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

[Janine]

Oh, I've been watching it for a lot longer than a week. I saw it for the first time in the theater when I was in second grade or something like that and have seen it too many times to count since then. Even after all those years, it never seems to lose it's appeal for me.

Idril, I just got back from my library and on the shelves there was no copy of the film. I will check their catalogue online, but now I doubt they do have it....I am disappointed. Oh well.... Quess I will have to rent it someday soon.
Wow, you started young looking at this film - second grade? Glad you like it so much. I get like that about films. I watched one last night I have seen a dozen times now. Needless to say I get addicted to them. Sure you know what I mean

[Janine]

Forgot to mention the film I saw last night:

"How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog"

Yes, definitely a strange title....really throws one off. Who would pick it up in the video store? They say the director really made a mistake naming it that since the film is usually passed by because of the funky title - a shame. It is not really about killing your neighbor's dog, but it does involve a dog.

Stars Kenneth Branagh and Robin Wright Penn. It is a bit of a sleeper, indy film, executive producer is Robert Redford and directed by Michael Kalesniko; a black comedy of sorts, very witty with a good snappy thoughful and humorous script, but not flawless, still very amusing since the humor is low key and the everyday type. I always get a real kick out of this little known film. I have watched it many times and I always laugh and cry at certain moments and lines.

Here's the synopsis:
In the midst of writing a new play, Peter McGowen's world is one crazy scene after another. He has a wife who desperately wants to start a family, a stalker who's assuming his identity and a crisis which is a scribe's worst nightmare: writer's block. To top it all off, he's pushed to the edge by the barking dog next door. *Let me add - he also gets temporary insomnia and impotence. Peter only has time for his writing, until a special new neighbor teaches the cynical playwright that life is a work in progress.
*Let me also add that the special neighbor is a little 8 yr old girl with slight cerebral palsy. Chemistry between she and Branagh is great and makes the film.

Also features: Jared Harris as Peter's Doppleganger/stalker, Lynn Redgrave as Peter's mother-in-law with Alzheimers, Peter Reigert - agent, Johnathon Schaech - director, and the little girl actress - they don't seem to list her on my DVD cover and she was wonderful.

On Amazon there are some real good reviews on this film - you might want to read those and check this little known comedy/drama out sometime. It's really a cute and funny film and quite touching. Performances are very good. Jared Harris is a riot at the Doppleganger. Branagh gets the script and runs with it and he is really funny and serious, Robin Wright Penn is great and looks wonderful and compliments Branagh very well, you'd swear they are really a married couple. The little girl is darling, but not in the conventional sense of the word. She is really special.

This film is a definite departure for me, but I do love it. There is some language and a little bit of crudity here and there but nothing too offensive - mostly just everyday stuff that is really funny.

[Stieg]

Yesterday saw the Anchor Bay DVD re-release of Phantasm (1979) directed by Don A Coscarelli of Bubba Ho-tep fame. This horror cult film is easily recognizable as the one featuring "The Tall Man" (portrayed by Angus Scrimm) stalking around in a funeral parlor with those wicked chrome balls flying around gleefully seeking craniums to crack with retractable blades and liquefy grey matter with drill bits.

This zero budget horror romp is understandably a popular overachiever. Director Coscarelli knows how to spook viewers and play on their fears, creating a story that is both one of the most hallucinatory and dis-locating films ever. There are several moments that hold me absolutely spellbound, entranced by these dream-like sequences.

But Phantasm's biggest wallop is director Coscarelli's revisitations on the theme of abandonment which accompanied by a creepy score from Fredric Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave leaves a lingering shiver and solemn sadness. Flawed, yes, but effective!

5 out of 5

[Adolescent09]

Recently saw Lucky Number Slevin and I believe this film deserves a fair 7 out of 10 for its delivery of pure enjoyment yet ostensible lack of character believability and cliche ending.

Review: Lucky Number Slevin takes off the way a thriller ought to. Like Sin City or Hostage, the originality in the opening credits essentially lays the substance of what the film strives to contain. We see several numbers sliding vertically down a black screen in matrix formation, morphing to form the movie title/actor's name's etc.. This occurs as one of the member's of "The Boss's" group of goons is shot through the head and sprawls backward. The beginning sparks interest as it appears very rapidly and very mysteriously... A sheet of paper is lifted, a briefcase confiscated... a few scenes after that we witness a crippled Bruce Willis appearing as if by some portal-like phenomenon next to a "common, worthless better" who has no moral qualms against risking his stake to fill a bookie’s economic pockets. Bruce Willis (Mr. GoodKat) tells the life of a young boy in explicit terms, leaving the viewer to reasonably presume that this is a guy-stuck-in-an-awkward-position-seeking-vendetta type film. Josh Hartnett’s inevitable appearance in the next few scenes with Lindsey (Lucy Liu) confirms this presumption and renders the film automatically obvious and perhaps a bit mundane (especially as the flirtatious scenes between Slevin and Lindsey drag).

But you’ll be surprised. Slevin is dispatched on a joyride about town when he is misconstrued as the certified occupant of the room he appears to temporarily inhabit while waiting for a “friend”... He confronts “The Boss” in his first visit (attired in pajamas) after a brief comical interlude involving a second nose-busting (the first seemingly occurred, when a mugger purloined his golden watch) and the second visit with the Rabbi (which also occurs comically through a scene of nut-kicking and speaking with a goon who is always reticent)–I won’t give away more of the film so as to provide spoilers, but this movie is a thrilling experience... You might want to check it out

[Janine]

Tonight I watched (second viewing)
The Illusionist ~ Ed Norton, Paul Giamani, Jesica Beil

I was not sure I liked this film the first time around; I decided it might have been my mood at the time; and I might like it on a second viewing better. I believe I do appreciate it more now since I payed closer attention, even to subtle expressions of the characters, but especially to all the little fine details. I still am a bit confused as to whether everything in the film could be explained or if there was some portion of supernatural elements present in the story. This sort of annoyed me, as I wanted to be able to explain it all in the end.
If anyone has seen the film, I would love some feedback or discussion. I think it would be benefical to read the short story the film is based on. The filming is interesting, but obviously CG, and I wondered if this look was intentional, to go along with the idea of illusion. I think if the story can be explained it was a bit far-fetched, but it still held my interest, even after a second viewing. Much made more sense to me on this second viewing of the film and I realised I had overlooked some elements in the plot(s) within the main story. The end made more sense, too.
I think the acting was good, but not great. I was confused why some people had accents and some did not. Maybe I was being too picky about that.
The photography was very interesting in the beginning of the film when the two main characters are children, then adolescents. The frames were fuzzy or out of focus around the edges or they flickered some like an old time movie. I was not sure if that annoyed me at first, but then I could see the point and it was rather unique and artistic.
I would recommend seeing it. It is definitely entertaining and interesting.

[kiz_paws]

Forgot to mention the film I saw last night:

"How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog"

Yes, definitely a strange title....really throws one off. Who would pick it up in the video store? They say the director really made a mistake naming it that since the film is usually passed by because of the funky title - a shame. It is not really about killing your neighbor's dog, but it does involve a dog. ...

...This film is a definite departure for me, but I do love it. There is some language and a little bit of crudity here and there but nothing too offensive - mostly just everyday stuff that is really funny.

Thanks for your overview, Janine, I shall try to see this one (because I am such an 'animal nut', the title would have likely sent me away from chosing this movie). So yes, I will try to see it!

[Moira]

Recently saw Lucky Number Slevin and I believe this film deserves a fair 7 out of 10 for its delivery of pure enjoyment yet ostensible lack of character believability and cliche ending.

Review: Lucky Number Slevin takes off the way a thriller ought to. Like Sin City or Hostage, the originality in the opening credits essentially lays the substance of what the film strives to contain. We see several numbers sliding vertically down a black screen in matrix formation, morphing to form the movie title/actor's name's etc.. This occurs as one of the member's of "The Boss's" group of goons is shot through the head and sprawls backward. The beginning sparks interest as it appears very rapidly and very mysteriously... A sheet of paper is lifted, a briefcase confiscated... a few scenes after that we witness a crippled Bruce Willis appearing as if by some portal-like phenomenon next to a "common, worthless better" who has no moral qualms against risking his stake to fill a bookie’s economic pockets. Bruce Willis (Mr. GoodKat) tells the life of a young boy in explicit terms, leaving the viewer to reasonably presume that this is a guy-stuck-in-an-awkward-position-seeking-vendetta type film. Josh Hartnett’s inevitable appearance in the next few scenes with Lindsey (Lucy Liu) confirms this presumption and renders the film automatically obvious and perhaps a bit mundane (especially as the flirtatious scenes between Slevin and Lindsey drag).

But you’ll be surprised. Slevin is dispatched on a joyride about town when he is misconstrued as the certified occupant of the room he appears to temporarily inhabit while waiting for a “friend”... He confronts “The Boss” in his first visit (attired in pajamas) after a brief comical interlude involving a second nose-busting (the first seemingly occurred, when a mugger purloined his golden watch) and the second visit with the Rabbi (which also occurs comically through a scene of nut-kicking and speaking with a goon who is always reticent)–I won’t give away more of the film so as to provide spoilers, but this movie is a thrilling experience... You might want to check it out

I agree, i enjoyed watching this movie a few month ago. It was funny and entertaining.

[Janine]

Thanks for your overview, Janine, I shall try to see this one (because I am such an 'animal nut', the title would have likely sent me away from chosing this movie). So yes, I will try to see it!

Kiz, Well, maybe you would not like it - something does happen to an animal, but the book is not really about that. That is just a subplot. Can't say too much, or I would give away one of the climaxs.

[Silvia]

Janine, I really think you should watch the movie (getting back to Jesus Christ Superstar), personally, I have never been to the theatrical performance...I'm afraid I would be disappointed...some time ago an Italian version of it came out, but I fear they have ruined the original..

[manolia]

Forgot to mention the film I saw last night:

"How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog"

Yes, definitely a strange title....really throws one off. Who would pick it up in the video store? They say the director really made a mistake naming it that since the film is usually passed by because of the funky title - a shame. It is not really about killing your neighbor's dog, but it does involve a dog.

I love this film Janine! I liked it when i watched it so afterwards i bought the dvd. The funny thing is that i picked it up from the dvdclub because of it's title (and also because Kenneth plays the leading role). It sounded interesting!

Stars Kenneth Branagh and Robin Wright Penn. It is a bit of a sleeper, indy film, executive producer is Robert Redford and directed by Michael Kalesniko; a black comedy of sorts, very witty with a good snappy thoughful and humorous script, but not flawless, still very amusing since the humor is low key and the everyday type. I always get a real kick out of this little known film. I have watched it many times and I always laugh and cry at certain moments and lines. .

Yes you are right. The best thing is it's 'delicate' sense of houmor. And of course Kenneth Branagh

[Janine]

I love this film Janine! I liked it when i watched it so afterwards i bought the dvd. The funny thing is that i picked it up from the dvdclub because of it's title (and also because Kenneth plays the leading role). It sounded interesting!
Yes you are right. The best thing is it's 'delicate' sense of houmor. And of course Kenneth Branagh

Ok - another Branagh fan! I love the man - read one autobiography and have a new one to read and I collect all his film, even the far from perfect ones. He is a regular 'cudmugeon' in this film, isn't he? I watch this film when I need something to amuse me. He so cynical it makes you laugh, but I love the way he is transformed over the course of the film, like letting the traffic go first. I like the way he is really such a softy underneath and his wife knows it and plays off his critical personality. She really is cute with him and centers him, too. Three scenes I really thought hilarious - the two cops interviewing he, his wife and neighbor about the stalker, and other cop kept asking him about what plays he has written. I won't give it away, but I got such a kick out of that and Branagh's expressions. Also, the scene when Branagh first meets his Doppleganger....is Jared Harris too much? I really like him; he is very good and so funny in this scene. He is Richard Harris' son, you know. Oh and I love the scene when the his mother-in-law keeps asking him his name. The script is really clever, don't you think? The chemistry between Branagh and all the characters is great. I love the teaparty scene with the little girl - it is so cute and funny and so typical of kids...the way they are. How about his director and the Petula Clark songs - was he hilarious or what? I could go on and on. I have the whole film memorized by now!
I found out about the film on Amazon looking Branagh films up and it sounded so funny I had to buy it. I was not disappointed one bit. Needless to say I will watch it many more times and still find it hilarious, amusing and heartwarming.

manolia, have you seen Ken Brangah in "High Season" - set in Greece on a beautiful island? Ken is young in this one with Jacqualine Bizet. It is also a comedy/drama with clever script and very amusing lines. Another one I watch from time to time - I get a kick out of.

[Janine]

Children of Men ~ Clive Owen, Michael Caine, Julianne Moore

Well....I wish I hadn't. To me this film was a total waste of time. I was actually either fast forwarding or falling asleep. I kept wondering why it was suppose to be 2027, 47 - something like that and everything looked nearly just like today, only decrepid. If you want entertainment don't rent or see this film. It is so unbearable to watch - everything is so dirty and sorid looking it is not a pleasure. I thought of turning it off midway through but I suffered on unfortunately. I can't even tell you what this film is about - only to sum it up furturistic, no children have been born for 18 yrs, infertility of the earth and the last days of the earth, demise and ruin of civilization, except England is still partly intact. Why England, I have no idea. Basically there is little plot but many chase scenes in which the bad guys (not even sure who they are) are shooting at the good guys, who now are trying to flea with a pregnant woman (a refuge from another country who is a miracle mom) to a safe haven so she can give birth and give hope to the world. I kept wondering how one isolated birth in all these mess and ruin would be capable of saving the world. Well, some of the lines are so lame, you can't believe it, like Clive Owen's character toward the end of the film and climax says to the woman who has been through hell, "boy, it has been some day!" I almost cracked up laughing.
I am anxious now to check out reviews on Amazon and imdb to see what other people say. I thought at the least it would be a interesting thriller - said so on the cover. I would not call it such. Can't Clive Owen get better roles? Don't even want to mention Michael Caine with long straggly white hair...ugh! Oh please...
I don't know -- some people gave it good reviews and some may see the merits in this film, but for me it just did not fly.

[Moira]

Forget Paris
Very sweet and funny

[manolia]

manolia, have you seen Ken Brangah in "High Season" - set in Greece on a beautiful island? Ken is young in this one with Jacqualine Bizet. It is also a comedy/drama with clever script and very amusing lines. Another one I watch from time to time - I get a kick out of.

No i haven't seen this one...i checked in imdb and it says that it was filmed in Rhodes (the second best greek island, after Crete of course). This island is famous for its medieval castle -one of the best preserved in Europe- and the "butterfly forest" which i guess is a forest full of butterflies (i've never been to Rhodes). The movie "El Greco" (the life of the famous painter) which will be in theatres soon (i won't miss it since my favourite greek actor stars in it) is partly filmed in Rhodes, Crete and Spain so you can get a glimpse of the island and its castle. This film is a co-production of Greece and Spain and it will be in english.
Have a look

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0905329/

(the actor i told you about is the one who plays 'Nicolos'.)

[Janine]

Thanks, manolia! I know I will want to see this film. I would like it being about a famous artist. I have "Mondigliani" and I often watch films about artists and about composers. I also have "Eternal Beloved" about Beethoven. Both are interesting films.

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

"This island is famous for its medieval castle -one of the best preserved in Europe- and the "butterfly forest" which i guess is a forest full of butterflies (i've never been to Rhodes)." this sounds serene and beautiful ~ I love butterflies! I looked on the movie base site but there were no photos of the cute guy...heck.

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