What is the last movie you saw? and rate it.

[Janine]

Janine, i am not sure if this is a film you're going to like..lots of blood ;)

Don't worry about the pm :)

manolia, thanks for the warning. My librarian and I were discussing this last night and she said the same. She seems to have good taste in films but my son and I do differ sometimes on what we think is good. I know I will force myself to see it even though I know it to be violent. It is not like I haven't seen violent films before but lately, to be honest with you, I have been getting sort of sick of them.
So sorry I haven't gotten to thatPM yet; I was so busy on the weekend, and yesterday was my mother's birthday.


I watched part of "The Little Foxes" last night, but fell asleep. It didn't seem to engrossing, especially since it was one of my idols, Bette Davis (the other idol being Katharine Hepburn), but perhaps that was because I was so sleepy.

Oh, Antiquarian, I had this same problem, this Sunday night. Came home late from my son's and thought I might watch:

"Dial M for Murder" Great film, of course and I rate it highly. I have seen it before but this was a second or third viewing.

Anyway, I just could not stay awake and I could not pay close attention to all the great little details. I love this film but I blame it on the turkey I ate for dinner - the trytophane must have been making me nod off. I never fall asleep when watching a movie.

Last night I saw this great miniseries:

HITLER The Rise of Evil

This starred the Scottish actor, Robert Carlyle, who dropped his accent (kind of amazing in itself, since he has such a pronounced Scottish accent). He played Hitler and a younger actor played the younger version, and an 'up and coming' childstar played Hitler in his childhood - hard to think of Hitler as a child, isn't it? The kid was really incredible, even though he did not have a large part; it was substantial enough and to get a glimpse into his early life. I found this film really filled in where others just began, and it helped me to understand how everything got set in motion polically and socially, and how the German people could actual supported Hitler (he was quite hypnotic and persausive at times) and how they believed in him, to change their world for the better; this is not something I find very easy to understand; I can understand better how power is lorded over people, with terrorism ruling in the end. This film did not set out to give us reasons for doing what he did. It simply tried to focus on the facts and lay them down as they are known; many are not known so the portrait in his earlier days has to be somewhat sketchy. Amazing to me was the fact that Hitler was once prosecuted for 'Treason to the State' and imprisoned for only 9 months and then got to the heights in government that he did. He even pleaded guilty to his offense.
I think the director and screen writer did a fine job. I am pleased this came into my library; even then I was reluctant to check it out - thinking 'how many Nazi films have I see; haven't I seen enough?' However, this film was quite different and showed the years leading to his power; also his strange relationship with his neice and later, his girlfriend, Eva Braun. I also tried to view the extras, but have only accomplished part of that task, since it became quite late. I will try to resume that tonight. Watching the extras and discussions about the man and the film made it much more accurate and interesting.
I would recommend this film to anyone. I think that Carlyle's performance was quite extraordinary and one of his best. I loved his performance in the war camp film, of which I can't now recall the name. I had reviewed that film, in this thread awhile back. In this film, he truly threw himself into the role and became Hitler, which was pretty scary. His makeup artist actually stopped and broke down, and cried when she saw his makeup completed, because his realistic appearance conjured up all kinds of terrible memories for her and her family. Apparently some material was added to his face to fill it out and change his nose slighly. One would never have detected this, unless you watched the extras. The locations were problematic as well, because the general public does not like seeing images of Hitler, then they relive the horrors and they simply don't care to be reminded. One has to commend the movie makers for their amazing ability to contruct such a factual movie and have it come out right.

[*Classic*Charm*]

Juno!! Ellen Page is fabulous. I LOVED it. 10/10

What else have I seen recently...

Becoming Jane. It was well written and James McAvoy was quite good. I was kind of disappointed by Anne Hathaway. She's definitely improving as an actor I think, but her accent was weak.

[Sir Bartholomew]

watched again Breaking the Waves 4.0/4.0 Can't wait for Von Trier's finale to his USA Trilogy.

[Janine]

Juno!! Ellen Page is fabulous. I LOVED it. 10/10

What else have I seen recently...

Becoming Jane. It was well written and James McAvoy was quite good. I was kind of disappointed by Anne Hathaway. She's definitely improving as an actor I think, but her accent was weak.

Hi *Classic*Charm*! I didn't see Juno but I keep seeing it advertized. I will have to see if my library has it. It sounds good.

I saw "Becoming Jane" recently and I felt like something wasn't just right about it, like something was missing....I think now you have hit upon what was bugging me. I seriously did not care for Anne Hathaway's casting in that film. I thought her perfomance was lacking. I also thought the film was not memorable. Maybe I need to see it again because I can hardly recall anything now about the plot, only that parts were reminiscent of her novels.
I do, however, love James McAvoy. I thought he was just great in "Atonement". He is going places, with his fine acting ability and great eyes.

[*Classic*Charm*]

Hi *Classic*Charm*! I didn't see Juno but I keep seeing it advertized. I will have to see if my library has it. It sounds good.

I saw "Becoming Jane" recently and I felt like something wasn't just right about it, like something was missing....I think now you have hit upon what was bugging me. I seriously did not care for Anne Hathaway's casting in that film. I thought her perfomance was lacking. I also thought the film was not memorable. Maybe I need to see it again because I can hardly recall anything now about the plot, only that parts were reminiscent of her novels.
I do, however, love James McAvoy. I thought he was just great in "Atonement". He is going places, with his fine acting ability and great eyes.

Hello Janine! It's been a while!

Yes, I would definitely recommend seeing Juno. It's adorable.

Yes, Anne's performance really wasn't memorable, which is a shame. I thought the film had potential when I first heard about the concept. Ooh I have yet to see Atonement. I can't wait. I read the novel for school last year and couldn't decide what I thought, but I'm planning on reading it again after I've seen the film. I've heard mixed reviews about it, though.

[Janine]

"Sweeney Todd" I liked it, but I don't want to see it again. It was excessively bloody, but I think that was needed and the "blood" did look decidedly fake. I didn't like that it was musical, but I did like the art direction and thought it was superb. The atmospheric "old London" was terrific. I'm glad I watched it, but it's forgettable to me.

7/10

Antiquarian, Thanks for writing this up. It is good to finally know the blood looked really fake. I will venture to see it soon, when it becomes available at my library. Currently, it is always checked out, when I go to get it.:( I keep wondering if I will like it being a musical, too; but that was the point of the play, right? I know Depp can sing; I saw him in "Baby Face" and he did a good job of singing; I think he did his own singing in that film. I am sure the art direction would be good and creative, with Burton as the director. He excells in that sort of thing.



"A Good Year" based on the Peter Mayle book. Although a box office flop, I found this a charming, relaxing movie, with beautiful cinematography of southern France. Not the greatest story in the world, and pretty predictable, but relaxing and fun to watch. I might watch it again sometime.


6.5/10

I really enjoyed that film, too. I think I did see it twice already since I took it out from my library again thinking I had not seen it. It was a cute and light film; enjoyable. With all these 'dark' films lately we need a 'light' one once in awhile!

[Janine]

Hello Janine! It's been a while!

Yes, I would definitely recommend seeing Juno. It's adorable.

Yes, Anne's performance really wasn't memorable, which is a shame. I thought the film had potential when I first heard about the concept. Ooh I have yet to see Atonement. I can't wait. I read the novel for school last year and couldn't decide what I thought, but I'm planning on reading it again after I've seen the film. I've heard mixed reviews about it, though.

Yes, *Classic*Charm* - it has been awhile, hasn't it? I haven't really seen you around. Maybe we just don't frequent the same threads.

Yes, I agree with your assessment of Hathaway. She just did not seem emersed to me in the role of Anne. She still seemed like herself and not the character. Maybe she seemed to modern to me or something. I felt disappointed, because I thought as you said, that 'it had great potential' and it fell short. I wish they had gotten it right.:(

I loved "Atonement". I have not read the book,but I thought the movie was very well done; one of the best films I have seen this year. Let us know what you think after you see it. I will check this thread to see, when you write something about it. I am curious.
I wish now to read the book....maybe in the summer. Good plan to read it again after viewing the film; I often do that, too.

[*Classic*Charm*]

No, Janine, I simply haven't been around much lately! School has been very time consuming.

I agree with you- I much prefer to watch the film befoe reading the book simply because the books are always better. If I read first, the film is always a letdown. If I watch first, I can enjoy the film and then love the book even more.

Sorry, Antiquarian, Anne Hathaway is definitely American.:)

[Madhuri]

Currently watching ~ The Mask..... entertaining movie.....

[sprinks]

I just watched Jeff Wayne's musical version of War Of The Worlds. Loved it! The music was awesome, and the singers were fantastic, but they were kinda really bad actors! But nonetheless, it was great! :D

[NickAdams]

Antiquarian, Thanks for writing this up. It is good to finally know the blood looked really fake. I will venture to see it soon, when it becomes available at my library. Currently, it is always checked out, when I go to get it.:( I keep wondering if I will like it being a musical, too; but that was the point of the play, right? I know Depp can sing; I saw him in "Baby Face" and he did a good job of singing; I think he did his own singing in that film. I am sure the art direction would be good and creative, with Burton as the director. He excells in that sort of thing.


Yes, the play was a musical. He didn't sing in Babyface, but I enjoyed his singing in Sweeney Todd. I've seen the film three times and the soundtrack is in heavy rotation on my Ipod. :thumbs_up

[Sweets America]

Just saw 'The Dreamers':

http://www.cyber-cinema.com/original/dreamers.jpg

It was really good, it's about a young American guy(Michael Pitt, I like how this guy chooses his movies, I really liked 'Bully' too) who comes to France, and the guy meets a brother and his sister who have a strange relationship, not incestual but they still sleep naked together, and they become friends and it's difficult to sum up the movie, but it's about cinema (a lot of references of other movies are found in this movie), it's about dreams, revolt (it takes place during mai 68 in France and there are references to the Vietnam war), I like the soundtrack too (Janis Joplin's voice!!) and it's about sex too, there is quite explicit sex in it and you can see them all naked together, it's beautiful. I really recommand it. But in the meantime I have strange taste in movies so....
I like the French poster of the movie:

http://www.commeaucinema.com/images/news/innocentsdreamersaffvf.jpg

[blp]

Changing Lanes with Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck. Bloody amazing.

[islandclimber]

Just saw 'The Dreamers':

It was really good, it's about a young American guy(Michael Pitt, I like how this guy chooses his movies, I really liked 'Bully' too) who comes to France, and the guy meets a brother and his sister who have a strange relationship, not incestual but they still sleep naked together, and they become friends and it's difficult to sum up the movie, but it's about cinema (a lot of references of other movies are found in this movie), it's about dreams, revolt (it takes place during mai 68 in France and there are references to the Vietnam war), I like the soundtrack too (Janis Joplin's voice!!) and it's about sex too, there is quite explicit sex in it and you can see them all naked together, it's beautiful. I really recommand it. But in the meantime I have strange taste in movies so....
I like the French poster of the movie:



I loved this movie... it was really excellent... It showed the beauty of freedom and free-falling away from the brutal reality that is so much of life... and the harsh consequences of being different in real life..

Pitt is a good actor, he was great in 'Bully' and in "Jailbait".. he seems to choose controversial movies and I like that... I also liked him in "the hawk is dying' with Paul Giamatti...

[Sweets America]

I loved this movie... it was really excellent... It showed the beauty of freedom and free-falling away from the brutal reality that is so much of life... and the harsh consequences of being different in real life..

Pitt is a good actor, he was great in 'Bully' and in "Jailbait".. he seems to choose controversial movies and I like that... I also liked him in "the hawk is dying' with Paul Giamatti...

Yeeeaaaah you know I like your mind? :)
I read that several actors refused Pitt's role because of the naked scenes and especially that close-up....:p
I liked this strange relationship between the brother and the sister, it was sad in a way, and I loved how the movie was made with all those scenes from other movies. But I'm not sure I understood the ending, I was waiting for something else maybe.
And yeah Pitt's a nice actor, but I only saw him in Bully, I love those kinds of controversial movies. Oh I saw him in Dawson's Creek too, now that's a different style. :lol: But, I loved Dawson's Creek...:blush: :D

[Sir Bartholomew]

World say hello to Eva Green! :blush:

[Sir Bartholomew]

Chinatown 3.5/4.0

[novelsryou]

The Painted Vail (Naomi Watts, Edward Norton) - Loved it so I ordered the book (Somerset Maugham)

[Idril]

Vodka Lemon, a depressing yet oddly uplifting movie about Armenia and the hardships of life after the Soviets left. It was slow paced, not a tremendous amount of dialogue or plot really yet it was very revealing and devastating with odd bits of humour and surrealism thrown in every now and then.

[Seabird111]

The last movie I saw?

I just saw Fargo and No Country For Old Men, and I have to say that I gave them both 4/4 stars. Here's why:

FARGO:

Pros:
-Steve Buscemi is just hapless and bumbling.
-The ridiculously overdone North Dakotan accent.
-Everyone is so cheery despite all the violence happening around them.
-The plotline is just ridiculous. A husband has two guys kidnap his wife so he can split the ransom money.

Cons:

-Nope.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN:

Pros:
-Holy crap that was a dark movie! Just the way I like it.
-Amazing acting by Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones.

Cons:

Again, none.

Watch them both.

[novelsryou]

I loved that movie, too. Haven't read the book, though.

I haven't read The Painted Vail yet, in fact it hasn't even arrived in the mail but I believe the end of the book devotes some time to the relationship between Kitty and her father which the movie didn't touch - a disservice to Kitty's character in the movie IMHO.

[Idril]

The last movie I saw?

I just saw Fargo and No Country For Old Men, and I have to say that I gave them both 4/4 stars. Here's why:

FARGO:
-The ridiculously overdone North Dakotan accent.



It's so nice to see that someone actually realizes that that accent is, indeed, overdone. Most people think we North Dakotans really do talk like that. :rolleyes: I suppose I do have to admit there are a few old Norwegian farmers that have that exaggerated accent but your average North Dakotan does not. :p

[Seabird111]

It's so nice to see that someone actually realizes that that accent is, indeed, overdone. Most people think we North Dakotans really do talk like that. :rolleyes: I suppose I do have to admit there are a few old Norwegian farmers that have that exaggerated accent but your average North Dakotan does not. :p


Yes, lol. I've been to North Dakota and South Dakota plenty of times, and no one talks like that, lol.

But it helps add to the hilarity of it.

[Janine]

It's so nice to see that someone actually realizes that that accent is, indeed, overdone. Most people think we North Dakotans really do talk like that. :rolleyes: I suppose I do have to admit there are a few old Norwegian farmers that have that exaggerated accent but your average North Dakotan does not. :p

Yes, but the exaggerated accent was so much fun, wasn't that the idea?....and just the fact that the top investigator was a woman who was very very pregnant. I thought the scene where her old friend meets her at a bar and tries to pick her up was hilarious. Fargo is such a fun movie to watch. I really loved it and I did not see it until a few years ago. I had heard of it for so long....it has become such a cult film. People are always immidating that accent when they tell you about it. I am sure that accent was exaggerated for laughs; also who now could forget the film just by that one device - that accent? I guess some people would think it was for real though (I never thought of that fact), not knowing what the local accent really sounds like.

Idril, I liked your post and all the reasons to see each movie, as you outlined them. That was really good and precise, although I have not seen the second one yet. I am sure that is the 'darker' of the two.

I saw "Silk" the other night. I don't want to review it entirely, now but want to see if anyone has seen it and what they thought.
I can say I was less than thrilled with the story and acting, and yet it is visually one of the loveliest films I have ever seen, drop-dead gorgeous scenery and cinamatography.

[Seabird111]

Yes, but the exaggerated accent was so much fun, wasn't that the idea?....and just the fact that the top investigator was a woman who was very very pregnant. I thought the scene where her old friend meets her at a bar and tries to pick her up was hilarious. Fargo is such a fun movie to watch. I really loved it and I did not see it until a few years ago. I had heard of it for so long....it has become such a cult film. People are always immidating that accent when they tell you about it. I am sure that accent was exaggerated for laughs; also who now could forget the film just by that one device - that accent? I guess some people would think it was for real though (I never thought of that fact), not knowing what the local accent really sounds like.

That scene was hilarious, rofl!

[Janine]

That scene was hilarious, rofl!

hi Seabird,Welcome...I saw you were new here; you will love this forum. I love your user-name, because I love the sea and all the natural elements in relation to oceans...especially the seabirds. Love to see albatross soaring, especially. Did you see "Winged Migration"? It is such an amazing film!

Yes, wasn't that scene just the funniest? I laughed and laughed.:lol: It has been awhile since I saw it and hoping now it returns to my library so I can rewatch it soon..... but she had no idea, right? that he was about to propose such a thing, and just the fact, of a 8 month pregnant woman being propositioned - is that hilarious, or what? Brilliant! :D

[Idril]

Yes, but the exaggerated accent was so much fun, wasn't that the idea?

Oh, I have no problem with the accent in the context of the movie, it works brilliantly in that regard. I guess I'm just overly sensitive to it because it often seems like the first thing people ask when they find out I'm from ND is if we all talk like they do in "Fargo". :rolleyes: My usual response, especially if the question comes after having talked to these people for awhile is..."Do I talk that way?" and then they usually say, "Well, I hear a little bit of it but not like in the movie" and then I say, "Well, there you go then". :lol: :lol:



Idril, I liked your post and all the reasons to see each movie, as you outlined them. That was really good and precise, although I have not seen the second one yet. I am sure that is the 'darker' of the two.

That one wasn't me, Janine. I talked about the Armenian movie, Seabird was the one talking about the Coen Brothers' movies. He was the one with the thoughtful outlines for each movie, I'm rarely ever able to organized my thoughts that well. ;) :D

[Janine]

Oh, I have no problem with the accent in the context of the movie, it works brilliantly in that regard. I guess I'm just overly sensitive to it because it often seems like the first thing people ask when they find out I'm from ND is if we all talk like they do in "Fargo". :rolleyes: My usual response, especially if the question comes after having talked to these people for awhile is..."Do I talk that way?" and then they usually say, "Well, I hear a little bit of it but not like in the movie" and then I say, "Well, there you go then". :lol: :lol:

Oh that is so funny, Idril, but I know it can be annoying as well...people get impressions from media and films and often they are the wrong ones. That is like when I used to tell someone I was an artist and the first thing they would say - oh, do you oil paint? Like oil painting was the only media on earth. I would also just roll my eyes and then shy far away from any more discussion about art. Obviously, their view was a little limited.




That one wasn't me, Janine. I talked about the Armenian movie, Seabird was the one talking about the Coen Brothers' movies. He was the one with the thoughtful outlines for each movie, I'm rarely ever able to organized my thoughts that well. ;) :D

Oh, sorry, Idril, and sorry to Seabird, as well.
I am like you, Idril, in that I don't feel I can't often organize my thoughts as well as I wish to; I can be rather scatterbrain and I desire to be more organised in my thoughts and posts. So, I commend you, Seabird, in that respect!

[Seabird111]

hi Seabird,Welcome...I saw you were new here; you will love this forum. I love your user-name, because I love the sea and all the natural elements in relation to oceans...especially the seabirds. Love to see albatross soaring, especially. Did you see "Winged Migration"? It is such an amazing film!

Yes, wasn't that scene just the funniest? I laughed and laughed.:lol: It has been awhile since I saw it and hoping now it returns to my library so I can rewatch it soon..... but she had no idea, right? that he was about to propose such a thing, and just the fact, of a 8 month pregnant woman being propositioned - is that hilarious, or what? Brilliant! :D

Thanks, it's great to be here. And no, I haven't seen Winged Migration, but I'll have to check it out!

I love it how Coen Brothers movies get better with repeat viewings. You notice new things every time.

[vheissu]

The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Almost cried! 8.5/10

[vheissu]

I'm an anomaly, and not in a good way. For some reason, I wasn't moved by that movie until the very end, when they were on the beach. For years I've wondered why and for years, I haven't known why.


The one point where it does get really sad for me is when the old prisoner gets out and can't cope with life out of prison and well, you know what he does...:(

But hey, I don't get moved by some films either, which are regarded as 'sentimental': Titanic (when it came out all my friends were crying their eyes out) and Pearl Harbor. Just two I remember at the moment...

[Sweets America]

The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Almost cried! 8.5/10

Oh I love it!!! :)

And Antiquarian, it's ok not to be moved by a movie, it really is a question of sensibility and maybe in this movie there was something lacking for your own sensibility. :)
Oh, I was moved by Titanic. :p

[Sir Bartholomew]

videodrome - 3.0/4.0 :confused:

[Janine]

"Evening" based on the book by Susan Minot.

It was lovely in many ways, with a wonderful performance by the great Vanessa Redgrave, but I found it slow moving and rather thin, with none of the characters very likable.

I have to admit I CAN'T STAND Claire Danes, so she pretty much ruined the movie for me.

Still...

6/10

Antiquarian, Oops, sorry if I steered you the wrong way on this one. I do agree with you; Redgrave was wonderful, as usual. I don't recall ever seeing her in a bad performance, have you? I thought her daughter, Natashia Richardson, looked a little tired and worn out, but maybe that was the point and they played her looks down. Yes, the story was slow-moving and choppy at times, too - but so many films these days, pop back and forth, between memory and reality, I guess I am finally getting used to that method, though I can't really admit I like it that much. It tends to break up the film and lose the flow. Someone on an Amazon review said 'why would everyone be in love with Harris?' I have to agree with that one. He was so benign. I just did not find him that enchanting, did you? He really lacked that certain 'charm' that so many actors have today and in the past, especially. I don't know - to me if they had only cast the two main characters - his character and Claire Danes was played by someone else, for instance, I think the movie would have been a better success. I didn't think it was a total failure, but it could have been much better. Did you say you did read the book, Antiquarian? I bet the book is better than the film, by far.
It was interesting to see the two mother/daughter combos in this film. I thought the revisiting of the old friend, played by Glenn Close, at the end was a bit much, unrealistic and so close to the woman's death. Oh, come on...how did she know to come there? Oh, I guess the daughters up and called her, but how did they even know about her...since they did not seem to know a bit about this part of their mother's life? I could relate to the two sisters, since I have a sister, who I have a difficult and mixed relationship with; one I do argue with, like they did, even though I know I love her...still we are so different. I could relate to the mother's passing, also. That is something someday I will have to experience myself.
I thought the imagery and the cinematography were lovely and the music score a fine one.
The weakest parts of the film were the slow 'thin' plot (you are accurate in calling it 'thin', the casting for the Harris character; I actually, did not hate the casting for the Dane's character, although she is far from my favorite actress, as well. I thought at one point in her grief, she would have shown more emotion than she did. That seemed to be totally strange to me - so she goes and sits silently in a sailboat. And what exactly was the significance of that sailboat, anyway? I think that was a little sketchy. I guess I did not expect too much out of this film, so I found it enjoyable in aspects. Afterall, it was free from my library and I have seen far worse. Sorry you had to pay to rent it and then was disappointed, Antiquarian.
Did you feel Dancy did a good job of his role or just so-so? I actually liked him best in the independent film, I just saw recently "The Jane Austen Book Club"...but of course, his performance was a much lighter one in that film.
My last comment is on the star thing. Wasn't that done much better in "A Beautiful Mind"? It seemed like the copied the idea. Also why did the brother designate a star to Claire Dane's character and then Harris did the same thing - kind of a copycat, don't you think? Couldn't he be a little more original. I also did not see much passion between he and the Danes...absolutely no chemistry there.

Speaking of films that are worse, last night I took a leap and tried this film in from my library called:

"The Stone Merchant" - starring Harvey Keital, F. Murray Abraham , Jordi Molla, Jane March

Good actors and a terrible mundane script and some of the secondary actors were just dreadful. I could not believe how 'wooden' their performances were...it was laughable. Don't rent this film; after I saw it I said - what a waste of time and what exactly was the point? I am still pondering that.

I would have to number rate this 5 out of 10 - really. I will be anxious to see what people are rating it on Amazon. Such a waste of good talent, too....sad...

[Janine]

Oh, no, no, Janine. I liked the movie very much. In fact, I may even watch it again before I have to return it. I just didn't like Claire Danes, that's all.

I also had to wonder why everyone would be in love with Harris. He wasn't all that interesting to me. The Hugh Dancy character, Bobby, I guess, was more interesting, but he was always drunk, of course. I guess it had to be Harris they were in love with because the bride was Bobby's sister.

I liked the fact that the friend (Meryl Streep) came to see Vanessa Redgrave's character at the end. I didn't like the fact that Redgrave's character would sometimes "see" the night nurse in a formal (bridal?) dress. I thought that was a bit much, but it was a little thing in the overall movie.

Yes, I do have the book, Janine, and it's right downstairs on my bookshelf, but I have yet to read it, like so many other. LOL

You did not steer me wrong. I liked it very much. Even my husband liked it, but at first, poor guy, he was unaware that Claire Danes and Vanessa Redgrave were playing the same character. Poor guy! He likes his storytelling more straightforward.

I'll have to rent "The Jane Austen Book Club" next. I have read, and loved, that book.

Oh good, Antiquarian, sure glad you were not mad at me for suggesting that film. Did you see how I slashed the poor movie to threads above? :lol: well not really...but I actually, do have to agree that Claire Danes is not my favorite actress - well neither is Tony Collette, but I think she did a good job in this film, although I kept wondering 'just what is her problem, anyway?' She had this sweet boyfriend who would do anything for her apparently, and she just could not commit. What was wrong with that girl? Then she gets in her state (won't ruin it for anyone) and she is indecisive still. It seemed they had been together awhile. I could not quite figure out what her problem was; what was holding her back? And the guy who played Harris - Patrick somebody - I don't recall seeing him in a film for sometime now. He is just plain a dull type guy - no dimension to his character. I would have gone for Buddy, even if he drank too much. I would have straightened that boy out. He would have been worth the effort; now he was cute and had a personality.
Your poor hubby. Now I get confused too but right away I did know that the younger woman was the older on. That is funny, but glad at least, you both did enjoy the film. I thought the single image of the boat floating with her hand in the water, at the beginning, was lovely. I don't know - the film looked really stunning on my new HD tv so that might have influenced me. I like dramas also that basically take place in a few environments so one can concentrate on the drama. I am getting truly sick of slick special effects that one knows blantantly are CGI.
Well, I hope I am not steering you wrong on the other film. I liked it, but that is me. It was lighter than some and yet I thought it was well-done. I enjoyed it and laughed at the comical parts. I guess I should read the books for both and 'Atonement', also. I don't think any of those books are that long, are they?

[*Classic*Charm*]

I finally saw Atonement- LOVED IT. Why is Keira Knightly so good?

[Scorpio Ascendant]

Atonement- Brilliant.

[Janine]

Oh, no, you did not steer me wrong, and even if you had, it wouldn't matter. I did like the film, just not Claire Danes and I also wondered what the other girl's problem was. I didn't like her. She seemed jealous of her sister.

I, too, loved that opening image of the boat. It was beautiful.

I just couldn't reconcile the wonderful Vanessa Redgrave character with the selfish Claire Danes character. But I still like the movie, and thought it had a beautiful fragility.

Evening and The Jane Austen Book Club are both relatively short books. Atonement is a little longer, but it's a pretty fast read.

Antiquarian, sorry I had not answered this. I got tied up with other threads, really busy ones.;) Wasn't that scene interesting and lovely with the boat. I think at that point I thought - wow, this movie is going to be something great. Of course it was not great but I did enjoy it more than some I have seen lately.

I see everyone is loving "Atonement" - I loved it, loved it, loved it! One of the best this year in my opinion. *Classic*Charm* - is your guestion real or are you just kidding? I did like Keira in this film, but I didn't like her in all films I have seen her in. Her acting ability is getting better I think.




Here are a few films I just saw:

"The Stone Mason" - good cast, partly very bad acting and some good acting. It was a waste to me, of the good acting. Story was greatly lacking and confusing as heck; the screenplay was poorly written and trite and the plot was ok. The ending was unreal and totally pointless in my opinion. Ok, enough said about that film. I probably would rate it a 5 out of 10, just because it did have some interesting aspects and scenes. Otherwise don't waste your time.

"Cache" - French film with Juliet Binoche and Daniel Auteil; ok, this is a really really slow-paced film. It is pretty easy to follow although some things are out of time sequence. Curious to know if anyone has seen this film. It has some Hitchock type devices with little symbols and such and touches and a sort of framing device that is reminescent of Hitchcock's films. There is a truly shocking scene in this film but I don't know. I think I have seen far better performances from both actors before. The film ends very, very open-ended, so if you don't like that sort of ending, you will truly hate this film. In fact, I had to view the extras on the DVD, just to make sense of what the ending was all about. It also helped me understand other elements of the film. I don't know if I liked it; I would not see it a second time - I would fall asleep:yawnb: It has some interesting moments but certainly not enough to go out and rent the movie.

[EchtraNerai]

I just finished watching the 1995 Sense and Sensibility. I loved it, although that may only be because Alan Rickman was dashing as Colonel Brandon.:blush::lol:

[Janine]

I just finished watching the 1995 Sense and Sensibility. I loved it, although that may only be because Alan Rickman was dashing as Colonel Brandon.:blush::lol:

EchtraNerai, I love that movie too, and have seen it now about 5 times. I agree - I fell for Rickman as Colonel Brandon, from the first minute I saw him watching her play the piano and singing. That scene was great and I loved the part when he was reading to her after Mr. Gorgeous went off and married that other girl. I loved it when he gave her the piano-forte. I think Brandon was actually my favorite male character in that film. I own the film on tape, but my library has the DVD, so I will have to watch it again real soon. I thought it was so well-done. Did you know that Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay?

EchtraNerai, I forgot to welcome you to the forum. I see you are new here. I am from NJ, also. Enjoy exploring the site; it is a great one and offers so much.

[mickitaz]

I am Legend...

Very well done... but don't watch it right before bed.

Gave me nightmares.


Rating on a scale of 1-10... strong 8

[EchtraNerai]

EchtraNerai, I love that movie too, and have seen it now about 5 times. I agree - I fell for Rickman as Colonel Brandon, from the first minute I saw him watching her play the piano and singing. That scene was great and I loved the part when he was reading to her after Mr. Gorgeous went off and married that other girl. I loved it when he gave her the piano-forte. I think Brandon was actually my favorite male character in that film. I own the film on tape, but my library has the DVD, so I will have to watch it again real soon. I thought it was so well-done. Did you know that Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay?

EchtraNerai, I forgot to welcome you to the forum. I see you are new here. I am from NJ, also. Enjoy exploring the site; it is a great one and offers so much.

I had no idea that Thompson had adapted it, I have a bad habit of not paying attention to the ending credits. She was lovely in it as well. I'll admit to being furious towards Marianne when she turned her favour towards "Mr. Gorgeous." I think I have to watch it again now.

Thanks for the welcome.:)

[Janine]

I had no idea that Thompson had adapted it, I have a bad habit of not paying attention to the ending credits. She was lovely in it as well. I'll admit to being furious towards Marianne when she turned her favour towards "Mr. Gorgeous." I think I have to watch it again now.

Thanks for the welcome.:)

Yes, I think she has written other screenplays, too and maybe some books. Emma Thompson is highly intelligent and went to Cambridge, I believe. Not only that, she is highly talented and was just great in S&S and countless other great films. She really started out on British TV in a comedy routine and show of her own.
Did you know, in real life, she married "Mr. Gorgeous", Greg (?) - that is how memorable I think he is; I don't recall his real last name.:( She had a baby a few years ago; she's not so young anymore, maybe 47; she does seem really happy now. I think her former spouse, Kenneth Branagh and she are about the same age and he is 47. They probably collaborated the writing on some of the films, they did together, in the early days. Greg is her second husband and Branagh is remarried, as well. I believe they are still friends, which is nice to know.
Yes, I too was pretty mad at Marianne at that point. She seemed so selfish and so oblivious of poor Brandon. I felt so sorry for him.

[Janine]

I've seen that one, too. In fact, I have the DVD and love it, not just for Alan Rickman, but for the entire cast.

Janine, I did not have any idea that Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay. I don't pay attention to the credits, either. It's a good thing we have you to do that for us. :)

Welcome to the forum, EchtraNerai. :)

I didn't notice it in the credits either. I just read it somewhere. I have read about Emma Thompson and Ken Branagh, for years now. They used to call them the the 'royal couple of screen' in England. It is a shame it did not work out for them, but nice to see they both remarried and are happy now. I did see this great interview with Emma on Youtube and I think then it was mentioned on the Charlie Rose show. The interviews are great on there and you can look up any of your stars and see ones from way back, years ago. I get mesmerized and could be on there all day long, if I wasn't careful. ;) :lol:
Oh, I forgot to mention - she won an Oscar for that screenplay for S&S. I think it was well deserved, don't you?

[djy78usa]

I just watched "A Bridge Too Far." It is, by far, my favorite WWII movie ever. And what a great cast; Lawrence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Gene Hackman, Sean Connery, Michael Cain, Dirk Bogarde... the list of great actors just goes on and on. 9.9/10

[ahsiam]

stepmom!
dont know why i liked it that much...:)

[*Classic*Charm*]

Haha Janine- It was really a rhetorical question. Unlike everyone else around here, I love Keira Knightly. I think that considering she's only 22 or 23, she's an excellent actress. Loved her in everything I saw her in.

I can't say I'm crazy about that version of Sense and Sensibility. Yes, Alan Rickman is excellent (he's not bad for an old guy either haha;) ), but I always thought that Emma Thompson was too old to play Eleanor. It bothered me a little. SHe did do an excellent job with the screenplay though. I seem to think she got an Oscar for her writing as well, though I could be wrong on that.

[*Classic*Charm*]

oops, just read the above post that confirms that she did indeed win an oscar. Guess I should read more closely!

[Janine]

Haha Janine- It was really a rhetorical question. Unlike everyone else around here, I love Keira Knightly. I think that considering she's only 22 or 23, she's an excellent actress. Loved her in everything I saw her in.

*Classic*Charm*, Is she only 22 or 23? I think she seems a little older than that; maybe it is because she seems to exude a lot of self-confidence. I didn't really like the version of "Pride and Prejudice" she starred in so that might be the problem, but that is just me, and I did like some aspects of it; I can't really say I disliked it. I just felt as though something was missing.
I sometimes get annoyed at her lower lip, the way it protrudes - isn't that just plain silly of me? I also get annoyed at her posture, the way she holds her arms sort of behind her at her sides limbly with shoulders back...another silly fetish of mine. Other than those picky little quirps of mine, I do think she is an 'excellent' actress and going places in the future, definitely. She is a young talent and time will tell if she has staying power. I hope that she does and can be versatile, as well. I thought she did a fine job in "Atonement".



I can't say I'm crazy about that version of Sense and Sensibility. Yes, Alan Rickman is excellent (he's not bad for an old guy either haha;) ), but I always thought that Emma Thompson was too old to play Eleanor. It bothered me a little. SHe did do an excellent job with the screenplay though. I seem to think she got an Oscar for her writing as well, though I could be wrong on that.

It is funny that you point out Emma's age factor; I had the exact same thought/feeling the first time I saw the film. How old was Emma then? Wasn't she well into her late 30's by then or even older. Yes, point of fact, she was too old to play Eleanor. I think she fits other roles better for her age, such as "Howard's End" and "Remains of the Day" - and.. didn't she do those years before S&S? I will have to look that up online. I guess we can take into account that woman in that time period, might have looked more 'aged' than they do now. If you see old photos of people from the 1800's, they really do look more severe and aged, and so severe and serious. I go to a restaurant where they have old photos like this on the walls. Geez, everyone looks ancient and no one smiles either. It must have been a hard life back then. We always remark about those photo portraits. They are kind of scary looking.

I have bought some screenplays from online (Amazon) and they are really interesting to read. Of course, I haven't read an entire one yet; there is never enough time, but I hope to read them someday. Mostly, I have bought some of Kenneth Branagh's Shakespeare screenplays - Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V. I started to read the Hamlet and it was neat, because unlike the Shakespeare play, the screenplay then adds the scenery descriptions and set design, which is beautifully written, and interesting.

[*Classic*Charm*]

[b] I sometimes get annoyed at her lower lip, the way it protrudes - isn't that just plain silly of me? I also get annoyed at her posture, the way she holds her arms sort of behind her at her sides limbly with shoulders back...another silly fetish of mine. Other than those picky little quirps of mine, I do think she is an 'excellent' actress and going places in the future, definitely. She is a young talent and time will tell if she has staying power. I hope that she does and can be versatile, as well. I thought she did a fine job in "Atonement".

It's not silly at all. I have tons of little pet peeves like that, things that just bother me. And yes, she does seem a little gangly at times. Hopefully she'll grow out of that. And yes, she was born the same year as my brother, so she was born in 85. Not sure why I know that...



It is funny that you point out Emma's age factor; I had the exact same thought/feeling the first time I saw the film. How old was Emma then? Wasn't she well into her late 30's by then or even older. Yes, point of fact, she was too old to play Eleanor. I think she fits other roles better for her age, such as "Howard's End" and "Remains of the Day" - and.. didn't she do those years before S&S? I will have to look that up online. I guess we can take into account that woman in that time period, might have looked more 'aged' than they do now. If you see old photos of people from the 1800's, they really do look more severe and aged, and so severe and serious. I go to a restaurant where they have old photos like this on the walls. Geez, everyone looks ancient and no one smiles either. It must have been a hard life back then. We always remark about those photo portraits. They are kind of scary looking.

I haven't seen either of those films. I have seen some of Emma Thompson's later work and I do really like her. I actually really liked her in the Harry Potter movies too lol.


I have bought some screenplays from online (Amazon) and they are really interesting to read. Of course, I haven't read an entire one yet; there is never enough time, but I hope to read them someday. Mostly, I have bought some of Kenneth Branagh's Shakespeare screenplays - Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V. I started to read the Hamlet and it was neat, because unlike the Shakespeare play, the screenplay then adds the scenery descriptions and set design, which is beautifully written, and interesting.

I didn't know that screen plays were published like that! There are a number of screenplays I'd love to read. I also didn't know that Kenneth Branagh wrote! Are they well done?

[Janine]

It's not silly at all. I have tons of little pet peeves like that, things that just bother me. And yes, she does seem a little gangly at times. Hopefully she'll grow out of that. And yes, she was born the same year as my brother, so she was born in 85. Not sure why I know that...

That is exactly the word - gangly. Her posture sometimes seems to me a little put on and gangly...effected. She also talks very clipped at times but I am getting used to that about her.



I haven't seen either of those films. I have seen some of Emma Thompson's later work and I do really like her. I actually really liked her in the Harry Potter movies too lol.

OMG, you must see those *Classic*C, those films are wonderful and so well done. They both star Anthony Hopkins. I thought you adored him; how did you miss these fine films of his...two of his best in my opinion? Also, see "Shadowlands" - he is in that, as well. It is wonderful! (Get plenty of tissues). Emma is highly talented and writes, also. Her mother is a film star and has been in many films with her. She was in "Much Ado About Nothing" as the older woman - forget her name now. Philydia Law is her real name, I believe. She is an excellent actress, as well.


I didn't know that screen plays were published like that! There are a number of screenplays I'd love to read. I also didn't know that Kenneth Branagh wrote! Are they well done?

I didn't either till I read about them on Branagh's fan site Kenneth Branagh Compendium - love it! I ordered his autobiography too, and many people criticised him for writing it so early on, (he was working on Henry V or just finished it) but I found it so entertaining and informative about his family life in Ireland and his time at drama school RADA and his first plays/films, encounters with famous actors, who would influence him later on. I like his writing very much so; it was quite human and witty at times. He writes well, a brilliant guy, but very down to earth and he is highly talented - writes, acts, directs, does it all. He has also written some plays the fans say are hits. I only read a portion of his 'Hamlet', but it was good. One of these days I will read it all. He is very poetic and romantic minded. I have a second biography to read of him written by Mark White. I started it but have not gotten too far into it yet, but I will.
Yes, like I said, Emma did start out in comedy so I guess she was a natural for Harry Potter. Come to think of it she wrote a child's movie after that. I can't recall the name of it now. I did not see it but I had thought to. I forgot about it.

[*Classic*Charm*]

OMG, you must see those *Classic*C, those films are wonderful and so well done. They both star Anthony Hopkins. I thought you adored him; how did you miss these fine films of his...two of his best in my opinion? Also, see "Shadowlands" - he is in that, as well. It is wonderful! (Get plenty of tissues).

Really!? Yes, I do adore him, yet it is a number of his works in the "in-between years" that I haven't seen. All of his recent stuff I have seen (with the exception of Fracture), and I have seen some very early films as Arch of Triumph. I'll have to see those! I have lots of time now that summer's here!

[Janine]

Really!? Yes, I do adore him, yet it is a number of his works in the "in-between years" that I haven't seen. All of his recent stuff I have seen (with the exception of Fracture), and I have seen some very early films as Arch of Triumph. I'll have to see those! I have lots of time now that summer's here!

This is so funny. This is in reverse, of how I encountered Anthony Hopkins. I saw all these films first, and took to him right away. I thought he was such a subtle and amazing actor. Truly, he became in my eyes, a huge talent.

Also, isn't it funny, how discussing Emma Thompson, has lead us to Anthony Hopkins?

[*Classic*Charm*]

This is so funny. This is in reverse, of how I encountered Anthony Hopkins. I saw all these films first, and took to him right away. I thought he was such a subtle and amazing actor. Truly, he became in my eyes, a huge talent.

:D :D I love him. Too bad he's so old...:bawling:

[*Classic*Charm*]

I wanted to see The Importance of Being Ernest when it first came out and then completely forgot about it. If I remember correctly I didn't get very good reviews.

[*Classic*Charm*]

My mistake! I see what you mean though about her being a quintessential American girl. I felt the same way seeing Kirsten Dunst play Marie Antionette. The worst part was that she didn't even try to fake an accent!

[Janine]

The 'quintessential American girl' I know what you girls mean...about the two actresses mentioned.

I did love Reese in "Walk the Line".

I saw 'Silk' but I did not care for it much. I really did not like the actor who played the lead, I felt he lacked a lot, and the storyline seemed so contrived and trite to me. The lilies were lovely though, weren't they?... and the film had some of the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen.

I liked 'Much Ado About Nothing' as a fun film, but it did have some very serious flaws - like I just hated Michael Keaton's role - oh please, what was Ken thinking hiring him...ugh? He was so stupid and simple-minded and totally overacted that role. The movie could have been so much better and it should have been longer with more of the Shakespeare text uncut...but that is Hollywood for you. I think they did have some control over that film and wanted it to be a box office hit.

[Janine]

I thought they should have cast someone a little older and more sophisticated for the lead in "Silk," Janine. Oh, those lilies. They were just beautiful. The cinematography was gorgeous, I agree. I also liked the cinematography in "Atonement," especially the part at the house/mansion. But "Silk" was visually gorgeous all the way through.

I agree. I kept thinking of other actors with more dimension who would have been great in that role, but Michael Pitt was not great at all - kind of flat and dull to me. I nearly fell asleep in parts accept I really wanted to see the gorgeous scenery. It was amazing - the locations and so well filmed. Same with Atonement. They both were visually stunning films!

[*Classic*Charm*]

I agree with you both about the cinematography in Silk. In fact, I thought it was the film's only redeeming quality. I thought there was no depth to the script or the acting (aside from Keira Knightley). I know I sound like I don't think she could put a foot wrong, which is not true (she was nothing special in King Arthur). She wasn't anything outstanding in Silk, but I found her character a lot more developed and sophisticated than any of the others, and her role was only minor. I thought the lead was terrible. The film was very pretty, I'll give you that, but other than that I didn't think very much of it.

[Idril]

Janine, I'm with you on the Keira Knightly thing. I know my reasons for not liking her are completely petty and shallow but I can't help it. Her teeth drive me nuts, you just see waayyy too much of them and then she's so thin and angular she makes me uncomfortable. :lol: I can't even really notice her acting abilities because I'm so distracted by her 5 million teeth and her jutting jaw. :rolleyes: And yes, I realize how mean spirited that sounds and I'm really not a mean spirited person by nature but there's just something about Keira that brings it out in me...and Gwyneth Paltrow...and Kirsten Dunst...and Angelina Jolie...and don't even get me started on Liv Tyler...ok, so maybe I am a mean spirited person by nature. :p :blush:

The last movie I watched was Yi Yi (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0244316/). A Taiwanese family drama that was absolutely brilliant. The acting was tremendous, the dialogue was sparse but always touching and profound, it was evocative without being manipulative and even though it was almost 3 hours in length, I was so completely enraptured that the time just flew by. I give it a score of 10 out of 10. :thumbs_up

[*Classic*Charm*]

Julia Roberts- now there's a set of chompers.

I won't lie, there are a few young actresses I like. I also like Natalie Portman. Can't think of others off the top of my head right now though...

[djy78usa]

I watched Charlie Wilson's War today. I'll give it a 7 or 8 out of 10. You can't really go wrong with Tom Hanks, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character was my favorite. Antiquarian, you might want to avoid it, Julia Roberts is the female lead :)

[Janine]

I agree with you both about the cinematography in Silk. In fact, I thought it was the film's only redeeming quality. I thought there was no depth to the script or the acting (aside from Keira Knightley). I know I sound like I don't think she could put a foot wrong, which is not true (she was nothing special in King Arthur). She wasn't anything outstanding in Silk, but I found her character a lot more developed and sophisticated than any of the others, and her role was only minor. I thought the lead was terrible. The film was very pretty, I'll give you that, but other than that I didn't think very much of it.

*Classic* - I have to admit I was being 'kind' on my post about "Silk". I was bored to death! Was there a plot? If so, it was very thin. It is so 'memorable' a film, I can't recall a thing about the plot except silkworms and some die towards the end, right? I thought it was predictable, also. Geez, I only saw it a week or so ago, and all I really recall are the pretty lilies and the scenery - stunning. I thought the lead actor was just dreadful and even some of the others were truly bad. Keira was ok, but I liked her much better in "Atonement"...still I do think she will be an actress I get tired of easily, sorry to say. She does have annoying teeth and she holds her face and lips funny...I know, I am being petty again. I think to myself, she is a pretty girl, but she is almost too pretty and I don't find her particularly stunning, just pretty and maybe Idril is right - she is a bit too thin, although I did think she looked stunning for once in that green silk gown in "Atonement".

I personally like the actresses you mentioned, Antiquarian - "Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave. The only younger one I can think of I truly like is Sandra Bullock."
I would add to this list Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslett, Charleze Theron (although I have not seen her in anything recently), and I will have to think of some more to add to my list.
Is Sandra that young still? I was getting tired of her, because everything I saw her in for a time, seemed like the same kind of role, 'the rejected woman type' role. I got a little sick of that. She seemed to always be playing a depressed character in her film choices; yet I do think she is a good actress.
And I totally agree with you about Gwyneth Paltrow - she is just horrible! I hated her films "Great Expectations" and "Emma" - that one made me want to weep I hated that adaptation soooo much!


Idril, your post made me laugh - so true so true! :lol:

I like some obscure actresses you probably don't even know, like Susan Lynch, Imelda Stubbs and other English actresses, that probably do stage more than screen. Oh and I love Juliet Binoche.

[*Classic*Charm*]

Hahaha Janine- Me too!! I couldn't find a plot either! I was bored out of my mind. My mother fell asleep on the couch beside me and the only thing that kept me awake was my determination that it was all going to make sense at some point. I'll admit, the last half hour was good. That was about it. I thought it was a complete waste of time.

I think I'll keep my liking of Keira Knightley to myself though- it seems to bring up bad feelings in all who think about her oddly-shaped face LOL

I never really thought much of Sandra Bullock- she was always just another run of the mill Romantic Comedy type to me. As for other actresses I like, I also LOVE Helena Bonham Carter. I think she's an excellent actress. Always weird roles though.

[Janine]

Hahaha Janine- Me too!! I couldn't find a plot either! I was bored out of my mind. My mother fell asleep on the couch beside me and the only thing that kept me awake was my determination that it was all going to make sense at some point. I'll admit, the last half hour was good. That was about it. I thought it was a complete waste of time.

:lol: That is funny! Actually, my mother would have been asleep in the first 5 mins. She is 86 and she would have been sitting there with her mouth wide open, sound asleep in her recliner...she does it all the time. She would have had no idea what was going on in that film..not a clue.



I think I'll keep my liking of Keira Knightley to myself though- it seems to bring up bad feelings in all who think about her oddly-shaped face LOL

That is ok, I did really like her in "Atonement"...maybe she will grow on me.


I never really thought much of Sandra Bullock- she was always just another run of the mill Romantic Comedy type to me. As for other actresses I like, I also LOVE Helena Bonham Carter. I think she's an excellent actress. Always weird roles though.

So funny you should mention her. As soon as I got off the computer I thought of her. I love her and have seen her in her earlier days in adaptations of Henry James novels and I just love her so much. She is so good and to me she has a rare sort of beauty. Yes, I too always sort of thought of Sandra as run of the mill. I did actually like her best in the film "Hope Floats" - I know very American but I liked it and I like Harry Connick, Jr. and he was good in it. They had a lot of chemistry.
I was also thinking of the excellent actress Meryl Streep - how could I have forgotten her? She has done a million movies. She has been amazing over the years. I know my list will get much longer the more I think about it. I like Embeth Davitz - you might know her from her role in Schindler's list. She always gives strong performances. I used to like Rachael Ward but she has not done anything to speak of in ages. I like the director Charles Sturridge's wife Phobe (?) - can't recall her name now. She was in many things, notably she played Shackleton's wife in the film of the same name by Sturridge. As I said, I know I will think of more in time.

[Lily Adams]

I didn't see all of it, but the last movie I saw was Across the Universe.

I just got so fed up with it I walked out and came here. I think it's because

1. I'm not a Beatles fan (I like some of their songs but...eh...)
2. I don't much care for romances
3. I don't much care for musicals (usually)

The only parts that interested me were the parts on Vietnam and being drafted, (that's why I rented it) but I just...gave up. I rarely do that. I kept hearing about how it's really good and all but I was comepletely bored and annoyed for the most part. It got me pretty angry, ha ha. Oh well...

I won't rate it because I didn't see all of it.

[*Classic*Charm*]

I was also thinking of the excellent actress Meryl Streep - how could I have forgotten her? She has done a million movies. She has been amazing over the years. I know my list will get much longer the more I think about it. I like Embeth Davitz - you might know her from her role in Schindler's list. She always gives strong performances. I used to like Rachael Ward but she has not done anything to speak of in ages. I like the director Charles Sturridge's wife Phobe (?) - can't recall her name now. She was in many things, notably she played Shackleton's wife in the film of the same name by Sturridge. As I said, I know I will think of more in time.

Yes, Meryl Streep is good. I like her as well. The name Rachel Ward rings a bell, but I can't put a face to her.

OMG Shakleton. I didn't know that any other person in the world had seen that film. I thought it was terrible.

[Idril]

Sandra Bullock doesn't usually choose good roles.

That's what I was thinking, I like her well enough, I just don't like the movies she's in. :p

And it's so nice to see other people are as petty as I am when it comes to actresses! :lol: I forgot to mention Renee Zellweger, that pinched face of hers is so unpleasant. :sick:

There aren't a lot of actresses I really like, some have been mentioned here, Cate Blanchet, Judi Dench and a few others. As far as younger actresses, don't mind Julia Stiles and that's about it. :lol: I watch so many foreign movies and one actress that has really stood out for me there is Gong Li, she's beautiful and ridiculously talented.

[Janine]

That's what I was thinking, I like her well enough, I just don't like the movies she's in. :p

And it's so nice to see other people are as petty as I am when it comes to actresses! :lol: I forgot to mention Renee Zellweger, that pinched face of hers is so unpleasant. :sick:

There aren't a lot of actresses I really like, some have been mentioned here, Cate Blanchet, Judi Dench and a few others. As far as younger actresses, don't mind Julia Stiles and that's about it. :lol: I watch so many foreign movies and one actress that has really stood out for me there is Gong Li, she's beautiful and ridiculously talented.

Well, I am probably not as picky about them or critical; not enough to forgo watching a movie just because I don't like the actress or actor as well as others but I do have some favorites of course. I think Gong Li is lovely. There are few Japanese or Chinese woman actors I feel are outstanding but I don't currently recall their names.

Idril, my friend always complains to me about Zellwenger's pursed up lips. She does seem to do that and you described her perfectly with her "pinched face". We sure are mean in here.:rage: We should rename this thread 'Celebrity Bashing' or start a new one....I am kidding......really....:D
I did like Zellwenger in "Cinderella Man", but I hated the movie "Cold Mountain", although now that I think of it, she was a little better than Nicole Kidman -hey, no one has mentioned her yet...that should be interesting...

I also was wondering about the child star in "Atonement" - no one ever mentions her and I thought she was just great.

I did like "Scarlet Johanson in "The Horse Whisperer", as a kid, and in "The Girl With a Pearl Earring"..but I hated "Lost in Translation". I guess she was ok in that, but the movie was not ok in my book - totally boring.

[Janine]

I adore Scarlett Johansson, but I hated "Lost in Translation."

I like her too, lots! She is an example to me of not a typical looking actress but she has a lot of inner beauty and grace. She always dresses so lovely and elegantly at the Oscar, too and carries herself well. She is a terrific actress; a waste of her talent in "L in T". and what was the point of that movie?



I thought the movie, "Cold Mountain" was better than the book. I can take or leave Renee Zellwegger, but I'm not a Nicole Kidman fan. She's so cold and icy looking, so unemotional.

Did you really? I hated the mumbling of Jude Law and the ending was just plain unrealistic. I didn't read the book. Only thing I can say is I didn't hate the movie and I did think it has good points but at the end when Kidman appeared picture perfect from that cabin in the morning, I said "oh come on' -that kind of killed the movie for me.
Yes, I liked Kidman in about one film - "Moulin Rouge" - ever see her in the one where she is a bathtub with some weird little young kid? I think it is called "Birth" - it is horrible. She has done some other experimental type films such as "Dogtown" that I simply thought was atrocious.

[Idril]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Scarlett Johansson, I don't mind her and I actually liked Lost in Translation but I can see why some people wouldn't be taken with it. I think it's one of those movies where you have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it.

Another younger actress I like is Keri Russell, I just saw Waitress and just loved it.

[Janine]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Scarlett Johansson, I don't mind her and I actually liked Lost in Translation but I can see why some people wouldn't be taken with it. I think it's one of those movies where you have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it.

Idril, I can appreciate that. Everyone likes different things and it is nice to hear you say why you think some people would not be taken with it. I just felt it was kind of pointless at times but the ending seemed ok.



Another younger actress I like is Keri Russell, I just saw Waitress and just loved it.

I don't know who she is but I will try and look her up and I will keep that in-mind - maybe it will come into my library soon.

Idril, how is your Willa Cather reading coming along? Did you like her?

[Idril]

Idril, I can appreciate that. Everyone likes different things and it is nice to hear you say why you think some people would not be taken with it. I just felt it was kind of pointless at times but the ending seemed ok.

It was kind of pointless and there are times when I can deal with movies like that and enjoy them for what they are and there are times when it drives me nuts...that particular time I was able to deal with it. ;)



I don't know who she is but I will try and look her up and I will keep that in-mind - maybe it will come into my library soon.

She was in the TV show Felicity if you're familiar with that. I didn't watch it all that much but I was aware of her from the show. Of course the other bonus of Waitress is that Nathon Fillon was in it and I love him from Serenity and Firefly so it was a win/win situation for me but I still think the movie was well done.


Idril, how is your Willa Cather reading coming along? Did you like her?

I'm about half way through and I'm enjoying it. Her prose is very flowing and the plot moves along nicely. It reminds me a little of O.E. Rolvaag's Giants in the Earth simply because that too was about immigrants and the settling of the prairie, just a different group in a different area. I may just give Willa another try when I'm done with this one.

[Janine]

Now, I did like Nicole Kidman in "Moulin Rouge," I have to admit that.

"Cold Mountain" was unrealistic, but I guess I liked the cinematography. It's been some time since I've seen it.

I have seen "Birth," and I thought it was atrocious.

I'm mad at myself. I had to return "Away From Her" without watching it. I just didn't feel well enough. Well, I'll rent it some other time. But I did love "Evening."

Antiquarian, sorry to hear you are not feeling well today.:(
I didn't feel right today, either; I was blaming it on the change in weather - it seems cold here and damp. I had to force myself to go out. I know I have been kind of cranky in the L thread today...sorry...I just need a break, I think; I am getting annoyed too easily. Guess I am just human...and today is not a good day for me. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Yes, wasn't "Birth" horrible? I guess you didn't see "Dogtown", if not, don't bother; it is truly weird. Yes, I do recall that the cinematography in "Cold Mountain" was lovely and the mountains were incredible. Where was it filmed, do you know?

Oh, so sorry you did not get to see your movie. I hate that, if I rented it and can't watch it. I am even angry at myself, when I have to take my free ones back to the library, because I just plain ran out of time. Presently, I am watching an old film I haven't seen in years. "The Great Escape"...it is pretty dated and I keep thinking this German war camp sure is 'cushy' compared to what the real thing would have been like. Also, the German officers are not portrayed nearly as cruel as one's in movies today. We sure get spoiled on 'realism'. However, it stars the late Steve McQueen and it is interesting to see him again. There are a lot of other notable stars in the movie and the storyline is true so I want to see how they escape. I remember this was an acclaimed film, way back when, but I do think that "Bridge Over the River Kwai" out does this film, and it was a bit more realistic. I love that film so much! The great David Lean who directed "A Passage to India" directed it so how could one go wrong?

[LadyWentworth]

There Will Be Blood
10/10
(I loved the oddball preacher)


Three Came Home
10/10
(one of the worst films - in an emotional way - that I have ever seen)

[LadyWentworth]

LadyWentworth, I keep meaning to watch "There Will Be Blood." Glad you rated it so highly. After the abrupt ending in "No Country for Old Men," I don't know if I can persuade my husband and brother to watch it with me or not. They did not like "No Country for Old Men."
I have yet to see "No Country for Old Men". So, I can't say whether or not someone may or may not like this film based on that one. The ending is actually kind of abrupt in TWBB, also.

This is not a film that I am going to highly recommend. I obviously really liked it. I won't give it a general recommendation because there are moments when you are watching it and it actually has a feeling of a silent movie (especially the first 15 minutes). I know a lot of people wouldn't go for that. It is, time wise, a long movie, but I think for some people, the way that this is filmed, it would make the movie even longer for them. Does that make any sense? I don't know how else to explain it. I personally liked how it was filmed, but I know some people who would go crazy watching it.

I liked it. I loved the soundtrack. Nothing special. Just that this music almost has a muted sound to it. That is the best word that I can use to describe it. Then again, this is one of those crazy movies that I like. :)

The other movie, "Three Came Home", is a very good Claudette Colbert film. I have always heard about it but never saw it until today. Very good film!

[*Classic*Charm*]

I saw 21 last night. I want to take Jim Sturgess home...:blush:

[LadyWentworth]

The Assassination of Jesse James

OH MY GOD!!! This is what I am talking about right here! This is what Hollywood is doing wrong. They need to make MORE movies like this one! The acting was very well done. The cinematography was SUPERB. The adaptation of the book was fine. But watching it without reading the book, I think that the storytelling would still be extremely fine. I haven't had such a high opinion and respect for a movie like this since "Glory" (which is my all-time favorite film). If Hollywood would make more movies like this one, I would be much more willing to pay the price of a movie ticket! Brad Pitt was fine as Jesses James, but Casey Affleck...well....I loved him as Bob Ford. Loved him! I watched it solely on two facts. One was that I do have an interest in the life of Jesse James. The other was because I thought it would actually be a decent movie. But, God, was this good! Such an underrated film. It deserved so much more respect from people. The best movie that I have seen in quite awhile. LOVED IT!!!!!

10/10
Definitely! If I could give it higher, I would!

[Joreads]

I saw the Spiderwick Chronicles and loved it. It is a must see for anyone who loves children’s movies

[vheissu]

So, LadyW, did you like it or not. ;) I can't wait to rent it now.

My husband and I watched "Malena," an Italian movie starring Monica Bellucci. It was sweet and extremely well done, but I like "Cinema Paradiso" a little more. Lovely cinematography, very good acting.

Still, 5/5 or 10/10



I absolutely love Malena as well!


Saw Enchanted last night...well, it's cute, in that Disney-cuteness way. Had some good, or should I say original, moments. Very rare those moments. But overall....I'm just glad I didn't go to the cinema to see it.

[*Classic*Charm*]

Saw Enchanted last night...well, it's cute, in that Disney-cuteness way. Had some good, or should I say original, moments. Very rare those moments. But overall....I'm just glad I didn't go to the cinema to see it.

Have you read the book it's "based upon"? The film was a let down after the book. It was a fav of mine when I was younger.

[LadyWentworth]

Less Than Zero
7/10


I haven't seen it in years. Never read the book. Can't base an opinion on a comparison at all. As a film, though, it is so-so. It has its moments. I just forgot how hideous Jami Gertz is. Definitely one of the worst actresses ever put on this planet. I don't see any sense to her even having a career. :sick:

[Scorpio Ascendant]

August Rush. 8/10

[novelsryou]

August Rush. 8/10

The ending was too predictable.

[novelsryou]

Fear and Loathing in Las Vagas

All I can say is "very strange"....I didn't finish watching it.

[novelsryou]

yea, :flare: and for workout music, you basically need hard-hitting euro-dance music.... nothing else does the job really. :lol: Search around on iTunes for "euro club hits" or check this link::crash:

Haven't seen that one...

[Scorpio Ascendant]

The ending was too predictable.

Yes, but the music was a good compensation.

[Janine]

Last night I saw:

"The Kite Runner" based on the book, but I have not read the book. I thought the story was excellent, but I did find a few things a little unreal, but could overlook them, they were minor. Mostly, though it was so starkly real to me that last night I had a hard time sleeping soundly because elements and events in the movie really disturbed me. I don't deal well, with children being abused and neither do I with defenseless women; one scene is of a stoning. It is short and not dwelled on very long but long enough, enough to really disturb me.
The story is a touching one and the ending is very hopeful, for some anyway, so it does have an upside. The relationship between the two young boys was very touching and sweet, but also complex. I really liked that element of the story. The two kids that played those roles were really good and convincing in the roles. I also liked the other characters. The film was very well done and gave me a glimpse into a world and culture, I am not that well acquainted with. It was educational in that way and also historical in some ways. Even though I lost sleep and had nightmares I would definitely recommend this fine film to anyone.

[Nightshade]

Jumping Jack Flash
old film but I found the computer stuff amusing in fact I liked it all but didnt like the ending. so next time I watch it Ill stop before the last 5 minutes.

[Janine]

Last night I watched this truly interesting DVD, I happen to find at my video store in the sale bin:

"Breaking the Da Vinici Code"
Actually, this is a documentary film, perhaps originally shown on TV, with scholars and bible experts pretty much disputing the theories, put forth in Dan Brown's novel. Now I read the novel, which I thought was a fun read/entertaining and then I saw the film which I think was a pretty good thriller type film; mostly my interest did lie in the fact, that filming took place in many scenes within the Louvre and Paris.
I found this documentary well done and truly fascinating. I also thought it very enlightening about earlier biblical history. The bonus features were wonderful: one on the story of Da Vinci's life and the other on the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. The Scottish custodian, wearing a kilt, took the audience on a tour of the church and a closer look at the carvings and architecture. This was truly amazing and so interesting. I never expected so much from a $5 bargain DVD, so I was very pleased. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves to look into history and artists, and travel to places visually that we can only dream of.

Before viewing this I saw another documentary which was similar, but dealt with Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel and a new debate as to whether the paintings contain symbols and clues to link, pagan and other religions to Christianity, within the work. Here again it was to refute a newly published book in the subject but now I don't recall the name of that book. Odd, I should see this and the above in the same night; both were questioning other books and their claims/theories. However, the best part of the film was seeing the amazing work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and learning so much more about the artist. I hope this comes out on DVD and I have a chance to see it again. I would be worth more viewings just to see the beauty and fascination of the artwork and this great achievement, since it was fully cleaned. They also showed the artwork in the process of cleaning, which was in itself an achievement.


Tonight I hope to view the film:
"A Very Long Engagement"
I have had this film for awhile now and forgot it so tonight's the night. I will try and post something about it in the next few days.

[mtpspur]

Watched Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps from 1935. Had read the book back in the teen days. Found it a bit ponderous back then and quickly went back to Doc Savage novels. I remembered enough of the book to realize they made little effort to follow it. I'm at the age now where Hitchcock almost seems clumsy in the execution of a scene. I swear it lacks subtleness and he seems to just love killing people with kives in the back. Now I liked the movie and glad I can mark it off an ever shortening list of movies I have always wanted to see at least once.

[vheissu]

Have you read the book it's "based upon"? The film was a let down after the book. It was a fav of mine when I was younger.

No, I haven't. Though I can see why it could be a let down. It felt as if the film had so much more potential. Maybe they didn't put to much effort in it...James Marsden was quite good though!


Watched The Dreamers by Bertolucci last night.
Someone from this forum recently saw it (can't remember who exactly) and it reminded me how I really wanted to see it when it was first out. Glad it wasn't a disappointment, as it so often happens when I leave a film for years before I watch it and expect too much of it.
Was a bit confusing in one or two scenes, but overall I quite like it

8/10

[sprinks]

Watched Dangerous Minds yesterday. Similar to To Sir With Love. I like both those movies, they both tend to bring me to tears! Anyhow, I think I'd give it an 8/10, they could have worked the ending a little better.

[Nossa]

Penelope I really liked it...James McAvoy and everything :D

[Domer121]

Okay... I admit it.. the last movie I saw was Baby Mama.. and....it was really very funny! maybe 6 stars out of 10... or 7 even... the perfect movie to go and see when you just want to laugh...

[Sir Bartholomew]

All About My Mother 4/4

i'm so happy, a filipino film is in competition this year at cannes. it's called "Serbis" by Brillante Mendoza

[Idril]

I watched 3 movies this weekend. First was another Chinese movie called Zhou Yu's Train. Gong Li was the female lead and it was interesting to see her in a more modern, edgy role. The movies I've seen her in have been mostly period films and she is usually more subdued so this was something new. I'd give it a 7 or 8 out of 10 just because it was kind of confusing. :blush: Then I saw Love in the Time of Cholera and it really didn't do anything for me. I didn't hate it but the book was infinitely better, 4 or 5 out of 10. And lastly, there was an old Czech movie called Closely Watched Trains. I don't usually like older movies and I wasn't aware it was an older movie because I didn't read the entire description so I was a little disappointed when I saw it was black and white but I actually really enjoyed it. It had a really great offbeat sense of humour and a tragic ending so I was happy. 8 out of 10.

[Joreads]

I saw The Kite Runner last night, I loved it. I thought that it was very true to the book and it still made me cry in parts even though I knew what was coming. 9/10 for me.

[Nossa]

I saw The Kite Runner last night, I loved it. I thought that it was very true to the book and it still made me cry in parts even though I knew what was coming. 9/10 for me.

I've been meaning to watch it for sometimes now...now I'm sure I'll do :D

[Erichtho]

Atonement 6/10.
The beginning was confusing, the middle part boring, but the end was really good. All in all, I had expected more though, after people kept recommending it to me. It's good that I decided against reading the book.

[Gaiam]

Walk Hard, The Dewey Cox Story 0/10. (Can I do negatives?!)

So terrible. I'm amazed I sat through all of it. I guess I had hopes that it would get better at some point. Ugh.

[Nossa]

Walk Hard, The Dewey Cox Story 0/10. (Can I do negatives?!)

So terrible. I'm amazed I sat through all of it. I guess I had hopes that it would get better at some point. Ugh.

:lol: I remember when I saw the trailer for this movie I just thought it was some sort of a joke...but I remembered Will Farrell...and nothing seemed so strange any more..lol

[*Classic*Charm*]

Watched Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps from 1935. Had read the book back in the teen days. Found it a bit ponderous back then and quickly went back to Doc Savage novels. I remembered enough of the book to realize they made little effort to follow it. I'm at the age now where Hitchcock almost seems clumsy in the execution of a scene. I swear it lacks subtleness and he seems to just love killing people with kives in the back. Now I liked the movie and glad I can mark it off an ever shortening list of movies I have always wanted to see at least once.

The 39 Steps was very clumsily made. Hitchcock "based" almost all of his early films on novels, none of which he followed very closely. Another was Sabotage, which was based on Conrad's novel "The Secret Agent" and barely follows the story and changes the ending. The 39 Steps was considered a huge success at the time of it's release, however.

If you like Hitchcock though, The Lady Vanishes was made in the same year as The 39 Steps, but I think the film is much more sophisticated.

[Janine]

The 39 Steps was very clumsily made. Hitchcock "based" almost all of his early films on novels, none of which he followed very closely. Another was Sabotage, which was based on Conrad's novel "The Secret Agent" and barely follows the story and changes the ending. The 39 Steps was considered a huge success at the time of it's release, however.

If you like Hitchcock though, The Lady Vanishes was made in the same year as The 39 Steps, but I think the film is much more sophisticated.

*Classic*Charm*, I have seen those films and even the earliest renditions. I find them so campy I actually do like them. I guess I like Hitchcock so much I will take the bad with the good. I find them all entertaining. I liked the film "The Lady Vanishes" very much. I can hardly recall the other two, though or who starred in them. Ever see the old Hitchcock TV shows - they are on DVD now - my library got them in and I was able to see about a dozen. They were loads of fun.

*Classic* - I have been dying to see you to tell you this. I watched a French film the othe night and who should appear but Jodie Foster - geez, I could hardly recognise her at first and then kept saying 'isn't that Jodie Foster"...sure enough it was and she spoke perfect French. Who would know? It was a small part but quite intense in the film called:

"A Very Long Engagement".
This film is pretty amazing and starrs Audrey Tautou (Amelie, DiVinci Code, etc.) and Gaspard Ulliel. This was a very lush and wonderfully crafted production. Even though some parts in cities are CGI, one did not feel that took over the story or even thought about that factor at all; it all felt quite real; even scenes in black and white or sepia from the past. From the start of the credits, I knew this would be a good film. The credits were so creatively done and set the atmosphere of the film nicely. An old newspaper was used to indicate the movie, features, cast selections, before the film began. Art design was very well done in this film. In fact, I hope to view the film with no subtitles; so that I can fully enjoy the visuals. They are something amazing to see. One scene, that takes place on a very tall lighthouse is so incredible. The acting was stellar; casting superb! The imagery in this film is great, from the opening shot, which shows a battlefield in the WWI and pans down to a cross with a Christ carving, that has been sheered off at the midsection and is hanging from one arm, then a line of wires interwoven, behind is visible the dark muddy trench. This movie has such a stunning series of images, with so much symbolism, even in the first few seconds. My only complaint might be the way the film is somewhat long and some scenes a little confusing. I think a second viewing with subtiles might clear up some of the plot confusion for me, personally. I would definitely give this film a 9/10. I did not go 10, because I think some parts ran slowly and became lagged a bit, but not in visuals. I think the strength of this film lies in the visuals and the acting and the wonderful scenery/seascape of rural France. Stunning!

[*Classic*Charm*]

Janine, I have seen random episodes of Hitchcock Presents, but not the full seasons. I can't bring myself to spend the money on them. They're so expensive! And yes, I love The Lady Vanishes. It's my favourite old Hitchcock, from before he got all famous lol. My favourite of the newer ones is Dial M for Murder.

Really?!? Jodie Foster has done something other than a terrible action movie recently?!? That's so exciting. I saw previews for A Very Long Engagement and wanted to see it. I'll rent it sometime this summer. I had no idea she could speak French though! That's pretty cool.

[Janine]

Janine, I have seen random episodes of Hitchcock Presents, but not the full seasons. I can't bring myself to spend the money on them. They're so expensive! And yes, I love The Lady Vanishes. It's my favourite old Hitchcock, from before he got all famous lol. My favourite of the newer ones is Dial M for Murder.

*Classic*Charm*, did you know there are several versions of "The Lady Vanishes" and one features Hitchcock's own daughter, Pat? Don't quote me on it, but I think there are at least, two versions; one more sophisticated, of course. Love the film "Dial M" for murder and in fact, I just saw it a week or so ago. I can never see that film enough. It is one of his masterpieces! It was based on a Broadway play, not written by Hitchcock. He adapted it for the screen and certainly did a superb job. I saw all the extras on the DVD; totally interesting.

I know that other set is so, so expensive...*sigh*sigh* ...sad I did not have time to view the entire set...I could only take it out for 2 nights and that was not enough time to see them all. Noteworthy were the stars who started in that series and all were fine fine actors. I loved being able to see those. When I had it out from my library I looked it up online and was shocked to see how much those cost.


Really?!? Jodie Foster has done something other than a terrible action movie recently?!? That's so exciting. I saw previews for A Very Long Engagement and wanted to see it. I'll rent it sometime this summer. I had no idea she could speak French though! That's pretty cool.

Wow, haven't you ever seen Jodie in anything but action films? She is such a fine actress. I just loved her in "Anna and the King" - ever see it? I picked it up cheap (VHS tape), but I have seen the DVD before, too. I love that film and the score is magnificent. I just got bought that recently and play it all the time.

Let me know what you think of "A Very Long Engagement" - Jodi was great, too.

[Seabird111]

I saw Bee Movie.

9/10. I thought there was going to be quite a bit of childish humor, but, to my pleasent surprise, there was very little. It was almost an Adult Animated Comedy, and I was pleasently surprised.

That isn't to say it isn't appropriate, just quite a bit of jokes younger kids wouldn't appreciate.

Example:

"I mean, think of all the influential bees out there! Bee Ghandi, Bee Jesus!"

Say Bee Jesus out loud really fast.

[Janine]

The Assassination of Jesse James

Not particularly my type of film, but I thought I would give it a go since someone on here recommended it. I have to say it was quite stunning and amazing. It is so well structured and the way it was photographed, the cinematography was just incredible; that includes set design and composition, truly artistoc. Nice touch casting the great Sam Sheppard (who is one of my all time favorite actors) in the first parts of the film, as Jesse's older brother. The film built and built in the psychological aspects; that is when it began to get really interesting. From the start, you are wondering just what Bob's agenda is and what it will be in the long run in relation to James. The voice-over was perfect. The way the director made use of fade-outs was particularly effective, the sepia tones perfect, the erie western monotonal musical score, and pacing of the film was reminiscent of older films I have seen, such as 'Paris, Texas" and "Days of Heaven" - odd, because Sam Sheppard starred in the second film and was the director or screenplay author on the first, I believe. I wondered if he influenced or advised Ridley Scott on this film. Some of the interesting use of visuals, with blurred edges or foggy areas were reminiscent of other films. The Kansas, Missouri, midwestern scenery was spectacular, especially in snow and at night; the lighting was particularly noticable throughout the film and helped to focus on the drama and the characters.
All this and the acting was incredible! Afleck was unbelievable. Where has he been hiding? Brat Pitt was excellent, as were the supporting actors/actresses. I knew Pitt would be from other fine performances I have seen him play, such as his role in "A River Runs Through it" (love him in that film) and "12 Monkeys" and his recent film role in "Babel". He truly embodied the complexities of Jesse James, the conflicted man. I did not expect a film like this. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. I commend the director for making cuts, when he did; it just goes to show, one does not have to reveal all the gore or sex to get the point across; in the end the way it was presented was far more effective and powerful. The ending was amazing and somewhat of a surprise. I like that.
The film makes me want to research the life of Jesse James to see how much of the story is true....fascinating.

[LadyWentworth]

The Assassination of Jesse James

Not particularly my type of film, but I thought I would give it a go since someone on here recommended it. I have to say it was quite stunning and amazing. It is so well structured and the way it was photographed, the cinematography was just incredible; that includes set design and composition, truly artistoc. Nice touch casting the great Sam Sheppard (who is one of my all time favorite actors) in the first parts of the film, as Jesse's older brother. The film built and built in the psychological aspects; that is when it began to get really interesting. From the start, you are wondering just what Bob's agenda is and what it will be in the long run in relation to James. The voice-over was perfect. The way the director made use of fade-outs was particularly effective, the sepia tones perfect, the erie western monotonal musical score, and pacing of the film was reminiscent of older films I have seen, such as 'Paris, Texas" and "Days of Heaven" - odd, because Sam Sheppard starred in the second film and was the director or screenplay author on the first, I believe. I wondered if he influenced or advised Ridley Scott on this film. Some of the interesting use of visuals, with blurred edges or foggy areas were reminiscent of other films. The Kansas, Missouri, midwestern scenery was spectacular, especially in snow and at night; the lighting was particularly noticable throughout the film and helped to focus on the drama and the characters.
All this and the acting was incredible! Afleck was unbelievable. Where has he been hiding? Brat Pitt was excellent, as were the supporting actors/actresses. I knew Pitt would be from other fine performances I have seen him play, such as his role in "A River Runs Through it" (love him in that film) and "12 Monkeys" and his recent film role in "Babel". He truly embodied the complexities of Jesse James, the conflicted man. I did not expect a film like this. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. I commend the director for making cuts, when he did; it just goes to show, one does not have to reveal all the gore or sex to get the point across; in the end the way it was presented was far more effective and powerful. The ending was amazing and somewhat of a surprise. I like that.
The film makes me want to research the life of Jesse James to see how much of the story is true....fascinating.

I gave my rating on this a few days ago. I loved the movie. LOVED IT!!! How it didn't win for cinematography is beyond me!! :mad:

Anyway, I have to be a little know-it-all for a second, if that is OK. Is it? :)

I was down in that area of Missouri just last year (LOVE the Jesse James Farm - one of my absolute favorite places that I have EVER been to!). It is beautiful down in Missouri, but it doesn't look like that. I noticed at the end of the film that it was filmed in Canada (I think it was Alberta). So, honestly, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't actually filmed in that countryside, at least.

Pointless little thing that I want to say here. I stayed in St. Joseph (the town he last lived in). It is a bustling city. In the film there are just those few homes around and it isn't like that now, of course. But I found that interesting, for some odd reason. I never thought about that before that during his time it wouldn't have been like it is now. I just thought that was an odd little thing that I found interestng. :)

I said it before and I will say it again. I loved Casey Affleck in here! Fantastic! Nothing else to say about it!

I think I will have to buy the soundtrack to this film (I already know that I will buy the DVD).

It is funny because as soon as I saw that picture of the horse in the background I remembered it. I actually forgot that I saw it when I was there! But I immediately recognized it. I loved that farm and I would love to go back there again. I didn't get a chance to make it to the home in St. Joseph. That is an excuse to make it back there! :)

[Sir Bartholomew]

i saw this 2001 movie called "Far Girl" by Catherine Breillat. 4.0/4.0 I can't tell why i liked it.

[_Shannon_]

I'm trying to think what I saw last...I watched the first installment of Cranford this past SUnday on Masterpiece Theater...and then before that I think it was War of the Worlds-the one with Tom Cruise . It was actually really good--it's the first movie that's scared me in a long time!

[Janine]

I gave my rating on this a few days ago. I loved the movie. LOVED IT!!! How it didn't win for cinematography is beyond me!! :mad:

:wave: Hi Lady Wentworth! haven't seen you for awhile. That is right - you were the one who reviewed it. I skimmed the thread and did see your post, sorry about that.
I don't know how it did not win; it was truly well done. At first when the train is robbed I gasped when I saw the silouette of Sam Sheppard standing on the pilings as the train approaches round the bend and then illuminates the mistly scene - that was just marvelous! I guess there were many good films last year with amazing cinematography. I am sure it was a difficult decision. Was this film even nominated for cinematography, do you know?


Anyway, I have to be a little know-it-all for a second, if that is OK. Is it? :)

No problem at all. I like hearing more information on things such as historical.


I was down in that area of Missouri just last year (LOVE the Jesse James Farm - one of my absolute favorite places that I have EVER been to!). It is beautiful down in Missouri, but it doesn't look like that. I noticed at the end of the film that it was filmed in Canada (I think it was Alberta). So, honestly, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't actually filmed in that countryside, at least.

That really does sound interesting; especially if you has a fascination before this. I can well understand it. How lucky you were to visit these areas. I did hear it was filmed in Canada, but most are these days - it seems to be less expensive and mimic the areas in the old west or the midwest. I can't see how the poor actors can be subjected to such harsh cold temperatures though. I always watch the extras on the DVD's and in the Making Of you always see the crew in heavy jackets and the poor actors so bare - they must be freezing to death. It may also be they could not get permission to film at the actual farm site because that is an active tourist area - right? It maybe Federally owned, also.


Pointless little thing that I want to say here. I stayed in St. Joseph (the town he last lived in). It is a bustling city. In the film there are just those few homes around and it isn't like that now, of course. But I found that interesting, for some odd reason. I never thought about that before that during his time it wouldn't have been like it is now. I just thought that was an odd little thing that I found interestng. :)

Never pointless. I find it all interesting. You were so lucky to be able to visit these historic areas.


I said it before and I will say it again. I loved Casey Affleck in here! Fantastic! Nothing else to say about it!

Yes, I agree - he was just great from the first time we encounter him in the film. I don't ever recall seeing him in other films. What has he been in, do you know. I do think he was good and his performance was quite nuanced, never overdone, but subtle.


I think I will have to buy the soundtrack to this film (I already know that I will buy the DVD).

I liked the soundtrack, in conjuction with the film, but to me it got quite redundant. I don't really think I would like it alone. I would have to hear it first on CD. It did support the film well with an edgy mood.


It is funny because as soon as I saw that picture of the horse in the background I remembered it. I actually forgot that I saw it when I was there! But I immediately recognized it. I loved that farm and I would love to go back there again. I didn't get a chance to make it to the home in St. Joseph. That is an excuse to make it back there! :)

I hope you get a chance to go back and see it someday.

Another comment on the film for me would be this film might not be for everyone. Some may hate it. I don't think any of the characters were that likable; afterall, Jesse James was complex and strange at times, and he could be quite ruthless, as well. He may have been seen as a hero, a kind of modern day Robin Hood, but he did some horrific things. I am glad the film-makers and director did not dwell on bloody scenes. They cut at the right time. I don't know what I ended up thinking of Bob at the end. I felt all the characters might have been delved into a little more. I know - that is hard to explain - but I felt it did cut short of telling us the 'why' of how James became became as he was or got involved as an outlaw. I do feel we saw a lot of confliction in the characters; if anything I saw more of the reasons behind the character of Bob Ford; yet I never truly felt empathy for him entirely, not sure why. I felt the time period was depicted very well and like I said before the structure and the cinamatography of the film, I felt was it's strengths. I liked the idea of the bad guys against the bad guys; but normally I hate ganster/mob films, and basically, this was a mob/gang film to me set in the midwest; however the psycological aspects of it, did pull one in and is does stay on ones mind, after viewing it...it certainly had an impact.

[LadyWentworth]

I don't know how it did not win; it was truly well done. At first when the train is robbed I gasped when I saw the silouette of Sam Sheppard standing on the pilings as the train approaches round the bend and then illuminates the mistly scene - that was just marvelous! I guess there were many good films last year with amazing cinematography. I am sure it was a difficult decision. Was this film even nominated for cinematography, do you know?
Yes, I really liked that scene. I thought that it was brilliant. I loved how they made it look exactly how it would look as if it were a train rolling by in the dead of night. That was, perhaps, my favorite of the film. Yes, it was nominated for an Oscar. "There Will Be Blood" won it instead. TWBB was good, but there is absolutely no comparison between the look of the two films. No comparison. I just don't understand it.



That really does sound interesting; especially if you has a fascination before this. I can well understand it. How lucky you were to visit these areas. I did hear it was filmed in Canada, but most are these days - it seems to be less expensive and mimic the areas in the old west or the midwest. I can't see how the poor actors can be subjected to such harsh cold temperatures though. I always watch the extras on the DVD's and in the Making Of you always see the crew in heavy jackets and the poor actors so bare - they must be freezing to death. It may also be they could not get permission to film at the actual farm site because that is an active tourist area - right? It maybe Federally owned, also.
No, actually, the farm (it is located in Kearney, Missouri) isn't federally owned. Well, it wouldn't have needed to be filmed at the farm at all, anyway. The house, well, it couldn't have been filmed there. Like I said, St. Jospeh is a bustling town. You need the quietness of what we saw on film. But there is a lot of countryside down there that they could've used. Missouri is such a pretty state. Such a shame it wasn't filmed there.

My guess is that MAYBE it was a tax thing. Wisconsin finally lowered the taxes for films to be made here. That is why that new Johnny Depp movie, "Public Enemies", is able to film on location at different places here. So, I figured that is why it wasn't filmed down in Missouri. That is just an assumption, of course. :)


Yes, I agree - he was just great from the first time we encounter him in the film. I don't ever recall seeing him in other films. What has he been in, do you know. I do think he was good and his performance was quite nuanced, never overdone, but subtle.
Well, I thought he was so strange when he first appeared on screen. I, too, liked his subtle performance (which I tend to like over the really dramatic ones - it seems more realistic to me). I also liked that with the subtly you can see the change in Ford's character. He was nominated for an Oscar for this. I know he was nominated, and won, other awards for this role, too.

He has been in a bunch of things. Most notably, he was in all 3 of the "Ocean's" movies, "To Die For" (the film with Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Pheonix) and he was in "Gone, Baby, Gone" (Ben's film that he directed - I haven't seen it yet).

I have to say, though, that if you ever saw the real Bob Ford, Casey Affleck was a very good choice to play the part! :thumbs_up


Another comment on the film for me would be this film might not be for everyone. Some may hate it.
I know people who didn't like it because they had no attention span. That is OK. I personally love long movies. Someone said it was a half an hour too long. I think that is ridiculous. FINALLY we get to actually SEE what happens at the end of a story, or someone's life, rather than have to sit there and just read the words that they put up on the screen. Know what I mean? I liked it a lot more that they actually played it out all the way until the end.


I don't think any of the characters were that likable; afterall, Jesse James was complex and strange at times, and he could be quite ruthless, as well. He may have been seen as a hero, a kind of modern day Robin Hood, but he did some horrific things. I am glad the film-makers and director did not dwell on bloody scenes. They cut at the right time. I don't know what I ended up thinking of Bob at the end. I felt all the characters might have been delved into a little more. I know - that is hard to explain - but I felt it did cut short of telling us the 'why' of how James became became as he was or got involved as an outlaw. I do feel we saw a lot of confliction in the characters; if anything I saw more of the reasons behind the character of Bob Ford; yet I never truly felt empathy for him entirely, not sure why. I felt the time period was depicted very well and like I said before the structure and the cinamatography of the film, I felt was it's strengths. I liked the idea of the bad guys against the bad guys; but normally I hate ganster/mob films, and basically, this was a mob/gang film to me set in the midwest; however the psycological aspects of it, did pull one in and is does stay on ones mind, after viewing it...it certainly had an impact.
Of course, none of the characters are likable. They are all outlaws. :) None of them are good people. I personally don't understand why people treat Jesse James as a saint. I still find his life interesting, though. He was a ruthless person. I think that is what makes a lot of people conjure this image of this "great" figure. Especially if they combine it with the supposed Robin Hood tales. Of course, all of those stories in dime novels and such didn't help his "legend" any.

I can't say I really feel anything for Bob Ford either. I don't think anyone will really know why he killed him, but I think Ford did it mainly for money and he was a little envious. He was only 20. I don't normally use an age as an excuse for anything, but I think in this case he was young and stupid. But he wasn't a likable person either.

The only person that I ever truly felt bad for was his wife, Zee (who was his cousin, by the way).

As for delving into the characters more, I personally don't think it was necessary. After all, this wasn't about the life of Jesse James. This was about the assassination. I think that to begin to tell the story from where Bob Ford would come in was a good idea. For the people who know the James Brothers (and Ford Brothers, I guess), they don't need to know anymore about them. But for people who are watching this story without that much prior knowledge, I think it was a wise move to keep those people guessing and wondering how these people came to be what they were. I think it helped with the whole psychological effect of the film.

I will say this, though, that if you went to that farm (more so than reading any books, actually), you can see how Jesse's and Frank's lives were. You can understand how they ended up this way. I AM NOT CONDONING. I am saying that you can understand the characters more. He was in the Civil War. After the war, he became what a lot of those men did. He became a train robber, bank robber, murderer and outlaw. There is more to the story, but I won't bore anyone anymore than I already have. :)

[browneyedbailey]

The "Bee Movie" 4.5/10

[Rakthor]

Iron Man 4.5/5
It was a damn good movie, if I say so myself. It was quite enjoyable, very entertaining, and did what it set out to do. Also, the fact that Jeff Bridges was in it gives it the extra half point. Seeing The Dude (Big Lebowski, anyone?) being evil and bald was really weird and fun. I'm glad that Robert Downey Jr. has stopped abusing those substances. This is his first leading role in quite some time, if I'm not mistaken. Good to see he's back on his feet with a successful new gig. Anyways, the movie itself was one of the better films I've seen this far. One of the highlights of going to see it was actually the credits before the movie. The new Batman trailer and the new Hulk trailer were shown almost back to back. That's pure sex right there. Hopefully the new Hulk film won't be as god-awfully wretched as the one in '03. Well, it has Liv Tyler. That's a redeeming quality by itself. But again, I digress. So, Iron Man. Good film. Would definitely see.
Rakthor Out

[Janine]

Yes, I really liked that scene. I thought that it was brilliant. I loved how they made it look exactly how it would look as if it were a train rolling by in the dead of night. That was, perhaps, my favorite of the film. Yes, it was nominated for an Oscar. "There Will Be Blood" won it instead. TWBB was good, but there is absolutely no comparison between the look of the two films. No comparison. I just don't understand it.

Interesting, Lady Wentworth, I didn't realize it was nominated for the Oscar and lost. Was it nominated for the cinematography only? That was a brilliant scene and suspenseful - that tall figure and image in silouette, stayed with me for some reason, and the way the train rolled around that bend, puffing out white smoke against that blackness of night....amazing.


No, actually, the farm (it is located in Kearney, Missouri) isn't federally owned. Well, it wouldn't have needed to be filmed at the farm at all, anyway. The house, well, it couldn't have been filmed there. Like I said, St. Jospeh is a bustling town. You need the quietness of what we saw on film. But there is a lot of countryside down there that they could've used. Missouri is such a pretty state. Such a shame it wasn't filmed there.

I guess they estimated the cost and something held them back from filming there. I wish the DVD had had some extras on it like "The Making"; that would have revealed why they decided on Canada, instead of Missouri. I was disppointed there were no extras. I thought they would have a bio of Jesse James, or information on Bob Ford. That would have been great. I did go online and found a very good site with photos; I am always curious this way and love doing additional research. More on that below.....


My guess is that MAYBE it was a tax thing. Wisconsin finally lowered the taxes for films to be made here. That is why that new Johnny Depp movie, "Public Enemies", is able to film on location at different places here. So, I figured that is why it wasn't filmed down in Missouri. That is just an assumption, of course. :)

It could have been a tax thing. I didn't know about that new film. Is it "Public Enemies" or "Public Enemy" because I have heard of the second in a older play and an older film. I want to know more about this now. Hummm...a new role for JD..cool.


Well, I thought he was so strange when he first appeared on screen. I, too, liked his subtle performance (which I tend to like over the really dramatic ones - it seems more realistic to me). I also liked that with the subtly you can see the change in Ford's character. He was nominated for an Oscar for this. I know he was nominated, and won, other awards for this role, too.

I always like the sutle performances better and I love closeup shots of faces. I saw a film recently where the director even zeroed in on parts of the face. I found that to be quite interesting and quite expression - one eye can say so much, it is amazing. I liked that scene in the parlor and the tention at the end, too. Performances were amazing at that point. I don't want to give away anything to those who did not see the film. :thumbs_up Glad he was nominated - Casey Afleck did a fine job! So he did win some awards for this performance? He did deserve it.



He has been in a bunch of things. Most notably, he was in all 3 of the "Ocean's" movies, "To Die For" (the film with Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Pheonix) and he was in "Gone, Baby, Gone" (Ben's film that he directed - I haven't seen it yet).

So he is Ben's brother - thought so. I don't really know much about him. I am not sure, if I saw him in anything, before this. Thanks for this information on his filmography. I like the "Ocean's" movies - they are entertaining. I also, love Joaquin Phoenix; try to see as many of his films, as I can.


I have to say, though, that if you ever saw the real Bob Ford, Casey Affleck was a very good choice to play the part! :thumbs_up

I know that. When I found that great site it had them side by side - photos. That is interesting. I liked the very young photo of Jesse James I found. Oh my gosh, he looks like a mere baby, a young teen. I felt kind of bad looking at that one.


I know people who didn't like it because they had no attention span. That is OK. I personally love long movies. Someone said it was a half an hour too long. I think that is ridiculous. FINALLY we get to actually SEE what happens at the end of a story, or someone's life, rather than have to sit there and just read the words that they put up on the screen. Know what I mean? I liked it a lot more that they actually played it out all the way until the end.

Well, one always encounters the 'no attention span' viewers. I once lend my friend the excellent A&E miniseries "Shackleton", which I adore; I was horrified to learn she and her son watched it a fast forwarded to the part when they hit the ice in at the South Pole - that is half way through the story! I could not believe it. I always watch these mega long productions and eat up every morsal. I guess I have more patience than some or most maybe. I even watch 4 and 5 hour movies and miniseries in one sitting, with short breaks of course. Yeah really, what would a half hour bother me? Silly...I agree - glad they showed at the end of the story just what happened after. That part was great! Unfortunately, :( the DVD I was viewing, did some skipping or stopping, throughout the film and towards the end, it kept pausing and would not move on. I hate that and have no idea why it did that. I may have missed something, too. I need to view it again, with a different DVD. The DVD may have been defective. Anyway, the way they presented the end was way better than words on the screen; I agree with you on that fact.



Of course, none of the characters are likable. They are all outlaws. :) None of them are good people. I personally don't understand why people treat Jesse James as a saint. I still find his life interesting, though. He was a ruthless person. I think that is what makes a lot of people conjure this image of this "great" figure. Especially if they combine it with the supposed Robin Hood tales. Of course, all of those stories in dime novels and such didn't help his "legend" any.

Exactly. I was glad to go look up some more on James and the gangs and see just what was real and what was fiction in this film. I will further explore that site. It is so fascinating. It is strange they aplauded him and made him a 'legend.' Yes, I think the tales and books did that. The public did not know the full reality back then. For one thing communication would be lacking and nowdays it would never happen. He would be called the 'worst of the worst' by TV and media.


I can't say I really feel anything for Bob Ford either. I don't think anyone will really know why he killed him, but I think Ford did it mainly for money and he was a little envious. He was only 20. I don't normally use an age as an excuse for anything, but I think in this case he was young and stupid. But he wasn't a likable person either.

I didn't either; not even when he was whining about being the youngest - so what about that? Yes, his brothers did put him down and tease him but I still could not tap into feeling dreadfully sorry for him. I think he killed him because he felt he would gain fame and be applauded and instead it was the opposite. The ending pretty much stated that fact. He told that woman this in a straightforward way and even that he has been so young when the assasination took place. He wanted to gain the same fame that Jesse James had - that was apparent in the very beginning of the film; when he could not be like James he would be like him in a reverse way.



The only person that I ever truly felt bad for was his wife, Zee (who was his cousin, by the way).

I felt worse for his kids; but yes, I felt badly for her but she knew what she was getting into, didn't she? We didn't see her very fleshed out in the film either so I did not feel much towards her. Did you know JJ's mother was also named Zelda and was called Zee; or that may be his stepmother - not sure now. I read it late last night online.


As for delving into the characters more, I personally don't think it was necessary. After all, this wasn't about the life of Jesse James. This was about the assassination. I think that to begin to tell the story from where Bob Ford would come in was a good idea. For the people who know the James Brothers (and Ford Brothers, I guess), they don't need to know anymore about them. But for people who are watching this story without that much prior knowledge, I think it was a wise move to keep those people guessing and wondering how these people came to be what they were. I think it helped with the whole psychological effect of the film.

Yes, I can see your point here, LW. After I wrote that last night, I did think this and about the title and the point of the story and you are right; it did not center on Jesse James life story. It did start right at the perfect point. You are correct as well, about the film keeping one 'guessing and wondering' -that is so true and did add into the whole psychlogical aspect and effect of the film. I kept me 'guessing and wondering' - that is why I promptly went online to find out more about the story and the characters.



I will say this, though, that if you went to that farm (more so than reading any books, actually), you can see how Jesse's and Frank's lives were. You can understand how they ended up this way. I AM NOT CONDONING. I am saying that you can understand the characters more. He was in the Civil War. After the war, he became what a lot of those men did. He became a train robber, bank robber, murderer and outlaw. There is more to the story, but I won't bore anyone anymore than I already have. :)

Yes, I did realise that the Civil War had a lot to do with it. I agree with all your wrote, in this paragaph of your post. It was the times and things were much different back then in the South; attitudes were born from those hard times. I also don't condone the gangs actions, but the story was well done in the film and I really did find it interesting in a psychological way, plus I did learn things I had no ideas about prior.

[LadyWentworth]

Interesting, Lady Wentworth, I didn't realize it was nominated for the Oscar and lost. Was it nominated for the cinematography only? That was a brilliant scene and suspenseful - that tall figure and image in silouette, stayed with me for some reason, and the way the train rolled around that bend, puffing out white smoke against that blackness of night....amazing.
It was only nominated for cinematography and supporting actor, which really surprises me now that I have finally seen the movie. That scene was beyond words for me. If nothing else, no other film topped that one scene last year! The look of it was perfect. I haven't felt this strongly about the cinematography for a film since "Glory" (though I thought "Brokeback Mountain" was pretty good). Especially the battle scenes. If it is possible to call a battle scene "beautiful", then that is how I felt about the final battle in "Glory". I guess since I can't find any other words to describe the train scene in this movie, I would almost have to use "beautiful" for that also. Well, at least "Glory" won its well-deserved Oscar for Cinematography!


I guess they estimated the cost and something held them back from filming there. I wish the DVD had had some extras on it like "The Making"; that would have revealed why they decided on Canada, instead of Missouri. I was disppointed there were no extras. I thought they would have a bio of Jesse James, or information on Bob Ford. That would have been great. I did go online and found a very good site with photos; I am always curious this way and love doing additional research. More on that below.....
I was surprised that there wasn't at least a "Making Of" extra. I have no idea what the DVD will have that I will eventually buy. I rented this from Netflix. Maybe there will be a DVD with nothing but extras on that. They do that sometimes.


It could have been a tax thing. I didn't know about that new film. Is it "Public Enemies" or "Public Enemy" because I have heard of the second in a older play and an older film. I want to know more about this now. Hummm...a new role for JD..cool.
"The Public Enemy" is a film with James Cagney. This isn't that. I think there was a Korean movie called "Public Enemy", too. This is called "Public Enemies" (believe me, they talk about it enough here - I know! :rolleyes: - very tired of hearing about it, but I have my reasons). It is based on a book. It is about the bank robber John Dillinger. Depp will be playing him (I kind of think it is an odd choice, but oh, well :) ).


I always like the sutle performances better and I love closeup shots of faces. I saw a film recently where the director even zeroed in on parts of the face. I found that to be quite interesting and quite expression - one eye can say so much, it is amazing. I liked that scene in the parlor and the tention at the end, too. Performances were amazing at that point. I don't want to give away anything to those who did not see the film. :thumbs_up Glad he was nominated - Casey Afleck did a fine job! So he did win some awards for this performance? He did deserve it.
He won a bunch of critics awards. You know who else stood out to me in the film? Remember the guy that Jesse visits? He was all alone in that shack. He played the role of Ed Miller. Not a big role, but I liked him when I saw him. I knew this man was no-good, but something about his performance made him somewhat pathetic. I liked him in his truly brief time on screen.


So he is Ben's brother - thought so. I don't really know much about him. I am not sure, if I saw him in anything, before this. Thanks for this information on his filmography. I like the "Ocean's" movies - they are entertaining. I also, love Joaquin Phoenix; try to see as many of his films, as I can.
Yes, he is Ben's brother. They do and don't look alike, I think. I can't say that I would think they were related if I didn't know it, but there were times in that movie where I think he really looked like him. And Joaquin....well....I have my love affair with him. :p


I know that. When I found that great site it had them side by side - photos. That is interesting. I liked the very young photo of Jesse James I found. Oh my gosh, he looks like a mere baby, a young teen. I felt kind of bad looking at that one.
I think I know the photo that you are talking about of Jesse James. I will be honest and say that I always thought Bob Ford was kind of cute. Yes! I said it! I always thought that it was such a waste of his life that he ended up like that.


I didn't either; not even when he was whining about being the youngest - so what about that? Yes, his brothers did put him down and tease him but I still could not tap into feeling dreadfully sorry for him.
Well, I did feel a little bad in the beginning when they were going through his stuff and teased him. I also understand his frustration when they started up again during that meal that they were having, but that is solely because I know what it is like to be picked on for no reason whatsoever. I always say to just leave everyone alone. Other than that, I didn't care what was happening with him.



I think he killed him because he felt he would gain fame and be applauded and instead it was the opposite. The ending pretty much stated that fact. He told that woman this in a straightforward way and even that he has been so young when the assasination took place. He wanted to gain the same fame that Jesse James had - that was apparent in the very beginning of the film; when he could not be like James he would be like him in a reverse way.
That is pretty much what I meant when I said because he was envious and he wanted the money. Oh, well. Too bad for him that he was so stupid.


I felt worse for his kids; but yes, I felt badly for her but she knew what she was getting into, didn't she? We didn't see her very fleshed out in the film either so I did not feel much towards her. Did you know JJ's mother was also named Zelda and was called Zee; or that may be his stepmother - not sure now. I read it late last night online.
Oh, I was talking about feeling sorry for her in real life. Not the film. Whether or not she knew what she was getting into, that is something I really don't know. I would assume that she did, but I don't know. What I meant was that I always felt bad that it had to happen like that, in that house and with her finding him. I would feel bad for anyone with that situation. I am pretty sure that she was named after his mother. So, that would make her Zerelda, too, then.


Yes, I did realise that the Civil War had a lot to do with it. I agree with all your wrote, in this paragaph of your post. It was the times and things were much different back then in the South; attitudes were born from those hard times. I also don't condone the gangs actions, but the story was well done in the film and I really did find it interesting in a psychological way, plus I did learn things I had no ideas about prior.
I was reading a book about Laura Ingalls Wilder the other day. It was said that her uncle came back from the war "wild". They said that people were generally called "wild" because they would be experiencing something like "post traumatic stress". Then they went on to say that this could be the reason that the west was called the "wild" west. I think that is interesting, considering that so many gunslingers were involved in the war.

Anyway....back to movies.....

Oklahoma
9.95
(I despise Aunt Eller :sick: - didn't like her in the stage version either - she ruins any scene that she is in for me - hence, the 9.95 out of 10 - Gordon MacRae on the other hand....;) )

[Janine]

....That scene was beyond words for me. .....since "Glory" ....If it is possible to call a battle scene "beautiful", then that is how I felt about the final battle in "Glory"....

Just commenting briefly, don't want to hog this thread going on and on about this film. I wasn't crazy over "Brokeback Mt". so I left that out, but to say the scenery was beautiful, of course. Yes, that train scene sort of creeped up on you and I felt this awe; the lighting was extraordinary. It was just so well done and timed. It was truly beautiful if a train robbery can be called that; I mean of course the art design of that scene. "Glory" was amazing with scenes of splendor even though violent.

Hope they do come out with a "Making Of" extra, but my library edition did not have anything at all.

Thanks for information on "The Public Enemy"; a young Kenneth Branagh also played that on stage but I think when he was still in high school or maybe first year at RADA...I just know he was a hit and caused a lot of talk. Depp does seem a bit odd for the role but let's not prejudge and see what he comes up with this time.


He won a bunch of critics awards. You know who else stood out to me in the film? Remember the guy that Jesse visits? He was all alone in that shack. He played the role of Ed Miller. Not a big role, but I liked him when I saw him. I knew this man was no-good, but something about his performance made him somewhat pathetic. I liked him in his truly brief time on screen.
I agree - that guy was great - who is he anyway? I kept thinking I saw him in something before. That ride they took was really something...kept you on the edge of your seat the way James rode behind him; talk about being paranoid. Would you turn your back to Jessie James? I also liked the touch of having Sam Sheppard in the film. He is always quietly nuanced in his performances. I loved him in "Days of Heaven" and "The Right Stuff". He has long been a favorite of mine. I think his character embodied the sadness of losing the war for the Confederacy, don't you? He captured that pathos so well.


Yes, he is Ben's brother. They do and don't look alike, I think. I can't say that I would think they were related if I didn't know it, but there were times in that movie where I think he really looked like him. And Joaquin....well....I have my love affair with him. :p I picked up on that and thought they looked similar now and then in the film. Yes, Joaquin is one of my all-time favorites, too.


I think I know the photo that you are talking about of Jesse James. I will be honest and say that I always thought Bob Ford was kind of cute. Yes! I said it! I always thought that it was such a waste of his life that he ended up like that.
Yes, looks like he could not even grow a beard or peach fuzz if he tried - he looks so young. Yes, I saw Ford and he did look somewhat handsome. It was a waste - sad.


Well, I did feel a little bad in the beginning when they were going through his stuff and teased him. I also understand his frustration when they started up again during that meal that they were having, but that is solely because I know what it is like to be picked on for no reason whatsoever. I always say to just leave everyone alone. Other than that, I didn't care what was happening with him.

I did too, now and then, like when they found his box of keepsakes and tease him unmercifly. I hated the way they treated him then. I guess I felt most sympathetic in that scene. He was a very confused young man. Yes, teasing him at that meal was truly mean, and they all chimed in.


That is pretty much what I meant when I said because he was envious and he wanted the money. Oh, well. Too bad for him that he was so stupid.

I see what you mean now. It was stupid reasoning on his part.


Oh, I was talking about feeling sorry for her in real life. .... bad that it had to happen like that,....... feel bad for anyone with that situation. I am pretty sure that she was named after his mother. So, that would make her Zerelda, too, then.
I understand the names/relationships now. I was trying to figure that out. Yes, I really was shocked it did happen as it did. I guess it had to be so, so he would not suspect. I somehow felt he did suspect though. I think in the film, he has a sort of premonition; what do you think?


I was reading a book about Laura Ingalls Wilder the other day. It was said that her uncle came back from the war "wild". They said that people were generally called "wild" because they would be experiencing something like "post traumatic stress". Then they went on to say that this could be the reason that the west was called the "wild" west. I think that is interesting, considering that so many gunslingers were involved in the war.

Interesting theory; I must look further into that idea. I like it, it could explain a lot of things back then.




Anyway....back to movies.....
Oklahoma
9.95
(I despise Aunt Eller :sick: - didn't like her in the stage version either - she ruins any scene that she is in for me - hence, the 9.95 out of 10 - Gordon MacRae on the other hand....;) )

Loved it! Those old movies are the best. Love musicals and loved Oklahoma on stage and screen.

[Sir Bartholomew]

Punch Drunk Love 4.0/4.0. Haven't seen There Will Be Blood yet but PDL's the fourth movie I saw from PT Anderson. It's a great departure from Boogie Nights and Magnolia, and most of his mainstay cast are gone. I've never liked Adam Sandler but in here's an exception. As for Emily Watson, an actress I admire, it's fun to see her sane after countless viewings of Breaking the Waves (I've seen Gosford Park though she's only a bit player there).

[Sir Bartholomew]

i heard there was this long sex scene in the Wings of the Dove.

[Janine]

Watched "The Wings of the Dove" based on the Henry James book with my husband today. Loved it, though it is no doubt too slow moving for many people.

I thought the scenery in England and Venice was sumptuous and the performances by Helena Bonham Carter (pre-Tim Burton), Linus Roache, and Alison Elliot were so moving and understand. And Charlotte Rampling's small part was excellent.

I'd definitely watch it again. :)

5/5

:thumbs_up Love that movie, too, Antiquarian; it is one of my favorites. I am glad you finally got to see it. I have not yet read the book, but I ran out to buy it, right after I saw that film. I own the film; saw it at the video rental real cheap, when they sold out the VHS tapes. It is great film; loved the scene at the church with the doves, didn't you? and wasn't there a voice over in the end of that scene or a reading? I just know it was an emotional scene.
The sex scene at the end is in shadows; no big deal anymore, as you said. You do see Helena in all her naked spendor, but is that really anything to gawk at? She is merely 'au naturale'.
I loved the acting and thought everyone was cast perfectly in the film. It is such a beautiful film. Cinematography is wonderful and setting superb and romantic.

I can't write any more. My eye is still hurting me badly and this bright screen is a killer. Just checking in quickly and will resume my listening to "Women in Love" on MP3 - I love it!

[Janine]

Watching tonight:

"No Country for Old Men" - so far I am finding it intriguing. I will let you all know later what I thought of it.

[vheissu]

Notes on a scandal (2006)

Absolutely loved Judi Dench in this one. Cate Blanchett was ok, not her best though.
But the ending....hmm.
8/10

[novelsryou]

I liked "No Country for Old Men" when I first saw it, Janine, but now I'm kind of mad at the Coen brothers for that ending. It was just "too abrupt." It was like we had the chair pulled out from under us.

I haven't seen it yet but what you wrote made me think of Looking for Mr. Goodbar. I found the ending of that movie to be very disturbing.

[Janine]

I liked "No Country for Old Men" when I first saw it, Janine, but now I'm kind of mad at the Coen brothers for that ending. It was just "too abrupt." It was like we had the chair pulled out from under us.

Wow, I know I keep thinking about that ending also, Antiquarian. I felt angry at first, or let down, but then I thought more about it. At first, I thought, 'oh my, that is it?' Now I realise something - it was much more disturbing this way. I felt because of the ending, one could now empathise with the Sheriff and his situation in his life. I especially liked what he told his wife at the end. I thought, before I viewed the film, that the title meant the old men that were murdered; then I realised at the end of the film, that the title took on a whole new significance and because of that ending. I liked the film, but I felt as I have been feeling lately - why must we always be awakened by such violence? We are never awakened as keenly by kindness or goodness, as we are by these intricate characters who exude this unworldly quality we cannot relate to humanly. I felt at times that the main perpetrator acted out like a robot or a ghost, as Jones pointed out, even though I felt Bardem's performance unbelievably fine, and I also felt that Tommy Lee-Jones deserved an Oscar. I thought he was very complex and just great in this film. He is such a pro. Even the Coen Brothers admit the film is a sort of horror film; others on the Extras on the DVD say it has it's own unique genre..who knows? It is funny, looking back now on the film, I feel I saw more humanity in the monster in "Frankenstein"; I actually felt sorry for Frankenstein's creation sometimes, but I could not find this, in the character of Anton in this film. The suspense and cinematography and the acting in the film were all great; it kept one on the edge of your seat, for certain, truly suspenseful...very scary at times. I felt it reminescent also, of moments in "Fargo", which I really loved; especially the tiny bits of 'real' life humor, throughout the film. The casting seemed to me to be excellent. As a well crafted movie, I felt it excelled. It is definitely a finely made thriller.

I just don't think I would go out of my way to view this film a second time; maybe it just was not my type film. I thought it 'wowed' me in many ways, so that last statement of mine is hard to explain. I did think it one of the Coen Brother's finest films; but I am not a huge fan of theirs, personally. I think the content is what I found to be truly disturbing. I think they did make tasteful choices and cuts at the right moments mostly. I think they could have refrained from showing the man bleeding from his neck and the other spurting blood...what else can I say? I preferred the scenes that suggested the violence or one did not see it so blantantly. That is just personal preference, I know.

[Nossa]

Wow! Janine, that was an excellent review!! I didn't see the movie actually, but I'm planning to. Your review is just amazing. You made me wanna watch the movie even more now :D

[Janine]

Wow! Janine, that was an excellent review!! I didn't see the movie actually, but I'm planning to. Your review is just amazing. You made me wanna watch the movie even more now :D

Nossa, gee, thanks - and here I thought I would be strung up for that review or attacked. I was trying to be honest and I had to really force myself to see this film, but my son and his wife both highly recommended it. The film is 'dark', and I guess by now, I was a little bit leary of watching a truly dark film again this week; I just saw the Jesse James film and that was dark in nature. The thriller aspects of this film cannot be beat. It is, as my son told me, 'unlike anything you have seen before' - even the setting. It is not contemporary, but rather set in the 1980's. I did not realise that fact, until I watched the 'Extra Features', on the DVD. I guess I was so engrossed in the movie plot, that I did not even think about the time period in Texas, although there are many little symbols and important details of set, I should have noticed as in the past. I liked that about the film and always do. They did a good job, depicting these areas in Texas 20 yrs, or so, ago. The set designer said, it is actually harder to depict a time period, not that far from present day, than it would be to do period piece that is set further back, perhaps the 1800's. I thought that was an interesting fact.

Nossa, after you view the film, let us know what you thought of it.

[Janine]

That's how I saw it, too, Janine. The scenes of implied violence were much stronger than the bloody scenes.

I totally agree - it seems they got it right in some scenes. I even thought the handcuff strangling scene amazing, but then they showed it on the 'Extras' and you could actually see blood spurting out - oh gross! I really had not noticed that before, since I was concentrating on Bardem's expression, which was truly amazing. That also looked so totally scary and real. But where I really thought the Coen Brothers excelled, were in scenes like in the hotel, with Woody Haroldson; first off Woody was creepy himself, and so 'cool and calm and collected' and cocky-sure of himself, and then that phone ringing created such tension; the way it all played out was perfect timing, and one did not see much in blantant violence - imagining was much worse. It was enough. I also felt other scenes that cut right before the violence, were better played out that way.


I felt Javier Bardem gave an amazing performance (Tommy Lee Jones as well), but Bardem's character, Anton Chigurgh, was robotic in his ability to kill and kill and kill.

Exactly, and I thought I would be crucified on this thread, if I said so. I wish I could have seen something to indicate the man was anyway human or had a reason to be as he was. But truly, that was the idea of the film and I know that Bardem definitely pulled that off well. I think next Bardem should play Frankenstein...haha...however he would bring some humanity to the role. Yes, the kind of killer he was one could not comprehend. He did play that perfectly and well deserved the Oscar.


I have no desire to see the film a second time, though I am glad I watched it.

Me either. Too scary too. Yes, all the talk about it, I am glad I did see it even though I found it disturbing.


I don't understand what's with all the violence, either. I'd rather watch a Jane Austen period piece or something by Merchant/Ivory.

I would too. You know that to be true, Antiquarian. I like thrillers when I am in the mood but I would prefer a film that is a little more uplifting or restores my faith in human beings.


Oh, speaking of Merchant/Ivory films, if you ever get a chance to see "The Europeans" don't pass it up. It's not the best film or the most engrossing, and Lee Remick was a little too old for the role she played, but the cinematography is the best I've ever seen, even eclipsing "Atonement." The Henry James book takes place in springtime, but Merchant/Ivory changed it to autumn to take advantage of a New England autumn and it is gorgeous. Worth it for the cinematography alone.

Thanks, Antiquarian for the suggestion; I must find that and watch it. I don't mind Lee Remick. I recall her from years ago. How old is this film? I love beautiful cinematography! I like Henry James and the films made from his books; I love films set in autumn - they are so vibrant.
Ever see the Henry James adaptation of "The Bostonians" - I really liked that film and saw it twice now. It's merits really rest heavily on the fine performances. It is an interesting film. Vanesa Redgrave is amazing in her role - worth it just to see her in this part; she is so convincing.

[Nossa]

Nossa, gee, thanks - and here I thought I would be strung up for that review or attacked. I was trying to be honest and I had to really force myself to see this film, but my son and his wife both highly recommended it.

LOL. Well I haven't seen the movie yet, so I can't oppose you yet ;)
But sometimes, even when a review isn't 100% in favor of the movie, it's an excellent one. I guess now that I wanna watch the movie, it's a total contradiction to your purpose of the review, ha? :lol:
I have a comment on something you said, on how the serial killer in the story is acting like a robot. I think this is pretty realistic. I mean, a killer is a killer, that's what he does, it's more of a routine to him, he doesn't feel guilt and so his killings are more of habits by time. At least that's how I see it. Maybe when I watch the movie I'll get more insight into his character.
I still think you provided a great review.
I have one question though. Is the movie different from MacCarthy's novel?!

[Nossa]

I don't understand what's with all the violence, either. I'd rather watch a Jane Austen period piece or something by Merchant/Ivory.


I think that maybe in a movie, there's exaggeration sometimes, or maybe it's beacuse you see the actions rather than read them(if you read the original novel). I know an Egyptian movie that was in theatres a few months ago. It claims that it depicts the Egyptian reality now, but it's like reality X100...it doesn't scare you, but it just made me feel depressed for a whole week. This might be a downside in the movie, I'll still have to watch it to decide, but I agree on the concept.

[Janine]

LOL. Well I haven't seen the movie yet, so I can't oppose you yet ;)

Nossa, that is true - you might be the one to condemn my review instead of applaud it.;) :lol:


But sometimes, even when a review isn't 100% in favor of the movie, it's an excellent one. I guess now that I wanna watch the movie, it's a total contradiction to your purpose of the review, ha? :lol:

I feel that way also. I can see the value in a good movie even if it does appeal to me personally. I recall seeing "Bonnie and Clyde" when I was young and I we all thought that movie was extraordinary at the time. Now I don't think I would take the time to view it. It just does not interest me and I think it won many awards; and was well done. It is all personal taste.
No, I meant my review to be impartial in a way and I tried to be quite honest. I could see some flaws but basically I thought it was a good film and very well constructed and played out. Let me know what you thought of it when you have viewed it and be honest with me.


I have a comment on something you said, on how the serial killer in the story is acting like a robot. I think this is pretty realistic. I mean, a killer is a killer, that's what he does, it's more of a routine to him, he doesn't feel guilt and so his killings are more of habits by time. At least that's how I see it. Maybe when I watch the movie I'll get more insight into his character.
I still think you provided a great review.

It probably is realistic and that is what actually makes the story so scary and gives it it's impact as a film. One cannot explain the killer. I think that is the point. He definitely feels no guilt and no remorse at all; one wonders if he feels anything; you will see. He even walks robatically I think. I don't think there is any insight into the charcter that Bordem plays - that is not to say he plays the role badly - to the contrary - he plays the role spendidly. Who could show no emotion at all? He pulls it off perfectly.



I have one question though. Is the movie different from MacCarthy's novel?!

Ah, I did not read the book; I know Virgil did; he mentioned that once in his film review. You would have to ask him; I believe he loved the book.


I think that maybe in a movie, there's exaggeration sometimes, or maybe it's beacuse you see the actions rather than read them(if you read the original novel). I know an Egyptian movie that was in theatres a few months ago. It claims that it depicts the Egyptian reality now, but it's like reality X100...it doesn't scare you, but it just made me feel depressed for a whole week. This might be a downside in the movie, I'll still have to watch it to decide, but I agree on the concept.

That is true. That Egyptian movie sounds funny - reminds me of something. I befriended someone on this site, who lived in China; she told me the movies that I mentioned to her, were all 'unrealistic' to the real China and it's history. These were fine acclaimed films. I had to laugh, but I did think it probably true, that they were way 'off' in reality', when I watched them. One was "The Last Emperor" and another was "Raise the Red Lantern". So, you can't believe everything you see on the silver screen, either; for any country this applies. Yes, 'exaggeration' is a 'by word' in the movie industry I am sure. It is all done for effect, not realism.

[Nossa]

It probably is realistic and that is what actually makes the story so scary and gives it it's impact as a film. One cannot explain the killer. I think that is the point. He definitely feels no guilt and no remorse at all; one wonders if he feels anything; you will see. He even walks robatically I think. I don't think there is any insight into the charcter that Bordem plays - that is not to say he plays the role badly - to the contrary - he plays the role spendidly. Who could show no emotion at all? He pulls it off perfectly.


Yeah I agree. I only saw the trailer to the movie and Bardem looked scary, with that weird hairdo they gave him too :lol:




That is true. That Egyptian movie sounds funny - reminds me of something. I befriended someone on this site, who lived in China; she told me the movies that I mentioned to her, were all 'unrealistic' to the real China and it's history. These were fine acclaimed films. I had to laugh, but I did think it probably true, that they were way 'off' in reality', when I watched them. One was "The Last Emperor" and another was "Raise the Red Lantern". So, you can't believe everything you see on the silver screen, either; for any country this applies. Yes, 'exaggeration' is a 'by word' in the movie industry I am sure. It is all done for effect, not realism

I agree that the exaggeration is done for effect not realism. But something about this Egyptian movie was just...disgusting to a certain extent. Without going into details, there's this trend in the country these days that some people (who're supposedly wiser than all of us) say that the society is corrupted and many moral and ethical problems are spreading in it, and that the role of cinema is to uncover these problems for the purpose of healing them. I agree on that the society has problems, whatever these problems are, but it's been there forever not just now. My take on any movie like the one I talked about is that they don't show the problems in their real size. I mean if you make a movie about a certain moral problem in society, this probelm has to be some sort of a phenomenon, it has to be on a wide scale in order for people to understand and identify with it. That movie wasn't a thriller or a horror movie where some issues can be 'made' and depicted. But in a movie they call 'social drama' or whatever they call it, you gotta make the viewer believe that these things actually happen. Not to mention that the movie is obviously rated NC 17, it's got heavy sexual content and and heavy bad langauge (some words that were said there, was the first time for me to hear them..lol), they let kids go to the movie, like 8,9 and 10 kinda kids. It was weird hearing the questions the kids asked their parents during the movie.
I'm sorry I went off-topic...lol...but I hope you get my point.

[Sir Bartholomew]

Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress 3.0/4.0

[Janine]

Yeah I agree. I only saw the trailer to the movie and Bardem looked scary, with that weird hairdo they gave him too :lol:

I saw a trailer or interview with Bardem on Youtube and he said he hated that haircut that the Coen Brothers insist he wear. It did alter his appearance and he looked frightful, but mainly it was the look in his eyes that was truly scary - like nothing was behind them at all, blank, empty sort of - hard to describe, like dead eyes. One interesting aspect of the story, is that none of the characters chasing each other are in the same scenes together. I hope that does not give away the story to you; but note it when you do view the film. I had not noticed this fact, until it was pointed out in the "Special Features".


I agree that the exaggeration is done for effect not realism. But something about this Egyptian movie was just...disgusting to a certain extent. Without going into details, there's this trend in the country these days that some people (who're supposedly wiser than all of us) say that the society is corrupted and many moral and ethical problems are spreading in it, and that the role of cinema is to uncover these problems for the purpose of healing them. I agree on that the society has problems, whatever these problems are, but it's been there forever not just now. My take on any movie like the one I talked about is that they don't show the problems in their real size. I mean if you make a movie about a certain moral problem in society, this probelm has to be some sort of a phenomenon, it has to be on a wide scale in order for people to understand and identify with it. That movie wasn't a thriller or a horror movie where some issues can be 'made' and depicted. But in a movie they call 'social drama' or whatever they call it, you gotta make the viewer believe that these things actually happen. Not to mention that the movie is obviously rated NC 17, it's got heavy sexual content and and heavy bad langauge (some words that were said there, was the first time for me to hear them..lol), they let kids go to the movie, like 8,9 and 10 kinda kids. It was weird hearing the questions the kids asked their parents during the movie.
I'm sorry I went off-topic...lol...but I hope you get my point.

Nossa, I know exactly what you mean in this paragraph; I agree. People do form false impressions from films. Also, it is appalling that 8, 9, 10 yr olds are permitted to see these films with NC17 ratings. I hate heavy bad language - it starts to make me ill, personally. It is funny, but this Coen movie did not resort to much or any of that. I was glad of that fact. I don't think it is really necessary, as much as it is used at times.

Tonight, having been prompted by a discussion on "Wuthering Heights", in it's own thread, I watched the adaptation version of:

"Wuthering Heights"

Starring Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall. Some may know her from her fine performance in Lawrence Olivier's "King Lear". I like Dalton very much in the BBC version of Jane Eyre, with is more like an intimate stage play on film. This movie also felt more intimate, as a play would feel, although much takes place in the exteriors and on the moors, of course. First off, the cinematography is amazing, truly stunning at times, and depicts perfectly the wild austere aspects of the moors. It feels absolutely authentic and the angles that both closeups of faces and other scenes are filmed is commendable and very artistic. I truly love this version. I found the film quite by accident at a thriftstore for $1 - VHS tape, but the tape had lines across it. Still the movie and Timothy Dalton's mesmerizing eyes, kept my sister and I watching intently, putting up with his annoying flaw - we simply could not turn it off. Since then, I have invested in the DVD and tonight was the first time I have watched it on my new HD TV - it looked marvelous and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am still thinking of how mesmerizing Dalton's (Heathcliff)face appeared in some of the scenes; they feel ingraved now on my mind. His performance was absolutely noteworty and very strong/fine. He was quite young, I believe, when this film was made. He certainly had innate talent at a young age. I don't know how well known he was then, but the film is certainly worth watching, just for his performance, alone. I felt he captured the complexity and diabolical qualities of Heathcliff. I also felt that Anna Calder-Marshall was amazing; she also has such hypnotic eyes - they were the perfect match. One alternately, felt sorry for her and then angry with her, for being so selfish. I think the fact she could embody this kind of 'ambiguity' made her performance even more worthy. I think the same with Dalton. One did not know whether to hate them or love them both. I felt like I wanted to cry and felt that this story was truly a tragedy. Afterall, they both were very young and foolish in their own ways, but the strong love/passion they possessed for each other, always surfaced and you could feel this strongly numerous times throughout the film. I have seen other versions of "Wuthering Heights" advertised, one is with Juliet Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, but I can't personally see how they would fit the role. I feel they both possess a maturity, that would not translate to the roles of Heathcliff and Kathy. In this film, I didn't just see but I felt their immaturity, and their weaknesses/flaws, and their deep pain. Therefore, I feel this adaptation did what it set out to do. The only criticism I might have is that the ending is slightly altered, but to me, it does not damage the story; it is rather stunning and beautiful in the way it does end. One can never fully capture the book and I think taking some liberties is sometimes necessary. It has been a long time since I read the novel, so I am not sure how much was altered throughout the film, but I do think, standing alone, as a film based on the novel, it is a very well done and fine film. Good supporting cast as well. I highly recommend this and also the BBC version of "Jane Eyre" also starring Timothy Dalton.

[Shalot]

Cloverfield

I just watched this movie called Cloverfield. It was something my husband selected. He prefers horror and science fiction horror, and this one seemed to be science-fiction horror.

This movie was like the Blair Witch Project, except that it didn't look so much like a home movie. The movie preface is this: something horrible happened and in the aftermath, a camera has been found, and as the viewer you are trying to piece together the events as though you yourself were the in the story and had discovered this camera amidst the ruin of a city.

The story takes place in New York. The first part of the movie is slow-moving, especially if you're the type that likes to get right to the gore. It is also slow moving and dull if you like to watch a quality movie, but that's a given.

Everything is seen through the lens of a video camera. Different people hold the camera and you see snippets of the goings on between one couple, and then another couple. Then there is a party, and you view the party through the camera.

Then the drama unfolds. The party is interrupted by a rumbling and blackout. When the lights come on at the party, they switch on the news, which shows some reports of some goings on at the Statue of Liberty. The camera holder still has the camera and is still filming even after the blackout.

Then the explosions start and everyone at the party runs, including the person who is holding the camera. Apparently the camara holder is running through an exploding city while still holding a camera to his face. And the camera holder continues to hold that camera as little monsters that fell off the big monster attack them in a darkened subway tunnel

Why are they in the tunnel? Well that goes back to the first part of the movie and the slow scenes showing moments between different couples who inexplicably wind up with the camera.

I hate these kinds of movies. The vantage point is supposed to be interesting, and cool somehow, but it's just not believable. If some huge dinosaur thing is chasing you, you are not going to be holding a damn camera. And you're not going to hold on to that camera after you escaped the giant dinosaur type creature only to wind up running away from man-eating creatures that are chasing you through a dark tunnel.

So 2/10. F. This movie is silly. There is no explanation of what that monster is or where it came from, but I guess there doesn't have to be an explanation in a story told from that vantage point. As the viewer, you are not privy to anymore information than the characters in the movie. And I guess that's supposed to be horrifying somehow, or more interesting than the standard tale that manages to convey both the characters reactions and emotions while clueing the viewer in to the big picture.

[Mark F.]

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 10/10

Arguably the best film made over the last decade or so. The confrontation of Ford's childhood dreams with the stark reality of his adult life, epitomized by the downfall of his hero and model, Jesse James, is absolutely heartbreaking. Affleck deserved much more credit than he was awarded for his performance. The directing and cinematography are perfect and the soundtrack kicks ***, of course it does, it's Nick Cave. Deakins' work on this film was far better and more innovative than on Old Country For No Men.

[Janine]

Quote by Mark F

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 10/10

Arguably the best film made over the last decade or so. The confrontation of Ford's childhood dreams with the stark reality of his adult life, epitomized by the downfall of his hero and model, Jesse James, is absolutely heartbreaking. Affleck deserved much more credit than he was awarded for his performance. The directing and cinematography are perfect and the soundtrack kicks ***, of course it does, it's Nick Cave. Deakins' work on this film was far better and more innovative than on Old Country For No Men.

Hi Mark F, we have been discussing this film a page or so back. I saw the film a couple of days ago and liked it very much. I thought the cinematography was just great and the tasteful cuts. Casey Affleck was fantastic; he surely beats out his brother's acting ability. That guy is going places. I liked the score, too. Thanks for letting us know who composed it; it fit the movie perfectly. I agree - direction and casting both were perfect. Why was this film swept under the rug? See my other review and Lady Wentworth's, as well.

Quote by Shalot:

I hate these kinds of movies. The vantage point is supposed to be interesting, and cool somehow, but it's just not believable. If some huge dinosaur thing is chasing you, you are not going to be holding a damn camera. And you're not going to hold on to that camera after you escaped the giant dinosaur type creature only to wind up running away from man-eating creatures that are chasing you through a dark tunnel.
Shalot, I hate these mindless movies, too! I always roll my eyes and say "oh, give me a break..." Yeah, right holding fast a camera as a monster eats you - right, sure thing! Just plain a waste of good time and silly. Also I hate movies pieced together like this; probably it was a handheld shakey camera also - that truly makes me dizzy and my eyes ache.


Quote by Antiquarian

Janine, I'm not sure how old "The Europeans" is. It's not recent, I know that. Looked it up. It was made in 1979.

Antiquarian, I will look for it online for that today and put into my 'wish list'. Have you seen many Forster adaptations? I saw one I considered now on Amazon which stars Helena Bonham Carter and Rupert Graves - two actors I adore. The title is something with the word 'Angel(s)' in it; my mind is a blank right now. I like films from the 70's so I would probably like "The Europeans". Also, did you see "The Golden Bowl" another James adaptation? I liked it but many criticized it. I liked the set design emensely. I think it was also a Merchant Ivory production.


I've not seen or read "The Bostonians." Always mean to read it, as I love Henry James. :)

I found the film in DVD on a cheap rack at Wallgreens and bought it for a few dollars, but it played horribly, so I took it back; then my library got in the tape. I would like to buy the DVD sometime. I thought Vanessa Redgrave's performance was a tour de force - she was outstanding. A very young and handsome Christopher Reeves is in the film, as well. I forget his love interest's name - the actress but she also was quite good. It is a love triangle of sorts, very different.


"No Country for Old Men" sticks very close to the book. Barely deviates at all. I thought the Coen brothers could have done more with Woody Harrleson's character, but I guess they wanted to stick very closely to the book.

Interesting. Yes, Harrleson's character was creepy in itself I thought - he was a strange one wasn't he? Yes, they could have done more with him, but then that would have lengthened the film, I suppose. He did play that role perfectly, very convincing.



Last night I watch "Hero" with my brother. Okay, for a martial arts film. Some lovely scenes. I'm just not into martial arts films.


I don't totally enjoy martial arts films either. I find some entertaining but I could do without all that fighting and violence. I do love good scenery and set design - probably why I love period films so much. Anyway, I was thinking about my Chinese friend again, and how she said these films are so so 'unrealistic' to her country. They are totally commercial, but I suppose entertaining to most. Nice you watched a film with your brother, anyway. I like to watch some with my sister sometimes, but lately she has not been a bit interested. My mother only likes a few kinds of films, mostly ones that are not too deep and that end on a positive note, although she has liked some good ones that don't. I never know what to suggest to her really; but, it is more fun to share film viewing, don't you think?

That is one of the soundtracks you sent me, right, "Hero"? I love the music/score, but funny, sometimes I love the score and don't care for the film, at all. I did not really care for "Legends of the Fall" and the soundtrack is stunning. I have a few others like that, that I listen to all the time.

[Janine]

I usually like to watch films with my husband and oldest brother, Janine. Then we disucss them afterwards. Trouble is, all three of us like different types of films. My oldest brother likes action/adventure, my husband like comedy, and I like period pieces and art house films. We've all started compromising, though, watching things the other likes and it's interesting and broadens our horizens.

I actually, don't have those problems anymore, because I just watch them alone...so I should not complain at all. I have my little tv upstairs, away from everyone and can watch anything I am in the mood to watch at anytime. Usually, every night, I watch at least one movie. If I watch it in my sister's room, it uncomfortable, same with the family/living room sofa. Upstairs I put my feet up and relax, with pillows around me (cozy) and I am close to the TV screen, even though it is only a 19", but it is HD widescreen, so all my my movies look fabulous now. Glad I bought it. It is like watching a whole new movie even when I watch ones I have seen over and over again and still love. The picture looks so much better so I fully enjoy the cinematograpy and the set designs. I like discusing the films with others, so this thread is a God-send. I am glad we can discuss the period films, because I would say that most I own, are of that genre and of Shakespeare, which I also consider period.

I liked "Hero" ST emensely, but I like "M of a Geisha" and "The Red Violin" the best, I think. They are simply stunning! :) thanks so much!

Hahaha - you did my trick - you edited, didn't you? I just saw this part and thought I was seeing things, Antiquarian.... ha!



Yes, I have seen a lot of Forster adaptations. I love "Maurice" and my favorite is "A Room With a View." I think you're thinking of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."

I have not seen "Maurice" but now you are the second person who said they loved it. I must see it. It is not listed as cheaply as I would like on Amazon but it is in my "wish-list'. That is the movie - "Where Angels Fear to Tread" - how is that film? Did you like it? I keep wanting to buy it.



I have "The Golden Bowl" and it's one of my favorites. I want my husband to see it next week. I have the film, also (DVD) and I want to re-watch it soon. I really love that film. Someone on this thread slashed it to bits one day, a year or so ago, but I feel the film was very well done and I love the story. I liked the acting very much. I like Jeremy Northam and especially liked him in "Gosford Park"...that is another I have thought of purchasing. I enjoy that film and have seen it several times now. I think it is unique.

[Idril]

Ingmar Bergman's Wild Strawberries, 9/10
Wes Anderson's Rushmore8/10

[LadyWentworth]

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 10/10

Arguably the best film made over the last decade or so. The confrontation of Ford's childhood dreams with the stark reality of his adult life, epitomized by the downfall of his hero and model, Jesse James, is absolutely heartbreaking. Affleck deserved much more credit than he was awarded for his performance. The directing and cinematography are perfect and the soundtrack kicks ***, of course it does, it's Nick Cave. Deakins' work on this film was far better and more innovative than on Old Country For No Men.
Thank you for this! As I stated before, this is simply just a brilliant film all the way around. I am glad to see that we agree on that soundtrack. I loved it. I loved the film. But I don't think I need to stress that fact anymore than I already have. :)


I have not seen "Maurice" but now you are the second person who said they loved it. I must see it. It is not listed as cheaply as I would like on Amazon but it is in my "wish-list'
It took another person to convince you to finally look into "Maurice", huh? :) Well, the price is that much because there are 2 discs. Since you like your extras, this is a good DVD for you. There are a lot of deleted scenes on it. As this is one of my all-time favorite movies, I had seen it a lot of times before I ever bought the DVD. So, these deleted scenes were very interesting to me. There is one small scene that I wish they wouldn't have cut out. It is really small, but there is something about it that I get a kick out of. Then there is a little bit from a scene (that is still in the movie) that was cut out. I wish they would've left that in because there is a line that the character Maurice says that I really enjoyed.

Anyway, I still think you should read the book, too. The soundtrack is one of the most beautiful. I was just listening to it the other day, in fact.

[novelsryou]

I liked "No Country for Old Men" when I first saw it, Janine, but now I'm kind of mad at the Coen brothers for that ending. It was just "too abrupt." It was like we had the chair pulled out from under us.


Ok, I finally watched the movie and although the ending was abrupt I think it was a good ending. To me, the movie was a statement on the senseless violence that is infecting not just the US but the world today so the fact that closure wasn't brought to the drug deal gone bad and the retribution that folllowed is fitting.

Discuss...

[*Classic*Charm*]

Wow, haven't you ever seen Jodie in anything but action films? She is such a fine actress. I just loved her in "Anna and the King" - ever see it? I picked it up cheap (VHS tape), but I have seen the DVD before, too. I love that film and the score is magnificent. I just got bought that recently and play it all the time.

Let me know what you think of "A Very Long Engagement" - Jodi was great, too.

Yes, I have seen her in other films of course, just nothing recently worth mentioning. And no, the only version of Anna and the King I've seen is the Musical version called The King and I. :blush:

I saw Catch Me If You Can last night. 8.5/10. I thought it was really well done. I love Tom Hanks. I think he's excellent.

[Janine]

Yes, I have seen her in other films of course, just nothing recently worth mentioning. And no, the only version of Anna and the King I've seen is the Musical version called The King and I. :blush:

I saw Catch Me If You Can last night. 8.5/10. I thought it was really well done. I love Tom Hanks. I think he's excellent.

*Classic*Charm*, I did like that movie very much. It was quite exciting and kept your interest all the time. I thought the acting was commendable. I liked both Hanks and DiCaprio in that film; they worked well together.

You must see the version of "Anna and the King" with Jodie Foster. I adore this film. I could watch it a zillion times over. I own the soundtrack as well and love to play it...simply beautiful. The set design, cinematography, costuming, music, acting are wonderful in this very touching film. I have also seen the musical version many times and I like that well enough. This film expounds on the historic story and it is not a musical, it is a drama and very well done. I own the film and will watch it again many times. I think it is one of Jodie Foster's finest roles.

Antiquarian's quote:

thought she was great in "Flight Plan." I know a lot of people didn't like the movie, but I thought it was really interesting. I liked it a lot better than "Red Eye," but then I can't stand Rachel McAdams and don't think she's a very good actress. Jodie Foster is superb in everything she does.

Antiquarian, I agree - I liked that film very much. It was so interesting how no one believed her. It reminded me of the Hitchcock film - "The Lady Vanishes" in the whole idea of the film. I like that Sean Bean played the pilot. I like him in serious roles such as this. I would watch this film again. It was good and kept my interest and was entertaining in a thriller type way.

:lol: notice how I have been following you around the forum, A? :lol:

[Nossa]

You must see the version of "Anna and the King" with Jodie Foster. I adore this film. I could watch it a zillion times over. I own the soundtrack as well and love to play it...simply beautiful. The set design, cinematography, costuming, music, acting are wonderful in this very touching film. I have also seen the musical version many times and I like that well enough. This film expounds on the historic story and it is not a musical, it is a drama and very well done. I own the film and will watch it again many times. I think it is one of Jodie Foster's finest roles.


Oh I love that movie!!!! It's amazing. I love Jodie Foster :D
And I agree on Red Eye, it's on TV tonight, but I can't stand watcing Rachel McAdams for two hours...lol
I also watched Flight Plan, it was good, I'm just not into action movies much, but anything Jodie Foster is great!

[Janine]

Oh I love that movie!!!! It's amazing. I love Jodie Foster :D

I also watched Flight Plan, it was good, I'm just not into action movies much, but anything Jodie Foster is great!

Nossa, I agree - ditto to both! I just enjoy her acting - she is such a natural.
I just loved her in "Anna and the K" though. That is one of my favorite films of all times.

[Nossa]

I just loved her in "Anna and the K" though. That is one of my favorite films of all times.

I watched that movie like 6 times till now. I watch it everytime it's on Tv. I also love Panic Room, though it's more of an action movie, but I also watch it everytime it's on. The Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorites of all time, it's got not only Jodie but also Anthony Hopkins :D:D A great combination!
I'm planning on watching Nim's Island, her latest movie, as soon as I'm done with exams. Hopefully it'll still be in cinemas by then :D

I've just watched Premonition this morning, it was okay. Not what I expected though, but then again I'm really not a huge fan of Sandra Bullock. 6/10

[Mark F.]

Quote by Mark F


Hi Mark F, we have been discussing this film a page or so back. I saw the film a couple of days ago and liked it very much. I thought the cinematography was just great and the tasteful cuts. Casey Affleck was fantastic; he surely beats out his brother's acting ability. That guy is going places. I liked the score, too. Thanks for letting us know who composed it; it fit the movie perfectly. I agree - direction and casting both were perfect. Why was this film swept under the rug? See my other review and Lady Wentworth's, as well.


You should see Lonesome Jim starring Affleck in a completely different kind of part, that's how I discovered him as a good actor (as opposed to Ben Affleck's insipid brother in Ocean's 11).

[Cailin]

Le Scaphandre et le Papillon - AMAZING film. Heading back to the text to read it again.

[Janine]

I watched that movie like 6 times till now. I watch it everytime it's on Tv. I also love Panic Room, though it's more of an action movie, but I also watch it everytime it's on. The Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorites of all time, it's got not only Jodie but also Anthony Hopkins :D:D A great combination!
I'm planning on watching Nim's Island, her latest movie, as soon as I'm done with exams. Hopefully it'll still be in cinemas by then :D


Nossa,You are like me; I watch some choice films over and over again. I liked "Panic Room" too, but then I liked "Flight Plan", just a little bit better. They both had this good psychological element and they were very suspenseful and kept you wondering. Believe it or not, I still can't bring myself to see "Silence of the Lambs"...I know it has to be good, but the scene they always shows creeps me out so much, I can't seem to find the time to see it; my library has it available, too. I have been the same way with several films, even bringing them home and then not viewing them. I am not necessarily squeamish about films. This is the woman who has actually seen the film "From Hell" a couple of times now. I don't know what it is. I have never seen all of the film "Pycho" either; that one is definitely on my list to see though. One of these daysn I will gather my courage to see "Silence of the Lambs". I am sure it is a great film; although another thing that turned me off,
was all the sequels to the original film. I loved Anthony Hopkins in his earlier roles such as the period films he did; but then seeing him as the horrid character in the mask just turned me off to him; I know that is totally silly. He is a fine fine actor.


I've just watched Premonition this morning, it was okay. Not what I expected though, but then again I'm really not a huge fan of Sandra Bullock. 6/10

I saw "Premonition" awhile back now and I would not rave over, it but found it interesting at the time. I would not watch it a second time. I didn't like "Lake House" that much. I liked Sandra Bullock in one movie particularly - called "Hope Floats" with Harry Connick, Jr.; a romantic comedy with a serious side. She was not so totally dour and depressing in that film. She had an 'up-side' - she always seems to me to be so sad or melancholy a person. Maybe it is just her calm exterior and the way she presents herself most of the time. I do think she is a good enough actress.



I saw

[Nossa]

Believe it or not, I still can't bring myself to see "Silence of the Lambs"...I know it has to be good, but the scene they always shows creeps me out so much, I can't seem to find the time to see it; my library has it available, too. I have been the same way with several films, even bringing them home and then not viewing them. I am not necessarily squeamish about films. This is the woman who has actually seen the film "From Hell" a couple of times now. I don't know what it is. I have never seen all of the film "Psycho" either; that one is definitely on my list to see though. One of these daysn I will gather my courage to see "Silence of the Lambs".


You watched From Hell and couldn't watch Silence of the Lambs?!! :lol: I remember when I watched From Hell I couldn't sleep for two nights or so :lol: But Silence of the Lambs isn't scary at all, Anthony Hopkinds does look scary though. lol
I saw Psycho once, the one that was made in 1960. I actually kept laughing through the whole thing, dunnow why. It didn't scare me at all. Then I watched the one that was made in the 1990s, staring Vince Vaughn, it wasn't good either. My favorite horror movie of all time if The Ring, I just love that movie.



I saw "Premonition" awhile back now and I would not rave over, it but found it interesting at the time. I would not watch it a second time. I didn't like "Lake House" that much. I liked Sandra Bullock in one movie particularly - called "Hope Floats" with Harry Connick, Jr.; a romantic comedy with a serious side. She was not so totally dour and depressing in that film. She had an 'up-side' - she always seems to me to be so sad or melancholy a person. Maybe it is just her calm exterior and the way she presents herself most of the time. I do think she is a good enough actress.

Oh I like Hope Floats too :D But my favorite Sandra Bullock movie is While You Were Sleeping...that's also one of these movies that I gotta watch whenever it's on TV.



I almost believed her daughter was dead myself, at one point. Everyone was so convincing. I liked Sean Bean, too, and liked it that in the end, he was really a "good guy." My oldest brother has this on DVD and we've watched it serveral times.


YES! Me too. I was like, just give it up, she's dead. And who doesn't like Sean Bean?! :D

[*Classic*Charm*]

The Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorites of all time, it's got not only Jodie but also Anthony Hopkins :D:D A great combination!

Me too!! I'm working on Janine to watch it! I've seen it more times than I can count- whenever it's on tv and many times on dvd!

You bring up an interesting point about the sequels, though, Janine. All the Hannibal Lecter films were based on novels, and while Silence was by far the most successful of the films, it was not the first novel written. After the success of the film version of Silence, though, the author wrote the novel Hannibal, and there was a screen play taken from it almost immediately. Hopkins did that film and then followed with Red Dragon, which was the first novel Harris wrote. It's all very confusing, but I'd have to say that even the sequels are worth seeing, and I HATE sequels.

Oops. There I go again. Haha.

Oh, and a note on watching films more than once: I know soo many people who don't see the point in watching a film multiple times, but I hate watching one only once! It comes from when I was really young and in love with Disney. I would sit in front of my tv and watch the same animated film literally six times over. My parents weren't neglectful of anything, it was just what I liked to do. Even now, I usually watch a film twice, once immediately after the first time. lol. It's a bad habit. It's why I don't go the theatre that often- it gets expensive and I'm very unsatisfied when I can only see a film once.

[Janine]

Me too!! I'm working on Janine to watch it! I've seen it more times than I can count- whenever it's on tv and many times on dvd!

...and I will watch it eventually, *Classic*Charm* ....just for you...promise. Then I can also get a better idea of what I am talking about. My son thought the movie was awesome and he usually has pretty good taste in films.


You bring up an interesting point about the sequels, though, Janine. All the Hannibal Lecter films were based on novels, and while Silence was by far the most successful of the films, it was not the first novel written. After the success of the film version of Silence, though, the author wrote the novel Hannibal, and there was a screen play taken from it almost immediately. Hopkins did that film and then followed with Red Dragon, which was the first novel Harris wrote. It's all very confusing, but I'd have to say that even the sequels are worth seeing, and I HATE sequels.

Oops. There I go again. Haha.

That is ok, we all have our pet peeves. Normally I am not too crazy over endless sequels, either. Anyway, thanks for this information on the sequels - that does throw some new light on the matter.


Oh, and a note on watching films more than once: I know soo many people who don't see the point in watching a film multiple times, but I hate watching one only once! It comes from when I was really young and in love with Disney. I would sit in front of my tv and watch the same animated film literally six times over. My parents weren't neglectful of anything, it was just what I liked to do. Even now, I usually watch a film twice, once immediately after the first time. lol. It's a bad habit. It's why I don't go the theatre that often- it gets expensive and I'm very unsatisfied when I can only see a film once.

Wow! *Classic*, I do that too - right after I just saw a film, I will watch it again. I didn't know others did that or would admit to it. If I really love the film, I have done so in the past, many times. I just can't get enough of it, and sometimes you see more the second time around; sometimes I watch it over again with the commentary turned on...I enjoy them on occasion. I definitely think one viewing is never enough!
I do this same thing with books I really love. I could read some endlessly, just like with movies and I see so much more on second, and even third time readings. I don't go to the movies much anymore - too expensive and I can't sit that long without going to the little girl's room so I always miss something vital. I guess I enjoy the comforts of home too much now; my new TV has spoiled me that way.

[LadyWentworth]

Iron Man
8.5/10

It was a good movie, but I won't go ga-ga over it. I am not a big fan of Marvel. I am actually a DC girl. :D It was a good movie, though. Robert Downey, Jr. was good in it, but then again, when isn't he good in a movie?

Oh, I suppose I'll go and sit through "The Incredible Hulk" then in June, too. Obligations!

For anyone who wants to see this movie, make sure to sit through it all the way. Stay until the end of the credits. I just wanted to point that out in case it wasn't known already. :)

[Beautifull]

the last movie I saw was Meet the Browns...
it was pretty good...
i'd give it a 9/10

[Janine]

You watched From Hell and couldn't watch Silence of the Lambs?!! :lol:

I know - isn't that a riot! It didn't really show any of the murders though - not being commited, just the aftermath; of course the last one was truly graphic. I somehow could take seeing the bodies lifeless, and it was intriguing in a quirky kind of way - the way in which Depp, who played the detective, worked out the clues to the crime - that kind of distracted me from the blood; and there was plenty of blood, that is for certain. I want to see "Sweeny Todd", but watching a neck being cut makes me cringe. I am squeemish about actually seeing the act, and I am freaky about stabbing, too. I recall, seeing this made for TV movie, way back in the 80's, about a woman actress, who got stabbed about 50 times by a stalker and she lived - it was horrifying; and it was a true story! Now that made me lose sleep.


I remember when I watched From Hell I couldn't sleep for two nights or so :lol:

Actually, after seeing it, I was intrigued and curious about the real ripper and had to go to the computer and do tons of research; that lead me on to more and more research - fascinating. You know, this crime is still being investigated? There are theories on who he was, which is totally mind bending to me. Knowing the film was based on truth made me interested in the details. I have actually seen it a few times now and may see it again sometime. I thought the film was well done but not factual entirely. In fact, the theory is presents has not been discounted, but still it made for a good film and plot.


But Silence of the Lambs isn't scary at all, Anthony Hopkinds does look scary though. lol

I thought it would be psychologically frightening. I find those the most frightening films of all. They seem to pray on my mind. He is a serial killer, right?.... and the part about eating his victim's liver freaked me out most.... with a nice bottle of Chianti.


I saw Psycho once, the one that was made in 1960. I actually kept laughing through the whole thing, dunnow why. It didn't scare me at all. Then I watched the one that was made in the 1990s, staring Vince Vaughn, it wasn't good either. My favorite horror movie of all time if The Ring, I just love that movie.

It was the shower scene that made me shy away - I felt like 'I will be afraid to get another shower'. Well, that goes way back, when I was a kid. I probably would laugh at the movie now, too. I am sure I would. I laugh when I watch "The Birds" - it is so darn corny and the fake birds flying into the phone booth are hysterical, not to mention that end; and Kim Novak rowing across the bay in her high heels. Oh give me a break! Best scene is the school yard scene. That is erie looking.


Oh I like Hope Floats too :D But my favorite Sandra Bullock movie is While You Were Sleeping...that's also one of these movies that I gotta watch whenever it's on TV.

It was a sweet movie and I love Harry Connick, Jr. I like his music and singing, too. I loved him in the newer version of "South Pacific" with Glen Close; that one song he sung made me cry - the one about prejudice. I also loved the romantic ones he sang to his lover. He was just great in that film, cute, too. I have one of his concerts on DVD, and he is so sweet and nice. He is a cool guy and a good actor. He played such a demented and conflicted killer in "Copy Cat" - one could hardly know it was him. Ever see that movie with Sinquorney Weaver. Now that is a scary film and he was quite good, too...creepy character.


YES! Me too. I was like, just give it up, she's dead. And who doesn't like Sean Bean?! :D

Geez, Nossa, the poor kid.......you would have abandoned the search then?
Yes, Sean Bean is great in dramatic roles. He stars in the newer adaptation for BBC of "Lady Chatterly's Lover" - he is superb in that. He brings much depth and ambiguity/complexity to the character of Mellors, the gamekeeper who falls in love with Lady Chatterly, Connie. It is a good film, if you ever get a chance to see it. Really, it is a miniseries.

[Julian Koller]

Mother and Son by Russian filmmaker Aleksandr Sokurov (hailed to be Russia's successor to the great cinema poet Andrei Tarkovsky). A beautiful and spiritual film, with the brilliance and patience as an impressionist painting. I actually bought a copy for my mother because I believe it is a perfect piece of art a son and mother should share together. Sokurov has a companion piece to Mother and Son, Father and Son that I plan to see in the near future, in the hopes of sending a copy to my father as well.

[Janine]

"Silence of the Lambs" is not bad, Janine. It only has one or two scenes where you might want to close your eyes. It's worth watching for Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

:lol: Oh, only two times? eh ;) You will have to tell me, Antiquarian, when those scenes come up. I was watching this film the other night. I should have reviewed it, but now the DVD is back to my library, and I would need the information off the cover, as to the actors, etc. It was another film about Capote, and I thought the guy who played him was exceptional and very convincing. The film was called "Infamous"...ever hear of it? Point here is, I was hoping they would not show the murders; I saw the film "In Cold Blood" years ago, and those killings really bothered me. It was just seeing the terror, on the poor innocent victim's faces, and their screams that did it, in the prior film and this one. I recall when seeing the earlier film, I was probably a teenager and I was afraid to go to bed after that.


Don't forget the fava beans. "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti." LOL I hate to cook fava beans. You have to soak them for so long when dried.

:lol: You caught me...I guess the 'fava beans' did not stand out to me, as much as the liver and wine. I revised my spelling of Chianti - boy was I way off on that one! I need a real chef to straighten me out.

Last night I watched;

Wah-wah ~ written and directed by Richard E. Grant

I had been wanting to see this film, since I viewed an interview on Youtube with Grant, speaking about how this was basically, his autobiographical story of his boyhood in South Africa. I really like Richard E. Grant emensely. I liked him in the film, "A Merry War", which is adapted from the book, by George Orwell (basically autobiographical, as well), "Keep the Aspidistra Flying" (hope I spelled that right - it is a common house-plant). If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend it. It also stars Helena Bonham Carter, and she is such a sweetheart in this film. Grant also is very endearing and so funny.

But back to Grant's film "Wah-Wah" - odd title, isn' it? Anyway, I loved this film! I was pleasantly surprised that Grant did a brilliant job directing this ensemble cast which includes: Gabriel Bryne, Emily Watson, Julie Walters, Nicholas Hoult, Miranda Richardson. The whole cast is to be commended, for their fine performances. I liked the way, in which the film was shot, nothing tricky really, just quality filming and good intimate closeups when, they were required. The interaction, between the various characters, was both serious and funny at times, and it was always 'human'. The movie felt real with 'real' characters you could relate to in real situations. Basically, the story is told through the eyes of the young Ralph Compton, who resides with his mother and father in South Africa, just as Britain readies to surrender political control to Swaziland. The film is actually shot, on location in Swaziland; so beautiful. The mother and father, portrayed by Bryne and Richardson, have a nasty breakup of their marriage; this is after she has an affair with a best friend's husband, the husband reveals it and she runs off with the other man. The boy loves both parents intensely; especially close to his father; however, the father turns to drinking and Ralph finds himself in a very troubled situation, trying to deal with an irresponsible and inwardly angry father, who does not deal well with his wife's leaving; and finally feeling that both parents have deserted him. The father remarries (Emily Watson) and a whole new set of problems arise, until Ralph accept Rubie, who is American and totally straight-forward with everyone - Watson plays this role incredibly well. I just loved her nuances of expression and how she fights against the hiearchy of the old British 'code of proper behavior' - she is often a total riot! She first comes up with the expression, "Wah-wah", making fun of the way the aristocratic British occupants talk - ta ta, and all that silly nonsense. Ralph finally finds solace in friends, creating puppets, acting and a sweet young girl in the acting group. The young boy who played Ralph (Nicholas Hoult) I have never seen before, but he was the perfect choice for the role; his performance was terrific - he was so believable, as a young man struggling with a difficult and complex family life and rising above it. He has incredible blue eyes, very luminous; one felt he understood more than he verbally expressed. The boy who played the younger version of Ralph was also very good.
Well worth viewing!

[mtpspur]

Just returned from seeing Iron Man. Was determined to see this as I stil haven't seen FF 2 and Spidey 3. A 9 out of 10. Only minor complaint was wanted MORE action. Cast was excellent and hardly a false note anywhere. Comic books fans should sit thru the credits for an added scene.

[LadyWentworth]

Comic books fans should sit thru the credits for an added scene.
I just said that yesterday! :p


For anyone who wants to see this movie, make sure to sit through it all the way. Stay until the end of the credits. I just wanted to point that out in case it wasn't known already. :)
:D I gave a small review yesterday. :D My rating was 8.5/10, but like I said, I much prefer DC over Marvel, anyway. :)


Only minor complaint was wanted MORE action.
I am not against there being more of a story when it comes to the first movie as that is when they go through the origin of the character. I, too, thought that there could've been a little more action, though.

I went with my brother yesterday. So, I called him today to confirm our "date" for the Hulk. Once you see the first of these movies you will have to see them all, right? :)

[Sir Bartholomew]

a member here has this avatar that has grover wearing the white suit in Saturday Night Fever. i rent the dvd and i liked it, i thought it would be cheezy but it wasn't. great dancing and acting. had me memorize the steps in their Night Fever square dance. 4.0/4.0

[Janine]

"Wah-Wah" sounds very good Janine.
It is a very fine, sensitive film; I think you would like it.


My husband and I wated a film about Capote and I can't even remember the title of it. I like it, he didn't. But the actor playing Capote caught him perfectly. It was about Capote and Harper Lee. Oh, yes, my husband just told me it was "Infamous." I loved it. I thought Sandra Bullock was wonderful as Harper Lee as well. In fact, I'd like to see it again, and I'd like to see "Capote."

I'd give "Infamous" a 9/10.

That is the one, and I actually thought the guy playing Capote was better suited to the role, than the actor in the other film "Capote" ? Seymour Hoffman; if you recall, he won an Oscar for his role. Anyway, this actor actually, did look like Capote I believe, and he was small like him, had great effeminine gestures and was truly funny at times flaunting those; I loved the part about the shawl. I don't know the actor's name but I recognised him from the film, "The Painted Veil" - in fact he was the only person I truly liked in "The Painted Veil". Sandra Bullock played a good Harper Lee. Daniel Crag was very convincing, as the actual shooter, for the crimes; whom Capote befriends and becomes closest to, while researching his book. I never have seen Craig in such a complex role but he was really interesting. I would also give it a 9/10 rating. Why was it not considered at the Oscars or was it shown on TV?

[Nossa]

I know this movie isn't new, but I just watched 'You've Got Mail' last night :D:D
I just love that movie. I'd give it 12/10. I'm a huge fan of Tom Hanks, and Meg Ryan was just amazing in the movie.
I wacthed it like 10 times till now :lol: I even downloaded it on my computer just in case it isn't on TV much :p Talking about being obsessed :lol:

[TexJR]

Last movie I watched was Saving Private Ryan. It was pretty good. I guess.

[Nossa]

Last movie I watched was Saving Private Ryan. It was pretty good. I guess.

That's one of the best war movies ever, in my opinion.

[TexJR]

That's one of the best war movies ever, in my opinion.

I can agree with you there. But the war movie that has me, is Black Hawk Down.

[Nossa]

I can agree with you there. But the war movie that has me, is Black Hawk Down.

I think I watched that movie before, but I can't really remember it. But don't you agree that the direction in Saving Private Ryan was just outstanding?!!

[TexJR]

I think I watched that movie before, but I can't really remember it. But don't you agree that the direction in Saving Private Ryan was just outstanding?!!

To disappoint you, I don't really pay attention to the direction of movies. The acting and how it's performed through out is what amazes me. Hahahaha.

[Nossa]

To disappoint you, I don't really pay attention to the direction of movies. The acting and how it's performed through out is what amazes me. Hahahaha.

lol...I just like how the cameras move in the in the movie. It adds to the movie a lot if the direction was good, it even affects the performance of the actors.

[TexJR]

Actually, the last last movie I watched was Armageddon. Now that was cool. I'd give it a 10/10.

[Nossa]

I think "Armageddon" is a terrific movie, but I didn't like what happened to Bruce Willis. :(

Yeah me too :(
And it was a very good movie, if it wasn't for Liv Tyler..lol

[TexJR]

I think "Armageddon" is a terrific movie, but I didn't like what happened to Bruce Willis. :(

You might think this is stupid, but the only movie to ever make me cry is The Green Mile. But when I get married and have a daughter, I imagine I would have to give my life for her. But the end almost, I repeat that, almost, made me cry.

[Janine]

"A Passage to India"

Wonderful performances, but very slow moving.

9/10

You finally watched it; wasn't it good? Yes it was very slow-paced, but I enjoyed it and the book very much. Have you read the book, Antiquarian?

Nossa, "You've Got Mail" is a modern remake of the old film "The Shop Around the Corner" with Jimmy Stewart. I love both films. I have "You've Got Mail" on tape around here somewhere; need to watch it soon. It is quite entertaining,

Quote by TexJR:

You might think this is stupid, but the only movie to ever make me cry is The Green Mile. But when I get married and have a daughter, I imagine I would have to give my life for her. But the end almost, I repeat that, almost, made me cry.

TexJR, I love the movie "Black Hawk Down" - it was so amazing! I also love "The Green Mile" - best thing I think, ever done by Stephen King. I love the story and it does make one cry at the end.


Today I held my 2 hour old grand-daughter for the first time. I know I would give my life for her. It was an incredible experience. I am so happy!

Oh, sorry about that TexJR - I am blind as a bat sometimes and tired out tonight....I edited it and changed them all...sorry again.

[TexJR]

TexasJR,

Please don't call me TexasJR.

[Ahera]

i watched kill bill vol2. i haven't seen the first part, so at the beginning i was a bit confused, but i liked it anyhow

You must watch Kill Bill 1 its Amazing, If I had to rate it I would rate it 10, but since I haven't seen it last night I have to rate the movie I saw last night.

I saw ''Juno'' last night. I'll rate it 5.

[TexJR]

I watched Blue Streak. Slightly comical in some parts, but it was vaguely thought out.

[Janine]

TexJR, so sorry I called you by the wrong name. My mind was not all that attentive that day. I was expecting my first grandchild and I was rushed on the computer. I did go back and adjust my post. Sorry again, and welcome to the forum.

[TexJR]

TexJR, so sorry I called you by the wrong name. My mind was not all that attentive that day. I was expecting my first grandchild and I was rushed on the computer. I did go back and adjust my post. Sorry again, and welcome to the forum.

It's fine Janine. And congratulations on your baby.

[Janine]

It's fine Janine. And congratulations on your baby.

Thanks TexJR, I am the proud grandmother and so proud too, of my son; he has been so good to his wife during all this. They both will make for excellent parents. I am very blessed. :)

[merya]

I last saw Becoming Jane, which was a really good movie... I scanned through the the ebooks version of Pride and Prejudice (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=227499) before watching the movie, and I don't know how much of Jane Austen's life was romanticized, but it was definitely relevant to her novels. And romantic.

[Nossa]

I last saw Becoming Jane, which was a really good movie... I scanned through the the ebooks version of Pride and Prejudice (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=227499) before watching the movie, and I don't know how much of Jane Austen's life was romanticized, but it was definitely relevant to her novels. And romantic.

I liked that movie too, but Anne Hathaway was a bit...American in the movie. Her British accent wasn't natural (if I can call it so). But overall the movie was good. James McAvoy is an outstanding actor.
I'm also not sure how much of Austen's life was depicted in the movie, but you can surely see the influence of certain events, mentioned in the movie, on her writings.

[byquist]

Just saw "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" again. All acting is fine; super cinematography. Remember reading that it was really hot when they filmed one summer in Miss. Clooney is excellent, and Charles Durning is extraordinary.

[bouquin]

3 weeks ago, on the Manila-Amsterdam flight, I watched There Will Be Blood. I did not particularly relish it.

[Pyrrho]

last week i watched 'i heart huckabees' and I adore it! one of the best movies I've ever seen!

[Sir Bartholomew]

i saw Grindhouse again. these two movies are inseperable. 4.0/4.0

[vheissu]

The counterfeiters - Die Fälscher

2007

Based on the true events surrounding the biggest counterfeiting operation that has ever taken place. Set during the second World War, the best counterfeiter of the time (1936), Salomon Sorowitsch, is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, where his talent for sketching lead him to become 'favoured' and he is then sent to Sachsenhausen. Here, he becomes one of the more priviledges prisoners due to the fact that his gift at forging banknotes is acknowledged and put to practice in a makeshift lab, separate from the rest of the concentration camp.

Salomon is a very closed off man: he rarely shows any emotion for anyone else and doesn't care if his assistance as a counterfeiter is helping Germany during the war. He lives for the day, without worrying about the tomorrow.
In the end of course, things change.


What I particularly like about this film is that it showed, even slightly, some aspects of what went through people's minds at the time.


9/10

[djy78usa]

I'll have to check that one out, vheissu. Not too long ago, I saw a show on the History Channel about this very story.

[Janine]

The Golden Bowl ~ Merchant Ivory production; I liked it very much, have seen it before, but it was great on my new HD TV. I just love the castles and the grand estates figured in this film. One shot of the American tycoon's home, was totally stunning cinematography, with it shown in silouette against a magnificent deep blue sky. The interiors are so sumptuous and such a feast for the eyes! I love all the art and sculpture and that series of staircases is absolutely breath-taking to view. I don't know if it won an Oscar for set design that year, but it certainly would have deserved one. I like the casting and the acting very much. I have heard quibbles about various actors in this film in reviews; usually no one agrees, but I felt everyone did a fine admirable job. Sometimes, I wonder what critics want these actors to do - stand on their heads and recite their lines? I don't quibble that much with the performances. I really did not see anything very amiss and I thoroughly enjoyed this film, as I have done so in the past. I adore Nick Nolte and I also like very much Jeremy Northam. He was great in "The Winslow Boy" and "Gosford Park" and others; Nick Nolte is always good in my film, even in so-so films. He is a real pro.

[LadyWentworth]

Prince Caspian
9/10

I just saw it today. It was pretty good. Not as good as "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", but then again, I like the story of TLTWATW much more than PC, anyway. So I really didn't expect this film to live up to that one.

I will say that this is the first movie that I have seen in a LONG time where the audience applauded afterwards. So, that is always a good sign that a film is pretty good. :)

Next on the list of Summer movies:
Indiana Jones

(yes, only 4 1/2 days for me to wait now. :thumbs_up I can't believe it is here already! Oh, I hope it is worth the 19 year wait! :D )

[Shalot]

I watched An American Crime last night with Ellen Page and Catherine Keener. This movie was disturbing because it was based on a true story and I couldn't tear myself away. The story is about two sisters, Sylvia and Jenny, who have lived their lives on the go while their parents work carnivals all over the U.S., up until they make one last stop in Indiana.

The constant moving around and lack of money puts a strain on their parents both financially and emotionally, and they separate, but not for long. The girls and their mother hadn't had time to settle in to their new town in Indiana before Dad was back, talking up a new carnival circuit and a new opportunity to make money. Their parents wanted to work out their marriage and they didn't feel they could do it on the road with the girls.

Meanwhile the sisters are attending Church and hoping to make friends in their new town while their parents discuss their options about what to do with the girls. On the Church bus, the sisters begin a conversation with two girls who are interested in Jenny's leg - Jenny had polio and wears a leg brace. Before long, Sylvia and Jenny are invited over to the girls' house. There they find a house full of children, mostly girls, two of which are teenagers and closer to Syvlia and Jenny's ages. This family is run by a single mother, Gertrude, who has a no-good husband (boyfriend) who fathered her youngest child, but none of the others.

The story progesses, taking us to the conversation between the girls' father and Gertrude, who seems kind and understanding. Upon hearing of their situation, she offers to keep Sylvia and Jenny for $20 a week -- afterall, she needs the money too, having no husband, and having no income other than housework and ironing jobs. Additionally, she is sick, with some kind of chronic cough, which she treats by taking swigs from a large medicine bottle.

The first two weeks seem to go well. Sylvia and Jenny are elated to be going to school and hanging out with kids their own age for once and they seem to be getting along well with Paula, Gertrude's oldest, precocious child who is forced to work after school to supplement the family income.

Paula's afterschool job affords her other opportunities to socialize, namely with a married coworker, and Paula finds herself pregnant. She confides in Sylvia and makes her promise not to tell.

In the meantime, Gertrude's on-again off-again husband comes over, slaps her around, apologizes, kisses her and then asks her for money. She says she doesn't have any to spare, and he says he's noticed her two new tenants. She gives him the money she received to care for Sylvia and Jenny.

This is where things begin going south for Sylvia and Jenny. Gertrude is not happy with her husband's treatment of her and takes her aggression out on Sylvia and Jenny, when she says her next $20 payment is late. She takes them to the basement and beats them. Sylvia offers to takes Jenny's lashes, since Jenny has the leg brace.

Their social life begins deteriorating as well. Paula's married boyfriend tries to break it off with her. Sylvia, aware of Paula's predicament, watches the interaction between Paula and her boyfriend. When he begins to hit Paula, Sylvia blurts out that she (Paula) is pregnant. This angers the boyfriend and Paula vows to make Sylvia pay.

From that point forward, with Paula fueling her anger, Gertrude routinely tortures Sylvia in horrific ways for perceived and made-up transgressions, while Jenny looks on scared. She is burned, tied up, kicked, hosed off, and branded. Gertrudes children become punishers as well, inviting neighborhood children to the basement to take part. The official story is that Sylvia is in juvenile hall.

I would recommend that anyone watch this at least once. I can't believe it really happened.

As far as the movie goes, I'll give it an 8/10 for the performances Keener and Page put in. The movie may not be a masterpiece as far as that goes, but you likely won't notice as you watch all 92 mintues of this fact-based movie.

[Amundsen]

Bram Stoker's Dracula from F.F. Coppola

Very good film, excelent actors, Oldman cleaning razor, 5/5

[OswaldTheOsprey]

The 1937 version of Lost Horizons with Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt. Excellent in every way.

OswaldTheOsprey

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/OswaldTheOsprey/AIAP7/AIAP8/AIAP9/AIAP10/lh.jpg

[Janine]

The 1937 version of Lost Horizons with Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt. Excellent in every way.

Hi OswaldTheOsprey,

Oh, I think I saw this film version years ago and it was great. I love the book! I will have to track down this old film. Thanks for posting this cool movie poster, too. Hope you don't mind; I will copy that to my own file. It is so neat - the artwork. I might be able to print it out.

[OswaldTheOsprey]

Hi OswaldTheOsprey,

Oh, I think I saw this film version years ago and it was great. I love the book! I will have to track down this old film. Thanks for posting this cool movie poster, too. Hope you don't mind; I will copy that to my own file. It is so neat - the artwork. I might be able to print it out.

Thank you very much. Help yourself to the poster. Recently I bought a dvd of the film and my dad and I watched it. Dad saw it in 1937 in one of the old Birmingham movie palaces and he loved seeing it again. Check out the dvd.

OswaldTheOsprey

[Nossa]

The Terminal. I just love this movie. That was the second time for me to watch it and the more I watch it the more I'm convinced that Tom Hanks is just a great actor. 10/10

[Janine]

Thank you very much. Help yourself to the poster. Recently I bought a dvd of the film and my dad and I watched it. Dad saw it in 1937 in one of the old Birmingham movie palaces and he loved seeing it again. Check out the dvd.

OswaldTheOsprey

OswaldTheOsprey, thanks so much! How interesting, that your father saw it in a old Birmingham movie palace, in 1937. I love those old theaters! Recently, they demolished this really old theater near my town. I used to go there, when they showed older films and only charged a low fee. It was sad; the inside of the theater must have been beautiful at one time, but it had fallen into decay. The outside was amazing, with these really beautiful architectural details running around the border of the top of the building, just below the roof. I did notice, before demolition (to build a new CVS and 'put up a parking lot' :bawling: ), they did manage to remove these very interesting details of sculpture and decorative mosiac brickwork. I would hope someone would make use of them, in some creative way. 'Achitectural salvage' is a big business these days, so I was hoping they would save something of the building. However, I did see another grand threater with wrecking ball, taking it down savagely and it made me cry. Then they built an Echard's Drugs there and a year later it was closed (too expensive I guess). What a waste it is, to do away with American's iconic images; those old theaters were one our national culture, that should have been preserved, in my opinion. This reminds me, did you or anyone ever see the film "The Majestic"? It is about just that - reviving an old theater. I just love that film, although it is not too realistic. Still it is very entertaining and I liked the idea of saving an old theater from destruction.

Quote by Nossa:

The Terminal. I just love this movie. That was the second time for me to watch it and the more I watch it the more I'm convinced that Tom Hanks is just a great actor. 10/10

Nossa, I like that film. I thought the concept of the film was quite unique. I saw it awhile ago, few years back maybe. Yes, I agree that Tom Hanks did an excellent job in that film. He is a very good actor in my opinion and quite consistent; has he ever had a bad performance?

[byquist]

Agree with LadyWentworth that Prince Caspian (Narnia-C.S.Lewis) was daw-gawn good. Be sure to see it on a big screen. Does it follow the book, or did they take all sorts of liberties?

[OswaldTheOsprey]

Janine, it is indeed sad when old movie palaces are destroyed. One that has been preserved and still shows films on weekends is The Alabama in Birmingham. This picture shows it circa 1932. (Birmingham Public Library)

OswaldTheOsprey

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/OswaldTheOsprey/AIAP7/AIAP8/AIAP9/AIAP10/alabamatheatre.jpg

[Nossa]

Nossa, I like that film. I thought the concept of the film was quite unique. I saw it awhile ago, few years back maybe. Yes, I agree that Tom Hanks did an excellent job in that film. He is a very good actor in my opinion and quite consistent; has he ever had a bad performance?

I don't think he ever had a bad performance indeed. It's like you think of movies like Cast Away, Forest Gump, Big, You've Got Mail, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan...oh and Road to Perdition, now that was an awesome movie. I can go on forever, I'm a huge fan as you can see :D But yeah, he's a great actor.

[TexJR]

Does watching yourself kill Terrorists on Counter Strike count?

[Janine]

Janine, it is indeed sad when old movie palaces are destroyed. One that has been preserved and still shows films on weekends is The Alabama in Birmingham. This picture shows it circa 1932. (Birmingham Public Library)

OswaldTheOsprey

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/OswaldTheOsprey/AIAP7/AIAP8/AIAP9/AIAP10/alabamatheatre.jpg

Oh this photo is marvelous! OswaldTheOsprey, what does it look like today? It's good to know they have kept it from being demolished. I live in a historic town on the Delaware River and it is sad that so many of our national treasures have been so ruthlessly torn down. I did find a book at Barnes and Noble on all the old theaters that existed in my area. I don't think a one is left standing although now that I think of it one was actually converted into a church further south of here. I like to see things preserved and restored. I love antiques to it tears me up to see these grand old threaters embodying so much history being replaced by more drugstores - it always seems it is some drugstore or a Wallmark...truly sickening!

[Janine]

I don't think he ever had a bad performance indeed. It's like you think of movies like Cast Away, Forest Gump, Big, You've Got Mail, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan...oh and Road to Perdition, now that was an awesome movie. I can go on forever, I'm a huge fan as you can see :D But yeah, he's a great actor.

Nossa, My friend is still complaining to me about "Cast Away" and how dumb she thought it was. I actually did like it and I even liked 'Wilson'. I just thought that part was hilarious! My favorites you have up there are actually; The Green Mile. Big, You've Got Mail, many more including "Sleepless in Seatle". I actually have not yet brought myself to see "Saving Private Ryan" but my library has the whole set so I will watch that soon. I know it is great. I did not care for "Road to Perdition" but that is just me. I hate blantant mobster movies although I did like the parts about the child. I just could not take it after awhile - too much violence and blood. The ending was incredible but I could never say I truly enjoyed that film. It was so disturbing to me, but each his own. Did you see Hanks in "The Da Vinci Code"...I thought he seemed old for the part at first but I think he did an admirable job. The movie is never discussed much but I think it worked as a thriller, just not totally feasible as a theory. I just saw another film - documentary which was quite good "Breaking the "Da Vinci Code". But the point is, no matter what I have seen Hanks in, I thought his acting was always good.

[pussnboots]

Hey Grandma Janine and Nossa - since you are talking about Tom Hanks, did you like the movie Philadelphia ? I though he was excellent in that movie. I personally didn't care too much for Castaway but my husband liked it. I have to admit I never watched Green Mile or You've Got Mail even though it has been on cable quite a few times.

[djy78usa]

Not really a movie, I guess, but I watched Ricky Gervais' stand-up, "Animals," last night. Absolute brilliance, 10/10. Mr. Gervais is surely one of the funniest people on the planet.

[OswaldTheOsprey]

Oh this photo is marvelous! OswaldTheOsprey, what does it look like today? It's good to know they have kept it from being demolished. I live in a historic town on the Delaware River and it is sad that so many of our national treasures have been so ruthlessly torn down. I did find a book at Barnes and Noble on all the old theaters that existed in my area. I don't think a one is left standing although now that I think of it one was actually converted into a church further south of here. I like to see things preserved and restored. I love antiques to it tears me up to see these grand old threaters embodying so much history being replaced by more drugstores - it always seems it is some drugstore or a Wallmark...truly sickening!

It is well preserved thanks to a very dedicated group. The biggest difference is that one of the large marquees has been removed.

OswaldTheOsprey

[TexJR]

Heh. I guess not.

[Janine]

Hey Grandma Janine and Nossa - since you are talking about Tom Hanks, did you like the movie Philadelphia ? I though he was excellent in that movie. I personally didn't care too much for Castaway but my husband liked it. I have to admit I never watched Green Mile or You've Got Mail even though it has been on cable quite a few times.

pussnboots, yes it is me - the very proud and happy grandma. Tonight we go see my precious Brooke. I can't wait; I must send you a photo in email.
I loved, no adored, the film "Philadelphia"! I thought it was his all-time best performance, hands down. I loved the part when he is listening to the opera and really fells it 'body and soul' and then Denzeil Washington understands. It was just such an amazing scene.

[Janine]

It is well preserved thanks to a very dedicated group. The biggest difference is that one of the large marquees has been removed.

OswaldTheOsprey

That is good to know. I hope it survives the test of time. A shame about the marquee - those are always so interesting and sometimes beautiful, too.

[Janine]

I think Tom Hanks is a very good actor, but I just don't like him for some reason. Maybe he reminds me of someone I once knew and didn't like, I don't know what it is.

I am that way with some actors; even if I know them to be truly fine actors, I just can't connect with them or don't feel they are personally appealing to me. Tom Hanks is not handsome, I don't think; but he has some appeal, more so when he was younger I think.


I thought "Cast Away" was a terrific movie, though, and really very sad. It was so sad when "Wilson" drifted away from him.

That was sad:( ...I liked Wilson, too.


I loved him in "Big" and thought that was hilarious.

I used to love seeing Elizabeth Perkins in films. She was just great and they were good together in this film, I thought. It was hilarious. I actually have that film here somewhere - I think on DVD; my son gave it to us a long time back. I should watch it tonight - been years.


I'm one who thought he was too old for "The Da Vinci Code," but I hate that film (and book) so much the less I say about it, the better.

Yes, I thought so also but then he did seem like a professor type and older seemed ok. I thought the book really unrealistic and corny at times. I saw the film out of curiosity and wanted to see the locations most of all. Those I found interesting; not many can actually film in the Louvre. In fact, the extras on the DVD were better than the movie itself. I did like that other film I bought,which discounted all the theories in the Dan Brown's novel & the film. It was so interesting; now that I will watch again many times; especially,the features which are like full length films on Da Vinci's life and work and a tour of Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. The locations were the interesting things in the film; the film was way below par.

[vitaminsoad]

I just watched Screamers for 3rd time. it is a documental movie about Armenian Genocide made by Carla Garapedian and System Of A Down. and i have to give it 10/10 not only because i love SOAD and movie, but because it is really great movie. and everyone who is interested in things like these should see it.

[OswaldTheOsprey]

That is good to know. I hope it survives the test of time. A shame about the marquee - those are always so interesting and sometimes beautiful, too.

There were five or six other movie palaces in downtown Birmingham that have, unfortunately, been demolished. The Alabama was the main one so it is a source of pride and is well preserved. Similar to the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

OswaldTheOsprey

[Nossa]

I thought "Cast Away" was a terrific movie, though, and really very sad. It was so sad when "Wilson" drifted away from him.



I agree. I can't believe I had tears in my eyes over a volleyball when I was watching it drift and drown in the sea :lol:



I'm one who thought he was too old for "The Da Vinci Code," but I hate that film (and book) so much the less I say about it, the better

I have to agree. I hated the movie even more than the book. And Tom Hanks did look old for the role. But even if it was someone younger, I'd still hate the movie. At least the book was slightly more interesting, the movie was just bad.

And Janine, you gotta watch Saving Private Ryan, I'm sure you'll like it. It's, in my opinion, the best war movie I've ever seen. Very well done, amazing cast and outstanding direction (I think it was Steven Spielberg).

[Sir Bartholomew]

i saw Antonioni's Blow-Up. 4.0/4.0. This is great in every way: acting, soundtrack, COOL direction, a great looker too. Now I'm really sick of Austin Powers.

[Janine]

i saw Antonioni's Blow-Up. 4.0/4.0. This is great in every way: acting, soundtrack, COOL direction, a great looker too. Now I'm really sick of Austin Powers.

I think I saw this film when I was young and I would love to see it again. It was a great film, if my memory serves me right.

[Trystan]

The last film I saw was 'Apocalypse Now'. Really, really powerful stuff, and Brando and Sheen were excellent. I liked it so much, I d'loaded the extended version after.

I rate them both 5/5.

[Beautifull]

i just saw Iron Man...i'd give that a 15/10...it was pretty good...but i didn't like how he ended the movie..i mean come on! why would you give your secret identity away?!?
it makes you or your loved ones a target...he was a dumb***!

[Janine]

I agree. I can't believe I had tears in my eyes over a volleyball when I was watching it drift and drown in the sea :lol:

:lol: This is hysterical; someone should write a musical piece called 'Requiem for a Volleyball'.....we could all weep for poor Wilson. I did think he had personality. Was he up for an Oscar that year?


I have to agree. I hated the movie even more than the book. And Tom Hanks did look old for the role. But even if it was someone younger, I'd still hate the movie. At least the book was slightly more interesting, the movie was just bad.

Yes, he did look a bit ragged I think, worn or something - guess that was suppose to be the professor look...the long scraggly hair was not my thing either. I basically was interested in the cool locations in that film. I was looking at all the interiors of the cathedrals and churches/chapels and the Louvre was amazing. I am an artist so I appreciated all the artwork also and the fact they could film inside the building; that is usually unheard of.


And Janine, you gotta watch Saving Private Ryan, I'm sure you'll like it. It's, in my opinion, the best war movie I've ever seen. Very well done, amazing cast and outstanding direction (I think it was Steven Spielberg).

OK, Nossa, I promise now that I wll and I will report back to you about it. I am sure it is a great movie. My son raved over it when it first came out in theaters.

[maiki]

ei i am just new here am i welcome?

[johann cruyff]

I watched The Life of David Gale last night on TV.Is it just me,or can Kevin Spacey turn even the most boring of premises into a very enjoyable movie?

I'm not necessarily referring to this film,but in general,it seems to me that a movie with him as a part of the cast simply can't be bad.Definitely my favourite actor.

[Nossa]

I've just watched 'The Village' today. The movie's idea is a good one, but I didn't like the acting or direction. I'd give it 4/10.

[Nossa]

:lol: This is hysterical; someone should write a musical piece called 'Requiem for a Volleyball'.....we could all weep for poor Wilson. I did think he had personality. Was he up for an Oscar that year?


:lol: Yeah, we should have a memorial service in the memory of the ball :lol:

And Tom Hanks was nominated for the Oscar, the Golden Globe, the BAFTA award, the SAG award...he was pretty much nominated for every award there is..lol...but he didn't get any.

[Nossa]

I can't stand that director myself, Nossa. I also thought "The Village" was very predictable. Did you know Ron Howard's daughter has a part in it?

Wasn't that the girl who played Ivy? She was good, but I totally hated the way the movie was presented. I mean, if it was supposed to be a thriller, it did a very poor job. And if it was supposed to give any sort of moral lesson or whatever, if also did a poor job, since I got bored and almost turned off the tv more than once.
And I agree that the idea is kind of a cliche, but it's not a bad one. I think I'm just trying to find one good reason as to why I kept watching it :lol:
You know what really made me anrgy, it's that I really like Joaquin Phoenix and he talked like what? three of four times since the movie started? I thought he was supposed to be a leading character in the movie. Most of the time he's just quite, and he spent the last 30 minutes or so, sick in bed?!

[Nossa]

"The Sixth Sense" was pretty good but I could predict the ending after about fifteen or twenty minutes into the movie.

Yeah me too!!! Thank God someone agrees with me lol I liked the movie, but when I tell anyone that I knew Bruce Willis was dead, they tell me that I probably just googled the movie before I watched it :lol:

[Nossa]

SPOILER WARNING ABOUT THE SIXTH SENSE

He never changed his clothes (LOL) and he never communicated with anyone but the boy. How could he be anything else? ;) Right? ;)

:lol: Yeah, if he wore the same shirt all movie long, he's either not clean, or dead :lol:

[TexJR]

Forrest Gump. A perfect 10/10

[Sir Bartholomew]

I think I saw this film when I was young and I would love to see it again. It was a great film, if my memory serves me right.

i didn't get the imaginary tennis part. what do you think of it? i like the part when the photographer examines the pictures and the camera slowly zooms in and there's this picture that has a dead body(?) it's a bit hair raising.

[Janine]

i didn't get the imaginary tennis part. what do you think of it? i like the part when the photographer examines the pictures and the camera slowly zooms in and there's this picture that has a dead body(?) it's a bit hair raising.

Gee, I wish I could answer this first question, Sir Bartholomew, but I have not seen this film now for about 25 yrs. - no lie. Now I am giving away my age.:( This is the original film, correct? Who stars in it - wasn't it David Hemmings? I guess I will have to track this film down and rewatch it soon. I do vaguely recall the last part you are describing; yes that was quite 'hair-raising' indeed. The idea of the film was a very cool one, at the time. Now it has probably been copied over and over again. Still I really liked it I recall, when I first saw it in the theater. Other than a few things about it basically the movie is a blur to me now.

[Sir Bartholomew]

yes the one with Hemmings and Redgrave. it still feels like a new movie if compared to the movies released these days. Austin Powers shame on you!

[Janine]

yes the one with Hemmings and Redgrave. it still feels like a new movie if compared to the movies released these days. Austin Powers shame on you!

Was it Vanessa Redgrave, or sister Lynn? Gee, I have a good memory - recalling David Hemmings - reason I do recall the name and the actor was because a friend of mine in college was gaw-gaw over him. If a guy at our school remotely looked like him, she went after the guy. That is so funny to remember now. That film must go back to about early 1970's?

[Sir Bartholomew]

it was in the 60s at the height of swinging london. the lead actress was played by Vanessa Redgrave. :lol: Hemmings looks funny and he's clearly the one made fun of by Mike Myers: the cameras and all.

[Janine]

I can go you one better. :lol: Do you know who David Hemmings married? An actress called Gayle Hunnicutt.
I have absolutely no idea how I know that. I just know it. :lol:

Now that is an obscure fact, Antiquarian. Maybe you recalled the name by association - sounds similar to the woman in "Candide".;) What was her name? That is funny, recalling it out of the clear blue; sometimes, I do wonder about our computer-like brains...things seem to float around in them and suddenly they just surface. I am surprised I recalled Hemmings name. Newer films I grope at what the name can be. I even can picture just what Hemmings looked like the time of that film. I can usually picture an actory/actress but I get a mental block as to the name. Happens all the time to me. Guess I am just a visual type person....right brain/left brain kind of thing.
Antiq, know how I can get the film "Blow-up"? I would like to see it again.

[LadyWentworth]

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
9.99/10

There is one TINY thing that made me deduct that tenth of a point, but it isn't that horrible. So, yeah, I guess I will give it 10/10. What the heck? I enjoyed it! :D

[Nossa]

National Treasure 2

I didn't like it. I find these movies laughable in a bad way in that the characters are always looking for clues that are very difficult to decipher, yet it takes them only about thirty seconds to do so and then their surprise seems so fake. And they gain entrance to places like Buckingham Palace and the Oval Office of the White House so easily. If you can tolerate that, then it's probably about a 4/5, if you find it annoying, like I do, then it's a 2/5.

So, 4/5 or 2/5, depending on your outlook.

Yeah, I hated National Treasure when I saw it the first time, so I didn't go to watch the sequal. My brother loved it though. I'm not into action movies, but if I have to watch something, I think I'll go for the Die Hard series instead...lol

[frida_kahlo]

Italian Job so-so

[Weisinheimer]

Juno, loved it. 9/10

[OswaldTheOsprey]

I preferred "Die Hard" but that was so different, lots of killing, where "National Treasure" is supposed to be somewhat comedic, I think, but it fails to be. I also prefer Bruce Willis over Nicholas Cage.

The Die Hard series is good, but my favorite Bruce Willis film is Armageddon. As to Nicholas Cage, the critic John Simon made a snide but funny comment that "Cage should be his residence and not his name". Zinger!;)

OswaldTheOsprey

[Nossa]

As to Nicholas Cage, the critic John Simon made a snide but funny comment that "Cage should be his residence and not his name",


:lol: :lol: I totally agree.

[Mark F.]

The Die Hard series is good, but my favorite Bruce Willis film is Armageddon. As to Nicholas Cage, the critic John Simon made a snide but funny comment that "Cage should be his residence and not his name". Zinger!;)

OswaldTheOsprey

You liked Armageddon and you're bashing Cage? I can't think of a single Willis film or performance as good as Leaving Las Vegas or Wild at Heart, including Pulp Fiction. Michael Bay's only decent film is The Rock.

[khall12807]

Horton Hears a Who :D

It was such a wonderful movie! I can't believe I almost cried over a childrens movie

[Janine]

National Treasure 2

I didn't like it. I find these movies laughable in a bad way in that the characters are always looking for clues that are very difficult to decipher, yet it takes them only about thirty seconds to do so and then their surprise seems so fake. And they gain entrance to places like Buckingham Palace and the Oval Office of the White House so easily. If you can tolerate that, then it's probably about a 4/5, if you find it annoying, like I do, then it's a 2/5.

So, 4/5 or 2/5, depending on your outlook.

Well, Antiquarian, I would certainly agree with all of that! I only saw the first one, mainly because it was filmed in Philadelphia, and of course, I watched it out of curiostiy, to recognise places and streets, I have been to. That part was fun, but that is where the fun ended. The film was so mediocre, and I can hardly even remember a thing about it now. I would not bother with the sequel myself; but I know that was not your choice; you said it was for your brother's and you husband's viewing, mainly. My one complaint about it was that I felt it did not hold for me the charm of the Indian Jones movies from the 70's, 80's (?), yet it did bring them to mind at one point in the movie. The Indiana Jones movies were fun and something 'new' at the time and one could laugh along with them (they intended the audience to laugh) and also be intrigued and entertained. The performances were stronger and made viewing them even more entertaining. I actually have watched them over since my library owns the set; it brings back the days that my son and I watched them together when they first came to the theaters. I recall that the second one, was below par, but I have been wanting to watch the third on; just did not get to it yet. In "National Treasure" the second part the film, began feeling like a take off of Indiana Jones - when they went down into that catacomb or cave with passages. I said - "oh come on, this is such a steal from those other older, and much better crafted films. Why couldn't they come up with something original?" NT might have been good, if it had been handled a much different way. Also, wasn't the first film funny, with them running through the streets of Philadelphia carrying this priceless treasure - the Declaration of Independence - "oh come on!"... again! Papers like that are preserved under glass in a vacumn, so they do not disintegrate...don't they have museum advisors on this film crews? Makes one really wonder.

Cage is ok, but not my favorite actor either. Neither are, by far.
Actually, Willis is ok, too. I just don't particularly like his current film choices. I think he used to be good in his earlier films, but I have not paid much attention to him lately. I may feel the same about Cage. I liked him in films like "Raising Arizona" and others from that time period. Now, I hardly pay attention to his current films. I did see "Leaving Las Vegas" and thought he his performance was good but that film was not my type of film and found it hard to view after a time. It was just too much of a 'downer' for me.

[Nossa]

As much fun as "Pirates of the Caribbean."

I don't think there is any movie that can be compared to Pirates of the Caribbean!! I just LOVE Johnny Depp and Keira Knightly, and I don't mind Orlando Bloom much, he did a good job in the movie too. But the three movies were just perfect if you ask me.

Speaking of Johnny Depp, did anyone watch Sweeney Todd? How did you find it? I was planning on watching it after I'm done with exams, but I'm getting contradicted opinions about it.

[Bookwormed]

I thought this movie would be a gut-breaker since it was produced by the same dudes who gave us Knocked Up but it wasn't. I would only give it a 6.5 or 7. Was anyone else disappointed by this one? I'm finding I prefer books to movies, more and more lately. I found a site that has pretty good book recommendations (http://www.juicespot.ca). It's called Juicespot.

[Janine]

I saw the first "National Treasure," too. In fact, my oldest brother owns it. It was better than the sequel, I think. This one reminded me of "The Da Vinci Code" and you know how I feel about that movie.

I do like the Indiana Jones movies. I've never been a Harrison Ford fan, but I do like those movies a lot. They are so much fun. As much fun as "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Yeah, I like the Jones movies too, a whole lot. I want to take out the 3rd one soon and watch that. That one I think is the best - the one with River Phoenix, Sean Connery and Harrison Ford; how could one go wrong with that fine cast? I remember the parts with Connery and Ford were hilarious.
Didn't you ever see Harrison Ford's film " (?) Henry" I can't recall that first word but I love this film. I will have to go and look it up and let you know or edit this post. It might be 'Discovering, Finding, something like that. My mind is a blank.:(

They are as much fun, but I don't think they are the same type of movie at all.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" for one thing, is much slicker, with all the computer graphics and advances since the "Indiana Jones" films. So really, this would answer Nossa's post below. I don't think one is better than the other - just different. I didn't find all of the 'Pirate' films as good, as the first. I still thought the first the best of the three. I found two of the Jones films I liked best - the first and the last. I just saw "World's End" and I enjoyed it, but parts still annoyed me. I really never did get into the creatures on the Davy Jones ship - they looked too Star-Warish to me, and not truly original. Of course, we all love Johnny Depp, but personally my favorites of his are his older little known films, such as "Benny and Joon" and "What is Eating Gilbert Grape" and "The Man Who Cried"...oh yes, and the wonderful film "Chocolat" - those are my Depp favorites!

Quote by Nossa,

I don't think there is any movie that can be compared to Pirates of the Caribbean!! I just LOVE Johnny Depp and Keira Knightly, and I don't mind Orlando Bloom much, he did a good job in the movie too. But the three movies were just perfect if you ask me.

Well, as I said I do disagree with that - any movie, Nossa? really? Keira Knightly was fun in it, Depp was good, but Bloom is not my favorite either - he is ok.



Speaking of Johnny Depp, did anyone watch Sweeney Todd? How did you find it? I was planning on watching it after I'm done with exams, but I'm getting contradicted opinions about it.

I still have not brought myself to check that out of the library - actually though, it is always out when I check for availability; quite popular these days. I don't think I am truly going to like it or enjoy it, but who knows? I will see it out of curiosity, of course. I will have to shut my eyes at the throat slitting. I don't like razors or any kind of blades and seeing them actually kill the victim closeup. Ick!

[Mark F.]

Cage is ok, but not my favorite actor either. Neither are, by far.
Actually, Willis is ok, too. I just don't particularly like his current film choices. I think he used to be good in his earlier films, but I have not paid much attention to him lately. I may feel the same about Cage. I liked him in films like "Raising Arizona" and others from that time period. Now, I hardly pay attention to his current films. I did see "Leaving Las Vegas" and thought he his performance was good but that film was not my type of film and found it hard to view after a time. It was just too much of a 'downer' for me.

Another downer, but probably Cage's best performance, Bringing Out the Dead. Check it out if you haven't seen it, it's not Scorsese's most praised film but I loved it.

[Nossa]

I guess I'm the only big fan of Pirates of the Caribbean here :p But just for the record, I don't like Orlando Bloom much either..lol

My friend had the same comment as yours Anti. She hated the singing. I guess you can't be good in both acting and singing after all.

And Janine, c'mon, you watched No Country For Old Men, you can handle Sweeney Todd :p I for one think that Javier Bardem looked too scary, even more than Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd.

And about Indiana Jones, you're gonna hate me now, but I couldn't bring myself to watch all three parts, not to mention the fourth. I don't know why, maybe it's cuz I don't like Harrison Ford much.

[OswaldTheOsprey]

You liked Armageddon and you're bashing Cage? I can't think of a single Willis film or performance as good as Leaving Las Vegas or Wild at Heart, including Pulp Fiction. Michael Bay's only decent film is The Rock.

Well, to each their own. As to bashing Cage, remember I used a quote that I thought funny. You like Cage and that's fine-I just find him a bit too off-putting. Again, to each their own.

OswaldTheOsprey

[Sir Bartholomew]

wes anderson's Rushmore 3.5/4.0

[asilef73]

prince caspian 3.0/4.0

[cipherdecoy]

Step Up 2

-1/10

[bouquin]

Jesus Camp

It's very good, it disturbs.

[Janine]

"The Jane Austen Book Club"

I expected to love it, having read the book and loving Jane Austen's work, but I found it very shallow. Not nearly the depth of an ensemble film like "Love, Actually" and that really doesn't have depth.

It was mildly entertaining, though, and I certainly don't regret renting it and watching it. It was a pleasant way to pass a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.

2.5/5

Oops sorry; I should not have recommended it, Antiquarian. I just thought it was entertaining. I didn't say it had a lot of depth. Just curious - did you like "Love Actually"? I actually hated that film; my sister just watched part of it recently and she could not get through it; she said she didn't like it at all. I know it had good actors, but it just did nothing at all for me. At least "The Jane Austen Book Club" entertained me; I had nothing to compare it to and no real expectatins, having not read the novel. Is it a good novel?

Antiquarian, Maybe you better not listen to my recommendations; I seem to like a lot of films, that no one else likes.