

I spent last weekend watching Bridget Jone's diary I and II again and still loving them. 10/10 for me!

packersfan

10-17-2007, 08:45 PM

I thought Transformers was awful.
2/10

Janine

10-17-2007, 09:21 PM

You just found someone :)

Thanx for the review of "The piano". I'll check it out this week ;)

I'll look for the BBC then, don't know if i'll find it though :(

:) Hi manolia, you are welcome on the review. You know how I like movies and writing about them;). Anyway, I sure hope you can get the film. I will be anxious to know what you thought of it. Keep an open mind and consider the time period it encompasses. Women did not have many choices back then and this poor woman, being mute, is being forced into this prearranged marriage, thousands of miles away from her home. Note that the young talented actress Anna Pacquin was introduced in this film and Holly Hunter won the oscar for it. If I remember correctly it garnished more nominations, as well. I have been trying to buy the soundtrack, but looked it up on Amazon and see there are two available - one is the original and the other remastered. I guess it is better to get the remastered one, right?

Janine

10-17-2007, 09:30 PM

I watched "Field of Dreams" for the 5555th time!!!! I watched it like I'd NEVER seen it before!! Anyway, I give it 10/10. I just really love that film! I have to STOP watching it everytime it is on TV, though! It isn't like I will see that there is a new ending or anything!!!

Hello, Lady Wentworth, So funny, some movies you can't get enough of, I know how you feel. I am a chronic re-watcher, too. I own some I watch dozens of times, as thought familiar seems to feel 'comfortable' sometimes when I don't know what to watch or I am too tired to decide. Someone in this thread said she watched "Much Ado about Nothing" awhile back and had seen it 4 times before. Anyway I have viewed that film at least a dozen times by now; I love it! I am a big Branagh and Shakespeare fan, so I have seen most of his films over again at least once, even the non-Shakespeare ones.
But back to "Field of Dreams" - I think I could watch that more times, as well. I picked up a VHS tape of it cheap at my library and watched it recently; of course I saw it before several times. It might have looked better on DVD, but it was not really bad. I really did find the story captivating after all these years and so full of 'heart'. It is one of those films that does not age. Good ones live on forever!

LadyWentworth

10-18-2007, 01:39 AM

Hello, Lady Wentworth, So funny, some movies you can't get enough of, I know how you feel. I am a chronic re-watcher, too. I own some I watch dozens of times, as thought familiar seems to feel 'comfortable' sometimes when I don't know what to watch or I am too tired to decide. Someone in this thread said she watched "Much Ado about Nothing" awhile back and had seen it 4 times before. Anyway I have viewed that film at least a dozen times by now; I love it! I am a big Branagh and Shakespeare fan, so I have seen most of his films over again at least once, even the non-Shakespeare ones.
But back to "Field of Dreams" - I think I could watch that more times, as well. I picked up a VHS tape of it cheap at my library and watched it recently; of course I saw it before several times. It might have looked better on DVD, but it was not really bad. I really did find the story captivating after all these years and so full of 'heart'. It is one of those films that does not age. Good ones live on forever!

First of all, "Field of Dreams", I first saw it in the theater when I was 10 years old. It still has the same affect on me now as it did then. Though I will say that the older that I got, the more my perception of the story changed. It helped me develop a different take on the story. Does that make any sense?

Second, a Branagh fan??? Oh, my God, we MUST discuss him!!!! I absolutely LOVE him!! To find a kindred spirit is kind of exciting!!!! :D :D

Anyway, I will watch the same movie over and over again, too, if I REALLY liked it. I am terrible with that habit. After all, if I need to get something done, I will put it off just to watch a movie I've seen SEVERAL times before!!

Janine

10-18-2007, 02:12 AM

First of all, "Field of Dreams", I first saw it in the theater when I was 10 years old. It still has the same affect on me now as it did then. Though I will say that the older that I got, the more my perception of the story changed. It helped me develop a different take on the story. Does that make any sense?
Absolutely, that is true - films just can't be viewed only once. Your perspectives change and you see things you did not before in a different time in your life. As I said before, this is why good movies live on.

Second, a Branagh fan??? Oh, my God, we MUST discuss him!!!! I absolutely LOVE him!! To find a kindred spirit is kind of exciting!!!! :D :D

Anyway, I will watch the same movie over and over again, too, if I REALLY liked it. I am terrible with that habit. After all, if I need to get something done, I will put it off just to watch a movie I've seen SEVERAL times before!!

Hello again Lady Wentworth, oh yes, we are definitely kindred spirits. I have been looking, for sometime, for another avid Branagh fan. I adore Branagh and think his acting has a lot of depth and range. I try to collect all his films, even the little known obscure ones. I discovered this great Branagh fan site and it is amazing - so much to learn on there about the guy and his amazing career/accomplishments. Besides film acting, directing, writing screen plays and scripts, stage performances, TV performances, writing his own autobiography (which I found quite entertaining), narrating and audiobook performances and Imax films, etc; he actually has time for countless autographs and is suppose to be a heck of a nice guy! Many of his avid fans and organizers of the site have meet him, after stage performances, and I have never heard a bad thing about him; always that he is so friendly and so nice and so down-to-earth. You must check out the site (if you already have not): Kenneth Branagh Compendium. You will love it. Tons of information there so really go through the particulars - great photos as well!

How funny, I just saw the BBC performance of "Persaussion". Is that where you got your user name? She was a great character.

Can't believe you said this - I, too, avoid what I am suppose to be doing and will rewatch a film instead, even when I have seen it countless times before. I have seen all my Branagh films numerous times. I own most that he has done. A few new productions he directed are on my list currently. I have watched his full-length "Hamlet", which I just got on DVD (since it just came out in that format this year), at least a dozen times, maybe more. Am I a case or what? I can nearly quote every line by now or at least mimic when I hear the play being recited. I watch the extras on the DVD's too and repeat them as well. :lol:

Weeping Willow

10-19-2007, 01:44 PM

Amores Perros - A mexican movie from 2000.

It great, really recomanded..
I loved it..

Janine

10-19-2007, 04:37 PM

Two night ago I saw film based on a true story:

The Blue Butterfly ~ William Hurt

I liked this film because it was true, but it seemed to be really outlandish at times. In the 'featurette' they showed the real mother and son. I don't want to give away the outcome, since the story is about a child who has brain cancer (you know this from the beginning) and is going to die in a few months.
I loved the location of the film and seeing all the incredible scenery, in the rainforests of Costa Rica: the beautiful waterfalls and trees, plants, and especially the abundance of bugs, insects, exotic birds, animals and reptiles in the wild. The photography was stunning!
I think, the film was a little slow-going in the beginning and a little bit dull, it picked up later and the story was a bit more interesting. I could not quite put my finger on why I thought it was lacking, but it was all in all a worthwhile film to watch. I would probably give it a 7 out of 10, because it was not quite interesting enough to view again, accept to see that great environment.

Then last night I watched:

A Good Year ~ Russell Crowe

This is so different a role for Crowe - he was rather amusing and funny, at times, although in the beginning he is not really a very likable or nice person. I almost turned the film off, but stuck with it. Then when his character goes to France and one sees the gorgeous countryside and vineyards and the fabulous sun-drenched scenery - this alone kept me watching. Actually, the high tech environment of the corporate world in London was also quite interesting and filmed to advantage. The film was reminescent of "Under the Tuscan Sun"...is that the title? with Diane Lane. That film has never been one of my favorites, but this film was cute at times, but I think pretty unrealistic, highly predictable. I guess it is a good date film; light. It had it's entertaining moments. It just seemed to me that Maximillian fell back into his old life a little too easily. The transition was not that believable, with a workacholic forced to take a holiday in France. All in all it was not a bad film, but it seriously lacked something. I would give this a 7 out of 10, also. I would probably not watch it again, unless I wanted to see the French countryside and the vineyards. The score was interesting, but not outstanding.

amalia1985

10-19-2007, 04:41 PM

"El Greco" 10/10
It was stunning!!!!

Lyn

10-19-2007, 04:43 PM

Resident evil: Extinction. 0 out of 10. Not even good in a so bad its good way. A total awful, boring, unoriginal and badly made excuse for a film. I wasn't even distracted by Milla in all her glory, like I usually am. Doesn't even live up to its predecessors, which lets face it, weren't all that great either.

Janine

10-20-2007, 12:39 AM

"El Greco" 10/10
It was stunning!!!!

The soundtrack to this film is amazing - Vangelis did it right? I own it. I have not seen the film, but want to, being an artist, myself. Also, that soundtrack inspires me to see it. Now I am thoroughly convinced. Thanks, amalia!:D

manolia

10-20-2007, 07:13 AM

"El Greco" 10/10
It was stunning!!!!

Hehehe I'll definately see this one as soon as it is released here :D (perhaps this weekend). I really LOVE Lakis Lazopoulos (favourite greek actor :D ) and it is the last movie of Sotiris Moustakas :(

Gadget Girl

10-20-2007, 09:11 AM

"Stardust" is the best! 10/10! The soundtrack is cool, too!

Shalot

10-20-2007, 09:54 AM

Shooter 7/10

It started out just fine and then it seemed to drag on and on and I felt it should have ended sooner.

Plus they had to go and put a small "romance/passion" moment in the middle and it was forced - it reminded of Wahlberg's performance as Dirk Diggler with Amber Waves in Boogie Nights - the first film he made with her -- not good in the context of this movie Shooter. It made for an unintentionally comical moment.

They could have trimmed some scenes and wrapped it up a lot sooner I think.

Idril

10-20-2007, 10:25 AM

"Stardust" is the best! 10/10! The soundtrack is cool, too!

Had you ever read the book? I'm always nervous about seeing a movie that was made from a book I liked. It's reassuring to hear someone say they like it though. :)

I just watched The Transformers...I have teenage boys :p ...and it was kind of awesome! I didn't watch the cartoon when I was younger so I had absolutely no idea what it would be like but it was a fun, exciting movie with great special effects. A great popcorn movie, if you like. Now tonight I go back to my usual fare, the Danish movie, Medea and a Russian movie called 4.

amalia1985

10-20-2007, 12:20 PM

The soundtrack to this film is amazing - Vangelis did it right? I own it. I have not seen the film, but want to, being an artist, myself. Also, that soundtrack inspires me to see it. Now I am thoroughly convinced. Thanks, amalia!:D

The music is absolutely beautiful! He is my favourite painter, I had the fortune to see his paintings in Prado, and it was a life-time experience.

amalia1985

10-20-2007, 12:21 PM

Hehehe I'll definately see this one as soon as it is released here :D (perhaps this weekend). I really LOVE Lakis Lazopoulos (favourite greek actor :D ) and it is the last movie of Sotiris Moustakas :(

Agree to everything you say, and feel the need to add that Nick Ashdon is excellent and handsome.:p I had to say it...

manolia

10-20-2007, 12:56 PM

:lol: Is he the one starring as El Greco??
It is released here, i am going on Monday :banana:

Janine

10-20-2007, 02:20 PM

The music is absolutely beautiful! He is my favourite painter, I had the fortune to see his paintings in Prado, and it was a life-time experience.

amalia, I can't wait now to see the film. I love all films about painters, even if that painter is not my favorite. It is cool that he is your favorite and that you saw his work live at Prado - that makes all the difference in the world, I know. It is a life-time experience! I saw several exhibits of painters and now I can't keep my mind off their works - I was so impressed - just a few were Dali, Van Gogh, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Wyeth, and Degas (over many years time). It made me realise that one cannot properly view their work in a mere book...two one dimentional...one must see it 'up close and personal'.

If that is the soundtrack I have by Vangelis, and I understood it to be from the film of the same name - it is amazing! I think it is the very best soundtrack/music he has ever written...full of great passion. I am a long time fan of Vangelis, so this was just such a pleasant surprise when I came across this particular CD in my library.

amalia1985

10-20-2007, 04:48 PM

Manolia, yes, he is the one starring.
Yes, Janine. Vangelis is one of the many artists we Greeks are proud of.

Janine

10-20-2007, 11:28 PM

Manolia, yes, he is the one starring.
Yes, Janine. Vangelis is one of the many artists we Greeks are proud of.

amalia, and you should be proud. Vangelis is a long time favorite of mine. I loved his music from "Blade Runner" and "Chariots of Fire" among many others. My two favorite new age musicians (electronically speaking) are Vangelis and Kitaro.

Big Al

10-21-2007, 12:30 AM

Janine

10-21-2007, 01:36 AM

The Searchers (John Ford, 1956) - This beats out Rio Bravo as my favorite western, and is also one of the greatest films ever made, in my not-so-humble opinion. Ford's emotionally-complex meditation on racism and revenge (filmed in glorious Technicolor...Why did that ever go out of style?) is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Hi Big Al, Yes, are his films great or what? They are true classics. I saw this film a few years ago and I just loved it. The cinematography is so 'glorious' being filmed in Techicolor, as you stated. There is just some quality about these old films that never ages. Ford was a genius of framing and casting and filming in deserts. He really captured the mood of the people and the landscape - very Americana indeed. I studied Ford in my college film class but not until recently have I fully appreciated his fine talent. Was this filmed in Death Valley, do you know? I know they did film a lot of western's there. Also, did they do a remake of this film or another film with the same theme recently, or am I thinking of another film by Ford? If so, this original is definitely the best, hands down!

Nossa

10-21-2007, 03:45 AM

Kingdom Of Heaven...It's a pretty good movie, I'd recommend it 9/10.

applepie

10-21-2007, 12:53 PM

Delta Farce 7/10. This was not a good movie, really, but I thought it was pretty funny. It has Larry the Cable Guy, so you know the type of movie you are getting.

Niamh

10-21-2007, 02:54 PM

Just watched Spiderman 3. Man i'm such a wimp! I spent the last part of the movie bawling my eyes out!

Janine

10-21-2007, 04:20 PM

Kingdom Of Heaven...It's a pretty good movie, I'd recommend it 9/10.

Hi Nossa, I saw this film awhile back and I was not sure of it. I thought I liked it, but it seemed a bit 'Hollywoodish' to me. I recently read that the Director's Cut is much better - they seem to have left out some of the story and interesting points, when the cut the film for theaters and some DVD versions. Now I might watch it a second time and see what they are talking about. I think I watched the extra features and found the history, behind this film, quite fascinating, plus I usually do like Ridley Scott films.

amalia1985

10-21-2007, 04:44 PM

Yes, the Director's Cut is much better, especially regarding the Sibylla character.

Janine

10-21-2007, 05:24 PM

Yes, the Director's Cut is much better, especially regarding the Sibylla character.

amalia, it has been while since I saw it - was that the woman in the film? I suppose now I will have to review the film. Everything looks different now on my new TV anyway. I am happy to rewatch most of the ones I own as well. I do that often. Lady Wentworth says she also does this, so I suppose I am not the only one on earth to repeat films I really love.

and Niamh, I too, weep and breakup when a film is truly touching. I even cry sometimes in the middle. I cry my eyes out everytime I see the adaptation of "Mayor of Casterbridge" with Ciraan Hinds as Michael Henchard. I just can't take that last scene without going to pieces. Hey, sometimes a good 'cry' clears the air.;) Not sure if I have seen "Spiderman 3" yet. I may have. If I did, be sure I was weeping, too.:bawling: :lol:

Niamh

10-21-2007, 06:12 PM

I'm a sucker for crying during movies Janine. I was histerical after i saw King Kong!:lol: felt sorry for my boyfriend putting up with me!:p Although i've never been as bad with any movie like an with a sad book. When i read East of Eden i think i cried for more than three hours.
Just watched Shakespeare in Love.

Janine

10-21-2007, 08:00 PM

Niamh, did you cry at the end of "Shakespeare in Love". I really enjoyed that film - have seen it a couple of times and would see it again.

That is so funny, what you said about your boyfriend, because I was watching a film and the man asked the woman to the movies and she said - oh no, she never went to them, because they seemed silly and melodrama - well, something like that - then next scene you see them in the movies in the dark theater and she is crying her eyes out. I really laughed. Think it might have been in the Woody Allen film "Celebrity", but not sure. I own the film so will have to check out that scene again.

I have watched some real tear-jerkers in my day and used up a lot of tissues. As I said before I sometime ever cry in the middle of the film, such as in "Little Women" when the sister dies. That was just too sad a scene not to cry. I cry everytime in the film "Out of Africa" at the end and I was a total whipe out when I saw a film called "I Dreamed of Africa" with Kim Baysinger - oh my goodness - one needs a box of tissues to watch that film.

packersfan

10-21-2007, 08:08 PM

Little Women was sad, but not terribly.

Hotel Rwanda, Radio, and King Kong are some of the movies I'd cry at.
Those are so sad...

My favourite movies are Tristen and Isolde (which is also sad) and Little Miss Sunshine (which is so not sad)

malwethien

10-22-2007, 12:53 AM

Stardust

It was cute...a little different from the book, but the changes were good.

7/10

Gadget Girl

10-22-2007, 02:35 AM

I know that Stardust is based on a novel, but I haven't read it yet.

Most of the movies which are based on novels, they usually make changes to it. So, from the person who didn't read Stardust, I can say the movie was pretty good.

BibliophileTRJ

10-22-2007, 03:54 PM

I know it's a 15 year old movie; but I went to see Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D.

Bad news is that my replacement glasses still haven't arrived so I had to wear my sunglasses under the 3D glasses..... However, the 3D thing works by uszing different polarized images.... and my sunglasses are polarized.... so when i put the 3D glasses on over my shades the whole world went black!! Had to use just the 3D glasses and watch the movie all blurry. :bawling:

Good news is that, even blurry, it's still one the best movies ever made 9.9999 out of 10. :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

Granny5

10-22-2007, 03:56 PM

I have never seen 3D.

Lily Adams

10-23-2007, 01:37 AM

I just saw Forrest Gump on the Biography channel.

Wow.

I want to own it.

From the incredible acting, to the humor, ("The flashlights keep wakin' me up!") to the history, (I really want to get into studying Vietnam and the Cold War) to the messages, I loved it ALL. It totally tugged at my heartstrings.

10/10!!!!!!

"She taysted lyke sigritts."

Shalot

10-23-2007, 09:28 AM

"She taysted lyke sigritts."

:lol:

yes, Forest Gump is a great movie. Although, for the longest time we had people around here going "Run Forest Run" all the time and I could've done without that but yeah, it's most definitely a 10/10.

LadyWentworth

10-23-2007, 02:57 PM

I just saw Forrest Gump on the Biography channel.

You were watching last night, too? :p

I've seen it SOOOO MANY times now!! It is one of those movies I just keep watching. I have always liked the part where Bubba goes on forever about the different types of shrimp! :)

Lily Adams

10-23-2007, 03:51 PM

Ha ha, yeah.

It was kinda funny because I missed the first thirty minutes of it or so (MUST WATCH!) but when I turned it on, we were eating shrimp for dinner and that part came up fairly quickly where he goes on and on about the shrimp. :lol:

It was a beautiful movie. I love watching movies with substance. It's like reading a good book, probably why I love movies so much. I get so tired of the more mainstream, mindless garbage that Hollywood cranks out. It sickens me.

Plus Tom Hanks is a really good actor, I think.

Big Al

10-23-2007, 04:50 PM

Can I offer a differing point of view?

Forrest Gump is a terrible movie, and Tom Hanks is a vastly overrated actor.

That is all, for the moment.

Lily Adams

10-23-2007, 07:57 PM

Well, of course there are people who don't like it. But what made it so terrible for you?

Shalot

10-23-2007, 07:57 PM

Can I offer a differing point of view?

Forrest Gump is a terrible movie, and Tom Hanks is a vastly overrated actor.

That is all, for the moment.

I think Tom Hanks is pretty good. I am a bit tired of him at this point (didn't want to see him in the Da Vinci Code and the movie with him stranded on an island by himself was just a snore), but he was in Punchline back in the eighties with Sally Fields and he played a comedian who had a meltdown on stage and I thought he pulled it off. He's not a BAD actor and he was likable there for a while

Big Al

10-23-2007, 10:18 PM

Well, of course there are people who don't like it. But what made it so terrible for you?

A few things. For one, it's one of the most sugary and overly-sentimental films I've ever seen. Two, it's a film that derives most (all?) of its laughs from mocking the behaviors the mentally handicapped. Third, I found Forrest's struggles and the way he seems to single-handedly bring about so many fads and social changes to be extremely corny, not to mention empty in the long-run. And I found most of the dialogue to be completely idiotic.

Why this is praised as a great film I'll never know. Even looking at it from an ideological standpoint, the message of the film seems to be that if you don't question anything and do what everybody tells you, you'll become successful. What a sappy, stupid movie. Just thinking about it makes me angry.

But hey, on a much better note, I just rewatched an old favorite of mine, Alan Parker's Angel Heart, a remarkably emotional and disturbing experience with fascinating religious themes. It's kind of cross between a thriller, a film noir and a horror film, but one that trascends all three.

Shalot

10-23-2007, 10:32 PM

A few things. For one, it's one of the most sugary and overly-sentimental films I've ever seen. Two, it's a film that derives most (all?) of its laughs from mocking the behaviors the mentally handicapped. Third, I found Forrest's struggles and the way he seems to single-handedly bring about so many fads and social changes to be extremely corny, not to mention empty in the long-run. And I found most of the dialogue to be completely idiotic.

Why this is praised as a great film I'll never know. Even looking at it from an ideological standpoint, the message of the film seems to be that if you don't question anything and do what everybody tells you, you'll become successful. What a sappy, stupid movie. Just thinking about it makes me angry.

But hey, on a much better note, I just rewatched an old favorite of mine, Alan Parker's Angel Heart, a remarkably emotional and disturbing experience with fascinating religious themes. It's kind of cross between a thriller, a film noir and a horror film, but one that trascends all three.

I don't think the movie is necessarily mocking the behaviors of the mentally handicapped. Taking care of a mentally handicapped child is an extreme challenge (and that's not to say that taking care of a physically handicapped child is not an extreme challenge). Family members of the handicapped have to cope with the situation and sometimes we'll sit around and talk about how amazing that handicapped child is despite all the rest. With the physically handicapped, we try to focus on what they can acheive academically, but with the mentally handicapped you praise their ability to say, tidy a room, or you focus on their ability to write their own name. I think Forest Gump is just kind of a cinamatic extension of that.

And as far as the overall message of the movie being "... you don't question anything and do what everybody tells you, you'll become successful."

Forest may not have a been "a smart man" (sorry, I just couldn't resist) but he wasn't completely unwise. For example, he knew enough to get Jenny out of the strip bar where she had a job as a nude folk singer.

Other than that, you bring up interesting points.

grittylit

10-23-2007, 10:54 PM

haha 'tom hanks is a vastly overrated actor'... its more the shiny bottom lip and do-gooder attitude that annoy me. i liked forrest gump though, its a cute, if slightly brainless movie. all of his other movies, however i have to agree, eg castaway - what a waste of 2 hrs?!

my last movie: Se7en

rate it: 5.5 out of 10

i liked brads unlikable character, and the fact that he, unlike his wife (in real life), doesnt just take pretty boy roles. his character was a bit of a bastard, and you get the feeling that he enjoyed playing it. the movie was a bit gruesome (im not good with blood) but even i could see that the effects were aging a bit. also, the part of the severed head at the end didnt seem real, or very shocking, it seemed very staged and the acting around this point got very wooden. and also i dont get why Morgan freeman didnt want brad to shoot keven spacey ( apart from the fact that it was illegal etc duh) was this a moral question that i didnt quite get?

also i thought this was kind of a lame 'event to go down in history', as keven spacey kept saying it would be - what really did happen in the end? there were a few murders, mostly of people noone would really miss (dont take this the wrong way, i just mean people the press wouldnt latch on to and make it a 'scandal' -prostitues, drug dealers and a man that didnt seem to leave his house) - and then a police officer shoots a person in their care... this unfortunatly happens a bit in the news so it wouldnt be front page material.... i was just a bit confused...

Lily Adams

10-24-2007, 02:36 AM

Other than that, you bring up interesting points.

He did indeed. I knew it was sappy, but I just couldn't help it. It's a "feel good" movie. (Actually, wait. It was more bittersweet.) Or in Big Al's case a "feel angry" movie. :lol: Sorry.

Janine

10-24-2007, 11:36 AM

Shalot

10-24-2007, 01:00 PM

I agree with both of you on your points about Forrest Gump but I have to admit it was really a disappointment for me and I would never waste my time watching it again. I did not necessarily think that Hanks was bad in the role. I just thought the film was so outlandish and downright silly at times. I do think it was over-rated. I know people who claim it was their favorite movie. It was not mine by a long shot. I thought for one (Sally Field) his mother sleeping with the administrator was the first place the film lost it's credibility for me. From there on I was watching the film with a lot of sceptism. Guess I am old-fashioned but that just seemed to me to be crude. Much of the film seemed fairy-tale like also, or more of a parody. Am I the only one who thought this?

it's just a movie though. They don't all have to be so REAL. I watch movies to escape. When life is too big for me and dull and dreary and cruel it's nice to get away. I don't want to watch a film that truly captures life as it is, because sometimes ,and I am not being negative or pessimistic, life just SUCKS and that is where silly fairy-tale Forest Gump movies come in.

Forest Gump :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

Idril

10-24-2007, 05:13 PM

I watched A Bridge To Terabithia this weekend with my mother, who is a sucker for sad, "family" movies and this was certainly sad. I have to admit that while I'm not a huge fan of the genre myself, I was a little teary eyed. :blush: Yesterday, I watched Medea, a Danish film. It was incredibly slow moving, almost to the point of being excrutiating. It was only about 75 minures but it was the longest 75 minutes of my life. :rolleyes:

Big Al

10-24-2007, 05:48 PM

He did indeed. I knew it was sappy, but I just couldn't help it. It's a "feel good" movie. (Actually, wait. It was more bittersweet.) Or in Big Al's case a "feel angry" movie. :lol: Sorry.

Sorry if I got too "agressive" with my points; I get a little stricken with passion every now and then...

grittylit

10-24-2007, 07:24 PM

I agree with both of you on your points about Forrest Gump but I have to admit it was really a disappointment for me and I would never waste my time watching it again. I did not necessarily think that Hanks was bad in the role. I just thought the film was so outlandish and downright silly at times. I do think it was over-rated. I know people who claim it was their favorite movie. It was not mine by a long shot. I thought for one (Sally Field) his mother sleeping with the administrator was the first place the film lost it's credibility for me. From there on I was watching the film with a lot of sceptism. Guess I am old-fashioned but that just seemed to me to be crude. Much of the film seemed fairy-tale like also, or more of a parody. Am I the only one who thought this?

Yes it definitely seemed like a fairytale. It could be a fairytale for modernday America.

Lily Adams

10-25-2007, 12:58 AM

Sorry if I got too "agressive" with my points; I get a little stricken with passion every now and then...

Hee hee, no problem. :)

it's just a movie though. They don't all have to be so REAL. I watch movies to escape. When life is too big for me and dull and dreary and cruel it's nice to get away. I don't want to watch a film that truly captures life as it is, because sometimes ,and I am not being negative or pessimistic, life just SUCKS and that is where silly fairy-tale Forest Gump movies come in.

Yep!

Oniw17

10-25-2007, 03:32 AM

I just watched Fight Club for the first time. It's the best movie I remember seeing. 10/10

Shalot

10-25-2007, 11:23 AM

I just watched Fight Club for the first time. It's the best movie I remember seeing. 10/10

I thought that the first time I saw it. How funny - it's on right now. it is a good movie - lots to think about. We are consumers. Advertising has us working jobs we hate to buy sh** we don't need like a duvet for example.

So a schizo insomniac blows up the credit card companies so they could erase the debt record and we could all start over at 0. It's a good thing we have off site data storage.

Janine

10-25-2007, 09:18 PM

it's just a movie though. They don't all have to be so REAL. I watch movies to escape. When life is too big for me and dull and dreary and cruel it's nice to get away. I don't want to watch a film that truly captures life as it is, because sometimes ,and I am not being negative or pessimistic, life just SUCKS and that is where silly fairy-tale Forest Gump movies come in.

Forest Gump :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

Shalot, I really did not totally dislike Forrest Gump. I just thought it was disappointing, when I had heard so much about it. I can see your point and every person has his/her different taste in films. I am not at all a depressed person, but I actually do prefer dramas, even heavy ones and sad ones or tragedies. I like best ones that end on a positive note, however, even tragedies can somehow do that or point us to a better day.
I like the ending of FG with the feather floating up - right? I don't recall it too clearly now - it was years ago that I watched it really. It had it's good points, but I still feel it was highly over-rated. I, personally, would not re-watch it, but if you enjoyed it, that is all that matter - movies are individual...that is why there are so many kinds & so many genre's, etc.

manolia

10-26-2007, 05:16 AM

I really liked Forest Gump ;)

Niamh

10-26-2007, 11:00 AM

I just watched Bridge To Terabithia.:bawling: :bawling: :bawling: 10/10 Havent cried this much in ages. Think i need a hug.:(

Idril

10-26-2007, 02:40 PM

I just watched Bridge To Terabithia.:bawling: :bawling: :bawling: 10/10 Havent cried this much in ages. Think i need a hug.:(

I know!!!! It's really sad, isn't it? My son had read the book so I knew what was coming but that didn't make it any less sad.

Niamh

10-26-2007, 03:57 PM

I never read the book so i didnt see it coming. Just couldnt stop crying. And when his dad was with him in the forest.....:bawling:

manolia

10-26-2007, 04:32 PM

"El Greco" 9/10

Janine

10-26-2007, 06:00 PM

"El Greco" 9/10

manolia, wow - a 9/10! I must have been a good film. I can't wait to go see it. I hope I can catch in in a movie theater. Can you expound on it any for all of us. Glad you got to go an see it.

Hey, manolia, where have you been in Sons and Lovers thread? My reading continues to be slow, but now I am to part 2 ,at least, and enjoying the book much more the second time around. I guess everyone was anxious, on first reading, to see the outcome, so they speeded up to find out. I have the advantage of slowly going through the text, this time, and absorbing it better. I probably won't finish up by the end of the month, but it has been an enjoyable read. Trying not to be hard on myself if I don't finish it up by the 31 - anyway, I don't think we truly have a deadline, do you? I wrote a long post in there today - hope you can check it out and comment. Your comments always mean so much to me. :)

I saw a few good films this week. I can't comment extensively on them, but I can list them, say a few words on each, and give them a rating.

I saw "Champions" with John Hurt and loved it - true story and amazing - I love horse and horse-racing films. I highly recommend it. Very uplifting, too. 9/10 - Hurt gives a solid and believable performance.

I saw "Art School Confidential" - a very funny film, parody on attending an inter-city art school - not sure of the time - probably back several years ago - perhaps even when I went to art college in Philadelphia. I could really relate to certain scenes and so crazy characters. It was a little 'over the top' at some junctures, but it may be so in NYC. I enjoyed it although the ending is not uplifting but makes one think. There is a bitterness to it but all in all I liked the idea and the themes. I laughed a lot, too. I probably would give it an 8/10 because I felt it could have used a more light or uplifting ending - at least hopeful one.

Last night I saw an adaptation from Henry James' "The Bostonians". I saw this film before but payed closer attention to it last night. I enjoyed it very much although I had to watch it on VHS and it was older print and not so clear, plus extremely dark on my TV, which was annoying at times to the eye. I liked the story and drama very much. Too hard to explain but involves the woman's suffrage moments and has some very interesting characters portrayed by prominent actors...Vanessa Redgrave is amazing, Christopher Reeve played a solid performance as a southern lawyer, and I can't recall the young woman who is the main star but she was outstanding. I believe Redgrave won an Oscar for her performance but don't quote me on it. It is a critically acclaimed film by Merchant Ivory. I would have to give it a 9/10 - a little slow-paced, bad print I was viewing, but excellent production. I have not read the book but I do believe this seems it would come close to the original story.

I mentioned I had seen "The Piano" awhile back. I ordered the soundtrack since it was so beautiful and so impression. Plan on playing that today.

I also watched a DVD concert that was wonderful - do concerts count in here? Anyway, thought I would mention it.
Loreena McKennett's "Nights in Alhambra" - the setting in Spain was magnificent and the fill-in's of her walking around the city made it highly entertaining/fascinating, as well. I loved the concert - she did all her most popular songs and did not miss a beat or a note. It was about 2 hours long, with no apparent break in the performance, so that was more than satisfying. She played the harp, piano and accordian alternately and her band certainly had some exotic and ancient instruments. that kept my interest throughout the concert. You can buy the 3 disk set online (Amazon) - 2 CDs and one DVD of the concert - it was a great deal! Glad I ordered it.

applepie

10-28-2007, 02:15 AM

Mr. Brooks I would have to give it a 10/10. I really loved this movie. It was interesting, suspenseful, and the acting was good too.

Gadget Girl

10-28-2007, 09:19 AM

Wedding Daze. I would rate it 5/10. It has some green scenes and there are only two or three innocent scenes that were really funny.

Behemoth

10-28-2007, 11:01 AM

Tales from Earthsea 10/10, but then i'm a Ghibli fanatic :D

manolia

10-28-2007, 03:02 PM

manolia, wow - a 9/10! I must have been a good film. I can't wait to go see it. I hope I can catch in in a movie theater. Can you expound on it any for all of us. Glad you got to go an see it.

I hope you get to watch the movie soon so we can discuss it :D
Actually the movie "El Greco" is a 7/10 for me. I gave it a 9/10 for personal reasons though (you'll undestand when you see it :D ). You might like it a lot since you are an artist and the movie is about the life of a great artist ;)
The thing that is outstanding about this movie is the music :thumbs_up (apart from Vangelis you get to listen to 2 excellent performers who are quite famous here and play and write traditional Cretan music combined with medieval elements).
I really liked the costumes also. Good work. And the shots taken at the medieval castles of Greece (in Rhodes) and Spain.
I also like the two leading actors (the english guy starring as El Greco and the spanish guy starring as the inquisitor) and some of the greek actors (the one starring as Nicolo, who is my favourite greek actor) the one starring as Ticiano (a very famous actor here and a good one, he was nominated for an oscar for his performance as a supporting actor at Zorba the greek and he is considered as one of the last of a long heritage of good theatrical -mainly- actors we have here).
If you get to watch the movie i'll tell you what i didn't like :p

Hey, manolia, where have you been in Sons and Lovers thread? My reading continues to be slow, but now I am to part 2 ,at least, and enjoying the book much more the second time around. I guess everyone was anxious, on first reading, to see the outcome, so they speeded up to find out. I have the advantage of slowly going through the text, this time, and absorbing it better. I probably won't finish up by the end of the month, but it has been an enjoyable read. Trying not to be hard on myself if I don't finish it up by the 31 - anyway, I don't think we truly have a deadline, do you? I wrote a long post in there today - hope you can check it out and comment. Your comments always mean so much to me. :)

If you go to the SnL thread you'll find a mammoth post of mine..sorry :blush: i had to keep up with the conversation. No, we don't have a deadline! So read the book at your leisure ;) I read it fast because it is a very interesting book. I read another book now, but i can always go back to the thread and continue our SnL conversation :)

Janine

10-28-2007, 05:58 PM

I hope you get to watch the movie soon so we can discuss it :D
Actually the movie "El Greco" is a 7/10 for me. I gave it a 9/10 for personal reasons though (you'll undestand when you see it :D ). You might like it a lot since you are an artist and the movie is about the life of a great artist ;)
The thing that is outstanding about this movie is the music :thumbs_up (apart from Vangelis you get to listen to 2 excellent performers who are quite famous here and play and write traditional Cretan music combined with medieval elements).
I really liked the costumes also. Good work. And the shots taken at the medieval castles of Greece (in Rhodes) and Spain.
I also like the two leading actors (the english guy starring as El Greco and the spanish guy starring as the inquisitor) and some of the greek actors (the one starring as Nicolo, who is my favourite greek actor) the one starring as Ticiano (a very famous actor here and a good one, he was nominated for an oscar for his performance as a supporting actor at Zorba the greek and he is considered as one of the last of a long heritage of good theatrical -mainly- actors we have here).
If you get to watch the movie i'll tell you what i didn't like :p

Hi manolia, this a great review and run-down on the film. It really whetted my appetite and interest to see it. I do like artist's films. In fact, I bought one on Mondiglani, not because I particularly love his art, but just because it was another artist's story. Unfortunately, the dumb DVD seems defective; does weird things when trying to watch it. I managed through it once, but have not tried it on my newer player - maybe that will be successful. You can't hurt your player, can you?

Anyway, El Greco does sound extremely interesting. Funny, last night I watched a movie filmed in Rhodes and another the other night filmed in Spain at the Alhambra...that was wonderful. Is Rhodes an island? I have been wanting to watch "Forunes of War" again, so I can visit Athens, via TV screen. I am in a Greek state of mind...;) - thanks to you and amalia!
I might recognise some of the actors you mentioned. Last night one Greek actor playing a tiny part, an older man, showed up in the film and I recognised him from some other film I have seen lately. I think he played a gypsy in a Johnny Depp film. The acting in El Greco sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see it now. I know I will adore that music. I played the soundtrack, the other day, in my car and loved it so much had to play it again a few times over. It is awesome! I love medieval castles and I love period costuming. I am buying my ticket this very moment (just kidding ;) - wish I was).

If you go to the SnL thread you'll find a mammoth post of mine..sorry :blush: i had to keep up with the conversation. No, we don't have a deadline! So read the book at your leisure ;) I read it fast because it is a very interesting book. I read another book now, but i can always go back to the thread and continue our SnL conversation :)

:lol: :lol: Yes, I know!...and right after your gigantic post is one even more gigantic by little old me - the talker! haha Then amalia posted at the same time and I had to revise it and it is even longer now! Glad we don't have a deadline. I hate reading with pressure to finish. I like to go over parts again - especially when I read it a second time. I notice so many more little details that now seem to be significant to me since we have our discussions. Thanks, because if you could pop in from time to time to discuss certain parts of the text that would be great - it would mean a lot to me - thanks so much!

amalia1985

10-28-2007, 06:20 PM

"Saving private Ryan" 7/10
Handsome soldiers, but a genre that I detest, so I cannot be objective. It was my cousin's choice, and we had nothing to do but follow. The 7 is for the troops...

Janine

10-28-2007, 08:03 PM

"Saving private Ryan" 7/10
Handsome soldiers, but a genre that I detest, so I cannot be objective. It was my cousin's choice, and we had nothing to do but follow. The 7 is for the troops...

amalia, everyone has been urging me to see this film forever now, but I thought - 'wow, this is really going to be bloody'; am I right? I keep avoiding seeing it, when I know I probably should, since so many people rave how good it is. I have seen other war films, but they are not my favorites by far, so why I avoid this one is beyond me.

Janine

10-28-2007, 09:36 PM

Always ~ Richard Dreyfuss and Holy Hunter; directed by Steven Spielberg

What can I say? I have 'always' loved this film! Recently, I bought it and like it even better now, than before. It is a good 'thoughful' film and has its fun moments, as well. It is definitely a 'feel good film,' which we need from time to time. Maybe a good date film. Not everyday is a good day for Hamlet or other tragedies, although those are usually my favorites - being the tragerian I am.

amalia1985

10-29-2007, 05:55 PM

amalia, everyone has been urging me to see this film forever now, but I thought - 'wow, this is really going to be bloody'; am I right? I keep avoiding seeing it, when I know I probably should, since so many people rave how good it is. I have seen other war films, but they are not my favorites by far, so why I avoid this one is beyond me.

I can understand why most people thinki it is a good film, and it really is. Nice acting, photography, music, excellent direction. It's just that I don't like the genre, but although it is really bloody, it is an excellent movie for those who like was films, but I am not one of them.:D

jenniferm

10-31-2007, 12:09 AM

The last movie I watched was 30 days of night. Wow really great vampires.

Janine

10-31-2007, 01:08 AM

The last movie I watched was 30 days of night. Wow really great vampires.

Tis the season! Happy Halloween Everyone!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Gadget Girl

10-31-2007, 06:54 AM

Gosh, Halloween is here. The time is so fast! It sometimes scares me a little bit (that's the whole point :rolleyes:). When I watch TV, they are always talking about ghosts, vampires and more stories which really freak you out.

NickAdams

10-31-2007, 11:38 AM

I watched Hostel 2 this past Sunday and was greatly disappointed. I enjoyed the first one, but the sequel became a campy gore-enthusiast's wet dream. It had a small amount of potential. The first focused on the victims and the second could have focused on the clients. Instead we have victims, clients, and the head of the organization. This could have been a great trilogy, but it seems as if they're going for a exploited franchise. I had high hopes for Eli Roth. I hate to see things with promise wasted.

NickAdams

10-31-2007, 11:52 AM

"Saving private Ryan" 7/10
Handsome soldiers, but a genre that I detest, so I cannot be objective. It was my cousin's choice, and we had nothing to do but follow. The 7 is for the troops...

I'm not a fan of the war film myself, unless Kubrick directed it, but I love the opening sequence of Ryan. I avoid Platoon and Apocalypse Now for this reason.

amalia1985

10-31-2007, 01:52 PM

I'm not a fan of the war film myself, unless Kubrick directed it, but I love the opening sequence of Ryan. I avoid Platoon and Apocalypse Now for this reason.

Yes, you are right. The opening sequence with the old, now, Ryan in the cemetery is shocking and shows a real directing genious! I thought that he was Captain Miller until the end of the film, and I remember freezing, with my mouth open, in front of the cinema screen! That was a twist of plot!!!

manolia

10-31-2007, 03:16 PM

I managed through it once, but have not tried it on my newer player - maybe that will be successful. You can't hurt your player, can you?

I am not sure about that. The only thing i know is how to turn my dvd player on and off :lol:

Anyway, El Greco does sound extremely interesting. Funny, last night I watched a movie filmed in Rhodes and another the other night filmed in Spain at the Alhambra...that was wonderful. Is Rhodes an island?

Yes, Rhodes is an island.
Which film with Johnny is that? Is it "The man who cried"? I liked this one.

amalia, everyone has been urging me to see this film forever now, but I thought - 'wow, this is really going to be bloody'; am I right? I keep avoiding seeing it, when I know I probably should, since so many people rave how good it is. I have seen other war films, but they are not my favorites by far, so why I avoid this one is beyond me.

The first 15 min of the movie are very bloody. So you might not like it ;)
I like war films, this was a nice film but there are much better war films out there.

Idril

10-31-2007, 03:51 PM

I just watched this weird Russian movie called 4. It had a promising start and premise but then the action moved to this strange little village with a bunch of old, drunk and oversexed women and things started to get really odd. :rolleyes: I give it a 3 out of 10 because the beginning was so promising.

Janine

10-31-2007, 04:05 PM

I am not sure about that. The only thing i know is how to turn my dvd player on and off :lol:

:wave: Hi manolia, using your waving guy again. You answered two of my posts today - thank you so much! I was thrilled to see you back in S&L and answering a question I posted about 6 or more back, everyone else seemed to skip over those - thanks again! I will answer that post later. Too busy with Halloween now.
You sound like me with the DVD. Then I guess it is useless to ask you for help with my new MP3 player - I keep avoiding trying to download the music or books to it...ekkkk....another complicated device to figure out and tons of directions to read! We forget this part when we purchase these new tech things.:(

Yes, Rhodes is an island.
Which film with Johnny is that? Is it "The man who cried"? I liked this one.

No, the film was a Kenneth Branagh early film - "High Season" and it also stars beautiful Jacqueline Bisset,...James Fox, and Irene Papas. A very amusing film and great scenery! I want to go to Rhodes now.

I have seen the Depp film you speak of and I loved it. I just saw it again not long ago and think I appreciated it even more - great actors and a good story. I love Depp playing a gypsy anyway. Did you see him in "Chocolat" - I love that movie. Hummm...maybe I will watch it tonight - my sister owns it.

The first 15 min of the movie are very bloody. So you might not like it ;)
I like war films, this was a nice film but there are much better war films out there.

So the whole film is not that bloody? I can take that usually, in small doses or paced out, but not if it is senseless. I saw "Black Hawk Down" - now you could not get much bloodier than that. I also, did see "Platoon" years ago in the theater - my son dragged me there with him when he was younger, I could have killed him for that. It made me squirm in my seat. I heard that there were better war films out there than "Saving Private Ryan". I thought the concept sounded a little outlandish and unreal. Was it a true story?

vheissu

11-01-2007, 08:15 AM

Went to see Ratatouille last night, loved it!

Gadget Girl

11-01-2007, 12:11 PM

See? I told you, vheissu! It's one of my favorites! I love our little chef.

LadyWentworth

11-01-2007, 12:47 PM

"Saving Private Ryan"..... Was it a true story?

I always assumed that it was based on the story of those five brothers (I think they were 5) that died in WWII. Then again, though, I think they died on a ship. There was also that family that lost 5 boys during the Civil War. I figured that they took the story and fictionalized it by bringing the one back. No, it isn't a true story. At least not to my knowledge.

I honestly didn't care for it. I actually really like war films. I don't know why, but I do. So, I sat through it and was completely disappointed. I am kind of tired of movies getting all this praise. They get so hyped up and when I eventually get around to watching them I am disappointed because my expectations were so high.

Well, I recently saw "Curious George". I will give it a 9/10. I thoroughly enjoyed that film. :D

Janine

11-01-2007, 03:26 PM

I always assumed that it was based on the story of those five brothers (I think they were 5) that died in WWII. Then again, though, I think they died on a ship. There was also that family that lost 5 boys during the Civil War. I figured that they took the story and fictionalized it by bringing the one back. No, it isn't a true story. At least not to my knowledge.

I honestly didn't care for it. I actually really like war films. I don't know why, but I do. So, I sat through it and was completely disappointed. I am kind of tired of movies getting all this praise. They get so hyped up and when I eventually get around to watching them I am disappointed because my expectations were so high.

Well, I recently saw "Curious George". I will give it a 9/10. I thoroughly enjoyed that film. :D

LW, Thanks for your opinions on PR. I honestly pass-by it, all the time, in the library. It never seems the right time to brace myself to watch it. I actually like some war films, too, if they are not overdone. I like ones with 'thought' behind them. Did you ever see Mallick's "Thin Red Line". I liked it, but a friend of mine tried to tell me it was so unreal and stupid. Oh well, to each his own opinion. I found the inner-workings of the minds of the soldiers so interesting, but that it how the director Terrance Malick works. I like his films: "The New World" and his older film, "Days of Heaven". They are more like 'long epic poems' and very 'cerebral'. Many people can't stand him, since they don't have the patience for his slow-paced style. I enjoy it and think it is relaxing and always interesting, but that is just me. Not a lot of action, but then it is like real life and not a sensationalist film, which always gets the big box office praise. I don't follow the norm so when I see a film like his I think it is fresh and new and he tried something entirely different - good for him. I have never seen "Badlands" but I understand it is a great film and I plan to someday.

How funny "Curious George" - does that bring back memories for me or what! Everynight, my son wanted me to read him this book before bed, when he got a little older. It was a longer child's book, so I think he really just wanted to stay up later. But when he was growing up, we loved the "Curious George" books! I found his old book the other day in my basement and I thought - I have to keep this for posterity, if nothing else. I will have to buy my grandchild (expecting one in about 6 months) a "Curious George" film - it is a child's film, right?

kilted exile

11-01-2007, 03:31 PM

I watched Hot Fuzz a month or so ago. Everyone had been telling me that it was incredibly funny etc, but I didnt enjoy it at all. I have laughed more at Will Farrell and that is truly saying something. Useless 1/10

alexsears

11-01-2007, 03:32 PM

i thought we thin of our own movie we saw:blush:

papayahed

11-01-2007, 04:53 PM

soulsistachick

11-01-2007, 06:02 PM

crystals friend bexi watched fracture about a week ago. her and her friends decided to leave as the storyline was too predictable. some of it was good though .
would rate it a 5 ish out of 10

bigmark35

11-01-2007, 06:19 PM

I saw We Own the Night and I would give it 9/10

nereid

11-01-2007, 09:25 PM

I tried to watch The Black Dahlia, but it was so vapid I haven't been able to finish. No wonder it only cost $5.

grittylit

11-01-2007, 10:38 PM

oh ive seen hot Fuz and i loved it!!

it maybe the english humour... i watch alot of the Bill etc, and i used to live in a small town like the one they based the story in so it was very funny for me.

the black dahlia - yes what an absolutly vapid boring movie! i kind of sensed that the scarlett johanssen and josh hartnett version was going to be like that so i vetoed it for the, apparently 'non hollywood version' but it was this stupid movie that apparently was the ghost of the 'dahlia' that came back to haunt this studio and all these blondes that couldnt act kept going up for castings and getting killed.... it was about as good as hearing nails scrape down a blackboard.

so i thought, its such a fab starting point for a movie that there must be something worth watching in the hollywood version and almost retched at the banality of it. why bother putting hartnett in any movie? he CANT ACT!!....

i just thought it would be such an interesting story line with the nature of the murder and all the glamour of that era. i was envisioning someone would make an 'aviator' type of set and a thriller plot... but not so

LadyWentworth

11-01-2007, 10:57 PM

I tried to watch The Black Dahlia, but it was so vapid I haven't been able to finish. No wonder it only cost $5.

Oh, I didn't like this movie at all. This was out at the same time as "Hollywoodland". So, I thought that there was going to be two good films about mysterious Hollywood deaths. I am really into "classic" Hollywood, by the way. Anyway, I really liked "Hollywoodland", but I absolutely detested "The Black Dahlia". I seriously thought that they were going to focus a little more on the actual person rather than the fictional characters.

why bother putting hartnett in any movie? he CANT ACT!!....

I think the same thing about Scarlet Johannsen. I really don't "get" her. I don't think she's that spectacular of an actor either. I am not saying she is a bad actress. I just don't think she is a good one. At best, I think she is average. I know that a lot of people would disagree with me, but that is their opinion. I respect that. This just happens to be mine. :)

Did you ever see Mallick's "Thin Red Line"....

I like his films: "The New World"......

"Curious George" film - it is a child's film, right?

Yes, actually, I did see that. Before "Saving Private Ryan", in fact. I remember that they were out at the same time. I liked it. I found it to be more compelling than "Saving Private Ryan".

You know, I really liked "The New World"! A lot of people were bored with it. I don't know what they expected, but I enjoyed the way that he presented the story with little dialogue and focusing more on the actions. It made it seem almost more "realistic" (for lack of a better word).

Yes, "Curious George" is a children's film! :D Every now and then it is good to just sit back and enjoy something light and fun like that!

Janine

11-02-2007, 01:14 AM

Oh, I didn't like this movie at all. This was out at the same time as "Hollywoodland". So, I thought that there was going to be two good films about mysterious Hollywood deaths. I am really into "classic" Hollywood, by the way. Anyway, I really liked "Hollywoodland", but I absolutely detested "The Black Dahlia". I seriously thought that they were going to focus a little more on the actual person rather than the fictional characters.

I think the same thing about Scarlet Johannsen. I really don't "get" her. I don't think she's that spectacular of an actor either. I am not saying she is a bad actress. I just don't think she is a good one. At best, I think she is average. I know that a lot of people would disagree with me, but that is their opinion. I respect that. This just happens to be mine. :)

Hi LW, I am checking in kind of late, but anyway...I guess we do disagree on one thing here - Scarlett J. I like her in somethings, but not all. I don't think she is a bad actress. I loved her in "The Horse-Whisperer" - just rewatched that a few months back - a good film and she was wonderfully emotional; of course she was very young in that film. Did you see her in "Girl With a Pearl Earring"? I really liked that film, but I like Colin Firth and I like stories about artists, so I thought the film was interesting and well done.
I don't think I have seen Scarlett lately in anything. I was not crazy about "Lost in Translation" and could not see all the hype about that film...why? I had planned on seeing "Black Dalhia", because someone told me it was good, but I had not gotten to it yet. Thanks for you assessment of the film. I don't know if that will keep me from seeing it; out of sheer curiosity, I might if it comes into my library, since it is free to take out.

Yes, actually, I did see that. Before "Saving Private Ryan", in fact. I remember that they were out at the same time. I liked it. I found it to be more compelling than "Saving Private Ryan".

You know, I really liked "The New World"! A lot of people were bored with it. I don't know what they expected, but I enjoyed the way that he presented the story with little dialogue and focusing more on the actions. It made it seem almost more "realistic" (for lack of a better word).

Interesting that you saw it and you liked it, too. I actually bought the DVD, but have not opened it yet - got it cheap and thought 'what the heck'. I usually don't buy war films, but I did like it...it was more cerebral, I thought. I liked "The New World" - guess what? I just watched it again, about a month ago. I let myself just be swept away with it - the beauty, the music, the setting, and the poetry - it is like a long epic poem really - I read that and it made so much sense; true of all Mallick's work, actually. "Days of Heaven" is an amazing film; the cinematography and music is stunning. Yes, slow paced and thoughtful, but I really liked it. Both of these films I have appreciated more on second viewings. I really want to see "Badlands" - it was critically acclaimed - suppose to be his best. I think the more times you see his films the better they are - you notice things you did not on first, even second viewings.

Yes, "Curious George" is a children's film! :D Every now and then it is good to just sit back and enjoy something light and fun like that!

Definitely agree, I watched Pixar's "Cars" not long ago. Hey, maybe I am practicing to be a grandmother. Anyway, I usually enjoy the Pixar films so much. I loved "Finding Nemo" - was that cute or what? As an artist I really love this studio's creativity! They are so clever and so witty. :D
I will have to see "Curious George" for sure! I love kid films!

Mark F.

11-02-2007, 04:24 AM

The Killers 10/10

Film noir based on a Hemingway short story. One of the best of the genre. The acting is spot on, the whole cast is up to it. The cinematography and directing is classic noir.

Shalot

11-02-2007, 05:52 AM

saw SpiderMan 3 - It was okay.

The Transformers played (husband wanted to watch it) but I am not a big fan of Shia LaBeouf anyway (Disturbia turned me off - he needs to select better roles maybe), and I just wasn't interested. When I looked up every once in a while, the special effects were good, but I didn't really follow the story.

amalia1985

11-02-2007, 04:34 PM

"Empire of the Sun" by Steven Spielberg
10/10

NikolaiI

11-02-2007, 04:40 PM

Dinotopia, 10/10

LadyWentworth

11-02-2007, 06:23 PM

I guess we do disagree on one thing here - Scarlett J..... "The Horse-Whisperer"........ Did you see her in "Girl With a Pearl Earring"?..... "Lost in Translation"....... "Black Dalhia"

I liked "The New World" - guess what? I just watched it again, about a month ago.

Definitely agree, I watched Pixar's "Cars" not long ago. Hey, maybe I am practicing to be a grandmother. Anyway, I usually enjoy the Pixar films so much. I loved "Finding Nemo" - was that cute or what? As an artist I really love this studio's creativity! They are so clever and so witty. :D
I will have to see "Curious George" for sure! I love kid films!

Well, like I said, somebody was bound to disagree with me over her. Unfortunately it was you. :p No, I never saw "The Girl With the Pearl Earring". I 've only seen bits and pieces of "The Horse Whisperer". I thought "Lost in Translation" was OK. It could've been better. Especially with all the hype they gave it! Honestly, the one movie that she is in that I liked was "Ghost World". I really liked that one.

Yeah, you might as well watch "The Black Dahlia". I just wish that they would've gone about the story differently. I saw that at the same time as "Hollywoodland". My mother, brother and I all went to see both together. My brother and I preferred "Hollywoodland" and my mother preferred "The Black Dahlia". So, it is really a matter of opinion. You may really like it!

Well, I have to get myself "The New World". I actually have been in the mood to watch it again. I figure that that will be something I will "treat" myself to after the holidays (or as a gift to myself for Christmas :) ).

Best part of "Finding Nemo" is in the beginning when his father tells him not to touch that ship (it was a ship, right? I need to watch it again to refresh my memory), and Nemo sticks his fin out and touches it, which, of course, leads to everything else in the film. But I just love that look on Nemo's face. Such a naughty "child". I think it is so cute! By the way, I heard that Pixar will be releasing a third "Toy Story". We'll see how that goes!

"Empire of the Sun" by Steven Spielberg
10/10

Completely agree!!! Great fillm!

Janine

11-02-2007, 09:00 PM

Well, like I said, somebody was bound to disagree with me over her. Unfortunately it was you. :p No, I never saw "The Girl With the Pearl Earring". I 've only seen bits and pieces of "The Horse Whisperer". I thought "Lost in Translation" was OK. It could've been better. Especially with all the hype they gave it! Honestly, the one movie that she is in that I liked was "Ghost World". I really liked that one.
Hi LW, yes, it might as well be me to disagree even if we usually do agree on many things to do with actors, etc. We can't agree on everything. I think, I too, have mixed feelings about her, but I basically do like her performances and thought, in the two I mentioned, that she played well with her eyes and her expressions. You should see both films from the beginning. Hey, LW, what is this skipping around? I never do that, unless I have seen the film before. and want to get to the juicy bits. You must be anxious to get to the end. It is a shame though if you see the ending (like in Mayor of Casterbridge), before you experience the whole story and film; it really ruins it, or it would for me. LW, I bet you read the last page in a novel, first.;) Some people do that I understand. My mother does that sometimes, too.

Yeah, you might as well watch "The Black Dahlia". I just wish that they would've gone about the story differently. I saw that at the same time as "Hollywoodland". My mother, brother and I all went to see both together. My brother and I preferred "Hollywoodland" and my mother preferred "The Black Dahlia". So, it is really a matter of opinion. You may really like it!
I may very well agree with you on this one. My friend who said it was good and I don't usually agree on what films we like. I am really curious now to see it, but will wait till it is available and free. I just thought of this - I can check on my online library site, to see if they own it yet. I love using that site.
I was to the library this afternoon, but they close on Friday at 5. I loaded up for the weekend since they had such great stuff - I got 4 films! I will probably watch one tonight and two the other two nights - these do have to be returned by Monday. Did I bite off more than I can chew? I hope not. :D After all my viewing I guess I will be listing them next week to let you know which ones are good ones or worth watching; at least in my opinion, for whatever that counts for. Getting my hollywood glasses on now --:cool: to preview the movies.

Well, I have to get myself "The New World". I actually have been in the mood to watch it again. I figure that that will be something I will "treat" myself to after the holidays (or as a gift to myself for Christmas :) ).Yes, I said the same but my library has it available all the time, so I felt I wanted to relax one night and really let my mind 'drift' with it, as I viewed it on my new TV. It looked spectacular on there, also - so detailed and very vibrant. I enjoyed the entire film with all the elements - sountrack, setting, naturistic elements and it's slow-pace, with nuanced performances. I did so like this second viewing more than the first, and if I see the film out at a good price, I may just invest in it someday, who knows. It is a very pretty film and would be nice for my collection.

Best part of "Finding Nemo" is in the beginning when his father tells him not to touch that ship (it was a ship, right? I need to watch it again to refresh my memory), and Nemo sticks his fin out and touches it, which, of course, leads to everything else in the film. But I just love that look on Nemo's face. Such a naughty "child". I think it is so cute! By the way, I heard that Pixar will be releasing a third "Toy Story". We'll see how that goes!

Yes, he was so naughty and disobeyed his dad, I recalled that, just like a typical kid - tell them don't do it and they do do it! It was a darling film. I will have to borrow it from my library one of these days and re-watch it. It is so delightul and colorful, too. I loved the voices, as well. First rate all the way. Wow, Toy Story 3 - no I had no idea they had planned another. I really did enjoy both 1 and 2 so it might be ok - good actually. Those were so entertaining and fun!

Completely agree!!! Great fillm!
Not sure if I have seen that one, but I know I have wanted to. I thought it to be a really fine film. Now I will have to track it down.

amalia1985

11-03-2007, 04:28 PM

"The Prestige" by Christopher Nollan.
9/10

Niamh

11-03-2007, 05:45 PM

Nooooooo, that's next on my netflix list!!

Thats funny because i though hot fuzz was hilerious!

Janine

11-03-2007, 08:22 PM

Miss Potter ~ Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor

I really like this film alot. I did not know very much about Beatrice Potter's life so it was interesting to me as an artist to learn about her and the film was stunning ~ beautifully photographed, fabulous scenery in the Lake District, fine nuanced acting and good casting. The score by Rachael Portman I will be seeking. It was lovely. I found the film a total delight from beginning to end and very realistic of the times and how difficult having a profession was for women. I would have to give this film a 9/10
I would most certainly watch it again, not a complicated story, but very heartfelt and enjoyable with just a touch of CG to make it interesting and come alive. I love Peter Rabbit and her other tales so I liked this charming little movie.

I am now watching all the special features on the DVD - the true story of the woman herself was great and I will watch other features tonight....they are not to be missed! A very nice DVD presentation. Also included subtitles for the hearing impaired - glad of that since my mother wanted to see it and she was able to today and she loved it, too. So two votes for it!

Gadget Girl

11-04-2007, 07:55 AM

December Boys... I'm going to rate it only 1/10. I hate to admit, but the movie was pretty boring. The reason why I watched it was because it was the only choice that I've got; the other movies showing was not really my type. So this is what I chose, besides Daniel was there and I used to like him a lot (because he's Harry Potter and all that). But I never watch that movie just because of him. Right now, I don't like him. It was all in the past. Anyways, about the movie. It was about four orphan boys who were born in the month of December (that's why they call themselves December Boys) and been sent to a place by the sea to celebrate their birthmonth. When they were there, Misty (one of the orphans) discovered that the couple lived next door is going to adopt a kid. He later told the others about it and they all competed for the place. The ending was fine and it was very sad. I even let a tear fall down on my face. However, I will only rate it 1 out of 10. *sighs*

amalia1985

11-04-2007, 01:06 PM

"Swing Kids"
6/10

Janine

11-04-2007, 04:23 PM

"Swing Kids"
6/10

"Swing Kids" - only 6 out of 10? Amalia! I loved that film. I have seen it a couple of times now, in fact I own it. Why did you rate it so low - just curious? Of course, you have a right to your own opinion and we can't agree on all things. What did you not like about it though?

I saw two films last night - two very intense ones and still not sure what I fully think about them. I will try to come back later to comment. I saw "Copying Beethoven" and "Chrystal". Both had me thinking for a long time, but I still don't know how I truly felt about them...were they amazing, stunning or strange? Both definitely had lot of strange elements, but the performances in each were intense and interesting. If anyone has seen either let me know. I would like to hear your opinion on them, too.

LadyWentworth

11-04-2007, 05:46 PM

"The Prestige" by Christopher Nollan.
9/10

amalia, did you see "The Illusionist"? I ask this because they were out at the same time here. They were similar with the whole illusionist aspect. If so, which one did you think was better?

Janine, this is another Scarlet J. film that I saw that I liked. Forgot that she was in it, though! I really liked "The Prestige". She is in there so little, though, that I didn't really get why they used a "name" as that character. Someone else could've done it just as well. I would've said that about anyone that was a "name" that they may have cast as that character.

Miss Potter ~ Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor

I have this film coming next month from Netflix. :D So a positive review helps.

"Swing Kids"
6/10

Was that a knife in your heart, Janine? :p

Janine

11-04-2007, 06:48 PM

amalia, did you see "The Illusionist"? I ask this because they were out at the same time here. They were similar with the whole illusionist aspect. If so, which one did you think was better?

LW, how funny....you are asking amalia this question and here am I answer it from my point of view. Lets see what amalia has to say, too.
First off, I was encouraged by a friend to see this film - 'The Illusionist" and he is a big fan of Ed Norton, and he had raved and raved over the film to me; so that when I saw it I think I expected more. I don't know what it was and I still can't put my finger on what bugs me about this film. It seemed to have no life to the setting first off - it was just too tonal and dismal to me. It needed something. Visually I did not really enjoy it. It was well-constructed and interesting, although the story is really not that complex - not as complex as 'The Prestige", or so I think. I believe it was taken from a short story, which makes sense, but I could be wrong about that. I was also quite confused about the outcome and actually had to see it twice before I fully 'got it". I am still unsure and confused about that one ghost figure?illusion? wandering through the audience. I think of the two films, I liked 'The Prestige' better - I felt it had a lot more to it. I felt it was wonderfully acted and intense, with many notable surprise stars who are also fine actors, Scarlett being one (just had to get that in LW!:lol: ). I felt, maybe that in the other film, that Norton's nuanced performance was just a little too nuanced and subdued for me; some parts it felt forced or flat. I felt he could have used a little more scope and fluctuation in emotion, but he is not a particular favorite of mine, although mostly I have enjoyed him in a very 'devious' type role, like in the film with Richard Gere who defends him at a trial; sorry, I can't recall the name of that film presently.

Janine, this is another Scarlet J. film that I saw that I liked. Forgot that she was in it, though! I really liked "The Prestige". She is in there so little, though, that I didn't really get why they used a "name" as that character. Someone else could've done it just as well. I would've said that about anyone that was a "name" that they may have cast as that character.

See above comment - yes, not sure why but she was ok in it. I liked Jackman's performance and Bale did a fine job. I liked the surprises and their were quite a number of zingers. I enjoyed that! I did not like the role of the emperor for Rufus Sewel in "The Illusionist". I don't know exactly why but I thought he looked strange, maybe, in that mustashe...haha...silly me but I just did not think his performance up to par. Maybe it was the role I did not like, maybe just not my favorite role of his. Still trying to figure that film out. Actually, ever since I saw the two films (and wondered why they did two such similiar films in the same year for release...?) it has been like figuring out a magic actm as to whether I truly liked them entirely or what I thought of them finally.
So LW, which film did you like best? I am curious to know.

I have this film coming next month from Netflix. :D So a positive review helps.

Oh good. Well I liked it. It all depends, if you like Zellweger. My friend can't stand her; says she hates the way she purses up her lips; but there again same friend loves Scarlett and says she is beautiful. I don't think she is at all 'beautiful', but she does have an oldtime movie star look, which I appreciate.
Well, glad you are getting the film soon and that way we can discuss it....cool.

Was that a knife in your heart, Janine? :p YES, my guy, our guy - KB was in that film and I own it. I love the film and my birthday twin, Robert Sean Leonard, starred in it.
amalia, I am still mortified....:lol: ....just kidding with you!
Actually, there is a part in the film - won't mention it because it would be a spoiler - that does drive a knife into my heart/soul. It involves the record collector friend - broke my heart.

packersfan

11-04-2007, 07:04 PM

amalia, did you see "The Illusionist"? I ask this because they were out at the same time here. They were similar with the whole illusionist aspect. If so, which one did you think was better?

i saw both of them, and they were both two of the best movies i have ever seen. i liked the illusionist better, though. i absolutly loved the ending!!!

Blades of Glory
9/10
I've seen it a million times and I laugh just as hard every time
(and that's pretty hard!!!)

Zelly

11-04-2007, 07:10 PM

Remember The Titans

10/10

I love that movie. =)

papayahed

11-04-2007, 07:46 PM

Children of Men - Pretty good. 7.5/10.

AdoreroDio

11-04-2007, 09:35 PM

Ludicrous -5 million/10

LadyWentworth

11-04-2007, 11:26 PM

LW, how funny....you are asking amalia this question and here am I answer it from my point of view. Lets see what amalia has to say, too.

Well, who asked you you're opinion, huh? :D Just kidding, of course! ;)

I liked "the Illusionist". It was good enough (though I do agree with the ghost illusion). I did think "The Prestige" was better, though. Yes, visually, "The Prestige" was far superior. I loved Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman in there. I just think that you had to "think" a little more with that film rather than with "The Illusionist". I liked that better. It was more complex. I wasn't crazy about Rufus Sewell in there either. I can't put my finger on what it was that I didn't like, though.

The film that I think you're talking about is "Primal Fear", with Edward Norton and Richard Gere. Did you ever see "American History X" or "25th Hour" with Ed Norton?

Oh good. Well I liked it. It all depends, if you like Zellweger. My friend can't stand her; says she hates the way she purses up her lips;
Well, glad you are getting the film soon and that way we can discuss it....cool.

I am not the biggest Zellweger fan, but she is tolerable enough. She tends to be in movies that I have interest in watching. It is so funny that you should say that about her lips. A former boss of mine couldn't stand her. She'd constantly form her face that way, mimicking how she poses for pictures. It was funny because she would do it just like she does! :lol:

Actually, there is a part in the film - won't mention it because it would be a spoiler - that does drive a knife into my heart/soul. It involves the record collector friend - broke my heart.

I know which part you mean!

Remember The Titans
10/10
I love that movie. =)

Even though I thought it was very depressing, I really liked that movie, too!

Dark Muse

11-05-2007, 02:41 AM

Yesturday I saw Americian Gangster, and it was really good I thought, as well it did a good job of sticking to the facts pretty well and followed along what really happend.

Janine

11-05-2007, 04:47 PM

Well, who asked you you're opinion, huh? :D Just kidding, of course! ;)

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I liked "the Illusionist". It was good enough (though I do agree with the ghost illusion). I did think "The Prestige" was better, though. Yes, visually, "The Prestige" was far superior. I loved Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman in there. I just think that you had to "think" a little more with that film rather than with "The Illusionist". I liked that better. It was more complex. I wasn't crazy about Rufus Sewell in there either. I can't put my finger on what it was that I didn't like, though.

This would probably exactly match my assessment as well. I think someday I will have to watch both again and then I probably can get a newer prespective on each. Elements of surprise in both make the films though so more viewings might not have as much impact.

The film that I think you're talking about is "Primal Fear", with Edward Norton and Richard Gere. Did you ever see "American History X" or "25th Hour" with Ed Norton?

That is it and I thought Ed Norton was brilliant in that - he kept one quessing all the time - so much was going on behind that face and those dark eyes. I have never seen the other two films but heard so much about the first you mentioned. I know, I'll have to see them both now, since you recommended them.

I am not the biggest Zellweger fan, but she is tolerable enough. She tends to be in movies that I have interest in watching. It is so funny that you should say that about her lips. A former boss of mine couldn't stand her. She'd constantly form her face that way, mimicking how she poses for pictures. It was funny because she would do it just like she does! :lol:

:lol: How funny. I have to let my friend know about your former boss and her impersonation - my friend will really laugh. I think in this film, Miss Z plays very shy at first, which suits her and yet she has inner strength, which emerges as the film progresses. The film is a very pretty one, visually. You will enjoy the scenery so much. It is a beautifully photographed and constructed movie; also, I like the way some of her drawings come alive and are perceived in her minds eye...quite interesting. Little details make the filming nice to view, too. I like details in films.

I know which part you mean!

I thought you would. Sad.
I did that film, "Swing Kids" . What I liked about it best, besides KB,;) was that it was not just another Nazi film, but one from a entirely different perspective - the kid's - young people's perspective, as Germans. It was quite interesting to me and I thought the dancing was phenomenal. I like films with dancing, anyway.

Mortis Anarchy

11-05-2007, 05:31 PM

American Ganster-8/10-Denzel Washington is an amazing actor. "My Man!" Thats the best line ever! Haha, it was a pretty good movie...a little long, I know this because I fell asleep. Not because it was boring, but because we went to the last showing of the movie and we didn't get back to my place til 2:30...we as in the group I was with. Beware of nudity(not sex) and some gore. Totally not expected! Cuba Gooding Jr. is in it as is Russell Crowe...and some other good actors.

amalia1985

11-05-2007, 05:52 PM

Janine

11-05-2007, 08:00 PM

Janine and LadyWentworth, I agree with you. I liked both films very much, but while "The Prestige" was really satisfying to me, both in terms of plot, and in terms of acting, "The Illusionist" was weaker in terms of story, regarding the combination of all things together, and Jessica Biel was unacceptable, in my opinion. I am a fan of Edward Norton, I like his way of interpreting every part, and I think that Rufus Sewell was once again, our-well, my at least- good, dark, reaaaaaaly gorgeous villain. I don't know, "The Prestige" just stayed with me days after I first watched it, something that "The Illusionist" didn't do. You understand what I am trying to say, I'm sure.

amalia, I think you have pin-pointed my problem with fully liking "The Illustionist" in this line of yours "The Illusionist' was weaker in terms of story, regarding the combination of all things together, and Jessica Biel was unacceptable, in my opinion"....wow, I totally agree with that. I thought the plot was a weakish one and I did not feel it believable at all. Magic or no magic I just could not buy into it. Also, Jessica Biel was not acceptable - you are quite right - that was one very 'weak' link. I don't think the woman has done much acting, has she? I wondered why they cast her. I also thought that the young couple, representing the two in the beginning, looked nothing like the older characters. All in all I felt the story had poor casting. I didn't really even like Paul Giamoni in this film. I did not think he fit. I guess Rufus was a gorgeous villain, but I liked him and his more multi-layered performance in other films much more than this one. I have seen him, where he plays the enemy or the villain impecable...he even over-acted in this film. That fake mustache, just did not suit him in my opinion, making the story and his performance less feasible. Have you seen Rufus Sewel in Middlemarch - the BBC miniseries? He is great and sooo sooo appealing. He is also in my DVD of "Woodlanders" - adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel...wonderful! He played a great Akgamenon (sp?) in "Helen of Troy" - there he became a ruthless villain, but he was so handsome and multlayered, complex. He plays Fortinbras in Kenneth Branagh's fine full-length "Hamlet". He is wonderful in that, although his part is not huge. He is one of my favorite actors.

Regarding "Swing Kids", there is the big mystery! Why don't I like that film? I couldn't really say for certain, and I am always honest. It just did not convience me, I think that the parts are a little over-acted and the story was not as a tight as I would want it to be. I had heard great things about the film, but I was somewhat disappointed, although I am the hugest Greek fan of Christian Bale.

That is a good assessment and everyone is entitled to their oppinion. I agree that some parts were over-acted but all in all I liked the film, probably because I did not have any expectations going into it, as you did. I liked Christian Bale when he was younger in the film "Little Women"...did you see it? He sure was cute. He is a good actor.

I haven't seen "Crystal", but I have seen "Copying Beethoven", and I liked it well enough. Good story, Ed Harris did a decent job, but someone must threaten Kruger not to act again. At least, not in period pieces...Apart from that, it was a "strange" movie, as you said, Janine, but it was good.

I think Ed Harris did do a decent job, but I think the best scene was when he conducted the "Ode to Joy" - it was truly amazing. I do have to admit I had very mixed feeling about this film so I am glad you saw it and are commenting on it. Yes, Kruger is stunningly pretty but did she fit the role - I seriously doubt it. She is not that good really or believable. Apparently her character was based on several people so it was a sort of hybrid, or so they said on "Special features"....so she basically was fictional. I couldn't buy this pristinely clean looking beautiful movie star looking woman going to his house which was a pit of filth and working, no could I picture her doing household chores like scrubbing the floor or even bathing the mastro - come one I was saying to myself! Also inconsistent is her desire to be a independent type woman but she becomes almost a slave to his wims - so what was that all about? Photography was super interesting but can that save the film? Score also waS stunning. I think that Ed Harris did a better job on this portrayal of Pollack, the artist...another true story and real man characterization; this is why I bring it up. He was very complex in that role whereas in this role I felt he played Beethoven a little too brutish and cruel - like when he smashes that young man's bridge model. I can't picture the real man being that wild or demented. I think Harris pushed the envelop and went way overboard in some scenes like making fun of her composition - I would have strangled him with it and never stepped foot back into his filthy appartment! Also there were some crude moments I certainly could have been spared.
Gee, sounds like I just trashed the film, doesn't it? Well, I won't do that. I did think it worth viewing but would not repeat view it. It became a very exhausting film to watch.