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

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Originally Posted by Werther

'History Boys' - adapted from the play by Alan Bennett. Thoroughly engrossing and compulsory viewing for everyone. A friend of Alan Bennett is a friend of mine. What is it about him that is so endearing? Any ideas?

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Hi Werther, a neighbor lent me this book (it was her son's when he studied in England), but I had not found time to finish reading it. I started it and now I am sure I will have to start over again. I was not aware their was a film adaptation of the book...interesting. Is the book really that good? I must try to read it soon....it is not that long so it should not take me much time between my major reading...no excuses now.

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Originally Posted by andave_ya

Freedom Writers ~ starring Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey

10/10

This is one fantastic movie! It's the story of a naive new teacher who comes to a school that used to teach students with a four point grade average but now is populated by students don't think school is of any use because it doesn't teach how to survive the streets. Fights erupt between gangs and people. Young adults are shot by rival gangs. Through time, Swank(the teacher) modifies her methods and really gets through to the kids by telling them "gangster" stories like Romeo and Juliet and showing racial problems through books like Anne Frank's diary. Also, the class got so excited about the holocaust (that sounds odd) that they held fundraisers to raise money to bring the woman who had sheltered Anne Frank to visit.
Through all the field trips and dinners and lessons learned, the students regain their self-esteem and learn that you don't need gangs to survive. But as Swank made progress with the students, the faculty was against her methods and did much to try to ensure that she wouldn't outshine their own efforts, which were poor because they didn't think the kids were worth it. Of course, everything ended happily.

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Hi
andave_ya Do you know, was this film based on a true story? Just curious.

Music and Lyrics with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant.

8/10

It was your typical cute and sappy romance story. It didn't require much thought, and was overall a nice, sweet movie. The acting was not bad.

"Young Frankestein" By Mel Brooks starring Gene Wilder 10/10. A fantastic comedy.

"The lives of others" the already famous german film. It was nice but i wouldn't place it among the best german films i have seen. 7/10

The movie was made after the novel by German writer Gunter Grass. Anyone seen it and if so... quasimodo1

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Originally Posted by quasimodo1

The movie was made after the novel by German writer Gunter Grass. Anyone seen it and if so... quasimodo1

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Idril has seen this one (i think). I remember having a conversation before about it so check a few pages back in this thread.

*EDIT* on page 97

Just watched "Talladega Nights". It sucked. Big time. The last 20 minutes were unbelievably bad. I give it a 3 out of 10 only because I did laugh a couple of times, though most of the jokes sucked and even when I did laugh, it was a mere chuckle. Bad movie.

Last night I watched Idiocracy with Luke Wilson. Actually, I fell asleep before it was over, but from what I saw it was okay.

Two people of average intelligence (played by Luke Wilson and Maya Rudolph - SNL) are frozen as part of an army experiment that's supposed to last one year (as in they'll be frozen for a year). I don't remember what the objective of the experiment was supposed to be, but of course, things go awry and the two frozen people are forgotten and buried under a pile of rubble for 500 years. When they wake up, the American landscape has changed, and it's no longer a democracy. It's an idiocracy, and the average joes from 2006 are now the smartest people in the country. If you think we're stupid now, wait till you see us in 500 years (if it lasts that long, right? :eek2: ).

Like I said, I fell asleep but I would like to see where they're going with this one. Since I only saw part of it, I can't give it an actual rating, but I might give it a second try, some other time.

"Hamlet" ~ Mel Gibson version
Since it took me two nights to watch, I have an updated view and something to add, mostly negative, sorry to say.
First off, I did not like the ending nearly as well as the Kenneth Branagh version or for that matter, the BBC version with Derek Jacobi playing Hamlet. Those two versions have a lot more style and a more emotion. I felt really let down by the end in the Zeffirella version (Gibson).
Secondly, I could not get over how many key lines and really poignant verses were completely eliminated. Some of the greatest lines/speeches from Hamlet were simply cut from the script. I was waiting for the scene when Hamlet ruminates on the fall of a sparrow and I thought the lines were clumsily delivered by a starry eyed Mel gazing out at a lovely ocean sunset. Where was Horatio?
Two really weak characters in my opinion were Laertes and Horatio. One hardly knew Horatio existed and Laertes was bland and flat in his performance. I have seen Nathaniel Parker in other films and he has improved since this film, but he fits a nice guy image and did not do well as a Laertes at all.
I would not recommend this version. Rather if you really want to see "Hamlet" and fully understand it, understand one needs the complete text.
Disappointing scene of all time was the graveyard scene - so much removed that I found it painful to watch. Also, the skull/mortality reflection was just awful...again too much removed from the text and little, or no emotion.
I think the women gave strong performances, Glen Close and Helena Bonham-Carter.
Mel Gibson displayed varying degrees of performances, as the film progressed I thought his Shakespeare delivery had a lot to be desired. I felt at the end, during the sword fight, he displayed downright silly jestures and he lost me at that point completely. Then his own death scene felt over-played to me. Without the Fortinbras part of the story, the impact of Hamlet's final words to Horatio, really loss all significance.
If you want to see a quality production of "Hamlet" see either full-length versions I have mentioned, Branagh's fine film or the BBC film starring Derek Jacobi.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Hamlet ~ Zeffirelli's version ~

Starring Mel Gibson, Glen Close, Alan Bates, Helena Bonham-Carter, Ian Holm, Paul Scofield

This version is set in medieval-era Denmark and was nominated for Art Direction and Costume Design. I like this version and the performances are really noteworthy. However, after viewing several other full-length versions, I am noticing many changes in script from the original Shakespeare text. For one thing, many of the lines are changed around and in a different sequence. It is odd to see this when I nearly have the full-length text/versions memorized by now, having viewed them so many times. This version is much more abreviated and condensed, more so than I originally thought. It is a noteworthy film if you think of it as a separate entity - a film in it's self. But it is a far cry from the complete play, if you are more of a purest about adaptations, as I tend to be especially concerning Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Also, I wish that some of the film with great moments was shown with more personal closeups of the actors delivering their lines. I would have like those moments to be more centered. A few parts get a little confusing with too much going on around the actors, too many distractions. I like very much some of the scenes, but felt the "To be or not to be" scene in the tomb, though mostly well done, was a little lacking in focus at times.
I recall seeing this film years ago with my teenage son who loved it, which delighted me. It seems this could be appreciated by youth or those who have not the patience for the full 4 hour play/films. First time I saw this version I was amazed with all of the fine acting and I loved this film's intensity and drama. Now that I have seen full-length versions I miss parts that were cut to make this version fit into a commercial theater timeslot. But this film does work well as a film standing alone from the play.
I especially like Alan Bates as the corrupt uncle/king. Mel Gibson gives a fine performance; so does Glen Close as his mother - in reality they were about the same age when shooting this film, but she is very believable as Hamlet's mother. Helena Bonham-Carter is quite young here and gives a fine performance as Ophelia. Strange though, how the script was so obviously changed around, especially when it came to interaction between Hamlet and Ophelia. That is when I first noticed that the director took this liberty of rearranging the script. Also, some key sections were completely left out, like in the bedroom scene between Hamlet and his mother. This rather annoys me now. If you have seen no other version, this will greatly delight you. Mel Gibson plays the role a bit madder, than I think Kenneth Branagh plays it, in his full-length version. I prefer the full-length film and many things about it, but this film is interesting in that it is set in earlier times so the settings are cruder, more rustic, and quite interesting.

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I would have to say that I agree with you. I enjoyed the film, but I believe that it was somewhat lacking in areas. Like you said in the "to be or not to be" speech. It didn't deliver as strong of a message as it could have. They focused a lot on Mel Gipson's acting rather than Hamlet in some parts. Overall, the film was good and I enjoyed watching it with my English class.

I finally saw 300 and it gets a 1/10 in my book, the actors were pathetic, and the music was awful (especially the saturated guitar bits). The worst thing about the film though is the total absence of directing, Snyder obviously figured he'd just replicate the graphic novel, firstly what makes a good comic doesn't necessarily make a good movie (that's what adaptation is about right? making the material suit another media...) and secondly I'm not sure the gn was much good to start with. Showing a bit of gore isn't enough for an audience that isn't out of their mind, otherwise we would just go watch the butcher do his job. A head flying across the screen isn't going to shock anyone, you need to do more than that. Avoid this film as if it were the plague, if you want a truely epic film check out Conan the Barbarian instead.

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Originally Posted by Mark F.

I finally saw 300 and it gets a 1/10 in my book, the actors were pathetic, and the music was awful (especially the saturated guitar bits). The worst thing about the film though is the total absence of directing, Snyder obviously figured he'd just replicate the graphic novel, firstly what makes a good comic doesn't necessarily make a good movie (that's what adaptation is about right? making the material suit another media...) and secondly I'm not sure the gn was much good to start with. Showing a bit of gore isn't enough for an audience that isn't out of their mind, otherwise we would just go watch the butcher do his job. A head flying across the screen isn't going to shock anyone, you need to do more than that. Avoid this film as if it were the plague, if you want a truely epic film check out Conan the Barbarian instead.

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Thanks Mark F, Well, I think you have finally killed this film off for me for good! I am glad of all the warnings. A friend told me it was great, but at the time I seriously doubted his judgement. I doubt I will be watching this film; I don't care for seeing someones head flying across the screen. I don't like gore and don't even care for watching the butcher cut meat at the grocery store. Thanks again Mark!

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Originally Posted by Andrea2007

I would have to say that I agree with you. I enjoyed the film, but I believe that it was somewhat lacking in areas. Like you said in the "to be or not to be" speech. It didn't deliver as strong of a message as it could have. They focused a lot on Mel Gipson's acting rather than Hamlet in some parts. Overall, the film was good and I enjoyed watching it with my English class.

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Andrea, Thanks for agreeing with me on this film. I had not seen this particular film for years, and what happened is I picked up the VHS tape somewhere very cheap ($1.50). I thought - well, I will add it to my "Hamlet" collection. I recalled it from years ago and I thought it was quite good, then. I suppose one's perspectives really changes over time. Now that I have seen two fantastic full-length versions encompassing the whole story and richness of the play, I can't go back and watch a chopped version. Half the story was missing!

I read on Amazon so many reviews. Most were praising it, and educators were saying this was the version they were using to teach their class. Well, that is ashame, I thought - half the play - and not the best acting, to boot. If you really want to see a great version see the Branagh "Hamlet" when it comes out on DVD, hopefully this summer (people have been screaming for the DVD, they even had a campaign to get it on DVD, it took time due to the 70 mm film transfer). Ok, granted some of the casting was a little off, but only the minor minor roles and everyone quibbles about them; well none of the Hamlets are completely flawless. I can overlook one litte misjudgement in casting.

Branagh made a bold choice and used the entire text for his fantastic "Hamlet". Also, the delivery and the sheer beauty of Shakespeare's words are full bodied here and felt deeply. One can see that Branagh took years to perfect his craft and his "Hamlet". Countless times he played it onstage, but he made a wonderful transition to film. Closeups are plentiful and needed to show the full range of emotions for all characters. Branagh knows that the words of Shakespeare are the most important element (they are the magic).The poetry and the words are the play and nothing should distract from them.

Then why is it teachers don't opt to teach this version? Probably unavailable as yet, and their schedules, time limitations won't allow this length of production, maybe kids don't have that long a attention span. That is sad, though. I hope they do switch to this version soon and if need be show it in segments/episodes. Far better to see the whole play than be cheated with a half-baked production!

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Originally Posted by Janine

Thanks Mark F, Well, I think you have finally killed this film off for me for good! I am glad of all the warnings. A friend told me it was great, but at the time I seriously doubted his judgement. I doubt I will be watching this film; I don't care for seeing someones head flying across the screen. I don't like gore and don't even care for watching the butcher cut meat at the grocery store. Thanks again Mark!

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Gore can be used in interesting ways, for example Peckinpah, Pasolini (Salo) and Romero all use gore to support their message. The problem with 300 is that it's just imagery, and it's not very interesting.

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Originally Posted by Mark F.

Gore can be used in interesting ways, for example Peckinpah, Pasolini (Salo) and Romero all use gore to support their message. The problem with 300 is that it's just imagery, and it's not very interesting.

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Yes, I can deal with gore if it has a purpose but gore for the audience's reaction sake is sickening. I fully agree with you - quality film this does not sound like. I heard from others the film is lacking. It seems it does not have a lot of real content. Let's face it good CG and effects are one thing but a hollow story line is not enough to support such a film. It sounds thin and not worth viewing.

Well if I had to sumn up the story I'd say it's about 300 body builders in just their undies fighting other people.

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Originally Posted by Mark F.

Well if I had to sumn up the story I'd say it's about 300 body builders in just their undies fighting other people.

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Mark, really a good one :lol: :lol: :lol: !

I have watched several movies since I last listed on this thread

The Libertine ~ Johnny Depp

Not too sure what to say about this film except that it did captivate my curiosity and kept me looking. JD is really extrodinary in his acting and so is Samantha Morton. The scenes with the two of them interacting are by far the best. Much of the film is really "out there" and quite distasteful but it shows how decadent and sorid London was in the time of the rule of (I think it was) Charles II. John Malkovitch plays the king and he is John M, what can I say. If you get easily offended by dialogue that is quite graphic and crude don't see this film. Also there is a stage scene that most people may run from in disgust. Others will find it humorous. JD plays a historical character - an earle who is a famous poet/playwright and he is pretty dispicable as a human being, yet at some point you might feel something for him. He is pathetic and dying of siphilis and excess of achohol and a lot of other excesses. He tells you in a monologue at the start of the film - that he is a character you will no like. It is a strange film and not easy to explain. I know I would not view it again and did feel it had much to be desired. Probably would give it about a 6/10 since some of the acting is quite good surprisingly.

Next movie I watched some other customer at the library suggested:

Two for the Money ~ Al Pacino and Mathew (somebody - sorry forget his name now)

Ok this film was interesting with a lot of facial closeups and character interaction. I don't know if in the end I really cared much for any of those characters. It could have been a better film if it had concentrated on the business these people run to set up bets on sports events and how customers got ruined by gambling. Instead it showed mostly the inside deal and how the whole system works and corrupts people. The trouble with the film is midway through it loses much focus and you feel like it goes and on forever and never really gets anywhere important. It feels so totally unfocused or something. Pacino hands in a good performance but he gets a little too mouthy for me. The other actor/ actress also hand in noteworthy performances. Ok, for this one I give it a 6/10 also.

I am David ~ Ben Tibber, Joan Plowright, Jim Caviezel

I actually saw this film twice. I had not realised I had seen it before and started to watch it again. The young boy gives a good nuanced performance - quiet with lots of subtle expressions. Jim Caviezal was good - his accent bothered me a little bit, but not nearly as much as the narrator who I believe is suppose to be a Nazi that sprung the kid from the camp he had been in nearly his whole life. Jim C does not have a huge role, the kid was in nearly every scene. It is a good story and I believe based on a novel of the same name. I think it lacks something but I am not sure exactly what. I watched some of the deleted scenes and wondered why they had cut them - those seems to perk up the film some. The film seems a bit sad and without sparkle or something I can't quite put my finger one. Of course it is a sad story of an outsider trying to get back to life. I liked it but did not love it. However, there are some really noteworthy scenes in the film and it is shot beautifully. It holds your interest and keeps you watching.
Probably about a 7/10.

Saw "Hot Fuzz" and enjoyed it greatly although I think "Shaun of the Dead" is better.

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/_ima...13493.full.jpg

Dear Frankie ~ Emily Mortimer, Gerald Butler, Jack McElhone

Indedpendent film about a mother who writes letter to her 10 yr old young deaf son. In doing so she is posing as his astranged father, who has had a history of abuse, and whom she had left years ago to protect her family. Finally her protective lie catches up with them and she must face the fact of Frankie's need to meet his father. Again a lie ensues and she hires a man to pose as Frankie's dad.
I thought this was a very nicely done and slowly paced, but extremely thoughtful film about a mother's unconditional love and protection of her only son. It dealt with what lengths she will go to to maintain this protection. Also, it is about letting go of the past and moving on. It is very touching and sweet. I have wanted to see this film for awhile. The performances were subtle and nuanced; emotional at times, but not overly so. The young boy playing Frankie was really amazing, and part of the film is he reading his letters, which gives the film an emotional feel right off. He was totally believable as a deaf child who is very smart and does well in school, especially geography. His interests and talents compensate greatly for having to deal with his deafness on a daily basis and rivalries in school. He gets along in the speaking/hearing world better than you would have thought he could, yet he is convincing as a character of fine sensitivity and insight, very realistic. The film has a nice look and was filmed on the waterfront; by a seaport in Scotland. A very believable story and the ending is quietly wonderful. I even wondered if it was taken from a true story, but it was not. The film felt like real life and not a film at all. One could easily become emersed in the family and the characters and their emotions.
I would probably rate this film a 8/10.

The Boy with the Incredible Brain

10/10. Not much to say, really. Just watch it.

"Pan's Labyrinth" - very good, but very strange....

The Libertine ~ Johnny Depp

It was a good movie and J Depp did a great role.
8/10 from me.

'The mission' with Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson (in fact some of the actors i like so much). 9/10. A very interesting movie and deeply disturbing since these things have happened in the not so distant past. The music score by Morricone is excellent and adds perfectly to the movie. The photography is great and the acting too. Jeremy Irons in a very touching and sensitive performance.

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Originally Posted by Janine

I have watched several movies since I last listed on this thread

The Libertine ~ Johnny Depp

Not too sure what to say about this film except that it did captivate my curiosity and kept me looking. JD is really extrodinary in his acting and so is Samantha Morton. The scenes with the two of them interacting are by far the best. Much of the film is really "out there" and quite distasteful but it shows how decadent and sorid London was in the time of the rule of (I think it was) Charles II. John Malkovitch plays the king and he is John M, what can I say. If you get easily offended by dialogue that is quite graphic and crude don't see this film. Also there is a stage scene that most people may run from in disgust. Others will find it humorous. JD plays a historical character - an earle who is a famous poet/playwright and he is pretty dispicable as a human being, yet at some point you might feel something for him. He is pathetic and dying of siphilis and excess of achohol and a lot of other excesses. He tells you in a monologue at the start of the film - that he is a character you will no like. It is a strange film and not easy to explain. I know I would not view it again and did feel it had much to be desired. Probably would give it about a 6/10 since some of the acting is quite good surprisingly.

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Nice review. I want to see this one. When it comes to Johny Depp i can see anything :lol:

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Originally Posted by manolia

'The mission' with Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson (in fact some of the actors i like so much). 9/10. A very interesting movie and deeply disturbing since these things have happened in the not so distant past. The music score by Morricone is excellent and adds perfectly to the movie. The photography is great and the acting too. Jeremy Irons in a very touching and sensitive performance.

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I absolutely love this movie! It's a devastating movie, absolutely devastating. One of the things I like about the movie is that even though Fathers Gabriel and Rodrigo choose very different paths in dealing with something they have no control over, neither are presented as the 'right' way, both are equally as powerful and ultimately, equally as futile. And as you said, the cinematography and musical score are flawless. This movie always makes my top-ten list. :thumbs_up

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Two for the Money ~ Al Pacino and Mathew (somebody - sorry forget his name now)

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Come on now, that's Matthew McConaughey!

What a cutie! If nothing else, you should remember him as the naked bongo player.

Also, Frailty is a pretty good movie. It might be good for one viewing only, but I still enjoyed the first go round.

And I would give Two For the Money a 5/10.

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Originally Posted by Shalot

Come on now, that's Matthew McConaughey!

What a cutie! If nothing else, you should remember him as the naked bongo player.

Also, Frailty is a pretty good movie. It might be good for one viewing only, but I still enjoyed the first go round.

And I would give Two For the Money a 5/10.

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Hi Shalot,
:bawling: please give me a break - it was late and I had brain freeze:cold: I did keep thinking - Matthew McC something or the other - well, I was close, but no cigar. Yes, and he was so pumped in this film - nice biceps and toned arms and he worked out all the time - beautiful bod...very cute indeed. Did he play the bongos in this film? if he did I did not notice - maybe I was sleeping then:lol: Heck, you mean I missed naked, too:(

I agree - "Two for the Money" - about a 5 is right! Someone suggested it who was getting films in my library and he seemed to have good taste in films. I won't listen to him ever again. I should have known - he loved "Gangs of New York" and I hated that film.

Shalot, Gee, never heard of "Frailty" - who is in it?

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Originally Posted by manolia

Nice review. I want to see this one. When it comes to Johny Depp i can see anything :lol:

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manolia, Are you being serious or are you poking fun at my lovely review?:lol:
I really was sort of flabbergasted after this film....speechless. It was vile and yet I kept watching, could not stop watching, totally drawn in by it. JD was so mesmerizing. Samantha Morton has long been someone I admire and she did some fantastic acting in this film. JD did his best acting, I believe so far, althought I like him in many of his odd-ball roles so much, and I have nearly watched everything he's been in. That is why I watched the film to begin with - Johnny Depp. His pretty/handsome face takes up practically the entire cover of the DVD - how can one resist? I loved him in "Benny and Joon", "Don Juan DeMarco", "Edward Sissorhands", "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"", The Man Who Cried", "Blow" and countless other films. His performances are always unique and noteworthy and besides he is such delicious eye-candy, don't you think?

manolia, My review was to prepare anyone who is going to view this film and his latest endeavor. His character is a far cry from Jack Sparrow in "Pirates"! He makes it quite clear in the beginning that you won't like him at all. Just that is a challenge - trying not to like someone who looks like Johhny Depp:lol:

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Originally Posted by manolia
'The mission' with Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson (in fact some of the actors i like so much). 9/10. A very interesting movie and deeply disturbing since these things have happened in the not so distant past. The music score by Morricone is excellent and adds perfectly to the movie. The photography is great and the acting too. Jeremy Irons in a very touching and sensitive performance.

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Originally Posted by Idril

I absolutely love this movie! It's a devastating movie, absolutely devastating. One of the things I like about the movie is that even though Fathers Gabriel and Rodrigo choose very different paths in dealing with something they have no control over, neither are presented as the 'right' way, both are equally as powerful and ultimately, equally as futile. And as you said, the cinematography and musical score are flawless. This movie always makes my top-ten list. :thumbs_up

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Hi Manolia and Idril,
Oh, I really want to see this film. Thanks for both of your comments. I keep thinking maybe I already did see it - that brain freeze thing is happening to me again :cold: I see so many films by now I have lost track. But I am hoping actually, I am thinking of something else I saw and not this one. This film looks so good and I love scores by Morricone. I think my library has the DVD, so Monday I must take it out and view it that night. If I saw it already, a second viewing will be fine, since both of your say it is such a great film. Thanks for pointing that out!

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Originally Posted by Janine

Hi Shalot,
:bawling: please give me a break - it was late and I had brain freeze:cold: I did keep thinking - Matthew McC something or the other - well, I was close, but no cigar. Yes, and he was so pumped in this film - nice biceps and toned arms and he worked out all the time - beautiful bod...very cute indeed. Did he play the bongos in this film? if he did I did not notice - maybe I was sleeping then:lol: Heck, you mean I missed naked, too:(

I agree - "Two for the Money" - about a 5 is right! Someone suggested it who was getting films in my library and he seemed to have good taste in films. I won't listen to him ever again. I should have known - he loved "Gangs of New York" and I hated that film.

Shalot, Gee, never heard of "Frailty" - who is in it?

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Janine, you crack me up! There was a news report that the police were called to his home because of noise complaint, and there he was playing the bongos naked or something...his mug shot is on the internet.

And you would think that Two For the Money would be good with Al Pacino (Matthew McSomething is eye candy and I have seen more than one of his movies, but he is no Al Pacino ~ I don't know who is), but it was not good.

Frailty is a mystery movie with a twist ending and Matthew McSomething is in it with Bill Paxton. Keep in mind I was younger when I saw it, and despite what they say about 18 being the age of adulthood I think it's more around 23 or so. So if you do watch it and think it's stupid, just remember that I am saying it's good based on my memory of seeing it many years ago.

Just saw The Prestige

10/10. This film easily transcended my highest expectations in both the delivery of performance (especially Hugh Jackman) and the joyride of twists in the plot. It begins with the simple error of a magic play involving a caged underwater trick which results in the demise of a woman-- the lover of Hugh Jackman's character. As a variety of plot holes form, are covered and new ones form to supplant the old, the tragic opening scenes gain more understandability and convey the true darkness of human wants and the lengths to which man is willing to go in order to reach initial glorification.

This is a great source of entertainment for people of all ages (although the presentation is rated pg-13) and will keep even a prudent audience of mysteries guessing until the closing scene.

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Originally Posted by Adolescent09

Just saw The Prestige

10/10. This film easily transcended my highest expectations in both the delivery of performance (especially Hugh Jackman) and the joyride of twists in the plot. It begins with the simple error of a magic play involving a caged underwater trick which results in the demise of a woman-- the lover of Hugh Jackman's character. As a variety of plot holes form, are covered and new ones form to supplant the old, the tragic opening scenes gain more understandability and convey the true darkness of human wants and the lengths to which man is willing to go in order to reach initial glorification.

This is a great source of entertainment for people of all ages (although the presentation is rated pg-13) and will keep even a prudent audience of mysteries guessing until the closing scene.

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Adol, how are you doing? I haven't seen you lately, but then again, I have not been in 'Recent Poem' thread for sometime, so busy in Lawrence thread and the book of the month, which I am now reading.
Thanks for this enlightening review on "The Prestige". I heard this film is excellent. Now I have to see it since your recommend it. I like the review you wrote; I love films with twists and intricate plots. I hope my library has it in by now, so I can see it soon. I love to keep guessing till the closing scene so I should like this film very much. Your write up really got me interested. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Shalot

Janine, you crack me up! There was a news report that the police were called to his home because of noise complaint, and there he was playing the bongos naked or something...his mug shot is on the internet.

And you would think that Two For the Money would be good with Al Pacino (Matthew McSomething is eye candy and I have seen more than one of his movies, but he is no Al Pacino ~ I don't know who is), but it was not good.

Frailty is a mystery movie with a twist ending and Matthew McSomething is in it with Bill Paxton. Keep in mind I was younger when I saw it, and despite what they say about 18 being the age of adulthood I think it's more around 23 or so. So if you do watch it and think it's stupid, just remember that I am saying it's good based on my memory of seeing it many years ago.

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So Shallot, are you some kind of groupie(?), knowing the inside details on Matthew McSomething and his bongos:lol: ;) :lol: ? I will have to check out that mug shot on the net - is he clad, or no, and is he revealing his bongo drums? Note: I added 'drums', don't want to get in trouble on here. So funny - I have to see that photo:lol: Yes, very nice eye-candy but he is no Pacino. Only Pacino is Pacino!!! No I though it seriously was not good - mostly due to lacking no focus. Could have been good, but in the end I thought - who cares about any of these characters anyway - they just rip off the public and prey on gamlerholics (?)....sad....the almighty dollar surely reigns in their world, with no trace of moral responsibility. It left a bad impression on me about sports betting. I was not aware it was such high stakes, or that it broke so many people.

Hello, Janine. I've noticed your lack of participance in the poetry section and I'm going to scold you for it eventualy. How've you been lately? :D

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Originally Posted by Adolescent09

Hello, Janine. I've noticed your lack of participance in the poetry section and I'm going to scold you for it eventualy. How've you been lately? :D

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Adol, I have been so busy reading and I got involved in the monthly book discussion, "Ethan Frome" last month; this month it is "A Prayer for Owen Meany", for which the discussion should start up soon.
I read your post about leaving and was so relieved to know you are not doing so. You know you have so many friends on here and much support. I knew from the start you had talent; someday it will be really great. You have a fine sensitivity to feelings and life, and to others, as well. One can just tell these things from the way you write so elequoently. I really mean that. You poems are lovely, meaningful and very heartfelt. Don't ever stop writing! Talent like yours is a rare gift.
I also was quite sick for about 3 weeks with a virus/cold. It took quite a while to feel normal again, well as normal as I will ever get.:)
Also, I am very involved in the D.H.Lawrence thread we started for short stories. It is going so well this week that 4 more people showed interest; now it will be a very lively discussion indeed. I am a big Lawrence enthusiatist, so I am quite happy with that thread's progress.
I will stop in the Recent Poetry thread soon. I try to to read the poems from time to time. I have not been inspired myself lately to write any poetry, but as summer comes something probably will come to me. I'll pop in and post one eventually. I am glad you scolded me, it might get me to write. You should really scold me about abandoning my artwork for so long. I need to get back to it. It is hard when one leaves something so long to resume it again.
Take care and have a fine day ~ Janine

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Originally Posted by Adolescent09

Just saw The Prestige

10/10. This film easily transcended my highest expectations in both the delivery of performance (especially Hugh Jackman) and the joyride of twists in the plot. It begins with the simple error of a magic play involving a caged underwater trick which results in the demise of a woman-- the lover of Hugh Jackman's character. As a variety of plot holes form, are covered and new ones form to supplant the old, the tragic opening scenes gain more understandability and convey the true darkness of human wants and the lengths to which man is willing to go in order to reach initial glorification.

This is a great source of entertainment for people of all ages (although the presentation is rated pg-13) and will keep even a prudent audience of mysteries guessing until the closing scene.

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I'm glad you liked it. I saw it about a month ago and I thought it was very very good. Some of my friends saw it with me for their second time and they said it was even better the second time around.

Livelaughlove, If a film is good second or even third time around that it the sign of a good film. I have to see "The Prestige" now.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai ~ David Lean, director,
Alec Guiness, William Holden

I love David Lean films and this is such a classic. I had really forgotten the storyline; it has been years since I first saw this fine film. The characters were great and all the acting top-notch. I believe it won 7 Academy Awards and it still delivers. It really feel timeless, not so much like an older film. The ending is amazing. I don't think when I was younger I quite grasped the full irony in this film or the full meaning of the plot and the depth of the characters. The Japanese commander of the camp was funny, at times and then quite touching, as well. He could be so many things at different times - tough, vulnerable, humorous, stubborn, etc. Same with Alec Guiness - what an actor he was. Truly amazing the way he stood up against the camp commander and never flinched even on threat of death. Holden did a good job, too, playing the role perfectly. Interesting story and not typical at all. Some call this a war drama, but it is much much more than that. In fact there is really very little fighting with gunfire. Really suspenseful working up to the great ending.
10/10 ~ classic film!

I just finished watching The Departed it was awesome I would definitely give it a 10/10

Glad that people liked The prestige, it truly was a good film! I'm tempted to read the book as well, but maybe after exams are over.

So, the film I (didn't) see yesterday was certainly good, if it's popularity had anything to say about it! There's an indipendent cinema here which is currently showing a lot of french films. And about a month ago I noted down Paris, je t'aime which opened the Cannes film festival last year I think.
It's a bit like Coffee and cigarettes, about 20 short stories centred around Paris with different actors and director for each one.
About half an hour before the film started it was sold out and there were at least 20 people waiting in case someone re-sold their ticket. And for some reason yesterday was the only showing!

Back at home I (re)watched Buffalo soldiers: just before the Berlin Wall is taken down, an army soldier based in Germany is making an illigitimate living through black market products (drugs, cars and arms) and has to deal with the his weakening commander and the new tough superior who is on his case. And of course all the problems that come with his 'deals'.
Joaquin Phoenix and Ed Harris are pretty good and Scott Glenn is actually quite intimidating as the 'bad' sergeant.
7/10