yep i'll watch this one ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
Last film i watched was the new terminator movie. Lots of cgi graphics and Christian Bale..that sums it up :D
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yep i'll watch this one ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
Last film i watched was the new terminator movie. Lots of cgi graphics and Christian Bale..that sums it up :D
Death Note/Death Note 2
i thought these films were great fun :) and they had a kind of deeper message too, about how killing criminals makes you as bad as the criminals themselves, and all life is precious, etc. the acting was a bit polarised though. Tatsuya Fujiwara (battle royale) as Light Yagami was fantastic as always, and so were many of the other young actors, especially Ken'ichi Matsuyama as L. However, there were a couple of truly dreadful performances, namely Erika Toda as Misa Amane. Still, if you fancy a fun film that doesn't overdo it on the moral message, with a couple of very clever twists, Death Note and Death Note 2 are for you :) you can also get the film in subs or dubbed, so the language doesn't have to be a barrier.
The Reader. I saw the movie and then downloaded the book, which I've just read. I've been thinking about it so much it's hard to talk about, I wouldn't know where to start.
The Blob - Irvin S. Yeaworth
Very cheesy 1950's sci-fi flick starring a young Steve McQueen. Two teenagers see a comet land and when they go to check out what happenend they fins an old man with a blob on his hand... Corny and fun.
Land and Freedom - Ken Loach
One of Loach's best films, very similar in theme to The Wind the Shakes the Barley but takes place during the spanish civil war and shows the angst between the communist party and independent groups.
I Love You, Man
7/10
It had its moments, but it could've been better.
The Hangover
10/10
What can I say? I was thoroughly entertained. :D
He is just not that into you. 9/10 one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
knowing ---> uber-crap. two boring hours. the writers must die in a plane crash. they deserve it.
Valkyrie I loved it. I watched it only at my son's suggestion. He is not a big Tom Cruise fan, but he was raving about this movie and now I see why. Cruise gave a very strong performance. I watched with bated breath and a knot in my stomach as these men risked their lives to stop what they perceived as a very great wrong.
Nazi Germany is always depicted as a place where everyone was complicit in the horror, so it was intriguing to another aspect of the place where everyone marched in lockstep. Cruise looks eerily like the man he played in the movie. I read that that was what interested him about the role. I'm sure some things were changed, but according to what I read the movie is fairly accurate, historically. I give it a 9/10.
I am almost embarassed to say that I loved Hangover. because the plot is so silly...three guys take their about to be married buddy to Las Vegas for night on the town that goes hilariously wrong when they all accidentally get doped with the "date rape" drug. The gags are adolescent and gross, but it all works on a more serious level. Think of a cross between Memento and Animal House.:D
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by DisPater
agreed
gimissung, I just watched Valkyrie a few nights ago; I even have the desire to see it agai, already. I thought it was great! I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise's,either, not in recent years; but, I thought he did a superb job with this role. He does indeed resemble the real man. I read up on him online and also saw some clips on Youtube. This role suited Cruise well. I too, sat with bated breath and a knot in my stomach, as the story progressed. Of course, we all know the outcome pretty much from the beginning, because we know Hitler was not assasinate; it's the plot and how it all developed which is fascinating. It was really tense throughout, wasn't it? I found the whole intrigue wonderfully presented by the director, Brian Singer. The cinamatography was right-on and the cast was top-notch, just to name a few: Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Wilkenson, and many other fine British actors I recognised by face and not necessarily by name. I won't fail to mention one prominent German actor; now his name eludes me, but he was in "The Pianist".Quote:
Originally Posted by qimissung
Everything you wrote in your second paragraph I fully agree with. It was interesting to see those in the military who did NOT subscribe to the Nazi way of thinking. There were some very brave men who fought to change the system and they died trying to; their efforts and memories should not go unknown or forgotten. I am glad they made this film; it showed me something I was not previously aware of.
You always give such thorough reviews, Janine. I agree, the cast was absolutely top-notch. It was surprising how taut the script was given that we do know the outcome. It was such a huge undertaking. Apparently it's true that the briefcase was moved only moments before the bomb inside went off, and that the move, only a few inches, was enough to save Hitler.
Spoiler:I got chills at the end when Cruises' character shouts out "Long live sacred Germany" as he was executed.
I rented Valkyrie and Traitor the other night.
Valkyrie I agree was awesome 10/10 for me. I think Tom Cruise did an awesome job.
Traitor was a good movie too, though at some points I wish there was a little more. 9/10.
In the movie theater I saw The Proposal. I thought it was really good. And I love Sandra Bullock. Pretty clean movie too. 10/10.
Thanks, gimissung. You are always so complimentary towards me. I like to read your reviews, too. I have a few other movies I recently watched and will be commenting on. I am going to add this to what you wrote:
SPOILER, so we don't give too much away for those who wish to see the film. Hope you don't mind my stepping in here. 'taut' is a good word for the script. Unfortunately, my library's copy of the DVD didn't have any extras on it. I may eventually buy the film and get the one telling the whole story in documentary. I have seen some of that on Youtube. It's highly interesting.
We better write SPOILER here. I didn't want to give away the ending, but it's hard not talk about it, right? I can't believe either that Hitler survived 15 assasination attempts and what you pointed out here about the brief case. The man really was evil personified, perhaps even the devil incarnate. I thought his depiction in the film was just great; showed just enough of the man to give one chills. I found he looked so entirely like him. Do you know who played his role? I didn't recognise that actor. I think this film deserves more attention than it apparently got. I was wondering about that brief case and how they knew it got moved. I found that whole scene tense and spellbinding. The time limit also, the slowpoke guard checking his credentials, before he could proceed to the conference room and not the bunker as planned, more time wasted. "Nothing ever goes exactly as planned"; interesting someone said that earlier in the film. Yes, those last scenes were hard to take. Even more stirring for me was the point at which the younger officer stood in front of Cruise at the firing range. How touching was that? I also loved the way they filmed Branagh walking up to those trees overlooking that open field; the rest I won't disclose, but I found it perfect acting, and emotional without going over the top. I think I wanted to applaud Ken for that moment. It was a film great and one of the great ending scenes; the cuts were perfect, showing just enough; same applies to the whole film; very well edited. I had to watch Ken's moment twice, since I am a big fan of his, even though it's another one hard to bear. I don't think the film a totally 'downer' in mood either; at least, one knows these men did not die in vain, by those last closing lines with the voice over. It was pretty amazing.Quote:
Originally Posted by qimissung
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_von_Stauffenberg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_July_plot
SpoilerThis post is in reference to the movie Valkyrie.The above links are to Wikipedia pages concerning the July 20 plot, as it is called, and General Stauffenberg. If you scroll down to the section under Stauffenberg to the July 20 plot, read the last three paragraphs of that section. It tells what happened the day they set their takeover attempt in action. The plot of the movie follows this almost exactly.
Yes, the scene with Branagh gave me chills, too. He hadn't been seen in the movie since he recruited Stauffenberg. I, too, thought he did a superb job. And yes, I felt so much for Cruises' aide de camp. It was touching. What loyalty.
I saw last Saturday the movie, Across the Universe, with all the songs by Beatles sung by actors and actresses. One of the best I have ever seen!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Across_the_Universe_(film)
SPOILER
gimissung, I read the story from the links you provided; thanks so much. I had read some of the history online before. I found this all very interesting; the photos make it all so real; the area of the blast was incredible - how did anyone survive that? Yes, the movie seems very true to the story. The only thing which seemed to be changed, and it may be a wrong fact, is that Treschov seemed to hatch the original plan. I am not sure that was made clear in the film; I think I am going to have to watch the film again. I wish the library DVD had the Extra Features on it. I would have liked to watch them. They may be on Youtube. If I find them, I will forward them to you. I think the most poignant thing for me now, in reading this history, is to know that is actually how Treschov killed himself. I found the passage he left behind truly stirring, chilling as well. They all were great heroes in the end. God rest their souls.Quote:
Originally Posted by qimissung
Branagh did a fine job with this role. I wondered when he left the film, if he would return again. Treschov's brief appearance at the very end was quite effective, I thought. I applaud the director. He picked a fine cast and he stuck to the history and presented it well.
I saw three movies over the weekend, which must be some kind of record for me.
Birdcage - Love it! I could watch this movie every day. The crying and carrying on can be a bit much but I think Hank Azarria's character makes up for any flaw the film may have. 9.5/10
Milk - The true story of Harvey Milk the first openly gay person eleceted to a major office. Another great flick. The original footage and news reports blended so well with the actual film it was very hard to tell the difference between the two. I still have to figure out who Anita Bryant is and how she held so much sway. 8.5/10
Religulous - This rounds out the anti-conservative trifecta. Bill Maher discusses religion with several people of differing faiths. I thought it was a pretty good flick but the faithful might not be so entertained. 8.0/10
I had forgotten Anita Bryant. She is a 50's beauty queen, I forget her stance, exactly, but she was against something, very conservative.
Spoiler
Thanks, Janine; I'm getting ready to go out of town, but I will check youtube when I get back I love Extra Features.
I'm glad you enjoyed the reading material. I myself will have to read further on Treschov. He was the one who hatched the plan, and I think they deliberately changed that in the movie since they were already focusing on Cruise's character. I found it a very touching scene. In fact I wish they had made his part a little bigger; I guess they felt they had to be careful about focusing on too many characters, but it is a little harsh that his character got so little credit. I, too, want to know how he died. They showed how the others did in a fairly accurate way; now I wonder if they changed anything else about his character.
Oh,gimissung, have a great time wherever you are headed.Quote:
Originally Posted by qimissung
I love the Extra Features, too. I just eat them up. I usually end up watching more those than the actual movie. One learns so much. I watched a date chic sort of flick last night; it was so-so, but the extras were better. They showed how they filmed in very frigid weather in Winnipeg, Canada. One of the days it was 46 below. I don't know how people deal with that cold a temperature. I would die. You have to hand it to the actors having gone through that. They all kept saying 'it was really really cold'...it was neat learning about Winnipeg. My former dentist was from there. Now I know why he didn't want to move back...brrrr....
I was going to do that, too...dig up more on Treschov, probably since Ken Branagh played that character; I have a weakness for Ken. Ok, I am now thinking Treschov did change the Valkyrie directive; he altered the text. I guess it implied in the film, that the original idea did come from Stauffenberg; who knows, perhaps it did; Wikipedia is not always accurate either. It might be something to look into further and investigate. I would have liked Ken to have a little larger role, but the screen time he had, I thought was superb. That beginning scene, with the undetonated bomb in the case, was really tense when he had to go and get a presumed bottle of port or wine. The looks between the two men were priceless...very well nuanced. I had seen that on Youtube and it made me want to see the film. I think bringing Ken back at the end was just the right touch and just the right amount of screen time, to create a really fine moment of impact, driving home the whole idea of the resistence and the assination plot, not being futile is further conveyed to the audience. I really liked the way that scene was shot. According to Wikipedia, two articles, he did really die that way and probably in a forest like that. I can't imagine it. It was a first, for me to see on the screen, which made it have even more impact personally. Also, they cut at the right time to the other executions, perfect. One's own imaginings are better than showing too much detail. I liked that about the end.Quote:
I'm glad you enjoyed the reading material. I myself will have to read further on Treschov. He was the one who hatched the plan, and I think they deliberately changed that in the movie since they were already focusing on Cruise's character. I found it a very touching scene. In fact I wish they had made his part a little bigger; I guess they felt they had to be careful about focusing on too many characters, but it is a little harsh that his character got so little credit. I, too, want to know how he died. They showed how the others did in a fairly accurate way; now I wonder if they changed anything else about his character.
UP haha totally amazing!
A Bay of Blood - Mario Bava
Probably the most influential giallo on the slasher genre. The killing is cynical at best, none of that psychological nonsense. The cinematography is beautiful, second only to Blood and Black Lace.
The Saddest Music in the World - Guy Maddin
Maddin's most audience friendly work still has a lot of complexe poetic imagery. Maria De Medeiros' nymphmaniac and Isabella Rossellini's legless beer mogul are great characters.
Welcome to the Land of Shtis, a very hilarious French comedy. 11/10.
Here's the trailer, biloutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZpkYcIYlDc&feature=fvw
Fidler on the Roof ~ Topol and many others...some to go onto further stardom.
This musical is still great after all those years! I loved every minute of this fine film...definitely a 10/10!!!
Now, I need the soundtrack on CD!
Fanboys
5/10
It had it's moments, and the ending was hilarious.
I am Legend with Will Smith. I actually like it and was slightly impressed by the philosophical/religious twist at the end. Overall, a good movie to rent on Netflicks for a Friday night when you feel like being brain dead and entertained.
Sweeney Todd ~ Tim Burton
....ahem....what can I say....quite different and very very bloody. It got to be laughable after awhile, because the blood to me, did look rather unreal. Let's just say it's a very dark movie and quite violent. I watched some interviews on the DVD and Burton intended it to be fashioned after the old horror film genre, but set to music; I did like that there was very little talking or dialogue; made it like a rock opera in some ways. I also thought that made the film flow well. It had it it's humorous parts too, like Helena Bohame Carter smashing the bugs in her pastry shop. That stuck me as funny. I am not big on old horror films at all personally, so I sort of found the blood bath a bit disgusting, but since they most times did look fake they didn't creep me out too much. I know it's a well done film; photographed really fine. I am positive I won't watch the film again. It's not too much to my taste, but I recognise the genius in the film and score. I can see why it was acclaimed. Johnny Depp's performance was excellent. So was Helena Bohame Carter. I like both stars emensely. If it wasn't for them in the film I would not have watched it. I can't bring myself to score this in terms of numbers. You have to see it for yourself. I thought, after all this time, I should get up my courage to watch it. I don't regret that, but it didn't really fit my own taste in musicals. The ending, I actually liked a lot. I found the film very tragic at that point.
I was incredibly disappointed with Sweeney Todd. Most of my friends and I agree that Burton didn't live up to his old style and flair, and the expectations we had for him. The movie bored me, frankly, and the costuming and filmography just didn't do it for me... and the songs were AWFUL, but I don't like musicals in the first place, so what can we expect...:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
I didn't see the film, but I would imagine the songs would be the same as the Broadway musical. If I'm not mistaken, I think Sweeney Todd won Best Musical a few years ago.
I already knew the story, that was one reason Janine did not invite me to watch it with her. I'm very squeamish.
I also saw this movie and was quite disappoint at first, because I wasn't aware of the Broadway connection or the fact that it was a musical. Once Johnny started to sing, my heart melted. I couldn't believe he can sing too. Beside that fact, I think is was a well done film.
Yeah...you know, Becca, I think you are right. I think I was disappointed, also. I could not put my finger quite on the reason why, but today I was thinking about the fact, that the violence did not seem to phase me really; I didn't feel anything. It seemed a bit ridiculous, a man tenderly singing to his daugher as he is slitting throats and throwing the bodies casually down a trap door shoot. I thought Johnny Depp's voice was better than I imagined; it was ok in some scenes and better in others though. He did do an amirable job of the singing. Personally, I thought Helena Bohame Carter's voice was just ok; it was a little weak at times, but did not distract. I think the excess of all that blood made the film feel ridiculous to me. Sometimes less is more. I thought this film went 'over- the-top' and so it didn't feel real in emotional impact and that disappointed me. The scene where Sweeney finally kills the judge was awful. I expected it to be way better. It should have really built up to that scene. That was his showdown with evil.Quote:
Originally Posted by BeccaT
I expected to get a lot of slack from everyone, about not truly liking this film; I am surprised to hear the contrary.
Could someone also tell me something? Why did Helena take that cute young boy (by the way, I thought his voice the best of all) down in the basement to run the furnace and the meat grinder? Wouldn't he see the bodies dropping on the floor as well, and give the whole thing away? I was confused about that part. I also was confused as to why there was so much blood exiting a neck and then shortly after only a small area of blood was detected on Sweeney Todd's sleeve. Also, he cleaned up the bloody floor pretty fast, if you ask me. Another thing I wondered about. is why no one came under suspicion with the law. People went into the shop and never came out; lots of people/lots of victims. Weren't they missed in the real world? I guess the whole thing is not suppose to be anyway realistic. It certainly wasn't, that's for sure. I wasn't so bored but I thought some parts were just plain silly.
Quote by Lynne
I did show you the film last night. I definitely know that you're squeamish; you winced when I pulled it out of my library bag; you definitely could not stomach this film; so never ever watch this film unless you get a lot braver about blood. Lynne, actually on the Extra Features it was brought out that originally, the play was staged in London and it was not liked at all. Then later, it went on to become popular. I think it did win awards as a stage play. The music was fine. I would not call it the most outstanding music from a musical, but maybe one has to really love Sondheim's work. I have some songs I like and some not at all. This was a mix for me.Quote:
I didn't see the film, but I would imagine the songs would be the same as the Broadway musical. If I'm not mistaken, I think Sweeney Todd won Best Musical a few years ago.
I already knew the story, that was one reason Janine did not invite me to watch it with her. I'm very squeamish.
Oh a happier note, I got "The Strange Case of Benjamin Button" from my library to watch this weekend.
Quote by Jersea
Jersea, I liked JD's singing fine and at times engaging, I agree. I didn't have any qualms about any of the singing, the set design, the artistry of the film. I can't dispute that it was well done. I think it was just the whole concept of this film, that I wasn't really fully able to get into. The movie flows well, from scene to scene, and it went by pretty quickly, as well. I didn't feel so much bored as appalled at the violence, or the way it was presented, because it got so exessive. Like I said before, "less can be more" sometimes. I think showing less would have made it more interesting and created more tension and more intrigue....it actually would have made it more horrifying. I think Burton chose to show too much of the horror. He needs to watch some Hitchcock and see how 'suggestion' can be more effective. Of course, all this is just my own personal opinion.Quote:
I also saw this movie and was quite disappoint at first, because I wasn't aware of the Broadway connection or the fact that it was a musical. Once Johnny started to sing, my heart melted. I couldn't believe he can sing too. Beside that fact, I think is was a well done film.
I didn't care for Sweeney Todd at all. Unless Burton was going for the audience to be sort of desensitized by the all the gore and blood...he over did it I think. He may very well have wanted the audience to realize the grotesqueness of being desensitized to the murder and slice and dicing and eating people...which only made me nauseous at the thought afterwards.
I saw Angela's Ashes last night. I read the book a few years ago and, despite the subject matter, I thought it was one of the funniest books I ever read. I liked the movie, but the humor didn't come across as well.
medusa_woman, I haven't read the book, but I know others who have and said it's very, very sad. I loved the movie. It also was sad, but you are right - there were some very funny moments in it. I loved when the little boy had mistaken one biblical line and now I can't recall exactly what he said; but it was hilarious. I think it was something about the holy ghost. Did he said holy toast? I am doubtful that was it; been awhile since I saw it last. I have seen it a couple of times. It's always good. I just know the line was just so cute. The movie also was so well acted. Who can beat the actors who played the parents? They were great. Emily Watson has long been a favorite of mine. Carlyle is a fantastic actor and he played the drunken father incredibly well. I think most people would identify him with "Train Spotting". I found his performance in "End of All Wars" totally dynamic and heartbreaking, too. It's a great movie, also.Quote:
Originally Posted by medusa_woman
Grace, I totally agree with what you wrote. I had to actually get the DVD out of my house and back to the library today. I felt like the DVD itself was covered in blood. I felt disgusted just looking at the jacket. I admit it certainly was not my type of movie. I am beginning to think I like old films best. Lately I have been so disappointed in films from last year. I am going to watch the 'Benjamin Button' film now and will let you all know what I think later on.
I tried to watch "Unforgiven" last night but I wasn't able to finish it 'cause it was boring...
I saw "Transformers 2". What can I say...more transformers, more explosions, more stupidity. I'd expected something like the first film, but nevertheless facepalmed. Michael Bay, stay on course! For the greatest justice and brave US army!
I just saw it too, and I was pretty pleased. Mind you I don't have high expectations for action films and a simple good vs evil plot tends to do it just fine for me... especially when you mix in some hot looking cars, planes, and cool explosions:D I'm such a non girl in that as I love things where stuff just gets blown up. I can say my husband, who has served on an aircraft carrier, was very pleased with the plane/carrier sequences. All in all, I think if you liked the first, then you will like this as well. I don't think the plot was any worse or better, and I think the development of plot and characters was similar.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyth
I'm really tired of simple "good vs evil" films and saw this one to estimate "film of the year". I like mecha, but there was nothing to watch except battle scenes. May be I was too sceptical, what I saw was only a set of cliches I'd seen before.Quote:
I just saw it too, and I was pretty pleased. Mind you I don't have high expectations for action films and a simple good vs evil plot tends to do it just fine for me... especially when you mix in some hot looking cars, planes, and cool explosions I'm such a non girl in that as I love things where stuff just gets blown up. I can say my husband, who has served on an aircraft carrier, was very pleased with the plane/carrier sequences. All in all, I think if you liked the first, then you will like this as well. I don't think the plot was any worse or better, and I think the development of plot and characters was similar.
Sure, for transformers fans that doesn't matter at all.
I started watching Dracula last night with high hopes because it stars my favourite actor and one of my lesser favourites, Anthony Hopkins and Gary Oldman and is directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
I had to stop part way through- I just wasn't in the right mood I guess. The costuming and blatantly sexual everything were irritating.