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

[Big Al]

The last film I saw was master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's dark and compelling film Throne of Blood, which is an adaptation (and quite possibly the definitive film version) of Shakespeare's MacBeth, reimagined as a samurai tale in historical Japan. The story concerns a warrior named Taketoki Washizu who, after hearing a prophecy from a ghostly spirit in the forest and recieving prodding from his cold, emotionless wife, decides to kill his lord and take control of the throne. He achieves his goal, but once in control, guilt and suspicion lead to not only the gradual decay of his kingdom, but of his mental state.

The film's creepy, fog-drenched settings, stark black and white cinematography, slow pace and gruesome subject matter create a deeply chilling and ominous mood. The film features many terrific performances, especially by the fine actor Toshiro Mifune, who provides remarkable intensity even during his descent into madness, and the film profoundly explores issues of the corruption of power, madness, and the futility of mankind's actions. This is a masterpiece, quite possibly the greatest film by one of cinema's all-time greatest autuers. 10/10

[grace86]

Saw Lucky Number Slevin

Really good movie, but if you think about it, a little predictable.

8/10

[Serenata]

The Guardian

Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner. Coast Guard.

Pretty good. I was glad to see pretty-boy Ashton Kutcher in a serious role. I enjoyed it.

8/10

[soulsistachick]

John Tucker must die..... Oh its soooooooooooooooooo dumb like 4/10. Its really predictable

[Kaltrina]

The Lake House 9/10.... it's really great... I loved it...

[thevintagepiper]

Cars :D

7/10

Good and entertaining for a kids movie. I love Pixar. I loved how he DIDN'T win in the end....all those movies where the arrogant guy learns his lesson...and then he just wins again! Here they didn't do that and I liked that.

[TEND]

Well I haven't been to the theatre in months and this weekend I went twice, I saw the Guardian which was pretty good 7.5/10 I'd say, but the other I had been waiting for fer about 6 months, and it finally came out and that movie, in case anybody didn't know of my mad Scorsese love was 'The Departed!'

It was absolutely stunning, very different cinematography in comparison to most other Scorsese work, almost Tarantinoesque. Very good story, the characters never really establish themselves as good or bad (arguably) which I really liked, and everyones motives were different, betrayals and lots of twists and turns, really exciting. Not to mention a song by one of my absolute favorite bands (Dropkick Murphys) played twice during the movie. Leo definitely gave a good performance, as well as Damon and it was great to see Jack Nicholson back in a more serious role. Fantastic movie, definitely recommended aaaand I'll give it a 9.7/10.

Now the wait for 'The Good Sheperd' begins...

[Pensive]

I have watched Malina today. It was really good but it is making me feel sad, so touching it was. Making me think about the things one has to do sometimes to struggle for existence.

9/10.

[T.D. Anderson]

The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the virtues and the vigilant.

The last movie I ve seen was V for Vendetta. I would rate it 9 und a half. In my opinion it is a very good movie pointing out the dangers of beeing obedient und believing without questioning your Environment. It also opens the question if terrorism and murder should be used for an alleged good and rigthous course.

[SleepyWitch]

An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore
10/10
go and watch it

it's really interesting and even if you don't know the first thing about global warming you'll understand what he's talking about

[Pensive]

I watched Cruel Intentions yesterday. The acting of the cruel Katherine made me shiver. But, without any doubt, it was a good movie in everything - acting, plot and soundtracks! I loved the place where "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was being played. The acting of Katherine was great, I shuddered when I looked in her bloody eyes when her true self was opening in front of people, I don't know why but it made me cry. The death of Sebestian was also a shock, but gave a good turn to the movie.

The movie deserves 10/10. I can't find anything wrong with it!

[byquist]

16 Blocks -- could have been a great movie w/another director at the helm. Well-cast: Bruce Willis, Mos Def, David Morse. Still some entertaining, although this one will definitely not be discussed in film classes.

[cuppajoe_9]

The Prestige - 9/10. Amazing picture. Tesla's field of lightbulbs is one of the most beautiful images I've seen on film in a long time.

[Loveless]

Marie Antionette, it was a very powerful film I loved it but I knew the basic background of the French Revolution. Other than that it was poorly composed, could of been better, they could have done so much more with the film. Granted, the footage at the Palace and the Gardens along with the shots of the Little Hamlet, were awesome and amazing. It really was a let down from all the hype that the media was pouring on it....All in all, it was okay, nothing great, but not somthing that you would throw in the gutter.

[mtpspur]

Took the Mrs to see One Night with the King (on sweetest day--original plan was Flicka--not ready for Flags of Our Fathers--both my sons were in Iraq--not now and I still have memories of Viet Nam era--missed going to Nam literally by a 2 week period waiting on a replacement and instead ended on Guam 6 months later--never enough about me)---ANYHOW--I usually go movies with low expectations and the Garfield live action movies exceeds those low momments but this Bibical picture was a visual delight and a more dramatic/romance movie then I would have thought possible--my usual thoughts from Esther is that the King is a control freak who drinks too much--parties way too much and is a stooge to his counselors--oh well. Esther comes out as a full blooded character in her own right and a wonder to watch. The King is a bit of puzzle and some additional narration would have helpful in putting the period in context for modern audiences.

[PistisSophia]

One of the best! Terrific movie in every way...:D :thumbs_up

[cuppajoe_9]

One of the best! Terrific movie in every way...:D :thumbs_up

Better or worse than The Presitge? I've only seen the latter.

[grace86]

Hah, I knew there were two magic movies...The Prestige and The Illusionist. I want to see them both!

I wanted to see One Night with the King, they aren't playing it all over. I heard that they altered the biblical story a bit...so maybe the producers were thinking that the audience would be familiar (like with Passion of the Christ)

The last movie I saw was Man of the Year. Robbin Williams is always funny and didn't fail to make me laugh out loud. Not as political as some might think. Just a comedy. Very good, I am going to buy it when it comes out.

[Bookworm89]

Death in the Clouds (a Hercule Poirot movie based on Agatha Christie's book). David Suchet is the perfect Poirot!

[Pendragon]

An American Haunting This is based on the infamous Bell Witch incident in Adams, TN. I really don't live all that far from the site. I have read many accounts of the haunting. The movie gets part of the story right--the poltrigeist activity and such--but I've never read an account that even hinted at sexual abuse as the cause, or that John Bell was murdered by his wife. Also the voice of the "witch" was heard by many, but I don't recall but maybe one sighting. The "witch" had vowed to return in 107 years, but the time passed without incident. The Bell Witch Cave is still considered haunted.
The movie messed up the legend.

[AimusSage]

The Merchant Of Venice - Michael Radford

with Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes

It's based on the famous play. Not bad actually, Al Pacino in particular shines as Shylock. Jeremy Irons gives a good performance, but doesn't quite get all the aspects of Antonio.

All in all, a well executed film with a nice period setting.

8/10

[Turk]

Shattered Glass by Billy Ray

A movie about press morality.

7/10

[vheissu]

Finally saw The village by Shyamalan!
Was quite good, especially the suspence and the unpredicted turn of events towards the end. 8/10

[thevintagepiper]

I recently re-watched National Treasure and The Princess Bride (both of which I love).

I saw most of Catch Me If You Can, and really enjoyed it.

[Shannanigan]

Man of the Year...

I really think this one was mis-advertised. I thought it was going to be about having Robin Williams, a comedian, being president of the US, but it turned out to be something different. I wasn't dissappointed, just confused as to when the fun was gonna start, lol. Maybe an 8/10 for me...

[Evi]

The chldren of men, wonderful movie , all the actors were very good and the plot was excelent.

Evi

[kathycf]

Death in the Clouds (a Hercule Poirot movie based on Agatha Christie's book). David Suchet is the perfect Poirot!

Oh, they made a movie starring Suchet? I will have to see it, I loved the TV episodes they showed here on PBS.

[Boris239]

One of the best! Terrific movie in every way...:D :thumbs_up

I also lreally liked it. Norton was awesome in this movie

[Boris239]

Oh, they made a movie starring Suchet? I will have to see it, I loved the TV episodes they showed here on PBS.

Suchet is actually a very good actor. I've seen him in couple of other movies. The first time I saw him playing some general in Biblical times, it was very funny, because there was an image of little belgian detective always in front of me. It was almost as funny as seeing Elrond with the face of agent Smith.

[bazarov]

Suchet is actually a very good actor. I've seen him in couple of other movies. The first time I saw him playing some general in Biblical times, it was very funny, because there was an image of little belgian detective always in front of me. It was almost as funny as seeing Elrond with the face of agent Smith.

Actually, David Suchet acts in almost every Hercule Poirot movie, and he is really good Belgian:D

[MondayFairchild]

I watched Intolerable Cruelty last night. I'd give it a 2. I randomly picked it from my cousin's DVD's, for the sake of eating some popcorn. Oh man. I thought that it would be at least funny, or watchable, to some degree, given that it's Catherine Zeta-Jones there and George Clooney. I mean, they're okay actors, but the movie was depressingly... FLAT. As well as their acting. Absolutely no story (or maybe it's something only divorce lawyers would get?). I wanted to chuck it out the window by the end of it.

[Zini]

Could anyone advice some film to write about a review?

[subterranean]

Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa

Great movie and Kurosawa's best works. A mix of heroism, despair, hope, humanity, as well as the cruelty of war. During the 16th century, Japan was filled with wars. Bandits and gangs terrorized and looted villages, leaving them with hardly anything to eat. As harvesting season coming, a village decided to hire the so called "hungry Samurai", a samurai who is willing to take rice as his reward. Having difficulties to find one at the first time, the village men who were sent to find the samurai, came back with 7 samurai to the village. The battle scene, which probably the most important scene of all, is completely well dramatized, as Kurosawa used slow motions and medium shots to capture the sense of violence and death.

10/10

[Idril]

I just watched The Secret of Roan Inish. I've seen it before, a long time ago and was completely captivated by it but I've had trouble finding it around here so the first movie I queued up when I joined Netflix was this movie. It was just as wonderful and magical and captivating as I remembered it. I give it a 10/10! :thumbs_up

[subterranean]

The Departed by Martin Scorsese


I like the movie. However, as a fan of Scorsese, I can't seem to find "him" in this movie. If I didn't know who is the director of this movie, I would never thought it is Scorsese's. Plus the plot is totally has no difference with the Hong Kong version, Internal Affairs.

700 in the scale of 1000.

[Boris239]

This weekend I've seen 2 movies: "Departed" and "Borat".
I was a bit dissapointed with the first one- the end is unconvincing. 7/10
"Borat" is totally hilarious 9/10

[Mark F.]

Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa

Great movie and Kurosawa's best works. A mix of heroism, despair, hope, humanity, as well as the cruelty of war. During the 16th century, Japan was filled with wars. Bandits and gangs terrorized and looted villages, leaving them with hardly anything to eat. As harvesting season coming, a village decided to hire the so called "hungry Samurai", a samurai who is willing to take rice as his reward. Having difficulties to find one at the first time, the village men who were sent to find the samurai, came back with 7 samurai to the village. The battle scene, which probably the most important scene of all, is completely well dramatized, as Kurosawa used slow motions and medium shots to capture the sense of violence and death.

10/10

I disagree. Seven Samurai is a brilliant film but doesn't come near to Ran, Dodes'Kaden or Dersou Uzala. His last few films in colour are beautiful in every possible way.

[TEND]

Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa

Great movie and Kurosawa's best works. A mix of heroism, despair, hope, humanity, as well as the cruelty of war. During the 16th century, Japan was filled with wars. Bandits and gangs terrorized and looted villages, leaving them with hardly anything to eat. As harvesting season coming, a village decided to hire the so called "hungry Samurai", a samurai who is willing to take rice as his reward. Having difficulties to find one at the first time, the village men who were sent to find the samurai, came back with 7 samurai to the village. The battle scene, which probably the most important scene of all, is completely well dramatized, as Kurosawa used slow motions and medium shots to capture the sense of violence and death.

10/10

Interesting, the last movie I saw was Ran also by Kurosawa. It was my first experience with Kurosawa and I am now obsessed with seeing all of his works I can. It is a wonderful movie, with some very epic scenes and very interesting characters some who you grow to hate quite deeply and others you grow to love. It's a story that draws from King Lear, what happens is a great lord divides his kingdom equally among his three sons, a power struggle takes place and as the movie goes on the kingdom goes into further chaos. It is quite interesting and is a very despairing film, very focused on the idea that man creates the sorrow by his own choosing and he cannot avoid it. Very good movie, I'll say, 9.8/10

[Mark F.]

Yes, as I just said in the post above, it's his best. Check out the others I mentioned, I have about twenty of his films on dvd and there's only one that's not a brilliant film (Scandal).

[subterranean]

I disagree. Seven Samurai is a brilliant film but doesn't come near to Ran, Dodes'Kaden or Dersou Uzala. His last few films in colour are beautiful in every possible way.

I haven't watch Ran yet ;). I'll look for it.

Have you seen Yojimbo? Another Kurosawa and Mifune duet!. I heard it is also a great one (still trying to find the movie :()!

[Mark F.]

Yes, "Yojimbo" (The Bodyguard) is good. "A Fistful of Dallars" and "Last Man Standing" are remakes of that film. Kurosawa and Mifune made a load of films together, their best and most famous ones are probably "Throne of Blood" (which is basically "Macbeth"), "Red Beard", "The Hidden Castle" and "Sanjuro".

Look out for "Stary Dog" and "The Bad Sleep Well" as well. Takashi Shimura, the other classic Kurosawa actor (the older one) plays in one of his most beautiful films "To Live" (Ikiru), I guarantee this film will make anyone cry.

[Shannanigan]

"The Breakup"

Romantic comedies...and comedies in general...have really been dissappointing me lately.

7/10

[another sara]

a walk to remember..for like 100000000000000 time now:D

i gave it:thumbs_up

[Mark F.]

Double Indemnity 10/10

Brilliant classic film noir. I loved everything about this film, I'd heard a lot about it and wasn't disappointed at all. Totally deserves to be called a classic. See it.

[subterranean]

I am Sam

Interested to see this movie as it has Penn in it. The story is pretty touching and it's basically saying that love knows no boundaries.

I give it 6.5

[TEND]

Look out for "Stary Dog" and "The Bad Sleep Well" as well. Takashi Shimura, the other classic Kurosawa actor (the older one) plays in one of his most beautiful films "To Live" (Ikiru), I guarantee this film will make anyone cry.


Double Indemnity 10/10

Brilliant classic film noir. I loved everything about this film, I'd heard a lot about it and wasn't disappointed at all. Totally deserves to be called a classic. See it.

Oooh, I want to see Ikiru! Mark F. please please keep posting :lol: you seem to have very similar taste in film to mine, and I'm always happy for suggestions.

[subterranean]

TEND, suppose you'd also be interested with Zatoichi.

[Pensive]

I watched Duplex. It was okay, funny on some places. I will give it 5/10.

[TEND]

TEND, suppose you'd also be interested with Zatoichi.

I'm quite unfamiliar actually, would you mind expanding :D .

[Mark F.]

I guess sub's talking about Kitano's "Zatoichi" as there are about thirty in the series. Takeshi Kitano is probably the best Japanese director today, check out "Sonatine" and "Hana Bi". I'm not a fan of "Zatoichi".

If you're really interested in Japanese cinema you should really check out Ozu's films, especially "Autumn Afternoon" and Tsukamoto's "Bullet Ballet".

[subterranean]

Well, my fav Zatoichi is Shintaro Katsu. he's the real Zatoichi :). He played in the 26 original movie series. So far, I only got 10. I also got Kitano's version ( New Zatoichi). Beside that, there are also a long list of the tv series. My uncle said the local tv station used to play them when I was a kid. I probably too little to remember it at that time.

Kitano's version also rocks though :nod:!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zatoichi#The_2003_film

[TEND]

Wow, I couldn't imagine that, playing the same character for so long...Looks interesting though, I will see if I can rent any of the films here.

and to Mark F. that 'Bullet Ballet' sounds appealing, I read it's noiresque is that correct? I'm a big fan of everything noir, and much of japanese cinema so combining them just seems logical :D .

[Shalot]

The last movies I saw were RV and The Omen (the 2006 version).

RV -- I could have gone the rest of my life without seeing this. And I do like Robin Williams but he does pick some really bad movies. I felt like I had seen the movie before --- they just keep reusing the same old jokes and gimmicks. The older I get the harder it is to find a good movie.

The Omen -- I never saw the first one. It wasn't as bad as RV.

I really need to see a good movie.

[cuppajoe_9]

Man, I hated The Omen. It was just...it just sucked. Although I probably would feel a little less animosity if it hadn't contained the phrase "no atheists in foxholes".

:flare: :flare: :flare:

[Mark F.]

The Omen was terrible.

To TEND

Bullet Ballet is a very dark movie, not a film noir though. It's also quite violent like most of Tsukamoto's films.

[Madhuri]

"The Breakup"

Romantic comedies...and comedies in general...have really been dissappointing me lately.

7/10

I too watched this movie, and indeed it was disappointing. It didnt appear to me a comedy at all, as most of the time what Jennifer and Vince did was shout at each other.

[kilted exile]

I've just finished rewatching On the Waterfront for the umpteenth time. I love this film, anyone who has not seen it is really missing out.

10/10

[TEND]

I've just finished rewatching On the Waterfront for the umpteenth time. I love this film, anyone who has not seen it is really missing out.

10/10

One of my all-time favorites! Brando in his prime, one of the best monologues in movie history (I coulda been a contendah) and you gotta love the ending. I would definitely agree with that 10/10.

[Mark F.]

Pan's Labyrinth 10/10

Best film of 2006. I'm going back next week. See this film and understand the importance of imagination and storytelling.

[Shalot]

I'm watching "Million Dollar Baby" right now and I am inclined to give it a 10/10 and it's not even over yet.

[Idril]

I'm about half way through Kulidzhanov's Crime and Punishment, another gem of a find on Netflix. It's a little distracting because the movie keeps going back and forth between sub-titles and dubbing, from scene to scene I never know if I have to listen or read. Other than that, I'm enjoying it a great deal, it was made in 1967 so it's a little dated but the acting is quite good and it has captured the oppressive feel of the book very well.

[Pensive]

I'm watching "Million Dollar Baby" right now and I am inclined to give it a 10/10 and it's not even over yet.
Lovely Film! :thumbs_up

[byquist]

"Barabas" on TMC with high school daughter. We both liked it. Anthony Quinn, an extremely skilled actor. His half-hour film running time in the sulfur mines reminded me of Denzel as Hurricane in prison.

[TEND]

Well, I'm in the middle of watching 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' I think this is either the second or third time I've seen it. It's really good, I especially like Leonardo Dicapprio's performance, for a fairly young actor he does a great job. Very heart-wrenching story, lots to do with family issues. I'll give it an 8.2/10 or so....

[vheissu]

The last kiss. It was ok, but it's a remake of the italian version L'ultimo bacio, which was slightly better. About half the american version was nearly the same, sometimes even the dialogues (not much imagination?)!The end was changed considerably, which I suppose is better than having it exactly copied from the italian film.
I'd give it a 6/10.

[SleepyWitch]

Borat: Cultural Learnings etc
8/10
extremely funny, but the ending is a bit lame

[TEND]

The last movie I saw was my favorite movie by Hayao Miyazaki 'Porco Rosso'! It's one of the most beautifully animated films ever it was made in 1992, but it's all hand drawn, many beuatiful water colored backgrounds, it's just absolutely beautiful. Takes place after WWI in facist Italy, where Porco Rosso is a notorious bounty hunter, also being one of the best. Porco flies through the skies in his signature red plane and well, don't wanna ruin it :p . So very charming, so very beautiful just an absolutely beautiful picture. It's so hard to rate movies that are so nostalgic and that are favorites, but I'll say 9.3/10 or so is fair, it really is an amazing film.

[byquist]

Joyeux Noel" French anti-war film, well-done. Apparently the leading lady and the French officer were married in real life for a few years recently, maybe. Perhaps that's partly why the Frenchman is solemn and melancholy. Main German officer does a solid job. And Billy Elliot's father who plays a priest here is his usual scruffy type. Something redeeming going on with this film if you give it a chance.

[Serenata]

I just finished watching (and reading) The Davinci Code. I liked it.

8/10

[ghideon]

The last movie I watched was "Identity." Not The Bourne Identity...just Identity. If you haven't seen it...go right now and get it. I do not scare easy but this film, well, it freaked me out. I won't say too much about it except that many films try have suprise endings that try to mess with the viewers' mind. Most fail but not this time, not at all.

[TEND]

Well, one of my favorite movies was just on TCM so I HAD to watch it (even though I own it, it's different when it's on tv). That movie being 'On The Waterfront,' starring Marlon Brando and directed by Elia Kazan. The acting is extraordinary, no one could do this part like Brando this is Brando at his best and he won the best actor Oscar for it. His improvisation is just so perfect in each setting, one of if not my favorite monologue in a hollywood movie is in the back of the car with Brando and his characters brother, I get shivers. Than the ending, I don't want to ruin it, but it is just such a great ending. Everything about this movie is great, I honestly can't think of a single thing negative I could possibly say about this film. I hate giving 10/10's so I'll say 9.9/10, it's one of my top 5 movies without a doubt.

[Guzmán]

Ive just finished rewatching "Pierrot le fou" by Godard. My rating: one hundred thousand. Jean-Luc Godard is God...
...ard

[grace86]

Casino Royale

Pretty good and full of action. I was a little disappointed with some parts in regards to Q. Better bond girl.

9/10

[Mark F.]

Godard is an overblown intellectual. I just watched "Tarnation" and it's probably one of the best films of the last ten years. 10/10

[penelopea]

Lucky number Slevin.
Yeah,it was alright .

[penelopea]

Please EVERYBODY who loves brynylon,watch Juiletta degli Spiriti.Almost my favourite film,in parts.

[Logos]

Sophia Coppolla's Marie Antoinette. Well I had read a lot of mixed reviews about it so wasn't expecting much, good thing because it really was pretty vacuous. I suppose people with short attention span who only want eye candy, no deep or 'heavy' historical/accurate content, nor a lot of dialogue will love it. The costumes and set are great but Dunst is a terrible actor as is Schwartzman. The soundtrack was bad too except for an Adam Ant song :p
3/10

[Mark F.]

Schwartzman a bad actor? You're crazy, he's one of the best, watch "Rushmore", now. "Marie Antoinette" wasn't brilliant, it's no "Lost in Translation" but it's still a good film. Of course people expecting a historical film will be disappointed, because it isn't one. It's just the story of a young, frustrated girl, hence the modern music and the modern shoes so many people seemed to think was a mistake. Give it another chance, you'll see it's not as shallow as you seem to think.

[trismegistus]

Jean-Luc Godard is God...
...ard
Thou shalt have no other gods but Terrence Malick.

[aeroport]

Casino Royale

Boy, oh boy - what a lovely little film this was! Well, I will first say, with regard to all those folks out there who think that Daniel Craig is a superior Bond to Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and the like, that they are positively right. I liked Brosnan well enough in the role, but it simply was not James Bond that I was watching; though whether it would be regardless of who played in the film may be put to question I suppose, as the last few do not even seem to have been based on any of the original Ian Fleming novels. But Craig is excellent; Bond is certainly a good deal "colder" in this film, yet, paradoxically, there are really a few scenes that one may call downright touching - particularly involving his extraordinarily hot accountant friend, whose lovely face presently serves as a wallpaper on my laptop (if any of you folks get curious, however, I'm going to have to advise you to make sure your SafeSearch is on before Googling her image). The writing is really quite good, as well, with plenty of subtle innuendo - and not so subtle (the "little finger" quip comes to mind...) - and the film is just altogether dandy and, if that sort of thing is your "bag", as they say, then you should indulge.

9/10 (a bit long for an action film, so not 10)

[CheshireCat87]

The last movie that I saw was "Stranger than fiction", yes the one with Will farrel. It was pretty good, not great, but still good. I really liked the way that the story was told and I would like to find a book that has the same sort of omniscient view that the narrator had. It reminded me of the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, not that the story line was the same in the least, just in the way the author in the movie told the story of Harold Crick. "This is the story about a man named Harold Crick... And his wrist watch." I would recomend it to any one who likes humour, douglas adams, giving inanimate objects personalities, and depressing office workers. Definitely a thumbs up. Exept for the fact that queen latifah was in it but if you for get about her then its a quality film.

[TEND]

I watched last night for the first time ever, 'The Elephant Man,' a film starring Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt and directed by the great David Lynch. Now, this was one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen, I started crying about halfway through and kept going till the end. It's amazing, Lynch is truly a master, the way we perceive this man, he becomes more and more human, and more and more identifiable, until the acts of cruelty are related directly to yourself, and you feel as if you're in his place, it's amazing. It is a great movie, and I'll give it say a 9.2/10

[vheissu]

Re-saw Interview with a vampire...I'd quite forgotten about it, but it was kinda nice. Loui's melodramatic narration of his life, the little vampire girl (who is actually Kirsten Dunst...only realised it this time round!)....and my favourite, Lestat, who in the end gets his revenge! I'm not a fan of Cruise, but in this film you completely forget the actors because the characters they play are quite...out of the ordinary!
Some of the dialogues though where baaad!!! Verging on cheesy!! So I'll give it a 7/10

[Shalot]

Casino Royale

Boy, oh boy - what a lovely little film this was! Well, I will first say, with regard to all those folks out there who think that Daniel Craig is a superior Bond to Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and the like, that they are positively right. I liked Brosnan well enough in the role, but it simply was not James Bond that I was watching; though whether it would be regardless of who played in the film may be put to question I suppose, as the last few do not even seem to have been based on any of the original Ian Fleming novels. But Craig is excellent; Bond is certainly a good deal "colder" in this film, yet, paradoxically, there are really a few scenes that one may call downright touching - particularly involving his extraordinarily hot accountant friend, whose lovely face presently serves as a wallpaper on my laptop (if any of you folks get curious, however, I'm going to have to advise you to make sure your SafeSearch is on before Googling her image). The writing is really quite good, as well, with plenty of subtle innuendo - and not so subtle (the "little finger" quip comes to mind...) - and the film is just altogether dandy and, if that sort of thing is your "bag", as they say, then you should indulge.

9/10 (a bit long for an action film, so not 10)

I was invited to go along and see this movie on Thanksgiving but I couldn't because of "logistical problems." Later I was told that it was horrible and that they got up and left the theater early. Then again, maybe you have to be a James Bond fan. I can't really say since I didn't see it, but someone else told me it wasn't that great.

[Janine]

I love this thread! I love movies!!! I just had the pleasure to view "Hamlet" - the BBC version with Derek Jacobi, a very fine actor indeed. Excellent production - would highly recommend. I have now seen 5 different versions of "Hamlet" - yes, I am "Hamlet" obsessed! The best ones I think are the full text versions - BBC's and Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet" that will be out on DVD next year (hopefully).
In actuality, I love films made from literature - what better source material can one get? Also true stories. I always give it a chance, and as Logos pointed out, sometimes it is not to your liking, and some are real gems. Most of the Thomas Hardy adaptation films I have seen have been excellent.
Tonight I am going to watch "Land Girls" which I like so much I am watching it again. It is about woman working on farms during WWII, in Britain, to help the war effort and fill in for the men. Great film!
I watch a film a night, so I will be back again soon.:D

[Janine]

Shalot, Hi which James Bond movie are you referring to in your post? I watch all types of films.
BTW - we almost have the same birthday. Mine is Feb.28!

[Shalot]

Shalot, Hi which James Bond movie are you referring to in your post? I watch all types of films.
BTW - we almost have the same birthday. Mine is Feb.28!


Hey Janine,

I was talking about Casino Royale which is supposed to be the latest James Bond film. Of course, I am just posting what I heard (that it wasn't all that) but what do I know? For all I know it isn't a James Bond film at all. The people who invited me to go said it was not so great though. I probably won't watch it anyway though.

[aeroport]

Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet" that will be out on DVD next year (hopefully).

REALLY????!!!!! Don't mess with me on this! Is there really a chance???

[Lily Adams]

This movie has probably already been mentioned somewhere in here, but oh well.

The Da Vinci Code. I just finished it. I thought it was notably well done. Not the best film, not the worst film, but it kept me thinking.

All in all I give it an 8/10.

[SleepyWitch]

Casino Royal
I give it 9/10, even though the whole film seems to be one big continuity goof
Daniel Craig and Eva Green rock!
The beginning credits were amazing, too :)

[TEND]

Well I've got another one (actually a few but I only like posting the good movies :p ). I bought a copy of David Lynch's 'Lost Highway' a couple weeks ago and finally on Sunday night it was perfect to watch (I got the house completely quiet, absolutely perfectly dark) and I watched one of my favorite directors :D . What I love about Lynch's movies are that they are so mysterious and almost scary but not in a horror sense, he really exemplifies a persons sense of dread, waiting for whats to come next and what comes next is never what's expected to come next. I love watching his films (this and Mulholland Drive do this especially well) and just getting tingles and shivers down your spine as you know something is going to happen but you don't know what. These films do something to you, I love and hate say going to the washroom in the middle of the movie, because I get so scared to look in the mirror because I know, if I were in Lynch's movies there would be something there, but I look and nothing....(than again that sometimes happens too). A fantastic movie very imaginative, it makes you think about what it means to you, and it's just an excellent movie, I would recommend it for sure. I'd say 8.9/10, it's very good but I can't decide if I prefer it over Mulholland Drive (as those two seem to be the Lynch movies that best resemble eachother).

[kathycf]

Some of Lynch's stuff is a bit too obscure for me, but I did like Mulholland Dr. Lots of twists and turns and Naomi Watts turned in a very intense performance. (I liked it better than Lost Highway...)

I bought a copy of Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes the other day for a dollar (one dollar!). I just think his movies were great and this one is full of those twists and turns I like so well. :thumbs_up

[Mark F.]

I think it's probably his best, and I'd say it's closer to true horror than most horror films today. It puts you in the mind of a murderer and takes you along for the ride. Horror isn't just about jumps and adrenaline rushes.

Just watched "Salo" for the second time in three days, I may be overdoing it but I have an essay to write on the film. It's brilliant, one of the most intelligent films made on the theme of power. Not easy to watch but when you start to think about it, it's very rewarding.

[TEND]

Some of Lynch's stuff is a bit too obscure for me, but I did like Mulholland Dr. Lots of twists and turns and Naomi Watts turned in a very intense performance. (I liked it better than Lost Highway...)

I bought a copy of Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes the other day for a dollar (one dollar!). I just think his movies were great and this one is full of those twists and turns I like so well. :thumbs_up

I bought a Hitchcock collection for $7 Canadian with I believe 6 or 7 movies and special features. Not the BEST examples of his work but a couple gems and I mean $7 for 7 Hitchcock movies! Ah, public domain :D .

Oh and with the topic of Lynch, he is a bit obscure, and difficult to understand but I think part of it is that there isn't anything to understand (in a sense) it's like you have to take from it what you want, he doesn't say here is what I mean, and you take that away from it, he puts something out there, and you take something completely different away than anyone else who watches the film.

Oh aaaand p.s. I've been thinking of creating a topic more for just the discussion of films in general not just reviewing, would anyone be interested?

[Mark F.]

Lynch's films aren't random. Watch them again.

[kathycf]

Oh aaaand p.s. I've been thinking of creating a topic more for just the discussion of films in general not just reviewing, would anyone be interested?
That would be a good idea. :thumbs_up

[TEND]

Lynch's films aren't random. Watch them again.

No, no, thats not what I meant. It's hard to describe, clearly there are certain themes and motifs within his films, but theres something in the way each person will identify with these themes is different. I can't put it exactly as I'd like, but I'm not saying his films are random, clearly they are very thought out and have very immensely detailed plot-lines throughout especially in Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway with the parralel reality and fantasy worlds there is an extreme understanding Lynch creates, he knows what he's doing and it makes perfect sense for Lynch, but that same sense will not be the sense say I or someone else will take from it.

[Mark F.]

Hmmm, I agree there are lots of themes, but only one sense, only one way to decode his films. Hundreds of keys though.

[Janine]

REALLY????!!!!! Don't mess with me on this! Is there really a chance???

Yes, really - if you go to The Kenneth Branagh Compendium (great site, BTW) you will find a link and articles for the campaign to bring the Hamlet film to DVD. It has been going on now for a couple years but the good news is it seems to be really about to happen in 2007...yeah! It seems that it took forever because the film was shot in 65 mm and that made the transfer difficult. Now they have done that and are working on extras - hope they don't disappoint. My video store was selling out all VHS tapes and I got the two tape set for just $3.00! Is that amazing or what? ....and it plays fine. I have watched it now about 6 or 7 times! Great film!!!

To Shalot - thanks for your answer! To Tend - I have bought some of those $1 Hitchcock and really enjoyed them. I also bought a small collection boxed and loved everyone - it was cheap. Even Hitch's early films are cool. I am a big Hitch fan! No one has beat him on suspense! I saw "The Lady Vanishes" recently and liked it very much. Could not help but think the screenplay writer of "Flight Plan" must know this film. It really kept one wondering, didn't it? I also picked up some of the Criterian series of Hitch films on VHS at the same sale I mentioned. "Rope" is very cool. I just saw "Sabatour". This are his early films, I believe, and not as prominent but hey, they are better than half the junk out there today. The man was a genius!

Wish I could stay on here but real life is beaconing me unfortunately. I will return - I love movies!!! Janine

[Jean-Baptiste]

I watched "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Sergio Leone a few weeks ago (that actually was the last movie I watched, I don't watch many movies) and it was incredibly great. It was recommended to me because I mentioned that my favorite movie is "Dead Man" by Jim Jarmusch. I thought Leone's film was very funny in a serious way. All of the main characters have their own theme music when they come into a scene. It was rather long, but I would have sat through it if it had been days rather than hours long. 10!

[Mark F.]

You should watch "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", my favourite Leone film.

[lavendar1]

Lynch's films aren't random. Watch them again.

I agree; someone suggested I watch avant-garde films awhile back, so I viewed Eraserhead--woh! talk about a unique perspective...

[trismegistus]

I watched "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Sergio Leone ... It was recommended to me because I mentioned that my favorite movie is "Dead Man" by Jim Jarmusch.
Leone's film is excellent and as long as Jarmusch is on the table:

Down By Law. :thumbs_up

[grace86]

I saw Babel - that foreign film with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Hmm, well it seemed to have a bit of a political agenda behind it. I liked all the different stories (because there are like four stories). But I am afraid I have to admit I didn't get the full point that I was probably supposed to understand by the end of the movie. A bit of a tear jerker at points.

7.5/10

[vheissu]

Went to see The Prestige with Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Michael Cane....ok, some people say it was predictable but I only got the 'trick' towards the end. I think it was a really well directed film, a bit like what magicians would do, not let you see everything that is going on, so you don't get the whole story immediately.
It started a bit slow..but caught up with the action towards the middle.
The end...well, I won't say anything BUT it left me with some questions, like if the fate of the two protagonists was fair for both of them....or how could the human mind go to such extent just for a touch of glory, and know that it wouldn't last forever anyway....and hurt so many people that are close to you in the process.
And one of the final tricks I still don't get...but can't give anything away can I? :)
So yes, it was a good film....8/10

[trismegistus]

Older film: Shadow MAgic. Wants to be a lovely paen to the wonder of cinema to the novitiate (rather in the vein of Cinema Paradiso). Doesn't work. It has some charm because it's loosely based on a real story, but that can't overcome a mediocre script and rather pedestrian acting.

5/10

[jon1jt]

Babel...

good movie, I recommend it!

[subterranean]

Babel is listed in the movie list in the upcoming International Film Festival in my country. Yet the ticket for this movie is already sold out. Hence, I won't have the chance to see it, at least for now. :(

[Shalot]

I am watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for the hundreth time possibly (trying to get into the Christmas spirit).

I love this movie. Every year I watch it I notice something different and this year I noticed Clark's pajamas --- they have little dogs or dinosaurs on them (which is funny, because that is just the type of thing Clark Griswold would wear). And when he climbs up in the attic and gets stuck because Ellen's mom closes the attic door, he is wearing blue briefs which you can see through the doggie/dinosaur pajamas. I never noticed that before.

One of my favorite lines from this movie is "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now Eddie."

[TEND]

Well, I just bought and watched one of my favorite comedies ever, National Lampoon's Animal House :D . One of the funniest movies ever, Belushi is AWESOME.
"What are we gonna do?"
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
*together*"Toga Party."
"Toga, toga, toga!"
I can't give it a number rating, but definitely one of my favorites (though not exactly the most serious of movies :p ).

[genoveva]

I never get to watch movies these days, unless they're "G" rated- ha,ha! But, I did get to see Crash (rated R) for a class last week. It is an awesome, tear jerker, deep thinking kind of movie. Really about post 9/11 race relations in America and stereotyping, etc. See it if you can!

[ktd222]

V for Vendetta

Very vividly vantastic vand vipic. Sorry, I tried to keep a theme.

[downing]

''It Happened One Night''(1934) with my beloved astonishing absolut amazing Clark Gable. 10/10-it was a wonderful view! I LOVE CLARK GABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pendragon]

Eragon Fantastic! 10/10 Dragons! Dragonriders! Evil Shades! http://smilies.vidahost.com/games/dbz/dragonball-wishdragon.gif

[Shalot]

I just saw The Holiday with my husband today. It was entertaining for a chic flick. He wanted to go see Black Christmas but I didn't want to. (He's a little younger than me and hasn't outgrown the horror genre yet.) I wanted to see either Blood Diamnond or The Good Shepherd, so we settled on The Holiday. Somehow, we were both satisfied.

It was a little cheesy at times, but it was okay for a holiday movie and I always love Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law.

So I give it a generous 9/10.

[dramasnot6]

Saw "Night at the Museum" it was cute. 7/10

[livelaughlove]

Just watched "Up Close and Personal" with Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. It for some reason left me in a whirlwind of emotion. If you're a Robert Redford fan, it's a must see. 8/10

[Yelena]

The last movie I saw was "The Illusionist". I was really impressed with it. Edward Norton seems to be a good actor.

[jgx]

Saw "The Good Shepherd" last nite.
I would give it a B+...or maybe an 7.75 out of ten.

It was one of those movies that when you are watching it there is something important going on but a few hours afterwards you are not really thinking about it too much.

The acting was good but not great.
The plot was quite good.
It was both a spy thriller and a cinematic meditation on what happens to the soul of a man who devotes his life to keeping secrets, spying on others and trusting no one.

As a thriller the movie was good.
As a deeper exploration of the human psyche the film was quite powerful.

There is a lot of time shifts in the film. Half the film takes place during and after WWII and the rest takes place around the era of The Bay Of Pigs incident. I understand why DeNiro(who both acted in the film and directed it) chose to cut back and forth between the two periods but, for me, it got in the way of narrative continuity.

There are plenty of suprises and unexpected plot developments and each of them adds to the film.

Finally, I actually did come away from the film with a different perspective on the men and women who have chosen this type of career for their livelihood. I understand them more as flesh and blood humans who actually suffer quite deeply.

warning...I describe a powerful episode in the film. Stop reading at this point if you do not want to know about it.


Damon's character is talking to an Italian Mafia Head and the Mafia leader asks Damon "Jews have their tradition, the Irish have their homeland, the blacks (he actually says N..) have their music...what do you guys(the govt operatives) have?" Damon's reply "We have the United States of America, everybody else is just visiting."

[Themis]

Gypsy Woman.

I love this film. I don't know why exactly but in a way, it's perfect. And Jack Davenport plays the lead which in itself is a big plus. But I kind of like the whole atmosphere, the landscapes, the music ... basically everything.
It's no masterpiece certainly, but it's a good film.

[Niamh]

Went to see Eragon yesterday. I have never seen a book get distroyed so badly in my life! most of the characters werent even developed, as flat as a cardboard box crushed in a bailer. They more or less rewrote the story! I ended up having to brief my boyfriend about what actually happens in the books so he could understand why i was very irate leaving the cinema.

its just....:flare:

I did like Saphira though. o and Brom. probably one of the only characters you feel for in the movie.

[TEND]

The Godfather Part III
I finally finished the Godfather series last night, Part 3, was definitely my least favorite, it was okay, but the one major gripe I have is it cannot be a standalone movie, if you had not seen the first 2 this movie would be terrible. In the 2nd movie if you haven't seen the first, you can catch up and make some sense, but with this, it's a requirement to make any sense of whats going on (even than).
My first gripe was with the characters. You will remember the characters from previous movies (Al Pacino, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton) but the new characters are sometimes poorly introduced (sharp contrast in comparison to the brilliant introductions in the first film), save perhaps Vincent and maybe Mary. There are points where you don't quite understand, who is who until later on and you go back and "Oh, so that WAS him."
As far as acting goes as is expected Al Pacino was great as Micheal Corleone, Talia Shire had a larger part in this film than others and she held up fairly well, but didn't blow me away, Diane Keaton especially in the scenes shared with Al Pacino was very good. As far as the new cast goes I was lukewarm to all, except for two. The first was Andy Garcia who was a pleasant surprise as the illegitimate son of Micheal's brother, he gave a great performance and you cared about him. The other was Sofia Coppola, now she's gotten some tough criticism on her portrayal and for the most part I'd have to agree. I tried coming into this with an open mind but from the first scene she is introduced I didn't like the way she was being done, right up until that poor death scene (I could not stand it).
The first 2/3rd's of the movie were definitely not the high point of the series but closer to the end I started to enjoy the movie a bit more. Al Pacino's character is at full development, he tries to redeem himself for all that he's done, Garcia's character has developed into someone we're rooting for he's become the succesor to the Corleone throne. The movie ended with the familiar montage featured in both previous movies this time between the Opera being performed by Pacino's son and the attempted assasination of Pacino himself. *spoilers* The one thing about it was that, I knew Pacino's character would die, but I was sure it would be through the assasination, I was quite shocked when his character survived and we saw him in his old age die at home in Sicily. It was quite the anti-climactic death scene and I can't say I enjoyed it, it was a dissapointment such a slow uneventful ending to a series like this.
There were other minor problems that simply should not have been in a movie of this caliber. Things such as the audio tracks being slighty off in some scenes (this is simply unacceptable in whats supposed to be an automatic oscar contender), there was one scene featuring prominently Diane Keaton where something was happening with the film (not sure what it was) that definitely should have been fixed.
All in all, this simply was not a fitting end to such a wonderful series and like I said if it didn't have such a rich background to draw from it would not be worth the celluloid it was printed on. There were some stand out performances from Pacino, Garcia and Keaton, some nice shots, and as always I loved the montage ending, but a lack of proper direction (the movie seemed to be splitting off into 4 or 5 different directions) some unproffesional work in the studio and just a lack of any element to pull the entire movie together it was destined for mediocrity.
6.5/10 (This score is assuming you've seen the first two films in the series, if you have not the score would be much lower).

[Pendragon]

Went to see Eragon yesterday. I have never seen a book get distroyed so badly in my life! most of the characters werent even developed, as flat as a cardboard box crushed in a bailer. They more or less rewrote the story! I ended up having to brief my boyfriend about what actually happens in the books so he could understand why i was very irate leaving the cinema.

its just....:flare:

I did like Saphira though. o and Brom. probably one of the only characters you feel for in the movie.
See that's why I enjoyed the movie-- I haven't read the book! :p ;)

[Niamh]

See that's why I enjoyed the movie-- I haven't read the book! :p ;)

Oh but Pendragon you have to read the books! they are really enjoyable and a hundred times better than that movie.

[Idril]

Went to see Eragon yesterday. I have never seen a book get distroyed so badly in my life! most of the characters werent even developed, as flat as a cardboard box crushed in a bailer. They more or less rewrote the story! I ended up having to brief my boyfriend about what actually happens in the books so he could understand why i was very irate leaving the cinema.


My sons are huge fans of the books and they had the same reaction to the movie as you did, Niamh. My eldest made the comment that now he completely understands my anger about the LOTR movies. :lol:

We watched the new Superman movie this last weekend. There was nothing particularly earth-shattering about it and Superman has never been one of my favorite superheros but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a bit like walking down memory lane, I was so struck by how similar it was to the Christopher Reeve movies and I loved those at the time they came out so I'm sure that had a lot to do with why I enjoyed the new one.

[Niamh]

i also went to see casino royale. It wasnt bad. first james Bond movie i've enjoyed in years!

Re Eragon: I'm worried about what will happen when miramax eventually get around to doing Artemis Fowl. I'll cry if that gets butchered! Idril, you do know theres talk of commencing the filming of the Hobbit dont you? i loved the Hobbit when i was in school.

[Idril]

Idril, you do know theres talk of commencing the filming of the Hobbit dont you? i loved the Hobbit when i was in school.

I did know that. I'm not as emotionally attached to The Hobbit as I am to Tolkien's other writings of Middle-earth but I'm still anxious to see it. I'm actually glad Jackson won't be doing it, I think he may have made it heavier and darker than it was intended to be.

[Shalot]

5/10

I rented the 2006 remake of The Wicker Man. On the cover it said that the edition I was renting was the director's cut with a shocking alternate ending not shown in theaters. The ending I saw was horrible.

I read some reviews of the movie and no one seemed to like the movie. The story didn't make much sense and there were a lot of holes in the plot.

Did anyone happen to see it in the theaters and would you mind telling me the ending you saw? The ending I saw didn't seem to deviate from what I've read about the original from the 70's. But then again, I didn't see the original. I am just wondering how different the endings could have been....

:confused:

[mtpspur]

The Mrs and I saw Casino Royale today and we both like it very much. It really is a breath of fresh air yet keeping a sense of familiarity to it. Very nuanced in its presentation. Definitely buying the DVD when it comes out.

[Mark F.]

I watched Evil Dead 2 with my girlfriend last night but then we kind of got sidetracked half way through. I love the film though, heh.

[Shadowsarin]

Blade Runner: Directors Cut.

9/10

Based on Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick, it is a wonderful film in the sense it is so much richer than a lot of other sci-fi action movies. I adore this film, and anyone into sci-fi should know it off by heart.

Christ, I suck so much at reviewing films...

[cuppajoe_9]

i also went to see casino royale. It wasnt bad. first james Bond movie i've enjoyed in years!

Nothing improves a Bond film like taking all the invisible cars out of it, eh?

I saw Chaplin's The Gold Rush, the other day and liked it very much. The dance of the rolls has to be one of the greatest scenes in the history of cinema. I've always like Chaplin, The Great Dictator is one of my favorite films.

[livelaughlove]

The Freedom Writers with Hillary Swank and Patrick Dempsey- I enjoyed it. 7/10

[Idril]

I watched Little Miss Sunshine yesterday. It was sappier than I thought it would be but it was an enjoyable couple of hours. It was odd but nice to see Steve Carell in a more subdued role. Those pagent girls were absolutely horrifying though!

[Nightshade]

hummm they were talkiing about tha on film 2006 although the presnter ( Wossy) hadnt seen it so they didnt say much, which was annoying.

[Idril]

It was a good movie, I would recommend it. :thumbs_up Just be warned, there's a lot of swearing in it. :p

[Nightshade]

Swearing I dont mind, or violance,.. its nudity I object to, people just look better with clothes on IMO. :D
oh and Im a cowerd so scary things ( like the gremlins) has me behind chairs... and I cant watch cringe comedy because I get embaressed...Im useless at the cinema:lol:

[Idril]

its nudity I object to, people just look better with clothes on IMO. :D

Well, you should be good then because there's none of that in the movie. ;)


oh and Im a cowerd so scary things ( like the gremlins) has me behind chairs... and I cant watch cringe comedy because I get embaressed...Im useless at the cinema:lol:


I'm the same way, I can not handle scary movies and there's nothing that makes me more uncomfortable than seeing other people uncomfortable. Things like the Borat movie I just can't watch, not because I'm offended but I just can't stand to see people being made fun of or put into awkward situations, it just makes me cringe.

[LPRox015]

The last movie I watched was The Pursuit Of Happyness. It was ok...5/10. I like all kinds of movies but they have to have a good storyline. :)

[Niamh]

The last movie I watched was The Pursuit Of Happyness. It was ok...5/10. I like all kinds of movies but they have to have a good storyline. :)


Is that based on the book by Douglas Kennedy? Think its only coming out this week in Ireland.

[vheissu]

"Perfume, the story of a murderer". I read the book in 2 days so had it all fresh in my mind when I went to see it. It must have been quite difficult to make a film out of that book....altough the film had a narrator, you couldn't expect them to keep saying "he smelled this or that" all the time, it would have ended up tedious. Nevertheless, it was good...some chunks where cut off or altered, but that's to be expected. At least they didn't change the ending! The main actor was especially good, he portrayed Grenouille as a cold and indifferent (to other people) person, and was a bit intimidating as well!
8/10

[Niamh]

White noise 2; the light. just as bad as the first one. very predictable. I wanted to see Perfume or the last king of scotland.:(

[pup]

I agree. Crash is great. I think it's about redemption, coming to terms with the realities of ones life. I think about it all the time.

[pup]

Has anyone ever seen the indy film"Rabbit Proof Fence" ? I thought it very good.

[Janine]

Has anyone ever seen the indy film"Rabbit Proof Fence" ? I thought it very good.

Yes, I saw it a few times since I am a Branagh fan. Ofcourse he only played a minor role in it and he was not too likable either. I thought the film was amazing, especially since the little Australia girls were not really actors to begin with and had to be taught and trained to act. That took time and patience. If you see the DVD do see the extras and the making of the film. I absolutely recommend it. It is an Australian film. I like Australian films very much. Another really good one is "Lantana". This is a sort of murder mystery intrigue. It is very well done and moves along well keeping ones interest all the time.

[Janine]

Last film I saw was a rerun for me - "My Fair Lady" - been years since I saw it. Wonderful music and set design, costumes. Audrey Hepburn was amazing and so beautiful!

[subterranean]

I had a fine Saturday evening watching Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. A movie about love story surrounded by racial issue. All plots cleverly based on that line said by the maid, which also the title of the movie. It all started from there. My fav part is the dialoque in the study room when young Dr. Prentice confronted his father. And the young doctor won.

[Janine]

I had a fine Saturday evening watching [i]Guess Who's Coming to Dinner[i]. A movie about love story surrounded by racial issue. All plots cleverly based on that line said by the maid, which also the title of the movie. It all started from there. My fav part is the dialoque in the study room when young Dr. Prentice confronted his father. And the young doctor won.

Hi Sub, did you see the old version with Sidney Poiter (sp?). If so - great film! I have been meaning to rewatch it since my library has it there - free to check out.
I love your signature picture - another Dali. I saw that one up close at the Philadelphia Museum two falls ago. The whole show was wonderful. Are you a Dali fan, too?
I need to change my own signature picture, but can't recall my domain name or password in Photobucket. I thought I wrote it down but can't find that either. Someone on another thread told me how I might find out by running a google search of one of my photo names. Hope it works.

[Janine]

Oh, I forgot to mention the film I just saw: "The French Lietenant's Woman" with Jeremy Irons and Meryl Streep. I saw it many years ago but it was even better this time around, especially since I know some of it was filmed in Thomas Hardy country. The scenes in Lime are amazing.

[Idril]

Casino Royale. I'm not a big Bond fan, in fact, I think this was the first Bond movie I've ever seen in it's entirety but my sister is obsessed with Daniel Craig so she dragged me to it. :rolleyes: It wasn't bad, a little brutal for my taste, I am a self declared wimp when it comes to violence, I got up to take a potty break during the torture scene, but I have to admit, I enjoyed it...not the potty break, the movie. :p

[Scheherazade]

but I have to admit, I enjoyed it...not the potty break, the movie. :pThe potty break was not to your liking, then?

:D

[Idril]

Potty break was not to your liking, then?

:D

Well, actually, I used that time to call to check up on my 12 year old son who was home alone at the time and I was standing in the bathroom by the sink but the stalls were open and they have those automatic flushers and they kept flushing and it was kind of annoying. My son finally asked me, "What are you doing, mom?!". :lol: :lol:

[B-Mental]

OMGROFLMAO....I'm sorry, but that was funny Idril!

[Idril]

OMGROFLMAO....I'm sorry, but that was funny Idril!


It's funny now but it was infernally frustrating at the time. I think I even yelled at them to shut up at one point. :rolleyes:

[Janine]

Those dang toilets never work right!

[Nightshade]

Well lets see I took one of the little ones to the cinema on saterday to see Night at the Museum, had an inkling it would be good because another sister went quite out of charcter and offered to take her to see the film and shed already seen it. It was ace, I couldnt stop chuckling through the whole film, so if you have kids and its still on near you take 'em. Or dont and just go yourself:D.

[Nightshade]

Another film I watched yesterday was The Adventures of Pricilla queen of the Desert, now that was another good film, I really enjoyed watching Guy Pearce mouthing the words to Mamma Mia. The only objection I had to it was we dont find out how mitsy came to marry grace. Sill awfully good if not for everyone.

[Serenata]

I just watched Snake on a Plane. I was kind of surprised that I liked it.

7/10

[Adudaewen]

I last saw The Libertine with Johnny Depp. I love Johnny, he's so pretty I want to cry!!! The movie was a little bit trippy (and a bit more sexual than I was expecting) but I LOVED it!!!! Definitly not a movie to see with your kids, but I think a movie definilty worth seeing.

[aeroport]

Casino Royale. I got up to take a potty break during the torture scene

I could not stop squirming during that scene.

Last film I saw...
"Perfume"

Well, the thing is... interesting, to say the least. I remember having heard some critics say that Dustin Hoffman was not only inappropriate and bizarre in this film but that he positively ruined the thing. Said I, "Surely not. The man's not that bad." I fear, however, that they were right. His character is quite possibly the goofiest thing I've encountered in a serious film, and I was quite glad when his role in the film was over. As for the rest, what can one say? A young man goes around killing beautiful young women - apparently thinking absolutely nothing of it - chopping off their hair and boiling their bodies and such in order to extract their "essence" and create perfume.
No, folks, really - it's not a comedy. We are supposed to take this seriously.
The orgy scene is just stupid and totally unnecessary, considering what happens immediately afterward...
Actually, that applies to nearly the whole movie: After seeing the ending, one is left with the feeling of "What the hell did I just spend two hours of my life watching?"

4/10

[Nightshade]

Another film I watched yesterday was The Adventures of Pricilla queen of the Desert, now that was another good film, I really enjoyed watching Guy Pearce mouthing the words to Mamma Mia. The only objection I had to it was we dont find out how mitsy came to marry grace. Sill awfully good if not for everyone.

Its on again tonight....should I watch it?? :p ...hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[vheissu]

I could not stop squirming during that scene.

Last film I saw...
"Perfume"

Well, the thing is... interesting, to say the least. I remember having heard some critics say that Dustin Hoffman was not only inappropriate and bizarre in this film but that he positively ruined the thing. Said I, "Surely not. The man's not that bad." I fear, however, that they were right. His character is quite possibly the goofiest thing I've encountered in a serious film, and I was quite glad when his role in the film was over. As for the rest, what can one say? A young man goes around killing beautiful young women - apparently thinking absolutely nothing of it - chopping off their hair and boiling their bodies and such in order to extract their "essence" and create perfume.
No, folks, really - it's not a comedy. We are supposed to take this seriously.
The orgy scene is just stupid and totally unnecessary, considering what happens immediately afterward...
Actually, that applies to nearly the whole movie: After seeing the ending, one is left with the feeling of "What the hell did I just spend two hours of my life watching?"

4/10


Have you read the book? I went with a couple of friends to see it and they found it a bit disturbing and maybe not that great...though none of them have actually read it. In the book, the characters are developed a lot more, so you understand their actions and thoughts, something that the film couldn't possibly do because of time restriction. In fact they chopped off a part of it which I think was a quite important for the development of the protagonist. Grenuille doesn't think of his act when he is murdering because he has never understood what emotions really are (being abstract words with no smell, he found it difficult to even pronounce them) and nobody ever loved him, or even felt anything for him, so he can't return any feelings whatsoever. He is indifferent to everything, including the lives of the girls. Smells are the only way to connect him to the real world, though in the end he can't stand his gift anymore. His choice for an end is actually well put: it's the only way for people to actually see him and want him, since up to then nobody had any consideration of him, good or bad.
Sorry if I ranted off, but I liked the book quite a lot and the film wasn't too bad either....I might be defending it a bit ;)

[taylorj]

I cried through that whole movie too! Getting a zit on her wedding day... sounds like me. You should see the notebook. it was great, only it will make you cry alot more. trust me.

[kathycf]

Another film I watched yesterday was The Adventures of Pricilla queen of the Desert, now that was another good film, I really enjoyed watching Guy Pearce mouthing the words to Mamma Mia. The only objection I had to it was we dont find out how mitsy came to marry grace. Sill awfully good if not for everyone.
I loved that movie! It was funny, weird, sad and funny again. Hugo Weaving looked really ugly in drag, but hey not everybody looks good with black lipstick. The music was great too. I am going to have to rent that some time again.

[subterranean]

Hi Sub, did you see the old version with Sidney Poiter (sp?). If so - great film! I have been meaning to rewatch it since my library has it there - free to check out.

Yes, I watched the one with Portier and I don't know that there's other version beside that until you mention it. :) It was my first Portier's movie and I've been looking to see the other movie,with this scene where Portier was waiting at the train station, hesitant. Don't know the title.


I love your signature picture - another Dali. I saw that one up close at the Philadelphia Museum two falls ago. The whole show was wonderful. Are you a Dali fan, too?

I only know Dali and no other. :) I mean there are lots of great painters past and present, but don't know why I'm only interested in Dali's works. Unfortunetly, I have not had the change to see them in real.


I need to change my own signature picture, but can't recall my domain name or password in Photobucket. I thought I wrote it down but can't find that either. Someone on another thread told me how I might find out by running a google search of one of my photo names. Hope it works.

If you have it also in a form of a file, you can upload it directly as your sig picture. :)

[aeroport]

Have you read the book?

I haven't. I thought about it, believing there must indeed be something missing from the narrative of the film that would, in the book, perhaps have enhanced the story a bit. I probably will give it a read sometime.

[Madhuri]

Cinderella Man -- 11 / 10. Last night I saw this movie.

It is a beautiful movie, very inspiring and gripping story. I enjoyed all the fights, especially the last one, I was lying on the whole sofa and by the end of the fight I was crouching in the corner, brows knitted, my hands holding my face, and I was thinking -- God let him win, let him win please....He did win. Too good movie, what courage he showed.

Music of the Heart -- 11 / 10. I saw this today.

Again a very lovely story, very inspiring.

Where do such people get all this courage from? I have this tendency to imagine myself actually living the story whenever I watch such a movie, and I think what will I do? These people seem so passionate about what they do, they have such strong beliefs.

Good movies, I must say...:nod:

[toni]

Last film I saw...
"Perfume"

I saw that reviewed on a movie channel and I was dying to see it because of the plot..:p From what I have heard, it was originally a book like this:

http://www.magic-point.net/literatur/das_parfum/parfum2-2-k.gif



Well, the thing is... interesting, to say the least. I remember having heard some critics say that Dustin Hoffman was not only inappropriate and bizarre in this film but that he positively ruined the thing.

I thought Orlando Bloom would play the part..:bawling:



After seeing the ending, one is left with the feeling of "What the hell did I just spend two hours of my life watching?"

4/10

Now that you mention it, I think I'll pass on this one and watch The Departed instead...:lol: :p :( :lol:

[AimusSage]

Cannibal holocaust. 7/10

What can I say about it... It isn't for the faint of heart, or those with a weak stomach. :nod:

[Niamh]

I just saw Rocky Balboa with my boyfriend. I'd never seen any of the other movies but i really enjoyed it. I got a bit teary-eyed at times.

[Nightshade]

Superman Returns 7/10
amazing special effects, the guy is quite a good follow up from Christopher reeves, kevin Spacey as Lex was FANTASTIC and the sence where he goes into what my father used to tell me he did such a good copy of the scene in the orinigal move with Gene Hackman.
The only things that bugged me was the how on earth did Superman and Lousi have a child? and she still hasnnt figured out that hes Clark ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! How stupid can that woman get?
Although I think Jason ( the son) may have cottoned on.

[Idril]

The only things that bugged me was the how on earth did Superman and Lousi have a child? and she still hasnnt figured out that hes Clark ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! How stupid can that woman get?
Although I think Jason ( the son) may have cottoned on.

That has me confused as well. Actually, in the old Christopher Reeve movies, she did figure it out and when they slept together, she knew he was Clark but she seems to have forgotten. Or maybe I've forgotten some explanation why Lois was made to forget, I didn't watch all those original movies, only the first 2 or 3.

The boys and I went to Night at the Museum this weekend and were all pleasantly surprised. It was a fun little movie, nothing earth shattering but enjoyable.

[Nightshade]

That has me confused as well. Actually, in the old Christopher Reeve movies, she did figure it out and when they slept together, she knew he was Clark but she seems to have forgotten. Or maybe I've forgotten some explanation why Lois was made to forget, I didn't watch all those original movies, only the first 2 or 3.

Wasnt that second movie? Yes he kissed and sucked the memory out of her if I rember correctly.... very wierd.

[Idril]

Wasnt that second movie? Yes he kissed and sucked the memory out of her if I rember correctly.... very wierd.


ooooohhhhh :blush: Yeah, I figured I missed something there. :rolleyes: :lol: I was so amazed at how this new Superman even had Christopher Reeves mannerisms and tone of voice. It was almost uncanny.

[Nightshade]

yes:nod: and the chin dont forget the chin.
but That was the word I was looking mannerisims KS as lex luther had all of genehackmans Luther mannerisim and it was GREAT!

are they making another one, and will that annoying woman ever click, on her own?

[Janine]

Cinderella Man -- 11 / 10. Last night I saw this movie.

It is a beautiful movie, very inspiring and gripping story. I enjoyed all the fights, especially the last one, I was lying on the whole sofa and by the end of the fight I was crouching in the corner, brows knitted, my hands holding my face, and I was thinking -- God let him win, let him win please....He did win. Too good movie, what courage he showed.

Music of the Heart -- 11 / 10. I saw this today.

Again a very lovely story, very inspiring.

Where do such people get all this courage from? I have this tendency to imagine myself actually living the story whenever I watch such a movie, and I think what will I do? These people seem so passionate about what they do, they have such strong beliefs.

Good movies, I must say...:nod:

Hi Madhuri, I saw both a while back - as you said "very inspiring", both of them. The acting was really good also. Did you watch the real life story extra about the real woman teacher in "Music of the Heart". It was wonderful - extra on the DVD.
I would re-watch both films, that is how much I liked them!

[Janine]

Yes, I watched the one with Portier and I don't know that there's other version beside that until you mention it. :) It was my first Portier's movie and I've been looking to see the other movie,with this scene where Portier was waiting at the train station, hesitant. Don't know the title.

Sub, there is an old film with Portier called "A Patch of Blue" - it is the most touching and wonderful film. It is about a blind girl who comes from a bad family falling in love with Portier's character. I loved the film. Not sure if you can still find it, but hope that you can watch it sometime. He is one of the most amazing actors of all time!


I only know Dali and no other. :) I mean there are lots of great painters past and present, but don't know why I'm only interested in Dali's works. Unfortunetly, I have not had the change to see them in real.

I am Dali obsessed now myself. I love his work! The show was unreal and everyone could hardly leave - they were so entranced. I hope someday you get to see them all live. I went to the show twice - that is how much I loved it.


If you have it also in a form of a file, you can upload it directly as your sig picture. :)

Well, I finally figured out how to get back on the site. I wrote support about 5times and they kept saying I did not have an account. Then finally, I could see my full Photobucket URL in the larger photo I had posted, and could send them the right information. They quickly located my files and send me my sign-in name and my password. Now I am uploading to the site again - happy about that and relieved.

[Janine]

Forgot to mention. I am watching Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet" - only watched it endlessly. Quite Hamlet obsessed, I am. This is my first viewing this year, although I did view the older Jacobi BBC version, which was very good, excellent performance by J. I just enjoy the Branagh version more....right, enjoy "Hamlet" - the comsumate tragedy....that's me a hopeless tragerian...

[Madhuri]

Schindler's List -- 11 / 10

[TEND]

The last movie I watched (for about the 5th time or so) was Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Now I personally love it, though I definitely feel it does not translate well into my generation humour-wise. It is a wonderful movie, lots of poor dated humour but of course there are some gems which crack me up, Peter Sellers way over the top Dr. Strangelove, Sterling Hayden's crazed deniance of "essence" to the opposite sex, and Slim Pickens in one of the most memorable movie scenes ever (Yeeeeehooohooohaaaaw). Very good, movie, though hasn't aged all that well, I would recommend seeing it at least once if only for the bomb riding scene. I can't fairly rate this movie, what it was than and what it is now, and what I feel it is compared to what others may feel totally depletes any options I may have, I could rate it a 9 or a 6 or a 4, and all would be fair, it's a tough choice.

[Silvia]

the last movie I watched is Rocky Balboa at the cinema....I was disappointed because I remember how my father and I sympathized with the glorious Stallone in the previous movies...while in the last one...I don't know, it's just not the same!!

[vheissu]

[QUOTE=TEND;324040]The last movie I watched (for about the 5th time or so) was Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. QUOTE]

I still haven't seen that one but I've been meaning to for quite some time!

I went to see Babel a couple of days ago. Very, very sad. Not to the point that it made you cry but it just left me with this sad feeling....:( Anyway, it was a good movie: it's message for lack of communication and understanding between people, not just of different nationalities/languages, reflects reality very well. There are 3 different stories which are all connected; it might be a bit far stretched...somehow it couldn't really happen. 2 of the stories are quite realistic, but all 3 together probably not.
The saddest one, I think, was that of the Japanese girl.....
I get all sad again just thinking about it!!
8/10

[Niamh]

Went to see The Last King Of Scotland yesterday. I really enjoyed it. Was on the edge of my seat towards the end in complete anticipation. Deffinately the best movie i've seen this year.

[metal134]

American Beauty 8/10. Not perfect, but few movies are. Excellent, though and I think Kevin Spacey gave one of the best performances of his well acomplished career.

[Shalot]

The last movie I saw was Employee of the Month. It was not so great. I give it a 5/10.


Jessica Simpson has noticable roots but maybe that was part of her costume/character. Dane Cook needed a shave or a good trim up, but again, it could have been part of the costume. I do think he is entertaining as a comedian and this movie was beneath him.

And Andy Dick is in this and that's part of the reason I gave this movie a generous 5/10 and not a 2/10.

[B-Mental]

Last movie I saw was AVP: Aliens Vs. Predator...8/10

Very good movie, but maybe a little too fast paced, not as good as the best of the series Alien & Aliens...both were much more suspensful.

[Madhuri]

Scent of a Woman -- 11 / 10

Fabulous movie. I want to do a tango dance with Al Pacino :bawling: Okay, well, there's no harm in dreaming :D :D

[byquist]

"Hop" black and white, French; this is a great film -- charactery, some humor, life's challenges for a young teen and his Dad in Belgium. Give it a chance and it may stay with you more than a day.

[Serenata]

Saint, with Val Kilmer.

Old movie, but I still liked it. 8/10

[manolia]

"Le double vie de Veronique"
Simply one of the best movies i've ever seen.
10/10

[beautiful_alma]

Last movie I saw in theaters was Notes on a Scandal... on a scale of 1-10, I'd rate it a 4.

Last movie I saw on DVD was V for Vendetta.. I'd rate that a 9

[jon1jt]

Pollack focuses on American abstract (?) painter Jackson Pollack. If you're looking for a movie about art and the artist, this is it. the drama surrounding his alcoholism and marriage fades into the harmonic drip-drip splash of his work, and the scenes on Long Island in his barn converted to studio is inspiring.

[Bookworm89]

Casino Royale, which was very good. I'd give it a 9 out of 10. Daniel Craig did a very good job at playing James Bond. My only problem with it was that the movie could have ended thirty minutes before it did.

[Shalot]

I just watched Down in the Valley with Edward Norton, David Morse Rory Culkin and Evan Rachel Wood. I am going to give that a 9/10 just because it isn't the ordinary, everyday Hollywood blockbuster release. Edward Norton played the not-quite-right character just right. If you're looking for something different, I would recommend this one.

Oh, and I do believe they had Mazzy Star on the soundtrack.

[sea moraine]

seven samurai by akira kurosawa.
10/10 all the way!

[Pendragon]

Ghost Rider 10/10 Kicks some serious butt! http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/scull.gif

[sea moraine]

Ghost Rider 10/10 Kicks some serious butt! http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/scull.gif

haha~ that emoticon fits the movie perfectly!

[TEND]

seven samurai by akira kurosawa.
10/10 all the way!

Woo! Most definitely one of my favorites :D .

[subterranean]

Saturday:
I went to see The Holiday with a friend. Entertaining enough, light enough, yet quite stuffed enough with interesting message. I mean women's problems with men have been captured in movies for years, but I think The Holiday has been quite succesful to bring it on again in the big scren. Cameron D is very very lovely, I never said that until yesterday. Jude, as always, is charming.
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n86/subterranean_space/JudeLaw.jpg

Sunday:
I watched Little Miss Sunshine on DVD and the first time I saw it, I knew that it's going to be the kind that I'd watch forever (good that I bought the DVD). The comedy is simply dazzling, each roles has his/her own unique characters. Dayton and Faris have made great works with Pumpkins and RHCP before and if I'm not mistaken, this is their first movie together and I have to give them 4 thumbs for their cool job! And I'm waiting for more Paul Dano's actions. A talented young actor he is :nod:

Oh, I also watched Thumbsucker. The message I got from this movie is that you can't never tell to your self that you've made it unless you really made it on your own. Of course there's always someone or something that support you, but all it's up to you. Lou Pucci is yet another talented guy in the big screen, cheers for him. But I regret for Reeves' performance, it's nothing special.

[JBI]

Just watched Pan's Labyrinth. 10.10. It was absolutely amazing.

[Domer121]

Strangers with Candy 1.10.....worst movie I have seen this year..

[vheissu]

Non ti muovere (Don't move) by Sergio Castellitto, based on a novel.
Hmmm...t'was ok: successful doctor, married and a bit depressed falls in love with a woman who is really poor and has an affair with her. So you have their relationship at the forefront (but in the past), with its difficulties, and at the backround (in the present) the guy's daughter in surgery after an accident.
I'm still trying to figure out wether Penelope Cruz was actually speaking in italian or they got someone else's voice on top of hers. But then why not just get an italian actress??
6/10
It's weird, that the last 2 italian films I saw were also revolved around guys having affairs as one of the main plot (L'ultimo bacio and Ricordati di me> (The last kiss and Remember me). Hmmm.....

[grace86]

Rise of Hannibal - 9/10 if you can get past the gore.

[manolia]

I just saw "The King of Comedy" by Scorsese. Very nice 8/10

[mtpspur]

Stayed up and watched The Talented Mr. Ripley on TCM which shows movies uncut and uninterupted. Can't believe 7 years have gone by. I remember the trailer from back then and went expecting some sort of weird love trianage between Marge, Dickie and Ripley. Let's put it this way the homosexual overtones had been a well kept secret from me. Ultimately it left me with a sour taste because I never got a handle on what was really going down with Ripley. He just seems to jury rig his actions. I didn't think there was any need for the film's final murder for instance. High expectations coming in and bewildered feelings at conclusions. Several times I started to break away but I just kept wanting to see this all play out.

[Niamh]

howls moving castle (again) just finished reading the book. Movie much better.

[Serenata]

Saw part of Howls Moving Castle, had to leave before it was done.

I just saw Babel. It was a little strange in some parts, but actually heart-warming in others.

I give it 6/10.

[TEND]

I saw Babel as well, and although it wasn't the best movie I've seen this year, it was quite good, with some very well done performances. I'll give it a 7/10

Last night, I also saw 'Once Upon a Time in the West.' It was possibly the most entertaining western I've ever seen, some great motifs and wonderful scenes (the opening shoot-out), really made it worth watching. The plot was a bit difficult to follow at some points, but nothing large enough to ruin the experience. I'll say a.....8.7/10 or thereabouts.

Also, Howl's Moving Castle is a fantastic film, but than again I've never disliked anything I've seen by Miyazaki.

[Niamh]

I saw Babel as well, and although it wasn't the best movie I've seen this year, it was quite good, with some very well done performances. I'll give it a 7/10

Last night, I also saw 'Once Upon a Time in the West.' It was possibly the most entertaining western I've ever seen, some great motifs and wonderful scenes (the opening shoot-out), really made it worth watching. The plot was a bit difficult to follow at some points, but nothing large enough to ruin the experience. I'll say a.....8.7/10 or thereabouts.

Also, Howl's Moving Castle is a fantastic film, but than again I've never disliked anything I've seen by Miyazaki.

what did you think of spirited away? i think it well deserved the oscar it got! brilliant!

[TEND]

I love Spirited Away, I think it would probably be my 2nd or 3rd favorite Miyazaki. I always say Porco Rosso is my favorite though, it's so unbelievably beautiful, and it's partly an emotional attachment.

[Madhuri]

Did you watch the real life story extra about the real woman teacher in "Music of the Heart". It was wonderful - extra on the DVD.


What's the extra part about? I dont know if there was any extra part, I saw it on tv. Meryl Streep (sp?) has always performed so well.

[Niamh]

I love Spirited Away, I think it would probably be my 2nd or 3rd favorite Miyazaki. I always say Porco Rosso is my favorite though, it's so unbelievably beautiful, and it's partly an emotional attachment.

Hummm...I've never seen that one.. better check it out!

[Adudaewen]

Last night, I also saw 'Once Upon a Time in the West.' It was possibly the most entertaining western I've ever seen, some great motifs and wonderful scenes (the opening shoot-out), really made it worth watching. The plot was a bit difficult to follow at some points, but nothing large enough to ruin the experience. I'll say a.....8.7/10 or thereabouts..


That is one of my all time favorite movies. Most of my friends won't watch it with me because they think it is boring, but I LOVE it!!! I love the music too!

I just saw Man of the Year. I have to say, its not the movie I thought it would be, but I really liked it! I'd give it a 9/10

[*Classic*Charm*]

Hannibal Rising the other night. Fabulous. Still not as good as the novel though...

It wasn't as good as the other Hannibal Lecter movies either. Silence is still the best, though Hannibal gets a special mention for featuring the first ever rendition of Dante's works set to music.

Weak year for the Oscars unfortunately; at least from what I've seen.

[Weisinheimer]

I watched Brian's Song last night. I thought is was excellent 8/10. But I'm not sure why it's called Brian's Song. What's with the Song? Did I miss something?

[Poetess]

The Wicker Man - knowing that it`s still not in the movies, in my country at least :P.
2/10

[Daizee]

Went to see Hot Fuzz yesterday with a friend. We thought it was going to be absolutely hilarious so were scared to say the least when a black cloaked murderer arrived on the scene and proceeded to kill various inhabitants of the village.

[B-Mental]

I watched Brian's Song last night. I thought is was excellent 8/10. But I'm not sure why it's called Brian's Song. What's with the Song? Did I miss something?

The story is a true story about Brian Piccalo and Gayle Sayers two Chicago Bears football teamates and was originally a book by William Blinn I believe. I believe the word song is in reference to Brian's swansong or the story of his decline as cancer decimates his body. The only other way that I can think of the name being used is as a replacement to the word 'story'. I really like the soundtrack to the movie which I saw when it came out on TV in the mid 70's.

[vheissu]

Went to see Hot Fuzz. It was a bit bizzare to say the least....the first time I saw the trailer I thought it was a comedy, which was true in some respect since it did have some funny bits in it. Along with some murders as well! But enjoyable nonetheless...
7.5/10

[Shalot]

Saw School for Scoundrels --- I'll give it 7/10 for the laugh-out-loud moments. Billy Bob Thornton was the bad teacher this time, instead of the bad Santa and that guy from Napoleon Dynamite was the hopeless loser until he takes a class in assertiveness training...

Basically, Billy Bob and Jon Heder just have to play the same characters they did in Bad Santa and Napolean Dynamite... but if you want a few laughs this one is okay.

[B-Mental]

I just saw 'The Departed' again. A great movie all the way up to the blood bath ending, which was slightly disappointing. Great acting and writing, I'll give it a 9/10. The ending was sort of a letdown or it would have been a perfect 10.

[TEND]

I just saw 'The Departed' again. A great movie all the way up to the blood bath ending, which was slightly disappointing. Great acting and writing, I'll give it a 9/10. The ending was sort of a letdown or it would have been a perfect 10.

Yeah, the whole movie I had no idea how they were gonna end it. I guess that was really the only way. I did love Mark Wahlberg's final scene though :D .

[Janine]

What's the extra part about? I dont know if there was any extra part, I saw it on tv. Meryl Streep (sp?) has always performed so well.

Hi Madhuri, On the "special features" on extra disk or maybe on the same disk it tells the real life story of the violin teacher the film is based on. It is a sort of documentary on this extraordinary woman and her work...very inspiring. If you get a chance see this film, it is interesting. But the movie was wonderful I thought. I love Streep and am a big fan of hers for years now. I just saw her in "The Devil Wears Prada"....cute film and funny. I could relate, since right out of college I tried getting freelance art jobs in New York City, so I know how hard it is to deal with. The fashion world is depicted pretty outrageous, but true - a microcosism or world unto itself. It is a hard world to break into.

Trend and B-Mental, Since "The Departed" won the Oscar for Best Picture I would probably like to see it. I hate mob movies, but it does look gripping and the actors all are good ones. I have never seen DiCaprio and Matt Damon in the same film before. I always used to think they resembled each other...well, slightly. Not sure how I will take the blood bath ending everyone is aluding to. I don't want to know the end so please - no spoilers. It seems that is a strength of the film not knowing what will happen.

Tend, I really wanted to see Babel and probably still will soon. I like to judge it for myself, but it certainly looks good from the trailers. I will let you know what I rate it. I love Cate Blanchett - think she is a stunning actress, always good. I heard this is Pitt's best performance ever.

Weisinheimer, Brian's song is from my time. I remember it was a major tear-jerker. You needed a box of tissues to watch it - but an excellent film indeed! Great soundtrack, agree with you B-Mental.

[Janine]

I saw the "Illusionist" two nights ago.
I think I may have been a bit disappointed in it. The story bugged me somehow. It did not seem to be very intricate or something. I went on Amazon to read the reviews and see what other people thought. I agreed with all - positives and negatives. I think the screenplay could have been better and I got very tired of the films sepia tone throughout. It needed something, but like I said, hard to put my finger on exactly what. I did not feel a great deal of chemistry between the woman and man leads - supposidly they being so in love. I think the ending was a bit abrupt also; I can't really talk much about that or I will give it all away. Performances were good, but not great. Probably I would give it an 8 out of a 10, or maybe even a 7. I would have liked to see more character development.

Last night I saw "Raise the Red Lantern". I have often heard about the film. I thought it was visually very interesting. The set design and the wardrobes were wonderful, exotic. The script and the story was a good one with the idea of woman being mere objects for the husband's enjoyment. It was interesting how the 4 wives vied for his attention and how they tricked each other. The ending was amazing, I thought. The acting was topnotch! Gong Li is wonderful - her expressions so sensitive and she is absolutely lovely to watch on film...a true beauty. I think I would give it a 9 out of a 10.
I really hate rating films with numbers, so both are wild guesses on my part.

Did anyone see either film?

[Adudaewen]

I recently watched "Memoirs of a Geisha". I thought it was stunning, and very emotional. 10/10

[Anda]

The last movie I saw (on DVD) was "Lady in the Water." I am a nut for M. Night Shyamalan, and this is probably my least favorite of his movies to date.

What's usually so appealing about his films is his ability to take the ordinary and twist it in one place until it becomes completely bizarre. Of course he's also known for his big twists and turns, which are thrilling to my along-for-the-ride mind. When I found out he was releasing a new movie, I avoided all reviews and summaries of it. I wanted to be surprised. I think MNS's movies are meant to be entered with a clean slate for full effect.

Maybe if I had known that Lady in the Water was going to be such a start-to-finish sci fi thriller, I would have liked it better. A friend said that the big twist was the lack of a twist (which everyone expects from this director). I said it's a good thing I got to stare at MNS's beautiful mug through the movie, or else I would have gotten impatient.

While it was visually appealing, with good writing and a decent plot, suspension of disbelief just doesn't run deeply enough with me to carry the movie. I give it a 5/10.

[byquist]

"Fearless" -- Jet Li -- Interesting. Warm-hearted, rather than that cold "The Departed" which I don't have to see again, ever, and thank God they sent to me free of charge. People are raving about The Departed -- but where is the sentiment? Zero feeling. "Fearless" might be a little innocent in contrast, but at least we are dealing with human beings, and not Boston robots.

[Adudaewen]

I said it's a good thing I got to stare at MNS's beautiful mug through the movie, or else I would have gotten impatient.

While it was visually appealing, with good writing and a decent plot, suspension of disbelief just doesn't run deeply enough with me to carry the movie. I give it a 5/10.

I loved this movie. I thought that even for an M. Night movie it was really unique. I agree that it was kind of a shock, because it definitly wasn't the movie that I thought I was going to watch. And I did love the fact that M had such a prominent role. I have to give it a 9/10.
I also want to get ahold of a copy of the children's book that the film is based on. It looks amazing!

[Ruth?]

The last two really brilliant films I've seen were

1. Children of Men. I loved the story, and how the whole film was really bleak and uninspiring. Clive Owens was really good in the lead role. I like all the subtle references to art and music and thigns from now, which made it comparable to now aswel-the pig balloon from the Pink Floyd album and Picaso's Gurnicca (spelling?). Mr Caine was also brilliantly funny as the ageing hippy and I won't spoilt the plot, but some bits with him in left me crying like mad.

The only flaw I saw on first time viewing was the filming style changed slightly towards the end, and I would have preferred that it was kept cohesive.

8 out of 10

2. Pan's Labyrinth. Oh my, where do I start? Amazing! The story was brilliant (brought together elements of Alice in Wonderland, and numerous fairy and fantasy stories, AND the spanish civil war!) The cinematography was beautiful, the fantasy scenes were amazing and some of the war scenes were disturbing and moving. Many of the scenes made me wince, cry and gasp-in particular the torture scenes. The girl's father was freakishly intensive and wonderfully acted. I could rave for hours about this film, but the last thing I'll say is that, far from detracting from my enjyment, the subtitles (the film is in spanish) actually added the mystical feeling of the film.

I loved it 10/10-but definatly not a film for children (it deserved it's 15 certificate)

Has anyone else seen them?

[thevintagepiper]

Henry V...5/10. There was a random 10 minute long scene all in French, right in the middle. You could tell why it was there at the end, but it was pretty strange. Funny though.
The movie was alright in itself...could be better, could be worse. It's based on Shakespeare and I had to watch it for school.

[Mark F.]

Yeah Pan's Labyrinth is one of this year's best films and should have won the oscar for non-english film. I saw it a few months ago now so I don't remember it too well, can't wait to pick it up on dvd.

Bubba Ho-Tep 8/10

Bug 9/10

[byquist]

"The Cave of the Yellow Dog" - meditative, little kids, animals, Mongolia, another lifestyle. Another way of existence from big-city issues. Quietness. No Al Gore $30,000/year electric bills here. When you want some serenity and simplicity, this is it. This film may slow your rhythm down, if it needs slowing down, but in a very healthy way.

[Wizard272002]

Man of the Year= Robin Williams is back in his element (comedy).

[Niamh]

Eddie murphy raw.:lol: :lol: laughed so hard i was almost :bawling:
then watched Team america. hadnt seen it before, hilarious!
andthen Ancorman. its alright.

[Kaltrina]

I've seen Charlie and the chocolate factory, finally.. *embarrased* and I really liked it... :) Johnny is a sweetie 9/10, and I also Wicker Man, from which I expected too much but didn't like it so much... it ends so dull... 6/10

[livelaughlove]

I just saw The Prestige-- very, very good. I liked it. You definitely have to watch it a second time to fully appreciate the plot, though. I would definitely recommend it, 9/10.

[Alexei]

I saw Perfume some days ago. It was wonderful, a very good interpretation of the book, I think it deserves 9/10

[starbuck]

Wicker man (newest one)- 4/10...horrorable! simply horrable!
The Black Dahlia....4/10...very bad..thought it was going to be about the case...but no!

That's the newest ones I have seen so far..:crash:

[aeroport]

I saw "Volver" yesterday, at last. Quite good, I have to say. I don't really have time to write anything in the way of a review, but I can see no reason to rate it less than a 10, quite honestly.

Oh, yes, and "Inland Empire" a couple days before. Flipping weird, that one was. I'll probably see it again, and might change my rating then, as I've still a good deal of figuring things out left to do with it, but I'd give it an 8.

[bazarov]

Life of others, German movie that got Oscar recently, really a great movie.

[Janine]

"Days of Heaven" - Director Terence Malick stars Richard Gere, Sam Shepard, Brooke Adams, Linda Manz
If you know Malick films, they are slowpaced and beautifully filmed. The cinematography in this film particularly stood out - really stunning! It swept one away to the midwestern wheat fields - "amber waves of grain". Also, you get a superb sense of America and poverty and struggle during the Great Depression. In this way the film reminded me of "Grapes of Wrath", a great book and another fine film. The young girl's narration is interesting enough, but the only criticism I would have is why she speaks such poor English grammar, when her brother, who is played by Gere, speaks much better grammar. Perhaps the kid did not have any education and he had been schooled. That was the only explanation I could come up with. The other thing I found annoying was the lack of character development. Most things were either subtle or hinted at. I am not sure that is really a drawback - it is probably just a personal preference. I thought the film was a fine one and I would rate it highly, probably a 8 out of 10, but I hate rating with numbers. You need patience to watch it and it is not for everyone. It kept my interest. I like other Malick films such as his newest film "The New World" and particularly "The Thin Red Line". His films have been called poems; I feel that is true. He is definitely an interesting story-teller and director, and his films stay with you and make you think long after viewing. I believe he wrote the screenplay, as well, but don't quote me on that one. His work seems unique to me in film-making. I applaud him for that. Sound track to "Days of Heaven" is really wonderful - done by the famed Enric Morricone. I like his scores very much. The music stood out in this film - fine score and an emotional element. If you like films about Americana you will like this one and the stunning scenes. The characters are good, acting quiet, thoughful and well done. The landscape is a character in itself, which makes it interesting. I liked the fact that no character was all good or all bad. All seemed intricate, as in real life.


Hi Vintagepiper,
I just noticed your review on "Henry V" - a page before this. I had to step in here to comment and defend one of my favorite films. Which version did you see - the Kenneth Branagh or the Lawrence Olivier version? I adore this film - the Branagh version. I have seen it at least 10 times and own it, absolutely one of my favorite films. I have read the book and it is nearly exactly the original text. If you know Shakespeare the French scene is in the book, also the one at the end when Henry woes Kate. It is quite easy to see what is going on....visually to understand it. I can't imagine you giving it a 5 out of 10, but you are entitled to your opinion. On Amazon it is always showing up on "my favorite films" list way at the top, if not first. In my own opinion it is a perfect film and I would rate it 10 out of 10 - hands down! It was highly acclaimed when it first came out. It won many awards, not that that really means anything, but still consider - Shakespeare films never receive their due accolades. I heard the Olivier film plays up the war and the glory of war since it was presented during WWII. I have not seen that version. The Branagh film looks at both aspects of war - both sides of the coin, the fear and the horrific aspects of war, the sadness and the heartbreak. It is the human qualities in the play and film that most attract me. When Henry walks through the camp at night secretly disquised and speaking with his soldiers he comes down from his kingly throne and is so human you want to weep for him. There is only one difference in the text of the Branagh version to the Shakespeare text, that I know of, and it is near the end, right at the close of the battle. The narration by Derick Jacobi is superb. All the acting is first rate. It is a fine film and long after it leaves you pondering what it must have been like to accept the responsibility of being a king.

[manolia]

Saw "Queen Christina" by Mamoulian last night. It is about the life of Christina queen of Sweden. Now i am not that strong in european history to know if the film is historically accurate but it was a very good film starring Greta Garbo (i love those old Hollywood films). 8/10

[Janine]

Humm, "Queen Christina" - now that sounds interesting, and an old film with Garbo. I will have to check that out. I love films about queens and royalty, and old vintage films as well.

[aeroport]

I just watched Bergman's "Wild Strawberries". It's definitely given me something to think about. 9/10

[manolia]

Humm, "Queen Christina" - now that sounds interesting, and an old film with Garbo. I will have to check that out. I love films about queens and royalty, and old vintage films as well.


It's a 1933 film (with sound). It is really funny at parts. Garbo's performance is fantastic and it is said that is probably one of her best. I also like historical films and especially with royalty. Hope you enjoy it.

[Domer121]

Music and Lyrics.....
I would say as far as romantic comedy it is fair....not Drews nor Grants best....a far cry from the likes of Bridget Jones diary or Never been kissed..but I would say a 5 out of 10.....

[Janine]

Watching "On the Waterfront". Great film - saw it years ago. Fun to revisit these old films. Probably a 10/10 for this one.

[TEND]

I just watched Bergman's "Wild Strawberries". It's definitely given me something to think about. 9/10


Watching "On the Waterfront". Great film - saw it years ago. Fun to revisit these old films. Probably a 10/10 for this one.

Some good movie watching going on here. My #2 director and my #1 actor :D.

[Janine]

Just finished watching "On the Waterfront" - they don't make movies like this anymore. Really something. I had forgotten how gripping it was with such fine performances. Black and white had something fine going for it. Definitely a 10 out of 10 in the old movie genre. Interesting to pick out the stars in this film that were just starting out. Brando and Eva Saint Marie were great together. Karl Maldon was amazing and Lee Cobb such a good villianous character. Rod Steiger I could hardly recognise him was quite good. I noticed "Herman Munster" in a minor mob role...how funny. He was really young, you could tell.

[manolia]

Watching "On the Waterfront". Great film - saw it years ago. Fun to revisit these old films. Probably a 10/10 for this one.


One of my favourite films!! With one of the most famous movie quotes ever ("I could have been a contender"). I have watched it several times.