What was the last movie you watched?
- Thread starter jamesblakefan#1
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kiki
Banned
Fantastic fil.You can say whatever you want about Orson Welles but this guy was a true genious.
Elite
Semi-Pro
Seen a few films over the last fortnight:
The Children Are Watching Us (1944, Victoria De Sica)
In typical De Sica fashion, it ends on a rather cynical note (and it has this dismal undercurrent throughout), but its bleak and honest message is unfortunately obscured and smothered by the rather schmaltzy acting and unevent script. Not one of his best, but passable. Maybe a 5 or 6.
The Blood of a Poet (1930, Jean Cocteau)
Highly experimental filmmaking on display. One of the most purely surrealist films I have probably seen. Intricately edited and nicely shot, but surprisingly difficult to enjoy. It honestly felt like I was watching a stream of consciousness video from the Museum of Modern Arts in New York City. It's interesting, but not exactly diverting, purely because of its highly inaccessible nature. A rating seem mostly meaningless for this film, but I'll throw a 6 at it.
The Cow (1969, Dariush Mehrjui)
Often considered to the figurehead of the Iranian New Wave, this is an… interesting tale. However, it was a severely distracting viewing on my behalf, as I found myself constantly pausing and playing for its entirety. On top of that, the actual quality of the copy I was watching was substandard at best. I seemed to have been the deprived of the basics here. Some short praises goes immediately to its photography, as the film pursues a very verisimilitude authentic style. The acting was a bit choppy at times, and I think it is imperative that one needs to have a slight understanding of Iranian culture and society (to a small degree) or else its story can possibly come across as extremely hyperbolic and a bit doltish, even if it is a discernibly metaphorical story. Probably a 5, but that does not hold much weight, I'd imagine; quite the discouraging viewing.
Lawn Dogs (1997, John Duigan)
A satirical (and often absurdist) take on the conceited, vain, and supercilious nature of the isolated upper-class communes and their delirious views on the world. But perhaps more than that, at its core, it is a warm and beautiful depiction of finding friendship in the most unlikely of places. What impressed me most about this film was its impeccably written script - it adopts the Baba Yaga folktale as a springboard to tell a very intriguing, often farcical tale about class disparity. It has a lot of far-fetched moments, perhaps to the point of distraction, but once one understands it is a contemporary interpretation of the folktale, it starts to make a bit of sense. This was one of Sam Rockwell's earliest lead performances, and he is nothing short of brilliant, as is the young Mischa Barton. This is an often daring, intrepid and unconventional piece that deserves much more recognition. It's not for everyone (as some of the content may be a bit disparaging or awkward for some), but anybody who enjoys a bit of odd, outre cinema that pushes the boundaries should definitely seek this. It slightly reminded me of a Todd Solondz film, albeit less cynical and overt. Probably an 8 here.
A Short Film About Love (1988, Krzysztof Kieslowski)
Simplicity works here. This is a remarkably restrained and gentle film. It is sentimental, but not in your typically schmaltzy and cloying way. It was just a seamless, almost indescribable viewing for me, telling the most customary of stories in a very effortless manner, but having this considerate and authentic undercurrent throughout. Oddly, it felt like the work of Ozu, with a very serene and detached presence behind the camera, letting its nuanced performances and tightly written script do the talking. A 9 or possibly a 9.5 - if this is any sign of what is to come for Kieslowsi, I'll be a happy man.
The Children Are Watching Us (1944, Victoria De Sica)
In typical De Sica fashion, it ends on a rather cynical note (and it has this dismal undercurrent throughout), but its bleak and honest message is unfortunately obscured and smothered by the rather schmaltzy acting and unevent script. Not one of his best, but passable. Maybe a 5 or 6.
The Blood of a Poet (1930, Jean Cocteau)
Highly experimental filmmaking on display. One of the most purely surrealist films I have probably seen. Intricately edited and nicely shot, but surprisingly difficult to enjoy. It honestly felt like I was watching a stream of consciousness video from the Museum of Modern Arts in New York City. It's interesting, but not exactly diverting, purely because of its highly inaccessible nature. A rating seem mostly meaningless for this film, but I'll throw a 6 at it.
The Cow (1969, Dariush Mehrjui)
Often considered to the figurehead of the Iranian New Wave, this is an… interesting tale. However, it was a severely distracting viewing on my behalf, as I found myself constantly pausing and playing for its entirety. On top of that, the actual quality of the copy I was watching was substandard at best. I seemed to have been the deprived of the basics here. Some short praises goes immediately to its photography, as the film pursues a very verisimilitude authentic style. The acting was a bit choppy at times, and I think it is imperative that one needs to have a slight understanding of Iranian culture and society (to a small degree) or else its story can possibly come across as extremely hyperbolic and a bit doltish, even if it is a discernibly metaphorical story. Probably a 5, but that does not hold much weight, I'd imagine; quite the discouraging viewing.
Lawn Dogs (1997, John Duigan)
A satirical (and often absurdist) take on the conceited, vain, and supercilious nature of the isolated upper-class communes and their delirious views on the world. But perhaps more than that, at its core, it is a warm and beautiful depiction of finding friendship in the most unlikely of places. What impressed me most about this film was its impeccably written script - it adopts the Baba Yaga folktale as a springboard to tell a very intriguing, often farcical tale about class disparity. It has a lot of far-fetched moments, perhaps to the point of distraction, but once one understands it is a contemporary interpretation of the folktale, it starts to make a bit of sense. This was one of Sam Rockwell's earliest lead performances, and he is nothing short of brilliant, as is the young Mischa Barton. This is an often daring, intrepid and unconventional piece that deserves much more recognition. It's not for everyone (as some of the content may be a bit disparaging or awkward for some), but anybody who enjoys a bit of odd, outre cinema that pushes the boundaries should definitely seek this. It slightly reminded me of a Todd Solondz film, albeit less cynical and overt. Probably an 8 here.
A Short Film About Love (1988, Krzysztof Kieslowski)
Simplicity works here. This is a remarkably restrained and gentle film. It is sentimental, but not in your typically schmaltzy and cloying way. It was just a seamless, almost indescribable viewing for me, telling the most customary of stories in a very effortless manner, but having this considerate and authentic undercurrent throughout. Oddly, it felt like the work of Ozu, with a very serene and detached presence behind the camera, letting its nuanced performances and tightly written script do the talking. A 9 or possibly a 9.5 - if this is any sign of what is to come for Kieslowsi, I'll be a happy man.
forthegame
Hall of Fame
Chronicle - nice movie.
JRstriker12
Hall of Fame
Watched Despicable Me 2 with my daughter. We had fun, but I think the first one was better.
Watching the Borne Legacy and I'm surprised I like it. Seems like they give a bit more detail about the program to create these super agents and I can dig that.
Watching the Borne Legacy and I'm surprised I like it. Seems like they give a bit more detail about the program to create these super agents and I can dig that.
I watched it because I studied the original short story as part of my curriculum a while ago.
I also watched Dhoom 3.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
IS "they see your every mover" pretty good ? what do you guys think ?
and what about superman ? is that good ?
and what about superman ? is that good ?
mmk
Hall of Fame
"Don't be so gloomy. After all it's not that awful. Like the fella says, in Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love - they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock. So long Holly. "
Great movie
Solo
Banned
Best to judge it for yourself. I liked MOS but some of my mates didn't.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
what is MOS ?
Solo
Banned
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Anyone seen this movie "You Are Next" kind of violence horror movie. Surprisingly many Positive reviews from Critics. usually this kind of movie gets trashed by critics but NOT this one.
http://www.movies.com/yourenext/details/m68338
http://www.movies.com/yourenext/details/m68338
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I am also about to rent Riddick 2013 movie. Anybody seen this. I am a little scared since so many critics gave this movie bad reviews. The Trailers look so good though....lol
finalfantasy7
Semi-Pro
seen it, its good, very good in fact as i bet you wont fin out who behind it, before they show u him/her at the very end
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Awsome, thank you. I am trying to decide between this one and Riddick 2013 and Byzantium........ decisions decisions..............
finalfantasy7
Semi-Pro
going to watch it 2night, i was thinking the same thing.
watched oblivion - decent, but it should have been better, storyline should have been better, morgan freeman character boring. 6/10
few days ago i watched bad-grandpa, not a fan off knoxville but this was funny; scene where he gets caught in the vending machine 2funny, 8/10
'The Act of Killing'.
Not a 'popcorn movie' but its an incredible documentary.
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/sep/14/act-of-killing-review
'A Royal Affair'
Beautiful film and really good story.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/en_kongelig_affaere/
'Las Vegas'
All star cast with DeNiro, Douglas, Freeman et al, but what a depressing film about ageing.
'The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug'
Most boring, tedious film I've seen for a while. Big mistake trying to stretch this out into 3 overlong films.
Game of Thrones blows this into the dust.
'Wolf of Wall Street'
Riotiously entertaining. Terrific fun.
Not a 'popcorn movie' but its an incredible documentary.
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/sep/14/act-of-killing-review
'A Royal Affair'
Beautiful film and really good story.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/en_kongelig_affaere/
'Las Vegas'
All star cast with DeNiro, Douglas, Freeman et al, but what a depressing film about ageing.
'The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug'
Most boring, tedious film I've seen for a while. Big mistake trying to stretch this out into 3 overlong films.
Game of Thrones blows this into the dust.
'Wolf of Wall Street'
Riotiously entertaining. Terrific fun.
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Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Yeah, i read that a while back. I heard it is the bolly remake of The Prestige (which was a good movie) ??? How was D3 ?
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Sideways - comedy about 2 guys who go on a wine tour, one is just about to get married. Funny and nice.
Thanks, Stringertom, i don't know whether you recommended it, or just put the "smudge of excrement" quote in the quote thread
I must say, the California country is just awesome. I kept looking at the background and thinking how nice it would be to live there.
Thanks, Stringertom, i don't know whether you recommended it, or just put the "smudge of excrement" quote in the quote thread
I must say, the California country is just awesome. I kept looking at the background and thinking how nice it would be to live there.
Elite
Semi-Pro
^ Sideways was a lovely little film. A few of my latest viewings:
Forbidden Games (1952, Rene Clement)
One one level, this is an endearing, yet candid tale of two children forming a friendship in the midst of unparalleled war. On another, it is a challenging observation into the role religion renders in times of turmoil and arduous living. Not only does the film furnish its viewers with a perspective of war through the eye's of the young, often oblivious and impervious to the nature of human conflict and death, itself, but it also summons as a critique of religion, and how it detaches those more than it bonds, especially during times of hardship. The film spawns some powerful imagery, whether it be portraying the callosity of war to the fraternity of friendship all the way down to its poignant and somber conclusion. As the film tends to lose some focus in its middle act by steering away from its two central characters and as there is a scene or two that felt oddly misplaced, it is a harrowing war film, and one that I can imagine will be sticking with me for quite some time. I reckon a 7.5 or 8 seems fitting here.
My Life to Live (1962, Jean-Luc Godard)
This is a less sweeping and voguish piece from a time where French cinema was, arguably, at its most pioneering and creative. That's not to say it was not novel in nature (because it was). It told a reasonably levelheaded story with an effective episodic approach, as the film consisted of twelve chapters, each building on each other, to depict an essentially tragic crossing from ambition and aspiration to the succumbs of - what is - a financially rewarding but despairing 'industry'. The true strengths of this film lies within its impressive direction and redolent lead performance, as Anna Karina captures everything from ambivalence and curiosity to joy and dejection. In saying that, my main problem with Godard persists - there was one too many overblown or pompous moments, including one scene at a cafe that just did not feel at all suitable or needed in the context of the film. It often feels like his films go down these 'philosophical rant' blusters, and that is maddening because it disrupts the flow and feel of the film. I get the impression that Godard is having a hard time between telling a story and embedding in his own pensive thoughts within them. Ultimately, good, but flawed. Probably a 6 here.
The Ascent (1977, Larisa Shepitko)
There has perhaps been no war film more harrowing, more dismal, and more shattering than this. It is dispirited, despondent, and provides its viewers nothing other than the dastardly reality of the Great Patriotic War. An utterly unforgiving viewing, but one of necessity as there are few films that hold as much force as this. It is through its sweeping black and white photography where Shepitko illuminates the boundless, infinite, and stark landscape of rural Russia, saturated in limitless white, in the midst of treacherous, perilous conditions, at the core of humanity's most deadliest conflict. It is a visual masterwork, adopting a very stifle, unsettling approach, spawning images that are both painfully poignant and dismaying, but also very real and stern. Through all of its optical beauty, it is the music, furnishing a sense of underlying creepiness and a gripping screen presence (Plotnikov, in particular, being absolutely remarkable) that makes this not only one of the most dexterous of war films, or even one of the leading, preeminent Soviet works, but simply and unequivocally one of the best films I have ever seen. A haunting masterwork that manages to steer away from any propagandic overtones (uncommon in Soviet films that deal with these type of subjects), and provide nothing but a bleak and intrepid depiction of the seemingly inevitable demise of those struggling to survive in rural Russia. Perhaps a 10, which I seldom give away on first viewings. Might stick with a 9.5 and see how its eventual rewatch will hold up.
Forbidden Games (1952, Rene Clement)
One one level, this is an endearing, yet candid tale of two children forming a friendship in the midst of unparalleled war. On another, it is a challenging observation into the role religion renders in times of turmoil and arduous living. Not only does the film furnish its viewers with a perspective of war through the eye's of the young, often oblivious and impervious to the nature of human conflict and death, itself, but it also summons as a critique of religion, and how it detaches those more than it bonds, especially during times of hardship. The film spawns some powerful imagery, whether it be portraying the callosity of war to the fraternity of friendship all the way down to its poignant and somber conclusion. As the film tends to lose some focus in its middle act by steering away from its two central characters and as there is a scene or two that felt oddly misplaced, it is a harrowing war film, and one that I can imagine will be sticking with me for quite some time. I reckon a 7.5 or 8 seems fitting here.
My Life to Live (1962, Jean-Luc Godard)
This is a less sweeping and voguish piece from a time where French cinema was, arguably, at its most pioneering and creative. That's not to say it was not novel in nature (because it was). It told a reasonably levelheaded story with an effective episodic approach, as the film consisted of twelve chapters, each building on each other, to depict an essentially tragic crossing from ambition and aspiration to the succumbs of - what is - a financially rewarding but despairing 'industry'. The true strengths of this film lies within its impressive direction and redolent lead performance, as Anna Karina captures everything from ambivalence and curiosity to joy and dejection. In saying that, my main problem with Godard persists - there was one too many overblown or pompous moments, including one scene at a cafe that just did not feel at all suitable or needed in the context of the film. It often feels like his films go down these 'philosophical rant' blusters, and that is maddening because it disrupts the flow and feel of the film. I get the impression that Godard is having a hard time between telling a story and embedding in his own pensive thoughts within them. Ultimately, good, but flawed. Probably a 6 here.
The Ascent (1977, Larisa Shepitko)
There has perhaps been no war film more harrowing, more dismal, and more shattering than this. It is dispirited, despondent, and provides its viewers nothing other than the dastardly reality of the Great Patriotic War. An utterly unforgiving viewing, but one of necessity as there are few films that hold as much force as this. It is through its sweeping black and white photography where Shepitko illuminates the boundless, infinite, and stark landscape of rural Russia, saturated in limitless white, in the midst of treacherous, perilous conditions, at the core of humanity's most deadliest conflict. It is a visual masterwork, adopting a very stifle, unsettling approach, spawning images that are both painfully poignant and dismaying, but also very real and stern. Through all of its optical beauty, it is the music, furnishing a sense of underlying creepiness and a gripping screen presence (Plotnikov, in particular, being absolutely remarkable) that makes this not only one of the most dexterous of war films, or even one of the leading, preeminent Soviet works, but simply and unequivocally one of the best films I have ever seen. A haunting masterwork that manages to steer away from any propagandic overtones (uncommon in Soviet films that deal with these type of subjects), and provide nothing but a bleak and intrepid depiction of the seemingly inevitable demise of those struggling to survive in rural Russia. Perhaps a 10, which I seldom give away on first viewings. Might stick with a 9.5 and see how its eventual rewatch will hold up.
I'm curious and a bit concerned about how kids process some of the messages in a film like this.
re: the little girl navigating an obstacle course at the start of the film with life-threatening booby traps at every turn.
re: the hideously ugly pet with canines half a foot long.
re: the "good guy" being a villain/reformed villain
re: the little girls sleeping inside bombs
....and all of the other sinister, gory elements replete in both DM films. Remember one of the girls being "impaled" complete with a pool of blood in the first?
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Fav quote from Boiler Room:
I read this article a while back, that said that Microsoft employs more millionaire secretary's that any other company in the world. They took stock options over Christmas bonuses. It was a good move. I remember there was this picture, of one of the groundskeepers next to his Ferrari. Blew my mind. you see sh1t like that, and it just plants seeds, makes you think its possible, even easy. And then you turn on the TV, and there's just more of it. The $87 Million lottery winner, that kid actor that just made 20 million o his last movie, that internet stock that shot through the roof, you could have made millions if you had just gotten in early, and that's exactly what I wanted to do: get in. I didn't want to be an innovator any more, i just wanted to make the quick and easy buck, i just wanted in. The Notorious BIG said it best: "Either you're slingin' crack-rock, or you've got a wicked jump-shot." Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking that after school job at Mickey Dee's, honor's in the dollar, kid. So I went the white boy way of slinging crack-rock: I became a stock broker.
Crisstti
Legend
Watched it the other day. Took me a few minutes to notice it wasn't Curb your Enthusiasm
Thought it was funny. Especially the Chicago band storyline. I didn't catch the beginning so it took me a while to understand the main storyline.
Watched Killer Joe last night. A downright disgusting movie, would not recommend it to anyone :-?
Ok, I just got back from Frozen... I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more than she did.
It's gdf'n AMAZING.
"Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back any more
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway"
It's gdf'n AMAZING.
"Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back any more
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway"
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Thought Lauren Bacall's debut was in To Have And Have not? That was Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.
The Desolation of Smaug
First, you have to stipulate that Peter Jackson is critic proof. However, some additional editing could have pared off 15-20 minutes of running time that no one would miss. But I guess that once the title character gets the screen (i.e. Smaug) you have to milk it for as much as you can. The basic premise of Tolkein's book remains, but there is a lot of other stuff added. Doesn't detract from the overall effect. Only ruffles feathers if you're a Tolkein purist. Still it was entertaining. 7/10
First, you have to stipulate that Peter Jackson is critic proof. However, some additional editing could have pared off 15-20 minutes of running time that no one would miss. But I guess that once the title character gets the screen (i.e. Smaug) you have to milk it for as much as you can. The basic premise of Tolkein's book remains, but there is a lot of other stuff added. Doesn't detract from the overall effect. Only ruffles feathers if you're a Tolkein purist. Still it was entertaining. 7/10
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Dang! I keep making an utter fool of myself, but you have to remember that I suffer from amnesia.
Yes, that was Ingrid in Casablanca. But then what was that pic that started off the romance of HB and LB ? Okay, that was To Have and Have Not which also has the same Vichy/French resistance background, so I can be forgiven a bit. Or am I once again mixing up with some other pair
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Ok. It's like an impoverished man's Forrest Gump.
Bdarb
Hall of Fame
"What do you mean your gonna pass?! Larry the only people making money passing are NFL quarterbacks and I don't see a number on your back"
Bdarb
Hall of Fame
DeNiro is very good in 'Ronin' as well. Classic heist/action flick.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
^^^^^^
loved it
Larry is the genius behind Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm is the funniest show on TV.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Paul Muni had a great run in the 30s.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You mean Lone Survivor with Wahlberg? Yeah I may watch that next as well. I hear it is super intense. Those types of movies I have to be in the mood for because they are so dark. A great one that many people loved and others hated was The Grey. I was blown away by that movie personally, but I had zero expectations going in. Lone Survivor is based on a true story, and The Grey wasn't, but I think they are both survival movies at heart.
On a side note, has anyone seen True Detective on HBO? It's incredible, and I love the concept. 8 Episodes and then the next season I believe it is completely different story and actors. Really allows for them to get top notch actors and make a high quality show. It really looks like a movie more than a TV show as well.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Yes....good catch.
And YES, True Dective looks GREAT so far. Matthew McConehey (spel?) and Woody Harrelson are brilliant together. HBO always does top notch series'. Can't wait for the next episode!
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Bdarb
Hall of Fame
haven't heard of it. Haven't seen something by them I didn't like though. Loved the newsroom.
