What is the last movie you saw? and rate it. [Archive] - Page 17

LadyWentworth

11-27-2008, 01:22 AM

LW, go she it on your own. :) I've decided i'm going to do that myself. That way i'll get to see one a week, and not miss so many films because i had no one to see them with.
This was my exact plan (to go once a week) when I realized how out of hand my Netflix list had become. But then I lost my job......:bawling:

I agree with you, Niamh....I would go alone, too. That probably is the only way I could get to view it in the theater nowdays. It seems my friends are never up to it or available and my mother is too old and not interested either.
Generally when I go to the movies I am alone. People don't usually want to see what I want to see. But there are certain people (i.e. my mother) that if I can convince them to see a movie with me, they will pay. :D

I don't go to actual movie theaters, but I Netflix several times a week. The past few weeks have been full of disappointments, except for The Prestige, which I must have thrown on my queue in one of those oh-no-we're-down-to-two-films frenzies, because when it arrived I had no idea what it was or what it was about. Like I said, I don't get out much.

I have to say I was, well, mesmerized by it. A real surprise.
I saw it at a budget theater just because I wanted to go see a movie. I really liked it. I agree that it was a nice surprise. I just wish that I'd read it as the book first, though, instead of seeing the movie. I think it would've made for a good read. But the twist is gone now that I have seen the movie. So I wouldn't react the same way to the book now.

Niamh

11-27-2008, 07:28 AM

cipherdecoy

11-27-2008, 07:56 AM

Hard Candy - 8/10.

Janine

11-27-2008, 03:02 PM

Poor LW.

I'm probably going to go to the cinema on my own (first time ever) next week. All my friends have busy lives and well, dont have a BF anymore, and i can keep letting my folks take pitty on me so..
...dont know what to go see!

That is the spirit, Niamh! We all have to be independent woman. I don't have a BF anymore either and many a time none of my friends could go to the Art Museum in Philadephia with me; I didn't want to waste my membership so I went by myself one year quite a number of time. You know what? I ended up having a grand time, almost better than when I went with my friends. I actually meet new people and talked to many a security guard hanging about in the museum halls - everyone was so friendly there. I even fortunately got to shake the hand of the museum curator/director of the Dali exhibit and tell him how much I appreciated his efforts. I came home feeling totally elated and happy that I had not let the notion of not having anyone to go with hold me back. I felt quite independent for a change. I must apply this to movies now. I have gone alone before. The trouble I have is I have to run out to use the little girls room and can't sit longer than an hour. For a really suspenseful film, I need a friend to fill me in on what happened when I was gone. But like I told Lady Wentworth, I guess I will have to go and see the film twice...run out at different times, that is all. You know how it is, right? ;)

Well, if you two go next week have a really great time and enjoy your films.

Lady Wentworth - we used to have a threater like you mentioned one town over from my town - family owned and operated and original and so cheap. Recently the tore it down :bawling: to build a Walgreens. A CVS is right across from the W's....this world is so crazy and it is just as Joni Mitchel wrote - "Put up a Parking Lot".....sad, :(

Niamh

11-27-2008, 06:58 PM

That is the spirit, Niamh! We all have to be independent woman. I don't have a BF anymore either and many a time none of my friends could go to the Art Museum in Philadephia with me; I didn't want to waste my membership so I went by myself one year quite a number of time. You know what? I ended up having a grand time, almost better than when I went with my friends. I actually meet new people and talked to many a security guard hanging about in the museum halls - everyone was so friendly there. I even fortunately got to shake the hand of the museum curator/director of the Dali exhibit and tell him how much I appreciated his efforts. I came home feeling totally elated and happy that I had not let the notion of not having anyone to go with hold me back. I felt quite independent for a change. I must apply this to movies now. I have gone alone before. The trouble I have is I have to run out to use the little girls room and can't sit longer than an hour. For a really suspenseful film, I need a friend to fill me in on what happened when I was gone. But like I told Lady Wentworth, I guess I will have to go and see the film twice...run out at different times, that is all. You know how it is, right? ;)

Yes i know how it feels! I generally go before i enter the cinema and then straight after the movie. :nod: usually works for me.
I always go to museums on my own. :) the national gallery and the history museum being my favourite spots.
I'm thinking of going to see Changling after work on Sunday. Its supposed to be really good. The trailers look amazing.

LadyWentworth

11-27-2008, 09:29 PM

Lady Wentworth - we used to have a threater like you mentioned one town over from my town - family owned and operated and original and so cheap. Recently the tore it down :bawling: to build a Walgreens. A CVS is right across from the W's....this world is so crazy and it is just as Joni Mitchel wrote - "Put up a Parking Lot".....sad, :(
Oh, do NOT even get me started on this!!! :mad: I have such problems with this! I could go on and on about it, but this isn't the thread for that topic. So I can't now, anyway. :) I have such problems with that sort of thing, though, that I am even a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust. There was this huge Walmart "situation" recently (it involved one of the battlefields). But that is a discussion for another time.

I'm thinking of going to see Changling after work on Sunday. Its supposed to be really good. The trailers look amazing.
I just saw this on my birthday. I wrote a review of it here:
http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2063&page=260
I hope that you like it, but after you see it we will have to discuss it! I need somebody to talk to about it. :)

Janine

11-27-2008, 10:08 PM

Niamh and Lady Wentworth, I heard that "Changlin" is just great. That is one film I am also dying to see (I saw the previews too), along with "Australia" and a few other films that members have mentioned on this thread recently.

Lady Wenthworth, I must hear of the 'parking lot' situations from you later on. I can tell you a few myself and they involve old incredible threaters, totally devasting and sad. Did you ever see the film "The Majestic"...I just love that film because it reminds me of this one threater - the Harwin. The whole family ran it for years.

haha - two nights ago I watched

Much Ado About Nothing ~ Kenneth Branagh

LW, I had to see that horse scene again after we were talking about it in Celebrity Crushes! :LOL: of course, as I told you I am on the KB marathon this week - really enjoying it so far. I go through this phase/craze at least once a year. I also watched a ton of new videos about Ken on the Youtube - what fun they were. I coped the links to share with you later on, Lady Wentworth. You will love them, if you have not already watched them. Hope you are able to view them ok.

Niamh

11-28-2008, 07:13 AM

Janine

11-28-2008, 02:52 PM

Ladywentworth of course we'll have to discuss it! I'll have to go see it on sun after work then and chat with you on sun night about it! cool!

Yes Australia looks good too. :nod: I think my mam wants to see that one with me. :)

And i've a couple of people already lined up to see Twilight with when it comes out next month. two of the girls in poolbeg are going so i'm tagging along. :p

Niamh, when you and Lady Wentworth discuss the film, please don't give away the ending. I really want that film to be suspenseful. I can't wait to see it. Maybe if you discuss the end, just put a big bold 'spoiler' in front of it.

Oh, your mom must be of my same generation and thinking - probably she is younger than I am, since I am now a grannie. I just liked the way the scenery looked in that film - the wide-open vistas reminds me of old cowboy films like the ones with John Wayne. I am also fascinated with Australia and reading that book on it now has made me more so. I think the film and the book may be set around the same time period.

Now, Niamh, I must ask - are you ga-ga over the guy from 'Twilight'? Over here, I saw on the TV broadcast, girls fainting over him and most were sqealing....or at least fawning heavily. He is cute, but I don' particularly like his messy hair in real life, but then I have been discussing this same thing in Celebrity Crushes with Lily Adams and came to the conclusion that is it just a 'generational' thing - guess I'm square and getting old.:( :lol:

Niamh

11-30-2008, 06:22 PM

Niamh, when you and Lady Wentworth discuss the film, please don't give away the ending. I really want that film to be suspenseful. I can't wait to see it. Maybe if you discuss the end, just put a big bold 'spoiler' in front of it.

Oh, your mom must be of my same generation and thinking - probably she is younger than I am, since I am now a grannie. I just liked the way the scenery looked in that film - the wide-open vistas reminds me of old cowboy films like the ones with John Wayne. I am also fascinated with Australia and reading that book on it now has made me more so. I think the film and the book may be set around the same time period.

We wont! :p
My mam is a 65.

Now, Niamh, I must ask - are you ga-ga over the guy from 'Twilight'? Over here, I saw on the TV broadcast, girls fainting over him and most were sqealing....or at least fawning heavily. He is cute, but I don' particularly like his messy hair in real life, but then I have been discussing this same thing in Celebrity Crushes with Lily Adams and came to the conclusion that is it just a 'generational' thing - guess I'm square and getting old.:( :lol:

:lol: They are in love with the character not the actor. :) Although the actor is cute, but too young for me ;)

The Changling 10/10
Absoloutely amazing movie. deserves Oscars.

Janine

11-30-2008, 09:34 PM

We wont! :p
My mam is a 65.

Thanks Niamh, for being considerate.
Wowy, your mam is older than me. I thought otherwise. You must have brother and sisters...no?

:lol: They are in love with the character not the actor. :) Although the actor is cute, but too young for me ;)

Yes, I know they are but they go crazy about him too, we saw it here with a book signing and the girls looked faint.:lol: I recall when girls passed out seeing the Beatles for the first time. I could not help but think of that. He is waaaaay too young for me. His hair is too messy and wild - not really my type either.

The Changling 10/10
Absoloutely amazing movie. deserves Oscars.

Wow, everyone on here is raving about this film. I just can't wait now to see it. It must be worthy of Oscars. So many have said so.

Niamh

12-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Thanks Niamh, for being considerate.
Wowy, you mam is older than me. I thought otherwise. You must have brother and sisters...no?

My eldest sister is 43 this month. :) there are six kids in my family. I'm classed as the youngest even though i have a twin. My brother and my twim are both living in Sydney, Australia.

Yes, I know they are but they go crazy about him too, we saw it here with a book signing and the girls looked faint.:lol: I recall when girls passed out seeing the Beatles for the first time. I could not help but think of that. He is waaaaay too young for me. His hair is too messy and wild - not really my type either.
Well the actor hasnt been in many movies so its really more what he is representing (being the personification of edward in the movie) than who he is. There is a bit of a beatles frenzy around Twilight in the states but its over the character. If it had been a different actor, teh reaction would have been the same. :nod: So this guy who is playing Edward is going to get one hell of a fan base, just because he was this character.
Think of the Colin Firth phenomena with Mr Darcy. :rolleyes:
I havent seen twilight yet so...its not out until 19th December here. :) I'm going to see it hopefully with a couple of girls from Poolbeg...

Wow, everyone on here is raving about this film. I just can't wait now to see it. It must be worthy of Oscars. So many have said so.

Janine

12-03-2008, 07:17 PM

My eldest sister is 43 this month. :) there are six kids in my family. I'm classed as the youngest even though i have a twin. My brother and my twim are both living in Sydney, Australia.

Oh, never knew you were a twin; how interesting. My son is 35, and I was pretty young when I had him - just 23; his father was a fraternal twin. Of course, some women start at 17 - my aunt did. Wow, six - half a dozen...must have been fun growing up and you must have been indulged by all of them, being the youngest, but you seem so nice and unscathed by it. I know how that works. I am the oldest and got the worst of it. I have two sisters. Still do.:(

Well the actor hasnt been in many movies so its really more what he is representing (being the personification of edward in the movie) than who he is. There is a bit of a beatles frenzy around Twilight in the states but its over the character. If it had been a different actor, teh reaction would have been the same. :nod: So this guy who is playing Edward is going to get one hell of a fan base, just because he was this character.
Think of the Colin Firth phenomena with Mr Darcy. :rolleyes:
I havent seen twilight yet so...its not out until 19th December here. :) I'm going to see it hopefully with a couple of girls from Poolbeg...

I see your point perfectly, Niamh. Sort of like Johnny Depp's early film "Edward Sissorhands"...except young girls go crazy over vampires, especially when they are somewhat cute. Vampires and 'Phantoms of the Opera's! haha.....anything dark and bit sinister. True about Colin Firth, too...seems he still can't escape that role association.

Last night I watched

"Ghosts" ~ Judy Dench, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Gambon, Natashia Richardson - part of a film series I bought recently on 8 Ibsen plays done by the BBC.

"Ghosts" was awesome, but oh so sad and depressing. Still the performances were mulit-layered and complex, and extremely fine-tuned. The play amazed me, in being so advanced for that time (era) in plot, themes, scandals, and ibsen's progressive ideas. I went online after viewing it, to gather some commentary on the play. It certainly makes one think. The ending is open-ended, for some this may make them angry but, I found it just right; although it sort of disturbed me all night sleeping - kept waking to think about it. A very powerful production. I highly recommend it. The DVD set I bought, is well worth the money - it contains 8 plays and also 8 audio-radio recordings. How can you beat that. I can't wait to see more of them. They are all fine actors and fine performances. The BBC does it again.

Niamh

12-03-2008, 07:24 PM

Oh, never knew you were a twin; how interesting. My son is 35, and I was pretty young when I had him - just 23; his father was a fraternal twin. Of course, some women start at 17 - my aunt did. Wow, six - half a dozen...must have been fun growing up and you must have been indulged by all of them, being the youngest, but you seem so nice and unscathed by it. I know how that works. I am the oldest and got the worst of it. I have two sisters. Still do.:(
my eldest sister was 17 when i was born. the second eldest was 16, the val was 13, my brother was only two. big gap. the eldest two left home when i was five or six. so not really.

I see your point perfectly. Sort of like Johnny Depp's early film "Edward Sissorhands"...except young girls go crazy over vampires, especially when they are somewhat cute. Vampires and 'Phantoms of the Opera's! haha.....anything dark and bit sinister. True about Colin Firth, too...seems he still can't escape that role association.

exactly. :)

Shalot

12-04-2008, 12:33 AM

I just watched To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything. 9/10. It just gave me warm and fuzzies. And seeing Patrick Swayze in drag was too funny. And Luiguizamo - these guys hit it spot on.

I wish some drag queens would come to my house and give me some pointers for living.

Janine

12-05-2008, 10:11 PM

my eldest sister was 17 when i was born. the second eldest was 16, the val was 13, my brother was only two. big gap. the eldest two left home when i was five or six. so not really.

Trying to catch up today. I was out all day yesterday. Wow, that is a gap, Niamh. I see now. I was only kidding you really, about being spoiled. You don't strike me as one who was indulged or spoiled. You seem very
'down-to-earth' and sensible.

exactly. :)
Yes.....

Last night I watched

The Magic Flute ~ directed by Kenneth Branagh

I really enjoyed it. It was lavishly, but tastefully set, and brilliantly directed, I thought. I don't know if anyone has seen it yet. It is hard to acquire the DVD here; I bought it from Amazon UK and I really messed up; I must have hit the button twice and they delivered me two - well, I have to pay for both, as well. I will try and sell the other one someway. I got a very good deal on it, if I did the currency calculator correctly. It is a region 2 DVD, so one needs to have an all region player in the US, or watch it on the computer, you still have to change the setting on Vista to region 2. Well, anyway, the set design was very good and I loved the ending particularly. The English made the film easier to understand, but as with any opera, one needs a few viewings to really 'get it.' I thought the Queen of the Night was incredible - what a voice! I just found out the girl playing the lead, is only 21 yrs old. Here voice was very good, but maybe not great yet, but she did very well acting the role, having no prior experience...none of them did I believe. She was very believable. This film is quite different and if you enjoy opera on film, you will like this one. It is good to just sit back and let the music carry you into the story. The visuals were quite interesting. One really different scene, showed a closeup of eyes surrounded by blackness and then these real faces sing; then pan back a few minutes later, and the wall is a black wall of sandbags in a WWI trench. The film is set in that time period. Another scene, with a white marker cemetary is quite amazing.

I would like to know if others liked this film. I guess if you are a hardened opera fan you may not like all the departures, but I liked it, being quite the amateur at opera. From my point of view I would rate it a 9/10.

Niamh

12-06-2008, 06:39 AM

I watched howls moving castle last night from my bed because my back was sore. Love this movie. Its terrible how i prefare this story to the book!
9/10

Niamh

12-06-2008, 05:09 PM

my best friends girl....

what absolute rubbish! left after an hour. It was trying so hard to be funny and american pie. crap.
I'm actually giving it 0/10

Janine

12-06-2008, 06:00 PM

my best friends girl....

what absolute rubbish! left after an hour. It was trying so hard to be funny and american pie. crap.
I'm actually giving it 0/10

hahaha....good for you, Niamh!....Who is in that film? I never heard of it before. Isn't there a song called that? haha...wonder if anyone in this thread ever gave a film a 0 before...you might just be the first....

byquist

12-09-2008, 12:12 AM

"Slumdog Millionaire" a must-see. It will be up for Academy Award(s).

NEEMAN

12-09-2008, 01:59 AM

Watched Miller's Crossing again. Gabriel Byrne is seriously badass in that film. Great watch- 9/10.

amanda_isabel

12-09-2008, 03:42 AM

mamma mia. I'm a bit behind now, am I not?
It was.. a highlight of Abba songs, not so much the plot. But it was worth it to see Meryl Streep do all kinds of things :)

6/10

*Classic*Charm*

12-09-2008, 03:46 AM

mamma mia. I'm a bit behind now, am I not?
It was.. a highlight of Abba songs, not so much the plot. But it was worth it to see Meryl Streep do all kinds of things :)

6/10

Didn't Pierce Brosnan's voice just burn your ears? I thought he was terrible. Other than that I though it was cute..

Niamh

12-09-2008, 06:57 AM

Yeah Pierce Brosnan was the only downfall of the movie for me. now if they had swapped him with colin firth whose voice was more bareable, and easier on the eyes... :p

Joreads

12-09-2008, 05:21 PM

Yeah Pierce Brosnan was the only downfall of the movie for me. now if they had swapped him with colin firth whose voice was more bareable, and easier on the eyes... :p

I will second that she sighs

byquist

12-10-2008, 12:57 AM

The Great Global Warming Swindle -- a film Al Gore is no doubt horrified by. I found them easy to believe. Very controversial film. Many forces in society want to prevent you from seeing it. Therefore, as a free individual, you should see it.

Mark F.

12-10-2008, 02:31 PM

Shadows 10/10

This is the cinematic equivalent of beat literature at its best.

Strike 10/10

One of the greatest silent films I've seen. Comes close to challenging Sunrise for top spot.

Janine

12-10-2008, 04:03 PM

I have been watching a series from the BBC Classics Collection on DVD:

The Henrik Ibsen Collection

So far; I have watched

"Ghosts" ~ Judy Dench, Michael Gambon, Kenneth Branagh, Natashia Richardson
"A Doll's House" ~ Juliet Stevenson, Trevor Eve, Patrick Madahide, Geraldine James
and last night two versions of
The Master Builder ~ 1958 Production ~ Donald Wolfit, Mai Zettering
The Master Builder ~ 1988 Production ~ Leo McKern, Miranad Richardson, Jane Lapotaire

All were excellent plays and I believe very true to the original text. That last one is still making me wonder and think - very puzzling. I know that James Joyce was influenced by Ibsen's works and I can begin to see the connection here. I didn't read much Ibsen before this - only "A Doll's House" which I liked very much and now I am getting a broader sense of the author.

This set is well worth buying because it has tons of extras; includes 9 plays and 8 radio plays (audio)....also the play I watched last night was actually 2 plays, being two different productions.

The other night I watched the new version of

Sleuth ~ directed by Kenneth Branagh

I liked the movie very much; in this version Caine plays the older man (the husband); since I have seen the older version many times I found this interesting...in the older production, Caine plays the younger man (older man's wife's lover). There was a lot of tension in this cat and mouse game they play. Jude Law and Michael Caine gave good strong performances and they were both quite believable. This version is a little more gritty and up-to-date than the old version. The house is incredibly strange and modern and takes on a character of it's own in the film which creates more strange tension but not one bit overdone. The camera angles make the whole thing work incredibly well. I don't like a start atmosphere or decor like this house has but it fascinated me and the colors that change during the story is quite brilliant and well done. The set design works incredibly well with the edgy screenplay and the characters. The elevator - really creepy in the center of the house is a major pinacle point to the film. I really liked the way they did that. I would give this film a good rating and was glad to have purchased it. Even though I did know the plot and that sort of spoils all the suspense, it was still so interesting to view and will definitely watch it over again from time to time. Had anyone else seen it and what is you opinion? Just curious.

LadyWentworth

12-10-2008, 06:39 PM

I am supposed to be getting "Ghosts" from Netflix at some point in the future (don't know when yet).

Sleuth ~ directed by Kenneth Branagh
So, what would you actually rate "Sleuth", though? I still don't know when that is coming either.

Janine

12-10-2008, 07:43 PM

I am supposed to be getting "Ghosts" from Netflix at some point in the future (don't know when yet).

Oh so you could just get "Ghosts" from Netflix? I thought it was really good and now I am getting quite an impression of Ibsen. Wait till you see KB's hair in "Ghosts" - rather strange hairdo - like a tall flat top deal. Of course the acting is very intense and stagelike - I like that type thing.

So, what would you actually rate "Sleuth", though? I still don't know when that is coming either.

Oh, you know what? I hate rating films with numbers; that is why I avoided rating this one. I liked it enough to see it again. If you never saw the first film (which I did), I think you would be mesmerized with this one and on the edge of you seat. I still found it suspenseful and I did know the plot well; although, I was not quite sure of the ending or whether the new screenplay would adhere to the older one. I think the filming is great and this adds a lot to the pyscoholigical aspects of the film and characters....not too sure what to rate it really...I am still thinking about that; I want also to see it a second time. I think it is quite artistic, in setting and camera angles and colors. Of course, both actors are terrific too, but it is one of those unique plays, with only two characters, so how can one rate it? You either love those kind of films or hate them. They are very much like a stage play and this I do like. They are intimate and yet in this one claustaphobic in a way at times. I liked this aspect of it very much but some may not.

SleepyWitch

12-11-2008, 05:08 AM

James Bond - A Quantum of Solace: 6/10. nice effects etc, but the plot was lame... if there was any plot at all

Body of Lies: 8/10

American Gangsta: 9/10

Hellboy (part 1): 5/10 wtf? Hellboy and the fish guy were cute, but apart from those two (and maybe Liz), the acting was lame and the story trashy.

*Classic*Charm*

12-11-2008, 08:43 PM

Twilight- 7/10 It was interesting. Made me want to give the books a try

Penelope- 7/10 CUTE!

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister- 4/10 Way to ruin a decent book...

Apparently I've been in a state of not thinking lately haha

1n50mn14

12-11-2008, 09:45 PM

Tekkonkinkreet!!!

It's anime based off of a series of three mangas by Taiyō Matsumoto.

9/10!

I am fast becoming a huge anime fan... this was fantastic, well suited to my sense of fantasy and surrealism. Plus the animation was great!

*Classic*Charm*

12-12-2008, 03:24 PM

Notorious- 9/10

what can I say?

MattG

12-12-2008, 04:14 PM

1). Picnic (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048491/) (1955) - 8/10
2). An American Crime (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/) (2007) - 8/10 Very well done, very hard to watch.
3). Love, Actually (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/) (2003) - 7/10 - Fun!
4). Vertigo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052357/) (1958) - 20/10 - Just watch it.

LadyWentworth

12-12-2008, 04:45 PM

Oh so you could just get "Ghosts" from Netflix?
Yup! :) I just looked at my list. It is pretty far down. Maybe I will move it up. There are some others that I really want to see first, though. But maybe I will push it up on my list.

Oh, you know what? I hate rating films with numbers; that is why I avoided rating this one. I liked it enough to see it again. If you never saw the first film (which I did), I think you would be mesmerized with this one and on the edge of you seat. I still found it suspenseful and I did know the plot well; although, I was not quite sure of the ending or whether the new screenplay would adhere to the older one. I think the filming is great and this adds a lot to the pyscoholigical aspects of the film and characters....not too sure what to rate it really...I am still thinking about that; I want also to see it a second time. I think it is quite artistic, in setting and camera angles and colors. Of course, both actors are terrific too, but it is one of those unique plays, with only two characters, so how can one rate it? You either love those kind of films or hate them. They are very much like a stage play and this I do like. They are intimate and yet in this one claustaphobic in a way at times. I liked this aspect of it very much but some may not.
OK. :) I already knew the plot, but I have not seen the original either. Maybe I did in "passing" when I was a kid. This a film that my brother enjoyed. So maybe at some point he was watching it and if I sat down to watch the original, some scenes would come back to me. Know what I mean?

Notorious- 9/10
Agreed! :thumbs_up

1). Picnic (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048491/) (1955) - 8/10
I LOVE Willam Holden!! He makes this movie so worthwhile for me.

2). An American Crime (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/) (2007) - 8/10 Very well done, very hard to watch.
Never even heard of this one. It sounds interesting, though. I should look into it.

3). Love, Actually (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/) (2003) - 7/10 - Fun!
I actually really ended up liking this one when I saw it. It was a pleasant surprise for me. :)

4). Vertigo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052357/) (1958) - 20/10 - Just watch it.
Fantastic film!!! :thumbs_up

Janine

12-12-2008, 05:46 PM

Yup! :) I just looked at my list. It is pretty far down. Maybe I will move it up. There are some others that I really want to see first, though. But maybe I will push it up on my list.

Well, don't do that, until you view some clips on Youtube; see if it interests you. You might find it very dreary or dark. It is definitely a play format and very restrictive; even claustophobic and dramatic. I do however, like it very much...I felt it was powerful...the performances pretty amazing. I read where Ibsen nearly lost his reputation, when he first presented this play to the public. It is a very contravsial play - just some of the issues: incest, venereal disease, out of wedlock children, infidelity, euthansia....I guess it would cause an uproar. People just did not opening talk, about such subjects back in Ibsen's time. He was definitely way beyond his 'time' in thought.

OK. :) I already knew the plot, but I have not seen the original either. Maybe I did in "passing" when I was a kid. This a film that my brother enjoyed. So maybe at some point he was watching it and if I sat down to watch the original, some scenes would come back to me. Know what I mean?

Yes, exactly; I wonder if you should watch the new one first or the old one. Which one did your brother like? I saw the old one years ago and recall being impressed - then I re-watched it, about a year ago. My library had it come in. I still was quite impressed.

Agreed! :thumbs_up Notorious is fantastic. I just re-watched it after I purchased it about a month ago. Glad I invested in this film. I heard that Hitchcock considered it his best film. His daughter, I believe, said this on a talk show, 'Larry King Live'.

I LOVE Willam Holden!! He makes this movie so worthwhile for me. Who did "Picnic" - the director? I think I just saw that one advertized on Amazon. I guess I will go and look it up. I like Holden a lot, too. Wasn't he in "Bridge Over the River Kwai" or am I mixing up actors. I love that film! That was directed by David Lean...I like all his film.

Never even heard of this one. It sounds interesting, though. I should look into it.

I never heard of that one either.

I actually really ended up liking this one when I saw it. It was a pleasant surprise for me. :)

I agree with all your other assessments, but this one - I actually hate this film...I am afraid, I may end up giving it a 5/10....my sister hated it, too. Sorry, we don't agree on this one. I just could not see the point.

Fantastic film!!! :thumbs_up

I adore "Vertigo," too. I must buy it sometime soon. It is definitely one I have to own in my 'Hitchcock' collection. Kim Novak is perfect in the role. It is such a great film.

Today, I actually watched, on Youtube, the entire production of:

Shadow of a Gunman ~ Kenneth Branagh, among other noteworthy stage stars.

I am so impressed with this presentation by the BBC. I think it aired about 1996 - something close to that. It is about the Irish uprising and all the 'troubles'. This nice guy, Donal, is merely renting a room; he is a poet, and all around him people are weaving plots to fight off the English, the occupation. Now everyone begins to mistake Donal for a runaway gunman for the 'cause'; or at least this young naive girl Minnie does. He is actually an innocent bystander and quite peace-minded. This TV presentation is quite impressive and very inthralling. I will watch it all again tonight. One has to see in segments (think it is Part 1 to Part 8), but that is not a big problem. I saw them all before I went out to my bank. I am quite happy to have had the priviledge to view this rare footage. I just wish they would put this on DVD; because I would definitely buy it. It would be very worthwhile put this and the early Billy Plays on a DVD...SOAG runs about an hour and a half.

LadyWentworth

12-14-2008, 01:57 AM

I agree with all your other assessments, but this one - I actually hate this film...I am afraid, I may end up giving it a 5/10....my sister hated it, too. Sorry, we don't agree on this one. I just could not see the point.
Well, can't agree on everything. :) But I will tell you something that drove me crazy about the movie (and always will). The one guy comes to America to meet a girl. He goes to Wisconsin. Where does his plane take him? To the Milwaukee Airport (or something similar to that). WHAT??? No such thing exists! That is NOT the name of the airport. It makes it sound so cheesy. It is horrible. If you are going to use a city, and a location connected to it, use the correct name(s)!!! You have NO idea how that bothers me.

That is like "Happy Days". Everything on there was always named the Pfister "this" and Pfister "that". Yes, there is the Pfister Hotel (and I am not sure if the Pfister-Vogel Tannery was still around in the 1950's), but that is it. PLUS, I just discovered recently that Pfister wasn't spelled with a "Pf" on the TV show. It was spelled with a "Ph". WHY??? I know all of this might sound like piddly little stuff to everyone else, but it aggravates me.

*Classic*Charm*

12-16-2008, 04:29 PM

Rebecca- 8/10...I cannot believe Vivien Leigh was ever considered for that role

Spellbound- 10000000/10...it's overtaking Dial M as my favourite

Under Capricorn- 7/10...Ingrid Bergman saves this from being far worse

Vertigo- 10/10...it's just excellent

I love Christmas break and having all this time...

Next on the playlist...North by Northwest, Waltzes from Vienna, The Birds (if I can find it)

MattG

12-16-2008, 04:52 PM

On a Roman Polanski review cycle right now:

For those who are interested and don't know, Polanski wrote three films that speak to the general claustrophobia and fears of living in very close quarters with strangers (apartments). Those three films are among my favorites that I usually end up watching year after year.

1). The Tenant (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074811/)(1976) - 9/10 - Creepy, disturbing, cloying, dark disturbing and beautiful.
2). Repulsion (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059646/) (1965) - 9/10 - Another slow building exercise in terror and paranoia. Watch for all of the scenes with an innocuous enough looking straight razor. *shiver*
3). Rosemary's Baby (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063522/) (1968) - 8/10 - My least favorite of the trio but still better than most other films of the genre. Most definitely continues the tradition of slow building horror with a crescendo ending. Great film!

By the by, ClassicCharm, have you seen Rope?

*Classic*Charm*

12-16-2008, 06:37 PM

By the by, ClassicCharm, have you seen Rope?

I actually haven't! Pathetic in a Hitchcock fan like myself...why do you ask?

MattG

12-16-2008, 06:41 PM

I actually haven't! Pathetic in a Hitchcock fan like myself...why do you ask?

Just saw that you'd mentioned several Hitchcock films and wondered if you'd seen that one as it's one of my favorites.

*Classic*Charm*

12-16-2008, 06:44 PM

Just saw that you'd mentioned several Hitchcock films and wondered if you'd seen that one as it's one of my favorites.

Yes, I'm on a Hitch marathon at the moment! I love his films. I haven't seen Rope yet, though it's certainly on my list to see. My favourites are Spellbound, Dial M for Murder, and The Lady Vanishes.

MattG

12-16-2008, 06:52 PM

Yes, I'm on a Hitch marathon at the moment! I love his films. I haven't seen Rope yet, though it's certainly on my list to see. My favourites are Spellbound, Dial M for Murder, and The Lady Vanishes.

I found a great DVD collection in the $5 bin at Wal Mart. It's called Alfred Hitchcock The Legend Begins and has 4 DVDs with 20 of his earlier works on it.

Amazon also has it for $8 (http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-Hitchcock-Legend-Begins-Classics/dp/B000UVV25Q) if you can't find it at Wal Mart. Highly recommended! The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes are my favorites from this collection.

I love Dial M as well but still have to put Vertigo as my number one (despite its failings).

*Classic*Charm*

12-16-2008, 06:55 PM

I found a great DVD collection in the $5 bin at Wal Mart. It's called Alfred Hitchcock The Legend Begins and has 4 DVDs with 20 of his earlier works on it.

Amazon also has it for $8 (http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-Hitchcock-Legend-Begins-Classics/dp/B000UVV25Q) if you can't find it at Wal Mart. Highly recommended! The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes are my favorites from this collection.

I love Dial M as well but still have to put Vertigo as my number one (despite its failings).

Ooh I have two collections of his earlier works haha! From that collection I also like Jamaica Inn

MattG

12-16-2008, 06:57 PM

Ooh I have two collections of his earlier works haha! From that collection I also like Jamaica Inn

I'm interested to see where you'll place Rope in your ratings.

*Classic*Charm*

12-16-2008, 07:01 PM

I'm interested to see where you'll place Rope in your ratings.

I'll let you know!

LadyWentworth

12-19-2008, 06:11 PM

I'm interested to see where you'll place Rope in your ratings.
If I may interrupt this conversation :), what would you rate it? It is my favorite Hitchcock film (I have stated this before on here - people probably get tired of hearing that :)). I love it, though.

Mopey Droney

12-19-2008, 07:10 PM

The Verdict - 8/10
Arsenic & Old Lace - 7/10
Australia - 4/10
It's a Wonderful Life - 10/10
There Will Be Blood 9/10

*Classic*Charm*

12-19-2008, 07:17 PM

Australia - 4/10

Really?? I have such high hopes! I like Baz Luhrman..

Joreads

12-20-2008, 12:59 AM

Really?? I have such high hopes! I like Baz Luhrman..

I would give Australia 7/10. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

manolia

12-20-2008, 07:21 AM

"The Wave" - 9/10
Reminds me why i like german cinema so much!

papayahed

12-23-2008, 01:02 AM

Iron Man - 8.5/10, very entertaining. I've always liked that Robert Downey Jr..

Joreads

12-23-2008, 01:51 AM

Iron Man - 8.5/10, very entertaining. I've always liked that Robert Downey Jr..

I loved that movie I can not wait for the next one.

papayahed

12-30-2008, 05:13 PM

The Duchess - Pretty boring, I kept waiting for something to happen to warrant making a whole movies about this woman but nothing did, 6.5/10

Ghost Town - Funny in parts but it was the same old "I see dead people and they want me to help them" movie, 7/10.

wessexgirl

12-31-2008, 02:15 PM

The Orphanage - 10/10 Excellent.

Sad and moving, great acting, setting, story etc. Some really tense moments, but not in a schlock horror way. I believe that Hollywood may have bought the story for a remake....NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!:flare:

6079

12-31-2008, 08:49 PM

The Curious Incident of Benjamin Button.
There was almost no advertising for it, I imagine because it's potential publicity was raped by Twilight.
Which is crazy, because Ben Button was brilliant! Plus it had big names, Brad Pitt and Kate Blanchett. It was beautifully done, it made me really want to read the book(It was based on something by Fitzgerald). A couple of quarrels, though - It was a little drawn out at the start, which kind of undermined the intensity of the romance, and Brad Pitt couldn't quite sustain the character- Pitt can act that suave confident character very well, but it didn't quite suit Ben Button.
7/10

6079

12-31-2008, 08:51 PM

"The Wave" - 9/10
Reminds me why i like german cinema so much!

I LOVED The Wave. First German film I'd seen, and I loved it. It managed everything- realistic, poignant, engaging, tragic.
And it didn't have the slighty irritating tang some based on true story films have.

Joreads

01-01-2009, 04:43 AM

The day the earth stood still. 8/10. Keanu Reeves acting style really suited this movie. The movie has something to say about the human race and the way we treat the plant and each other. It is really worth seeing and the bonus of course is Keanu Reeves.

jon1jt

01-02-2009, 12:41 AM

Man On Wire --- documentary about French guy who walked across a tightrope strung across the World Trade Center towers. Great flick.

Also, Exterminating Angels, a French film. If you don't like nudity and that, don't watch it, or it you do and you like it happy you. ;)

JacobF

01-02-2009, 12:55 AM

Eyes wide shut -- 9/10. It was an amazing film, but the first hour or so was very slow and tedious.

Natural Born Killers -- 7.5/10. Generally, it was a good satire, but I felt like I was being hit over the head too many times with the message. Not much subtlety or technique apparent.

Jackie Brown -- 9.5/10. Quentin Tarantino is the only director who can make a really good action/thriller movie that's over-the-top, yet believable. Every scene was entertaining and suspenseful, as all action flicks should be.

Death Race -- 3/10. Not much to say. No character development evident, and the action was so generic.

manolia

01-02-2009, 06:41 AM

The pilot film of "The battlestar gallactica" series and it was great :D

Pensive

01-02-2009, 07:02 AM

Doctor Zhivago - 8/10

amanda_isabel

01-02-2009, 07:11 AM

Twilight. I give it a 7/10. Not a bad movie. Just not excellent.

Alexei

01-02-2009, 08:00 AM

qimissung

01-03-2009, 01:05 AM

Today I went to see "Rachel Getting Married."I would have to give it a 9/10. It is both beautiful and incredible. It is a perfect storm of a movie. The screenwriter got it right. The director got it right. The actors got it right. I would almost think they had come from the same dysfunctional home: The wayward child who sucks all the attention like a black hole. The sibling who is perfect on the outside and devastatingly lonely on the inside, and who is so tired of watching havoc wreaked-again. The loving parent dancing helplessly on the sidelines. The other parent who is emotionally absent, who, with everyone's permission, is just going to slip away, and who refuses to see her part in the burned and sere countryside of her family's hearts. Perhaps this family is one that I recognize, with people who are stumbling and groping toward some sort of redemption and emotional health that will allow them to live, and not just survive. Perhaps it's one that you'll recognize, too.

NickAdams

01-03-2009, 03:09 PM

I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night and give it 7/10. I found the frame story contrived and Pitt's performance a variation on his Meet Joe Black Character. I found some of the mind/body logic off, but Fincher, the editor and the cinematographer did a amazing job. I thought David Lynch would be the man to eventually discover a non-crude aesthetic for the digital medium, but Fincher, with Zodiac and now Ben, and Soderbergh with Che!, which I give and 8 1/2 out of 10, have made that achievement. Although both Soderbergh and Fincher replicate celluloid aesthetic, so there is still hope for Lynch.

Eyes wide shut -- 9/10. It was an amazing film, but the first hour or so was very slow and tedious.

Still my favorite Kubrick film.:thumbs_up

Janine

01-03-2009, 03:48 PM

I was wondering what has happened to this thread since i couldn't find it lately. Probably I just haven't seen it :lol:

Yesterday I finally saw "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". It deserves at least 8/10, may be even 9/10. Actually it isn't something remarkable or really special, but it is a really beautiful movie. The atmosphere and the acting were great.
After I saw it, I started thinking this one isn't actually like the other Woody Allen's films. Judging by the others I've seen (which aren't as much as I want to) there definitely is some difference. This one seems somewhat more serious and may be more realistic.
As I mentioned the acting was great. When I watch a movie I always keep in mind who the actors are, but this time they made me forget who they are. On the screen were the characters not Javier Bardem or Penélope Cruz.
The other great thing about that movie is the music, it is exactly what I enjoy most :)

Hi Alexei, interesting comments. I like Woody Allen films, even some that the critics trashed. I still find merit in them. I recall liking "Hannah and Her Sisters", but have not seen it in years; maybe since I have two sisters so I could relate. "Husbands and Wives" was very good and I liked "Annie Hall", of course; I own that one. I only own that and "Celebrity" - the last one, basically because I like Ken Branagh and he stars in it. That is one that did get trashed by critics, but I still enjoy it and laugh so hard at some parts - love the high school class reunion scene. I have been to them in middle-age, and I know how that goes. You know, it has been awhile now, since I was a serious Woody Allen fan, so I can't recall all the films I have seen. I will try looking some up for you. Glad he is still making films and now I will have to check out the one you suggested. Sounds really fine. I like Bardem and Cruz in most of their work. I should like this film very much. I like fine acting, too. I know what you mean when you don't see the actor but the character only - a sign of a very good actor when they can so convince us of the authenticity.

Madhuri

01-04-2009, 06:05 AM

Zubeida 10/10

http://img1.chakpak.com/se_images/40371_-1_564_none/zubeidaa-wallpaper.jpg

http://surtaals.com/images/movies/zubeidaa.jpg

mystery_spell

01-04-2009, 04:24 PM

The Bourne Ultimatum on HBO last night. 9/10

Alexei

01-04-2009, 04:44 PM

Hi Alexei, interesting comments. I like Woody Allen films, even some that the critics trashed. I still find merit in them. I recall liking "Hannah and Her Sisters", but have not seen it in years; maybe since I have two sisters so I could relate. "Husbands and Wives" was very good and I liked "Annie Hall", of course; I own that one. I only own that and "Celebrity" - the last one, basically because I like Ken Branagh and he stars in it. That is one that did get trashed by critics, but I still enjoy it and laugh so hard at some parts - love the high school class reunion scene. I have been to them in middle-age, and I know how that goes. You know, it has been awhile now, since I was a serious Woody Allen fan, so I can't recall all the films I have seen. I will try looking some up for you. Glad he is still making films and now I will have to check out the one you suggested. Sounds really fine. I like Bardem and Cruz in most of their work. I should like this film very much. I like fine acting, too. I know what you mean when you don't see the actor but the character only - a sign of a very good actor when they can so convince us of the authenticity.

Hi, Janine, I've been wondering what have happened to you :) Your post is a bit intimidating, all this knowledge :D To be honest I haven't even heard some of the titles you mentioned. As I said I haven't seen most of the things I wanted. I think I'll pay special attention to these :) I have the impression we have quite similar tastes ;)
I remember watching "Husbands and Wives" and liking it very much, but it was a few years ago.Sadly, I don't remember much of it and I think I have to see it once again.
As for the critics I am not sure they like his new works. I can't say about USA, but here they avoid mentioning him which is rather sad. I've been rereading some info on his works on the net lately and it turned out I've missed some of his movies in the last two years because I simply didn't hear about them. Funny, isn't it?
I recommend you "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", as I said it's very good :D I think you will find some real changes in Allen's work and it's worth it only for this.

Janine

01-04-2009, 05:40 PM

Hi, Janine, I've been wondering what have happened to you :) Your post is a bit intimidating, all this knowledge :D To be honest I haven't even heard some of the titles you mentioned. As I said I haven't seen most of the things I wanted. I think I'll pay special attention to these :) I have the impression we have quite similar tastes ;)
I remember watching "Husbands and Wives" and liking it very much, but it was a few years ago.Sadly, I don't remember much of it and I think I have to see it once again.
As for the critics I am not sure they like his new works. I can't say about USA, but here they avoid mentioning him which is rather sad. I've been rereading some info on his works on the net lately and it turned out I've missed some of his movies in the last two years because I simply didn't hear about them. Funny, isn't it?
I recommend you "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", as I said it's very good :D I think you will find some real changes in Allen's work and it's worth it only for this.

For now -

Alexei, here are two sites his biography and filmography, etc. Believe me there are plenty I have not seen either. Wow, didn't realise just how long the list would be. For someone not popular, he sure won a lot of awards. See second link. I will get back to you later and let you know the ones I did see. I just saw "Casandra's Dream" a week or so ago. I didn't even realise that was directed by Allen. How funny. You are right; the style is quite different than his earlier work.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/

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

wessexgirl

01-04-2009, 07:57 PM

The End of the Affair, an adaptation of the Graham Greene novel. 9/10, only because it's difficult to give 10 for something. I couldn't remember if there was much changed, I know they missed a lot out about one of the characters, but overall, very good. And the added bonus of Ralph Fiennes looking gorgeous, although I don't like his actions off-screen.

Joreads

01-04-2009, 08:16 PM

Marley and Me 7/10. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

qimissung

01-04-2009, 08:29 PM

"Slumdog Millionaire" 10/10. Watching this movie is like stepping off a cliff and plunging into a raging torrent of a culture that is completely unknown to one, one that is so vivid that it fills not only your eyes and ears, but your mouth and nose, and heart, too. And while it is very much a story of today, it is also a myth and Selim is the boy King Aurthur, pulling the sword from the stone; he is Galahad, the pure of heart, searching for the Holy Grail; he is George, slaying the dragon. And director Boyle has given us a story that masterfully weaves together themes of love and loyalty, the high price of survival, hope, fate, and the road not taken. It is a beautiful movie in which to become completely lost. Enjoy.

wessexgirl

01-04-2009, 08:43 PM

qimissung

01-04-2009, 11:48 PM

I haven't, but it does sound good.

Alexei

01-05-2009, 02:03 PM

Janine, thank you for the links. I was considering seing "Cassandra's dream" next :D What amazed me most after reading some of the lists is that he actually makes a film every year and on top of that he makes good films. This sure needs lots of creativity :p I think I would like to try to watch a couple of films for every decade and see how his style changes. This will be interesting and educational :D, but having to catch up at school I will have to leave it for later.

qimissung, you've done great review. Thank you :) I wanted to watch this one, but after reading what you've written I am definitely going to see it.

LadyWentworth

01-05-2009, 07:10 PM

Dear Zachary
10/10

I don't even know if it is appropriate to even rate something like this. It is a documentary. The story is horrid, but I admire how the film shows all the people and how they failed, as far as I am concerned, as human beings. The film starts off as a memorial. But it morphs into something completely different as it goes on. It involves murder, custody battles and the insane way that the law works. I found myself so upset over this documentary. I was so angry (and heartbroken for the couple in this film) that I cried over it. This is NOT something that I would like to recommend to anyone because of the tragedy involved. But then again, I want everyone to see how the "system" fails. I can't give too much away. It is one of those things you just have to watch. It is one of the worst things that I have ever seen. I give it a "10" for a very well-made documentary. But it is just tragic. Horribly, horribly tragic.

papayahed

01-10-2009, 08:25 PM

Night at the Museum - The first Ben Stiller movie I've liked in a long time (the last one I think was Mystery Men or Reality Bites, whicher came last). Cute movie. 8/10

Joreads

01-10-2009, 09:54 PM

Night at the Museum - The first Ben Stiller movie I've liked in a long time (the last one I think was Mystery Men or Reality Bites, whicher came last). Cute movie. 8/10

I really liked this one as well. A fun movie that everyone can enjoy.

Niamh

01-11-2009, 07:53 AM

FernGully the last rainforest. 8/10

I loved this as a kid. havent seen it in at least 15/ 16 years so it was a real treat to get it from a friends for christmas!
And yu know what? I still loved it! it didnt loose any of its thrill like seeing the little mirmaid again after years did. And i could identify things in the rainforest that i didnt know as a kid! (way ta go trip to Australia and Daintree rainforest! :p )

Morbid Misery

01-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Hmm... The last film I have seen recently?

At the cinema it was The Curious case of Benjamin Button

And on DVD it was Alien Ressurection, The Eye, 1408, The Amityville Horror (Remake) and Jaws - what can I say it rained all weekend where I live.

LostPrincess13

01-11-2009, 10:53 AM

Hmm... The last film I have seen recently?

At the cinema it was The Curious case of Benjamin Button
oooh! i really wanted to see that one!:D
the last film i've watched at the cinema was twilight... it was way below par... i was very disappointed...

Cat_Brenners

01-11-2009, 11:56 PM

The Last one I saw that I liked was a Christmas one.
Santa Claus I and II.
I enjoyed one much better than the second one.
Cat

Saphira

01-12-2009, 03:09 PM

The last one I saw was "Underworld", a great movie. It's my favourite movie. There is a second movie and there is a third movie coming up.

MattG

01-12-2009, 03:30 PM

Burn After Reading (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0887883/).
Love the Coens. 8/10

Niamh

01-13-2009, 07:47 AM

Stardust...
Yes i watched it again for what must be the zillionth time! I just love it!

grace86

01-13-2009, 04:06 PM

Last one I watched was Seven Pounds. 9/10 because I loved it but it made me sad.

I also saw the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. 9/10 because this one also made me sad.

*Classic*Charm*

01-13-2009, 05:40 PM

Stardust...
Yes i watched it again for what must be the zillionth time! I just love it!

EEE! I love Stardust. I've been slacking in the movie-watching department lately...

LadyWentworth

01-13-2009, 08:34 PM

Burn After Reading (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0887883/).
Love the Coens. 8/10
:thumbs_up I will say that the one scene really threw me off. :D Didn't see that coming!

Niamh

01-14-2009, 05:31 AM

EEE! I love Stardust. I've been slacking in the movie-watching department lately...

I thinks its brill! I love the scene on the boat when the can can is being played! :D
It is one of two stories that i prefer the movie to the book. the other is Howls Moving Castle

Joreads

01-14-2009, 05:40 PM

Saw Twilight again (Yes 5th time) it is growing on me 4/5 this time

NickAdams

01-14-2009, 11:50 PM

Janine, thank you for the links. I was considering seing "Cassandra's dream" next :D What amazed me most after reading some of the lists is that he actually makes a film every year and on top of that he makes good films. This sure needs lots of creativity :p I think I would like to try to watch a couple of films for every decade and see how his style changes. This will be interesting and educational :D, but having to catch up at school I will have to leave it for later.

I'm a big fan of Woody Allen and I really enjoy his tragedies, Match Point is one of my favorite films, but the miscasting of Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell is a case of what could have been ... of course I own it, lol; I couldn't have an incomplete collection.

kiz_paws

01-15-2009, 01:28 AM

Janine

01-16-2009, 12:00 AM

Secondhand Lions
10/10

I loved this movie. :nod:
Robert Duvall and Michael Caine play very convincing eccentric old codger-like great uncles in this movie about a boy who is basically dropped off by his flaky mother for the summer.
The boy is played by Haley Joel Osment, and he is very loveable in his role in the movie.
This movie has you laughing, angry, sad, and all in all I found it to be a very entertaining 110 minutes.

Kiz, I saw this movie awhile back and I loved it, too! I got such a kick out of the "old codger-like great uncles" haha..such an appropriate way to describe them. I thought they played it just right; they were great together. I laughed when Duvall went out to the lake with a plunger - wasn't it a plunger and he was fencing with it; I forget now? I have always love films featuring Haley Joel Osment. He is in another film, which I think is wonderful called "Pieces of the Lord", shot in rural Poland, during the Nazi occupation. It basically is from the kids' point of view and such a great screenplay; if you ever have a change, I highly recommend it; but unlike "Second Hand Lions", it is much more serious a role for Osment. "Second Hand Lions" is all you pointed out in your last statement. I wish to see that film again and since my library owns it, I should check it out soon. I recall it was totally enjoyable and all the characters were just great.:thumbs_up

Janine

01-16-2009, 12:09 AM

I'm a big fan of Woody Allen and I really enjoy his tragedies, Match Point is one of my favorite films, but the miscasting of Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell is a case of what could have been ... of course I own it, lol; I couldn't have an incomplete collection.

To be honest with you, I am still a bit undecided about "Cassandra's Dream"; it is rather different and actually not at all like other Allen films. I didn't even realise it was done by him. I am a big fan of McGregors but you may be right about the miscasting. I don't know, something about the film bugs me, but so far I haven't figured out exactly what. I own the film also, since a friend on Youtube highly recommended it. I think that some parts just went 'over the top' in some strange way - can't really explain that; perhaps it was mostly the actions of the characters or something that did not feel authentic to the times, or appropriate. I usually like Richard E. Grant, but I was not too sure about his role in this film either. Maybe I didn't like it as well because these stars did not seem to believable to me. I agree, I don't know if Ewan was believable at all in the film. I prefer him in other films I have seen him in such as "Young Adam" and "Eye of the Beholder"...in those I believed he was the character. Maybe it was his silly accent and his stupid looking long wig, that threw me way off in "Cassandra's Dream."

I agree with you, I like Woody's tragedies probably the best. I liked his older works, such as "Hannah and Her Sisters", "The Purple Rose of Cairo", "Husbands and Wives" and I also loved "Match Point." There are so many I hope to see someday.

saba

01-16-2009, 12:13 AM

Today I had the chance to sit down and watch three wonderful films (I had the day off of work and it's 20 degrees below 0 where I live - so a few hours of cinema seemed necessary). I don't know how many people on this board are interested in cinema as a art form (as opposed to a conventional form of entertainment), but I would like to share to any interested parties on these small treasures I had the joy of watching...

La Jetée/Sans Soleil by Chris Marker
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/lajeteesans_w128.jpg

Chris Marker is a French multimedia artist who is best known for his documentaries. The first piece I watched was his 28-minute short film La Jetée. The film takes place in a apocalyptic Paris after World War III, where the survivors of the aftermath live underground. There scientists spend their days researching time travel, in hopes that they could go back in time and erase the destruction of the past. After a series of trial and error, the scientists discover that time travel will only be successful on a participant who has proficient memory. They meet a man with an obsessive childhood memory that involved a mysterious woman that is linked to his life in some way. With the aid of this man, the scientists can successfully go back in time as well as into the future...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/P.jpg

What I found most interesting about this film was that it was almost entirely composed from still shots.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/XFilm_387w_Jetee.jpg

The entire short can be seen on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0UIhLArTM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBnQKslFQYQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN5YJi_XuEE

The second film I saw was Chris Marker's documentary Sans Soleil. This film is a meditation on the nature of memory and the inability to recall context and distinction of memory as a form of personal or historic significance. The film is a experimental essay of beautiful thoughts, images, and scenes, most notably from Japan and Guinea-Bissau. There is a marvelous contrast between the two nations (Japan for their complex modernity, Africa for their primitive simplicity). There are some interesting references to Hitchock's Vertigo and Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker. This film was overall more interesting and complex than La Jetée, but La Jetée felt more complete as a film. There are numerous scenes during Sans Soleil that are unforgettable (Japanese museum of animal erotica, the killing of a giraffe, etc.) Highly recommended.

Opening scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKOJUgTqFtY

À nos amours by Maurice Pialat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/337_box_348x490_w128.jpg

Maurice Pilate's first film is a very nice one. Suzanne (played by the gorgeous Sandrine Bonnaire) is a fifteen year old Parisian who plunges into a world of sexual rampage, in an effort to isolate herself from her domineering but loving father, and ineffectual mother and brother who decide to execute violence upon her life. What makes the film so successful is it's simplicity and rawness in nature, in design and how the character's interact with each other. The film may seem controversial to some because of it's openness to sexuality and full body nudity of a 16 year old actress, but it is a beautiful, brief film about a young adolescent growing up into womanhood. Very intimate and compelling.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/Film_337w_ANosAmours.jpg

À nos amours trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_gcsG4-5vw

*Classic*Charm*

01-17-2009, 01:57 AM

JacobF

01-17-2009, 02:07 AM

Religulous -- 9/10

I approached this movie as if it was going to be a religion bashing-fest, but it wasn't -- and I'm glad for that fact. A lot of the interviewees did a good job of making fun of themselves. Bill Maher was hilarious, and seemed genuine throughout the entire thing. The only part where the movie got serious was the very end, when Maher did a little rant on religion. Even if you are a religious person, you can enjoy this movie.

kiz_paws

01-17-2009, 02:33 AM

Kiz, I saw this movie awhile back and I loved it, too! I got such a kick out of the "old codger-like great uncles" haha..such an appropriate way to describe them. I thought they played it just right; they were great together. I laughed when Duvall went out to the lake with a plunger - wasn't it a plunger and he was fencing with it; I forget now? I have always love films featuring Haley Joel Osment. He is in another film, which I think is wonderful called "Pieces of the Lord", shot in rural Poland, during the Nazi occupation. It basically is from the kids' point of view and such a great screenplay; if you ever have a change, I highly recommend it; but unlike "Second Hand Lions", it is much more serious a role for Osment. "Second Hand Lions" is all you pointed out in your last statement. I wish to see that film again and since my library owns it, I should check it out soon. I recall it was totally enjoyable and all the characters were just great.:thumbs_up
Ha ha, yes, Duvall was fencing in his billowing nightshirt with a plunger (hilarious!) :lol:

I thank you for your tip on the more serious film of Osment, Janine. I will definitely need to check this out. :nod:

AshleyEliz

01-17-2009, 11:05 AM

The last movie I saw was "Reign Over Me"

Of 5 stars, I'd give it a 4. I was very moved by the movie, and I thought that Sandler did a very good job with such a serious role. It's not very often you see him step from his usual comedic light, into a much more serious one, and fit the part so well.

I felt as if he really was this terribly heartbroken, destroyed man who had lost everything that had ever meant anything to him in one fell swoop.

*Classic*Charm*

01-18-2009, 12:26 PM

Pathology 2/10

SCREWED UP! By far the most disturbing film I have ever seen.

Janine

01-18-2009, 03:27 PM

Ha ha, yes, Duvall was fencing in his billowing nightshirt with a plunger (hilarious!) :lol:

I thank you for your tip on the more serious film of Osment, Janine. I will definitely need to check this out. :nod:

I thought the film was a riot at that point, too.

The other film is exceptional, I think. The smallest kid in it is amazing. He is luminous in this very intense and complex role and he can't be very old. Kid actors do amaze me. Osment, likewise is terrific and deep. I love the part where he talks with the priest and what says about the communion waffers; this is the symbolism of the title and the story. It has a great ending, too. I will try looking it up on Amazon for you.

Edit: opps I am wrong - the film is called "Edges of the Lord"; not 'Pieces'....here is the Amazon link...http://www.amazon.com/Edges-Lord-Haley-Joel-Osment/dp/B00069FKVE/ref=sr_1_3?

Zee.

01-18-2009, 03:28 PM

Harold and Kumar, the second one..
again.

9/10
Could not stop laughing.

kandaurov

01-18-2009, 03:44 PM

The very last was yesterday, the Monty Python and the Holy Grail (11/10, the best comedy of all time), but we didn't watch all the way to the end, so...

Slumdog Millionaire: 7.5/10

Basically, the chap's an indian Forrest Gump. A movie with one of the most gripping first halves I've seen in a while. Sadly, it sort of goes downhill towards the end - not at all as congruent and satisfying an ending as in Forrest Gump. Though they were essentially artistic liberties crucial to the story, some things still struck me as very forced, like the show being recorded live and [what follows isn't really a spoiler, but then again it kind of is] the fact that the last question was not final question material at all.

subterranean

01-18-2009, 03:46 PM

I finally watched Shrek(2). For some reason, I always thought it was a crappy movie. But after seeing it, I fall in love with it from the first minute. Totally hillarious!

Alexei

01-18-2009, 03:51 PM

I'm a big fan of Woody Allen and I really enjoy his tragedies, Match Point is one of my favorite films, but the miscasting of Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell is a case of what could have been ... of course I own it, lol; I couldn't have an incomplete collection.

I've seen parts from Match Point. I caught the last ten minutes of it while they were broadcasting it on TV. They made me want to watch the whole film, but it will have to wait. Same with Cassandra's Dream unfortunately. I don't know maybe I am not missing a lot with the last one as you and Janine seem to think, but I want to see for myself :D If I don't like it I can at least try to understand what exactly is wrong with it ;)

Saba, great post. Thank you for the reviews. I like French cinema, but I don't have much information and I usually choose the French films I watch rather randomly. The three you made the reviews of seems very interesting to me and I will add them to my 'to watch' list :) You really got me interested in Sans Soleil especially with the references to Stalker. It's one of my favourite films. Well, I am not great fan of the plot, but the way it was made really impressed me. Although it is so slow and hard to watch some the scenes were really beautiful. Same goes with The Mirror, the other Tarkovsky's film I've seen.

Janine

01-18-2009, 04:28 PM

The very last was yesterday, the Monty Python and the Holy Grail (11/10, the best comedy of all time), but we didn't watch all the way to the end, so...

Love MP! I think it was a classic too...just too funny for anything. I love it.

kandaurov

01-18-2009, 04:33 PM

Niamh

01-18-2009, 04:41 PM

Oh man! I love Monty Python! They are so funny! the holy Grail is brill! I love the nights that say ni!
Meaning of life is comical.
As for the life of brian, love it so much i have it on my Ipod.

Janine

01-18-2009, 06:49 PM

Janine, glad you love them too! My parents and two friends of mine weren't that impressed by the Holy Grail. I'm expecting to know soon what's wrong with them, the doctor's supposed to have the MRIs ready by Tuesday.

(D. H. Lawrence, Johnny Cash, MP... how compatible our tastes are! :))

kandaurov, glad to hear of our similar tastes. No offence to your parents or your two friends, but they just don't get it....we will have to see what those MRI's reveal.:lol: Actually, first time my mother say "The Holy Grail" she laughed and laughed. I was shocked! ;) :lol:

Cool, if you like D.H.Lawrence please do come and join our short story group. Presently, we are into a rather long story and nearly finished disgussing it. Probably next month, we will start another - be it a short one, I say.:D I have a few in mind and they are indeed short ones. We have good interesting discussions over there in that thread.

Niamh, I agree - isn't 'Life of Brian' a total riot? I can think of various scenes that have me ROTFLOL; hope you know what that means.;) MP is the best! I even get a kick out of their old TV show skits. My library owns the collection, so I have seen quite a number of them this past year. I howled with laughter at most of those.

Janine

01-18-2009, 06:53 PM

Suspicion- 8.5/10

Joan Fontaine was underrated, I think. Poor thing.
And Alfred does some excellent camera work, as per usual. No one could do an interesting perspective shot like he could. When he puts you into Joan's eyes and shows Carey Grant lounging on the fancy chair staring right at you, it's incredible!

Oh Hitch, how I've missed you the past two weeks while school started!

Wow, *Classic*, glad you mentioned this film. Now I am not sure I have seen "Suspicion." I will have to keep a eye out for it and see it soon. I agree that Alfred does some excellent camera work with angles, perspectives, etc. This is one thing I always notice about his work and how creative the shooting it. I love Hitch's movies! Joan Fontaine was a fine actress.

Niamh

01-18-2009, 06:53 PM

Janine

01-18-2009, 08:43 PM

If i have my ipod on shuffle, every now and then a scene from Brian will crop up and i do try my best not to break my heart laughing as i'm usually on transport or walking in city centre when they come on. I love the "He's not the Messiah, hes a very naughty boy" quote! :lol:

Oh how funny; I can just imagine that. It would be fun to have it on your ipod shuffle and hear a classic scene now and then between music.

I own a box set of MP and one of the DVDs is a collection of skits from the programme. :) I love the one about the joke that killed.

I am pretty sure I remember that one. The one that really killed me was when the Englishmen were being abducted by aliens and turned into Scotsman. I just thought that was so hysterical...they would be walking down the street and sudden - zap! - they would be wearing kilts. The English population kept going down and the Scotish numbers kept rising. They kept showing that silly map and the news guy.

I recall also the 'old lady' gangs. Those were the best - you had to see them to get the full joke; they were just great.

Niamh

01-19-2009, 07:27 AM

I am pretty sure I remember that one. The one that really killed me was when the Englishmen were being abducted by aliens and turned into Scotsman. I just thought that was so hysterical...they would be walking down the street and sudden - zap! - they would be wearing kilts. The English population kept going down and the Scotish numbers kept rising. They kept showing that silly map and the news guy.

I recall also the 'old lady' gangs. Those were the best - you had to see them to get the full joke; they were just great.

Classic! :lol:

kandaurov

01-19-2009, 07:42 AM

NickAdams

01-19-2009, 12:23 PM

To be honest with you, I am still a bit undecided about "Cassandra's Dream"; it is rather different and actually not at all like other Allen films. I didn't even realise it was done by him. I am a big fan of McGregors but you may be right about the miscasting. I don't know, something about the film bugs me, but so far I haven't figured out exactly what. I own the film also, since a friend on Youtube highly recommended it. I think that some parts just went 'over the top' in some strange way - can't really explain that; perhaps it was mostly the actions of the characters or something that did not feel authentic to the times, or appropriate. I usually like Richard E. Grant, but I was not too sure about his role in this film either. Maybe I didn't like it as well because these stars did not seem to believable to me. I agree, I don't know if Ewan was believable at all in the film. I prefer him in other films I have seen him in such as "Young Adam" and "Eye of the Beholder"...in those I believed he was the character. Maybe it was his silly accent and his stupid looking long wig, that threw me way off in "Cassandra's Dream."

I agree with you, I like Woody's tragedies probably the best. I liked his older works, such as "Hannah and Her Sisters", "The Purple Rose of Cairo", "Husbands and Wives" and I also loved "Match Point." There are so many I hope to see someday.

Those accents were hoooooooooooorrible.:lol: It might have worked if it was set in Dublin. It had potential. Annie Hall is considered his best comedy, but I'm a Love and Death fan.

sprinks

01-19-2009, 12:56 PM

I think the last movie I watched was the 3rd Futurama movie. I forget what the name is. Anywho, 9/10 because I love Futurama and I love the refrences in it, and random things like: "Is that a hobbit?" "No, that's a hobo and a rabbit, but they're making a hobbit." (Might've got that wrong but it's the general idea :p)

Nightshade

01-19-2009, 04:07 PM

Classic! :lol:

Oh how funny; I can just imagine that. It would be fun to have it on your ipod shuffle and hear a classic scene now and then between music.

I am pretty sure I remember that one. The one that really killed me was when the Englishmen were being abducted by aliens and turned into Scotsman. I just thought that was so hysterical...they would be walking down the street and sudden - zap! - they would be wearing kilts. The English population kept going down and the Scotish numbers kept rising. They kept showing that silly map and the news guy.

I recall also the 'old lady' gangs. Those were the best - you had to see them to get the full joke; they were just great.

Noone excepects the spanish inquistion is my fav and the dejuvu skit! :lol:

LadyW

01-19-2009, 04:17 PM

Final Destination 3

7/10

I admit, I got quite a big thrill out of this film, sadistic as that may sound.
I thought the directing was excellent in certain parts.
It wasn't the best horror movie I've seen, not by miles... but I'd watch it again sometime.

*Classic*Charm*

01-19-2009, 06:08 PM

To Janine and Kandourov: I love Monty Python too! I love the Ministry on Silly Walks!!

Janine, yes, I really just can't get enough of Alfie. I got a boxed set for Christmas that I'm making my way through (more slowly than I would like:(). Suspicion was really interesting.

I watched Dial M for Murder...again. Infinity/10

The work with shadows is AMAZING.

Shalot

01-20-2009, 01:00 AM

Saw Bride Wars today. It wasn't totally terrible, but it wasn't as good of a chick flick as it could have been. Or maybe I just wasn't really in the mood for a movie.

I don't really understand the whole bridal mania frenzy that this movie and others seem to try to promote as I myself got married in a pair of jeans and my husband wore flip flops. Ew, that is kinda tacky, now that I think of it, but whatever. I still don't get it. I don't understand the quest for the perfect wedding, and I don't understand spending loads of money on it. Marriages won't be perfect - you know they're going to be hard, and if you have any sense at all you realize that no man is going to be perfect, and if you go into thinking like that, you're just going to end up disappointed....

But anyway, back to the movie. I like Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, so this movie was tolerable to me and there were at least two real laugh out loud moments, and a many more moments worthy of a slight soft chuckle here and there. Candice Bergen's performance as the drill sargent wedding planner was a little too cliche for me though, and I didn't see the ending because I had to pee.

7.9/10

Janine

01-20-2009, 01:19 AM

Those accents were hoooooooooooorrible.:lol: It might have worked if it was set in Dublin. It had potential. Annie Hall is considered his best comedy, but I'm a Love and Death fan.

I will start with you NickA, I really liked "Love and Death", too; I haven't seen it in years but would love to see it again soon. It was so great. Agree about those accents. They were just awful :lol:...soooo phoney....made it hard from the start to get into the story or the film; from there on the film seemed too unreal to me...just like something was thrown way off balance.

Quote by *C*C*

To Janine and Kandourov: I love Monty Python too! I love the Ministry on Silly Walks!!

Janine, yes, I really just can't get enough of Alfie. I got a boxed set for Christmas that I'm making my way through (more slowly than I would like). Suspicion was really interesting.

I watched Dial M for Murder...again. Infinity/10

*Classic*C*, oh yes, the 'Silly Walks' was just hilarious!
Edit: just found it on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYlzTdSZeI4
I did see this before - so funny!

Cool, we have a lot of MP enthusiasts here amongst us. We should form a social group.

Yes, aren't Alfie films the greatest? I must see "Suspicion". I have a boxed set of his earlier b/w films. Those are fun to watch, too. Nice you got the box set for Christmas - great gift. "Dial M for Murder" is one of my all-time favorites of his. I love the way the story unfolds so meticulously. Wonderful film! Perfect in every way. 'Infinity' is a good word!

The work with shadows is AMAZING You said it. True of all his films. He was truly genius. Such talent and a very nice man on top of that!

Quote by Nightshade

No one excepects the spanish inquistion is my fav and the dejuvu skit!

Night, I think I recall the second one, but not the first; although the title sure sounds slightly familiar.
Edit: here is "The Spanish Inquistion" - indeed I had seen this before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gldlyTjXk9A

On the other hand, I now don't recall seeing this before but it is quite a riot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2eUopy9sd8

jon1jt

01-20-2009, 01:49 AM

I'll tell you a movie I'm about to watch: Y Tu Mama Tambien

Netflix says it's "Oscar-nominated film was one of the most talked about of 2002. Rich teenagers Tenoch and Julio meet the alluring, older Luisa at a wedding and try to impress her with stories of a road trip to a beautiful, secret beach."

Oh, I did a road trip this summer halfway across America, but didn't see any beautiful, secret beach. Well, maybe one if lakes count. If you're wondering why I only made it halfway, the car I was driving in broke down. I tried to hitch a ride on a state highway like Kerouac did but those Missouri police didn't like it much. Missouri has the best grassy fields and flowers I've ever seen though. :p

Anyway...what thread is this? ;)

kandaurov

01-20-2009, 06:55 AM

Citizen Kane, 1941

9/10

A great film indeed, but somewhat overhyped. I mean, best film ever made?

Technically speaking the film is irreprehensible, and universally heralded as being groundbreaking in many ways. Welles was a fantastic story teller, the ellipses are in all right places and he manages to have a smooth narrative despite its being a collage of fragments. Even the makeup work is amazing.

However, the lack of emotional depth and overall superficiality of the film, which we watch as though from a bird's eye view, render the film entertaining rather than truly memorable. The acting wasn't worthy of a film claimed to be the best ever, either.

That's why this movie doesn't deserve a 10/10 rating. Somewhat disappointed after having watched it, I was prone to give it an 8 or even a 7, but I knew full well that such feeling was more due to the dizzying heights of my expectations, which were fed by numerous critics, rather than due to the film itself.

(CC, yeah Ministry of Silly Walks is great :D My favourite sketches are: the Argument Clinic, the SPAM one, the Lumberjack song, the Self Defence class, and the Germany vs Greece football match played by philosophers!)

Niamh

01-20-2009, 07:19 AM

:sick: I hated Citizen Kane.

Lumberjack song! Love it!
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=5zey8567bcg

manolia

01-20-2009, 07:30 AM

Hiroshima Mon Amour, 1959

9/10

What begins as being an affair of aloofness and bliss gradually turns into an impossible love story. As the lovers reveal more about themselves, the heavy shadow of the past can be seen looming over them (hence Hiroshima being the perfect setting), slowly gathering insurmountable momentum. The thematic interplay between memory and forgetfulness, visually represented by the innovative use of flashback sequences, allied with the protagonists' complexity, ensure an unforgettable cinematic experience.

That's a great film :) Good choice :thumbs_up

EDIT
Just saw your review on Citizen Kane..i remember liking the film but not giving it a 10/10 either..all those things about best film ever, 100 best films etc are a load of crap if you ask me.

But there must be some criteria for all those lists but i unfortunately don't know enough about directing techniques etc to actually judge.

I always thought that "battleship potemkin" by Sergey Eisenstein was considered the best film ever (perhaps we are consulting different lists :) or simply my memory plays tricks on me)

kandaurov

01-20-2009, 07:45 AM

manolia

01-20-2009, 08:15 AM

Thanks, manolia! :) I've made a shortlist of 96 films out of the 1001 films you must see before you die book. I'm skeptical about these things, but so far so good: I've already watched three of these: Hiroshima, Kane and 'A Trip to the Moon', 1902 (the whole of it: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI9OaZHxk64&feature=related + http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NjjTAuh2ACY&feature=related). Starts slow, but great special effects in the second half, I was rather impressed! Couldn't bring myself to rate a film more than a hundred years old, I with my 21st century prejudices and all, but it's definitely a must see, everyone!

(by the way, manolia, I'm in love with your signature. 'Twin Peaks' is one of my favourite shows ever, you see ;))

EDIT: Yeah, my sister actually hates these kind of lists, but I think it's a reliable guide of quality if you're looking forward to seeing good movies for a whole year. This book is good because one of its criterion is the film's legacy in other films and its impact on society too. That's why 'The Exorcist', for example, features in it, and even though I found it quite bad (I laughed my way through it) I can see why it's a landmark. Every movie comes with a short description, so I know if it's my cup o' tea.

(One such films should be 'David Holzman's Diary'. I'm desperately looking for it, looks like my sort of film, but can't find it anywhere...)

And yes, it depends on who says it's the best movie, because it's not like there's a universally accepted canon. I too have seen people herald Battleship as the king of films, that's why it's also on my list ;)

A twin peaks fan :eek2: where were you hiding? :D I absolutely love twin peaks..Lynch was so cruel for never finishing the series.

Yep i agree with what you say about lists..i keep whining about them but i have lots of them :D They are certainly a good guide but most of them are biased. Just like the book lists.

The "exorcist" is a good film (if you disregard all the green vomit :lol:)..it used to scare people back then it seems. My dad took my mom to watch this film when they were young (i guess he wanted her to get scared and hide in his arms :lol: :lol:) Anyway it is a cult film..i can easilly imagine someone laughing his way through this one ;)

Thanks for the links. I am not familiar with this one. I'll have to watch it at my leisure time :)

It is indeed very difficult to judge a film made so many years ago. I know people who love cinema and just can't bring themselves to watch silent films..so just watching a silent film and really trying to appreciate it (with all our prejudices as you term them) is a good thing to do. And requires a bit of an effort. I have watched many of Hitchcock's silent films (Hitchcock being one of my fav directors) and the experience was quite rewarding.

kandaurov

01-20-2009, 09:10 AM

Oh, not only Twin Peaks: if I was obliged to say which is my favourite film, I think I'd choose 'Mulholland Dr.' (though 'Wings of Desire' is a close second). I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen 'Lost Highway', 'Blue Velvet' or 'Eraserhead' :( They're on my list though :D

Your dad's clever :D Well, the problem I had with 'The Exorcist' is that I watched it first with a bunch of friends (15 people in a small living room), and then with my two hilarious cousins, so never really seen it in a proper horror film atmosphere :)

Totally understand people who have the 'silent film prejudice'. I used to have it too, but my amazing German Culture teacher introduced me to the likes of 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', 'Nosferatu' and 'Metropolis' (all of which public domain and therefore available at the Internet Archive!). I'm feeling bad about hijacking the thread, so a ludicrously short review of these films follows:

At first it's really weird, might be boring and Expressionism in film is quite liable to make you laugh if you're feeling detached from the film. I watched them at least three times each and they grew on me :) I recommend them all, of course, if only to expand your cinematic horizons. 'Caligari' and 'Nosferatu' are less than two hours combined: 'Nosferatu' is, in my opinion, the best rendering of Dracula, and I've seen quite a few of them; and 'Caligari' has terrific acting, setting, and a lovely twist in the end.

As for The Trip to the Moon, it's only 10 minutes long, so I guess it'll be easy to fit in your schedule ;) And I'm sure I'll love Hitchcock (I've only watched his movies when I was young and foolish), already have four of his in my list. Your taste in movies seems to be very reliable, would you recommend me a film or two? :)

manolia

01-20-2009, 01:31 PM

Oh, not only Twin Peaks: if I was obliged to say which is my favourite film, I think I'd choose 'Mulholland Dr.' (though 'Wings of Desire' is a close second). I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen 'Lost Highway', 'Blue Velvet' or 'Eraserhead' :( They're on my list though :D

My favourite is "Lost Highway"..it has this really weird scene where you get to hear "heirate mich" by Rammstein (i like rammstein very much by the way), i've seen it plenty of times and this particular scene is just creepy..hehe but i won't say more, you have to watch it by yourself :p

The only one i haven't seen is "Eraserhead". "Wings of desire" is a film by Wim Wenders (also one of my fav directors..well what can i say he is german..i love german cinema).

Totally understand people who have the 'silent film prejudice'. I used to have it too, but my amazing German Culture teacher introduced me to the likes of 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', 'Nosferatu' and 'Metropolis' (all of which public domain and therefore available at the Internet Archive!). I'm feeling bad about hijacking the thread, so a ludicrously short review of these films follows:

Yes, these three films are really good. I have a soft spot for 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'..there are so many modern horror films that where influenced by it. I used to like horror films a lot. I am fed up with them now. Seen too many and only a few are really worth it.

As for The Trip to the Moon, it's only 10 minutes long, so I guess it'll be easy to fit in your schedule ;) And I'm sure I'll love Hitchcock (I've only watched his movies when I was young and foolish), already have four of his in my list. Your taste in movies seems to be very reliable, would you recommend me a film or two? :)

I think most of them are worth it. If am not mistaken Hitchcock has made around 60 films (56 i think). I've seen half of them. My favourite is "The birds" but the rest are really good too:

The birds
Spellbound
Notorious
Dial M for Murder
Rear Window
North by Northwest
Psycho

Niamh

01-20-2009, 06:03 PM

Can either of you explain Mullholland Dr please? that movie confused the hell out of me!

Hayley Zero

01-20-2009, 07:37 PM

Can either of you explain Mullholland Dr please? that movie confused the hell out of me!

It's the kind of movie you can interpret personally, but read through the messages on its imdb.com page - I found it interesting to hear what other people thought.

Now I want to watch Mulholland Dr all night... Oh, the last movie I saw was the new Brideshead Revisited. Loved it. Don't shoot me.

kandaurov

01-20-2009, 08:02 PM

Niamh, what Hayley said: part of its beauty is its unfathomableness. It's open to interpretation. Basically, however, it seems that the first 'world' is a dream and the second is reality, as dreams basically consist of the jumbling of real elements and the recasting of them in an unreal order, very much dictated by our primal fears and hopes. That's for the overall picture - some little odd details, however, are quite harder to explain.

Manolia, I'm a Rammstein fan myself. They helped me learn German in the early stages, though my teacher disapproved of my Till-like trilling of the "r"s :D It was thanks to Lynch's movie that they gained international fame, wasn't it? He's such a genius.

Today's film was *drum roll* The Battleship of Potemkin, 1925

9.5/10

Indeed, a masterpiece. Unlike what I had discussed earlier about silent films, this one had me on the edge of my seat. Masterful story telling, with plenty of suspense and memorable moments, from depictions of savage atrocities to unabashed displays of joy. If it occasionally lulls you sometimes it's just to shake you up in the next moment. I decided not to give it the maximum rating mostly because it's blatantly propaganda, and as a general rule I don't like to be told what to think.

EDIT: Just found out this film is available at the Internet Archive as well: http://www.archive.org/details/BattleshipPotemkin

Alexei

01-21-2009, 01:47 PM

Oh, the last movie I saw was the new Brideshead Revisited. Loved it. Don't shoot me.

Yes, I liked it, too. They've change the story and the accents here and there, but I could feel the atmosphere of the book quite clearly. It wasn't what I expected, but I wasn't disappointed either.

AJ.

01-21-2009, 02:02 PM

*Classic*Charm*

01-21-2009, 04:56 PM

*Classic*C*, oh yes, the 'Silly Walks' was just hilarious!
Edit: just found it on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYlzTdSZeI4
I did see this before - so funny!

Cool, we have a lot of MP enthusiasts here amongst us. We should form a social group.

Yes, I think we should haha

Yes, aren't Alfie films the greatest? I must see "Suspicion". I have a boxed set of his earlier b/w films. Those are fun to watch, too. Nice you got the box set for Christmas - great gift. "Dial M for Murder" is one of my all-time favorites of his. I love the way the story unfolds so meticulously. Wonderful film! Perfect in every way. 'Infinity' is a good word!

You said it. True of all his films. He was truly genius. Such talent and a very nice man on top of that!

Yes, they just don't make films like that anymore- you don't find the same interesting camera work.

(CC, yeah Ministry of Silly Walks is great :D My favourite sketches are: the Argument Clinic, the SPAM one, the Lumberjack song, the Self Defence class, and the Germany vs Greece football match played by philosophers!)

I love the giant man eating dinner and the waiter is trying to convince him to have a mint and then he throws up everywhere. Disgusting, and hilarious.

"It's just a thin wafer, Sir!" haha

I think most of them are worth it. If am not mistaken Hitchcock has made around 60 films (56 i think). I've seen half of them. My favourite is "The birds" but the rest are really good too:

The birds
Spellbound
Notorious
Dial M for Murder
Rear Window
North by Northwest
Psycho

You've got an awesome list there, all the most recent though! His his older works were also excellent, though not as polished.

The Lady Vanishes
Jamaica Inn
Rebecca

for starters...

The "exorcist" is a good film (if you disregard all the green vomit :lol:)..it used to scare people back then it seems. My dad took my mom to watch this film when they were young (i guess he wanted her to get scared and hide in his arms :lol: :lol:) Anyway it is a cult film..i can easilly imagine someone laughing his way through this one ;)

The exorcist is a great cult horror film, though I think Black Christmas is better.

saba

01-21-2009, 07:18 PM

I've seen parts from Match Point. I caught the last ten minutes of it while they were broadcasting it on TV. They made me want to watch the whole film, but it will have to wait. Same with Cassandra's Dream unfortunately. I don't know maybe I am not missing a lot with the last one as you and Janine seem to think, but I want to see for myself :D If I don't like it I can at least try to understand what exactly is wrong with it ;)

Saba, great post. Thank you for the reviews. I like French cinema, but I am don't have much information and I usually choose the French films I watch rather randomly. The three you made the reviews of seems very interesting to me and I will add them to my 'to watch' list :) You really got me interested in Sans Soleil especially with the references to Stalker. It's one of my favourite films. Well, I am not great fan of the plot, but the way it was made really impressed me. Although it is so slow and hard to watch some the scenes were really beautiful. Same goes with The Mirror, the other Tarkovsky's films I've seen.

If you are interested in more French cinema, I highly suggest the work of Robert Bresson (Tarkovsky was a great admirer of his work).

Work to check out: Diary of a Country Priest, Mouchette, Au hasard Balthazar, Trial of Joan of Arc

I would also highly recommend the work of Eric Rohmer (notably his Six Moral Tale films, ie: Claire's Knee, My Night At Mauds.) I also strongly suggest the work of Jacques Rivette if you are into "slow films", he likes to work in real time. La Belle noiseuse is a great example of this process. You will literally watch the artist sketch a full drawing in one continuous shot. La Belle noiseuse is based on a story by Honore de Balzac

I also suggest Tarkovsky's other work. (I worship the man too much that I insist on mentioning him again :D)

Virgil

01-21-2009, 11:09 PM

I just saw Gran Torino in the theatre last weekend, and I must say that I enjoyed it. I mean, the acting from some of the minor roles could have been better, but the Clint's character was amusing and the contrast between all of his other roles and this one was interesting. I could appreciate it.

I saw Gran Torino last weekend also AJ and thought it was great. I actually wrote a blog entry for those that may want to read what I thought of the movie. Here: http://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?b=7232

Joreads

01-22-2009, 01:59 AM

I saw Gran Torino last weekend also AJ and thought it was great. I actually wrote a blog entry for those that may want to read what I thought of the movie. Here: http://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?b=7232

Oh I want to see that I will check out the blog. Thanks Virgil

Alexei

01-22-2009, 06:59 PM

[/SIZE]

If you are interested in more French cinema, I highly suggest the work of Robert Bresson (Tarkovsky was a great admirer of his work).

Work to check out: Diary of a Country Priest, Mouchette, Au hasard Balthazar, Trial of Joan of Arc

I would also highly recommend the work of Eric Rohmer (notably his Six Moral Tale films, ie: Claire's Knee, My Night At Mauds.) I also strongly suggest the work of Jacques Rivette if you are into "slow films", he likes to work in real time. La Belle noiseuse is a great example of this process. You will literally watch the artist sketch a full drawing in one continuous shot. La Belle noiseuse is based on a story by Honore de Balzac

I also suggest Tarkovsky's other work. (I worship the man too much that I insist on mentioning him again :D)

Saba, thank you for the recommendations. Right now I don't have the time to watch the films, but I will see them as soon as I can. The thing is I need more energy and concentration to watch them so it will take me some time. I hope I'll be able to see some of them soon and eventually discuss them with you. I hope you won't mind. I like discussing films because it gives me points of view others of my own. This not only helps me to reach deeper level of understanding, it makes the experience even better.

I like Tarkovsky too. I am planing to keep watching his works, but they need lots of time and effort, too. I find it hard to watch film like this any time. I am easily distracted and this makes it necessary for me to be in the right mood for seeing it. Otherwise it's a shame. I can't simply start fidgeting on the 5th minute, it would be like an act of desecration :lol:

MattG

01-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Most recently, I've watched:

There Will be Blood (4/10) and the four stars are directly attributable to Daniel Day Lewis (who I don't like much but was rather good in this one).

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (7/10): I loved the southern charm of this one, it's near and dear to my heart and Kevin Spacey brings it off so well. I would have rated this higher but for some forced and tedious dialog mid stream.

Wuthering Heights (1992) (6/10): Some great performances, especially by Fiennes. The score I gave it generally represents my score for the novel. I like it but it's not my usual cup of tea. It's a serviceable film and tells the story well. No fireworks for me though.

The Bad Seed (1956) (8/10): The more I watch this the more electrifying it becomes. The cat and mouse game between the groundskeeper and the girl was extremely well done. Great performances. I didn't give it a 10 because of a weak-ish ending. It was a cop out. But still.

Burn After Reading (6.5/10): If you like the Coens you'll like it. Brad Pitt + Frances McDormand + George Clooney + John Malkevich together on screen just couldn't stop me from grinning if they tried. The story wasn't bad, the characters (as portrayed by these fine actors) drove it home.

Bunch more but I don't feel like typing about them anymore.

kandaurov

01-22-2009, 07:39 PM

By the way, let me try and save two hours from your lives and possibly your mental health with this review, which also servers as a public service announcement:

In the Cut (2003): 0/10. The worst film I've seen in years. It's supposed to be an erotic thriller. It may not scare you, but it will definitely scar you. Not one character to relate to, all are one-dimentional idiots who think they're too cool for school. Only Kevin Bacon (was he needing the money so badly?) is decent, but the existence of the eccentric character he portrays doesn't make sense at all. The amount of sex is unnecessary, its kind is positively appalling - at times it becomes pornographic for no apparent aesthetic reason. An atrocious collage of clichés (with a ridiculously obvious happy ending and all) glued together with sexual depravation, this film is pure brain poison.

MattG, first time I've seen someone not love "Burn After Reading" (I haven't yet seen it myself). How do you think it compares to the other Coen brothers' films like, say, "The Big Lebowski"?

MattG

01-22-2009, 07:44 PM

MattG, first time I've seen someone not love "Burn After Reading" (I haven't yet seen it myself). How do you think it compares to the other Coen brothers' films like, say, "The Big Lebowski"?

It's actually somewhat comparable to Lebowski in that it's really character driven versus plot driven.

Fargo is my favorite followed very closely by Blood Simple. The underpinning stories of these two were far more interesting to me than other efforts by the Coens. If Lebowski rates high for you then you might like it more than I did.

NickAdams

01-22-2009, 07:50 PM

Has anybody watched Inland Empire?

mono

01-22-2009, 08:25 PM

The Science of Sleep
I own it, and watch it every few weeks. Amazing film - Gael Garcia Bernal at his very best, even better than Bad Education, Amores Perros, and Y Tu Mama Tambien combined, in my opinion! Admittedly, despite how many times I have watched it, I tear up more than an emo kid listening to The Dashboard Confessionals in the dark.

Rating: 11/10.

JacobF

01-22-2009, 11:34 PM

Wall-E: 8.5/10

I generally dislike Disney but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Its message was profound for a movie that's supposed to be for kids. I didn't care for the fact that the director tried to mimic R2-D2 a little bit with Wall-E, but it was a fun and interesting movie.

Janine

01-23-2009, 01:06 AM

I watched a Kultur film of a Broadway play by Tennessee Williams

Eccentricities of a Nightingale ~ Tennessee Williams

I really liked this production. I copied some parts of this synoposis off the back of the DVD, adding my own words at the end.
Blythe Danner portrays the sensitive spinster, Alma Winemiller, in this emotional drama. Alma is frustrated with her longing for the socially prominent young doctor next door (Frank Langella)...I won't devulge anymore of the DVD text, since I think it gives away the storyline and ultimate climax. She lives with her strict minister father and a mother who has lost touch with reality. This is a sad story of a woman who is highly creative, inwardly beautiful; an emotionally charged, passionate person about life, who is trapped in a family, a sociey, a life she has no way to escape. I think the performances in this production were truly commendable and very nuanced. I liked the contrast between the very energetic and somewhat flamboyant (sometimes eccentric) mannerisms of Alma, as compared to the soft-spoken thoughful, intelligent personality of the young doctor. Some of their interchanges of thought are truly beautiful. A fine play and a great DVD to own; proud to add this one to my other fine Kultur films and plays. I love their offerings. I would have to give this a 10/10 in the play category on film. Very well done indeed!

manolia

01-23-2009, 04:33 AM

Has anybody watched Inland Empire?

Yep :D

Chava

01-23-2009, 04:53 AM

Easy Rider 10/10

Xenophobia, naivity, excitement about living, intellectual discussion, and a bad acid trip, what could be better?

wasel

01-23-2009, 09:20 AM

I think that the production of Hollywood is rather moving back . I saw a nice movie for Al Bachino it was the Godfather it is really interesting and he was a big star

GX4146

01-24-2009, 05:44 AM

Halloween (1978)
Psycho (1960)

great mother and daughter scream tandem

Niamh

01-24-2009, 07:44 AM

Niamh, what Hayley said: part of its beauty is its unfathomableness. It's open to interpretation. Basically, however, it seems that the first 'world' is a dream and the second is reality, as dreams basically consist of the jumbling of real elements and the recasting of them in an unreal order, very much dictated by our primal fears and hopes. That's for the overall picture - some little odd details, however, are quite harder to explain.
Thats what i thought! Then i was like... did i miss something? maybe i'm wrong? Just very surreal.

Today's film was *drum roll* The Battleship of Potemkin, 1925

9.5/10

Indeed, a masterpiece. Unlike what I had discussed earlier about silent films, this one had me on the edge of my seat. Masterful story telling, with plenty of suspense and memorable moments, from depictions of savage atrocities to unabashed displays of joy. If it occasionally lulls you sometimes it's just to shake you up in the next moment. I decided not to give it the maximum rating mostly because it's blatantly propaganda, and as a general rule I don't like to be told what to think.

EDIT: Just found out this film is available at the Internet Archive as well: http://www.archive.org/details/BattleshipPotemkin
That is one of the best Silent movies I have ever seen! I will never forget the scene where the mother fleeing mother with her baby gets killed and she leans on the pram by the stair and the baby dies when the buggie gets to the end of the stair.:bawling: Such a famous scene!

mono

01-24-2009, 01:12 PM

I watched A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999) last night for the hundredth time, and love that film! Sure, it may not have not followed Shakespeare's plot and details as closely as it could have, but Kevin Kline (as Bottom) and Stanley Tucci (as Puck) tickle and astound me! The visual effects I thought well done, too, especially the scenes in the forest amid Titania and Oberon.

9/10

1n50mn14

01-24-2009, 01:14 PM

I recently watched Cronos, directed by Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labrinyth) and was quite stunned. He has certainly grown as a director since that film, and the technology available to him has been bettered, but for a younger director, wow. 8.5/10

Niamh

01-24-2009, 01:17 PM

Janine

01-24-2009, 01:52 PM

I'm stumped for tonight...I have a choice of THREE movies i love for tonight on three different channels at the same time! :(
Should i watch
A) As you like it (brilliant! although i do have it on DvD...)
B) Elizabeth (Joseph Fiennes... nuff said)
C) War of the Worlds...
Gah!

Niamh, which "As You Like it is" that? The Kenneth Branagh directed version or the older one with Helen Mirren? I have the first on DVD, but would love to get the second version, as well. I love Helen Mirren's acting.

I love the film "Elizabeth" ...haha...Joseph F...nuff said! :lol: I would probably vote on this one. I have seen it several times myself; about time now to see it again.

Never say the third film yet.

Niamh

01-24-2009, 02:19 PM

Niamh, which "As You Like it is" that? The Kenneth Branagh directed version or the older one with Helen Mirren? I have the first on DVD, but would love to get the second version, as well. I love Helen Mirren's acting.

Its the branagh on of course!!!

I love the film "Elizabeth" ...haha...Joseph F...nuff said! :lol: I would probably vote on this one. I have seen it several times myself; about time now to see it again.

*sighs* it is a good movie! He just makes it even better! :D

Never say the third film yet.

Its really good! I really enjoyed it!

Janine

01-24-2009, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Niamh
Its the branagh on of course!!!

Hi Niamh, You know I own that one and I have only watched it once so far. I don't know why that is. I guess since Mr.B is not actually in the film - darn...couldn't he have written himself into a small part at least? Don't get me wrong; I enjoyed the film; visually it was great and very artistic. I was undecided on whether I liked it as a whole though; strange, because I always like Ken's films; even some that have bombed according to the critics...I own nearly all now; just a few rare things I wish I had. I like "Majic Flute" and I liked the new "Sleuth". If you are a KB fan we started a fanclub in the social group section; I don't think you joined but maybe you did. I can't wait to see "Wallander" on TV, so I can get a major dose of Ken. I also am hungry to see "Valkayrie"; have you seen it yet? I have seen many clips of each now on Youtube.

I actually wish I could get the ones with Ken speaking with his native Irish accent; namely "Shadow of a Gunman" - love that play; and "The Billy Plays" trilogy. I have seen the first on Youtube and it is excellent. I just send for the O'Casey book of plays. I also saw most of the Billy trilogies and liked them very much. Neither seem to be available on DVD anywhere - not even in the UK *sad*.

*sighs* it is a good movie! He just makes it even better!

Definitely so. I love that film. I thought of buying it but my library owns it and I can take it out free anytime. I need to rewatch it soon. It is a wonderful film and the costuming is so beautiful and so is the photography, the interiors, etc. I enjoyed every minute of it. The acting was impecable.

Its really good! I really enjoyed it!

I will have to see it eventually. I think our library owns that as well. They have a great selection and the price is right - free!

Niamh

01-24-2009, 08:44 PM

Turned out Elizabeth was on 1.45mins earlier than As you like it so i watched most of Elizabeth and then switched over.
Just love As you Like it!!!!!! 9/10

Janine

01-25-2009, 03:43 AM

Turned out Elizabeth was on 1.45mins earlier than As you like it so i watched most of Elizabeth and then switched over.
Just love As you Like it!!!!!! 9/10

Lucky you; getting to see them both was fortunate. I must re-watch "As You Like it". I though the setting was so beautiful and creative. I do love KB's films. He is fine director. I recall it was quite fun and had interesting characters. I guess it is on my soon to see list now. Nimah, did you see his "Magic Flute"? It's quite good and beautifully filmed, making use of CGI but not overdoing it. I felt it was tastefully done and the music is grand.

Niamh

01-25-2009, 11:23 AM

No i havent seen Magic Flute.
Yeah i loved the oriental feel of the set!

Janine

01-25-2009, 02:01 PM

No i havent seen Magic Flute.
Yeah i loved the oriental feel of the set!

Then I think you will like "The Magic Flute" since it is set entirely differently than anyone else has done before. It has it's beautiful moments, even though it is set during WWI and sometimes in the war trenches, but the lighting and the sets are amazing and make this film entirely unique. Ken has a eye for visuals and he thinks creatively and with color, almost like a painter. This talent is reflected in many of the films he directed. He also has such a great set designer, whom he uses in all his films. His name eludes me now.

Now you have me totally desiring to re-watch "As You Like it"....maybe tonight. I loved the set design, too - quite a different concept, as well, and unique; I say 'why not in the Orient'? It was quite beautiful I thought. I love films set in Japan or China.

Niamh, I see you are member of our KB social group. Haven't seen you post in there lately though. I think I posted some links to Youtube excerpts from TMF.

NickAdams

01-26-2009, 11:06 AM

Yep :D

What did you think?

1n50mn14

01-26-2009, 11:16 AM

Forgetting Sarah Marshall: 7/10

It wasn't one of those REALLY horrible girl-dumps-guy, guy-is-sad, guy-gets-new-girl, old-girl-wants-guy-back movies, but the plot line WAS the same as every other movie like that in the world. The only difference was: it made me laugh out loud on several occasions. It was freaking funny. Don't go into it expecting any great filmography, or any touching scenes, or anything GREAT, but just go in for a laugh. And enjoy looking at Russell Brand's pretty, pretty face. =D

NickAdams

01-26-2009, 11:26 AM

Underworld: Rise of the blah, blah, blah. Horrible, horrible, horrible.

kiz_paws

01-26-2009, 12:34 PM

Role Models

Oh such drivel we have to pay for ... :sick:

manolia

01-26-2009, 01:11 PM

What did you think?

It's Lynch's weirdest film and that says a lot ;)
If one is not familiar with his work i wouldn't recommend watching this one. I wouldn't even try to begin to interpret it. He is clearly playing with the subconscious (but that's the only thing that's clear :lol:). Anyway i was fortunate enough to watch it in theater. So i had a full benefit of what he was trying to do (play with the sound and image and create a memorable atmosphere). Creepy atmosphere. I was scared for no particular reason (seeing that it's definately not a horror film).

Hope you liked it :)

MissyRobbins

01-26-2009, 01:15 PM

Did anybody else like this movie?

NickAdams

01-26-2009, 06:04 PM

It's Lynch's weirdest film and that says a lot ;)
If one is not familiar with his work i wouldn't recommend watching this one. I wouldn't even try to begin to interpret it. He is clearly playing with the subconscious (but that's the only thing that's clear :lol:). Anyway i was fortunate enough to watch it in theater. So i had a full benefit of what he was trying to do (play with the sound and image and create a memorable atmosphere). Creepy atmosphere. I was scared for no particular reason (seeing that it's definately not a horror film).

Hope you liked it :)

Lynch is amazing at creating tension. I usually laugh at the absurd, but when Lynch does it I can't help but squirm, like when the new neighbor visits Dern. I liked all of Lynch's film except Lost Highway, but there are moments in that film that justified me purchasing it. I agree with you in that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen he other work. What did you think of Lynch's song Ghost of Love?

NickAdams

01-27-2009, 02:31 PM

Yes Man, soooooooooooo contrived. Rhys Darby provided a few laughs, but no enough for give this movie any stars. Zero.

Notorious: both the directing and script were mediocre.

Niamh

01-27-2009, 04:12 PM

Yes Man, soooooooooooo contrived. Rhys Darby provided a few laughs, but no enough for give this movie any stars. Zero.

Notorious: both the directing and script were mediocre.

I'm boyotting that movie because they completely changed the original true story. You should read the book. Its hillarious...not based in the US and is about a guy who works for the BBC. He has other books, one that i want to read is how he ended up setting up his own cult one time. :D

This is the man behind the story (nutter that he is! lol)
http://www.dannywallace.com/

*Classic*Charm*

01-27-2009, 06:28 PM

Zee.

01-27-2009, 06:36 PM

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot 9/10
I love that movie.

Virgil

01-27-2009, 06:57 PM

I saw Grand Torino with Clint Eastwood and I reviewed it in my blog. Feel free to read the review and comment: http://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?b=7232.

I'd rate it as a 7 out of 10.

Chava

01-27-2009, 07:13 PM

Benjamin Button - Good acting, nice filming, nice colours, extremely long, and a very hollywoodised version of the book, blah. 6/10

NickAdams

01-27-2009, 11:52 PM

I'm boyotting that movie because they completely changed the original true story. You should read the book. Its hillarious...not based in the US and is about a guy who works for the BBC. He has other books, one that i want to read is how he ended up setting up his own cult one time. :D

This is the man behind the story (nutter that he is! lol)
http://www.dannywallace.com/

Thanks, I'll check it out. They really over did the negative quality in the beginning of the film and it seemed like this guys life revolved around saying no. It was nothing but caricatures.

GX4146

01-28-2009, 12:27 AM

Woman in the Dunes

hahaha

i don't know what to say about this. i like going to the beach, but this has too much sand in it you can feel the discomfort.

manolia

01-28-2009, 05:05 AM

Lynch is amazing at creating tension. I usually laugh at the absurd, but when Lynch does it I can't help but squirm, like when the new neighbor visits Dern. I liked all of Lynch's film except Lost Highway, but there are moments in that film that justified me purchasing it. I agree with you in that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen he other work. What did you think of Lynch's song Ghost of Love?

It is nice. I haven't heard it in a while, but i remember liking it ;)

qimissung

01-28-2009, 01:29 PM

Gran Torino. I liked it. It's not a great movie, but it is good, I think. Clint plays Dirty Harry, but with a twist. 7/10

bailo

01-28-2009, 04:21 PM

Just saw Welcome To Hard Times. It's the first western I've been able to sit through the first half hour of. I watched the whole thing and I really liked it. I was surprised when I actually became anxious at the outcome.

GX4146

01-28-2009, 11:40 PM

saw the first few minutes of Anna Karenina (the one with the guy who played Dr Octopus) then i realized i'm still reading the book.

guyofcomicbooks

01-30-2009, 04:53 PM

The last movie I saw was Amelie, it was truly beautiful. It's quite peculiar that I have not seen it before. Be sure to watch it, even again, if you have seen it!
http://a09d0129txfi266.imageshacknow.info/img/2600/d09k0129glqg/1x1t.gif

Mark F.

01-30-2009, 05:30 PM

A Woman Under the Influence *****

I've rarely felt so drained of all emotion after watching a movie. The characters are like real people, Peter Falk and especially Gena Rowlands bring them to life and it hurts you so much as you watch them trying simply to be good to each other. If this doesn't make you cry, you probably shouldn't be allowed to live.

Nostalghia ****

Another great film by one of the best directors ever. The imagery is beautiful and some shots will stay in your mind for a long time.

saba

01-30-2009, 08:07 PM

Nostalghia is fantastic

saba

01-30-2009, 08:09 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Julester/waltzwithbashir.jpg
Waltz With Bashir (http://waltzwithbashir.com/)

A wonderful animated film about a filmmaker Ari who can't seem to remember any memories of his time during the first Lebanon War. Intrigued by this problem, he decides to engage in various meetings with old friends and comrades during said war. With these meetings Ari starts to remember the truth about the war, his memory, and himself.

A impressive film about the reality of war as well as an interesting meditation on memory.

The film won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film and is nominated for an Oscar.

Powerful and Surreal with a great score by Max Richter (http://maxrichter.com/)

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8BdpN8nqGI

librarius_qui

02-01-2009, 08:00 PM

Inland Empire

Difficult to rate it ... psi, that's how I rate that!

L*

Joreads

02-01-2009, 09:40 PM

Underworld Three. It was great 3/5.

Delta40

02-01-2009, 10:22 PM

Hancock

-56/5

very shallow. Liked the You Tube clip on his attempt at saving the beached whale though....

Joreads

02-02-2009, 02:19 AM

Hancock

-56/5

very shallow. Liked the You Tube clip on his attempt at saving the beached whale though....

I really hated that as well and I usually love Will Smith

kiz_paws

02-02-2009, 02:35 AM

I saw The Changeling and enjoyed it very much. 9/10

The movie was based on a true story, and what a gripping story it is. :eek:

The acting was very good, on all sides.

I thought that those in charge of makeup/wardrobe, etc., did a stellar job of capturing the late 20's and into the 1930's. Angelina's hair was awesome.

I'd recommend this movie to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Delta40

02-02-2009, 03:05 AM

manolia

02-02-2009, 04:12 AM

A Woman Under the Influence *****

I've rarely felt so drained of all emotion after watching a movie. The characters are like real people, Peter Falk and especially Gena Rowlands bring them to life and it hurts you so much as you watch them trying simply to be good to each other. If this doesn't make you cry, you probably shouldn't be allowed to live.

Yeah that's a great film :nod: It's Casavetes isn't it? It's been a while so i am not sure.

DisPater

02-02-2009, 04:40 AM

outlander --- garbage.

doubt --- a good movie with some great performances.

Tournesol

02-02-2009, 07:37 AM

7 Pounds:

very profound, but a bit slow

Janine

02-02-2009, 03:27 PM

Harold & Maude

4/5 I love this movie. I don't know why. will somebody tell me what it is about a 17 year old morbid boy and an eccentric 80 yr old woman who share a love affair??? It just warms me to mah toes.....Seriously though, I love the way the story is structured throughout and the time it is set in of course and Cat Stevens sits well with me.

Delta, I love this movie, too. I even invested in a copy recently. I think I could watch it over and over again. Crazy story, but somehow it works extraordinary well. It 'warms me to mah toes', too. I love the soundtrack music by Cat Stevens; fits in perfectly to the time, to the mood of the film. This film has both tender and hilarious moments; one minute you are laughing and then you feel dead serious. I recall that I had not realised on first viewing that she had a Nazi tatoo number on her arm; thus being a survivor. The acting was great, too. Ruth Gorden was amazing. She has such an inner beauty, doen't she. She is ageless in this film. This movie has become a cult classic; I am glad of that. It is truly wonderful!

I saw The Changeling and enjoyed it very much. 9/10

The movie was based on a true story, and what a gripping story it is.

The acting was very good, on all sides.

I thought that those in charge of makeup/wardrobe, etc., did a stellar job of capturing the late 20's and into the 1930's. Angelina's hair was awesome.

I'd recommend this movie to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Kizzo, I want to see this film so badly. I am glad you are giving it such a high rating and your comments make me want to see it even more so now. Thanks for writing this up and recommending this film.

Mark F.

02-02-2009, 05:20 PM

Yeah that's a great film :nod: It's Casavetes isn't it? It's been a while so i am not sure.

Yep, Cassavetes. I've only just discovered him as a director and he lives up to his rep. Shadows is good and Faces is as brilliant as A Woman Under the Influence. Have you seen anything else by him?

Have you seen anything good recently? I'm either going to see Slumdog Millionaire or Three Monkeys this week.

Pendragon

02-02-2009, 05:22 PM

The day the Earth Stood Still a poor remake of the original

jon1jt

02-02-2009, 05:36 PM

Blame It On Fidel

~ great flick

NickAdams

02-03-2009, 12:44 AM

... Three Monkeys ...

:confused:

manolia

02-03-2009, 04:09 AM

Yep, Cassavetes. I've only just discovered him as a director and he lives up to his rep. Shadows is good and Faces is as brilliant as A Woman Under the Influence. Have you seen anything else by him?

Have you seen anything good recently? I'm either going to see Slumdog Millionaire or Three Monkeys this week.

It's been a while so i can only recall

Opening Night
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
A Woman Under the Influence

I may have seen more..not sure.

Nothing worth mentioning recently. I want to see "Milk" in the theater, i am anxiously waiting the film about Che's life but i guess i'll have to wait.

Niamh

02-03-2009, 09:57 AM

Disneys Hercules
10/10
I just love this! :D Did my Propp and Toderov project in college on this.

Mark F.

02-03-2009, 12:34 PM

:confused:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233381/

Mark F.

02-03-2009, 12:38 PM

It's been a while so i can only recall

Opening Night
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
A Woman Under the Influence

I may have seen more..not sure.

Nothing worth mentioning recently. I want to see "Milk" in the theater, i am anxiously waiting the film about Che's life but i guess i'll have to wait.

I like Del Toro but Soderbergh isn't my cup of tea...Terrence Malick was supposed to make this film at one point and, well, that would have been interesting. Oh, and I'm sick and tired of this habit of making a film in two parts.

manolia

02-03-2009, 01:39 PM

Niamh

02-03-2009, 06:41 PM

Penelope 8/10
Triatan and Isolde 7/10
Three Musketeers 6/10

jon1jt

02-03-2009, 06:45 PM

Being John Malkovich

And

Secretary

In that order. Yum, to my Maggie. :p

kiz_paws

02-03-2009, 11:29 PM

The day the Earth Stood Still a poor remake of the original
Too true. I wasted three bux on that one. Though Keanu Reeves is enjoyable to watch, and Kathy Bates did a good acting job (the script isn't their fault). What a total disappointment, though. :nod: Rate: 3/10

GX4146

02-04-2009, 12:09 AM

La Mala Educacion. fun to watch but a bit too much of those... you know. plus that scene in the cinema was below the belt. figuratively, lol. bernal is a great actor.

Mark F.

02-04-2009, 03:01 PM

Two parts?? I didn't know that. Yeah that's annoying.

Regarding soderberg..i remember liking "traffic"..the film about kafka was atmospheric but i didn't like it much..i really didn't like the ocean's 11, 12 and 13 (really not my cup of tea)..erin brockowits was nice..

I enjoyed Traffic, just nothing special. The premise for Sex, Lies & Videotape was promising but I just think he tends to ruin good ideas.

*Classic*Charm*

02-04-2009, 10:14 PM

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

I loved it!!

maraki16

02-05-2009, 04:24 AM

twilight. 100/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love stories with vampires and supernatural and of course romance!

wessexgirl

02-05-2009, 06:39 PM

Moliere. I really enjoyed it. And I loved the actors. 9/10 :thumbs_up

vheissu

02-08-2009, 05:11 PM

The curious case of Benjamin Button 8/10

Silas Thorne

02-08-2009, 05:13 PM

Red Belt 9/10
A movie about martial arts for thinking people, with excellent acting and an interesting plot.

Joreads

02-09-2009, 01:15 AM

The Wrestler 3/5 I didn't get it

Vicky Cristina Barcelona 4/5 loved it

manolia

02-09-2009, 06:51 AM

Milk 8/10. Very interesting subject matter.

PoeticPassions

02-09-2009, 07:59 AM

Kabluey 7.5 out of 10... interesting look into Suburbia and loneliness, amongst other things.

Also, just saw Rocknrolla... I would rate it as an 8 or so. Definitely no SNATCH, but I love Guy Ritchie all the same. There were not that many great lines in this one, but there was some depth to it. The Johnny Quid character was terrific!

kathy30

02-09-2009, 12:20 PM

Janine

02-10-2009, 12:39 PM

Hello,
my favorite movie is "Room with a View". The actors (Helena Bonham-Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith, Judy Dench and Daniel Day Lewis.
It is delightfully comic and it plays in Florence and the English countryside.

Hi kathy, I see you are new here so welcome to the forum! I also love this film emensely. I love the book as well; the book actually makes me laugh out loud. It is about time for me to see the movie again. I watch it from time to time since I happen to own a copy. All the actors are suberb. You left one out - the young brother played by Rupert Graves. He also played a soldier in "Fortunes of War" - the BBC miniseries and I believe he was in another of novel adaptation - "Maurice". He is awfully cute and had been in a number of really good productions and films. Anyway, you worded that last line accurately - "delightfully comic". I fully agree. I love the part when the men go bathing in the wooded pond. I could not stop laughing.:lol:

subterranean

02-10-2009, 12:50 PM

Vicky Cristina Barcelona 4/5 loved it

I also very much like Vicky Cristina. Cruz, I think, was really brilliant in this movie.:thumbs_up

mono

02-10-2009, 05:49 PM

I watched Dogma last night for the thousandth time; I own it. It definitely seems one of the more intelligent films by Kevin Smith, and has several elements of dark humor, puns on religion and spirituality (particularly Catholicism and Paganism), featuring an ironic figure as God.

Rating: 8.5/10.

Niamh

02-12-2009, 04:14 PM

Ok, went to the cinema on sunday after work with my friend and there wasnt much to choose from so went to see kidies fantasy movie The Secret of Moonacre. I love kids movies so i really enjoyed this! was very funny. 8/10

Yesterday before work, i watched Disneys Beauty and the Beast. I havent seen it in years and it is still as great as i remembered it to be. (Little mermaid was a sad disapointment after seeing it for the first time in something like 13 or 15 years.) 9/10

Joreads

02-12-2009, 09:49 PM

Grand Trino 5/5 I loved it. I could have turned around and gone back into see it.

manolia

02-13-2009, 05:22 AM

"The Happening" by M. Night Shyamalan..5/10 maybe less. Predictable, mediocre, not atmospheric.

a_little_wisp

02-13-2009, 01:19 PM

Coraline. 10/10

I love Neil Gaiman, I loved the book Coraline, I love the movie.

Janine

02-13-2009, 06:41 PM

The Master Builder - 1988 adaptation of the Ibsen play, BBC production

Incredible and intense drama. Second viewing and loved it. A few of us be discussing the play soon.

mono

02-13-2009, 07:08 PM

"The Happening" by M. Night Shyamalan..5/10 maybe less. Predictable, mediocre, not atmospheric.
Agreed. As much as I loved the other films by Shyamalan, I thought The Happening a bit of a disappointment.

Last night, I watched The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Having read the incredibly inspiring book, a memoir written by man who sustained a brain stem CVA/stroke (quite possibly the worst place to have one), and ended up with a rare condition called 'locked-in syndrome.' I will not spoil how, but almost entirely paralyzed, yet fully capable of thought, he wrote the memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, this film based upon it, of course.
Beautiful, beautiful!
10/10

Phangirl7

02-13-2009, 08:29 PM

Twitches. 10/10. Awesome!
P.G.7.

subterranean

02-14-2009, 04:27 AM

The Curios Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher).

I'm always a fan of Fincher's works yet have not read the book version of this story. So I don't really know how far his imagination went when bringing the story to the screen. But I found the movie enjoyable and quite entertaining.

manolia

02-14-2009, 04:35 AM

Agreed. As much as I loved the other films by Shyamalan, I thought The Happening a bit of a disappointment.
10/10

Yep..his other films are good..i liked the village very much.

This seems to be crappy-film week. I watched "the lake house"..but what did i expect..a film with keanu and sandra b..:sick:

Mark F.

02-14-2009, 07:16 AM

subterranean

02-14-2009, 11:30 AM

Mark, I assume you have read the book?

Joreads

02-14-2009, 07:17 PM

Bride wars 4/5 Although I saw this at the moon light cinemas over looking Sydney Harbour the Opera House so that may have tainted the score a little

Madhuri

02-15-2009, 04:47 AM

Curious case of Benjamin Button - 8/10

What an unusual story.

manolia

02-16-2009, 05:18 AM

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2/5

Eric Roth's screenplay ruins an interesting premise by opting for a sentimental love story and failing to explore any of its major themes. Fincher's skills for directing can't save anything from this mess of a film. Very disappoiting. When Brad Pitt was out sailing I felt like I was watching a Calvin Kline advert.

I don't intend to watch this film. Over the years i've grown a strong dislike towards B Pitt and now i avoid his movies (i like some of his older films like "the snatch", "fight club", "12 apes" though)

Friday 13th 3/5

Much better than I expected although it suffers from the same high-voltage problems as other horror movie remakes. Anyway, you're better off seeing this for kicks rather Benjamin Button in hope of watching a good movie.

hehe i love this film :D Jason rules..ok i grew up watching horror films and this one is a classic :D

Watched last night at the theater "The reader"..this film was great 9/10 (it is based on a german book which i own but i haven't yet read). The story is great and the acting (and it has bot R Fiennes and Bruno Ganz).