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

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" 10/10 This movie is amazing, and I urge anyone who loves movies to see it. It is gorgeously filmed and beautifully acted. It is the true story of a man who lived life unto the fullest until the day he suffered a massive stroke. He spent the rest of his life with what is called "locked in syndrome"-he could only blink one eye.

The movie is initially shown entirely from his viewpoint, we look at the world through his eyes; his character is not even shown until about halfway through.

He went on to write a book based on his experience; this movie is based on the book. My favorite line comes early in the movie when a doctor, who has just told him his fate, says to him "You just rest awhile," and the main character, Jean-Dominique Bauby, thinks to himself "What does he think I'm doing?" He has a fierce bitter wit and intelligence, and he realizes quickly that he still has that and his imagination. It, and this movie, soar.

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Originally Posted by Janine

:lol: I was just answering your profile message and you must have been over here answering this post. I think we are the only ones on here tonight.:lol:

Well, I think I do like the film; the moors are amazing with their desolation and austerity. It's funny; I like the actor Rupert Graves and in this production I am not liking his performance that much; I feel he is overplaying the part. I guess that disappointed me right off. Of course, he is playing the abusive husband. Usually, I have found him somewhat appealing, but in this film, I can't see what she saw in him from the beginning, so that part is bugging me a bit. Did you see the film yet? I saw "Bleak House", too and I liked it very much. I thought all the acting was top-notch. My library got that one in so it was free rental.

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I will have to get that DVD when I get back. I really do want to see it. I'll let you know when I do. :)

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Originally Posted by Janine

I most likely will end up buying the film eventually, too; it's such a fine production and I love Sturbridge as a director. He directed "Shackelton", which is another of my favorites starring Ken B. I have seen BHR advertised recently and it was not that expensive. I will keep in-mind that the score is good. I can't recall it now, but can refresh my memory by watching some video excerpts on Youtube.

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I don't think you can go wrong with BHR. It's just so lovely and the acting is so good. I'm due for a rewatch soon on my red Sony! :)

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Originally Posted by Janine

:lol:Absolutely, positively, 20 times, at least! I watch it every couple of months; seriously, I do. I usually watch it right through, too....all 4 hours! I purchased it prior to it's release, and was part of an online campaign; I also watch all my Branagh films repeatedly. I quite honestly think his finest and most perfect production is still "Henry V" - it is absolute perfection! But "Hamlet" is so enjoyable, even if it is a tragedy. I am forever fascinated with the inner workings of Hamlet's mind and Branagh pulls that off spendidly. He worked up to this perfection from all his former stage roles and it shows. He is the mature Hamlet in this film.

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I'll end up watching it that many times. And I'm going to make my husband watch it. He's due for some Shakespeare! ;) I watch it all the way through, too. I don't like to break it up, and once you start watching, you are hooked. I love "Henry V," too, but I think I'm a little more addicted to "Hamlet."

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Originally Posted by Janine

Wow, what possessed you to read "Boy in the Bush"...that is a really rare Lawrence read? We must discuss that ending via email. I loved the descriptive writing - the views of Australia were wonderful - the book was beautifully written and very poetic.

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Well, "Boy in the Bush" IS Lawrence! So it was on my "must read" list. I do like the poetic writing. Lawrence was wonderful at that, among so many other things. But I've never seen the film. If I ever do, I'll grab a copy, but I doubt I will.

[QUOTE-Janine]Yes, someone mentioned this older version on Youtube. I love Richard Chamberlain. I bet it was great. I am not sure you can see the production with Ken B, unless you join that KBAS group on Youtube. First, you have to join Youtube, which is free of course to sign up. I love it now that I did so. It is easier to share videos and productions with your friends. Let me know if you sign up and I will aid you if you need it. You can format you page over there to look really lovely. You could be all scarlett colored motifs. I have a Ken Branagh blue (like his eyes) page presently, but I had a "Boy in the Bush" KB page not long ago, since green worked well for St. Patrick's Day.[/QUOTE]

I'll have to mosey on over there when I have more time. Thanks for all the information.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Definitely, put it back on your list and ROTN is a fine book, too. I loved both novels. I love the Hallmark production of ROTN. It actually stars a very young Katherine Zeta-Jones as Eustashia. She is quite good in the role. Clive Owen plays Wildeve and Stephen McIntosh plays the Reddleman; I just love him. It is a very good production and should be available on Amazon. I will check for you. The area where it was filmed is amazing; very austere and atmospheric.

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I love the book, but I've never seen the film. Shame on me! That's another one I'll have to put on my list. The list is growing. :)

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Originally Posted by Janine

Yes! That's the spirit! I'm an optimist, too. At least, I got to see some rare Lawrence and Branagh stuff on Youtube. Yes, you mentioned about the short stories before and we all have said the same thing. I have all the stories now, but had to buy 'used' paperbacks to achieve all three parts of the full collection. One of my books is sad; absolutely falling appart.:(

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I don't even own any of the stories except the novella ones, like "The Virgin and the Gypsy." The others are impossibly difficult to find.

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Originally Posted by Janine

That's always a good choice; such a happy film; great elated ending. Don't even ask me how many times I have seen that film before. :lol: I am a little OCD. Love the scene with Ken easedropping and his final bit in the fountain kicking up the water...such fun.

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It's great, and I like Emma Thompson, too, Branagh's ex-wife. She's a fine actress and a good screenwriter as well. Did you know she adapted "Sense and Sensibility" for the screen, and then starred with Kate Winslet? I love that DVD and have that one. I think it's my favorite Austen adaptation.

"Quantum of Solace"-three stars-pretty good.

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Originally Posted by Janine

I will answer LadyWentworth's post later tonight. Going out now.

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You never answered what I wrote.

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Originally Posted by mono

Glad to see you enjoyed it, too, LadyWentworth. I watched it last week for the first time, and felt absolutely astounded - a very touching, epic film. Bravo, Gus van Sant!

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I couldn't agree more.

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Last night, I watched Miracle at St. Anna. A friend of mine rented it, and I felt a little reluctant, since Spike Lee and I have a bit of a love-hate relationship; his films either amaze me or ruin a few hours for me. Wow, this one definitely impressed me! World War II never seems to get enough coverage in contemporary storytelling and film-making, and it can get a bit repetitious, to tell all honesty, but Miracle at St. Anna not only have originality, but also a fantastic plot, good acting, and a variety of scenes for tragedy, humor, and times to reflect; a few parts, however, seemed a bit too 'Spike Lee,' since, come on, he also did Bamboozled.
Rating: 9/10.

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I wanted to see that one so bad. But I was afraid that Spike Lee would spoil it by making it too, as you said, "Spike Lee". But if you gave it a 9/10, then I guess it wasn't enough to taint it. I will have to check it out now.


All movies that I have seen many times before, but decided to watch again recently:
Pretty in Pink - 9/10 James Spader is such a sleaze as Steff. He is great in here. One of my favorite "villains" in film.
Tombstone - 10/10 Always has been, and always will be, one of my all-time favorite films. For Val Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday alone is enough for it to be on my favorite films list.
Sandlot 9/10 Cute film. I enjoy it. :)

A "new" movie for me:
Superbad - 8/10 I really wasn't crazy about the movie. I didn't hate it, it just wasn't that great. In fact, I deducted points for that reason, but the '8' is for every scene with Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader. I thought their scenes together were hilarious. I'd watch the movie again just to watch them.

LadyWentworth, Oh my gosh, can you forgive me? I am so sorry I forgot to get back to you on this post. I had to go hunting for it and it got buried 3 pages back! Avy changes did not help either...I could not find you! haha...

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Originally Posted by LadyWentworth

[B]
Milk
10/10
Very, very good film. Very well-made. An incredibly depressing movie, though. It is a major downer. I mean, I knew what happened, but playing it out in a movie just really made it worse. Sean Penn was perfect as Harvey Milk. If you know anything about the real man, as I did, he was the absolute perfect choice to play him. I think the casting for the rest of the cast wasn't bad either.

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Sounds incredible and now I know it ends tragically or I suppose it does. Who else plays in the film?

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He had some pretty good roles in his early career. Have you ever seen "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"? One of the classic films in my household when I was a kid. Nobody in the world could be as great as he was as Jeff Spicoli. :D

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No, I don't think I ever saw it yet the name sounds so familar. Maybe my son did rent it years back. He used to rent movies all the time back then. Sometimes we would watch them together, which is a great memory for me now.

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Then you have the film "Bad Boys". Another classic in my house from my childhood years. This is at the opposite end of the scale, though, when it comes to genre. It stars Penn and Esai Morales (he is just too beautiful - even when he is a bad guy;)). In fact, when I was little I was always quoting Morales' character. :p It is about these two guys that end up in the same detention facility and they have it out for the other and blah, blah, blah. I personally love this film. I think it is one of the best from the 80's, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to you. I don't think you'd care for it. You wouldn't like to watch the ending. :)

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I never saw that one either. I am pretty sure of that; I think I would have remembered it. I think it sounds good though.

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Also, never forget that he is on "Little House on the Prairie". :nod: I can remember when I was a kid my brothers would say "That has to be Sean Penn". It IS him (his father directed a couple episodes). But it is kind of funny because he looks just the same. There is no doubt it is him. Then, a long time ago, I was looking him up on IMDB for a specific movie title, sure enough, "Little House" is on his resume. :D

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This I had forgotten or maybe I never knew it. How strange to think of him on that type of show. I bet it was fun looking for him. Someone on Youtube thought they spied Branagh as a very young man in "Chariots of Fire" so they put up the video excerpt. He appeared in a class gathering scene as an extra. I think it may have been him, but still not 100% sure. You could tell by his walk....so funny.

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Pretty in Pink - 9/10 James Spader is such a sleaze as Steff. He is great in here. One of my favorite "villains" in film.

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I loved "Pretty in Pink". I finally broke down and bought it a year ago. I love Molly Ringwald. I loved the kid who played "Duckie", Jon Cryer; he was super in this film. Harry Dean Stanton was good too as her father. I was ga ga over Andrew McCarthy..was he quietly cute or what? Yes, definitely James Spader was such a sleaseball. I could not stand him, but he was good being the ultimate villain. I also love the film "Sixteen Candles"; I thought that film was great fun and very sweet, too. I will probably buy that one someday too, along with "The Breakfast Club". Now these take me back to the 80's and films my son shared with me.

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

I will have to get that DVD when I get back. I really do want to see it. I'll let you know when I do. :)

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Which one are you referring to now?

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I don't think you can go wrong with BHR. It's just so lovely and the acting is so good. I'm due for a rewatch soon on my red Sony! :)

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I am due for a rewatch now of ALL my films on my new pink Sony! ;)

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I'll end up watching it that many times. And I'm going to make my husband watch it. He's due for some Shakespeare! ;) I watch it all the way through, too. I don't like to break it up, and once you start watching, you are hooked. I love "Henry V," too, but I think I'm a little more addicted to "Hamlet."

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You will! This movie is so addictive. I can't believe I keep going back to it. I can't get enough of it for some reason. I do agree that is attracts me also to rewatch more than "Henry V", as a whole. It is such a unique experience and one keeps pondering Hamlet; that could be a forever thing. With Henry you get what you see. My favorite scene in Henry is still the camp night scene when he speaks about kings being mere humans weighted with such responsibility of their kingly station in life. I love that whole soliloquy and Branagh pulls it off so beautifully. I love the single tear rolling down his cheek at the end of that speech. I must see "Henry V" on the Sony soon, too. That will be a whole new experience. I think you hubby will like "Hamlet" a lot. I was shocked when my son saw "Hamlet" with Mel Gibson when it first was out and he was entraced with the play. Now my son, Sean, is not at all the literary/bookish type, although he is very smart and sensitive. I think Hamlet is a very manly play. I think the ending with the sword fighting is very masculine and men are usually keen on avenging or revenge. There is something in "Hamlet" for everyone in my opinion. Wasn't Kate Winslet amazing, too? I loved Nick Farrell as Horatio. He is sort of an under-rated actor, I believe. He is very good and played well off of the manic side of Hamlet, with his own quiet contained demeanor.

I think both "Henry V" and "Hamlet" are Branagh at his best; one is the 'fresh young' Branagh while the other is the 'mature experienced' Branagh. I love them both so much. They both seem so sincere and honest to me.

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Well, "Boy in the Bush" IS Lawrence! So it was on my "must read" list. I do like the poetic writing. Lawrence was wonderful at that, among so many other things. But I've never seen the film. If I ever do, I'll grab a copy, but I doubt I will.

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I love that part, too. His prose is pure poetry to me. It flows so naturally, easily and has a certain rhythm. Have you read "The Trespasser"? It is like a long epic love poem. I loved it. Someday I will will re-read it, I believe. It is beautiful imagery and poetic text. One is carried away with it as on a wave. After-awhile, you just feel inclined to go with the flow.

I own the movie version of "Kangaroo", also. I could only get it on VHS tape, but glad I did. It is very good and I have seen it now a number of times. I read the book first, but it is rare; it's difficult to find. The film stars Colin Friel and Judy Davis. The characters represent Lawrence and his German wife, Frieda. I like that it is based on some autobiograhical material and facts.

[QUOTE-Janine]
I'll have to mosey on over there when I have more time. Thanks for all the information.[/QUOTE]
Oh good; hope to see you over there. It is great fun and I love being part of the KBAS; you see videos others can't see of KB's - early rare bits and productions like "The Billy Plays" or "The Lady's Not for Burning". It is worth it to sign up.

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I love the book, but I've never seen the film. Shame on me! That's another one I'll have to put on my list. The list is growing. :)

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I think the film is quite good; has a A-1 cast and they all depict the characters well. The ending is slightly different perhaps in meaning, but close to the original. I love the book, too. The Reddleman was my hero in that one.

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I don't even own any of the stories except the novella ones, like "The Virgin and the Gypsy." The others are impossibly difficult to find.

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But the novellas are wonderful. Did you read "Love Among the Haystakes" or "The Fox"? I particularly love those two. I will look on Amazon for the books of his short stories - there are three paperbacks that comprise "The Complete Short Stories of DHL".

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It's great, and I like Emma Thompson, too, Branagh's ex-wife. She's a fine actress and a good screenwriter as well. Did you know she adapted "Sense and Sensibility" for the screen, and then starred with Kate Winslet? I love that DVD and have that one. I think it's my favorite Austen adaptation.

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So do I; I like her very much; a very fine actress; one of the best. Loved her in "Howard's End" and "Remains of the Day". Did you see their film "Dead Again"? I love them both in that film. I knew she adapted the novel to the screenplay for S&S; she won an Oscar that year doing so. She is very smart and a very good author. I love S&S and have it on tape and on DVD. Have you seen "Fortunes of War", with a very young Ken and Em? I love FOW - another one I watch many times over. They were magical together - sad they had to break up; but they both seem happy now with their new spouses. I think they remain friends to this day, which is nice to hear. They express great respect for each other and their talents.

"Find Me Guilty".

Well, truthfully, I can't judge if justice was done or not, but the film portrayed in the most touching manner the heart of a man, his love for people, for his people. It got into me, his wish of seeing everyone well off. Maybe it was just a way of feeling less guilty with himself, of asking forgivness for his past deeds, ... still, it was beautiful.

Really, aren't we all searching for a bit of love?...

"I Love You, Man"

9/10. Possibly the funniest movie I've seen so far this year.
P.G.7.

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Originally Posted by Janine

LadyWentworth, Oh my gosh, can you forgive me?

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Well, I will have to think about it first. :p

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Sounds incredible and now I know it ends tragically or I suppose it does. Who else plays in the film?

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James Franco and Josh Brolin.

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No, I don't think I ever saw it yet the name sounds so familar. Maybe my son did rent it years back. He used to rent movies all the time back then. Sometimes we would watch them together, which is a great memory for me now.

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Yeah, this is a movie from the early 80's. There are so many people in there, too. It was kind of like a stepping stone for so many actors.

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I never saw that one either. I am pretty sure of that; I think I would have remembered it. I think it sounds good though.

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It isn't an overly well-known film. Most people when they hear the title "Bad Boys" will immediately think of this Martin Lawrence-Will Smith movie that was out a few years ago. This is NOT that!! It is very good, but I still don't know if you would like it. Especially because of the ending (it involves a little blood :)).

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This I had forgotten or maybe I never knew it. How strange to think of him on that type of show. I bet it was fun looking for him. Someone on Youtube thought they spied Branagh as a very young man in "Chariots of Fire" so they put up the video excerpt. He appeared in a class gathering scene as an extra. I think it may have been him, but still not 100% sure. You could tell by his walk....so funny.

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Yeah, on the one episode he is one of the kids who donates a toy, or a pail, or whatever it was, to help this tinker create a bell for Walnut Grove's church. He is right out there in plain view in the midst of the other kids. :D I have heard that about Kenneth. I will have to watch it and see how it looks to me. I won't be able to watch it on YouTube, though. All of a sudden NONE of the videos are working for me. That is why I haven't been around there at all.

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I loved "Pretty in Pink". I finally broke down and bought it a year ago. I love Molly Ringwald. I loved the kid who played "Duckie", Jon Cryer; he was super in this film. Harry Dean Stanton was good too as her father. I was ga ga over Andrew McCarthy..was he quietly cute or what? Yes, definitely James Spader was such a sleaseball. I could not stand him, but he was good being the ultimate villain. I also love the film "Sixteen Candles"; I thought that film was great fun and very sweet, too. I will probably buy that one someday too, along with "The Breakfast Club". Now these take me back to the 80's and films my son shared with me.

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Andrew McCarthy has one of the cutest smiles ever!! But I have to admit that I am one of the pro-Duckie fans. I would've wanted him. :D Speaking of these 80's movies, have you ever seen "Some Kind of Wonderful"? It is very good. You might like that if you loved "Pretty in Pink". It is basically the same story, but it is different. Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson are in it.


There's Something About Mary
9/10
I don't care. I love this movie. :D

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
8/10 Nick and Nora are charming.

The Changeling
Another fine movie from Mr. Eastwood. Angelina Jolie in a quietly understated role.
8/10

Zack and Miri do a Porno
8/10 I like Kevin Smith's movies. Be careful; there is always a ton of profanity. And I like Seth Rogan. He's funny.

The scene where Zack and Miri are filming their porno (they are spectacularly bad actors) and find they are falling in love is so beautiful.

The Electric Mist
7/10 With Tommy Lee Jones. I like Tommy Lee Jones, and this movie is well done, but it didn't draw me in and make me care.

The Lazarus Project
8/10 I think this one might be a straight to video; I don't remember it coming out anyway. It was actually pretty good.

Just saw Wall-E hours ago. I'll give it.. maybe 7/10. Good. Didn't quite live up to all the raves and praise, but it was good. Maybe I should watch it again..
I didn't get the whole fat colony thing. Over a thousand years in the future, humans are all the same exact fat shape floating around in chairs all the time.. Not sure what that's all about. But it was cool and cute. Eve and Wall-E were interesting to watch in how they interact together and how they respond to things. Good sound effects considering there's no normal voice acting for many charactes (I like the sound of Eve's laugh especially). I liked the whole plant in the boot motif, the cleanup robot, the roach.. The movie seemed to not focus enough on Wall-E himself though, and focused too much on the fat humans and Eve at times.
The 3D animation was good, probably the most realistic of all Pixar films, and showed some unexpected live-action moments, which I don't think has been done in a Pixar film before. So my opinion: maybe not a great movie, but pretty good.

I re- watched "Gangs of New York" the other night. Its one of my favorites. The amazing acting of Daniel Day Lewis. The endless Christ and Devil references. And even subtile hints to a certain world war.
An amazing movie even without the subtext.
I say 9/10

(plus DDL headbutts Leo Decaprio, which makes the whole movie worth it in itself)

13 Conversations About One Thing



a beautiful film

Catch me if you can, Taken and Snatch

LOVE LOVE LOVE

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Originally Posted by limajean

Catch me if you can, Taken and Snatch

LOVE LOVE LOVE

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Catch Me If You Can is a GREAT film

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Originally Posted by qimissung

The Changeling
Another fine movie from Mr. Eastwood. Angelina Jolie in a quietly understated role.
8/10

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I completely agree about Jolie in this film!



Inside Man
9.8/10
I love this movie. I haven't seen it since I saw it in the theater. So I bought the DVD the other day. I love this movie!!! There, I said it again! My only disappointment is Jodie Foster (she is why I a tenth of a point was deducted). I actually feel that her performance is so amateurish. Especially with the performances of everyone else in there. But she isn't in it that much. So it doesn't take away from the film at all. I just think it was very odd casting. The other tenth of a point is for Spike Lee using that God awful "trademark" of his while a character seems to be moving on a conveyor belt down the street. Why??? I honestly think that for that brief moment, he cheapened his film. It didn't fit with the kind of movie that this is. I forgot that he did that in here, too, or else I just chose to block it from my mind. Anyway, still a great movie.

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Originally Posted by LadyWentworth

I completely agree about Jolie in this film!



Inside Man
9.8/10
I love this movie. I haven't seen it since I saw it in the theater. So I bought the DVD the other day. I love this movie!!! There, I said it again! My only disappointment is Jodie Foster (she is why I a tenth of a point was deducted). I actually feel that her performance is so amateurish. Especially with the performances of everyone else in there. But she isn't in it that much. So it doesn't take away from the film at all. I just think it was very odd casting. The other tenth of a point is for Spike Lee using that God awful "trademark" of his while a character seems to be moving on a conveyor belt down the street. Why??? I honestly think that for that brief moment, he cheapened his film. It didn't fit with the kind of movie that this is. I forgot that he did that in here, too, or else I just chose to block it from my mind. Anyway, still a great movie.

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I liked Inside Man! Aww poor Jodie. She'll just never live up to Clarice.

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Originally Posted by *Classic*Charm*

I liked Inside Man! Aww poor Jodie. She'll just never live up to Clarice.

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I really don't think that she will. But I just think that someone else should've been in the role. She annoyed me in there. She seems to speak with a sickening sweet, soft tone to her voice throughout every scene of hers. It is almost like a whisper, which I don't understand why. I just think she was the wrong choice.

Tell me Clive Owen wasn't a clever criminal in there? :D I loved him. :)

I finally got to see "Doubt" tonight. I loved it! Meryl Streep played a terrible person, but she played her so excellently. As always. And I loved Philip Seymour Hoffman! It's a great movie. Dark, but great.

10/10

Last night I watched the BBC film "Under the Greenwood Tree", an adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel. I love this film, even better after watching it several times. I love the way all the men revolve around the heroine, Fancy Day, trying to propose marriage to her. It is very humorous at times and very human. All the characters well played and down-to-earth, since this takes place in a small Dorset community. The tree in the beginning and the end is such a beautiful image and reminescent of the tree in the Shakespeare poem. I loved the setting for the film, which was entirely filmed (all but that tree) in a small historic village on the amazingly beautiful isle of Jersey. The guy who plays Dick Dewey is very handsome and appealing, James Murray. There's one scene, where he (being love-struck) is gazing up to Fancy's window in the cold of winter and it is snowing at night. It is such a striking image; simply beautiful (blue toned) with snow falling on his hat. He's the simplistic young man in the plot, who does not possess the social statis to seriously engage the attention of Fancy Day, who has returned from being educated elsewhere in England. She has come back to become the town's teacher and play the church organ. It's a lovely story and begins in the dead of winter, Christmas Eve with carolers immediately setting the rural atmosphere of this film. We are taken through the four seasons, much like Hardy's "Far From the Madding Crowd", and it is similar, since the plot features one attractive young woman who is surrounded by 3 adoring men. If you have not read this book by Hardy, I highly recommend it; although it is very rural and slowpaced, a little less plot driven and more character driven; Hardy originally did not consider it in the same light as his other 'major' novels. Then he took another look at it later in his life, and appreciated it's quiet charm and deeper meanings; this was stated in the biographical notes in the Extra Feature commentary, which was worthwhile viewing. This is fast becoming one of my favorite films. It looked utterly dazzling on my small portable LCD player, a recent investment with my horded Christmas money. I would give this a 10/10 if you like period pieces and Hardy's novels. It's a very sweet and enjoyable film.

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

I finally got to see "Doubt" tonight. I loved it! Meryl Streep played a terrible person, but she played her so excellently. As always. And I loved Philip Seymour Hoffman! It's a great movie. Dark, but great.

10/10

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Hi MissScarlett, I must see this film; especially now that you recommended it and gave it a 10/10! I love Meryl Streep; I always have. I can't think of any performance of hers that I did not consider to be fine; even the nasty roles. She is a lovely person and beautiful as well and I think such an excellent actor. Pairing her up with Philip Seymour Hoffman would be great. I think he did an amazing job in "Capote". I can't wait now to see this. Hope my library has the film in.

Son of Rambow.....6. It ws cute I guess but I just couldn't get into it.

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

I finally got to see "Doubt" tonight. I loved it! Meryl Streep played a terrible person, but she played her so excellently. As always. And I loved Philip Seymour Hoffman! It's a great movie. Dark, but great.

10/10

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I rented and watched Doubt a few nights ago. Indeed, I agree - beautifully acted - I have always loved Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship, but she did an absolutely fantastic job in this film, as well as the supporting cast, like Amy Adams. Also I thought it wonderfully directed, filled with metaphors, such as Streep's character's obsession with having fresh light in every room she enters, wanting to "shed light" upon everything, or Hoffman's sermons - well done.
The only thing that disappointed me - the conclusion. I suppose I have gotten awfully tired of so many contemporary films ending this way (and I will not spoil it for those who have not seen it), but it seemed so sudden, brief, overly-dramatic, and vague. My opinion: exquisitely acted, stunning directing, but the writing could have gone better.
Rating: 9/10.

I also rented a film called TransSiberian - eh, another murder-mystery, who-dun-it kind of film, further predisposing the American stereotype of the darkness and violence of Russia. It had some nice scenery of China and West Siberia, but this seemed about the only thing I enjoyed about it.
Rating: 5/10.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Hi MissScarlett, I must see this film; especially now that you recommended it and gave it a 10/10! I love Meryl Streep; I always have. I can't think of any performance of hers that I did not consider to be fine; even the nasty roles. She is a lovely person and beautiful as well and I think such an excellent actor. Pairing her up with Philip Seymour Hoffman would be great. I think he did an amazing job in "Capote". I can't wait now to see this. Hope my library has the film in.

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I own "Capote," Janine, and I adored Philip Seymour Hoffman in that one, too. I think he did an amazing job. He does an amazing job in "Doubt," too. And Meryl is just wonderful. She's so nasty and mean, but so believable. She's the greatest living actress, I think. I think she can do anything. My husband and I watched her in "The Devil Wears Prada" awhile back. I had heard that film was no good, but we laughed a lot at it, and Meryl was just wonderful. Nasty again, but funny nasty. In "Doubt" she's dead serious and perfect. Let me know what you thought when you watch it.

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Originally Posted by mono

I rented and watched Doubt a few nights ago. Indeed, I agree - beautifully acted - I have always loved Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship, but she did an absolutely fantastic job in this film, as well as the supporting cast, like Amy Adams. Also I thought it wonderfully directed, filled with metaphors, such as Streep's character's obsession with having fresh light in every room she enters, wanting to "shed light" upon everything, or Hoffman's sermons - well done.

The only thing that disappointed me - the conclusion. I suppose I have gotten awfully tired of so many contemporary films ending this way (and I will not spoil it for those who have not seen it), but it seemed so sudden, brief, overly-dramatic, and vague. My opinion: exquisitely acted, stunning directing, but the writing could have gone better.
Rating: 9/10.

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You know, mono, I can't quite make up my mind about that ending. It did sort of come out of the blue. There was no set up for it earlier, no reason for us to believe in it. (I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, either.) The last minute or so was overly dramatic, while the rest of the film, I think, was understated. I wish they'd left it understated, but the ending didn't ruin the film for me. I see it didn't for you, either since you gave it a nine.

Henry Poole Was Here-9/10

I really enjoyed this film. It revolves somewhat around faith, but the real reason I enjoyed it was because of watching the character, Henry Poole, develop and his interactions with the other characters. I think Luke Wilson did an outstanding job. The quips between Wilson's character and Ezperanza were HILARIOUS. Oh, George Lopez is in the film, but...he isn't the usual G.LO. :thumbs_up

I just saw Mister Lonely with my sister. What a bizarre film... about as relevant all together as cucumbers are to goats. The film weaves many deranged look-a-likes together: Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplain (and Hitler), Madonna, Dean Martin, Abe Lincoln, Shirley Temple, and some others; then it punctures this narrative cloth with a tale of flying nuns (get the reference?) led by a priest, played by Werner Herzog (oh, aren't we witty here?), to add some allusive flair.

It takes a bit of mitigation to understand, but it's ostensibly about following gut-instinctual dreams and the pathways to impossible achievements, though through a bleeding-heart liberal perspective that's often too humanistic for its own good.

I am, however, very happy that it didn't fall prey to predictable, feel-good structure commonly seen in movies of this type. I won't ruin it for anyone who actually reads my review, but it goes on an anti-Dante path, moving from the innocent and gay to the more profane and tragic until the bright ending.

Some of the things the director did seemed annoying and unfit for the big screen until I realized their meaning. For instance, the look-a-likes look nothing like their idols unless far away, save the clothing and hair; most of the actors are rather ugly; the Michael Jackson look-a-like fails miserably at dancing; the beginning of the story portrays unrealistic financial situations (how the hell do you afford to maintain a castle when you can barely get an impersonation job?), then moves to the tragically realistic at the end, seeming like you went from nowhere to nowhere you can breath.

It takes a little getting used to. And even then, it's a one-night stand; I still wouldn't take it back home and introduce it to my mother.

I give it a 7/10

I watched Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" with Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, and Patrick Wilson again. I love the romance and tragedy of this film as well as the elaborately beautiful sets and the glorious music. This is my favorite musical.

10/10

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

I own "Capote," Janine, and I adored Philip Seymour Hoffman in that one, too. I think he did an amazing job. He does an amazing job in "Doubt," too.

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Oh, I have felt impressed by anything with Philip Seymour Hoffman - one of the greatest actors of our time, in my opinion; he does well in such a variety of films! Has anyone else seen Before the Devil Knows You're Dead? It seems like one of his less-recognized films, despite having come out within the past few years, but one of my personal favorites among recent films. :nod:

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

You know, mono, I can't quite make up my mind about that ending. It did sort of come out of the blue. There was no set up for it earlier, no reason for us to believe in it. (I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, either.) The last minute or so was overly dramatic, while the rest of the film, I think, was understated. I wish they'd left it understated, but the ending didn't ruin the film for me. I see it didn't for you, either since you gave it a nine.

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I think I would have given it a solid 10, if the ending had gone a bit better. I did not care a lot for the context of the conclusion (it seems difficult to phrase this without spoiling it), but its out-of-nowhere and brief nature really bugged me, too. The same guy, John Patrick Shanley, wrote and directed the film; he did an amazing job at directing the film, yet I almost feel as if he wrote the ending in a huge hurry, as if he had to meet a deadline - swift judgment, I know, but it left me a bit disappointed.

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Originally Posted by Mortis Anarchy

Henry Poole Was Here-9/10

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I saw this when it was out last summer. I think I gave it the same rating as you did. I really liked this one. It was #2 on my list of summer films last year.


Stand By Me
10/10

Simply one of my all-time favorite films. I hadn't seen it in years. I always felt it was very depressing, but for some odd reason, it really affected me this time when I watched it. The movie had never done that before. I can't figure why it put me into such a funk afterwards. Still, great movie.

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Originally Posted by LadyWentworth

I saw this when it was out last summer. I think I gave it the same rating as you did. I really liked this one. It was #2 on my list of summer films last year.


Stand By Me
10/10

Simply one of my all-time favorite films. I hadn't seen it in years. I always felt it was very depressing, but for some odd reason, it really affected me this time when I watched it. The movie had never done that before. I can't figure why it put me into such a funk afterwards. Still, great movie.

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My son, Sean, loved that film when he was young. What year did that come out? I recall watching it with him in his room. He had good taste in films, don't you think? I haven't seen it in years. I think it might depress me some now too. I don't recall it being a very cheery ending.

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Originally Posted by Janine

My son, Sean, loved that film when he was young. What year did that come out? I recall watching it with him in his room. He had good taste in films, don't you think? I haven't seen it in years. I think it might depress me some now too. I don't recall it being a very cheery ending.

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It is from 1986. Yes, it seems that your son has very good taste in films. :) You know what? I always did think the movie was a downer. A couple of years ago I read the Stephen King story ("The Body") that this was based on. That was good. I think the movie is better (there are some changes in the movie that help the story, actually). But I didn't think the story came across sad at all. So it has been years since I watched it. I knew I wasn't going to be all perky after watching the movie, but I didn't expect it to bother me like it did. I don't know what happened. Honestly, I was a little depressed that night, anyway, and I think that may have helped imy mood along. But it was an absolute killer!

Just got back from seeing Monsters Vs. Aliens in 3D with the fam -- it was really fun! The 3D effect was pretty cool, and half the entertainment was seeing everyone in a darkened theater wearing tinted, horn-rim glasses! =D

Even though it is a 'kid's film,' there were things in it that an adult would enjoy, which is nice for all the parents who go with their children. =) It was dramatic, with scary moments, but not too scary for most kids. Mainly there were lots of cool action sequences, which looked great in 3D. =) A fun time; maybe a 'moral' is that you have to believe in yourself, and do your own thing -- one of the characters was going to marry an ambitious, selfish partner, but learns to be independent over the course of the film. I'd say 9/10 for effects, good, clean, exploding fun, and the slightest dash of a moral. =)

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Originally Posted by mono

Oh, I have felt impressed by anything with Philip Seymour Hoffman - one of the greatest actors of our time, in my opinion; he does well in such a variety of films! Has anyone else seen Before the Devil Knows You're Dead? It seems like one of his less-recognized films, despite having come out within the past few years, but one of my personal favorites among recent films. :nod:

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I haven't seen that film, mono, but I love anything with Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think he's such a terrific actor.

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Originally Posted by mono

I think I would have given it a solid 10, if the ending had gone a bit better. I did not care a lot for the context of the conclusion (it seems difficult to phrase this without spoiling it), but its out-of-nowhere and brief nature really bugged me, too. The same guy, John Patrick Shanley, wrote and directed the film; he did an amazing job at directing the film, yet I almost feel as if he wrote the ending in a huge hurry, as if he had to meet a deadline - swift judgment, I know, but it left me a bit disappointed.

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The end did come out-of-the-blue. There was nothing at all in her character that would indicate she even could feel that way. JPS needed to plant the seed for the ending, and he didn't do it. I do agree with you. I still like it more than "Slumdog Millionaire," though. I did like "Slumdog," but I think "Doubt" was the superior film. I'm looking forward to renting "The Reader" on Tuesday. I missed it at the theatre, but I read the book, and loved it, years ago.

I watched "The Tale of Desperaux" this evening, mainly because my husband rented it. It was cute, but not all that good. Good for children, but it didn't have the charm of "Cars" or "Ratatouille." I have to give it 6/10, which pains me to do to such a cute mouse!

"Cars" or "Ratatouille" were great, weren't they, MissScarlett. I just thought they both were so darn clever and cute and 'charming', as you said. Bet they would look great on our little Sony players. We two are starting to sound like a Sony commercial! :lol:

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Originally Posted by Janine

"Cars" or "Ratatouille" were great, weren't they, MissScarlett. I just thought they both were so darn clever and cute and 'charming', as you said. Bet they would look great on our little Sony players. We two are starting to sound like a Sony commercial! :lol:

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"Cars" was so clever and "Ratatouille" was so cute.

We do sound like Sony commercials - you with your pink player and me with my red. :) But they are so nice and so addicting. I love them!

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

"Cars" was so clever and "Ratatouille" was so cute.

We do sound like Sony commercials - you with your pink player and me with my red. :) But they are so nice and so addicting. I love them!

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I love that little rat under the chef hat!

I know it! I am just wondering now why I ever spend the money on a new TV for my upstairs - only 19" widescreen, but here I am viewing the little 8" and loving it. Sort of strange.

We just got a 42" HD LCD TV downstairs, but I still prefer to spend time with my little 8" Sony, too.

Face it, Janine. We are Sony addicts and we have to admit it! :lol:

I saw His Girl Friday...it was hilarious...

It's simple enough that you don't have to delve in too deep...but very light hearted.

They talk so fast in that film, but I love it. Does anyone talk faster than Jimmy Cagney, though? LOL I don't think so.

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Originally Posted by MissScarlett

We just got a 42" HD LCD TV downstairs, but I still prefer to spend time with my little 8" Sony, too.

Face it, Janine. We are Sony addicts and we have to admit it! :lol:

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It's worse than a drug! Just connect my IV up to my Sony! :lol: