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

[Janine]

You know, I just watched this again (it probably is like my 10th time that I have seen it). I would definitely give this a 10/10 rating, but honestly, it annoys me at the same time. I won't go into my reasons why because of anybody out there who hasn't seen it but would like to. I would be giving the story away. But I just find it a frustrating film. Very good but frustrating. I will say that Shelley Winters steals the film. But I haven't found her to be in something where she wasn't good.

Hi Lady Wentworth, I know what you mean about frustrating, or at least I think I know. Let me get back to you in a PM and we can discuss it, see if it is the same reason we feel that way. I still love the film. The title suddenly came to me one day and I looked on Amazon and there is was. I had to buy it. I loved this film when I was young. Now I would love to see all Sidney Poitier's old films. I loved the film "A Raison in the Sun"; my library has that one and I can take it out anytime, although it is so intense a performance that I find it hard to watch over and over again. I would like to see some of his films I have never seen before. I did see "To Sir With Love" years ago, and would love to see that again, too. Did you know that Elizabeth Hartman, who played the blind girl, did a few more films and then tragically committed suicide? They determined it was such; she called her doctor to tell him she was depressed and then fell from her 5th floor appartment. I thought she was very talented and find this a little disturbing. Now when I see the film again I will know it and that makes it even more sad, doesn't it?


A Woman Under the Influence
9/10
A John Cassavetes film with Peter Falk and Gena Rowlands. OF COURSE it is GOOD!! My major complaint is the handheld camera thing. That sort of film style annoys me. But the performances are very good. Especially Rowlands. She is another actress that I haven't found any fault with. F.Y.I. This story is about mental illness and not what most people would think the title suggests.

I never saw this before. I like John Cassavetes films. I bet it was a very good film. I think Gena Rowlands is a very fine actress. I don't ever recall her having a bad performance (that I have seen her play). I absolutely hate the 'handheld camera thing'. I recall seeing that used in a more recent movie and it ruined the film for me. I get a headache or vertigo or something, and I feel strange after viewing a film that used that method. I think it is ridiculous, and gimicky, unless it is kept to a few scenes, where perhaps it is appropriate. It is like we went back into the 'dark ages' of film.

Last night, I watched Hitchcock's "Rebecca".
The DVD I bought recently is suppose to be restored, but one could see some graininess in some scenes, mostly the outdoor scenes, but interiors and people appeared to look crystal clear. I loved it! I had forgotten just how great the film is. It will live on ....it is definitely 'timeless'. I love how it begins and I love how it ends. I think the housekeeper is perfect - her nuanced performance was unparelleled. I don't think I can ever grow tired of watching this film, so I am glad I finally bought it. Great to view it on DVD, with no commercials. I had not realised that the film started with the flashbacks to Monty Carlo; so now I wonder if I saw a cut version on TV before. I do however, recall a little of that part, but not all of it....maybe they cut it slightly. The Extra Features on the film always interest me and they do especially on the Hitchcock films. I love seeing the director actually working at his craft. I understand now that there was a lot of friction between David O.Selznick and Hitchcock during the filming. Selznick was strick about adhering to the original book plot and Hitchcock, of course was interested in his art and would have made more cuts for drama's sake. I think Hitchcock experiences a lot of Selznick looking over his shoulder and that was quite annoying to him. Rebecca was their first collaboration and first film in the US for Hitchcock. I think he did an amazing job. I guess ultimately they did work as a team and their efforts surely did pay off in the end.

A super fine film; if you haven't seen it, you should! 10/10

[LadyWentworth]

Hi Lady Wentworth, I know what you mean about frustrating, or at least I think I know. Let me get back to you in a PM and we can discuss it, see if it is the same reason we feel that way.

OK.

I loved the film "A Raison in the Sun"; my library has that one and I can take it out anytime, although it is so intense a performance that I find it hard to watch over and over again.

I haven't seen that in years, but to be honest with you, I am not a big Ruby Dee fan and she kind of turns me off of the film. It was good, but I really don't like her. Yes, I can dislike one person so much that I avoid watching anything with that person.

Now I would love to see all Sidney Poitier's old films....I would like to see some of his films I have never seen before.

Have you ever seen "For Love of Ivy" or "Lillies of the Field"? You did see "The Defiant Ones", right? There is also "Blackboard Jungle". That is pretty good. If I am correct, that was the first movie to have a rock 'n roll song as part of the soundtrack (it was "Rock Around the Clock").

I did see "To Sir With Love" years ago, and would love to see that again, too.

I have always really liked that one, but it has been years since I have seen that, too. I always liked the song.

Did you know that Elizabeth Hartman, who played the blind girl, did a few more films and then tragically committed suicide?

No, that is something that I didn't know. That is really a shame. I know that I will feel so bad when I watch it now. I always thought that her character was pitiful in there, anyway. This will make me feel worse.

I never saw this before. I like John Cassavetes films. I bet it was a very good film. I think Gena Rowlands is a very fine actress. I don't ever recall her having a bad performance (that I have seen her play). I absolutely hate the 'handheld camera thing'. I recall seeing that used in a more recent movie and it ruined the film for me. I get a headache or vertigo or something, and I feel strange after viewing a film that used that method. I think it is ridiculous, and gimicky, unless it is kept to a few scenes, where perhaps it is appropriate. It is like we went back into the 'dark ages' of film.

Oh, it is a very good film. I just can't stand it when the shot gets so close that all you might see is the top of someone's head as they are sitting down, or something like that. Does that make sense? It is hard to explain, but if you saw this you would definitely know what I am talking about.

Last night, I watched Hitchcock's "Rebecca".
A super fine film; if you haven't seen it, you should! 10/10

Oh, at some point I will watch it. It is still just taking me time as I didn't like the book, remember? At some point, when it is on TV, I will watch it and you will be the first to know what I thought about it.

[Janine]

OK.

I will PM you but not tonight...to tired now...went to see my grand-daughter today which was just great. I adore her so much. She seems to like me a lot too, glad of that. I think grandparents have a special bond with their grandchildren. We all had a fun evening. I also went to my doctor and she gave me a treatment that worked to relieve my symptoms, and hopefully, I will sleep much better tonight.

I haven't seen that in years, but to be honest with you, I am not a big Ruby Dee fan and she kind of turns me off of the film. It was good, but I really don't like her. Yes, I can dislike one person so much that I avoid watching anything with that person.

I think she kind of grated on my nerves too, to be honest with you. She was good but that film is so intense - basically a play in one room - makes one feel sort of claustophobic. I know that was the point but sometimes those type films make me feel boxed in and it is hard to watch them, they are so intense and sad, too.

Have you ever seen "For Love of Ivy" or "Lillies of the Field"? You did see "The Defiant Ones", right? There is also "Blackboard Jungle". That is pretty good. If I am correct, that was the first movie to have a rock 'n roll song as part of the soundtrack (it was "Rock Around the Clock").

I haven't seen any of those that I can recall - pity. I really want to see "Lillies of the Field". Now "For Love of Ivy" does sound a bit familar so maybe years ago I did see that film - what is the plot, scenerio? If you tell me something about it, a memory might come back to me.

I have always really liked that one, but it has been years since I have seen that, too. I always liked the song.

I know, I still like that song so much. Today in the car I was playing an old Dionne Warwick album. It used to be one of my favorites. I really enjoyed revisiting that album and singing along to the songs. I especially love the song "A House is Not a Home"...do you recall it?

No, that is something that I didn't know. That is really a shame. I know that I will feel so bad when I watch it now. I always thought that her character was pitiful in there, anyway. This will make me feel worse.

Oh, sorry to have told you that. I somehow found it disturbing knowning it. I think I will definitely feel sadder rewatching the film. Apparently she made a big splash and then her career was wanning and she was a very shy girl and I guess she felt like a failure; sad isn't it? I think she was emensely talented. She wore contact lens for the film - sort of cloudy ones. In reality, she was a very pretty woman.

Oh, it is a very good film. I just can't stand it when the shot gets so close that all you might see is the top of someone's head as they are sitting down, or something like that. Does that make sense? It is hard to explain, but if you saw this you would definitely know what I am talking about.

Oh, I will take your word for it. The newer film I saw with the hand-held camera was also a good film but it annoyed me. I don't like that style particularly and I find it hard to view those type films. It makes perfect sense when it is freaky to see part of someone's head or an arm. I know just what you mean.

Oh, at some point I will watch it. It is still just taking me time as I didn't like the book, remember? At some point, when it is on TV, I will watch it and you will be the first to know what I thought about it.

The part about Hitchcock, I was not directing to you specifically. I actually thought you must have seen the film. Now I do recall you hated the book. You may like the film though. This version is really pretty gothic and interesting. I love the mansion. Oh, at least see it, for the photography and that awesome mansion, Manderly. One shot of them coming upon the estate for the first time, after they marry in Monty Carlo, is a rain scene and very forboding of the events to come....beautifully filmed movie, too. I think you would like this film. The housekeeper is worth seeing the film for and the direction can't be beat.

[papayahed]

Charlie Wilson's War - 7.5/10.

[Josef K]

Being There - 9/10

[novelsryou]

Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond movie.
I'd give it 7/10. The story was quite good, but and i know this sounds strange, but there was just way too much action. I mean how many cars can you smash to bits, even as an MI6 agent. I know the expression doesn't exist but I felt a bit "entertained to death". Judi Dench though is awlway worth seeing.

7 out of 10 is quite generous - I would put it closer to a 5. I was expecting something as good or better than Casino Royale. You hit the nail on the head with "way too much action". I think the story suffered because of it.

[1n50mn14]

Almost Famous.
Which I've seen many times before, but love.
8/10

[Janine]

Under the Greenwood Tree ~ Keeley Hawes, James Murray, Ben Miles and Steven Pemberton

I saw this film on TV and liked it, but was a bit ambivalent about purchasing the actual DVD. I must report now, that am totally thrilled with the production. I guess the first time around, I was not paying close attention to the little nuances of character, etc...perhaps, too, TV had cut the production, because the DVD seemed longer. Even though this film is a slowpaced and requires some patience and close attention, it is a fine adaptation of Thomas Hardy's book by the same title; it perfectly captures the everyday people/characters, many of them quite quirpy at times, and their connection to their environment of Dorchester; it beautifully captures the pastoral quality in Hardy's work; the fact, that the entire story takes place within a year's time; begins with Christmas and advances through the seasons to the haymaking in fall, which makes the film more interesting. I read the book a number of years back, but still recall it well and feel this film stayed very faithful to the original text, storyline, plot. I love the fact, that Fancy Day is seen as a more modern thinking woman; this poses her at odds with the men she encouters who think more traditionally; somewhat reminescent of Hardy's heroine in "Far From the Madding Crowd". Also, in the movie one sees the advancement (often the threat to the locals) of the age of industrialism, this being a continuous theme for Thomas Hardy.

This film would make a great Christmas gift, since it is set a snowy environment, as the movie begins, and the characters are joyous and caroling throughout the little stone walled town. I loved the setting and I felt it perfectly transported me to a more simplistic era and that charming little village in this rural area of England. For the woman here, James Murray is to die for. He is so cute, handsome. He appears in another film adaptation I own of "Sons and Lovers" and he is equally as appealing, but I think even more so in this film, because he is more direct and simplified, if that makes sense.

This film is not one based on one of Hardy's tragedies. Rather "Under the Greenwood Tree" is a delightful/romantic story and much lighter in mood and theme than most of Hardy's body of work. I believe that the title was borrowed from Shakespeare. The film is beautifully filmed and worth repeat viewings. It is a delightful little gem!

[subterranean]

One of the TV channels here is playing 'The Break Up'. I'm watching it and I'll come back with the score later.

[browneyedbailey]

Twilight 10/10.
It was good as it could be squshed into in a 3 hour movie.

[manolia]

I watched "Der Baader Meinhof Komplex" yesterday at the theater 10/10..well what can i say, i am very much interested in historical events and especially of this kind. From what i have read about RAF this movie was pretty accurate. The cast was great (Bruno Ganz was one of the actors). The best thing about the movie was the director's success to capture the atmosphere of the era.

[BlueSkyGB]

Tropic of Thunder
Humor steps over any line you can think of....
at times my jaw dropped at the situations and other times I was laughing so hard tears were running down my face....
probably not for everyone..
but my twisted sense of humor found it amusing...
7 of 10....

[Haven]

The Illusionist . Great movie, really atmospheric. Stars Ed Norton in the lead role. Has it all; magic, romance, political intrigue and evil crown Prince. Sounds like it might be formulaic, but this is a sophisticated and gripping movie. Atmospheric is probably the most apt adjective to apply to this cool film! 8/10

[Janine]

The Illusionist . Great movie, really atmospheric. Stars Ed Norton in the lead role. Has it all; magic, romance, political intrigue and evil crown Prince. Sounds like it might be formulaic, but this is a sophisticated and gripping movie. Atmospheric is probably the most apt adjective to apply to this cool film! 8/10

You know everyone raved over this film when it came out and I could not wait to see it. I don't know what it is; but I just found it lacking in parts. I didn't buy the plotline or the ending. I know it was a well-done film, but I would not rate it 10/10. I think your 8/10 rating was quite fair. I didn't particularly like the woman actress (Beale?) in the role. I think that detracted for me. I also did not understand the boy appearing in the crowd, ghost or illusion?

I even watched this film twice, thinking I would get more out of it. It is not a movie I like enough to see over and over again, so I also would rate it about an 8. Maybe I am prejudiced, since I am a big fan of Rufus Sewel and hated him in this part. He is a fine actor; I just was not totally sure he fit the role.

I actually saw the Prestige after this film and thought it more interesting, with more layering and bizzare intrigue.

One of the TV channels here is playing 'The Break Up'. I'm watching it and I'll come back with the score later.

How did you like that movie? I liked it a lot. It was not only comical, entertaining, but also quite serious; if you have been through a nasty, but complex breakup, I think one can relate to things that go on here. This is the film with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, right? I thought they both were very convincing.

Henry V - Kenneth Branagh's first big film. Great cast - too many to list; many followed him through other films and made their start in this film, namely Judy Dench, a very young Christian Bale, Michael Maloney, and a number of others...plus Patrick Doyle's career, as a great film score composer, was launched in this film.

Well, I have seen this fine film at least 30 times now; and I don't even advocate war/wars, but hey, it is 'history' and I love the character of Henry. I am also a huge Branagh fan so I love his signature role. I never tire of this film. Favorite part is Harry's walk through the camp at night. Love this film; 10/10 - hands down! It is a fine film.

[Niamh]

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Went to see this today with my Mam. Was very good. I was a fan of the book and had wanted to see the movie for ages. When it was over, the whole audience was quiet and no one moved for a while. It had that much of an emotional impact.
I give it 9/10. One point deducted because although it was quite a short movie, it still felt a bit long.