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Post by johnnyunusual on May 2, 2011 19:52:38 GMT -5
Saw a few good ones recently.
I watched Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice and was presently surprised. I'm not really a big Jane Austen fan, but this take on it was very good. I love the way Mr. Darcy was played: unlike a lot of romantic comedies, he's presented as quite unlikeable (where in most takes, he's charming but something of a jerk). The learning of his virtues is quite organic and your are right on the lead woman's side for the most part (so many of these films have the female lead get in a huff to easily, while here you can totally relate to her frustration). It almost seems like Mr. Darcy is presented as an anti-social nerd learning to get over himself and get out there and do something. When he first appears, he seems more pathetic than bearing any mystique, though his good looks become more obvious when he starts carrying himself in a proper way.
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Post by Mladen on Aug 14, 2011 10:37:43 GMT -5
"Guess Who's coming to dinner" - Had never seen it before, but its utterly wonderful, and everything I look for in a movie. It may have leapt into my top 20. So many amazing performances and effective screenwriting. The big confrontational scenes (Sidney Poiter's scathing rebuke of his father is great, among many others) but I love the character moments which the actors bring to it (things that couldn't have been in the script)... the way Katherine Hepburn holds her confidence whenever she's talking to somebody, but the MOMENT the focus is off of her she looks about ready to burst into tears. I want to watch it again right now.
Just to torture myself, I watched the trailer for "Guess Who!" the remake starring Ashton Kutcher as Sidney Poitier's character. Ugh.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Aug 14, 2011 15:09:33 GMT -5
The Ten
A very funny sketch film. Not amazingly funny, but some hilarious scenarios and some great one off jokes. Worth checking out if you're a fan of David Wain. The basic premise is 10 short films that relate to each of the 10 commandments. The best one is "Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father" which takes an old premise (black children born to white couple due to mother's cheating) and use it to spring board into an increasingly bizarre yet mildly touching situation. All the actors are great in it, including Oliver Platt as an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonator. Still, it sort of keeps going back to the idea of an affair, which isn't bad, but I would have liked to see a little more variety.
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Dr Handsome
Full Member
...but you can call me Eric.
Posts: 240
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Post by Dr Handsome on Aug 15, 2011 14:35:17 GMT -5
I've been meaning to watch that one! Stella, Wainy Days, Wet Hot American Summer-- I've been somewhat obsessed with the work of David Wain.
I wonder if there's enough material on short-film compilation movies for a BP episode. I like the idea that they can be not-all-good but still interesting if the shorts don't outstay their welcome. Paris Je T'aime is like that.
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Post by mpwarren on Aug 15, 2011 23:17:44 GMT -5
Oh hey, Dr. Handsome. If you like David Wain, you should check out his web series 'Wainy Days' on MyDamnChannel.com or YouTube. It's totally hilarious, and features a lot of the same actors from Wet Hot, The Ten, Role Models, etc.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Aug 16, 2011 14:28:23 GMT -5
Watched a made for TV Hendrix biopic that was just awful. It's like a notebook full of dull biopic cliches, yet gives no impression as to why I should respect Hendrix as a performer or as a person. It's basically Jimi going "I got music in my soul" and other people are all like "We have to think about money" and then Hendrix gets messed up on drugs and acts like a jerk. So if you hate Jimi Hendrix, this is the movie for you.
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Post by goodjon on Aug 23, 2011 21:03:26 GMT -5
Saw a bunch recently. in reverse chronology. A Bout Portant (Point Blank) at the Sunset 5. It's a French suspense/thriller and I really enjoyed it. It was well paced and I felt that it had an interesting angle that kept me involved. It was subtitled but it didn't get in the way of the story as it was easy to follow. It being in french added to the suspense (I know no french). 30 Minutes Or Less was very disappointing. I felt that these hilarious people weren't allowed to be funny. It was very short and I don't think they had enough material to work with. Also saw Tabloid which was fascinating and captivating. I had no previous knowledge of the subject but was immediately drawn into it. Finally, I saw a screening of Attack The Block and did not like it. I felt that it flowed from catch phrase to catch phrase. I didn't care about the characters and was not invested in the outcome. Additionally, it ended like a bad SNL sketch. I liked it more than Super 8 (felt that it was more 80s nostalgic of the two) and can completely see why people enjoyed it, but it left me disappointed.
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Post by Tyler Smith on Aug 27, 2011 6:03:59 GMT -5
I just recently saw Limitless, Never Let Me Go, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Cowboys & Aliens.
Limitless is much better than I expected, and I found that I was invested in what was happening. Huge plot holes, though. Still, enjoyable.
Never Let Me Go is very good. A science fiction film that, really, isn't that interested in the sci fi elements of its story. Rather, it's interested in the characters and how they react to this world. A little of the dialogue is a bit on-the-nose, though. I found myself frustrated that a lot of the things I was starting to think throughout the film were simply blurted out during the final moments. Really good film, though.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was really engaging. It's not perfect and it's mostly pretty disposable, but I found that I cared deeply for Caesar; much more so than for any of the human characters, which I think was the point. Lots of fun.
Cowboys & Aliens was perfectly fine. It was what I expected. Good performances all around, but mostly a shrug.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Aug 27, 2011 15:52:15 GMT -5
Watched Harry Brown the other night. All right Death Wish type movie, but I guess I was hoping this film to have something to say about vigilantism (aside from "it takes care of criminals"), but it didn't say much that a lot of similar films didn't. Still, on it's own merits, it's OK, thanks in large part to Michael Caine. The movie isn't an action packed bloodbath, but it isn't slow either. Still, I do wish it was something more substantial.
On the other hand, me and my father watched Cronenberg's The Fly, which was tremendous, thanks in no small part to Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle. Watching Seth slowly decay physically and mentally is heartbreaking and the horror doesn't come from a killer monster (Seth doesn't actually kill anyone in the film, although he tries at some points and doesn't something particularly stomach churning to one character) but from watching a man change into a monster. As a small side note, the most unlikable character in the movie who seems like he might be the "real" villain, ends up being something of a hero by the end. Bet after the credits role he's still a douche though... Still, I kind of wish we spent more time with his extremely nasty character, since his arc is slightly clunky, though believable. Then again, I suppose it would distract from the relationship between Brundle and Geena Davis' character, which is all that the film needs to focus on.
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Post by Mladen on Sept 5, 2011 9:06:40 GMT -5
Just watched "Four Lions". A black-comedy about five english-muslim terrorists. Very very funny, and very very troubling. All of the laughter beforehand made the serious moments at the end all the more shocking... Solid recommendation, and I'm impressed that anybody had the balls to make it.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Sept 5, 2011 10:56:38 GMT -5
Went on a Jim Henson bender over the long weekend:
Muppets Take Manhattan, not as good as the Muppet Movie, but nonetheless a really good Muppet film. I think that the strength of these movies is simplicity and charms and touching on universal themes, much in the same way Joe Dante does. The sentiment is always genuine and as always, it's fun.
The Dark Crystal is a movie that is one of the weaker films in terms of character and story, but if you are talking about creating a living breathing world, I'll say that this film is far superior to Avatar (and I'm not just saying that because I don't particularly like Avatar). If you want to see a movie with amazing set design, creature design and directing a fictional nature, watch this movie.
Labyrinth actually holds up a lot better than I expected. It reminds me a lot of Coraline and many other of Neil Gaiman's young adult books. You have a bratty main character who must get over herself and her sense of entitlement and to rely on her stronger nature in order to overcome a seemingly impossible task. Again, it features a fully realized world, in no small part to Brian Froud's, designs. Though what he helped create in Dark Crystal is more organic, the effects in Labyrinth are even more impressive (if cartoonier, although that is very much the point), although some stuff is not quite as god as I remember (like the Fireys). Also, David Bowie is completely awesome in this movie. Best kids movie villain/sexual predator ever.
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Post by deadpool on Sept 5, 2011 13:29:04 GMT -5
The last two movies I saw were shark night 3D and apolo 18.
Shark Night: Overall not a bad movie very much if jaws and friday the 13th had a baby. The characters are actually not bad and it actually looks more at the human characters opposed to the sharks. Over all 6.5 out of 10 entertaining but won't make it's way into my dvd collection. Oh and if you see it stay after the credits there is a little bonus that is the best part of the movie
Apolo 18: It's paranormal activity on the moon. Now that statement will either sell you on it or turn you away. If you are into the handheld camera style of film then you will love this movie. The characters are actually quite believeable and engaging and the plot twists are not bad. The only problem I had was that the ending was a little weak but over all solid film. 7 out of 10.
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Dr Handsome
Full Member
...but you can call me Eric.
Posts: 240
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Post by Dr Handsome on Sept 10, 2011 13:09:26 GMT -5
With regards to those Henson movies:
I had the pleasure of seeing The Dark Crystal once again, this time at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, New York (along with a terrific Henson exhibit featuring a real honest-to-goodness Kermit). I totally agree: it's not the strongest screenplay but it's kind of breathtaking in scope and even more so than Avatar if we're comparing. I sometimes feel the need to qualify it (it's good despite this and that) but as a whole it's just a really fantastic piece of film making from one of the most creative guys in the business.
The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Muppet Movie I'd count among my favorites and like you said: sincere and fun but there's also this subversively sharp comedy (there might as well not be a fourth wall!) that sort of, if this doesn't sound too over dramatic, defined my tastes. In fact, self aware dialogue and sincerity are two things I almost always go for.
I can't say the same for Labyrinth which, it's been a long time since I've seen it so maybe it's time to revisit it?
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Post by goodjon on Sept 11, 2011 0:27:10 GMT -5
Recently saw The Guard, Hall Pass, and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy.
The Guard is a likeable film. Don Cheadle is an FBI agent tracking a drug deal in Ireland, where he is partnered with Mad Eye Moody himself, Brendan Gleeson, an apathetic, small town cop whose only knowledge of America and race is learned through cinema. It's a charming pairing with just the right amount of screen time or way not enough. They are fun together. The crime plot almost gets in the way but serves its purpose. Other than a weak ending I would say definitely see this moving (though you'll probably have to rent it)
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy. Why did I see this? Oh, right, I have a weakness for soft pretzels. Horrible movie. Horrible writing. Unlikeable cast, though separately I like each actor, except Tyler Labine. It proves Jason Sudeikis is not a star, nor close to one. Pass.
Hall Pass. Rented this. Horrible. You know what's going to happen yet it still manages to do it poorly. Again, another unlikeable cast. I don't think I cared about one single character and that's a huge problem for me. Don't bother seeing this at all.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Sept 12, 2011 15:36:23 GMT -5
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
This was a disappointment. It's not bad, but as screwball comedies go, it's a little too light on jokes, when they should be coming fast and furious. Or if they wanted it to be a more deliberate comedy, then they should have used it's gimmick a lot better. For those who don't know, it involves Steve Martin "interacting" with characters from old black and white noirs and dark melodramas (such as Lost Weekend). At times this works well, but a lot feels like they are using the gimmick but not really taking advantage of the comic potential about taking character quotes out of context or repurposing them for comedic effect. There are some great moments, but if they wanted to make it better they should have either threw away the gimmick altogether (there are some VERY funny moments, including a South American police officer who seems obsessed with helping the lead take care of his pajamas) or tried harder to remix the elements of the movie so that they make a much stronger and even more absurd plot. There's a scene where Steve Martin tries to bribe someone (an old movie character) with a puppy that seems rife with comic potential, but it just falls flat. Very disappointing movie, but I really would like to see the gimmick tried again. The question is, who would do it well? Maybe Edgar Wright (I'd like to see him handle a more conventional madcap comedy) or Adam McKay
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Post by Mladen on Sept 14, 2011 22:05:15 GMT -5
Animal Kingdom
As an Australian, its a little bit bittersweet to say that this is easily the best Australian film to be released theatrically in more than ten years. The Australian film industry is just about dead, the appetite for american cinema has basically destroyed the concept of an Australian feature film (except for the kind of creative vacuum of Baz Luhrman's "Australia" and those tired Nick Gianopolis "Wog Boy" movies which play on racial stereotypes which were already old in the 80s when he starred-in and wrote for his lame tv sitcom "Acropolis Now"). "Animal Kingdom" at first glance seems to come from the new Australian public interest in crime stories, sparked by the tv drama series "Underbelly", which seeks to ape "the Sopranos" but instead betrays a perverted and tacky escapist attitude towards crime.
Meanwhile, a film this taut, tightly plotted, naturally and subtly performed (particularly Ben Mendelsohn as the ingratiating and dangerously unstable Uncle Pope), with dialogue which stays completely true to the mumbling cadence of the Australian accent, will barely make its budget back. I don't want to be a downer, since the film itself is exceptional, down to its script and direction. This may also be the first time I was really struck by a film's lighting: characters illuminated only by the television screen, dim (almost darkness) within the low-ceiling of the suburban house (even during the glaring brightness of day).
But despite the film's high quality, its restraint in regards to the violence and shock factor, and its nearly universal positive critical reception, Animal Kingdom will barely make its budget back. Its a shame that its considered a risk, and its a shame that more overseas movie-goers have seen it than Australian audiences.
Great film, but possibly one of the last from a film industry and public which is completely uninterested in local product.
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Post by Mladen on Sept 21, 2011 19:26:04 GMT -5
One of the most unique-looking black and white films I've ever seen:
Vynalez Zkazy (the Deadly Invention, aka The Fabulous World of Jules Verne) is a 1958 Czech adaptation of a Jules Verne novel, which is made to look like 19th century woodcut prints, projecting real actors into odd model and paper animated scenes. Its a throw-back to silent film, and will appeal to fans of the animated segments of Monty Python (and Terry Gilliam films in general), and to fans of Le Planete Sauvage (the Fantastic Planet). Crazy and ceaselessly inventive animations throughout! I really love this movie, you might too.
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Post by crafties on Sept 25, 2011 1:05:25 GMT -5
I have recently seen Tremors, Boy, and The Last Laugh.
Tremors: Much better than I expected. My friend wanted to watch something fun to watch, and this movie was a perfect fit. What sets this movie above those SyFy made-for-TV movies is Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward's chemistry and, to a lesser degree, the practical effects for the monsters. I kept expecting to see terrible CGI but luckily this movie kept the monsters tangible. Victor Wong is always fun to see as well, but the real treasure of this film is watching Bacon and Ward interact with each other.
Boy: This New Zealand film is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Directed by Taika Waititi of Flight of the Conchords fame, it is about a boy named Boy and what happens when his father shows up back in his life. I laughed out loud in the theater a lot (along with the rest of the audience), though the film isn't afraid of going to upsetting places. Boy's dad is a real deadbeat, which can lead to some really funny scenes and to some pretty upsetting moments. The film reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite in a few different ways, aesthetically being one of them, but Boy has more heart and is an overall better film. I suggest you seek it out.
The Last Laugh: Inspired by the Murnau episode of the podcast I just finished watching The Last Laugh and really liked it. Murnau tells this story with few title cards, and none describing the scene or offering dialogue. I haven't seen too many silent films but I found this very refreshing. The visuals were incredible for 1924 as well! From what I've read the dolly shot was created during the making of this movie, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The main character's drunk scene alone could inspire an hour-long lecture in film school. If you enjoy silent movies you really need to see this one.
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Post by johnnyunusual on Sept 25, 2011 14:55:38 GMT -5
Stripes
It's not that great a movie but I will say that it is a film is saved entirely by the cast. This isn't to say that the script is terrible, but this could have easily been "Animal House in the Army," which it kind of is. But Bill Murray's charisma makes his character a lot easier to accept than is logical and the rest of the cast is generally solid too. He's so larger than life yet it's impossible not to be charmed by him in every line. You buy that he would get away with what could easily be described sexual harassment and that he could essentially get away with a military vehicle and graduate from basic training after a night of military cramming and showboating at the graduation that they are late for. Definitely a fun warm up for better films down the line. And of course, you know I'm talkin' Ghostbusters.
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Post by frieaaron on Oct 13, 2011 15:11:19 GMT -5
The Best Picture nominees of 1934
A few months ago I decided to go on a mission to see every movie nominated for Best Picture by the AMPAs (some unfortunately are lost).
Last week I finished up 1934. I would rank them as follows:
1) The Thin Man - William Powell and Myrna Loy play Nick and Nora Charles, and his rich wife. The plot of the movie revolves around Nick Charles reluctantly investigating the disappearance of an inventor, but the real reason to watch here are the two leads who have amazing chemistry together. Nick and Nora are a husband in wife still very much in love and constantly teasing each other and it's a delight to watch. It became a popular series after this original movie did so well, and I plan on picking up the box set to give them all a watch. 9/10
2) It Happened One Night - I didn't enjoy the movie that would go on to win Best Picture for 1934 as much as The Thin Man, but it is pretty darn close. Again the key here is the chemistry between Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert's two characters. It follows what is now a rather cliched storyline, but these two sell it the whole way and there were enough funny and sweet moments to keep me smiling the entire time. A high 8/10.
3) The House of Rothschild - A movie about a Jewish family becoming prominent bankers in Europe in the face of extreme prejudice. The movie is mostly about how they used their money as power to influence the outcome of the Napoleonic wars. If this doesn't sound like a plot that would interest you, it probably wont. But for me it was interesting enough to hold my attention throughout. Stars George Arliss and Boris Karloff. 7/10
4) Imitation of Life - Claudette Colbert appears as a single mother who takes on the services of a black housekeeper, Delilah, who also has a daughter. The two start a business together making pancakes and become very successful. There is also a romantic storyline, but for me the most interesting aspects of the movie revolve around Delilah and her daughter Peola, who is so light-skinned she is able to pass herself off as white. She resents her mother for being black and is constantly running from who she is. And it is here that the true heart of the movie lies. 7/10
5) The Barretts of Wimpole Street - Norma Shearer plays Elizabeth Barrett, an ill poet who falls in love with fellow poet Robert Browning. The problem is the Barrett Family (she has about seven siblings) is ruled by their tyrannical father Edward, played by Charles Laughton. Edward has forbidden any of his daughters to marry and is extremely protective, and cruel. Worth watching mainly for the performances, particularly Laughton. 7/10
6) The Gay Divorcee - An early Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie. The plot is this: Guy Holden (Astaire) falls for Mimi (Rogers), who unbeknownst to him is married but is attempting to get a divorce with the help of her aunt. So they hire a correspondent to make it look like Mimi is being unfaithful to her husband, who will then naturally want a divorce. That's the set up, but it's unimportant, as the real reason you would want to watch this is to watch this is to see Fred and Ginger dance, and largely that part of the movie doesn't disappoint, especially during the 17 minute dance number "The Continental." The rest is extremely light fluff, but it's serviceable and enjoyable enough to get you from dance to dance. A high 6/10
7) Viva Villa! - Wallace Beery plays Mexican bandit Pancho Villa as he helps lead Mexico through a revolution. Pancho befriends Francisco Madero, who disapproves of Villa's harsh methods and tries to reason for a different approach. The scenes involving these two are where the movie really shines, but the rest is pretty standard, but well shot. 6/10
8) Here Comes the Navy - Chesty O'Conner (James Cagney) starts an ongoing battle with a naval officer and is willing to take the grudge so far that he signs up for the navy to continue it. While serving, he meets and falls in love with the naval officer's sister. 6/10
9) Cleopatra - Claudette Colbert again stars as the seductive queen of Egypt who starts a romance with Julius Caesar and then Marc Anthony. Colbert and director Cecil B DeMille are really the only standouts here. The film has some impressive set pieces, but aside from that can often get dull. 6/10
10) One Night of Love - An aspiring opera singer starts learning from esteemed meastro Giulio Monteverdi, who has sworn off dating his students after his previous relationship with a student ended poorly. But can he keep up the rules he set for himself or will he eventually give in to his love for his student Mary? (Hint: He will eventually give in to his love for Mary). The music is nice, but the rest is almost entirely forgettable. Barely a 6/10
11) Flirtation Walk - A military private falls in love (overnight of course) with a general's engaged daughter. Things go poorly (of course) of course and they go their seperate ways. But he's going to learn to be an officer and a gentleman, damnit! So he just goes on off to West Point. The second part of the movie largely revolves around West Point's annual play that our star is writing. It's a musical comedy, and aside from one number that's kind of amusing (kind of), it's really, really...dumb. This is the only one of the movies from this year that I just didn't like much at all. 5/10
N/A) The White Parade - Unfortunately this film has been almost completely lost. The only remaining print is in the UCLA film archives.
Sorry for the length, but for some reason in 1934 the Academy decided to start nominating 12 movies. This would only last one more year, until they cut it back to 10 again in 1936.
Hopefully someone has some interest in this and possibly goes to seek out one of these movies. I strongly recommend both The Thin Man and It Happened One Night
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