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

Dead Again ~ Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson (both in double roles)

Derek Jacobi, Andy Garcia, Robin Williams

Directed by Kenneth Branagh 1991

The first time I saw this film I did not figure out or guess what was going to happen next; I found it very suspenseful and interesting in it's details and use of the past(depicted in b/w) and present(color) interweaving and intrigues. It is a basically a film noir with some black comedy thrown in for balance and entertainment. It also is quite romantic, so it would appeal to those who like suspense/drama/romance. It is a true sleeper, as many people point out on the Amazon reviews. I could not find as much on IMDB since I am not signed up to read all reviews.
I have seen this film countless times and always think I have noticed everything, but tonight I actually picked up on a few things, I previously missed. Even though I do know the plot and the end result I find it a fun film to rewatch. You really have to pay attention to all the details and the dialogue. The script is quite clever and the film has Gothic/Hitchcock elements, but does not overdo imitating them. It stands alone and it is quite suspenseful and intriguing first time around. Best viewing, of course, is the first one when you don't have a clue to how this mystery will end. My only complaint might be Branagh's exaggerated accent when he is playing the German role, but seriously I can overlook that easily, since I like the film so much. He still exudes quite a bit of charm and the chemistry between Branagh and Thompson is magnetic (at the time they were younger and still happily married).
If you really pay attention Branagh and Thompson are not the only actors playing multiple roles. The composer, Patrick Dole, plays a cop in an elevator and also a party guest. The nun in the beginning plays a starlight at the costume party in the past. It is interesting to note other oddities and if you listen to the commentaries you will find out more things of that nature and interest. Derek Jacobi is terrific in the part of the hypnotise. You can read some great reviews and comments on:

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Again-Jo-..._bbs_sr_1/102-

Or check out IMDB.

This is a very stylish, little known, film and has a lot of class. The black humor is a little strange at first, but then makes more sense. I like the role of Ray Baker best, Robin Williams is a little too dire/strange for me, but he does prove he can act. I also like the role played by the guy who played Neuman on Seinfeld, I forget his name. The lighting and the set design is excellent capturing LA, in the past especially.

Seems on Amazon, it is rated a 4 out of 5, and on IMBD it is rated 7 out of 10. I probably would rate it a 8 1/2 out of 10, only because it has a few flaws but generally it is quite good, and enjoyable and one of my favorite films.

*Seems I am watching my Branagh films this week!

Coffee and Cigarettes directed by Jim Jarmusch (2003)
Amongst a long cast: Roberto Benigni, Bill Murray, Iggy Pop, Cate Blanchett, Renee' French....

It's a series of black and white vignettes, each with different characters and a different short story, usually set around coffee and cigarettes. It's quite weird how all the actors actually impersonate themselves, but in completely bizzarre and unexpected situations. The vignettes are more like improvisations, not really related to each other apart from the coffee&cigarettes which are consumed in exceptionally large amounts.
They're all unique, but my favourite vignette has to be the one with the White Stripes pondering over the failed experiment of Jack White on a Tesla coil and Meg giving the solution in a completly serious and blaze' tone. As if complicated experimental instruments is something they do all the time!

8/10

Bad Education directed by Pedro Almodovar (2004)
Gael Garcia Bernal, Fele Martinez, Daniel Gimenez Cacho

Unlike the recent Volver by Almodovar, this one is centered particularly on male characters and spans from the adolescent romance of two boys in a a catholic school during the 60s, the obsession of their teacher/priest for one of them to the inevitable complications that arise when one of the boys, Ignacio, turns out to become a transvestite and a drug user. I won't say more about the plot, because there is a twist to it which is only revealed towards the end.
It's not one of my favourite by Almodovar, I much preferred Volver and Todo sobre mi madre (All about my mother), but it was really good nonetheless!

7/10

I watched Spygame (Robert Redford & Brad Pitt) a couple of days ago. It was ok, but nothing really special - Redford is good like always & Pitt manages not to ruin it (which is really the best thing you can say about him in most films) I do have a couple of issues with the film however; despite spanning a time period of 23 years the characters do not appear to age much. & Hong Kong is referred to as part of China - Now I am not 100% sure but I am reasonably confident that in 1991 (time at which film is set) Hong Kong was still controlled by the UK.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

"El Greco", the film, will be Greek then, with English subtitles, when it does finally make it to DVD? I really hope to see it. Funny, I have a very interesting CD I copied from my library called "El Greco" by Vangelis - I love Vangelis. I think it is one of his best compositions. I wonder if it is the soundtrack recording. I love this CD so much; I just put it on my stereo.

---

The film will be in english in order to attract wider audience, i guess. I like 'El Greco' by Vangelis too :) . The actor i told you about is a comedian mostly. He is very famous here and even has aweekly show on tv with stand-up comedy. He is sooo funny. He has played a lot of serious part, though. He is very good in both. He is not cute but he has a unique face.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

The other film is so entertaining. It is also subtle humor, sort of English humor and very funny with a serious twist to it. Yes, it is Rhodes - they mention the Colossas (SP?) of Rhodes often. The ocean there is so beautiful and the cliffs are really white and interesting. I don't recall seeing a castle. Must watch again to see if I do see it. Maybe the first scenes when the credits are rolling it might be in the castle they are filming the city below. A young and lean Branagh plays Rick, an office type agent/investigator, sent on an outside assignment to the island, because everyone else in the office is down with the flu. In the briefcase, his supervisor gives him, is a pistol and then subltly says to him "you do know how to use a gun, Mr.Lamb?" The expressions again are really funny and make the film. This sets up a little mystery for the adventure and the people he is about to encounter. He tells Rick to just tell his wife it is a second honeymoon. On the island they find out there are no rooms available - seems a lot of British folk infliltrate the island for this weekend for some festival or ? This in itself is quite humorous. Rick and Caroline are put up at Irene Papas' house by persausan from beautiful, Jacqualine Bizet, who they meet on the cliff earlier that day. Papas is a riot and seems to speak only Greek, but one day she slips and she speaks fluid English, but she won't take money from the couple - says "I can't take money from foreigners" very distainfully. She says prayers and lights candles constantly to her dead hero husband (or so she says he was, later you find out the truth). In the meantime her son, Yanni, owns his dad's cheese shop and is bend on modernizing it and calling it Lord Byron's. His mother, by his persauding, is sewing bikinis for the shop to sell to tourists. A lot more goes on, even though it is somewhat slow-paced humor, but this might entice you to see the film. It has some very funny moments!

---

Thanx for the review. It sounds interesting. I'd like to see Branagh in a comedy again. Besides i like Irene Papas very much. A teriffic actress.

Films i watched during the weekend:
'Summer with Monika' by Bergman 8/10. An excellent film about love.

'The Britannic'. It was entertaining but not something worth mentioning.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vheissu

Coffee and Cigarettes directed by Jim Jarmusch (2003)
Amongst a long cast: Roberto Benigni, Bill Murray, Iggy Pop, Cate Blanchett, Renee' French....

It's a series of black and white vignettes, each with different characters and a different short story, usually set around coffee and cigarettes. It's quite weird how all the actors actually impersonate themselves, but in completely bizzarre and unexpected situations. The vignettes are more like improvisations, not really related to each other apart from the coffee&cigarettes which are consumed in exceptionally large amounts.
They're all unique, but my favourite vignette has to be the one with the White Stripes pondering over the failed experiment of Jack White on a Tesla coil and Meg giving the solution in a completly serious and blaze' tone. As if complicated experimental instruments is something they do all the time!
8/10

---

:thumbs_up
A very nice movie!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Dead Again ~ Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson (both in double roles)

Derek Jacobi, Andy Garcia, Robin Williams

Directed by Kenneth Branagh 1991

---

One of my favorites as well. I always get eeked out at the part were KB goes to visit Andy Garcia in the nursing home and KB finally gives him a cigarrette.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by papayahed

One of my favorites as well. I always get eeked out at the part were KB goes to visit Andy Garcia in the nursing home and KB finally gives him a cigarrette.

---

papayahead, I think that scene is hysterical. It is pretty icky though: if you smoked, you would surely give it up when you saw that scene. I once listened to the full commentary turned on viewing the film again. It was great - lots of little tidbits about the film. Branagh, now older, says he could not smoke for anything, when he was younger. He tried and could not, thank heaven, he says. He says now that he is older he does smoke and that maybe seeing this scene again would inspire him to quit. This is what is so amusing to me in "How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog" - there is a scene where KB goes out to take a walk and is hacking away coughing and then hunts through his pockets and lights up, and stops coughing. I crack up everytime I see that, because I know people just like him. Papaya - have you seen this film, too?
I love "Dead Again" - glad someone else appreciates it. First time I saw it I really had no idea what was going to happen, did you? or what the solution to the mystery was? I love films that keep you wondering like that. This one did it for me. Jacobi and Garcia were great and B and T had such wonderful chemistry - sad they broke up eventually. But they both seem happily married now, to other people. They just made such a great film team.


Well, I must be having a Kenneth Branagh week. Last night I watched all 4 hours of:

Shackleton ~

Stars Kenneth Branagh as the famous Antarctic explorer, Matt Day, as Frank Hurley and a lot of other great actors/actresses.

It is one of my favorite survival stories of all times and miniseries. It was directed by Charles Sturridge; I greatly admire his work. The filming of this extraordinary movie so amazing. I always watch the extras on the DVD - they are fascinating with real footage taken by the expeditions photography, Frank Hurley, also a full-length film explaining how they did the film - quite dangerous in itself and fascinating. How these old films/photos survived is in itself a miracle.

As you all probably know, the English explorer, Sir Ernst Shackelton was part of the Scott expedition, but then later went back to Antarctica to attempt to be the first man to reach the South Pole; however he turned back 90 miles from his goal, in order to save his party; had they gone on they would have perished and he knew this. Back in England he learns that this deadly fate awaited Scott and his men because the did not turn back soon enough and were stranded in a blizzard. He also learns that a Norwegian, Amundsum, has reached the South Pole. S then decides to go back and be the first exporer to tranverse the continent. He hopes to bring England glory from this endeavor. What insues is the greatest survival story of all time; he and his crew of 28 men on their ship,The Endurance, are finally stranded in the iceflows and must survive a frozen winter. I don't want to give any more away, since it would ruin the suspense of this exciting tale. Just getting together the funds and men to go was a feat in itself, but S was a very determined man. Later this determination served him well in the aspect of saving his men's lives.

You might want to watch this film over several nights, since it was shown originally on A&E in segments. I prefer to watch it all in one sitting, but it is very long and takes patience. Don't skip parts - all is important to the plot. All the acting is first rate and it was nominated for many awards - see Imdb or awards and nominations. You can read much about it on Amazon. There are also many websites dedicated to the men and the dogs of the Endurance.

I highly recommend this film. Maybe more of a guy film but I think the ladies will appreciate it, also. It is such a unique and amazing story.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Last night I watched all 4 hours of:

Shackleton ~ Stars Kenneth Branagh as the famous Antarctic explorer, Matt Day, as Frank Hurley and a lot of other great actors/actresses.

It is one of my favorite survival stories of all times and miniseries. It was directed by Charles Sturridge; I greatly admire his work. The filming of this extraordinary movie so amazing. I always watch the extras on the DVD - they are fascinating with real footage taken by the expeditions photography, Frank Hurley, also a full-length film explaining how they did the film - quite dangerous in itself and fascinating. How these old films/photos survived is in itself a miracle.

As you all probably know, the English explorer, Sir Ernst Shackelton was part of the Scott expedition, but then later went back to Antarctica to attempt to be the first man to reach the South Pole; however he turned back 90 miles from his goal, in order to save his party; had they gone on they would have perished and he knew this. Back in England he learns that this deadly fate awaited Scott and his men because the did not turn back soon enough and were stranded in a blizzard. He also learns that a Norwegian, Amundsum, has reached the South Pole. S then decides to go back and be the first exporer to tranverse the continent. He hopes to bring England glory from this endeavor. What insues is the greatest survival story of all time; he and his crew of 28 men on their ship,The Endurance, are finally stranded in the iceflows and must survive a frozen winter. I don't want to give any more away, since it would ruin the suspense of this exciting tale. Just getting together the funds and men to go was a feat in itself, but S was a very determined man. Later this determination served him well in the aspect of saving his men's lives.

You might want to watch this film over several nights, since it was shown originally on A&E in segments. I prefer to watch it all in one sitting, but it is very long and takes patience. Don't skip parts - all is important to the plot. All the acting is first rate and it was nominated for many awards - see Imdb or awards and nominations. You can read much about it on Amazon. There are also many websites dedicated to the men and the dogs of the Endurance.

I highly recommend this film. Maybe more of a guy film but I think the ladies will appreciate it, also. It is such a unique and amazing story.

---

I didn't realize that it was this long -- but no matter, it sounds quite enthralling, and I like movies based on true history. The dog thing will probably choke me up, but it was all done with reverence to the canine, as I have been told, so I just need to brace myself. Anyhow, good review, Janine, I shall surely see this movie (when I get my hands on a copy!).

And vheissu, thank you for your input on the "Coffee and Cigarettes" vignettes. I would be interested to see what that is all about.

I started watching Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" today, but it was about thirty or forty minutes into it when I came around. I was flipping through channels (truly an event, folks), and I happened upon a scene in which Allen's character is flipping out while talking to a doctor about losing a little bit of his high-decibel hearing. It was positively impossible to change the channel. Then, very soon after, who do I encounter but Michael Caine! It was splendid. I found the adultery story pretty well-coordinated, and I was pretty fascinated with Allen's character throughout - perhaps this was only narcissism, as he really reminds me of myself... Maybe it's like that for everyone.
I can't claim to have a very well-founded review, having missed probably close to a third of it, but I would give it a 9/10.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jamesian

I started watching Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" today, but it was about thirty or forty minutes into it when I came around. I was flipping through channels (truly an event, folks), and I happened upon a scene in which Allen's character is flipping out while talking to a doctor about losing a little bit of his high-decibel hearing. It was positively impossible to change the channel. Then, very soon after, who do I encounter but Michael Caine! It was splendid. I found the adultery story pretty well-coordinated, and I was pretty fascinated with Allen's character throughout - perhaps this was only narcissism, as he really reminds me of myself... Maybe it's like that for everyone.
I can't claim to have a very well-founded review, having missed probably close to a third of it, but I would give it a 9/10.

---

Jamesian, Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" - I love this movie and I am dying to see it again. It is funny, hilarious really, true to life, sad and very poignant and so true of sisters - I have two myself. I must get my hands on a copy - it has been years and I think about this film often; I honestly do - some scenes just stayed with me. Yes, great to see Michael Caine in this film. I can't recall who else is in it - Mia Farreh, I am sure.
J, rent the film and see the entire thing - you will love it!

Kiz_paws, I just watched "Shackleton" and part of the extras last night. Tonight I watched the rest of the extras and it is well worth it to do so. It might take you a couple of nights, but you will be fascinated with the history and pictures of the early explorers of the South Pole and the actual footage of the Shackleton expedition. There are two excellent full-length documentaries included in the 3 disk set. Antarctica is so beautiful, really breathtaking, colorful are the icebergs in one of these documentaries.
In the film, Branagh really takes on the persona of the real Shackleton; in some photos he even slightly resembles him. Funny since S and B were both born in Ireland and moved to England when they were about 9 yrs old. There are other parallels to their backgrounds.
And you can't beat meticulous direction by Charles Sturridge; he did "Brideshead Revisited", "Longitude", "Guliver's Travels", not to mention other great stuff for A&E.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theatres

7 out of 10

Golden Door 9/10

Crialese's new film. The first part is a bit too long but the film as a whole is brilliant. It's about a Sicilian family emigrating to the USA, and about emigration generally. There's an experimental side to this film, some very surrealistic scenes and shots, that has become very scarce in modern cinema. Reminded me of Fellini in a way. The last shot is magnificent. Second really good film I've seen in 2007 with Bug.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Kiz_paws, I just watched "Shackleton" and part of the extras last night. Tonight I watched the rest of the extras and it is well worth it to do so. It might take you a couple of nights, but you will be fascinated with the history and pictures of the early explorers of the South Pole and the actual footage of the Shackleton expedition. There are two excellent full-length documentaries included in the 3 disk set. Antarctica is so beautiful, really breathtaking, colorful are the icebergs in one of these documentaries.
In the film, Branagh really takes on the persona of the real Shackleton; in some photos he even slightly resembles him. Funny since S and B were both born in Ireland and moved to England when they were about 9 yrs old. There are other parallels to their backgrounds.
And you can't beat meticulous direction by Charles Sturridge; he did "Brideshead Revisited", "Longitude", "Guliver's Travels", not to mention other great stuff for A&E.

---

I figured that I would indeed divide watching this movie into two nights, as it is a nice juicy long movie (but I cannot sit still that long, lol). But I can't wait to see it, thanks for your review! :)

Kiz, did you see any of the other Charles Sturridge miniseries? He also did "Fairies, a True Story". I really like that film. Note: his wife plays Shackleton's wife in this film - Emily. She appears in "Fairies", "Brideshead", and Gulliver". If you watch the extra making of the film - you will like him - he is very personable and funny and nice, and of course, really, really brilliant - has a quick silver mind. In Sh he had to change his filming plans quite often due to conditions, etc. He amazes me as a director.


Well, last night I saw a film I own and have seen before:

Passage to India ~ Based on the E.M.Forster book of the same name.

Stars Peggy Ashcroft, Judy Davis, James Fox, Alec Guinnes, Victor Banerjee

This movie is a classic and very close to the book, but has a character of it's own. It stands quite alone as a great film. David Lean the director has done such noteworthy films as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge Over the River Kwai". The cinematography in this film is wonderful. I love one scene when they go to the Madabar caves and they are riding a decorated and painted elephant with the background of a stark gray rock face. Also, the colors of India are lovely and so well displayed throughout the film. The land is amazing with the most majestic mountains and scenery. I love the man who plays Aziz and Judy Davis does a great job in her role as a young girl come to India from England and rather naive. Likewise commendable are the fine performances by Peggy Ascroft, James Fox and Alec Guiness. The extra footage on the DVD, with remarks by Lean, are very nice and reveal interesting things about the film and the actors. David Lean is a perceptive man and brilliant in this interview. Highly recommend this film. It has class and was nominated for 11 awards. I would rate it highly.
I love Forster's novel and have most of the films based on them. Hope to get a few more. I try to collect good adaptations of books I particularly like.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Jamesian
Kiz_paws, I just watched "Shackleton" and part of the extras last night. Tonight I watched the rest of the extras and it is well worth it to do so. It might take you a couple of nights, but you will be fascinated with the history and pictures of the early explorers of the South Pole and the actual footage of the Shackleton expedition. There are two excellent full-length documentaries included in the 3 disk set. Antarctica is so beautiful, really breathtaking, colorful are the icebergs in one of these documentaries.
In the film, Branagh really takes on the persona of the real Shackleton; in some photos he even slightly resembles him. Funny since S and B were both born in Ireland and moved to England when they were about 9 yrs old. There are other parallels to their backgrounds.
And you can't beat meticulous direction by Charles Sturridge; he did "Brideshead Revisited", "Longitude", "Guliver's Travels", not to mention other great stuff for A&E.

---

Theres a Shackleton movie starring Kenneth Branagh? Oh my god! How come nobody told me about it? I may never see it, but I would love to, always been fascinated with Shackleton since hearing "Our Retired Explorer" :p . Plus who doesn't love Branagh?

Oh and the last movie I saw was "Blades of Glory." Not exactly the most mind numbing, heart touching movie out there, but I was actually rather entertained (I sometimes have quite shallow humour).