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

[Lily Adams]

I didn't see all of it, but the last movie I saw was Across the Universe.

I just got so fed up with it I walked out and came here. I think it's because

1. I'm not a Beatles fan (I like some of their songs but...eh...)
2. I don't much care for romances
3. I don't much care for musicals (usually)

The only parts that interested me were the parts on Vietnam and being drafted, (that's why I rented it) but I just...gave up. I rarely do that. I kept hearing about how it's really good and all but I was comepletely bored and annoyed for the most part. It got me pretty angry, ha ha. Oh well...

I won't rate it because I didn't see all of it.

[*Classic*Charm*]

I was also thinking of the excellent actress Meryl Streep - how could I have forgotten her? She has done a million movies. She has been amazing over the years. I know my list will get much longer the more I think about it. I like Embeth Davitz - you might know her from her role in Schindler's list. She always gives strong performances. I used to like Rachael Ward but she has not done anything to speak of in ages. I like the director Charles Sturridge's wife Phobe (?) - can't recall her name now. She was in many things, notably she played Shackleton's wife in the film of the same name by Sturridge. As I said, I know I will think of more in time.

Yes, Meryl Streep is good. I like her as well. The name Rachel Ward rings a bell, but I can't put a face to her.

OMG Shakleton. I didn't know that any other person in the world had seen that film. I thought it was terrible.

[Idril]

Sandra Bullock doesn't usually choose good roles.

That's what I was thinking, I like her well enough, I just don't like the movies she's in.

And it's so nice to see other people are as petty as I am when it comes to actresses! I forgot to mention Renee Zellweger, that pinched face of hers is so unpleasant.

There aren't a lot of actresses I really like, some have been mentioned here, Cate Blanchet, Judi Dench and a few others. As far as younger actresses, don't mind Julia Stiles and that's about it. I watch so many foreign movies and one actress that has really stood out for me there is Gong Li, she's beautiful and ridiculously talented.

[Janine]

That's what I was thinking, I like her well enough, I just don't like the movies she's in.

And it's so nice to see other people are as petty as I am when it comes to actresses! I forgot to mention Renee Zellweger, that pinched face of hers is so unpleasant.

There aren't a lot of actresses I really like, some have been mentioned here, Cate Blanchet, Judi Dench and a few others. As far as younger actresses, don't mind Julia Stiles and that's about it. I watch so many foreign movies and one actress that has really stood out for me there is Gong Li, she's beautiful and ridiculously talented.

Well, I am probably not as picky about them or critical; not enough to forgo watching a movie just because I don't like the actress or actor as well as others but I do have some favorites of course. I think Gong Li is lovely. There are few Japanese or Chinese woman actors I feel are outstanding but I don't currently recall their names.

Idril, my friend always complains to me about Zellwenger's pursed up lips. She does seem to do that and you described her perfectly with her "pinched face". We sure are mean in here. We should rename this thread 'Celebrity Bashing' or start a new one....I am kidding......really....
I did like Zellwenger in "Cinderella Man", but I hated the movie "Cold Mountain", although now that I think of it, she was a little better than Nicole Kidman -hey, no one has mentioned her yet...that should be interesting...

I also was wondering about the child star in "Atonement" - no one ever mentions her and I thought she was just great.

I did like "Scarlet Johanson in "The Horse Whisperer", as a kid, and in "The Girl With a Pearl Earring"..but I hated "Lost in Translation". I guess she was ok in that, but the movie was not ok in my book - totally boring.

[Janine]

I adore Scarlett Johansson, but I hated "Lost in Translation."

I like her too, lots! She is an example to me of not a typical looking actress but she has a lot of inner beauty and grace. She always dresses so lovely and elegantly at the Oscar, too and carries herself well. She is a terrific actress; a waste of her talent in "L in T". and what was the point of that movie?

I thought the movie, "Cold Mountain" was better than the book. I can take or leave Renee Zellwegger, but I'm not a Nicole Kidman fan. She's so cold and icy looking, so unemotional.

Did you really? I hated the mumbling of Jude Law and the ending was just plain unrealistic. I didn't read the book. Only thing I can say is I didn't hate the movie and I did think it has good points but at the end when Kidman appeared picture perfect from that cabin in the morning, I said "oh come on' -that kind of killed the movie for me.
Yes, I liked Kidman in about one film - "Moulin Rouge" - ever see her in the one where she is a bathtub with some weird little young kid? I think it is called "Birth" - it is horrible. She has done some other experimental type films such as "Dogtown" that I simply thought was atrocious.

[Idril]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Scarlett Johansson, I don't mind her and I actually liked Lost in Translation but I can see why some people wouldn't be taken with it. I think it's one of those movies where you have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it.

Another younger actress I like is Keri Russell, I just saw Waitress and just loved it.

[Janine]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Scarlett Johansson, I don't mind her and I actually liked Lost in Translation but I can see why some people wouldn't be taken with it. I think it's one of those movies where you have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it.

Idril, I can appreciate that. Everyone likes different things and it is nice to hear you say why you think some people would not be taken with it. I just felt it was kind of pointless at times but the ending seemed ok.

Another younger actress I like is Keri Russell, I just saw Waitress and just loved it.

I don't know who she is but I will try and look her up and I will keep that in-mind - maybe it will come into my library soon.

Idril, how is your Willa Cather reading coming along? Did you like her?

[Idril]

Idril, I can appreciate that. Everyone likes different things and it is nice to hear you say why you think some people would not be taken with it. I just felt it was kind of pointless at times but the ending seemed ok.

It was kind of pointless and there are times when I can deal with movies like that and enjoy them for what they are and there are times when it drives me nuts...that particular time I was able to deal with it.

I don't know who she is but I will try and look her up and I will keep that in-mind - maybe it will come into my library soon.

She was in the TV show Felicity if you're familiar with that. I didn't watch it all that much but I was aware of her from the show. Of course the other bonus of Waitress is that Nathon Fillon was in it and I love him from Serenity and Firefly so it was a win/win situation for me but I still think the movie was well done.

Idril, how is your Willa Cather reading coming along? Did you like her?

I'm about half way through and I'm enjoying it. Her prose is very flowing and the plot moves along nicely. It reminds me a little of O.E. Rolvaag's Giants in the Earth simply because that too was about immigrants and the settling of the prairie, just a different group in a different area. I may just give Willa another try when I'm done with this one.

[Janine]

Now, I did like Nicole Kidman in "Moulin Rouge," I have to admit that.

"Cold Mountain" was unrealistic, but I guess I liked the cinematography. It's been some time since I've seen it.

I have seen "Birth," and I thought it was atrocious.

I'm mad at myself. I had to return "Away From Her" without watching it. I just didn't feel well enough. Well, I'll rent it some other time. But I did love "Evening."

Antiquarian, sorry to hear you are not feeling well today.
I didn't feel right today, either; I was blaming it on the change in weather - it seems cold here and damp. I had to force myself to go out. I know I have been kind of cranky in the L thread today...sorry...I just need a break, I think; I am getting annoyed too easily. Guess I am just human...and today is not a good day for me. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Yes, wasn't "Birth" horrible? I guess you didn't see "Dogtown", if not, don't bother; it is truly weird. Yes, I do recall that the cinematography in "Cold Mountain" was lovely and the mountains were incredible. Where was it filmed, do you know?

Oh, so sorry you did not get to see your movie. I hate that, if I rented it and can't watch it. I am even angry at myself, when I have to take my free ones back to the library, because I just plain ran out of time. Presently, I am watching an old film I haven't seen in years. "The Great Escape"...it is pretty dated and I keep thinking this German war camp sure is 'cushy' compared to what the real thing would have been like. Also, the German officers are not portrayed nearly as cruel as one's in movies today. We sure get spoiled on 'realism'. However, it stars the late Steve McQueen and it is interesting to see him again. There are a lot of other notable stars in the movie and the storyline is true so I want to see how they escape. I remember this was an acclaimed film, way back when, but I do think that "Bridge Over the River Kwai" out does this film, and it was a bit more realistic. I love that film so much! The great David Lean who directed "A Passage to India" directed it so how could one go wrong?

[LadyWentworth]

There Will Be Blood
10/10
(I loved the oddball preacher)


Three Came Home
10/10
(one of the worst films - in an emotional way - that I have ever seen)

[LadyWentworth]

LadyWentworth, I keep meaning to watch "There Will Be Blood." Glad you rated it so highly. After the abrupt ending in "No Country for Old Men," I don't know if I can persuade my husband and brother to watch it with me or not. They did not like "No Country for Old Men."

I have yet to see "No Country for Old Men". So, I can't say whether or not someone may or may not like this film based on that one. The ending is actually kind of abrupt in TWBB, also.

This is not a film that I am going to highly recommend. I obviously really liked it. I won't give it a general recommendation because there are moments when you are watching it and it actually has a feeling of a silent movie (especially the first 15 minutes). I know a lot of people wouldn't go for that. It is, time wise, a long movie, but I think for some people, the way that this is filmed, it would make the movie even longer for them. Does that make any sense? I don't know how else to explain it. I personally liked how it was filmed, but I know some people who would go crazy watching it.

I liked it. I loved the soundtrack. Nothing special. Just that this music almost has a muted sound to it. That is the best word that I can use to describe it. Then again, this is one of those crazy movies that I like.

The other movie, "Three Came Home", is a very good Claudette Colbert film. I have always heard about it but never saw it until today. Very good film!

[*Classic*Charm*]

I saw 21 last night. I want to take Jim Sturgess home...

[LadyWentworth]

The Assassination of Jesse James

OH MY GOD!!! This is what I am talking about right here! This is what Hollywood is doing wrong. They need to make MORE movies like this one! The acting was very well done. The cinematography was SUPERB. The adaptation of the book was fine. But watching it without reading the book, I think that the storytelling would still be extremely fine. I haven't had such a high opinion and respect for a movie like this since "Glory" (which is my all-time favorite film). If Hollywood would make more movies like this one, I would be much more willing to pay the price of a movie ticket! Brad Pitt was fine as Jesses James, but Casey Affleck...well....I loved him as Bob Ford. Loved him! I watched it solely on two facts. One was that I do have an interest in the life of Jesse James. The other was because I thought it would actually be a decent movie. But, God, was this good! Such an underrated film. It deserved so much more respect from people. The best movie that I have seen in quite awhile. LOVED IT!!!!!

10/10
Definitely! If I could give it higher, I would!

[Joreads]

I saw the Spiderwick Chronicles and loved it. It is a must see for anyone who loves children’s movies

[vheissu]

So, LadyW, did you like it or not. I can't wait to rent it now.

My husband and I watched "Malena," an Italian movie starring Monica Bellucci. It was sweet and extremely well done, but I like "Cinema Paradiso" a little more. Lovely cinematography, very good acting.

Still, 5/5 or 10/10

I absolutely love Malena as well!


Saw Enchanted last night...well, it's cute, in that Disney-cuteness way. Had some good, or should I say original, moments. Very rare those moments. But overall....I'm just glad I didn't go to the cinema to see it.