Post by: richierich on October 26, 2009, 03:53:34 PM
Thanks
:thumbup:
Post by: richierich on October 27, 2009, 02:16:11 PM
Post by: RossRoy on October 27, 2009, 02:25:22 PM
Post by: snowcat on October 27, 2009, 02:42:05 PM
I prefer not watching alphabetically because you end up stuck in a specific sequence of movies, which may or may not offer enough variety to keep it interesting.
I agree, I think ill be watching mine in a random order also. :D
Post by: Tom on October 27, 2009, 04:14:29 PM
Is it just me or do we have two threads covering this same project?
Please only use this thread to keep overall track of how well you are doing (If you want to use same table format as mine, click on quote then copy the data, and amend with your films etc). Reviews/discussion/queries to be posted in the 2nd thread.
;)
Post by: Jimmy on October 27, 2009, 04:21:21 PM
I prefer not watching alphabetically because you end up stuck in a specific sequence of movies, which may or may not offer enough variety to keep it interesting.No difference at all for me since all the movie are from the same genre, but this time it's my favourite and no chance that I will became bored (as it had happen with my horror marathon). At worst I can change a title if I feel for watching something from a different era.
(http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/Themes/OceanBlue/images/post/ratedr.gif) will appear a lot next month :devil:
ChantalHope that you will like it as much as I have ;D
Post by: richierich on October 27, 2009, 04:32:55 PM
My only problem is I don't have a feature film that starts with a Z...I think that's the only letter I can say that about. I do have a few Zorro movie serials (Zorro's Fighting Legion, Zorro's Black Whip) but a serial, if you watch it from start to finish, usually takes 4 hours or more. THough I am somewhere in the middle of Zorro's Black Whip, having seen my most recent chapter some months ago. I guess I could go back where I left off... :laugh:
Rog, don't forget you can be creative and flexible on the lettering order. You can use a title that has Z in it, for example blue blaZes rawden, or in old ariZona
Post by: RossRoy on October 27, 2009, 04:39:09 PM
Unless Roger deletes his own posts.. and re-posts in this thread. Then the problem is moot.
Post by: Rogmeister on October 27, 2009, 06:03:11 PM
And I have now removed my other posts from the other thread apart from my post where I have my own list of the letters used for this marathon. I notice some list what they plan to watch while others (like me) don't. I have no idea what I'll watch so it'll be just whatever strikes me at the moment...
Post by: Tom on October 30, 2009, 06:40:52 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on October 31, 2009, 08:44:19 AM
I really don't know which ones I'll watch for the most part.
Post by: Rogmeister on October 31, 2009, 05:13:41 PM
Post by: Achim on November 01, 2009, 05:23:08 AM
Plannig to watch Hardware later today.
Post by: Tom on November 01, 2009, 10:32:18 AM
Title: Cats & Dogs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_%26_Dogs) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2001
Director: Lawrence Guterman
Rating: PG
Length: 84 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Jeff Goldblum
Elizabeth Perkins
Alexander Pollock
Miriam Margolyes
Myron Natwick
Plot:
They're cunning. They're stealthy. They're waging a top-secret ultra-high-tech struggle for global domination right under our noses. They're...Cats & Dogs!
Witness this epic 'tail' of what happens when an eccentric professor (Jeff Goldblum) makes a discovery that could tip the age-old balance of pet power. Now, an inexperienced young beagle pup named Lou (voiced by Tobey Maguire) is about to begin the ultimate mission im-paws-ible: to save humanity from a total cat-tastrophe! Featuring the voices of Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon, Jon Lovitz, Charlton Heston and Sean Hayes.
Awards:
| ASCAP Awards | 2002 | Won | Top Box Office Films | John Debney |
| Golden Raspberry Awards | 2001 | Won | Worst Supporting Actor | Charlton Heston |
| Young Artist Awards | 2002 | Nominated | Best Family Feature Film – Comedy | |
| Young Artist Awards | 2002 | Nominated | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actor | Alexander Pollock |
Extras:
Commentary
DVD-ROM Content
Featurettes
Interactive Game
Scene Access
Storyboard Comparisons
Trailers
My Thoughts:
Purely some mindless fun. The battle between cats and dogs is secretly fought with high-tech weaponry. It's a nice idea to make the usual bad guys the good guys in this movie (the dogs).Rating:
Post by: snowcat on November 01, 2009, 10:42:27 AM
Post by: Tom on November 01, 2009, 11:10:00 AM
Tom, they are making a Sequel to Cats and Dogs next year called Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore ...Oh dear.Yes, I have read that yesterday. I wonder how that will turn out :laugh:
Post by: snowcat on November 01, 2009, 11:27:33 AM
Tom, they are making a Sequel to Cats and Dogs next year called Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore ...Oh dear.Yes, I have read that yesterday. I wonder how that will turn out :laugh:
Lol, well... Im not holding high hopes for that one! and I enjoyed the original.
Post by: Tom on November 01, 2009, 12:26:45 PM
Title: 10 Things I Hate About You (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Things_I_Hate_About_You) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1999
Director: Gil Junger
Rating: FSK-12
Length: 93 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
Audio: German: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: Croatian, Danish, English, Finnish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Stars:
Heath Ledger
Julia Stiles
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Larisa Oleynik
David Krumholtz
Plot:
A cool cast of young stars is just one of the things you'll love about this hilarious comedy hit. On the first day at his new school, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, - Halloween: H20, TV's 3rd Rock From The Sun) instantly falls for Bianca (Larisa Oleynik - The Baby Sitters Club), the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat (Julia Stiles - Wide Awake) goes out, too. In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad-boy (Heath Ledger - The Patriot) with a nasty reputation of his own. Also featuring a hip soundtrack - this witty comedy is a wildly entertaining look at exactly how far some guys will go to get a date.
Awards:
| Casting Society of America Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Casting for Feature Film – Comedy | Marcia Ross, Donna Morong |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2000 | Won | Best Female Breakthrough Performance | Julia Stiles |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2000 | Nominated | Best Musical Performance | "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You": Heath Ledger |
| Teen Choice Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Film - Choice Breakout Performance | Julia Stiles |
| Teen Choice Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Film - Choice Comedy | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Film - Funniest Scene | David Krumholtz |
| Teen Choice Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Film - Sexiest Love Scene | Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger |
| Teen Choice Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Soundtrack of the Year | |
| YoungStar Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Comedy Film | Joseph Gordon-Levitt |
| YoungStar Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Comedy Film | Julia Stiles |
| YoungStar Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Comedy Film | Larisa Oleynik |
Extras:
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
One of my favorite teen comedies. One of the last one before teen comedies equaled cross-out humor.I also always loved the music selection. And also strangely this is the role of Heath Ledger I will always associate him with. It may be because this is the first movie I saw him in.
Rating:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 01, 2009, 03:07:25 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 01, 2009, 03:53:36 PM
Post by: richierich on November 01, 2009, 04:02:44 PM
So is everyone sticking their reviews in here? Surely that'll make Jimmy's job harder? :hmmmm:
I thought it would be good to have them in one place so we can read them all at once, but of course if it makes Jimmys job too hard he should say and we comply with his wishes
Post by: snowcat on November 01, 2009, 04:55:57 PM
As for 10 Things I hate about You, this was also my first Heath movie, and I always think of him as that character too.
Post by: RossRoy on November 01, 2009, 05:04:55 PM
Either way, I have to decide soon since I have to post my first review today! :)
Post by: Jimmy on November 01, 2009, 06:33:36 PM
So is everyone sticking their reviews in here? Surely that'll make Jimmy's job harder? :hmmmm:Not at all, I enter them in my txt model when I read them. So you can post your reviews anywhere I will see them.
Post by: Tom on November 01, 2009, 09:23:05 PM
Title: Josie and the Pussycats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josie_and_the_Pussycats_%28film%29) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2001
Director: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont
Rating: PG
Length: 94 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: Danish, English, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish
Stars:
Rachael Leigh Cook
Tara Reid
Rosario Dawson
Alan Cumming
Parker Posey
Plot:
Josie (Rachael Leigh Cook, Antitrust), Melody (Tara Reid, American Pie 2) and Val (Rosario Dawson, Down To You) are life-long friends determined to take their band out of the garage and into the stratosphere - while staying true to their own look, style and sound.
The band is soon discovered by hot-shot manager Wyatt Frame (Alan Cumming, Spy Kids) who introduces them to MegaRecords CEO Fiona (Parker Posey, Best In Show) as the next best thing.
Within days they have the number one single in the country, but they soon discover that all is not what it seems. Fiona and Wyatt have devised a hi-tech plan to control the youth of America through their music. It's time for Josie and the Pussycats to bare their claws and fight back.
Featuring a fantastic soundtrack awarded **** by Empire.
Awards:
| Teen Choice Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Film - Choice Actress | Rachael Leigh Cook |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Film - Choice Breakout Performance | Rosario Dawson |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Film - Choice Comedy |
Extras:
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Music Videos
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I just love this movie. And I really like the music in it (I even have the soundtrack). It's just such a nice feel-good movie. Sadly this was a boxoffice flop (undeservedly so). As far as I know, this was the last big studio movie, that the beautiful Rachael Leigh Cook was in. Also the other cast members are great in this movie. Like Rosario Dawson as Val. I especially liked Tara Reid's performance as the bubbly Melody. I think it is the best role of her career. She always reminds of Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls here.
Also fun is the uncredited appearance by Seth Green, Brecklin Meyer and Donald Faison as the boygroup parody.
The singing voice of Josie is provided by the singer of the band "Letter to Cleo". Coincidentally, she also appeared in another movie I have watched today ("10 Things I Hate About You". As the blonde singer of Kat's favorite band). This makes the soundtrack to this movie like a solo album of hers.
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on November 01, 2009, 09:37:59 PM
I just love this movie. And I really like the music in it (I even have the soundtrack). It's just such a nice feel-good movie. Sadly this was a boxoffice flop (undeservedly so). As far as I know, this was the last big studio movie, that the beautiful Rachael Leigh Cook was in.
Also the other cast members are great in this movie. Like Rosario Dawson as Val. I especially liked Tara Reid's performance as the bubbly Melody. I think it is the best role of her career. She always reminds of Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls here.
Also fun is the uncredited appearance by Seth Green, Brecklin Meyer and Donald Faison as the boygroup parody.
The singing voice of Josie is provided by the singer of the band "Letter to Cleo". Coincidentally, she also appeared in another movie I have watched today ("10 Things I Hate About You". As the blonde singer of Kat's favorite band). This makes the soundtrack to this movie like a solo album of hers.
I enjoyed this movie too and I'm right with you on Tara and the songs are great. It's great fun. But it's flawed as well. I though the whole plot with the villains was badly done and the boyband out of place... :whistle:
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 01, 2009, 09:46:17 PM
Post by: Tom on November 01, 2009, 10:11:40 PM
Don't sound like my type of movie... that is for sure! :P
I think besides the music, you would enjoy it.
Post by: richierich on November 01, 2009, 10:50:45 PM
Title: Vertigo
Runtime:129
Certificate:PG
Year:1958
Genres:Suspense/Thriller, Classic
Plot:Considered by many to be director 'Alfred Hitchcock's' greatest achievement comes this fully restored and remastered version of the haunting film classic. This special release also contains a restoration trailer and revealing documentary footage.
Set in San Francisco, 'James Stewart' portrays an acrophobic detective hired to trail a friend's suicidal wife ('Novak'). After he successfully rescues her from a leap into the bay, he finds himself becoming obsessed with the beautifully troubled woman.
One of cinema's most chilling romantic endeavors: it's a fascinating myriad of haunting camera angles shot among some of San Francisco's renowned landmarks. This film is a must for collectors; Leonard Maltin gives 'Vertigo' four stars and hails it as "A genuinely great motion picture that demands multiple viewings."
My Review:
Ponderously slow at times, unnecessarily long, but captivating totally and ridiculously advanced technically for its time. You watch this film and you have to hold your hands up and admit that Hitch was a true genius behind the camera. It's not the greatest storyline, it hasn't got my favourite cast, there are a few appalling romance scenes - but what it does have that keeps you glued to the movie is masterful direction and cinematography, bringing alive deceipt, lies, intrigue, suspense and unhealthy love.
A very psychological film, was it about JS's phobia, was it a sad series of twists in a love story, was it exploring unrequitted love and betrayal, was it highlighting schizophrenia, or possibly male dominance? Whichever you choose you would probably be right, and you find yourself through Hitch's in depth characterisations feeling sorry for JS, Novak and even Bel Geddes at different times.
Not my favourite Hitchcock, but one I most respect, it is dizzying and compulsive. How did he never win an oscar??
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Rogmeister on November 01, 2009, 11:14:08 PM
Post by: richierich on November 02, 2009, 01:04:10 AM
Title: The Proposal
Runtime:104
Certificate:PG-13
Year:2009
Genres:Comedy, Romance
Plot:Sandra Bullock is at her funniest in the fresh, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy The Proposal. On the verge of being deported and losing the high-powered job she lives for, the controlling Margaret announces she's engaged to her unsuspecting, put-upon assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds). After proposing a few demands of his own, the mismatched couple heads to Alaska where they have four short days to convince his quirky family and a very skeptical immigration agent that their charade is real. Featuring a star-studded supporting cast, including Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson and the delightfully inappropriate Betty White, this madcap comedy will have you saying "yes" to The Proposal again and again.
My Review:
Yes, its a romcom specifically designed for a woman viewer, but I must admit, like nearly all Sandra Bullock films, I really enjoyed the fun and light-heartedness of the movie, and it left me with a big smile on my face.
You could spend hours writing about negatives of the film, clichéd script, obvious ending, Hollywood conveyor belt, predictability, age-gap etc etc etc.
But on the positives, the casts chemistry works really well, Bullock is adorable, the story is a feel-good surety, the comedy is light hearted with some good laugh out loud moments, Betty White steals every seen as the Grandma, and it is very watchable.
Go into this with a glass of wine, your sense of humour, and a non-serious viewpoint.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Najemikon on November 02, 2009, 01:24:22 AM
Wow...Vertigo...I was thinking of reviewing that during this marathon, too. But I wasn't sure...so I think I'll pass on it now...I do have at least one other "V" movie in my collection...and it's a western. I love westerns but strangely enough don't plan to review too many of them during this marathon, though my first review is going to be of one.
Intriguing! I just watched my first entry for the marathon and it is also a Western... I wonder if you started where I did? :cards:
Post by: RossRoy on November 02, 2009, 01:55:56 AM
WALL-E |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| The highly acclaimed director of Fiding Nemo and the creative storytellers behind Cars and Ratatouille transport you to a galaxy not far away for a new cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALL·E. After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL·E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of characters on a fantastic journey across the universe. Transport yourself to a fascinating new world with Disney·Pixar's latest adventure, now even more astonishing on DVD and loaded with bonus features, including the exclusive animated short film BURN·E. WALL·E is a film your family will want to enjoy over and over again. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| What a marvelous movie! Entirely deserving of all the praise it got. It is actually incredible how Pixar can get so much emotions through, even when the characters don't speak. Prime examples here are Wall-E, EVE and that cleaning robot. But if you go back in the history of Pixar, just look at their Luxo short. It's a lamp! But just the way it moves, and you understand everything you have to. And they just keep perfectionning their technique. It's astounding how Pixar can keep churning out winners after winners. The guys love their craft and it shows. I loved every minute of Wall-E! It's such a nice story and it is told so well. So many little things add up to create a whole. Just the dancing sequence. It is so pretty to look at, and it holds so much meaning for Wall-E, him who evolved for so long, alone, on a desolate Earth, listening to dancing numbers from musicals! Watch this movie. It is well worth it. It is top notch cinema. Too bad so many artists lost their way and are now churning out money grabbers these days.. Thank God Pixar is still around with their care and love of cinema. |
| RATING |
Post by: Rogmeister on November 02, 2009, 03:08:30 AM
Wow...Vertigo...I was thinking of reviewing that during this marathon, too. But I wasn't sure...so I think I'll pass on it now...I do have at least one other "V" movie in my collection...and it's a western. I love westerns but strangely enough don't plan to review too many of them during this marathon, though my first review is going to be of one.
Intriguing! I just watched my first entry for the marathon and it is also a Western... I wonder if you started where I did? :cards:
Well, I've just watched mine...I haven't seen your review yet (have you posted it yet?) but will put mine up in about 5 minutes, as soon as I type it up...it could be in the very next post of this thread... :D
Post by: Rogmeister on November 02, 2009, 03:25:46 AM
100 Rifles (1968) 110 minutes
Director: Tom Gries (who also co-wrote the screenplay) Music: Jerry Goldsmith
Cast: Jim Brown, Raquel Welch, Burt Reynolds, Fernando Lamas, Dan O'Herlihy
Plot: A lawman (Brown) after a bank robber (Reynods) ends up helping a female revolutionary (Welch) in Mexico defend an Indian village against a tyrant (Lamas).
My Thoughts--This was not an outstanding western, though it did have its moments. Raquel Welch (in one of her 3 westerns, two released in 1968 and the other 3 years later) is quite possibly the sexiest woman ever to set foot in a western. She's sultry, fiery and looks good taking a shower (even though she is actually clothed, though briefly so, in her shower scene which is done in the movie to distract some enemy soldiers) and, of course, gets a bed scene with the lead, possibly one of the first romantic scenes on film between a black man and a white woman? Probably not, but it's interesting. Burt Reynolds, as a half-breed, looks a bit odd wearing a huge black sombrero, but I enjoyed him in the role. In fact, though this is a western, I didn't see one traditional-looking cowboy hat in the entire picture though Brown's came closest. There's lots of good-looking visuals in this movie, a requirement for a good western, as the movie takes place entirely in Mexico. The film does drag a bit in spots and perhaps a bit more prudent editing and a slightly shorter running time might have helped there. It does finally pick up steam in the last half-hour of the picture so I liked it overall...I just didn't love it. My one quibble is one of the lead characters dies in the film...but we never see it happen. That character is running along the rooftops helping fight the enemy...and the next time that person is seen, he/she is in the arms of someone...already dead. I hated that.
Post by: RossRoy on November 02, 2009, 05:46:59 AM
Ratatouille |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| From the creators of Cars and The Incredibles comes a breakthrough comedy with something for everyone. With delightful new characters, experience Paris from an all-new perspective. It's "terrific moviemaking!" raves Leonard Maltin of Entertainment Tonight. In one of Paris' finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming a renowned French chef. Torn between his family's wishes and his true calling, Remy and his pal Linguini set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down. Ratatouille is a treat you'll want to enjoy again and again. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| And another winner by Pixar. It's a good little story. I did find the whole Remy controlling Linguini to be going a bit far, but it's a kid story again so you have to hhave some magic in there! ;) The animation is, as usual, top notch. Some expressions on the characters are priceless. The movie almost would make you accept to have rats in your kitchen! |
| RATING |
Post by: Achim on November 02, 2009, 02:40:06 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012236105879f.jpg) Title: The Gate
Year: 1987
Director: Tibor Takacs
Rating: PG-13
Length: 86 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Stephen Dorff
Christa Denton
Louis Tripp
Kelly Rowan
Jennifer Irwin
Plot:
After an old tree is removed from the ground, three young children accidentally release a horde of nasty, pint-sized demons from the hole in a suburban backyard. What follows is a classic battle between good and evil as the three kids struggle to overcome a nightmarish hell that is literally taking over the Earth.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Trailers
Gallery
Interviews
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This film came recommended by a few here on the forum and I must say the film exceeded my expectations. A little Canadian effort into the teen horror genre of the 80s (e.g. Monster Squad of the same year, which this film owns easily) it has excellent special effects (especially the minions kept amazing me) and decent acting from the child actors who after all have to carry the film. Stephen Dorff, who is not yet recognizable comapred to how we know him now, is at a very early career stage here and obviously still had to learn a lot.The film takes its time to set up the characters and explore their relationships. Nothing feels overly contrived when each plot point is made to move the story towards the inevitable opening of The Gate. It almost feels like a teen comedy for a while, but a good one at that. Good writing, with some hood jokes, keeps our attention up. We are about half way into the movie when all hell breaks loose and the kids have to go against the demon and his minions. The ending is ultimately rather typical for its time and would be considered lazy screen writing today.
I thought that the PG-13 was well stretched in a few spots
(click to show/hide)
Best insult: "Suck my face until my head caves in!"
Post by: Jimmy on November 02, 2009, 03:36:47 PM
Post by: Achim on November 02, 2009, 06:15:55 PM
How is the dvd quality Achim? I own the first canadian release and it isn't best dvd material (it's just a vhs conversion to dvd). BTW if you find it the sequel is also good, at least if I remember correctly since I haven't seen it since its theatrical released.I know I forgot something... I already wanted to mention above that the DVD quality is quite good, Lionsgate apparently cared enough to do a nice clean-up job. If your version is quite bad and you like the film a lot then an upgrade should be in order.
At least in DVD Profiler I couldn't see any version of the sequel. It is mentally noted that I want to get the sequel at some point...
Post by: Jimmy on November 02, 2009, 07:18:20 PM
At least in DVD Profiler I couldn't see any version of the sequel. It is mentally noted that I want to get the sequel at some point...Not the best quality, since it's fullscreen like the original I own, but you can get the Canadian released (http://www.amazon.ca/Gate-Return-Nightmare-Tibor-Takacs/dp/B000065KFY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1257185441&sr=1-2) on Amazon.ca for not too much.
Post by: Najemikon on November 02, 2009, 09:26:44 PM
Wow...Vertigo...I was thinking of reviewing that during this marathon, too. But I wasn't sure...so I think I'll pass on it now...I do have at least one other "V" movie in my collection...and it's a western. I love westerns but strangely enough don't plan to review too many of them during this marathon, though my first review is going to be of one.
Intriguing! I just watched my first entry for the marathon and it is also a Western... I wonder if you started where I did? :cards:
Well, I've just watched mine...I haven't seen your review yet (have you posted it yet?) but will put mine up in about 5 minutes, as soon as I type it up...it could be in the very next post of this thread... :D
Nope, not that one! Nice review, Roger. Only vaguely heard of that one before, but I like the cover... ;)
Post by: Najemikon on November 02, 2009, 10:11:54 PM
3 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/310.jpg)
In Arizona in the late 1800s, infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) plagues the Southern Railroad. When Wade is captured, injured Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Christian Bale) - struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch and desperate for money - volunteers to escort him to the "3:10 to Yuma", a train that will take the killer to trial.
As remakes go, 3:10 to Yuma is a very good one, simply because it's good enough to stand on it's own and it goes in a different direction. In direct comparison, it falters, but does of course have many advantages for a modern audience. And let's not forget this is a bona fide modern Western with a first rate cast and there's not enough of them these days, so it's to be congratulated.
It's basically a road movie with a posse trying to keep notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) from being rescued by his vicious gang. As members fall by the wayside through death or cowardice, only farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) holds true, desperate to earn money for his ranch and respect from his sons. The last act of the film is spent with the two of them in a hotel room before a gauntlet run for the train. Over the course of the story, Wade, a fairly honourable chap despite a murderous habit, builds respect for the plucky Evans and even amuses himself by helping him.
It's a hard, well told story of morals with plenty of action. James Mangold's solid direction lacks subtlety, but all credit for finding several ways to get quite large explosions into a horse opera! He's no Eastwood or Costner, but obviously loves and understands the genre as well as anyone and it seeps out of the screen. The cinematography is gorgeous and the sets are very detailed and varied.
Action and photography aside, this is first and foremost a tale of character and morals. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are both superb and convincing. Crowe is lethal and vicious, but a charmer, while Bale holds our sympathy against him despite his Evans being nothing like a modern hero. Ben Foster plays Wade's right-hand psycho and he does a good job, but he's fairly one note and a good representation of the film being a bit too blunt overall. Peter Fonda is one of many character actors who round out an excellent cast, playing out a strong screenplay from the writer of Collateral, another story about an enigmatic villain. It's engrossing stuff and two hours flies by.
In fact, everything bad about this film is only because of the original. The changes to the story aren't completely necessary, reducing much of the films running time to mere set-pieces. I was disappointed to hear comments by Mangold and his producers on the Blu-Ray when they said they felt it needed opening out to more of a "journey". It didn't need to open out and sadly reveals a lot of their version to be messy overdone filler that undermines some of the characters (keeping Wade in custody is more luck than judgement). They also change the ending and while I prefer the original, they at least had good intentions. The values and motivations are the same, but the result is given weight by a sub-text about religion. I'll come back to that in a moment though.
It's important to understand that the 1957 version was a political film, written in some ways as an answer to the very liberal High Noon. It's a lean and straightforward screenplay that works very well because of well placed ambition by all concerned. Good though the modern cast are, Glenn Ford and Van Heflin are of a different time and their delivery of the dialogue is more straightforward, making their intentions easier to relate to. Better too is the character of Charlie and it's easier to understand Wade's frustrations and respect for Evans without the endless back and forth toying Crowe's version does.
(click to show/hide)
Post by: richierich on November 02, 2009, 10:58:09 PM
Title: Role Models
Runtime:101
Certificate:15
Year:2008
Genres:Comedy
Plot:Unconventional salesmen, stuck-in-a-rut Danny (Paul Rudd) and lady's man Wheeler (Seann William Scott), spend their days promoting Minotaur energy drink to school students. Full of self-loathing and driven to delirium after being dumped by girlfriend Beth (Elizabeth Banks), Danny lashes out on an energy drink bender, trashing both the company truck and school property, resulting in the arrest of both him and Wheeler.
Wheeler and Danny are faced with a choice; either do time in jail or clock one hundred and fifty hours as mentors for troubled children. These unlikely role models are assigned to the most difficult children on offer, making them contemplate jail as an easier option! Danny is paired with dorky role playing loner, Augie (Superbad's Mclovin' Christopher Mintz-Plasse), whilst Wheeler is the latest victim of booby obsessed, foul-mouthed Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). Let the fun begin!
My Review:
Oddball teen comedy attempting to portray some moral life-choice message, it is a mish mash of a script that confuses the viewer on whether he is watching a bawdy humourous film, or a feeble attempt at an insightful light-hearted family movie, but with sex and swearing??
I'd be surprised if anyone over the age of 15 would find this movie entertaining or funny, there are a few chuckle moments, but mostly I felt uncomfortable listening to kids curse like navvies or draw male genatalia at every opportunity. Even worse was the sickly ending, after watching about an hours worth of dull dungeon and dragon style re-enactments.
Poor mans American Pie only truly suitable for a boy going through puberty.
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: Tom on November 02, 2009, 11:35:57 PM
Title: Road Trip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_Trip) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2000
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: FSK-16
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Stars:
Breckin Meyer
Seann William Scott
Amy Smart
Paulo Costanzo
DJ Qualls
Plot:
THE RULES OF CHEATING
When you're in a committed relationship and have sex with another person it's not cheating if......
You're in different area codes.
You're with two people at the same time, because they cancel each other out.
But it is definitely cheating if you videotape it and someone accidentally mails the tape to your girlfriend, which to his horror is exactly what happened to Josh. Discovering the mistake, Josh tows two of his college buddies and one not so eager kid who happens to own the car on a raucous 1,800 mile road trip from Ithaca, New York to Austin, Texas to save his lifelong romance.
Road Trip Unseen & Explicit shows you what they didn't dare show at the cinema
Awards:
| Anatomy Awards | 2001 | Won | Best Breasts B Cup | Amy Smart |
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Favorite Supporting Actor - Comedy | Tom Green |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Best Cameo | Andy Dick |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Best Comedic Performance | Tom Green |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Best Male Breakthrough Performance | Tom Green |
| MTV Movie Awards | 2001 | Nominated | Best Music Moment | Tshe "Twisted Sister" Bus Scene |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2000 | Nominated | Film - Choice Chemistry | Amy Smart, Breckin Meyer |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2000 | Nominated | Film - Choice Comedy | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2000 | Won | Film - Choice Liar | Tom Green |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2000 | Nominated | Film - Choice Sleazebag | Andy Dick |
Extras:
Booklet
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Music Videos
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I haven't watched this movie for years. I still enjoyed it though like I did then. The breakout character for me was DJ Qualls. Without him this movie would have only been half the fun. Seann William Scott is fun as a Stifler-like character. At the time of this movie's release it was still a rather new character, but he only seems to be doing it since. Though if all the making ofs and audio commentaries I have seen, which are mentioning him, are to be believed, Seann William Scott is a real nice guy in real life. Very different to his Stifler persona.Another performance I enjoyed is Tom Green as the tour guide.
Rating:
Post by: richierich on November 03, 2009, 01:12:51 AM
Title: 17 Again
Runtime:98
Certificate:12
Year:2009
Genres:Comedy
Plot:If you somehow had the chance, would you do your life over? Thirtysomething Mike O'Donnell would. Then one mysteriously magical moment, Mike gets his chance. He's suddenly back at Hayden High where he's the star of the basketball team, a total hottie and a classmate to his own teenage kids...which gives Mike a chance to go from not-so-good dad to really cool friend.
Zac Efron (Hairspray, the High School Musical movies) and Matthew Perry (Friends ) are 17 Again and fabulously funny as the younger and older Mike in a good-time time-warp comedy that proves the best year of your life is the one you're living right now.
My Review:
Tired old story, man unhappy with his life, gets visited by angel (in this case janitor), wishes he could go back in time, does and ends up at school with daughter hitting on him, sorts out nerdy son into popular kid, hits on wife, realises he doesn't want to change, goes back to proper age and he and wife live happily ever after.
And thats about it, except it stars the gorgeous Leslie Mann to add some beauty to this sorry excuse for a movie.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: Rogmeister on November 03, 2009, 01:37:44 AM
Post by: Achim on November 03, 2009, 05:31:58 AM
Not the best quality, since it's fullscreen like the original I own, but you can get the Canadian released (http://www.amazon.ca/Gate-Return-Nightmare-Tibor-Takacs/dp/B000065KFY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1257185441&sr=1-2) on Amazon.ca for not too much.Fullscreen.....? :yucky:
So, no, I can't ;)
Post by: Najemikon on November 03, 2009, 03:13:09 PM
Jon, I see now what western you reviewed...I had reviewed the original version of 3:10 to Yuma in my regular ongoing westerns marathon and didn't want to do it again. I saw the newer version in a theater when it first came out but have not bought the DVD of it. I did review 100 Rifles (as you know) and I have some other westerns that start with a number...3 Godfathers and 7 Men From Now (which I also have already reviewed) and that leaves me with 5 Card Stud which co-starred Dean Martin and William Holden. I haven't seen that but reviews I've read of it have not been kind. I won't do another review today...too busy...maybe tomorrow...but I have things to do tomorrow, too.
I remember you reviewing it now. But which do you prefer? :D
Post by: Rogmeister on November 03, 2009, 03:22:58 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 03, 2009, 08:41:20 PM
I prefer the original version. I like the whole look of the film and the pacing and everything. My main problem with the remake is what happens to the Christian Bale character at the film's conclusion...his character had been through so much, a happier ending would have been nice. And, of course, the film is more violent and bloody than the original.
Exactly what I thought. It made more sense when I heard the directors comments about religion, but I thought Clint Eastwood tackled a similar sort of cycle in Gran Torino much better. The original is underrated.
Post by: richierich on November 03, 2009, 08:59:00 PM
Title: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Runtime:101
Certificate:PG-13
Year:2009
Genres:Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
Plot:Connor Mead is the kind of guy who dumps three girlfriends. At the same time. By teleconferance. So when he attends his brother's wedding he has a single goal: score with the only bridesmaid he somehow missed. But the ghost of his departed Uncle Wayne - who taught him to love 'em and leave 'em - has another goal in mind: restore Connor's lost faith in true love, a tough assignment requiring the services of many, many Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Michael Douglas and director Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Just Like Heaven) uncork a romantic romp as bubbly as wedding-toast champagne. It's the perfect comedy for anyone who believes in laughs and love. Or needs to.
My Review:
Disappointing romcom that is low on comedy, a weak storyline is not bolstered by the attractive cast.
The alternative take on Scrooge does not sit comfortably, and the pro-marriage message shoved down your throat is out of touch and unrealistic. Full of needy women desperate to drag a boorish male into bed, or in Garners case up an aisle, the only charm coming from McConaughey in a totally lifeless and limp movie.
The shallowness, barren of humour, and with such a sickly and predictable ending, make this an overhyped film best avoided.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: Najemikon on November 03, 2009, 09:03:04 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/rib.jpg)
Assistant District Attorney Adam Bonner loves his wife Amanda, but doesn't care much for his opposing counsel in a sensational attempted-murder trial - an opponent who happens to be Amanda.
An absolutely delightful piece of fluff featuring two of the best actors of all time, essentially having a laugh with each other. Of course they were Hollywood's most enduring couple in real-life and probably perfect for each other (despite having to keep it secret). Their banter is amongst the best you'll see in any romantic comedy, especially including the current batch. It's the subtleties of their performances that make this endlessly watchable. To even describe it feels like I'm taking away some of the magic.
The story is typically light with the perfect plot idea for the genre, that pits them against each other in a courtroom with plenty of dialogue that positively zings. Listen out for Tracy's hilarious tongue-tied delivery in several scenes! Hepburn is defending the impossibly cute Judy Holliday, who is another stand out in a great cast, for shooting her wayward husband (that scene opens the film and it's very funny with Holliday reading a manual for the gun while trying to fire it!).
It boils down to a battle of the sexes plot and while it's a bit dated and predictable, it's quite clever how the screenplay compromises a difficult conclusion (they are married lawyers, so how can one accept the other's victory in a high-profile case?). Still, it can't help but feel a bit contrived.
Well, it;s hardly worth mentioning though. Who gives a damn about the plot when it's this pair on-screen? Anyone who enjoys romantic comedies should snap this up straight away.
Post by: Najemikon on November 03, 2009, 09:05:01 PM
Well that was poetic timing! Rich reviews modern rubbish rom-com and I immediately follow with how it should be done! This shared thread can work well sometimes... :thumbup:
Post by: Tom on November 03, 2009, 09:50:01 PM
Title: How To Lose Friends & Alienate People (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Lose_Friends_%26_Alienate_People_(film)) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Robert Weide
Rating: 15
Length: 110 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85
Audio: English: Dolby Digital TrueHD, Commentary: Dolby Digital Surround, Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Simon Pegg
Kirsten Dunst
Jeff Bridges
Megan Fox
Gillian Anderson
Plot:
Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) stars as Sidney Young, a gate-crashing British journalist who loves exposing the shallowness of the celebrity world, yet desperately wants to join it. His dreams may come true when he accepts an offer from renowned editor Clayton Harding (Jeff Bridges) to write for ultra-chic Sharps magazine in New York City. Under the glaring eye of his distrustful supervisor (Danny Huston), Sidney finally gets to rub elbows with A-list celebrities... but always manages to rub them the wrong way. In this hilarious romantic comedy based on Toby Young's best-selling memoir, Sidney's talent for alienating people seems destines to torpedo his career. His fellow writer Alison Olsen (Kirsten Dunst) is powerless to save Sidney from further embarrassment when he sets his lustful sights on beautiful starlet Sophie Maes (Megan Fox). But when Sophie's all-powerful publicist (Gillian Anderson) makes him a very tempting offer, Sidney is finally poised to take the Big Apple by storm... or suffer the biggest humiliation of his life.
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Outtakes
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
Even though it has a surprisingly big name cast, this movie does not manage to be above average. Although it has some fun scenes in it. This movie is somewhat entertaining thanks to Simon Pegg. And Kirsten Dunst was also okay in this one. I liked her in this movie better than in her other recent movies.You also can see actors playing Roy and Jen in "IT Crowd" in bit roles.
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on November 04, 2009, 12:56:04 AM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/brick.jpg)
Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 'Mysterious Skin') is a loner at his high school, someone who knows all the angles but has chosen to stay on the outside. When the girl he loves, Emily (Emilie de Ravin, 'Lost'), turns up dead, he is determined to find out “who” and “why”.
Brick is a fascinating and original film from first-time director Rian Johnson and it is a great debut. I haven't got much to add to Goodguy's review (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,3213.msg93544.html#msg93544) who hit it right on the head. It's an absolutely authentic Film Noir, straight out of the smoky 40s, except there's no smoking because it's set in High School!
It's tough to describe the film accurately. This isn't some ironic gimmick, it's played dead straight, with dialogue, characters and even mannerisms echoing perfectly the original movies. It really shouldn't work! But it is a resounding success thanks to the dedication shown by the young cast, who help pull off the suitably labyrinthine script. Johnson holds true to an atmosphere that feels just like The Long Goodbye. Matthias already mentioned that reference, but I can't think of another so perfectly matched. He's no slouch either, because while he could have got away with basic direction to just frame the actors, there are some really lovely touches especially in editing that give it some extra spark and subtle humour.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the "detective", as hard-boiled and world weary as any. He has a natural intensity I found similar to Heath Ledger and all credit to him that he shoulders almost the full running time. As with any classic Noir, the world revolves around him, much to his disgust. His heart broken by a girl now dead and for whatever reason, he needs to know why, digging into the criminal underworld of... his school. All the other important elements crop up, the Femme Fatale (Nora Zehetner), the thug (Noah Fleiss) and the kingpin (Lukas Haas), plus watch out for the superb scene with the Assistant Vice Principal (Richard Rountree, who else?), who in the real-Noir-world would be the police detective trying to help and double-cross our hero at the same time.
Not for want of effort, but occasionally, the ambition gets the better of them and it briefly feels like kids doing a play. I was reminded of Wes Anderson's Rushmore, but that's being picky, because this is very original and anyone who loves film will get a kick out of it. And I stress, again, it's no gimmick. You'll be drawn into their strange mirror-world without any effort!
Post by: richierich on November 04, 2009, 10:29:16 AM
Title: Bobby
Runtime:117
Certificate:R
Year:2006
Genres:Drama
Plot:Featuring one of the most remarkable casts ever assembled, Bobby is "an unforgettable movie experience...a powerful reminder of what America could be" (Pete Hammond, Maxim). The all-star ensemble includes Oscar® winners Anthony Hopkins and Helen Hunt, Oscar® nominees Laurence Fishburne, William H. Macy and Sharon Stone, along with Heather Graham, Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, Christian Slater and Elijah Wood. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez. Bobby revisits the night presidential-hopeful Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968. As the lives of those who were present dramatically intersect, Bobby shows how the gunshots that rang out that night forever changed the course of American history.
My Review:
Yes, this movie has an amazing cast, it literally drips with big names, as Estevez/Sheen use their influence to bag the stars. However the class stops with the actors, as the storyline is dull, meaningless and bitty. The potential for some meaningful drama injected into an important part of US history is lost, as the 'director' chooses to concentrate on a multitude of other small surrounding stories that are so disjointed that you soon lose interest in the whole production.
The soundtrack was wonderful, perfect accompaniment to a better film. The flashbacks to Kennedy and his speeches were inspirational and thought-provoking, and highlighted what a waste this movie is of a much better story that could have been told. It actually felt like a soap opera, and probably should have been run on TV accordingly.
Damn shame - disappointing.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: Tom on November 04, 2009, 10:27:17 PM
Title: Apt Pupil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apt_Pupil_(film)) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1998
Director: Bryan Singer
Rating: 15
Length: 107 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Turkish
Stars:
Brad Renfro
Ian McKellen
Joshua Jackson
David Schwimmer
Bruce Davison
Plot:
16-year-old high school student Todd Bowden (Brad Renfro - Sleepers, The Client) has uncovered a deadly secret. Far from suspicion, Nazi war criminal Kurt Dussander (Ian McKellon - Gods and Monsters) has been quietly living in Todd's hometown. Fascinated by the atrocities Dussander committed during the war, Todd begins to blackmail him. In exchange for the teenager's silence, Dussander must reveal his evil past. The two begin a relationship that spirals out of control, producing terrifying results.
Awards:
| Saturn | 1998 | Nominated | Best Director | Bryan Singer |
| Saturn | 1998 | Won | Best Horror Film | |
| Saturn | 1998 | Won | Best Supporting Actor | Ian McKellen |
| Saturn | 1998 | Nominated | Best Writing | Brandon Boyce |
| Saturn | 1998 | Nominated | Best Younger Actor | Brad Renfro |
Extras:
Featurettes
Production Notes
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
This movie does not follow the book but captures the essentials. Towards the end it even deviates far from its source. The books spans multiple years and is much more violent. In the film everything happens in the span of one year. (click to show/hide)
Rating:
Post by: richierich on November 04, 2009, 11:12:59 PM
Title: The Other Boleyn Girl
Runtime:115
Certificate:PG-13
Year:2008
Genres:Drama, Romance
Plot:Based on the best-selling novel, The Other Boleyn Girl is a captivating tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Eric Bana. Two sisters, Anne (Portman) and Mary (Johansson), are driven by their ambitious family to seduce the King of England (Bana) in order to advance their position in court. What starts as an opportunity for the girls to increase the family fortune becomes a deadly rivalry to capture the heart of a king and stay alive.
My Review:
Fascinating and admirable, an informative and entertaining period piece that shines with great performances (once you can excuse the poor accents), historical drama and educational backdrop.
Portman and Johansson in particular as the Boleyn sisters were impressive, painting a different slant on their involvement in the whole affair and coming across as not such unwitting pawns to their power hungry father and cunning uncle. Bana was a mile away from the real Henry of course who was fat and ugly, but for storyline purposes he fit the bill. The reasons for the split from the catholic church, the lust of Henry, the demise of Catherine, and the birth of Elizabeth, are memorable gems from the movie.
I've not read the book so cannot compare, but as a standalone film, and from one who typically is not a great fan of period drama, I really enjoyed it and would heartily recommend it.
My Rating
;D
;D
Post by: richierich on November 05, 2009, 01:03:53 AM
Title: The Damned United
Runtime:94
Certificate:15
Year:2009
Genres:Drama, Sports
Plot:THE DAMNED UNITED tells the confrontational and darkly humorous story of Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) and his doomed 44 day tenure as manager of the reigning champions of English football; Leeds United. Taking the job without trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) by his side, and with a changing room full of what in his mind were players loyal to his bitter rival Don Revie (Colm Meaney), would lead to an unheralded examination of Clough's belligerence and brilliance over 44 days. This is that story. The story of The Damned United.
My Review:
Not a great deal of interest to anyone who didn't know or lived through the reign of Brian Clough, but with young Michael Sheen once again proving his versatility and impersonation skills (Blair/Frost), a lot of Uk viewers will find this film an enjoyable look back to 70's football and one of it's leading and most controversial lights.
Not the most impactive storyline, or dramatic, but the characterisations of the lead roles, and there wonderful portrayals, helps this film cut the mustard. The feel of early 70's is convincing, the state of the game at the time and how clubs were run accurate. There was a lot of controversy on this movies release in the UK, Cloughs family refused to be involved in it, and dismissed it as being inaccurate. But as a film it entertains without any glitz or glamour.
The greatest manager England never had.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Najemikon on November 05, 2009, 01:17:24 AM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/china.jpg)
Jack Lemmon, Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas star in The China Syndrome, a powerful cautionary thriller about the dangers of nuclear energy and the power of television news.
At some point in your regular run-of-the-mill disaster movie, you have put your hands up and admit that it's pretty daft. They take a tiny fact and blow it up too far, but you don't care because it's too much fun. Roland Emmerich reaches this point in under 20 minutes usually! The China Syndrome is powerful right up to the final moments because it stays in the realm of what could happen, not what does. In that sense it isn't even a disaster movie, more the "cautionary thriller" the cover blurb calls it, yet you never get that safety blanket of being bale to dismiss it out-of-hand. It builds up to a tense and even disturbing finale. There are no set-pieces, just a well-told drama with a sobering premise and two-thirds in it's clear it will be more whistle-blower The Insider style than anything else. Visually it isn't ambitious, but Director James Bridges does a great job to keep all the plates spinning, not least in the final emotional roller-coaster sequence. The story is split between a nuclear power plant dealing with a potential accident and the news team that happened to have been there when the control room briefly went nuts.
In retrospect, it's kind of bleak, yet it's also very entertaining while you gnaw on your fingers! It has a cheeky sense of irony in more than one moment. The cast are as dependable as their script and sell the story perfectly. Jack Lemmon is his usual brilliant self as the conflicted shift supervisor who knows something is wrong with the power plant, Jane Fonda is the reporter looking for hard news and Michael Douglas is her hot-headed camera-man. He shows his worth and never feels like a third-wheel between the other two, Oscar nominated, performances.
Between the plant and the news room, there is Fonda's story of trying to prove her worth at the TV station. It's intriguing stuff and dovetails nicely with the other angles. While it reminded me of Network and it is a serious drama, it almost seems unfair to pick out the similarities with Anchorman; the similarities between Kimberley Wells and Veronica Corningstone are impossible to miss as she struggles to be taken seriously against the male anchors (the bellydancing moment is pure Ron Burgundy material!), and only gets the zoo and birthday party assignments! You couldn't make it up.
To it's credit, the film loses nothing for such a comparison. What you'll remember is a well-acted, slow-burning thriller, with a message still relevant and potent today, and a powerful ending. It's no spoiler to say that the credits are silent. Can't think I've seen that before.
Post by: Najemikon on November 05, 2009, 01:26:21 AM
Not a great deal of interest to anyone who didn't know or lived through the reign of Brian Clough...
I've never had even the slightest interest in football, but Brian Clough was a great man. I'm proud to say I come from the Nottingham/Derby area and he is deservedly a local hero. Watching him dismantle poor reporters was some of the best TV!
Post by: Rogmeister on November 05, 2009, 02:12:46 AM
Angel and the Badman (1947) Black & White 100 minutes
Producer: John Wayne
Written and Directed by James Edward Grant
Cast: John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot, Irene Rich, Paul Hurst
A gunslinger named Quirt Evans (John Wayne) is injured and taken in by a Quaker family. Slowly, their ways and the growing love between him and their daughter begins to change him.
This was the first movie produced by John Wayne, who also starred in the film and the only film directed by James Edward Grant whose real trade was screenwriting. Though Grant is certainly no Howard Hawks or John Ford, this film is surprisingly effective and holds up well today. As with many of John Ford's films, much of the film was shot on Monument Valley and used many familiar character actors including Harry Carey Sr. and Bruce Cabot. Though not one of John Wayne's most famous films, this is one I really like and I enjoy coming back to it again and again. As with many Republic pictures, this film has fallen into the land of public domain and there are many copies out there, some good and some bad as far as picture and sound quality goes. My copy is from The Roan Group, a company that had a great reputation regarding quality product...at least until they were bought out by Troma. If you can find a Roan copy, that's the one to go for. Of course, as with many older films, there are no real extras to speak of, just some text about the background of the film and a screen showing the main players in the film.
Post by: Tom on November 05, 2009, 09:07:45 PM
A movie about a blind female swordsman I watched today at the AsiaFilmFest. Overall I enjoyed this movie, even though it begins to drag in the second half.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 05, 2009, 11:31:13 PM
The Black Swan (1942) Technicolor 85 minutes
Directed by Henry King
Cast: Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Laird Cregar, Thomas Mitchell, George Sanders, Anthony Quinn, George Zucco
Music composed by Alfred Newman
Oscar-winner for Color Cinematography
Oscar-nominated for Special Effects and for Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture
DVD Extras
Commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer and actress Maureen O'Hara
Restoration Comparison
Theatrical Trailer
It's time to buckle that swash! Join Tyrone Power and his cronies (including every whiskey drinker's favorite seaman, Captain Morgan) as they join him in Jamaica after being pardoned by the king of England...until another seaman (played by George Sanders in a bright red wig and beard) continues his evil ways attacking the king's ships and stealing their bootie. It's a rollicking high adventure shot in beautiful Technicolor. It also has an interesting audio commentary featuring actress Maureen O'Hara who revealed that in her first color film, she got "klieg eyes" due to overpowering lights and vowed to never shoot another color film again until cinematographer Leon Shamroy surprised her with the low level lights he would use. This is certainly an incredible-looking picture with vibrant colors and terrific battle sequences both at sea and in castles on the mainland. If you enjoy a good pirate adventure, this is one you need to see.
Post by: Tom on November 05, 2009, 11:45:31 PM
Title: You've Got Mail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27ve_Got_Mail) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1998
Director: Nora Ephron
Rating: FSK-6
Length: 115 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Surround, Music Only: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Stars:
Tom Hanks
Meg Ryan
Greg Kinnear
Parker Posey
Heather Burns
Plot:
This sweet romantic comedy reunites 'Sleepless In Seattle' stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. He's the owner of a bookstore chain; she's the woman he falls for online. Both are unaware that she runs the little shop his company is trying to shut down.
Awards:
| AFI | 1998 | Nominated | 100 Years... 100 Passions (2002) | |
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Favorite Actor - Comedy/Romance | Tom Hanks |
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | 1999 | Won | Favorite Actress - Comedy/Romance | Meg Ryan |
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | 1999 | Won | Favorite Supporting Actor - Comedy/Romance | Greg Kinnear |
| BMI Film & TV Music Awards | 1999 | Won | BMI Film Music Award | George Fenton |
| Golden Globe | 1998 | Nominated | Actress in a Leading Role - Musical or Comedy | Meg Ryan |
| Satellite Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Actress – Comedy or Musical | Meg Ryan |
| Satellite Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical | Lauren Shuler Donner, Nora Ephron |
| Satellite Awards | 1999 | Nominated | Best Original Song | "Anyone At All": Carole King, Carol Bayer-Sager |
Extras:
Commentary
DVD-ROM Content
Featurettes
Production Notes
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I have always enjoyed this movie. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are both great in this one. I think they have great chemistry together. The only thing I didn't like is the horrible product placement of AOL, which really dates this movie.Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on November 06, 2009, 12:27:54 AM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 06, 2009, 12:49:47 AM
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 01:13:01 AM
Post by: Jimmy on November 06, 2009, 01:51:08 AM
Maybe you should tried with the binary alphabet... you just need two movies :tease:
Post by: richierich on November 06, 2009, 02:44:11 AM
Rick any chance for a review soon :whistle:
Maybe you should tried with the binary alphabet... you just need two movies :tease:
:hysterical:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 03:31:12 AM
Rick any chance for a review soon :whistle::hysterical: :hysterical: :hysterical:
Maybe you should tried with the binary alphabet... you just need two movies :tease:
:-\
:bag:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 06, 2009, 04:14:31 AM
Captain Blood (1935) Black & White 119 minutes
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Cast: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Lionel Atwill, Basil Rathbone, Ross Alexander, Guy Kibbee
Music: Erich Wolfgang Korngold
After watching "The Black Swan", I was in the mood for even more swashbuckling so I decided to pop in Errol Flynn's first starring role in a swasbuckler, "Captain Blood". Ironically, both films were based on novels by the same writer, Rafael Sabatini. Captain Blood came out 7 years earlier and was shot in black & white so you don't get the lush color photography of The Black Swan but it looks very good for a 74 year old black & white film. You get more big ships, armies of men swordfighting all at once, both on land and at sea. Unfortunately, you don't get Maureen O'Hara this time, having to settle instead for Olivia de Havilland but you do get Errol Flynn so perhaps that's a fair trade off. Unlike the other film where the lead character starts off being a pirate, this time you get the long story of how he became one...being arrested and sold off into slavery and finally escaping with fellow slaves and taking over a ship. Basil Rathbone is in this film, too...but not for a long amount of screen time but he does have one excellent sword fight sequence with Flynn which is definitely one of the highlights of the movie.
The DVD has a lot of extras including a featurette on the movie, audio-only bonus radio program, and the original trailer. They also have a presentation of Warner Night at the Movies where they try to show you what it was like seeing a movie back then...besides the movies, you get some shorts also from 1935 including a newsreel, movie trailer of another film, musical and comedy shorts and a cartoon. There's a lot of entertainment for your buck here, especially considering that, as I write this, you can pick this up in the U.S. currently for about $6.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 04:48:34 AM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 06, 2009, 05:25:01 AM
Post by: Achim on November 06, 2009, 05:35:35 AM
Boy did Kevin Smith drop the ball on this one. The story is rather lame and feels forced (admittedly, the story is rarely the main focus of his films, almost like a McGuffin) and especially the acting is very flat, feels like the lines are merely recited, not felt. It clearly shows that Jay and Silent Bob are great side characters in front of the convenient store (or burger joint) but cannot hold a movie by themselves.
Post by: richierich on November 06, 2009, 10:34:35 AM
Title: Frost / Nixon
Runtime:123
Certificate:R
Year:2008
Genres:Drama
Plot:From Academy Award® -winning† director Ron Howard comes the electrifying, untold story behind one of the most unforgettable moments in history.
When disgraced President Richard Nixon agreed to an interview with jet-setting television personality, David Frost, he thought he’d found the key to saving his tarnished legacy. But, with a name to make and a reputation to overcome, Frost became one of Nixon’s most formidable adversaries and engaged the leader in a charged battle of wits that changed the face of politics forever.
Featuring brilliant portrayals by Frank Langella and Michael Sheen, FROST/NIXON is the fascinating and suspenseful story of truth, accountability, secrets and lies.
My Review:
Fascinating insight into an historical moment, I had watched the last interview before on TV, and this film fills in all the gaps of the hows and whys surrounding the final admission by Nixon in his interview with Frost, and some superb acting brings the whole piece to life.
I went into the film with low expectations, but under Howards unfussy direction the 70's feel, the political turmoil of the times, and the drama of the final piece were totally authentic and absorbing. The performances are perfectly understated, Michael Sheen again proves to be one of todays brightest and most versatile performers, but the movie is dominated by Frank Langellas wonderful depiction of Nixon.
400 million people watched the final interview worldwide, a remarkable achievement by Frost against so many barriers and financial blocks, and after this movie my dislike of him has turned into respect.
A perfect balance of political intrigue, tension, drama and humour.
My Rating
;D
;D
Post by: Najemikon on November 06, 2009, 03:18:47 PM
Jay and Sielnt Bob Strike Back
I always enjoyed this one! It was certianly odd, but I sort of got what he was trying to do. An accomplished failure perhaps! ;D
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 10:08:53 PM
The Undefeated (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065150/)
Hollywood Legends:
John Wayne
Rock Hudson
Overview:
John Wayne and Rock Hudson co-star in this rollicking classic set in Mexico during the tumultuous post-Civil War days. As Union Cavalry officer John Henry Thomas (John Wayne) and former Confederate Colonel James Langdon (Rock Hudson) lead their men into the new territories to begin a new life, their paths cross. Now, caught between Mexican rebels and the Emperor's forces, they find themselves fighting side by side and must forge an uneasy friendship in order to survive. Based on a story by Stanley L. Hough, this entertaining film about unlikely aliances is Western action at its best.
My Thoughts:
I started my marathon with the one movie I’ve already watched. I enjoyed this movie, but I enjoy just about any John Wayne movie. This was one of the standard John Wayne westerns where the story line is more of a backdrop for the characters and their antics than the other way around. McLintock to me is the best of these. This one had the shoot-outs, the fight scenes, the big picnic type party, the young couple romance, etc., etc. It even had the scene where JW punches someone… just because.
From The Undefeated:
Government Man: “Wait a minute.. I didn’t do anything”
JW: “You should’ve!”
BAM
From McLintock:
JW: “Well I’m not gonna hit’cha… I’m not gonna hit’cha… the hell I’m not”
BAM
Nobody does it like the Duke! :laugh:
I enjoyed Rock Hudson in this as well, except for that accent! :-\ The only thing worse was his sideburns and mustache!! :laugh:
The movie has many familiar faces from other JW movies. I can’t help but wonder how much fun they had using the same people on movie after movie. A bit like a reunion each time they were filming.
Bottom line is I enjoyed it very much. It certainly isn’t a deep movie with any hidden meanings but it is entertaining, fun and leaves you with a smile on your face when it’s over.
My Rating
Post by: Jimmy on November 06, 2009, 10:58:44 PM
After more than a year of teasing, you have finally made it :thumbup::bag:Makes me want to go watch some movies so I can review them and have them added to the list :laugh:Rick we are waiting since almost 4 months :whistle:
When we will read your first movie review? Don't tell us that you haven't watch one dvd yet :P
:clap:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 06, 2009, 11:03:44 PM
Post by: Tom on November 06, 2009, 11:23:16 PM
Today I watched the second movie of the Neon Genesis Evangelion remake tetralogy at the AsiaFilmFest. For fans of the series there is a lot of new stuff to see here. I only have seen the series once, so for me everything in it felt new, but with familiarity to it. Even some new characters are introduced. This movie covers about the rest of the series. It seems like they will move to an entirely new direction with the remaining two movies.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 11:36:23 PM
Regarding Wayne using many of the same people in his movies, I believe he got that from John Ford. He always used a lot of the same guys (Ward Bond, Ben Johnson, etc.) and they became known as the John Ford Stock Company. The Undefeated is actually not my favorite Wayne picture. He was getting older at this point and some of those pictures started to look and sound alike. I still don't think Duke was "phoning it in" though some others in his films may have been.
I don't know about phoning it in, I think the role just became so 2nd nature to him it took little to no effort on his part. Using the same basic stories made learning his lines pretty easy too JW: "Is this the part where we get drunk then get in a fight?" :laugh:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 06, 2009, 11:39:19 PM
What'd you have that quote sitting waiting for me?!? :hysterical:After more than a year of teasing, you have finally made it :thumbup::bag:Makes me want to go watch some movies so I can review them and have them added to the list :laugh:Rick we are waiting since almost 4 months :whistle:
When we will read your first movie review? Don't tell us that you haven't watch one dvd yet :P
:clap:
It was actually pretty painless. Think I'll do a little happy dance. :celebrate:
Post by: RossRoy on November 06, 2009, 11:49:09 PM
Starship Troopers |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| From the bridge of the Fleet Battlestation Ticonderoga, with its sweeping galactic views, to the desolate terrain of planet Klendathu, teeming with shrieking, fire-spitting brain-sucking special effects creatures, acclaimed director PAUL VERHOVEN crafts a dazzling epic based on Robert A. Heinlein's classic sci-fi adventure. CASPER VAN DIEN, DINA MEYER, DENISE RICHARDS, JAKE BUSEY, NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, PATRICK MULDOON, and MICHAEL IRONSIDE star as the courageous soldiers who travel to the distant and desolate Klendathu system for the ultimate showdown between the species. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| Fun over the top science fiction. I like the little "propaganda" segments, they add a nice touch of irony to the movie. The bug effects are quite nice too! Let me guess... ILM? ....<goes off to check>..... their name is there, but they're not alone! Anyways, I liked the effects. It was also very nice to see Dr Horrible (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr_Horrible), along with John Danziger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_2_%28TV_series%29) and Sam Fisher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_fisher). (click to show/hide) A nice popcorn flick, the way I like them! |
| RATING |
Post by: Jimmy on November 07, 2009, 02:25:59 AM
What'd you have that quote sitting waiting for me?!? :hysterical:No, but the oral presentation that I've done when I was an university student had given me a good memory ;D
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 11:40:20 AM
What'd you have that quote sitting waiting for me?!? :hysterical:No, but the oral presentation that I've done when I was an university student had given me a good memory ;D
Did you do a lot of oral in University, Jimmy?
:devil:
Post by: Achim on November 07, 2009, 11:49:51 AM
I enjoyed it more on first viewing, but this being the second time I saw it, it just kind of fell apart. Some bits and pieces were fine but in overall it really didn't come together.Jay and Sielnt Bob Strike Back
I always enjoyed this one! It was certianly odd, but I sort of got what he was trying to do. An accomplished failure perhaps! ;D
Post by: Jimmy on November 07, 2009, 02:22:39 PM
Did you do a lot of oral in University, Jimmy?Pervert :redcard:
(......)
:devil:
The kind you think of does nothing for the memory...
But in the serious side, I've made a lot of them and most of the time it was more than one hour presentation. Since I was in politics most of them were about the European politics and the Russian revolution... My final project was an analysis of different countries secession who had worked in comparaison with the one here in the Province of Quebec to see why it doesn't work and if it can work....
You see, I was a serious and boring person at one point in my life :laugh:
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 04:04:02 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/angel.jpg)
In this powerful early noir from the great Akira Kurosawa, Toshiro Mifune bursts onto the screen as a volatile, tubercular criminal who strikes up an unlikely relationship with Takashi Shimura's jaded physician. Set in and around the muddy swamps and back alleys of postwar Tokyo, 'Drunken Angel' is an evocative, moody snapshot of a treacherous time and place, featuring one of the director's most memorably violent climaxes.
Akira Kurosawa is one the most accessible foreign directors, because he enjoyed doing genre pictures. His Samurai movies were legitimate Western’s and this earlier film is typical thriller and a classic Noir plot. He’s one of my favourite directors, because while the films are eminently watchable, scratch the surface and you find ambitious screenplays with a social conscience as well as superb technical endeavour.
Drunken Angel is the story of a powerful Yakuza succumbing to Tuberculosis, yet finding something worthwhile in a relationship with his grumpy doctor, despite stubbornly ignoring his advice in an effort to retain his position and honour. It unfolds in a grimy, ruined town, governed by Yakuza with no visible law, and with a swamp at its centre, which as metaphors go is pretty obvious.
The Yakuza themselves are a metaphor for Western influence too, living the high-life without considering consequences. Made in 1948 during the US occupation and therefore subject to rigorous censorship, I find it fascinating that Kurosawa clearly loved the American movies, yet was able to use their conventions to be very critical. The Criterion DVD talks about the strange time in which this film was made and it’s very enlightening.
The two lead parts are played by Kurosawa regulars. Toshiro Mifune, playing the sick Yakuza Matsunaga, was one of cinemas most brilliant screen actors and in this role, possibly more than the Samurai ones, he shows why. He is pure charisma and convinces both as the arrogant show-off and the humbled, steely determined sick man trying to do something right. Takashi Shimura in the less showy role just as easily impresses as the Drunken Angel of the title. A miserable old sod, with a heart of gold and a fierce wit. He is Paul Newman to Mifune’s Brando and the role is perfect because in both character and performance he refuses to be intimidated, even resorting to throwing things at him in one of the films frequent touches of humour. Both are serious roles though, played with subtlety when needed and it’s powerful stuff.
It has a poetic and lyrical heart. In one moment, a notorious villain is introduced in a beautiful fashion, borrowing a guitar players instrument and at least two characters hear the music change and instinctively know why. Otherwise, Kurosawa’s editing and composition is of his usual standard, wringing every bit of potential out of every scene. The finale features stark violence, with a struggle through spilled paint that looks astonishing, hence its influence on the cover.
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 04:42:02 PM
2 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/gene.jpg)
The spectacle of the London to Brighton Commemorative Run provides the background for this delightful comedy in which friendly rivalry (both automotive and sexual) between two couples develops into a no-holds-barred race!
Four charming lead performances, a sharp and amusing script, Larry Adler's Oscar® nominated harmonica theme and the vintage cars themselves fortuitously combined to turn GENEVIEVE into an unexpected smash hit. One of Britain's most affectionately remembered films, it won the BAFTA for Best British Film and made More ('Reach for the Sky') and Kendall ('Doctor in the House') top box office stars.
Classic, perennial British favourite and it’s all jolly thrilling! And everyone talks rather quickly, in that clipped polite tone and they’re all so jolly lovely to one another, even when they don’t like them! Don’t they, darling? Oh yes, they do! Anyone for tea? What a jolly lovely day! I may just go and bash my own brains out against a wall, darling, oh yes!
Look, I know this is a classic comedy and everyone has a soft spot for it, but it has dated, despite an undeniable charm and Adler's memorable theme. I can’t actually find anything wrong with it as such, except maybe an undercurrent of snobbery, typical of the times. But the story is nice, the actors are nice, the scenery is nice, even the bloody cars are nice; in a vintage sort of way. If you have any interest in old cars, you’ll love it. As comedies go, there are laughs to be had, but each one is followed by a scene that’s just so... bloody nice. You may go mad! It’s pointless me telling you about any of the cast, because they’re all well known, but on auto-pilot. They’ve done better elsewhere, especially Kenneth More, and they were just as nice as they were here.
Cannonball Run, circa ’53? Not really. It could certainly have been more fun and pales against Ealing productions. The Titfield Thunderbolt is similar in many ways, but is much funnier and still has a spark today.
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 04:43:38 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 04:53:17 PM
3 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/ffsil.jpg)
"Invisible Woman" Sue Storm and "Mr Fantastic" Dr. Reed Richards are about to be married when a mysterious alien the Silver Surfer crashes the proceedings and heralds Earth's impending destruction. With time running out, the Fantastic Four must use all their powers in a thrilling race to save the planet.
Unencumbered by lumpy origins, real-world logic and subscribing unashamedly to Marvel logic, Tim Story gets to concentrate on Four Fantastic characters built up over decades of comic book lore. It is so faithful this is actually one of the best comic book adaptations yet. In the stories, they share the universe with Spider-Man, who in turn has been teamed with the X-Men as well. Both those franchises contain better, more exciting, more ambitious movies, but both also fail when they try to invest the inherently silly plots with too much serious drama.
Despite improving on the first Fantastic Four, this sequel still plays out like a soap opera, complete with cheesy dialogue, half-arsed plot-lines and basic characters to form a family unit, but it sort of works better this time. Bring in b-movie origin powers that get away with the barest-to-none explanation (Stan Lee’s whole philosophy) and it turns into a lot of fun.
Michael Chiklis is hilarious as The Thing. His banter with Chris Evan’s Johnny Storm might be what keeps you coming back. Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) and Sue Storm (impossibly cute and impossibly tanned Jessica Alba) are a bit wet, but still have fun, but then Stan Lee always did have a very soppy centre! Julian McMahon returns as Dr. Doom and is ok, but surplus to requirements.
Then we get Norrin Radd, The Silver Surfer himself. Whatever else you think of this film, he is a superb realisation. He looks cool, he sounds cool (voiced by Laurence Fishburne, acted by Doug Jones, could he be less?) and he gives us the film’s best set-pieces. Dig a little, there isn’t much to him, but he comes with built-in gravitas so the story works on the contrast between him and the colourful Four. There’s even less to Galactus; Tim Story wisely reduces the planet Destroyer to a big cloud. Anything else would have looked daft and caused fan-boy rage!
If Superman and The Dark Knight remain the closest to the DC ideology, then The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer has to be closest to Marvel’s. It’s fast, frothy, kiddie-centric fun that adults will enjoy too, if they let themselves. Just like the comics. At less than 90 minutes, it’s worth a punt and I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. A third instalment would be welcome, because I think there is a niche for this type of superhero movie.
The DVD is disappointing though. Effects wise, the film is inconsistent (Surfer is fantastic; Reed’s stretchy face, not so much), but the image quality seems flat throughout. The packaging said there was a free Frisbee included. I didn’t get one :(, but perhaps they meant the disc! It might be one for Blu-Ray, as reviews are very good.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 07, 2009, 05:08:14 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 07, 2009, 05:23:27 PM
I liked the first Fantastic Four movie...enough to see it twice in the theater. I haven't seen this one but I have the DVD but I note mine has a different cover. Mine is billed as "The Power Cosmic Edition". I'll have to check it out soon. Maybe someday I'll watch the two FF films together...then again, maybe not since it hasn't been that long since I last saw the first one. I guess there's never going to be another FF movie, right?
According to Rewind (http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=11854#overall), yours is comparable, if not identical, to the two disc edition that is available in the UK. I have the boxset of both films as it was only about £3.99! But they are the single-disc editions. Still quite generous on extras though.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the first one. You should definitely like this one too. Sadly, a previously mooted part 3 seems dead, but Fox have recently announced another one, using the dreaded word "reboot".
There is also the possibility of a Silver Surfer spin-off (another thing Fox has a penchant for, as well as misunderstanding the appeal of the character). All talked about on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastic_Four_%28film_series%29#Future)
Post by: Tom on November 08, 2009, 10:45:47 AM
Title: Umrao Jaan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umrao_Jaan_%282006_film%29) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: J.P. Dutta
Rating: FSK-12
Length: 188 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35
Audio: German: Dolby Digital 5.1, Hindi: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: German
Stars:
Aishwarya Rai
Shabana Azmi
Suneil Shetty
Abhishek Bachchan
Bikram Saluja
Extras:
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
A remake of an Indian classic. It is a really boring movie. The three hour running time is too much for the story. They could have easily told the same in one hour. The two stars (famous Bollywood couple Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan) were okay, but the acting of most of the supporting cast was amateurish. Would be interesing to see the original with Rekha, but I haven't found a decent DVD release of that one.Rating:
Post by: Tom on November 08, 2009, 10:52:48 AM
Title: Monsters vs. Aliens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters_vs._Aliens) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Conrad Vernon, Rob Letterman
Rating: FSK-6
Length: 95 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35
Audio: English: Dolby Digital TrueHD, German: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Turkish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish
Stars:
Reese Witherspoon
Seth Rogen
Hugh Laurie
Will Arnett
Kiefer Sutherland
Plot:
The world's most unlikely heroes are on a mission to save Earth in Dreamworks Animations's MONSTERS VS ALIENS
Ginormica, Dr. Cockroach Ph D, The Missing Link, Insectosaurous and B.O.B. join forces to fight back when aliens attack. With amazing animation and an all-star voice cast including Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie and Keifer Sutherland, this ginormous adventure is MONSTER SMASH ... THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Music Videos
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
I did watch this one at the theatres in 3D. I still enjoyed it just as much this time around. It has fun and likable characters and a fun story. Too bad that they didn't put the movie additionally as 3D on this Blu-ray (they did this with Coraline). There is a bonus short which they put on as 3D. Although the 3D for home cinema is far from the current technology in the theatres, I was surprised how good the effect can still be archieved on a television. Only the colors are horrorable because of the green/red filtering.Rating:
Post by: Tom on November 08, 2009, 10:58:46 AM
Title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men_Origins:_Wolverine) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Gavin Hood
Rating: FSK-16
Length: 107 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35
Audio: English: DTS HD Master Audio, French: DTS 5.1, German: DTS 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Commentary, Dutch, English, French, German
Stars:
Hugh Jackman
Liev Schreiber
Danny Huston
Will.I.Am
Lynn Collins
Plot:
Superstar Hugh Jackman attacks the role of Wolverine once again with a vengeance! This pulse-pounding action thriller sinks razor-sharp adamantium claws into the mysterious origins of Wolverine: his epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Sabertooth (Liev Schreiber), and the ominous Weapon X program that unleashes his primal fury. Along the way, Wolverine also encounters legendary new mutants, including Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Gambit (Taylor Kitsch). Get ready for this deeper, darker, more-spectacular-than-ever chapter of teh X-Men saga!
Awards:
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Cameo | Patrick Stewart |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Comic Book Movie | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Fantasy Actor | Hugh Jackman |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Fantasy Movie | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Sequel | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Superhero | Hugh Jackman |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Superhero | Taylor Kitsch |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Supporting Actor | Ryan Reynolds |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Supporting Actor | Taylor Kitsch |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Villian | Leiv Schreiber |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Breakout Performance-Male | Taylor Kitsch |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Breakout Performance-Male | Will.i.Am |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Fight-to-the-Death Scene of the Year | "Logan and Victor vs. Weapon X": |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Won | Choice Movie - Action Adventure | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Won | Choice Movie Actor - Action/Adventure | Hugh Jackman |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Fresh Face - Female | Lynn Collins |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Fresh Face - Male | Taylor Kitsch |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Hissy Fit | Hugh Jackman |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Rumble | Wolverine, Victor Creed vs. Weapon X |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Villain | Liev Schreiber |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Summer Male Hottie | Taylor Kitsch |
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Digital Copy
Featurettes
Interviews
Live Lookup
Scene Access
X-View Modus
My Thoughts:
I was weary about this movie. Wolverine isn't exactly my favorite character in X-Men. This movie was okay though. Not as good as the first two X-Men movies, but probably on par with the third one. There is at least a lot of well-done action to be seen.Rating:
Post by: Tom on November 08, 2009, 11:04:01 AM
Title: Låt Den Rätte Komma In (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_the_Right_One_In_(film)) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Rating: 15
Length: 118 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35
Audio: Swedish: DTS 5.1, Swedish: Dolby Digital 5.0, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Kåre Hedebrant
Lina Leandersson
Per Ragnar
Henrik Dahl
Karin Bergquist
Plot:
Twelve year old Oskar is an outsider, struggling to fit in at school and left alone to fend for himself at home whilst his mother works nights. One evening he meets the mysterious Eli. As a sweet romance blossoms between them, Oskar learns to overcome his tormentors and discovers Eli's dark secret and the connections to the gruesome events occuring across town. Together they must help Eli be gone and live, or stay and die.
Brutal, bloody and tender, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN weaves friendship, rejection and loyalty into a disturbing and darkly atmospheric, yet poetic and unexpectedly tender tableau of adolescence.
Awards:
| Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Actor | Kare Hedebrant |
| Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Actress | Lina Leandersson |
| Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Limited-Release/Direct-To-Video Film | |
| Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Score | Johan Söderqvist |
| Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Screenplay | John Ajvide Lindqvist |
| Satellite Awards | 2008 | Nominated | Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language | |
| Saturn Awards | 2008 | Nominated | Best Performance by a Younger Actor | Lina Leandersson |
| Saturn Awards | 2008 | Nominated | Best Writing | John Ajvide Lindqvist |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Director | Tomas Alfredson |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Foreign Movie | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Horror Actor | Kare Hedebrant |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Horror Actress | Lina Leandersson |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Horror Movie | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Scream-Play | John Ajvide Lindqvist |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Breakout Performance-Female | Lina Leandersson |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Most Memorable Mutilation | "The Swimming Pool Scene": |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | The "Holy Sh%t!" Scene of the Year | "The Swimming Pool Scene": |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | The Ultimate Scream | |
| Young Artist Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Performance in an International Feature Film – Leading Young Performers | Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson |
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Photo Gallery
My Thoughts:
I have seen this movie at last year's FantasyFilmFest. It was the best movie I had seen there that year, which means a lot because I saw some great movies there.This movie had surprised me then. I wasn't expecting liking it very much. Usually I do not like movies with such a slow pace. But this one was really great.
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on November 08, 2009, 03:33:04 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/smart.jpg)
Steve Carell is in CONTROL as Maxwell Smart, the novice agent often out of his depth but never out of options in this action comedy, pitting him against the nuclear scheme of the evil spy group KAOS. Anne Hathaway partners with Max as ever-capable Agent 99. And director Peter Segal (The Longest Yard) guides his stars (including Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin) through the dangerous realm of molar radios, multifunction pocketknives, exploding dental floss and more.
I’m not familiar with the original show, so I don’t know how this stands up to it, but I really enjoyed Get Smart. The story is very light, daft and has been seen many times before in slightly different guises. Although it’s more True Lies than Austin Powers, it’s similar to both films in that the plot really doesn’t matter in the slightest. It’s about Maxwell Smart and little more.
So much of the film rests on how much you are convinced by Steve Carell. I thought he was brilliant and this is a perfect role for him. What I found a pleasant surprise is that Carell doesn’t play him as a complete idiot and his character is not treated as one. He makes mistakes and he thinks he’s smoother than he is, but he is also resourceful and intelligent. His heart is in the right place and most of the time he pulls off his intentions. He’s like an accountant who thinks he could be James Bond; awkward he may be, but it doesn’t stop him being right! The dead-pan scripting plays into his hands beautifully.
He needs help, mainly from the more typical Agents 23 (Dwayne Johnson) and 99 (Anne Hathaway). Hathaway is wonderful and brings some spark to what could have been a standard role. As does Johnson, continuing to prove his worth. He has such charming modest enthusiasm, you wonder if he just did the wrestling lark to get into movies, where he really belongs! Alan Arkin as the Chief fits in nicely too, sometimes stealing the film right from under Carell’s nose and has great fun in scenes like the petulant scrap in the war room. I did like the undercurrent of playground tit-for-tat going on between Control and other Government agencies. Terence Stamp possibly has the most straightforward job as the villain, but his smooth delivery of insults to his goons is a joy in ways only he can do.
It’s a very smooth and shiny film, with plenty of action and even if it occasionally goes too silly, it’ll keep you smiling throughout.
Post by: richierich on November 08, 2009, 03:56:24 PM
Title: JCVD
Runtime:96
Certificate:15
Year:2008
Genres:Action
Plot:Washed-up, fighting bankruptcy and caught in the midst of a desperate struggle to win his daughter back from the jaws of a bitter custody battle, Van Damme unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dangerous bank robbery led by a gang of armed and violent criminals.
Trapped inside, Van Damme is framed for the robbery and the murder of innocent hostages. Now he must win the approval of the crowd as well as the trust of the police if he is to survive this deadly heist!
With a killer mix of action, murder, mayhem and no shortage of laughs JCVD delivers with the impact of a roundhouse kick to the face! Van Damme is back and this time he¿s taking no prisoners!
My Review:
Awful self-indulgent Van-Damme film, this actor has not made a decent film for several years and this rates down at the bottom of the heap.
The idea to promote JCVD as a vehicle to demonstrate the leads serious acting skills backfires, it becomes a slow and boring film heavy with dialogue, with a jumbled and disjointed plot, clumsy supporting characters, and uncomfortable soul revealing scenes. The few action scenes are miserably bad, and it looks like this 'star' has fallen to the level of Seagal in his later years. Damme shame.
The only decent part of watching this dvd was having a listen to the dubbed audio, which sounded like a pack of Inspector Clouseau's doing hammy French accents - very funny.
My Rating
:yucky:
:yucky:
Post by: Najemikon on November 08, 2009, 04:41:05 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 08, 2009, 04:43:39 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/hunter.jpg)
Steve McQueen's last movie shows the dynamic talent of the late, great actor in one of his most memorable roles: The true story of Ralph "Papa" Thorson, a modern day bounty hunter. Thorson's exploits are detailed as he pursues a number of fugitives who have skipped bail. The chase comes full circle when he becomes the quarry of a vengeful psychopath. McQueen's multi-dimensional performance as Thorson, a man born in the wrong age, is counterpoint to the explosive action in the The Hunter.
This is an unusual and original film, given some poignancy by it being both based on truth and Steve McQueen’s final film. He is typically brilliant in it and shows what a huge loss cinema suffered on his death. Of course, his life could have been an action movie in its own right, so it’s poetic that he plays a man like Ralph “Papa” Thorson, who both lives up to and contradicts the action-man image.
“Papa” was already a man out of his time as a Bounty Hunter, chasing down bail absconders. He lived a fascinating life, but while it is based on a book by Christopher Keane, this is no bio-pic. There is no illuminating arc about the man’s life. So, you may assume it’s the opposite. A typical, probably fictionalised action movie, perhaps a more serious version of Midnight Run, but it isn’t that either!
While I’m sure much is fictionalised, it’s laid back, unassuming and episodic, with no real perceptible plot. There are two elements that could be called such: his girlfriend’s (Kathryn Harold, as Dotty) pregnancy forcing him to face up to the future and an ex-con looking for revenge, forcing him to deal with his past. If the film has a real weak point, it’s in having to deal with that ex-con (character actor Tracey Walter) as it can’t help but be a bit predictable.
Otherwise, the best way I can describe it is it is almost like Thorson’s diary being played out for a couple of weeks. You might argue that it’s lazy, because there is no link between his various jobs, but I loved it. How better to learn about someone than to just follow them for a bit? Still it would be dangerously close to being a TV movie if not for its star.
McQueen plays Thorson as a little bit old, a little bit weary, but basically content with his very unusual job, if feeling awkward. He demonstrates some brief, but ruthless efficiency in some of the action. Strangely, I was reminded of Die Hard’s John McClane more than anything.
He’s stuck in his ways, struggling to accept the prospect of a child, and he collects old toys. It’s also insinuated he collects old jobs! His house is always full of people who were likely caught by him, but became his friend. Like Star Trek’s Levar Burton, his first pick-up in the film, who reappears at the house and is always trying to fix things.
He is an endearing character though, so the way people are drawn to him is absolutely convincing, and it’s a subtle, open performance by McQueen. I especially enjoyed the running joke of him only liking old cars and finding a Trans Am almost impossible to drive, considering he was actually a very accomplished and influential racing driver!
It may be tough to describe, but it’s very easy to recommend and if McQueen had a sense this may have been his last role, then he picked the perfect one. The very final shot is a nice way to finish as well.
Post by: Tom on November 08, 2009, 07:17:55 PM
Title: Queen of the Damned (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_the_Damned_(film)) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2002
Director: Michael Rymer
Rating: R
Length: 101 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Stuart Townsend
Marguerite Moreau
Aaliyah
Vincent Perez
Paul McGann
Plot:
It's her time. Her place. The wickedly regal Mother of All Vampires is ready again to rule! Aaliyah plays the title role in this stylish shocker based on Anne Rice's 'The Vampire Chronicles'. Stuart Townsend portrays Lestat, the undead antihero previously seen in the movie version of Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire'. This time, Lestat finds acceptance in a tattooed and pierced world. He's a rock star. And his intoxicating Goth-riffed sound rekindles the desires of all-powerful Akasha.
Awards:
| MTV Movie Awards | 2002 | Nominated | Best Villain | Aaliyah |
| Saturn | 2002 | Nominated | Best Horror Film |
Extras:
Closed Captioned
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
DVD-ROM Content
Featurettes
Music Videos
Outtakes
Photo Gallery
Production Notes
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I have bought this movie blind about a year ago when it was on sale. I have treaded watching it, as I mostly read negative reviews for this. Those reviews were right. It is a boring movie, though it has its moments. I watched it today, because my brother was here and wanted to watch it with me. As he is a "Korn" fan (who provide the music in this movie), he often tried watching it when it was on TV, but always fell asleep during it.
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on November 08, 2009, 07:58:44 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/mood.jpg)
Hong Kong 1962. Chow (Tony Leung - Happy Together, Hard Boiled) is a junior newspaper reporter with an elusive wife. His new neighbour, Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung - Days of Being Wild, Irma Vep), is a sectretary whose husband seems to spend all his time on business trips. they become friends, making the lonely evenings more bearable. As their relationship develops they make a discovery that changes their life forever...
In this sumptuous expolration of desire, internationally acclaimed director Wong Kar-Wai (Chungking Express, Happy Together, Fallen Angels) creates a world of sensuality and longing that will leave you breathless. "In the Mood for Love" has seduced audiences and critics alike, winning awards at Cannes 2000 for best actor, cinematography and editing.
In The Mood For Love is a spellbinding and adult romance, beautifully filmed in traditional techniques that put photography as important as anything else. It’s moody, yet colourful palette, evokes a sultry, smoky atmosphere to perfectly accompany the enigmatic screenplay. It has a wonderful theme too, frequently accompanying slow motion sequences. I had thought the film was reminding me of 1950s British drama in its composition and character, but when that first slow motion scene came in, it became something else entirely. Throughout, Wong Kar Wai’s editing is sublime, languishing on key moments, cutting into others. It is a story driven by emotions rather than events; it isn’t entirely clear even how much time passes before the final act when we jump forward a year, and then a little further.
Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Ceung), along with their spouses, are lodging in neighbouring apartments. Chow’s wife and Mr. Chan both work overseas a lot. Soon, it is clear they are having an affair. The remaining lonely couple start to share more and more time, but are determined not to fall into the same trap and stay faithful to their absent partners, regardless of what they may be up to. Regardless, they find it difficult to remain inconspicuous especially from the people who share their homes with them. Soon hard decisions have to be made.
What is fascinating about the narrative is that almost none of this is explicit. For example, we do see and hear both the spouses, but only briefly and never their faces. We are concerned only with the central pair and it is their conversations that reveal the path. The scene where they finally admit suspicions is brilliantly done.
Refreshingly, this is a purely emotional film about desire, and it is very powerful. Absolutely superb and I can’t think of anything similar in recent years. It is unique and quite special.
Post by: Achim on November 09, 2009, 01:50:53 PM
The HunterI had always enjoyed this film when I saw it on TV in my youth (you see how long ago that was!). I would not have expected that you rate it 4 out of 5, so I actually may have to try to find the DVD for it now!
4 out of 5
This is the one where he jumps with his car out of the Marina towers in Chicago, right?
Post by: Achim on November 09, 2009, 02:08:21 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012236047605f.jpg) Title: Bad Lieutenant
Year: 1992
Director: Abel Ferrara
Rating: NC-17
Length: 96 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: Spanish
Stars:
Harvey Keitel
Brian McElroy
Frankie Acciarito
Peggy Gormley
Stella Keitel
Victor Argo
Plot:
He has survived on the streets for twenty years. He's a gambler... a thief... a junkie... a killer and a cop. Now he's investigating the most shocking case of his life, and as he moves closer to the truth his self-destructive past is closing in. Harvey Keitel gives a searing performance as an out-of-control police detective on a collision course with disaster in director Abel Ferrara's brilliant and deeply disturbing melodrama.
Extras:
Scene Access
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
The cover pretty much says it all already! It's a film about a cop who lost his path (assuming he used to have it) and is going down the wrong lane way too fast. Only once do we see him try to do actual police work, but at that point it seems already too late and the results he gets confuse him more than they help the case (not sure why the cover doesn't say it, I think it's no secret that a nun gets raped).Keitel is a great fit for the role of the Bad Lieutenant, who curses like a dock worker (even in front of his young kids; pre-teens...?), takes drugs as soon as his kids leave the car to go to school and is more concerned about his gambling than catching a thug who does hos stealing right in front of him. The films theme seems to be faith, with Keitel's character's faith in his baseball team failing him bitterly and the nun's faith helping her to forgive the guys who attacked her. This is a Ferrara film, so the violence incl. the rape are quite in your face, which helps to give the film its tone.
This is not a popcorn film, but a great watch when you are in the mood for something with a doomed main character (some may call this a spoiler, but I found this to be inevitable right from the start).
I specifically added Victor Argo to the above cast list because he is just great anytime I see him. But besides him, this film is riddled with great faces which give the piece a nice authenticity.
Post by: Achim on November 09, 2009, 02:29:21 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/89/891635001636f.jpg) Original Title: Quel maledetto treno blindato
Title: Inglorious Bastards
Year: 1978
Director: Enzo G. Castellari
Rating: NR
Length: 99 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Bo Svenson
Peter Hooten
Fred Williamson
Michael Pergolani
Jackie Basehart
Plot:
INGLORIOUS BASTARDS is more than just the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's new movie. This 1978 international smash remains perhaps the biggest and most badass war movie in EuroCult history! Exploitation legends Bo (WALKING TALL, KILL BILL) Svenson and Fred 'The Hammer’ Williamson star as the leaders of a gang of condemned criminals who escape from an Allied prison convoy with a plan to blast their way to the Swiss border, only to find themselves volunteering for a suicide mission deep inside Nazi occupied France. Academy Award® nominee Ian Bannen (FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX, BRAVEHEART) co-stars in this explosive action epic from director Enzo Castellari (EAGLES OVER LONDON), now fully restored in High Defination Blu-Ray for the first time ever in America!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Trailers
Featurettes
Interviews
My Thoughts:
This movie surprised me quite a bit. I expected a mindless 70s war film with heaps of action. What I got was, still heaps of action, but not quite that mindlessly presented! Top of the list is the fact that in this one everybody speaks their tongue; the Germans speak German, the French speak French (sure, it's a bit of a stretch that Bo Svenson's character's German is supposed to fool the Germans, but hey, at least they try!); and that without subtitles :thumbup:I also enjoyed a lot the honesty with which the mistakes they made were presented, which would get them into trouble time and again. The crown jewels if this is the mistake that gets them into the suicide mission.
Another part I thought was different to other films was the (admittedly: small) attempt to through in some drama elements, such as the German soldier who is tired of the killing and wants to get out himself.
Unfortunately the reviews I had previously read turned out to be quite true. Severin did a great job with the visual elements of the films; considering it's source it looks surprisingly good. However, the audio really stinks and could have used some better authoring.
While it may have been original inspiration (Jimmy will find other words for this) for Tarantino (among other war films, I am sure), they merely share the title (minus one letter difference) and the premise for the plot.
Post by: Najemikon on November 09, 2009, 08:47:48 PM
The HunterI had always enjoyed this film when I saw it on TV in my youth (you see how long ago that was!). I would not have expected that you rate it 4 out of 5, so I actually may have to try to find the DVD for it now!
4 out of 5
This is the one where he jumps with his car out of the Marina towers in Chicago, right?
Hmmm... not quite. ;) Right film though! I just found it such an endearing character in an unusually told story. Like I said, some might think it's just lazy and it does feel a bit TV-ish at times, but overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing it again.
Good review for Bastards. I fancy seeing it, but do you think it benefits from Blu-Ray?
Post by: Najemikon on November 09, 2009, 09:10:23 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/jason.jpg)
Fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhausen and exciting mythological adventure make this a film that is fun for everyone. It's the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong), a fearless sailor and explorer, who returns to the kingdom of Thessaly after a 20-year voyage to make his rightful claim to the throne. But to do so, Jason must first find the magical Golden Fleece. He selects a crew and with the help of Hera, Queen of the Gods, sets sail in search of the Fleece. Jason and his crew must overcome incredible obstacles including a 100-foot bronze giant, the venomous Hydra - a huge creature with the heads of seven snakes - and a spectacular battle with an army of skeletons.
Marvellous old fashioned big dumb fun! No-one ever mentions films like Jason and The Argonauts when considering influences on such things like Star Wars or the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but it seems obvious to me. A big operatic story, told with determination and passion, even when the dialogue and pacing really aren't up to scratch, and it charges through classical Greek myth with the subtlety of an out-of-control bus. It's like someone read the script, panicked, and just went for it! It doesn't even finish properly, feeling like part one of a trilogy and is basically just a collection of set-pieces. But oh what set-pieces. The stop-motion work is brilliantly effective and still the best argument against CGI. Photo-real and motion captured actors just don't convince in the same way because they detract from the story when they don't quite work. Here, you can see the joins, but no-one cared and you get drawn into a world of fantasy creatures without any struggle at all.
It's a wonderful story and I feel sorry for kids who are growing up not having things like this. It was dated even when I was a kid, but my memories of those clack-clack skeletons have stayed with me forever. Therefore this is required viewing for all six year olds, even today! All of Harryhausen's creations were superb, but those and Talos stand out as the most convincing. Add terrifying once you throw the Harpies in there.
Post by: snowcat on November 09, 2009, 10:00:03 PM
Im looking forward to watching it but first I must watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang all the way through XD
Post by: Rogmeister on November 10, 2009, 12:16:33 AM
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 10, 2009, 12:35:46 AM
Post by: Dragonfire on November 10, 2009, 02:43:28 AM
I heard a remake is in the works. Pete, you can just wait for that. :laugh:
Sorry..couldn't resist. ;D
Post by: Jimmy on November 10, 2009, 02:59:09 AM
Why? To watch some crappy CGI effect :thumbdown:
:badidea:
Post by: Achim on November 10, 2009, 05:05:40 AM
Good review for Bastards. I fancy seeing it, but do you think it benefits from Blu-Ray?To be honest, I think DVD should suffice for this one. The video should almost be on par and the audio can only get better, really.
Unless the price is almost the same I think you should be fine with the DVD. The US had a 3-disc release with the soundtrack CD as added feature (which is more expensive than the Blu-ray!). In the UK you can get a single-disc version for £3 or for £4 (couldn't quite make out the difference between the two versions). Region B Blu-ray seems unavailable, but I think the A release is region free.
Post by: Dragonfire on November 10, 2009, 05:37:34 AM
:giljotiini:
Why? To watch some crappy CGI effect :thumbdown:
:badidea:
I was just trying to joke a little about how Pete sees the remakes before originals.
Post by: Jimmy on November 10, 2009, 06:19:38 AM
You had succeed to frighten me more than any film I've watch in october :laugh:
Post by: Dragonfire on November 10, 2009, 08:42:13 AM
:phew:
You had succeed to frighten me more than any film I've watch in october :laugh:
Oops..Sorry about that. :laugh:
Post by: snowcat on November 10, 2009, 10:42:19 AM
his credits include
Inspector Gadget
X2
X-men the Last Stand
Elkektra
Post by: Achim on November 10, 2009, 02:05:47 PM
Just realized that I watched Bad Lieutenant when I had actually planned to put tomorrow cinema visit into the B spot. :weep: Well, they are gonna have a special screening of one of my favorite films in Taipei: Terry Gilliam's Brazil :yahoo: I have seen it in the cinema before and multiple times on VHS or DVD as well. Still, wanted to give my friend the chance to see it the way it's supposed to be seen! Well, guess I am gonna give it the Z-spot. :shrug:
Where is Brazil on Blu-ray? :hmmmm: Criterion...? Universal...? Come on!
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 10, 2009, 04:12:00 PM
The Wreck of the Mary Deare (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053455/)
Hollywood Legends:
Gary Cooper
Charlton Heston
Overview:
The freighter Mary Deare is adrift in stormy seas. Her bulkhead is leaking, her captain is dead and the crew has abandoned ship – all except for one man. That man is exhausted first officer Gideon Patch, who has taken command. Appearances indicate he's a madman. But Patch isn't a man who relies on appearances.
The Wreck of Mary Deare is part seafaring adventure, part mystery, part courtroom drama and, with screen titans Gary Cooper and Charlton Heston onboard, all heroic. Michael Anderson (Around the World in 80 Days, Logan's Run) directs from a screenplay by famed spy novelist Eric Ambler. And Richard Harris, in his first year of film acting, gives notice of his talent with an intense portrayal of a seaman who may be part of a duplicitous agenda. We're in treacherous (and exciting) waters – all ahead, full steam!
My Thoughts:
An OK movie. The story was a bit screwy I thought. It’s almost like they added bits to it just to try to make it more suspenseful, even though they weren’t needed. Some of the scenes with the original captain’s daughter fell into this category. They also left some plot lines untouched, like when Heston found Cooper coming out of the coal bin.
Most of the scenes had both Gary Cooper and Charlton Heston in them, which I likes. It seems these days when movies have multiple big name stars in them they are hardly on screen at the same time (Ocean’s 11 type movies excluded of course). The one thing that really seemed to jump off the screen at me was how much better of an actor Cooper was compared to Heston. Cooper stole every scene I thought. His body language, facial expressions, even the tonality and pitch of his voice, all were perfect for the scene at the time. Heston’s performance seemd flat in comparison.
If I were to watch it again it would be to focus even more on the acting, but I don't see that happening anytime soon
My Rating :-\
Post by: richierich on November 10, 2009, 04:17:40 PM
...and I had thought I wouldn't have to "cheat". :slaphead:
Just realized that I watched Bad Lieutenant when I had actually planned to put tomorrow cinema visit into the B spot. :weep: Well, they are gonna have a special screening of one of my favorite films in Taipei: Terry Gilliam's Brazil :yahoo: I have seen it in the cinema before and multiple times on VHS or DVD as well. Still, wanted to give my friend the chance to see it the way it's supposed to be seen! Well, guess I am gonna give it the Z-spot. :shrug:
Where is Brazil on Blu-ray? :hmmmm: Criterion...? Universal...? Come on!
Good news - I found Brazil on blu ray for you HERE (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovery-Atlas-Brazil-Revealed-Blu-ray/dp/B000JRYP0U/ref=sr_1_4/278-4230181-7663706?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1257866141&sr=8-4)
:devil: :devil: :devil:
Post by: Najemikon on November 10, 2009, 09:27:10 PM
...and I had thought I wouldn't have to "cheat". :slaphead:
Just realized that I watched Bad Lieutenant when I had actually planned to put tomorrow cinema visit into the B spot. :weep: Well, they are gonna have a special screening of one of my favorite films in Taipei: Terry Gilliam's Brazil :yahoo: I have seen it in the cinema before and multiple times on VHS or DVD as well. Still, wanted to give my friend the chance to see it the way it's supposed to be seen! Well, guess I am gonna give it the Z-spot. :shrug:
Where is Brazil on Blu-ray? :hmmmm: Criterion...? Universal...? Come on!
Good news - I found Brazil on blu ray for you HERE (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovery-Atlas-Brazil-Revealed-Blu-ray/dp/B000JRYP0U/ref=sr_1_4/278-4230181-7663706?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1257866141&sr=8-4)
:devil: :devil: :devil:
Just how fast did Achim click that link I wonder? You cruel, cruel man! ;)
Meanwhile, I have reached "K". And finally, it's been a while, but I've found a film so bad I can give it an almighty kicking! It's gonna be long one, I reckon, Alien 4 sort of ranting. Just giving you a warning... :training:
Post by: Najemikon on November 10, 2009, 10:20:24 PM
2 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/arthur.jpg)
The heroic true story behind one of history's greatest legends explodes onto the screen. It is the valiant tale of Arthur (Clive Owen) and his bond of brotherhood with Lancelot (loan Gruffudd) and the loyalty of the Knights Of The Round Table as they fight for freedom and those they love. Also starring Keira Knightley as Guinevere, this never-before-seen KING ARTHUR is a longer, grittier and more explicit motion picture.
King Arthur has been discussed before on this forum (see here! (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,871.0.html)). I wrongly tried to trash it without seeing it, but Britain hasn’t got much in the way of legends and myths (one of the reasons Tolkein wrote The Lord of the Rings) and I didn’t like the idea of it being messed around without due consideration. It markets itself as the True Story, but it’s just as big a fairytale as any other version!
Broadly speaking, leaving aside opinions of Arthur, the film is terrible. If you’ve seen Braveheart or Gladiator, which Antoine Fuqua clearly has, then it’s even worse. It has murky photography, awful pacing and a plot as messy as the muddy fields. The music is blatantly ripped off from Gladiator, by Hans Zimmer himself! Maybe he had spares left over.
Few stand out in the cast, but Ioan Gruffud proves to be a natural Lancelot and while Ray Winstone isn’t stretched he’s always watchable. The script hinders all of them, for instance, Kiera Knightley’s Guinevere is just odd. Perfect teeth and plummy accent aside, her transformation into the vicious warrior of the final battle is unconvincing. And anyone convinced might wonder, are Arthur and his seven knights really that essential? Even the ones ignorant of Arthur, will still leave confused.
Clive Owen certainly isn’t up to the task, exuding no charisma. It’s not his fault, but this isn’t the role for him and he’s given little to work with and the character has a confused direction. Actually, once he’s (predictably) on his own, he cuts a majestic figure, lost once the brave knights (predictably) come back. That’s half the trouble; it’s all so crushingly obvious, you just want them to get on with it!
The plot has too many ideas going on. A mission to rescue a God-Child for the Pope is sort of left hanging and replaced by fighting the Saxons, with an undercurrent of Arthur and his knights wanting freedom to leave Britain. You can tell Antoine Fuqua is more comfortable in urban dramas, he directs the film into so many cul-de-sacs and then just moves onto something new.
The battles are the bread and butter of films like this and they’re good and bloody at least, with one superb confrontation on ice. But it’s a rubbish film over all, with flashes of violence and guts to make it worth persevering. After the credits roll though, what will you have learned about Britain’s greatest legend? Sod all, that’s what.
The film starts off badly by making Arthur a mere Roman soldier. Actually, no, he’s Sarmatian. Oh, hold on, no, he was born in Britain... but he wants to go to Rome. Or Sarmatia. Or... erm... oh, I don’t know. Like the film as a whole, he’s a mix of half-arsed ideas.
It’s a nice arc in how he comes to be leader of the Britons against the Saxons, but it’s lost in pointless waffle. As are other half-decent attempts to bring in accepted lore; The Sword in the Stone is cute and the love triangle is commendable in its subtlety. Though the ending is a pathetic cop-out!
Even within the films own historical logic, they make some unforgivable errors (not including the screw holding Lancelot’s sword together! Yes, I am being picky). If you’re trying to realise a much-loved character as authentic, you shouldn’t bend accepted history to fit! It takes one small fact and hammers it into place. I won’t go into details, but Arthur doesn’t match up properly with either of the films probable inspirations, the Roman occupation dates are off by, oooh, half-a-century or so, the Saxon’s were already occupying Britain by the time this is set, and Fuqua calls the Picts “Wodes”. Why? He though “Pict” sounded weird, allegedly. That just tells you the screwed up attitude trying to make this film.
Thing is, Arthur is just a legend. There is no fact to base him on, so he’s fair game. Usually a fantasy world, King Arthur attempts to make him a real figure. I can’t help feeling the marvellous books, The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell were an influence, but he kept the magic with the realism, and his story had an air of poignancy about the inevitable end and change of times. But hey, why waste good money on the rights to a proper book when you can bang something together on a Speak and Spell instead?
Who are they aiming this film at? They call it King Arthur (from the producers of Pearl Harbor, no less!) and then spend two hours replacing magical romance with smug defiance of everything that made Arthur special, except for shoehorning in the headlines and bypassing historical logic by sticking its fingers in its ears and singing “la-la-la-la”. Idiots. What’s next? An American Robin Hood?
I really wouldn’t mind so much, but the film has no heart, direction or passion. Braveheart makes a mockery of history, but it’s undeniably rousing and fantastic, bloody, entertainment.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 11, 2009, 05:31:26 AM
The Deadly Companions (1961) Color 90 minutes
Directed by Sam Peckinpah
Cast: Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Steve Cochran, Chill Wills, Strother Martin, Jim O'Hara
In this western from 1961, which was the first feature film directed by Sam Peckinpah (later to direct such western classics as Ride The High Country and The Wild Bunch), Brian Keith (a man bent on both revenge and bank robbery) is wounded during a gun battle on the street and due to that accidentally shoots and kills the son of Kit (Maureen O'Hara), a saloon girl. Kit decides to go deep into a territory where the dangerous Apaches have infiltrated so that she can bury her son alongside his father, her late husband.
This movie is one of many westerns that seem to have fallen into public domain so many companies have released DVDs of this film. Many of these copies don't have particularly good picture or sound (the reputation that PD films tend to get). My copy is from Platinum, a company I've seen both good and bad product from...in this case, the picture quality is pretty decent and I enjoyed the film for the most part. Peckinpah's film debut was decent but he was still inexperienced as a director (he had previously directed some TV western episodes) so some scenes could have been a bit more polished but overall I'd call it a good film, if not a great one. He is certainly helped by a good cast including Maureen O'Hara, one of my favorite leading ladies. Miss O'Hara also gets to sing a song over the opening credits and she is quite a good singer (I actually own one of her albums, recorded back in the 50's). The film was shot on location in Arizona and the film does have good photography, shot by William Clothier who shot many of John Wayne's films of the 60's and 70's. Unfortunately, this is a full frame release (AKA: pan and scan). I guess if I was rating this on a scale of 1-5, I'd give it around a 3.5 or so...okay, maybe a 4.
Post by: Dragonfire on November 11, 2009, 07:30:04 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192071621f.jpg)
He takes his victims' lives and leaves behind mysterious pieces of a bizarre puzzle. And the only person who may be able to make sense of the serial killer's deranged plan is Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington), a onetime top homicide investigator. But after a tragic accident changes his life forever, Rhyme can only watch as other cops bungle the case...until he teams up with a young rookie, Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie), who bravely searches out the clues that help them solve the case.
But as the killer senses the cops closing in, Rhyme realizes that he and his partner are on the trail of a vicious, sadistic murderer who will stop at nothing on his deadly mission. And at any moment, Rhyme and Amelia could become his next targets — and their first case could become their last.
My Thoughts
I first saw this one back in 1999 when it was in the theater. I think it works as a decent thriller for the most part, though the revelation of the identity of the killer just sort of comes out of nowhere. That could have, and should have, been handled much better. I read the book version a few years ago and from what I remember, it was handled better in the book. The mystery - other than the way the resolution is handled - works well and makes for an interesting movie. Some parts are gory and graphic and will more than likely bother some viewers.
I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.
Bone Collector (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1093601/content_491216866948)
Post by: richierich on November 11, 2009, 10:10:10 AM
Title: State of Play
Runtime:128
Certificate:12
Year:2009
Genres:Drama
Plot:Oscar® winner Russell Crowe* leads an all-star cast in this blistering thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders.
Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is the rising star of his political party - until his research assistant/mistress is murdered, and buried secrets come tumbling out. Investigative journalist, Cal McCaffrey (Crowe) has the dubious fortune of both an old friendship with Collins and a ruthless editor, Cameron (Oscar® winner Helen Mirren**), who assigns him to the story. As Cal and his partner Della.(Rachel McAdams).step into a cover-up that threatens to shake theination'shpower structures, they discover one truth - when billionsiofidollars are at stake, no one'shintegrity, love or life is ever safe.
My Review:
despite a wealth of stars, this 'thriller' did not spark for me, and left me scratching my head. It was boringly slow, to the point I had to rewind several times as I lost concentration. The storyline is so riddled with coincidences it loses any sense of reality, and come the end with the inevitable twist it all fits too neatly in place with all loose ends tied.
Crowe is quite good in the lead role that was quite fitting, and Affleck cruised such an easy character, but miscasted Daniels and Mirren were uncomfortably poor in roles that did not suit their talents.
I will try and watch the BBC series of this soon, as a comparison.
For a better political thriller, and downfall of newspaper industry, I'd stick to All The Presidents Men.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: richierich on November 11, 2009, 10:21:36 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929077458f.jpg)
Title: Taking Chance
Runtime:78
Certificate:TV-PG
Year:2009
Genres:Drama, War
Plot:The remarkable true story of one soldier's death in battle, another soldier's journey of discovery and a nation's reverence and gratitude toward its war dead. After hearing of the heroic death of a young Marine in Iraq, veteran officer Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon) volunteers to escort the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps back to his hometown, where he embarks on an unexpected emotional journey.
In this drama, Kevin Bacon stars as a high-ranking military officer who takes on a surprising mission: he escorts the body of a PFC home to his family.
My Review:
Very short film, which is basically a sentimental and moving tribute of how the services escort home and honour their fallen heroes, from battlefield death to the funeral service. This was written by the serviceman who volunteered to escort home a soldier who was KIA in Iraq, and the extras on the disc cover this. It has political undertones, but is deliberately non-controversial and the focus is mainly on the dead serviceman, and the office based marine who goes through a myriad of guilt feelings as he escorts the soldier back to his family.
From a non-US citizen, it always amazes me that a country that can honour it's dead, with such compassion and dignity, and displays such huge respect and unity with its armed services, can have such social problems with guns, drugs, violence and murder? Is that contradiction what they call an oxymoron??
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Najemikon on November 11, 2009, 08:06:38 PM
3 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/late.jpg)
An upbeat, oddball, after-hours comedy about the ups and downs of sex and shelf-stacking in the 21st century. Four friends, Sean, Vincent, Jody and Lenny find themselves at something of a dead-end. Trapped in a twilight world of permanent night shift work they hang out together in the local all night cafe, where their only escape from drudgery is observing Vincent's unwavering success in pulling women. There seems little prospect of change. But then events conspire otherwise.
This confident debut from Saul Metzstein is a little known gem. It's an unassuming comedy about four otherwise unconnected people trapped in a limbo with each other because of the strange hours they work. It's inoffensive, but often hilarious, sharp and strangely moving. Really not much to it at under 90 minutes, but this must be the third time I've watched it now. I keep coming back to it because while they aren't amazing actors, they are very easy people to identify with.
We have Lenny (Enzo Cilenti), the socially inept call centre operator, obsessed by one of his colleagues; Vincent (James Lance), the womanizing supermarket shelf-stacker, who we shouldn't like, but can't help ourselves; Jody (Shaun of the Dead's Kate Ashfield), the insecure factory girl of the bunch; and Sean (Luke De Woolfson), the hospital porter. If there's a lead in this film, it's Sean. He lives with his girlfriend, who he hasn't seen for several weeks because she works days! He's getting the "fear", a boy thing according to Jody, and panicking that she's already left him. He's resorted to even checking the soap to see if it's getting used!
It doesn't hold up to much scrutiny, I know, but it's the premise and it is very funny. The story has a couple of other contrivances, but it never feels compromised. It's refreshing that it is never flashy, sarcastic or smug. All of which a lot of these sort of films can be, especially from first-timers showing-off. Metzstein trusts his characters and I suppose himself, so this just comes across as honest and fun. There's not much to it visually, but the narrative isn't lazy and there's a lot to like in Jack Lothian's lively writing.
I really recommend looking this up. Go into it not expecting much and it'll surprise you. I was trying to use this marathon for unwatched stuff, but when this popped up, I just fancied seeing it again. Can't say better than that.
Post by: Tom on November 11, 2009, 09:04:50 PM
Title: Office Space (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Space) (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1999
Director: Mike Judge
Rating: R
Length: 89 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Ron Livingston
Jennifer Aniston
David Herman
Ajay Naidu
Diedrich Bader
Plot:
With more laughs, more fun, and more flair, this all-new Special Edition DVD is a sure cure for a case of the Mondays! Get motivated with writer/director Mike Judge's all-new retrospective documentary. Jazz up your TPS reports with screensavers and audio clips from the movie. Check out the hilarious deleted scenes and tell your boss where to stick them (if you dare). It's everything you love about OFFICE SPACE... cubed!
Unable to endure another mind-numbing day at Initech Corporation, white-collar peon Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) has had enough. Armed with a bold new attitude and a sexy new girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston), he neglects his job with a vengeance - and is quickly promoted to upper management!
Awards:
Closed Captioned
Deleted Scenes
DVD-ROM Content
Featurettes
Scene Access
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this movie. I can recognize a lot of stuff working myself at a software company. But I must say, that I loved the first half more. I think the pacing is off in the second half.Stephen Root as Milton is of course the show stealer. I can hardly believe, that it is the same guy as Jimmy James from NewsRadio. Also really funny is Gary Cole as the boss.
Rating:
Post by: Tom on November 11, 2009, 09:11:05 PM
Originally I had planned to tread myself with "Veronica Mars: Season 2" when finishing the marathon as a motivator to finish faster. I will now change my plan to buy it after I have finished watching "Blood Ties".
Post by: Najemikon on November 12, 2009, 12:51:08 AM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/mash.jpg)
Hailed as one of the best comedies ever made and nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the story focuses on army surgeons who develop a lunatic life-style in order to handle everyday horrors encountered in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. Though highly skilled and deeply dedicated this irreverent mob of madcaps is equally adept at making a shambles of army bureaucracy.
M.A.S.H. is a great comedy. Kind of like a forerunner of Police Academy, except not. It feels authentic even when in the middle of utter lunacy. Much of this is due to Robert Altman's unique direction style. Even though this was an early film for him and a difficult shoot, his method is key and follows little of what you may expect to be a proper narrative. Scenes are fluid, with few edits, but threads are left unresolved as we move onto a new set-up and it isn't clear how long it's all taking; days, weeks, who cares? This is really funny stuff! Essentially, disguised by the laid back pace, it's a collection of hilarious set-pieces as we follow Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland), Trapper John (Elliot Gould) and Duke (Tom Skerritt) stitching troops back together in Korea.
If anything I was disappointed that there wasn't more serious scenes. I don't remember the TV show well, but I seem to think there was more poignancy. But that's being picky, because within the film is a unique atmosphere that must have seemed very audacious on release and it does have moments that make you think. Nothing is focused on for too long though. Like a good magician, Altman is all about misdirection (dialogue in particular is indistinct). I think you could watch this film a dozen times and keep finding something new.
All the cast work very well together with fantastic banter between them and playing to their strengths. For instance, Robert Duvall is possibly the most serious as Frank, which just makes him funnier in the chaos. All the running gags like the Colonel's one-sided conversations and the base announcements are great fun and serve as tenuous links to the next inspired caper, like a trip to Japan to operate on a child and get a game of golf in, or the quest to find out if Hot Lips really is blonde! Brilliant stuff.
Altman went on to greatness, but here only earned a flat-fee. Funny thing though, is his son wrote the theme, which carried on into the TV show and he ended up earning far more than his Dad!
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 12, 2009, 03:42:12 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569795402f.jpg)
Home from the Hill (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053917/)
Hollywood Legends:
Robert Mitchum
George Peppard
George Hamilton
Overview:
Wade Hunnicutt is a big man who casts a big shadow, one that looms over the Texas backwoodsmen who work his land...over the beautiful, embittered wife he cheats on...and over the sons -- one from marriage and one illegitimate -- who strive for their father's respect. Robert Mitchum "gives one of his greatest performances" (Michael Barson, 'The Illustrated Who's Who of Hollywood Directors') as Wade, and Vincente Minnelli directs this sprawling emotionally volatile of an epic clash between generations. In early-career roles, George Peppard and George Hamilton co-star as Wade's sons, determined to be their own men, yet in danger of repeating their father's life-crippling legacy of lust and violence.
My Thoughts:
This one took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it but I know didn't expect what I got. I can't think of any Robert Mitchum movies I don't like so I expected to enjoy it. I was not disappointed. There was a while about 2/3rds into the movie where I did begin to loose interest. It didn't take long to grab me right back again though.
It's a drama about a messed up family, their interactions with each other and with the community. He's a mans man, with power, respect, money, basically everything he wants. On the outside he's got it all. It's pretty clear within 10 minutes of the movie that his family life is dysfunctional at best.
Great performances by George Peppard and George Hamilton, who play his sons. One legitimate with all the benefits of growing up in a powerful family. The other, an illegitimate child who wants nothing more than to be called 'son'. The story turns out to be as much (if not more) about the sons as it does about Mitchum. I'm finding it hard to say too much as there are some good story lines I don't want to ruin for anyone who may watch this.
If you like dramas with good story lines and great performances I recommend this movie. Take note, it is 150 minutes long so make sure you have lots of pop corn.
My Rating ;D
Post by: richierich on November 12, 2009, 11:11:03 AM
Title: New in Town
Runtime:96
Certificate:PG
Year:2009
Genres:Comedy, Romance
Plot:Award-winning actress Renée Zellweger stars as Lucy Hill, a high-powered executive in love with her upscale Miami lifestyle. Seeking to snag a big promotion, Lucy agrees to move to a remote Minnesota town to oversee the restructuring of a blue-collar manufacturing plant. After enduring icy roads, freezing weather and a chilly reception from the locals, she soon warms up to the small town and its people - especially the town's handsome union representative (Harry Connick, Jr.). What begins as a job assignment becomes the best thing ever to happen to her, in this heartwarming comedy that proves that the warmest people are often in the coldest places.
My Review:
Tired old format - high flier goes to sleepy old town to close down friendly old business, only to fall in love with the place, and a person in it, then proceed to save the day by finding amazing new concept and making company a roaring sucess, and they all live happily ever after.
Zellweger always suits such roles, and is comfortable in the lead, but I found Connick wooden and unconvincing as her love interest. JK Simmons as always injects class, and in general the cast work well together with a fairly dull script.
Not an awful film, there are some genuinely funny moments, and it is better than some out there, but I would recommend Kinky Boots and Spotswood ahead of this.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: richierich on November 12, 2009, 11:16:28 AM
Title: The Ex
Runtime:89
Certificate:12
Year:2007
Genres:Romance, Comedy
Plot:Two of TV's funniest and most popular comic actors, Zach Braff (Scrubs) and Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) take no prisoners as they fight it out for the love of Sofia (Amanda Peet). Tom Reilly (Braff) and his wife Sofia (Peet) have just had a baby and when Sofia, the breadwinner, decides to be a stay-at-home mum, it's all change. They move out of the city, back to Sofia's hometown where Tom is offered a job at the firm run by his father-in-law (the legendary Charles Grodin). Everything seems to be fitting nicely into place until Chip (Bateman), Sofia's ex boyfriend, local hero and all-round wonder-boy is appointed as Tom's manager. Chip's flame for Sofia still burns brightly and he will stop at nothing to see Tom undermined, humiliated and made a fool of in order to win back his ex...
My Review:
Lightweight comedy, but with a certain charm and originality that keeps you interested until the end.
Amanda Peet is gorgeous as the wife/mother, but both Bateman and Braff fail to make the most of their lead opportunities.
There are a few laugh out loud moments, but the biggest negative of this film is the script, it just isn't funny enough through the movie, and is a bit of a lost opportunity.
In fact the funniest part of the film is the outtakes which run with the credits, and are definately worth watching.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Jimmy on November 12, 2009, 03:45:34 PM
Post by: RossRoy on November 12, 2009, 04:01:01 PM
Journey to the Center of the Earth |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| Professor Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) teaches earth sciences at the university and heads the Center of Volcanic Activity. Max Anderson, Trevor's brother, built the monitoring system and placed the units around the world 10 years earlier. For some unknown reason, Max did not return, leaving behind a wife and son, Sean (Josh Hutcherson). Sean's mother leaves the teenager at Trevor's house to get some quality time with his uncle. They look at Max's copy of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne and find a secret code. Back at the monitoring center Trevor compares the volcanic activity numbers and finds that they are exactly the same as the ones in the book. Trevor and Sean fly to Iceland to check one of the units and to see if they can find some information about where Max went. Trevor hires a beautiful mountain guide, Hannah (Anita Briem), to take them up the volcano. During an electrical storm on the volcano, they get trapped in an abandoned mine. They search for a way out of the mine and discover a wall filled with large diamonds. Unfortunately, the floor they are standing on can't hold their weight, and they fall down a volcano tube for miles and miles until they reach the center of the earth. Once there, they encounter prehistoric glow birds, flying piranha, man-eating plants, and T-Rex dinosaurs that have been extinct for millions of years. They find that they are seeing the same things that were printed in the Jules Verne book. This gave them hope that someone was able to escape from the center of the earth and return to the surface. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy) |
MY THOUGHTS |
| It's a fun movie, but nothing too special. Quite run of the mill stuff. But, as adventure movies go, it was quite enjoyable. I watched the standard version. I did try watching the 3D version (the movie comes with the glasses), but I can't stand it. The 3D effect doesn't work too well on a small screen, and like I've said before, the effect is not worth the color shift in the picture. Although there are a few camera angles that just don't make any sense without the 3D ;) Consider this movie popcorn-flick territory again! |
| RATING |
Post by: Dragonfire on November 12, 2009, 11:58:53 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/014381850420f.jpg)
Starring Gregory Walcott, Lyle Talbot, Mona McKinnon, Dudley Manlove, Conrad Brooks, Paul Marco, Vampira, Tor Johnson, Norma McCarty Wood, Criswell, John "Bunny" Brekenridge and special ghost star Bela Lugosi. Executive Producer: J. Edward Reynolds. Written, produced and directed by Edward D. Wood, Jr.
This is it! The most popular Atomic Age cult film of the 20th century. Winner of two Golden Turkey Awards for Worst Picture and Worst Director of All Time, the immortal Edward D. Wood, Jr.!
It's all here, the not-so-special efects, aliens in skating skirts zooming around in string-powered flying saucers to implement the ninth plan of Earth's conquest (the first eight failed) with an army of zombies (well, three actually): Vampira, Tor Johnson and Bela Lugosi in his legendary "postmortem" performance (with Ed's chiropractor standing in for Bela after his death).
This truly original movie, Ed Wood's Citizen Kane, is a hymn to all those who have ever tried to create something intelligent and meaningful and failed miserably every step of the way.
My Thoughts
I'm using this as the entry for # since the number 9 is in the title.
I first saw some of this movie on television years ago. Even though what I saw wasn’t that great, I decided to pick up the DVD when I found it really cheap. Yes this movie has all sorts of problems, but it wasn’t as horrible as I had expected. There is some potential to the plot that ultimately isn’t realized. The plot ends up being rather thin and not developed fully. The effects are so bad they are laughable at times. The characters have no development at all and the acting is horrible, especially from the stand in for Bella Lugosi. That was just bad on so many levels.
This isn’t a great movie, but it isn’t completely horrible either. There are few mildly entertaining moments in it. I have seen worse movies.
I did post a review on Epinoins if anyone is interested in checking it out.
Plan 9 From Outer Space (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1016393/content_491453648516)
Post by: Dragonfire on November 13, 2009, 12:12:01 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936791068f.jpg)
From the revolutionary minds of Pixar Animation Studios and the acclaimed director of Monsters, Inc. comes a hilariously uplifting adventure where the sky is no longer the limit. Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year-odl Wilderness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time - Carl's front porch! The world's most unlikely duo reach new heights and meet fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life's biggest adventures aren't the ones you set out looking for.
My Thoughts
I know I posted about this one after I saw it in the theater, but I just had to watch it again now that I have my DVD..well Blu-ray/DVD. I got the combo thing because of the good sale I found.
I still adore this movie and it still moves me when I watch it. It is fun and entertaining while also having some of the most moving moments I’ve seen in a movie in a long time. I love the interactions between Carl and Russell..and Dug once he shows up. The animation is beautiful and looks just as amazing as it did in 3D in the theater. This is truly the best movie I’ve seen this year.
The DVD in the combo thing I got does have some extras. There is the short with the storks and clouds that played before the movie. There is a new one featuring Dug being given a special mission by Alpha that is really cute and ties in nicely with the movie. There is a very interesting extra - I can’t remember the title at the moment - that shows how the director, animators, and other people tied to the making of the movie traveled to South America and visited these huge flat topped mountains - like the one in the area around Paradise Falls. I can’t remember the term for those type of mountains now. There is beautiful scenery shown and I could see things that the animators used for the movie. I really enjoyed this and thought it was really interesting.
I think I shared the Epinions link when I talked about the movie originally, but here it is again in case I forgot.
Up (http://www.epinions.com/review/Up_83848015/content_472124526212)
Post by: Dragonfire on November 13, 2009, 12:47:26 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360504545f.jpg)
Still as smart and charming as ever, Clueless gets a fresh, sassy makeover for this new "Whatever!" Collector's Edition. Alicia Silverstone sparkles as Cher, the matchmaking 15-year-old Beverly Hills High schooler who has shopping and boys on her mind, but mostly shopping. Also starring Brittany Murphy as a dowdy transfer student, Jeremy Sisto as her potential mate and Paul Rudd as Cher's sensitive "Baldwin" step-brother, Clueless is back to capture the hearts of a whole new generation.
My Thoughts
This is just a fun and entertaining movie. Some of it is a bit silly, but that works with what is happening in the movie. I first saw it in the theater back when it first came out and I’ve seen it several times since and still enjoy it. I think it has held up well overall even though some things are a bit dated now. The characters work wonderfully together and help make the movie more interesting and entertaining. A lot of what happens in funny. Some people might feel like the movie is too silly, but that works to make the movie more entertaining.
Overall I really enjoy this movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions a while ago if anyone wants to take a look.
Clueless (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1063208/content_422913019524)
Post by: Achim on November 13, 2009, 06:09:13 AM
Achim, How is Mother of Tears? I've it for some time but didn't watch it yet (I'm affraid to be deceive by it)I'd say it folows the previous two films quite closely. It's about witches and alchemy (sort of) and I think the style is quite Argento. The style reminded me of another (non-Argento) film, but I couldn't quite come up with what that was. The film did not grab me completely, since I am not that deeply into witchcraft movies, but it seemed quite alright to me (admittedly, I was a bit too tired while watching it and had to rewind a few times :bag:).
The story is rather straight forward: "Monster" is released, world goes crazy, heroine goes after the source to stop the madness. Nothing spectecular, but not really bad.
What put me off the most was the obvious dubbing that had been applied to this film, apparently due to the film being made in Italy and most people not speaking English originally. Lots of ambient noise is missing. It's quite distracting, actually.
Udo Kier is only in it for a few minutes and overacts, just as you would expect him to.
Post by: Jimmy on November 13, 2009, 06:18:01 AM
I will try to watch it after the end of my marathon, probably the complete trilogy. Of course it would probably doesn't help since I will make the inevitable comparaison with Suspiria.
The funniest thing is that I've bought the UK released while it was always shown theatrically here to watch it immediatly and after one years and a half I haven't watch it yet :laugh:
The sad thing now, the dvd I've bought is the worst released of this film...
Post by: RossRoy on November 14, 2009, 03:06:27 AM
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| The battle for Earth continues in this action-packed blockbuster from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg. When college-bound Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime® and Bumblebee® in their epic battle agains the Decepticons™, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| I don't care what anybody says: I loved it! Oh sure, some parts are completely silly and I can't believe why someone thought it'd be "cool" (B crying? WTF!) I also didn't care with the robots "bleeding" or "losing teeth" while fighting, also why the heck do they have fog coming out of their mouth the speak? Anyways, enough with the bad stuff, it didn't deter what the movie should be about - Robot Fights! And we do get plenty of them! I wish the camera would be a little farther away, and not shake as much.. but I loved the slowmo kills! One in particular who gets his face literally torn in halves! Way cool! They even used the SR-71 "Blackbird" as one of the robots! I know I'm loving this movie way more than I should, after all, the whole plot is just an excuse, and in the end doesn't matter. But I can't help it, I loved it! Maybe even more than the first one, if that's possible... |
| RATING: |
Post by: RossRoy on November 14, 2009, 05:16:02 AM
The Forbidden Kingdom |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| Individually, they've starred in the most adrenaline-pumping martial-arts adventures ever. Together for the first time, JET LI and JACKIE CHAN join forces to create the greatest epic of them all - 'The Forbidden Kingdom'. As ancient Chinese warriors, they must train and mentor a 21st century kung-fu fanatic who's been summoned to fight a centuries-old battle and free the imprisoned Monkey King. If you're a fighting fan, the wait is over. The team is ready. The Kingdom has arrived. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| Great movie! The fights are well choreographed, the story is interesting, the women are beautiful and the music sounds good! But I must say, the imagery is the star. Some of the shots are just breathtaking. And you get to see Jackie Chan vs Jet Li! What more could you ask for? ;) |
| RATING |
Post by: Tom on November 14, 2009, 10:38:05 AM
Title: Battle for Terra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_for_Terra) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Rating: PG
Length: 79 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35
Audio: English: PCM 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Evan Rachel Wood
Luke Wilson
David Cross
Amanda Peet
Rosanna Arquette
Plot:
When the peaceful inhabitants of the beautiful planet Terra come under attack from the last surviving members of humanity adrift in an aging spaceship, the stage is set for an all-out war between the two species for control of the planet. But will an unlikely friendship between a rebellious young Terrian (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood) and an injured human pilot (Luke Wilson) somehow convince their leaders that war is not the answer?
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Scene Access
Storyboard Comparisons
Trailers
My Thoughts:
I saw this movie at last year's FantasyFilmFest and I have been waiting for a Blu-ray release since. This is a low-budget computer animated movie, which I think has great animation considering its low budget. Of course it is not in the same league as Pixar but I enjoyed it nonetheless.The final battle reminded me very much of the Death Star battle in Star Wars: Episode 4. Even some dialogue was taken from there.
Rating:
Post by: richierich on November 14, 2009, 10:48:13 AM
Title: A Life Less Ordinary
Runtime:104
Certificate:R
Year:1997
Genres:Romance, Comedy, Adventure
Plot:Cameron Diaz and Ewan McGregor are star-crossed lovebirds on the lam in this twisted romantic comedy from the creators of "Trainspotting." Celine (Diaz) is a spoiled, rich young woman whose worst nightmare is having her credit card rejected. Robert (McGregor) is a hapless janitor whose greatest dream is to write the Great American Trash Novel. They have nothing in common - except the burning desire to live "a life less ordinary." When Celine is kidnapped by the inept Robert, a pair of celestial cops are dispatched to earth to make sure they live that "life less ordinary" together. Co-starring Oscar®-winner Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo, this irresistible "profanely funny romance" (ROLLING STONE) is proof that love overcomes all.
My Review:
A hotch-potch Danny Boyle film, rather tedious with ill-casted leads, minimal comedy, zero romance, and a boring silly storyline. After Shallow Grave and Trainspotting, this was a directors low point.
After a good start, it went downhill, and only the claymation sequences at the end piqued general interest. Rather odd overall, it never shines in any specific area, and you feel no affinity to the cast.
Best part of the film is definately the soundtrack, which mixes some great music together and works really well.
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: richierich on November 14, 2009, 10:53:36 AM
Title: Sunshine Cleaning
Runtime:91
Certificate:R
Year:2008
Genres:Comedy, Drama
Plot:Academy Award® Nominee Amy Adams, Golden Globe® Winner Emily Blunt, and Academy Award Winner® Alan Arkin find an unexpected way to turn their lives around in this “colorful, refreshingly quirky comic drama” (Leah Rozen, People).
Desperate to get her son into a better school, single mom Rose (Amy Adams) persuades her slacker sister Norah (Emily Blunt) to join her in the crime scene cleanup business to make some quick cash. With the help of their ill-fated salesman father (Alan Arkin), they climb the ranks in a very dirty job, finding themselves up to their elbows in murders, suicides, and...specialized situations. But underneath the dust and grime they also come to discover a true respect for one another, and create a brighter future for the entire Lorkowski family.
My Review:
Well it is listed as a comedy drama, but I must have missed the funny bits, for me it is through and through a light-hearted drama following 2 sisters attempts to make money and deal with lifes challenges.
Unfortunately I never felt enough empathy or sympathy with the leads, or else I may have enjoyed the film more. It is not rubbish by any means, there is a solid storyline, some good acting, a few interesting sideline characters, and a nice pace helping the film trot along easily.
This is a story of hope, definately uplifting, and if you like such quirky films, this may be suited well for you.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Najemikon on November 15, 2009, 04:17:43 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/neww.jpg)
Legendary director Terrence Malick takes you on an adventure-filled, romantic journey of discovery with this critically acclaimed, Oscar nominated epic set in the turbulent first days of the new America. Based on the true story, this sweeping saga tells the tale of Pocahontas, the impetuous Native American beauty (Q'orianka Kilcher) whose relationship with Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) sets off a battle for a new nation.
Terrence Mallick is a wonderful director, but I think he might have rushed this. After all he'd waited over 20 years to do The Thin Red Line and polished this off in less than seven! ;)
The story of John Smith and Pocahontas is one of histories great romances. Unfortunately there is little evidence it happened, aside from Smith's own memoirs, written well after the fact and repeating moments from other expeditions. Did she save his life? Did they have a love affair? Unknown. It is a fact that she helped the settlers of Jamestown when they could have starved, ironically giving them a foothold from which they persecuted her people, eventually holding her captive, by which time Smith had already left due to injury. She married John Rolfe and went to England as a Princess of her nation, where she briefly met John Smith again.
Much of the film is narrated and it's a brilliant conceit, allowing the main characters to tell their story, which is how this history was recorded. The first act is John Smith (Colin Farrel) as he goes up river alone, risking his life to talk to the "Naturals" and there he meets Pocahontas (Q'orianka Kilcher). Their tentative romance is ambiguous, but heartfelt and honest. It works all the better for the refusal to be explicit. Her narration takes over, especially once in the fort. And in keeping with historical facts, her comments could be interpreted on several levels. Much later, after her baptism and learning English, she hears that apparently long-lost John Smith is alive and so admits to her new husband, John Rolfe (Christian Bale), that she is "married". He challenges her understanding of that word and it's a good point. His story is the final act and I found him the most affecting.
All three actors are marvellous, but it's the optimism I found refreshing for a provactive story like this. Bale plays Rolfe as hurt, but honourable, and arranges a meeting between the two lovers in England so all their histories can be resolved, even though he must have been terrified of the result. I thought it a wonderful scene and if it's true, such a testament to all of them.
This is not a film for cynics, but for those who want the romance and I enjoyed its dream-like telling of the story. The opening is very powerful, as the two great ships appear to the natives. From then on as you'd expect from Terence Mallick, it takes it's time. If you're in the mood for it, the time flies by in amicable company. By concentrating on emotion rather than event (his editing lingers on faces, but cuts through conversation), it seems more affecting. There is some action, but sporadic and inconsequential, which may infuriate those looking for a starker view of what happened to the Natives. The photography is gorgeous and the score matches well, apart from James Horner recycling his Braveheart theme again.
Many important events pass by in a blink of the eye while seemingly inconsequential scenes linger, but the big events would be predictable and Malick isn't concerned with a blow-by-blow account. Leave that to the documentaries, while this drama can try to give us some insight into "why" rather than "what". Perhaps he goes too far and oversimplifies though. Accounts suggest her guardians were tricked and she was held captive until a disagreement with her people led her to say she would rather stay with the English. A controversial stance perhaps and Malick chooses to make it more ambiguous, but still leans toward Pocahontas being exiled by her father anyway. Her feelings toward her marriage were also not clear, so Malick sits on the fence and plays the odds!
While I do like that approach, some changes are infuriating, just like with Braveheart! Is it James Horner? Does he say "I'll only score this film if you screw around with it"? John Smith's character is undermined when he leaves the fort after Pocahontas has been held captive, instructing them to wait two months then tell her he drowned. In reality, he'd already left after almost shooting his own leg off in an accident! Why change it? It would surely have been more affecting if Pocahontas had arrived to find him gone and her period of madness even more understandable and would have made her willing transition more convincing. Especially as she'd apparently told her father she no longer supported him, but here she is exiled. It's unnecessarily confusing an already enigmatic character.
I understand that Europe has a shameful history in the colonisation of America. I don't want to trivilaise that, but I like to think Malick had the right idea presenting Pocahontas with hope and honesty, regardless of what the years would bring for her people. It's easy to read into both her relationships and her arrival in England that Pocahontas was used. Received by Royalty? Maybe but surely the intention was to demonstrate the savages could be tamed! Even if no-one, least of all her (unless you count her madness) seem to realise it, her story is at odds with the violence of America's birth. As far as metaphors go, this might be the limit, but as I've said, Malick's film is very heartfelt. Perhaps critics would say it lacks focus, or at least backs away from the thornier issues of the time. Well, political irony certainly has it's place, but I wasn't sorry to find none here.
Post by: Najemikon on November 15, 2009, 04:31:50 PM
3 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/bolt.jpg)
Bolt is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood. The only problem is, he thinks the whole thing is real. When the super dog is accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt springs into action to find his way home. Together with his hilarious new sidekick Rhino, Bolt's #1 fan, and a street-smart cat named Mittens, Bolt sets off on an amazing journey where he discovers he doesn't need super powers to be a hero.
What thoroughly wonderful entertainment! It's entirely predictable and goes a bit sentimental a few times, but it's fast and funny, and genuinely exciting. It uses it's premise very well and I was impressed how the film continued to have big set-pieces to match the opening, even when Bolt knows he doesn't have powers.
It definitely follows the template of recent animated films, especially Pixar (John Lasseter produced this). We have the abandoned lead, miles from home, forming an odd couple, picking up a comedy sidekick and a supporting cast destined for a cult following (New York pigeons!), but I don't care when it's this much fun. I thought Rhino the hamster would get old quick, but he really doesn't. Very funny and re-watch value is huge.
Post by: Achim on November 16, 2009, 03:08:35 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/40/4009750219065.5f.jpg) Title: Raumpatrouille Orion - Rücksturz ins Kino
Year: 2003
Director: Michael Braun, Theo Mezger
Rating: FSK-6
Length: 89 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: German: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, German
Stars:
Ben Becker
Günter Becker
F. G. Beckhaus
Heinz Becker
Werner Braun
Plot:
Der Sternenkrieger Commander Cliff Allister McLane wird wegen seiner Eskapaden im All samt Crew zur Raumpatrouille strafversetzt. Aber es kommt noch schlimmer. Der Galaktische Sicherheitsdienst stellt ihm die blonde Russin Tamara Jagellovsk als Aufpasserin zur Seite. Eine hochexplosive Mischung an Bord der Orion. Als fiese FROGS (feindliche Raumschiffe ohne galaktische Seriennummer) Kurs auf die Erde nehmen, treffen sie dort nicht nur auf panische Verteidiger, sondern auch auf heimliche Komplizen. Nur die Orion hat eine winzige Chance, Plan DX 17 "Rettet die Erde!" auszuführen: Aber dazu müssen sich erst mal McLane und Tamara zusammenraufen...
Extras:
Scene Access
Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Production Notes
Music Videos
DVD-ROM Content
My Thoughts:
Because of his escapades the space warrior Commander Cliff Allister McLane and his crew are transferred to Space Patrol. But it gets worse. The Galactic Secret Service puts the blonde Russian Tamara Jagellovsk as watchdog on his side. A highly explosive mixture on board of the Orion. When mean FROGS (hostile space ships without galactic serial number [-> direct translation from the German) are taking course to earth, they not only face panicking defenders but als secret accomplices. Only the Orion has a tiny chance to carry out Plan DX 17 "Save Earth!". But for that, first Mclane and Tamara must pull themselves together...(sorry for the "wooden" translation)
An iron, pencil sharpeners and water faucets on the dashboard: this is "Spaceship Orion". Made for super-cheap and fairly seriously at the time (1966!), although tongue mostly firmly planted in cheek this TV series is a cult favorite in Germany.
This movie is put together from scenes of the 7 episode strong series and is surprisingly cohesive. Most stuff of this series is involuntarily funny to the "modern eye" and as such the Orion is still going considerably strong today. The inventive set design, the weird dances going on in the background and the strange dialog, all this has almost turned this into a comedy over the years. The acting is adequate and adds to the feeling. heck, at times I was not even sure if they meant to make a comedy in the first place, almost 40 years ago.
The movie DVD comes with an English subtitle track; the TV series unfortunately not.
Post by: Najemikon on November 16, 2009, 11:31:04 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/ride.jpg)
In this brilliant, moving film directed by Sam Peckinpah, cowboy icons Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea find roles to match their leathery Western personas, playing aging lawmen hired to guard a gold shipment. They don't have much; a horse each, a couple of dollars. And they have everything; their independence. But the frontier is disappearing - and so is space wide open enough for independent men. With luck, the two will find space enough for this ride and one last payday. They will also find adventure, including the dramatic rescue of a mistreated bride, gun-blazing shootouts and a life-changing betrayal. Both an exciting Western and a heart-lifting homage to the genre, Ride the High Country is a journey into film greatness
This is an early Western from Sam Peckinpah, who would go on to make modern classics, such as The Wild Bunch. Here he plays much it much safer with a knockabout, almost comedy, entry in the genre, with amicable characters and a rather predictable plot. It would seem to fit in well with the later John Wayne movies, with it's watchable laziness and ageing leads.
I do enjoy Joel McCrea's films. He had such a natural, dumb honesty that made him so brilliant in Sullivan's Travels or the early Hitchcock movie, Foreign Correspondent. He is also I think a much better actor than he let most people believe! Randolph Scott plays opposite him and is always value for money. Ron Starr is the young gunslinger who needs a regular lesson in respect and as you'd expect with a fun brawler like this, respect is normally a punch in face! Mariette Hartley is the weakest character as the naive girl entering into a hasty, ill-judged wedding to slimy villain James Drury. She seems to get his brother too, a typically good Warren Oates.
It was here the alarm bells started to go off. I'd thought the Elsa character the weakest, but there was something else. She was getting used and it was leaving a nasty taste in my mouth. This was still coming across a fun Western, yet if you thought about it for any length of time, the events didn't fit in anymore with the supposed light nature.
I'd thought Peckinpah, relatively early in his career, was taking an easy route, but actually this is one of his cleverest and most manipulative films. He was known for his challenging depiction of violence, cruel fates of characters and a fascination with death. His Westerns were always set at the end of the wild west, with cowboys realising their doom couldn't be far off because they were so outdated and going about their business with a tinge of melancholy. Ride The High Country is only different because of it's subversive tone, taking the plot from fun, to uncomfortable, to tangible regret.
It's still ultimately predictable, but certain choices by some characters and a stark depiction of death add some steel to the plot, especially as it's always played straight and the direction is very solid (no slow-motion blood letting here). By promising the viewer such derivative fun yet delivering it with a nasty punch to the gut, he made a masterful film with an albeit awkward tone.
It might be Rio Bravo's cousin, but it's the one the family don't talk about because of the nasty streak. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the Anthony Mann sort of Westerns and to anyone who usually dismisses them as too frothy.
Post by: richierich on November 17, 2009, 12:54:46 AM
Title: British & Irish Lions 2009: Living With the Pride
Runtime:204
Certificate:E
Year:2009
Genres:Sports, Television, Documentary
Plot:In 1997, Living with Lions - the behind the scenes story of the British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa - was acclaimed as one of the greatest sports films ever made. Now, 12 years on, the British & Irish Lions were back in South Africa and so were our film crew, recording every minute of what was one of the greatest British & Irish Lions Test Series of all time.
With unprecedented access to all areas of the Tour, Living with the Pride is the most intimate, honest and intense portrait of life as a Lion ever produced.
From the Pennyhill Park training camp, to the magnificent final Test victory in Johannesburg, this is the inside story of how players, who are normally the fiercest of opponents, turned themselves into a band of brothers desperate to restore pride to the Lions jersey. Their grueling 10-match tour of the World Champions' back yard asked questions of the players' mental and physical strength like never before.
British & Irish Lions legend and Head Coach Ian McGeechan worked closely with our film crew to make an astonishing no-holds-barred documentary with access to every player, an open door to every team meeting, training session, selection meeting as well as excusive access to the passion, fury and ultimately elation of the Lions dressing room. This is a unique and uncompromising insight into life on a Lions Tour, described by Tour Manager Gerald Davies as 'the last great adventure in rugby'.
No Lions Series has ever been closer, with many commentators describing the second Test as 'the greatest rugby match ever'. Sometimes hilarious, but often brutal, bruising and moving, British and Irish Lions 2009 - Living with the Pride DVD is the official and exclusive behind the scenes story of one of the most exhilarating, emotional and memorable sports tours of all time.
My Review:
Of absolutely no interest to 99% of the world, but if you are interested in rugby, or like watching behind the scenes sporting documentaries, then this view into the lives of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, the hardest full contact sport, in the hardest country, is a must. Not quite the 1997 groundbreaking Living with the Lions, but fascinating, awe inspiring and laced with some hilarious moments as can only be had by 40+ young fellas on tour.
My Rating
:thumbup:
:thumbup:
Post by: RossRoy on November 17, 2009, 12:55:07 AM
Anger Management |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| After a small misunderstanding aboard an airplane escalates out of control, timid businessman Dave Buznik (Sandler) is ordered by the court to undergo anger management therapy at the hands of specialist Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson). But when Buddy steps up his aggressive treatment by moving in, Dave goes from mild to wild as the unorthodox treatment wreaks havoc with his life in this hilarious hit comedy that will drive you mad with laughter! |
MY THOUGHTS |
| Always liked this movie! I find Jack Nicholson to be completely hilarious in it! I've seen him mostly in "serious" movies, and I find he handles the comedy quite well! And I find it nice that it dabbles in a different subject matter, even at its core, you could see it as a midlife crisis comedy, I liked that they went a little more specific with Anger Management. I also love how just about everybody who seem to be trying to help Adam Sandler's character, happen to be even crazier then he is! |
| RATING |
Post by: Rogmeister on November 17, 2009, 04:15:12 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 17, 2009, 05:46:45 PM
Hey, Jon, I have been planning on reviewing Ride The High Country myself...either in this marathon or in my ongoing (i.e. once-in-awhile) westerns marathon. I may still do it there but now I won't be in such a hurry to do it. I think thiw as Sam Peckinpah's second film as director...I recently did his first, The Deadly Companions...in this thread, I think.
Well, please reconsider! I'd like to hear your thoughts on it as it quite surprised me. :thumbup:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 17, 2009, 09:59:30 PM
Post by: richierich on November 17, 2009, 10:30:52 PM
Title: The Hunting Party
Runtime:103
Certificate:R
Year:2007
Genres:Suspense/Thriller
Plot:Inspired by true events, The Hunting Party stars Richard Gere and Terrence Howard as vacationing journalists who try to track down a missing war criminal in one of Eastern Europe’s deadliest regions. What begins as an impulsive reporting adventure immediately turns dangerous, as hostile locals, shady underworld figures and a case of mistaken identity put them squarely in their target’s crosshairs. Amid the bullets and bombs, they discover that getting the scoop is one thing – getting out alive is something else entirely.
My Review:
Amazing due to the truth of the story, the fictional license (which is quite small) is rectified before the credits by displaying the few slight changes made.
The 3 leads work very well together, and after a slow start the film really gets into its stride and is very watchable.
An enjoyable and educational true modern day journalistic thriller, can't see anyone not enjoying it.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Dragonfire on November 18, 2009, 06:43:12 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025193321824f.jpg)
Get ready for a gut-busting, outrageous comedy from the guys that created Shaun of the Dead>. Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is a big-city cop who can't be stopped - but he's making[ everyone else on the force look bad. When he is reassigned to a small, quiet town, he struggles with this new, seemingly idyllic world and his bumbling partner (Nick Frost). But their dull existence is interrupted by several grisly and suspicious accidents, and the crime-fighting duo turn up the heat and hand out high-octane, car-chasing, gun-fighting, big-city justice in this hilarious hit critics are calling "Outrageous! Uproariously funny!" (Thelma Adams, US WEEKLY).
My Thoughts
This is my Z entry.
I first saw some of this movie on HBO a few months ago. I liked what I saw, so I decided to pick up the DVD when I found it on sale. The movie is really entertaining. The plot works very well and is interesting. Some of what happens is a tad twisted, but it works for the movie. Things do move slightly slower at times, but I never felt like the pace was dragging and I was never bored by the movie. The mystery is decent and keeps things interesting. I do think there are a few surprises that work well. A few scenes do have some graphic violence in them which might upset or even offend some viewers. The cast is great in their parts, especially Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. They are great together. Nicholas and Danny are interesting characters - and I want the set up Danny has to store his DVD collection. lol
I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.
Hot Fuzz (http://www.epinions.com/review/Hot_Fuzz_Edgar_Wright_1/content_491903749764)
Post by: Rogmeister on November 18, 2009, 06:54:07 AM
Post by: Najemikon on November 18, 2009, 11:50:42 AM
...A few scenes do have some graphic violence in them which might upset or even offend some viewers.
Over-sensitive Americans! :devil:
I'm thinking of watching this again for my Z, as I don't have many, but it's so sad that Edward Woodward died, I have an urge to see his last role again.
Post by: snowcat on November 18, 2009, 03:55:14 PM
I've been plagiarized!!! :voodoo: I was just at the home page where random reviews show up...and my review in this thread of "Angel and the Badman" was there...but it says the review was by...snowcat??? My lawyer's getting a call in the morning! :redcard::o AHHHH! Wasn't me!
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 18, 2009, 08:28:29 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569793828f.jpg)
Action in the North Atlantic (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035608/)
Hollywood Legends:
Humphrey Bogart
Honorable Mention: Alan Hale While perhaps not exactly a legend he's had supporting roles in hundreds of movies (over 200 according to his imdb page (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002118/)). He's very recognizable and I typically enjoy his roles. Of course one of the best things he did was become the father of Alan Hale Jr. AKA “The Skipper” from Gilligan’s Island :laugh:
Overview:
Service in the Merchant Marine means saying goodbye, keep the home fires burning. It is loose lips sink ships, a convoy tiptoeing through a dead-thick fog. It is the ear-splitting clatter of ack-acks and cries of aircraft sighted, all hands. It is fear, bravery and just doing a job. It is the lifeblood of democracy's arsenal.
This World War II salute to Allied forces that supply the war effort sweeps you into the action-filled voyage of a besieged freighter. Humphrey Bogart, a World War I seaman and an avid recreational sailor, stars as First Officer Joe Rossi who, along with his captain (Raymond Massey), matches tactics with U-boats and the Luftwaffe. The tactics are on target – so much that this became a Merchant Marine training film.
My Thoughts:
There are two types of movies I always seem to enjoy. Viking movies and those with submarine battles (including U-571). I knew going into this movie I would enjoy it. I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. It had been about a year and a half since the Pearl Harbor attack when this movie was made. Obviously you can expect it to be a piece that shows how great the allies are (especially the Americans). The last scene takes it a bit too far I thought but I guess at the time it was expected and even needed.
The story was good but a bit predictable. Bogart does a great job as well (again, expected). My son (22) came in during one of the battle scenes, which looked like it was filmed in a bathtub. He laughed asked how I can even watch that “crap”. I got a bit of a chuckle out of it. When you think of all the work that went into movies back then that is now done sitting in front of a computer. Of course it looked like a bathtub – it was! (not exactly but you guys know what I mean). With little toy boats and airplanes. Add a few sound guys off to the side doing the sound effects and you’ve got a movie!
I will keep this one in mind for a war movie weekend. I’m sure I could watch it again and enjoy it as much or more as the 1st time.
My Rating :D
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 18, 2009, 08:43:54 PM
Key Largo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040506/)
Hollywood Legends:
Humphrey Bogart
Edward G. Robinson
Lauren Bacall
Lionel Barrymore
Overview:
A hurricane swells outside, but it's nothing compared to the storm within the hotel at Key Largo. There, sadistic mobster Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) holes up - and holds at gunpoint hotel owner Nora Temple (Lauren Bacall), her invalid father-in-law (Lionel Barrymore) and ex-GI Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart). McCloud's the one man capable of standing up against the belligerent Rocco. But the postwar world's realities may have taken all the fight out of him. John Huston co-wrote and compellingly directs this film of Maxwell Anderson's 1939 play with a searing Academy Award®-winning (1948: Best Supporting Actress.) performance by Claire Trevor as Rocco's gold-hearted, boozy moll. In Huston's hands, it becomes a powerful, sweltering classic.
My Thoughts:
I said in the last movie there are two types of movies I know I’ll enjoy. There are also things in the movies that, when I see them I know I won’t like. One of them is hurricanes. Probably since I’ve lived in Florida for over 30 years and have seen at least twice that number of actual hurricanes hit or pass within 150 miles of me. Very rarely (if ever) do they get it right in the movies. This movie, like the rest, got it wrong as well however the hurricane was only there as a reason to keep everyone locked up and isolated. For that it worked. The before and after the storm passing part didn’t matter really. So fortunately I didn’t let it ruin the movie.
I never bought into the premise that Humphrey Bogart’s character didn’t have the fight in him (like the overview above suggests). I knew from the beginning he would be the hero of the movie. Perhaps more of a twist would have been
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When you put such great actors together for an hour and a half there's a very good chance you'll enjoy it. I really have a hard time finding fault with anything in the movie. The story and all of its sub plots were well written and intertwined quite nicely. I didn’t see anything added to the story just for the sake of having it, like I found in the Wreck of the Mary Deare, or even in Action in the North Atlantic
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90% of the movie takes place in one room, again showing just how talented the actor’s are. There was not one time when my mind wandered or I began to lose interest. Very good movie and highly recommended.
My Rating ;D
Post by: Najemikon on November 18, 2009, 09:09:56 PM
Post by: goodguy on November 18, 2009, 10:37:24 PM
I love Key Largo. I know what you mean with the faults (less so the hurricane, being in the UK!), but it comes from a time when dialogue still had a poetic edge to it.
Me too. But then I love pretty much everything with Bogart & Bacall in it.
90% of the movie takes place in one room, again showing just how talented the actor’s are.
A very similar and perhaps even better movie is "The Petrified Forest", made about 10 years earlier. Bogart plays the villain here; IIRC it was his breakthrough role. No Bacall, but a pretty great Bette Davis.
Post by: Dragonfire on November 18, 2009, 11:32:11 PM
...A few scenes do have some graphic violence in them which might upset or even offend some viewers.
Over-sensitive Americans! :devil:
I'm thinking of watching this again for my Z, as I don't have many, but it's so sad that Edward Woodward died, I have an urge to see his last role again.
Yes well..I didn't say it upset or offended me. Just that the..possibility is there.
Yes it is. I hadn't realized he was in it when I watched it..I didn't recognize him.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 19, 2009, 12:16:44 AM
Post by: richierich on November 19, 2009, 11:08:57 AM
Title: Incendiary
Runtime:96
Certificate:15
Year:2008
Genres:Drama, Suspense/Thriller
Plot:Based on Chris Cleave's electrifying best-selling novel, Incendiary is an explosive thriller set in the aftermath of a terrorist strike in London.
When a bomb blast at a football game kills her husband and son while she is in the midst of an illicit encounter with Jasper (Ewan McGregor - Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge) - a man she picked up in a pub - the promiscuous wife and young mother (Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain) becomes wracked with guilt. Matters are further complicated when she becomes involved with Terence (Matthew MacFadyen - Pride and Prejudice, Frost/Nixon), the policeman in charge of the investigation into the bombing. Angry at the betrayal, Jasper begins his own investigation and soon discovers that Terence harbours some shocking secrets himself...
My Review:
Weak and oversentimental, to call it a suspense/thriller is a falsehood, it is a weak and boring diatribe about a mother trying to come to terms with the loss of her son, guilt from her and her lover, and an attempt at something moralistic at the finish.
The start with the affair and the terrorist attack at a football match was good and promised much, unfortunately it fizzled out after 20 minutes and was tedious to the extreme to view. All the actors plodded through their roles, McGregor in particular was poor, and Michelle Williams you would have gladly strangled to remove the sourpuss look she permeated for over an hour.
Definately one to avoid, do not get fooled by an interesting overview on the dvd like I did!
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: Najemikon on November 19, 2009, 06:10:18 PM
3 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/trini.jpg)
St.Trinian's, the infamous school for 'young ladies', is facing a financial crisis. The new Education Minister (Colin Firth) is an old flame of the headmistress (Rupert Everett) but is determined to bring discipline and order to the anarchic school. A motley crew of teachers, and ruthless pupils join forces to steal the famous painting "Girl With A Pearl Earring" from the National Gallery. But can their combined cunning, girlish wiles and total lack of shame win the day before the authorities close them down for good?
The Belles of St. Trinian's is an absolute gem. This remake, is not. In fact it's pretty rubbish, but that at least means it's on a par with the originals sequels which tended to get steadily worse.
The premise, based on the cartoons of Ronald Searle, is still intact and it is glorious. I just love the idea of a self-sufficient school running riot with slapstick violence. The girls are great and at their very best are a sheer force of nature (see the moment they charge through Trafalgar Square!) led by The Twins (Holly and Cloe Mackie), backed up by the more cunning older girls, be it daft but gorgeous Posh Totty Chelsea (Tamsin Egerton) or especially the devious head girl Kelly (Gemma Arterton). They're a tight knit bunch and it takes a while for new girl Annabelle (Talulah Riley) to find her place.
She's the niece of headmistress Camilla Fritton, played brilliantly by Rupert Everett in drag (he also plays her brother). I don't normally like him, but he's good here although Alistair Sim is a very tough act to follow. Everett is great in his (her?) scenes with Colin Firth, who lifts the overall quality somewhat. Russell Brand is Flash Harry who helps the girls with their various illegal activities. He's ok, but not being stretched. I don't begrudge him being a stand-up comedian turned actor though after seeing that he was pretty good in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
So the characters are great and played by a good cast, plus the spirit of the original is well in place, what went wrong? Because as I said, it's not a good film. The plot though loosely based on Belles is a mess and there's far too much going on. Plus it's poorly edited killing some of the humour. The writers have not been looked after by the director Frank Launder. Still it's a typical Ealing story and there's little else like it,
It lacks the charm of the original, but then it was made at a unique time. British film found a real niche post-war because it's as if the teenager had inherited the world and the irreverence of things like Billy Liar was exploited ten-fold by the outrageous exploits of the girls school that refused to be ignored. The new version can't claim any of that and if anything, looks out of date before it starts. It's just bloody good innocent fun and that's all you should look for.
The end scene features Girls Aloud which should be a dreadful moment, whatever you think of them. But they blend in quite well and you get to see Cheryl Cole in a school uniform... ;)
Post by: richierich on November 20, 2009, 01:18:15 AM
Title: Quicksand
Runtime:95
Certificate:NR
Year:2001
Genres:Action, Suspense/Thriller
Plot:Martin (Michael Keaton) travels to Monaco to check on some "suspicious" activities of a film production. With millions of dollars at stake, certain shady investors decide to set him up to get rid of him permanently. Martin is framed for the murder of the Monaco Police Chief and finds himself a fugitive from justice. Now he must find out who is behind this scheme and race to find Jake (Michael Caine) - the only person who can help prove his innocence - before they find and kill him.
My Review:
With the feel of a made for TV movie, this disappointing flick wastes some acting talent with a dumb and tensionless script. Half-hearted performances from the likes of Keaton and Caine, who would probably like to scrub this from the CV's. It is the tired old Russian mafia kidnaps kid and frames innocent script, and there is nothing to rave about regarding an exciting twist at the end, there wasn't one.
The budget must have been spent on the stars, as there was nothing left for the film, which was mostly shot in cheap studio locations and without any major action scenes. The only positives were the scenes shot in the European cities, and the acting of Kathleen Wilhoite which was head and shoulders above the others.
Literally sunk like Quicksand.
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: Achim on November 20, 2009, 05:18:32 AM
I have no words for this piece of crap. Except maybe: Too long, too clichee, not even well-made (the last 30min looked like they were filmed with someone's home-video camera!).
:yucky:
Post by: Najemikon on November 20, 2009, 08:32:35 AM
One thing though, do you like The Day After Tomorrow?
Post by: Achim on November 20, 2009, 08:52:59 AM
Oh, Achim! Write the review, because there is nothing more fun than tearing into something... ;DI was discussing the film with my friend afterwards and already lacked word for it. I am also not quite the analyzing viewer as you are and simply repeating plotholes and stupid stuff would be rather spoilerific. So, sorry, I don't really want to think about the movie more to write a review, I'd rather forget it sooner than later. :laugh:
Quote
One thing though, do you like The Day After Tomorrow?Well, not really. But it wasn't as bad as this, it was better made and the things shown seemed feasible or slightly more possible.
Post by: Najemikon on November 20, 2009, 11:47:07 AM
One thing though, do you like The Day After Tomorrow?Well, not really. But it wasn't as bad as this, it was better made and the things shown seemed feasible or slightly more possible.
That'll do! Fits in with what I've heard.
Post by: Najemikon on November 20, 2009, 06:58:22 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/tiger.jpg)
Just released from the base stockade, brash, charismatic recruit Roland Bozz (Farrell) joins a platoon of young soldiers preparing to ship out to Vietnam. Bozz's independence and outright defiance draws fire from his own men as well as commanding officers who can't afford conflict in the middle of a war. But when the paltoon is sent to Tigerland, a hellish training ground that is the last stop before Vietnam, Bozz's leadership and character bring his men together - triggering extraordinary circumstances.
Joel Schumacher was once a promising director, who took the rock 'n' roll excess of The Lost Boys and eventually disappeared up his own backside with Batman and Robin, widely accepted as one of the worst films ever made and so bad, he and star George Clooney actually apologised for it! For him to come back from that with Tigerland is simply astonishing. What's next? Michael Bay does Bergman?
The first thing you notice is how gritty the film is. Low budget, back to basics 16mm with a washed out, high-contrast palette and a handheld camera that moves beautifully between characters. Edits are where they need to be and there isn't a single gratuitous shot in the film. It's convincingly raw, with some nudity, but it's filmed almost like a documentary.
But for all the work done to make it look like a proper film, Schumacher has picked an easy subject to break out his artistic side on. The clichés of the young men going to war have been done to death, especially Vietnam which forms the back drop to this story. He could set the cast on auto-pilot and he'd still get a cool film.
So that's the second surprise. He directs a superb, almost all-male cast to deliver performances to match the realism of his camera, working from a lean script by Ross Klavan and Michael McGruther. While on paper, the simple plot seems to check all the boxes for A War Film, it feels bitingly fresh. The closest I can liken it too is Band of Brothers, yet that realistic dialogue and low-key delivery is set-up in the first scene without the comforting wider goalposts of a TV series. TV also has the advantage of switching focus between characters, but here most of the weight is on Colin Farrell's shoulders. His character, Bozz, is the heart of the film and it's a confident and charismatic performance. All of them though give well judged performances that work with one another, where the average war film concentrates on one character at a time. Bozz is their anchor.
It's a lyrical film, with a poetic finale and Bozz is enigmatic enough that if he'd turned out to be a ghost, I wouldn't have been surprised! He seems to stand against the army on everything, understands why, helps others find their deserved way out, yet he can't leave. He isn't a ghost by the way! It's that contrast between the philosophy and the raw reality that makes the film quite unique. In that sense, it bears some comparison with The Thin Red Line, except I think this is more rewarding and personal. Bozz could be a bit like Jim Cavaziel's character in that film, with more vigour.
There is little action, as it is a story about training, centring on Bozz finding his place in the army. Tigerland is the final training ground and actually, the film is at it's weakest when the troops finally get there. Then it feels a little old, but not for long. Even if the ending is a bit obvious, you won't mind because it makes sense. In the end, no-one involved on this film ever attempts to be smug and they stay true to the plot.
Whatever you think of military based films, this is worth a try. It breathes life into an old genre while being a small, philosophical work about the nature of war and the men who fight it.
Post by: RossRoy on November 20, 2009, 07:00:05 PM
Star Trek |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| The future begins in J.J. Abrams' smash hit STAR TREK, "a burst of pure filmmaking exhilaration and an irresistible invitation for fun." Scott Mantz, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD When the Romulan Nero comes from the future to take revenge on the Federation, rivals Kirk and Spock must work together to stop him from destroying everything they know. On a thrilling journey filled with incredible action, the new recruits of the U.S.S. Enterprise will voyage through unimaginable danger in one of the biggest and most critically acclaimed movies of the year. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| What a feast! I loved it! Yes, they took a lot of liberties with the Star Trek canon. But you know what? It made for a great movie! And, somehow, I think that's what Star Trek needed the most. A proper reboot. Not necessarily throwing everything out the window, but subtle changes here and there to jazz it up a bit. And it's been done. With "panache"! The writers did a good job giving it the Star Trek "feel".... J.J. Abrams and his team did a good job giving it that shiny new, updated and spiffied look (which overuses lens flare, but eh! that's a small cost to finally getting more Trek).... But all that would've been moot if the casting was off. These characters are iconic. They have a whole aura around them. And I must say, while I was skeptical on some of the choices, they totally nailed the casting. Each actor was right for the job. Because you know, while Zachary Quinto for Spock is almost a given, Karl Urban as Bones is a pure stroke of genius! I loved him as Bones! And Simon Pegg as Scotty? Yeah I was skeptical. Be he gets full marks! They all do! I honestly didn't expect to like this new movie that much... but I must admit, to me, it ranks amongst the top. It might even become my favorite before too long! :ok: to J.J. Abrams and his team. They did a terrific job bringing back Star Trek! |
| RATING: |
I decided to make Star Trek my «K» letter movie, because I don't feel like watching Kung Fu Panda, and I'm way behind on the marathon.
Post by: richierich on November 20, 2009, 07:23:53 PM
Title: Funny Face
Runtime:99
Certificate:U
Year:1957
Genres:Comedy, Musical, Classic
Plot:S'Wonderful, S'Marvelous!
Paris, the City of Light, shines even brighter when Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire team up for the only time and bring their luminous starpower to this exquisite musical featuring songs by George and Ira Gershwin. This dazzling romp -- filmed on location in Paris -- garnered four Academy Award® nominations.
In the role of bookstore clerk transformed into a modelling sensation, Hepburn showcases singing and dancing skills she had honed on the London stage, performing "How Long Has This Been Going On?," a "Basal Metabolism" dance in a cool-cat bistro and more. Astaire, as the fashion photographer who discovers her, conjures up his inimitable magic for sequences that include his "Let's Kiss And Make Up" matador diversion, a heavenly dance with Hepburn to "He Loves And She Loves" and, again with Hepburn, the title-tune enchantment, "I Love Your Funny Face." Now and forever, so do we.
My Review:
It was S'wonderful, S'marvelous.
Ok I'm not a great musical fan, but the Gershwin songs in this are pretty special and I can forgive any film when it has the most beautiful women ever (Audrey hepburn) in it.
Definately an up-tempo feel good film, elements of this movie can be seen in the likes of Devil Wears Prada to name just one. Outshining Hepburn and Astaire is a great performance from Kay Thompson as the fashion magazine editor. Very colourful and crisply shot, there is a sense of magic in the production and a cuddly and happy overtone over the whole flick.
The only negative must be Astaires role as the romantic lead. At 58 boy could he still dance, but lets be honest a young Hepburn would hardly be smitten with someone who looked like her grandad.
Overall this fluffy movie left a smile on my face and Hepburn is just so goddamn beautiful.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: Najemikon on November 20, 2009, 08:27:28 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/anvil.jpg)
At 14, school friends Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Rob Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. Their band, Anvil, went on to become the 'demigods of Canadian metal', releasing one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982's Metal on Metal. The album influenced a musical generaton including Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, that went on to sell millions of records. But Anvil's career took a different path - straight to obscurity.
Anvil The Story of Anvil is a timeless, and at times hilarious, feel good tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream. Directed by Sasha Gervasi, we follow the band as they attempt one last shot at the big time with their thirteenth album 'This is Thirteen' and a calamitous European tour. You don't have to be a metal head to love Anvil. This is an inspirational, heart warming and uplifting tale of two best friends who refuse to give up on their dream. Metal on Metal forever!
You really couldn't make this up. It's a story crazier than This Is Spinal Tap, yet it is absolutely true and because of that, dramatic and uplifting. How these two have stayed friends, stayed married, stayed sane and stayed rockin' is just astonishing. Everything seems piled against them, but they keep punching. I don't think I've ever seen determination like this before, especially when the goal is so very far away and the unbending support of their families is actually starting to bend after all.
After brief, but influential success (there are interviews with Slash of Guns 'n' Roses, Lars of Metallica and Lemmy of Motorhead) with a couple of albums in the early 80s and a career high performance in Japan (alongside a young Bon Jovi), Lips and Robb continued to work even when the world didn't want them. The film follows them as they make their thirteenth album, despite the previous ten or so bringing them little more than obscurity. Lips now works delivering school meals and Robb is a builder. The interviews with their family can be heartbreaking; we should all be so blessed to have people like that around us. The overview is misleading in that it suggests this is their last chance. Well, that's true, but I doubt this pair would ever really give up.
The likeness to Tap is so uncanny you could be forgiven for thinking it's a tribute band, only they'd have more success! The European tour is such a disaster, your jaw will drop at how Tap-esque it is! Arranged by their Russian manager (girlfriend to one of the band, eventually) who can barely speak English :slaphead:, they miss trains, get lost, fight, make up. And don't get paid. It is so funny, but you'll feel for them too. They just deserve a break.
Because the huge difference with Rob Reiner's mockumentary (yes, the drummer in Anvil has the same name as the director of Spinal Tap. Told you this was uncanny) is that these guys are truly talented. They can play well. Why they haven't made it proves the record industry is more luck than judgement.
There is surprisingly little music in the film, so that actually helps it find a wider audience. It doesn't matter if you don't like Metal; it doesn't matter if you don't even like music! ;) That would just give you another viewpoint, except I think if you dismissed Lips and Robb as completely nuts, you still wouldn't be able to help yourself willing them on, even when you question their motives.
Sasha Gervasi has made a perfect documentary. An old friend and roadie, he gets right into their lives without ever being disrespectful and has the huge stroke of luck that anyone in his position dreams of. Charming subjects, a farcical adventure and the ups and downs any story really needs.
I implore everyone to watch this. I repeat, it has nothing to do with the music! It's about these two friends and their dream and it's moving, brilliant and unique. If you enjoyed Spinal Tap on any level, this is essential.
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Post by: Jimmy on November 21, 2009, 01:24:31 AM
I'm Canadian and I didn't even know that a documentary was done about the best metal band from here. Quite surprised that you have this Jon...
And yes it's true that Metal on Metal is the best metal album ever made... certainly better that anything made by Metallica or Megadeth anyway.
It was a time when the Canada was the biggest market for this genre of music and even today a good share of the old timer are nostalgic of this time. Even at my age, I can always enjoy Sodom, Metal Church, Exodus or Voivoid at maximum level. Talking of this last band, just in case you ignore it they are from the city next to mine ;D
thanks for the review :thumbup:
Post by: Najemikon on November 21, 2009, 02:12:19 AM
:o
I'm Canadian and I didn't even know that a documentary was done about the best metal band from here. Quite surprised that you have this Jon...
And yes it's true that Metal on Metal is the best metal album ever made... certainly better that anything made by Metallica or Megadeth anyway.
It was a time when the Canada was the biggest market for this genre of music and even today a good share of the old timer are nostalgic of this time. Even at my age, I can always enjoy Sodom, Metal Church, Exodus or Voivoid at maximum level. Talking of this last band, just in case you ignore it they are from the city next to mine ;D
thanks for the review :thumbup:
No problem! You shouldn't be surprised though. I love rock music, though Metal is a bit much for my liking in general, and This Is Spinal Tap is a long standing favourite. Anyone who once played alongside Bon Jovi and is spoken about with a degree of awe by Slash of all people, has to be worth a look! Plus the reviews of this fantastic film are universally positive. They all mention tap and it is a good hook, but you come away with something true. Very emotional.
And I read an article that suggests they are now achieving a tangible level of success on the back of this documentary. This is fairy tale stuff!
There's more than one cute nod to Tap! The music producer has a volume control that goes to "11" and they visit Stonehenge... :laugh:
It's so good it deserves to be seen by a lot more than rock fans though. That's why I specifically mentioned the lack of actual music! Maybe Pete will be tempted... ;)
Post by: Dragonfire on November 21, 2009, 04:28:44 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569701120f.jpg)
Have an ice day! It's a parched future, and water, the galaxy's only valuable commodity, is controlled by the evil Templars. Their only foes: a handful of daring Ice Pirates.
Spoofy-goofy comedy, otherworldly special effects, spectacular space creatures, bedraggled 'bots, and bicep-rippling swashbuckling (swishbuckling when our heroes try to blend in with some slave eunuchs) highlight this cult fave. Robert Urich (Vegas), Mary Crosby (Dallas), Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), and Ron Perlman (Hellboy) romp through a storyline involving a determined princess, the search for her missing father, and a lost planet awash in seet water. The manic, concluding time-warp battle is just the ice-ing on the intergalactic cake. Dig in!
My Thoughts
This movie is rather silly and even goofy at times, but I think it is fun and entertaining. The plot isn’t the most original and some things are predictable, which may disappoint or bother some viewers. The plot manages to be entertaining even though it is mostly simple. A few scenes have some action in them without being that violent. The action scenes are done fine, though for some reason, most of the characters seem to prefer to fight with swords even though they have access to more futuristic weapons. That is a little odd, but it still manages to work. None of the characters are developed much, though the cast does fine with their parts.
I enjoy the movie overall and find it fun and entertaining even though it does have a few issues.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Ice Pirates (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1010358/content_492248469124)
Post by: richierich on November 21, 2009, 10:52:54 AM
Title: Star Trek
Runtime:122
Certificate:12
Year:2009
Genres:Science-Fiction
Plot:
Director J.J. Abrams (Alias) re-teams with his MI: III screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci to bring a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time. Featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before, Star Trek depicts Romulan time traveller Nero's bloody quest for revenge against Spock and the Federation.
My Review:
A welcome glossy revamp of Star Trek, and it really is a fantastic piece of work. The casting is superb, Pine as a feisty Kirk is excellent in the role, and the choice of Quinto as Spock inspired. The love interest between Spock and Uhura (Saldana) was a little twist that was unexpected but works well, and Urban playing the sarcastic and dry Bones better than the original. Pegg as Scottie was ok for me, and with Chekov and Sulu played well we have a full house.
The effects are jaw-dropping, the first view of Nero's Romulan ship is stunning, and the huge budget is evident in every minute of the movie. Audio is knee-tremblingly solid, and you are immersed in the film from the first shots.
I was not happy with the one to one between Nimoy and the new Spock, but that is about the only negative I can list about a fresh, exciting storyline. I am sure ST purists may find more fault, but I was never into the ST enough to notice any continuity or design anomalies. Seeing the history of Kirk literally from birth, and the early schooling years of Spock, give us an insight to their characters strengths and flaws before joining Starfleet.
I believe you don't have to be a trekkie to enjoy this film, standalone it is a great movie, and I take my hat off to Abrams for this modern day sci-fi action classic.
My Rating
:thumbup:
:thumbup:
Post by: Najemikon on November 21, 2009, 05:23:46 PM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/lust.jpg)
Lust, Caution is the daring new film from acclaimed Academy Award®-winning director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Set against the backdrop of a transforming country, a young woman finds herself swept up in a radical plot to assassinate a ruthless and secretive intelligence agent. As she immerses herself in her role as a cosmopolitan seductress, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game that will ultimately determine her fate.
Ang Lee’s films continue to be amongst the most rewarding. You never know what’s coming next, his past work encompassing Drama, Western and even Fantasy in Hulk. The only thing predictable is that each one will be delivered with passion and integrity and so now we have a war-time period drama and it is typically of the highest quality. It is a substantial story and there is little to no action, but it is engrossing. The time you invest in it is rewarded in an authenticity rarely matched. It looks stunning throughout and the score by Alexandre Desplat matches beautifully. It’s one of the best I’ve heard for a long time. Composers like James Horner or Hans Zimmer that just repeat their own themes should be ashamed by its subtlety.
While I say there is little action, it’s more important to stress that Lee delivers what is necessary at any given moment. So it is that a very disturbing murder closes the first act, taking the innocence of the naive group of revolutionaries. Lee makes it brutally clear how difficult it is to kill someone as they desperately fumble a situation they were unprepared for. Afterwards the story picks up a few years later and from then on is solely concerned with Wong and Mr. Yee as she is recruited by the resistance proper to build on her earlier work to become his mistress and there are several scenes as filthy as anything outside of Jimmy’s thread!
I’m in two minds about the legitimacy of the sex scenes, as I always am. Are they really needed or are they a crutch for lazy directors? Hitchcock created some incredible chemistry in films like Notorious without Cary Grant doing Ingrid Bergman doggy style. And did James Stewart have to 69 with Grace Kelly to get the point across? No. In fact the very thought of it should rightly offend fans of those films and those stars. They were above such shenanigans. Hitch of course was very cheeky. The train sequence in North By Northwest for instance, but the point was made without compromising the plot.
But it’s very hard to dismiss them as mere set-pieces here. Ang Lee is always about the sub-text and they are part of the fabric of the film and reveal important nuances of both characters (there are similar depths to sequences of Mah Jong games, just without the sweating!). This is not China’s Basic Instinct and there is some irony in Ang Lee doing a similar theme to Black Book and out-sexing Verhoeven! That’s being flippant though, because the nutty Dutchman is all about shocking people. While the first sequence with Mr. Yee is particularly shocking, it’s for good reason and the style of the love-making changes as they get lost in each other. The integrity is never abandoned for gratuity; there’s one sequence where the two become literally tangled together and the metaphor is obvious when you think about it.
The bravery and skill of both actors is tremendous and absolutely convincing. Tang Wei is gorgeous and challenging as the young girl caught up in a revolutionary plot that she is paying dearly for. The sequence where her she makes an awful decision to give up her innocence is understated and devastating. This is importantly before the group as a whole commit the murder. Opposite her is Tony Leung as Mr. Yee, the target of the assassination plot. Leung continues to prove he is one of the best screen actors in the world. The difference between this and his role in In The Mood For Love is huge, yet both are powerful performances.
The ending is open to interpretation and very clever. Lust Caution is a powerful, satisying drama that may be of interest to people who enjoyed Black Book and even Inglorious Basterds. It is very different to both, while sharing themes and aesthetics, but is more adult.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 21, 2009, 07:38:37 PM
Fargo (1996)
Produced, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Music by Carter Burwell
Director of Photography: Roger A. Deakens
Cast: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, Peter Stormare
DVD Special Features
"Minnesota Nice"--All-new documentary
Interview with the Coen Brothers and Frances McDormand
Audio commentary by Roger Deakens
Trivia Track
Original Theatrical Trailer and TV Spot and other features
At the beginning of this movie is a notice that this movie was based on true events but that they have changed the names to protect the innocent. Don't believe it...the movie plot is a total fabrication. The film deals with an auto dealer, Jerry Landergaard (William H. Macy) who is so deep in dept that he concocts a bizarre plan...to have his wife kidnapped and to then have her rich father pay the ransom. He did not, however, count on the dogged policework of pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson. Quirky is a word often used to describe the films of the Coens...some might prefer the word bizarre...but their films are defiitely different. Personally, I love this film...if it had been shot anywhere else, I probably wouldn't care so much for it...but it was shot in Fargo, North Dakota (and other nearby locations) using authentic accents and that gives it a humorous charm despite the violent acts also seen in the film. I think you should check it out. When this film first came out, critic Gene Siskel said "You won't see a better film this year" and this film also made the list of films in the book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die". So see it...
Post by: snowcat on November 21, 2009, 07:42:41 PM
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 21, 2009, 07:45:09 PM
Post by: RossRoy on November 21, 2009, 07:56:11 PM
Don't you hate when a DVD you bought years ago but never watched turns out to be messed up half way through it... :redcard:
that's what scares me about collecting...
have you tried ripping it with your computer? i've saved a few that way...
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 21, 2009, 08:06:50 PM
Post by: snowcat on November 21, 2009, 08:10:12 PM
Don't you hate when a DVD you bought years ago but never watched turns out to be messed up half way through it... :redcard:
Yes :K I was so glad I watched my copy of Punch Drunk Love when I did! or I would have had a silly scratched copy :K
(I also hate it when I lend someone a DVD it comes back then when I watch it its scratched!!)
Post by: Najemikon on November 21, 2009, 09:06:47 PM
Don't you hate when a DVD you bought years ago but never watched turns out to be messed up half way through it... :redcard:
Happened to me twice. I simply bought another copy. :D
(click to show/hide)
Post by: Rogmeister on November 21, 2009, 10:39:55 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 21, 2009, 10:42:19 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 21, 2009, 10:58:42 PM
You keep talking about rules like we have some! :laugh:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 21, 2009, 11:02:41 PM
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 21, 2009, 11:06:07 PM
:tomato:
Post by: Najemikon on November 21, 2009, 11:10:29 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/lyonsden5/2047-1.gif)
:tomato:
Aren't you the one who's doing a Greek alphabet? :hmmmm: Just sayin'... :dance: :laugh:
EDIT: I mean Hawaiian. It's all Greek to me... :bag:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 21, 2009, 11:19:56 PM
Written and Directed by Samuel Fuller
Cast: John Ireland, Barbara Britton, Reed Hadley, Preston Foster, Tom Tyler, Byron Foulger
This was Samuel Fuller's directorial debut...he would later to the even more stylistic "Forty Guns". This film was shot in a mere 10 days for a low budget of $100,000 (small in even those days). The movie, as you might guess from the title, was not reallyl about Jesse James (played by Reed Hadley) but more about "the dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard", Bob Ford (John Ireland) who, according to this film, shot Jesse in the back to get a promised amnesty for whoever turned Jesse in. The film featured some unusual close-ups but the film did not have the unusual phtotography that I disliked in Forty Guns and I found this an interesting early effort for Fuller. I found it an interesting low-budget western effort and worth the time it took to watch it.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 21, 2009, 11:27:50 PM
Got me Jon. :bag:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 01:01:40 AM
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Produced, Written and Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Cast: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Charles Dunning, John Goodman, Holly Hunter
Disenchanted with the daily drudge of crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) busts loose. Except he's still shackled to his two chain-mates from the chain gang...bad-tempered Pete (John Turturro) and sweet, dimwitted Delman (Tim Blake Nelson). With nothing to lose, and buried loot to regain...before it's lost forever in a flood...the three embark on the adventure of a lifetime...
I'm not sure, but I think O Brother, Where Art Thou? may have been the first film by the Coen Brothers that I saw in an actual theater...yeah, I can't believe I missed Fargo on the big screen, either. This was a good first Coen film for me to see in a theater, though, because I thought it was quite hilarious at the time. I'm not sure I find it quite as funny now, but it's still entertaining. During their adventures, the chain-gang trio become popular singers so music (of a bluegrass style) is an important part of the picture, though I think you can still enjoy the movie without being a bluegrass fan. I like bluegrass so that may have helped my enjoyment but I think most people will enjoy this film...it's just too wacky not to get at least a little bit of a kick out of it. I also like the cast, especially George Clooney and Holly Hunter (who I never get tired of seeing).
Extras on the DVD include the theatrical trailer, music video for "I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow", behind-the-scenes featurette and a look at the film's unique look titled "Painting With Pixels".
Post by: goodguy on November 22, 2009, 01:40:56 AM
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
...
... and Holly Hunter (who I never get tired of seeing).
Now why didn't Jon come up with that argument when he recommended the movie to me? May have to give it a try now.
Post by: Najemikon on November 22, 2009, 03:11:18 AM
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
...
... and Holly Hunter (who I never get tired of seeing).
Now why didn't Jon come up with that argument when he recommended the movie to me? May have to give it a try now.
Ha! Because I always hope you're above such base and shallow instincts, Matthias, and that you would watch a Coen brothers movie for their unique, subtle and brilliant humour, not for the leading totty. :devil: :hysterical:
She's in Raising Arizona too. ;)
Nice reviews of Coen stuff, Roger. The above comments were in relation to Matthias' review (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,3213.msg79997.html#msg79997) of The Big Lebowski which generated a short discussion about their themes.
By the way, I also enjoyed your review of I Shot Jesse James. Must admit I hadn't heard of it. Have you seen The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford? Beautiful film. Would be interesting to compare the two.
Post by: goodguy on November 22, 2009, 03:51:56 AM
Ha! Because I always hope you're above such base and shallow instincts, Matthias, and that you would watch a Coen brothers movie for their unique, subtle and brilliant humour, not for the leading totty. :devil: :hysterical:
I stand to my shallowness, especially when it come to the Coens, because I'm a bit indifferent towards them. As you said yourself, they make such vastly different movies that it is hard to judge if I would like a particular one based on the few I have seen. So the en passant mentioning of Holly Hunter can be all that's needed to persuade me. To be fair, it may not have worked at the time you wrote your comments, but I recently watched the first season of Saving Grace, so I'm currently more open to check out other stuff with her that I haven't seen yet.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 06:22:07 AM
Post by: Jimmy on November 22, 2009, 09:21:19 AM
This film was shot in a mere 10 days for a low budget of $100,000 (small in even those days).Some of the films that I've reviewed were made in one day for a budget of 1200$, Johnny Wadd was made with a budget of 750$...
100,000$ is a huge budget for my genre of film, some were made with this kind of money but not a lot. Centurion of Rome was made for more than one million, but I don't own it. Of course the fact it's an all man movie could explain that, but maybe I will get it, watch it and write a review for it here someday...
Post by: richierich on November 22, 2009, 11:13:01 AM
This film was shot in a mere 10 days for a low budget of $100,000 (small in even those days).Centurion of Rome was made for more than one million, but I don't own it. Of course the fact it's an all man movie could explain that, but maybe I will get it, watch it and write a review for it here someday...
Please no :redcard:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 05:01:20 PM
The Shootist (1976) 100m
Directed by Don Seigel
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Cast: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Harry Morgan, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian, Scatman Crothers, Bill McKinney, Sheree North, Richard Lenz, John Carradine
Gunfighter John Bernard Books comes to Carson City, Nevada in 1901 to see a doctor. It turns out he has cancer and has a short time to live. How he deals with it, and those around him and their reactions to him, form the crux of this story.
This was, of course, the final film for John Wayne in a long career that spanned nearly 50 years during which time he appeared in over 150 films. Ironically, his character in this film was dying of cancer and that was how John Wayne himself died only a few years after this film was released. Unlike many of Duke's films, this was not really a typical western shoot-em-up, but a character study and not exactly fast-moving...but it is a fine film nonetheless. It does have some fine action in it in spots, including an exciting final shootout in a fancy saloon towards the end of the picture (for you trivia buffs, Hugh O'Brian is the final character to be shot by John Wayne on film). A first-rate cast, excellent direction and photography and a fine Elmer Bernstein score all contribute to make John Wayne's last film a first-rate entertainment.
DVD extras include the original theatrical trailer and a fine behind-the-scenes featurette including interviews with the producers and with screenwriter Miles Hood Swarthout (son of novelist Glendon Swarthout whose book was the basis for this film). I believe Hugh O'Brian was the one cast member included in the interviews.
Post by: Najemikon on November 22, 2009, 05:07:49 PM
Post by: Najemikon on November 22, 2009, 05:25:40 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/cine.jpg)
Indulge yourself with the definitive version of one of the greatest films of all time. This multi award-winning homage to the love of cinema tells the story of Salvatore, now a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend who was projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood. Soon memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena and all the highs and lows that shaped his life come flooding back, as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.
Cinema Paradiso is one of the most beautiful films ever made, both in spirit and photography. It’s an unashamedly nostalgic story about friendship and life, much of it told in flashback as Salvatore remembers the remote town he left behind, especially his old friend Alfredo and the cinema, which is in the centre of the town. The story is like a love letter to film and the best moments happen in the cinema (especially when the town has gathered for a performance!) or because of it. We first see Salvatore, or Toto as he was known, as a young, cheeky boy, running circles around Alfredo, who is the projectionist. He grows into a young man, with the films as a backdrop.
The town has a wonderful cast of characters and it’s one of those rare stories you wish wouldn’t end. The photography is gorgeous throughout and director Giuseppe Tornatore has a great eye for simple, but powerful compositions, with fluid editing that sometimes leans toward fantasy (the transition between young and teenage Toto; the sequence in the rain). It sets the mood though because a story about the magic of cinema should have more than its fair share. It’s rather poetic too to have the best cinema composer in Ennio Morricone doing the score. In regards to the cast, this isn’t a film about performances and there is no reason to pick anyone out in particular because they all seem inspired by the material, Phillipe Noiret as Alfredo particularly.
There are many sublime moments in this uplifting and gently comic story and it’s difficult to pick one from another, but the funny early sequence of the local priest reviewing films and having every kiss removed, is built up to hilarious effect when the audience watch in hope that finally they’ll see one that got through! It can be sad and moving as well and somehow, the very final moments encompass the whole thing. Simple and effective in the best way.
If I’ve made it sound a bit too sentimental, well be assured it has a vein of realism that always keeps it grounded, unlike Italian films that tried to capitalise on its success, like the silly Life Is Beautiful. Take the cinema away and you would have a rather typical story about a young man, scorned by his first love, dreaming of escaping the dusty town he is trapped in. But cleverly, he is willingly trapped by the cinema, so it stays magical throughout, with Alfredo as a concerned voice of reason telling Toto he must leave and must not let himself be blinkered. Indeed the framing device is that Salvatore hasn’t been back to the town for 30 years.
His reason for staying away is expanded in the Director’s Cut and we have a fascinating situation here. I’m so glad both versions are included in the DVD set (plus Morricone’s soundtrack CD). The theatrical cut is fairly passive and if you enjoyed The Shawshank Redemption or Amelie, you should love it. The DC adds a thread to Salvatore’s return to the town in which he learns a harsh retrospective lesson that proves what we want is not always best for us. It’s heartachingly sad though and makes you think a lot more. Some feel it bloats the film, but this is only because they’re not used to seeing so much extra in the final chapter. It works very well and adds a challenging perspective.
New viewers should watch the theatrical cut and then the DC when they inevitably return to this wonderful film. I’ve often spoken of the magic of cinema and if you feel the same way as me, you will adore this story. If you don’t feel the same way by the end, check you still have a pulse!
Post by: Tom on November 22, 2009, 05:38:16 PM
Title: Star Trek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek_%28film%29) (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director:
Rating: 12
Length: 127 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.40
Audio: English: Dolby Digital TrueHD, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital Surround, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, German: Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Commentary, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish
Stars:
Chris Pine
Zachary Quinto
Leonard Nimoy
Eric Bana
Winona Ryder
Plot:
"STAR TREK is a burst of pure filmmaking exhilaration and an irresistible invitation for fun." The cocky, renegade James Kirk (Chris Pine) and the equally youthful half-Vulcan, half-human Spock (Zachary Quinto) are among the young members of a fledging Starfleet crew, and about to launch the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. During their incredible galactic voyage of exploration and discovery, they will encounter the evil Nero (Eric Bana) whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. With both the blockbuster-hit film and all-new special features on this two-disc Digital Copy Special Edition, you will journey behind the scenes and immerse yourself in a thrilling, action-packed Star Trek universe, as you have never experienced before!
Awards:
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Cameo | Winona Ryder |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Director | J. J. Abrams |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Ensemble | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best F/X | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Science Fiction Actor | Chris Pine |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Science Fiction Actor | Zachary Quinto |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Science Fiction Actress | Zoe Saldana |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Best Sci-Fi Movie | |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Scream-Play | Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Supporting Actor | Leonard Nimoy |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Supporting Actor | Simon Pegg |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Best Villian | Eric Bana |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Breakout Performance-Female | Zoe Saldana |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Breakout Performance-Male | Chris Pine |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | Fight-to-the-Death Scene of the Year | "Kirk vs. Spock": |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Nominated | The "Holy Sh%t!" Scene of the Year | "Space Dive onto Orbital Drill": |
| Scream Awards | 2009 | Won | The Ultimate Scream | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie - Action Adventure | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Actress - Action/Adventure | Zoe Saldana |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Fresh Face - Male | Chris Pine |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Rumble | Kirk vs. Spock |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Choice Movie Villain | Eric Bana |
| World Soundtrack Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Film Composer of the Year | Michael Giacchino |
Extras:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Outtakes
Scene Access
Star Trek: Countdown (Comic)
My Thoughts:
When I first heard about the idea of making a Star Trek prequel movie years ago (the talk was about a Star Trek Academy movie), I was shocked that they even considered something like this. I wanted further TNG movies or DS9 movies. But after the failure of Nemesis and the new Enterprise series, I didn't want any further movies. When then again came up the topic of a Star Trek reboot movies years later, I was all for it. Now was the right time for it.
Even though I was all for it, I was going into it was some trepidation. The trailer hadn't really convinced me yet. But I was positively surprised by the movie. They managed to make a reboot with the possibility to explore new directions, but they didn't ignore the past movies. Having Leonard Nimoy as the old Spock from the previous timeline's past in it to bridge the gap was the only move which probably could pull that off.
The new cast is perfect. The new Spock is a dead-on young Leonard Nimoy. The new Kirk has the spirit of Shatner's Kirk, but they thankfully chose to not imitade Shatner's delivery style. That would have come across as a Shatner parody instead of a new incarnation of Kirk. Simon Pegg as Scotty was alright as was the other supporting Enterprise crew. The new Bones is the one who surprised me the most. When I first saw him, I did not think that he was right for the role. He didn't look anything like DeForest Kelley. But his McCoy was dead-on.
But the movie also has its problems:
- I didn't like the "Star Wars" sequence on the Ice Planet, where Kirk is chased by a monster which in turn is caught by an even bigger monster. Also it is just too much of an coincidence, that Kirk is jettisoned to only a short walk away from where the old Spock is marooned.
- I didn't like it, that the kid Kirk is driving a vintage automobile. This scene is what bothered me most in the trailer. And the Nokia phone was the most grinchworthy moment in the entire movie.
- I didn't like it, that again the Romulans where the villains (like in Nemesis), but at least it was understandable, because we knew from TNG that the old Spock was involved with Romulans the past few years.
- Overuse of lens flare in the bridge scenes. Is the bridge supposed to be a light show, or what?
Also there are some moments, which bother me a little, but they do count as character flaws and not movie flaws: Like why did they give the charge to the redshirt guy and do not have one themselves? They didn't know who will survive the fall, so they should have planned to have backups. And am I understanding it correctly, that because of the stupidity of the redshirt, Vulcan was doomed?
A few references to past movies, that I remember now while writing the review:
- Kobayashi Maru: We learn in Star Trek 2 that Kirk is the only one ever beating the test scenario. Shatner was also eating an apple telling about it, like Chris Pine did while taking the test.
- The Vulcan school: The computers on which the kids take the tests are similar to the computer Spock did tests on in Star Trek 4
- The "friends" speech by Spock. First spoken in Star Trek 2.
- Spock also chose to not complete the Kolinahr in Star Trek 1.
- Spocks parents where first seen in the TOS episode "Journey to Babel", but were also part of Star Trek 4. His father was also in 6.
- I also got a kick out of Leonard Nimoy declaring "I am Spock" in the movie. Which is the title of his autobiography.
- Old Spock giving Scotty the formula which Scotty would have invented later himself is reminiscent of a scene in Star Trek 4.
- Nero is using the same creatures to extract information from Pike as Khan did in Star Trek 2. Would have been fun though, if we would have gotten an updated "ear-invasion" scene, instead of putting it in the mouth.
- Sulus experiance in hand-to-hand combat is of course a reference to a scene in a TOS episode, where we see Sulu fencing.
Rating:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 22, 2009, 05:41:47 PM
:thumbup: Fantastic film. Moving and a perfect swansong.I agree. It couldn't have been a better character for the Duke to portray in his last film.
Post by: Tom on November 22, 2009, 05:46:07 PM
Complete list here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5637.msg96576.html#msg96576).
Post by: Najemikon on November 22, 2009, 06:27:36 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/queen.jpg)
Returning to the original rushes the concert is restored to its full length and presented, for the first time, in its entirety. This amounts to an additional 47 minutes of previously unseen material! Not released on Video, this is the first time this 1982 concert will be available for the public to buy. The pictures are restored and colour graded. The sound will be offered in both a brand new PCM stereo mix, and a fabulous DTS 5.1 surround sound mix.
Being as this features the best band in the world, ever, in the history of music, ever, fronted by the most talented front-man to pick up a microphone (...ever), you can rely on me to give you an objective review. These upstarts are going to have to earn their five stars, dammit.
Seriously, ratings are moot in this case. If you like Queen, buy the DVD. If you don’t like Queen, buy therapy. But assuming you are one of the intelligent majority, yet inexplicably haven’t bought this, I’ll try and put it in context.
Queen made two soundtrack albums: Flash Gordon and A Kind of Magic (for Highlander). Flash was a bit silly really and is difficult to listen to stand-alone. It’s their most famous work though from a lean period that saw them experimenting with euro-pop (or “funk black” as Freddie calls it) in the Hot Space album. A Kind of Magic is entirely opposite and features some of their best work. That return to form starting with The Works, coincided with their performance at Live Aid, where they blasted everyone else off stage. They then followed that with the Magic tour and much live material comes from that.
So Live at the Bowl is quite unique, especially as there are no releases of their early years, certainly not to this video quality anyway. Filmed in 1982, just after the release of Hot Space, it finds the band almost in limbo, though it hasn’t dulled their confidence. It’s mainly old classics peppered with Hot Space stuff, but nothing from their second phase (Radio Ga Ga, etc). So this is a fairly rare opportunity to see Action This Day, Dragon Attack, Back Chat and even Get Down Make Love performed live. But they really perform the shit out of both new and old! They were always unpredictable on stage and willing to mess a little with the music, so you got something worth seeing and not just video versions of the records. No-one else got audience interaction of this level either, so you get a real sense of being there, enhanced by the amazing DTS audio.
It starts properly with Hero, a filler track from Flash expanded to a brief rip-roaring rocker. They follow with the rare “fast” version of We Will Rock You. An amazing start! Other stand-outs (difficult to find when they are all fucking superb) include a gorgeous alternative intro to Somebody To Love which also gives Roger Taylor a drum solo. May gets his first show-off point in Now I’m Here, as you’d expect. Soon it settles into the much loved classics, with other rarely seen live versions, like Sheer Heart Attack.
Freddie shows off constantly of course! Playful and full of attitude throughout and in great form from the off, typical of the born performer, and changing occasional lyrics here and there. A week after Hot Space’s release and they’re all ready getting flak, so he has a screw you, nothing to prove demeanour. Stage was home and he is sorely missed. Their range as a band is unsurpassed.
Sorry if this isn’t balanced enough for you. If you wish to complain, please sod off and watch Westlife or Celine Dion instead. :tease:
Post by: Najemikon on November 22, 2009, 06:44:32 PM
I have finished my marathon :)
Complete list here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5637.msg96576.html#msg96576).
Well done! Huge pace-setter. Can't believe I'm only a couple behind with a week to go. :thumbup:
Post by: snowcat on November 22, 2009, 06:52:33 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 07:07:14 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 07:38:57 PM
McLintock! Authentic Collector's Edition Film Release: 1963 127m
Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen
Cast: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Stefanie Powers, Chill Wills, Patrick Wayne, Yvonne De Carlo, Jack Kruschen, Jerry Van Dyke, Bruce Cabot, Robert Lowery
You could call this a western comedic version of "The Taming of the Shrew". In it, rancher G.W. McLintock (John Wayne) is surprised at the return of his estranged wife (Maureen O'Hara) who is mainly there due to the impending arrival of their daughter (Stefanie Powers) who is arriving from an Eastern college. This sets into motion all sorts of goings-on in a riotous and hilarious movie with all kinds of great moments including a free-for-all where people are knocked down a steep hill into a watery mudhole and the big finale where McLintock chases his wife through town (while she's in her underwear) culminating in his giving her a public spanking. Hey, it's certainly not politically correct now but I never turn down the chance to see Maureen O'Hara in her undies! Be aware, however, that a few public domain copies of this movie have been released by other companies, all of poor quality. The one you want is the "Authentic Collector's Edition" released by Paramount. Not only is it very affordable (list price in the U.S. of a mere $15) but it has a load of nice extras so you certainly get your money's worth there.
DVD Extras
Promo for The John Wayne Collection
Introduction by Leonard Maltin
Commentary by Leonard Maltin, Frank Thompson, Maureen O'Hara, Stefanie Powers, Michael Pate, Michael Wayne and Andrew V. McLaglen
The Making of McLintock! (3 parts including a nice chapter featuring nice on-screen interviews with Maureen O'Hara and Stefanie Powers)
The Corset: Don't Leave Home Without One!
2-minute Fight School (learn how to throw punches the John Wayne movie way!)
Photo Gallery
Original Theatrical Trailer
Batjac Collection Teasers (short trailers for several Batjac films, with and without John Wayne)
Overall, a highly recommended title. :thumbup:
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 22, 2009, 08:03:22 PM
I have finished my marathon :)
Complete list here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5637.msg96576.html#msg96576).
Great Work! :thumbup:
With the one I am watching now... I only have 4 more to watch to complete mine. :)
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 22, 2009, 08:04:25 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VKBZFQRRL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
McLintock! Authentic Collector's Edition Film Release: 1963 127m
Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen
Cast: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Stefanie Powers, Chill Wills, Patrick Wayne, Yvonne De Carlo, Jack Kruschen, Jerry Van Dyke, Bruce Cabot, Robert Lowery
You could call this a western comedic version of "The Taming of the Shrew". In it, rancher G.W. McLintock (John Wayne) is surprised at the return of his estranged wife (Maureen O'Hara) who is mainly there due to the impending arrival of their daughter (Stefanie Powers) who is arriving from an Eastern college. This sets into motion all sorts of goings-on in a riotous and hilarious movie with all kinds of great moments including a free-for-all where people are knocked down a steep hill into a watery mudhole and the big finale where McLintock chases his wife through town (while she's in her underwear) culminating in his giving her a public spanking. Hey, it's certainly not politically correct now but I never turn down the chance to see Maureen O'Hara in her undies! Be aware, however, that a few public domain copies of this movie have been released by other companies, all of poor quality. The one you want is the "Authentic Collector's Edition" released by Paramount. Not only is it very affordable (list price in the U.S. of a mere $15) but it has a load of nice extras so you certainly get your money's worth there.
DVD Extras
Promo for The John Wayne Collection
Introduction by Leonard Maltin
Commentary by Leonard Maltin, Frank Thompson, Maureen O'Hara, Stefanie Powers, Michael Pate, Michael Wayne and Andrew V. McLaglen
The Making of McLintock! (3 parts including a nice chapter featuring nice on-screen interviews with Maureen O'Hara and Stefanie Powers)
The Corset: Don't Leave Home Without One!
2-minute Fight School (learn how to throw punches the John Wayne movie way!)
Photo Gallery
Original Theatrical Trailer
Batjac Collection Teasers (short trailers for several Batjac films, with and without John Wayne)
Overall, a highly recommended title. :thumbup:
I have always heard nothing but good things about this one... will have to add this one to my wish list! :)
Post by: Jimmy on November 22, 2009, 08:16:50 PM
Please no :redcard:Doesn't depend of me, maybe our women membership would like to know how is it :hmmmm:
I'm almost tempted to get it just to write a lenghty review with picture to tease you Rich :hmmmm:
Not really :laugh:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 22, 2009, 09:50:10 PM
I have always heard nothing but good things about this one... will have to add this one to my wish list! :)I agree with Roger, it's highly recommended. One of my favorite movies. I just don't know how they got away with such a terrible stereotype for the Indians. "More Whiskey"! :laugh:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 22, 2009, 10:03:10 PM
The Ox-Bow Incident (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036244/)
Hollywood Legends:
Henry Fonda
Dana Andrews
Anthony Quinn
Overview
Based on Walter Van Tilburg Clark's best-selling novel, The Ox-Bow Incident is a riveting drama about frontier justice - and injustice - which received a Best Picture Oscar® nomination in 1943.
Gil Carter (Henry Fonda) and Art Croft (Henry Morgan) ride into a town frustrated by the prevalence of cattle rustlers. Suddenly, word comes that a popular rancher has been murdered, which puts the already enraged town over the edge. When the spiteful mayor forms a posse, Gil and Croft are swept up in their mission - to seek vengeance - even upon those innocent of any wrong-doing.
As it becomes clear that blood-lust may win out over rationality, the tension mounts in this "masterpiece" (TIM DIRKS' THE GREATEST FILMS) with its timeless message about the dangers of mob mentality.
My thoughts
Wow – over already?!? This was a very short movie. Looking now I see it’s only 75 minutes long. I knew the story was moving along quick, I just had no idea it was almost over. Henry Fonda and his partner Col. Sherman Potter (AKA Harry/Henry Morgan) somehow get sucked into being part of a lynch mob. I’m still not sure how they became part of the group, as compared to riding off or just staying in town. I thought it was to make sure justice would rule, but apparently not. They weren’t even one of the 1st of the seven to object to how things were being handled. There was no real reason for them to be there that I can see.
As it turns out the men were innocent (duh). Having not seen the movie not realizing it was just about over I was a bit excited about what would be next. I expected all of the men involved would go through some turmoil and the rest of the story would focus on that. I envisioned some finger pointing with everyone trying to blame the other guy to ease their own conscience. Maybe a bar-room brawl or even a shout out as tempers flared as one by one the characters were being eaten up inside by guilt. I was disappointed to get none of that. The story just kinda ended. They did have the group all standing at the bar in one scene, showing remorse, but that’s about it. To me they only told half the story here and should have either made the 1st part longer, with more focus on the actions before hand or have more story after they returned to town as I said above.
Henry Fonda was good, but he really didn’t have much of a part (although nobody did). His role could have been played by anyone I believe. Dana Andrews played his part well, probably the best in the movie. It’s unfortunate the story has him just giving up. If it were me with a young family and about to be hung for something I didn’t do I wouldn’t go quite as gracefully that’s for sure.
This is a movie with too many bits that aren’t needed. Something about Henry Fonda and some woman having a past. Henry gets threatened by the woman’s husband, then that’s it. Story arc over. And what’s with Anthony Quinn’s character. They seem to show him as having something to hide, yet they never show what that was (if there was anything to begin with). Again, leave it out or give us the whole story.
If you haven’t figured out this wasn’t the best movie I’ve watched in this marathon. It’s considered a classic so I guess it’s one of those any movie buff should watch, but don’t expect much at all. It’s a shame too since they really could have expanded on how easy it is to get caught up in the mob mentality and how to deal with the consequences of the mobs actions.
My rating: :yucky: (Pretty harsh I know but it is what it is.) I will not be watching this movie again anytime soon (if ever).
Post by: Rogmeister on November 22, 2009, 10:19:11 PM
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 22, 2009, 10:42:31 PM
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 22, 2009, 11:04:24 PM
Post by: richierich on November 23, 2009, 12:18:42 AM
I have finished my marathon :)
Complete list here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5637.msg96576.html#msg96576).
Nice job Tom and great set of reviews :thumbup:
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 23, 2009, 01:18:47 AM
Sorry Pete, good or not it's number 13 of 40 in the Fox Studio Classics collection. It's sgoing to sit on the shelf between numbers 12 and 14 until I rid myself of all the shiny little discs. I can't have a hole in my collection! :fingerchew:
:laugh: Quite Alright Rick! :)
Post by: Rogmeister on November 23, 2009, 01:47:05 AM
Jesse James (1939) 105m
Directed by Henry King
Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck
Cast: Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott, Nancy Kelly, Henry Hull, Brian Donlevy, Donald Meek, John Carradine
This is one of the earlier film treatments (possibly the first?) on the life of famed outlaw Jesse James and his brother Frank. Jesse is played here by Tyrone Power with his brother Frank played by Henry Fonda. Randolph Scott plays a lawman sympathetic to Jesse named Will Wright (I imagine this character is a fictional one). In this version, the darstardly no-good villains that are the railroad turn Jesse into an outlaw by taking his land and killing his mother by tossing a bomb into his home, planning on getting him but killing his mother instead, the only one inside at the time (Jesse's mom is played by Jane Darwell). This is a typical Hollywood romanticized version of the James saga with not a lot of credibility to it but it is entertaining. The film is shot in Technicolor but the close-ups of Jesse and Frank make them look soft and angelic, not quite the image you expect of noted killers and robbers. For that matter, we don't really see that many of the James' gang's robberies...we basically see one train robbery and one failed bank job though we do get a collage of scenes at one point that do give you the idea there was a lot more to it. This film proved to be immensely popular and a sequel was released about a year later. Of course, Jesse couldn't return to life so it was about his brother...Henry Fonda starred in The Return of Frank. James.
:D
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 23, 2009, 01:56:24 AM
Sorry Pete, good or not it's number 13 of 40 in the Fox Studio Classics collection. It's sgoing to sit on the shelf between numbers 12 and 14 until I rid myself of all the shiny little discs. I can't have a hole in my collection! :fingerchew:
:laugh: Quite Alright Rick! :)
Somehow I knew you would understand :laugh:
Post by: richierich on November 23, 2009, 02:43:20 AM
Title: North by Northwest
Runtime:136
Certificate:NR
Year:1959
Genres:Suspense/Thriller, Adventure, Classic
Plot:Cary Grant teams with director Alfred Hitchcock for the fourth and final time in this superlative espionage caper judged one of the American Film Institute's Top-100 Films and spruced up with a new digital transfer and remixed Dolby Digital Stereo. He plays a Manhattan advertising executive plunged into a realm of spy (James Mason) and counterspy (Eva Marie Saint) and variously abducted, framed for murder, chased and in another signature set piece, crop-dusted. He also holds on for dear life from the facial features of the Presidents on Mount Rushmore (backlot sets were used). But don't expect the Master of Suspense to leave star or audience hanging.
My Review:
Of all my recent Hitchcock films watched recently, this one I found the hardest to sit through without distraction.
It is unnecessarily long, if the various action, intrigue and romance had been filtered into a shorter offering it may have held my interest more.
The acting is good, Grant is convincing and suave in the lead, Saint is wholesome enough to attract (although the slutty first meeting on train was unbelievable). Mason of course is professional, but Landau didn't work for me.
Plenty of famous landmarks and milking the 'innocent accused theme' so common in Hitch's films. The best scenes are clearly the most infamous - the crop dusting plane, and the Rushmore finale, but unfortunately there are several beyond belief or poorly shot moments which are unusual in his work.
NBN is a well directed suspense/chase movie, but tediously dull in too many parts to give it a good mark.
My Rating
:-\
:-\
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 23, 2009, 02:44:36 AM
Pat and Mike (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045012/)
Hollywood Legends:
Spencer Tracy
Audrey Hepburn
Overview:
The sun will sneak by a rooster before sports promoter Mike Conovan (Spencer Tracy) lets opportunity pass him by. So the first time he sees genteel Pat Pemberton (Katharine Hepburn) swing a five-iron, he decides to ink her to a pro contract. "Not much meat on her," Mike later says, "but what's there is cherce."
For this chercest of romantic comedies, George Cukor directs, Ruth Gordon and Garon Kanin provide the Oscar®-nominated screenplay (1952) and a deft cast plays various Damon Runyonesque types, including Aldo Ray as a dim-bulb palooka and Charles (Bronson) Buchinski as a tough guy who finds Pat tougher. Sports stars of the day (like Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Gussie Moran) add to the Jocks-and-Jills fun. Let the games begin!
My Thoughts:
After the last movie I wanted to pick one I knew I would enjoy. How can you go wrong with a Hepburn & Tracy movie! I assumed this was another romantic comedy and was glad to see it was that and more. I had no idea how good of an athlete Audrey Hepburn was! She was fantastic. There was one tennis match where it looked as though they used a stand in (or not – hard to tell) but for the most part everything you saw was her. She was around 45 when they filmed this movie. I was absolutely impressed with her athleticism. The story itself was enjoyable, predictable and entertaining. I wonder how many takes they had to do to get some of those long puts in the golf scenes. There was a great scene where Audrey Hepburn beat up Charles Bronson. Pretty hysterical when you look at Bronson’s career since then!
As far as the acting goes, well… do I really need so say anything about it? The two of them have such a chemistry everything just falls into place naturally.
My Rating: ;D
Post by: RossRoy on November 23, 2009, 04:03:14 AM
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Second Season |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| The science of funny is back! At work, physicists Leonard and Sheldon and their geek pals conquer the cosmos. At home, real life – from dating to driving – conquers them. This season, Leonard gets a girl. So does Sheldon. (Sheldon?!) Howard drives the Mars Rover into a ditch. Raj woos a terminator. Gorgeous girl-next-door Penny falls under the spell of Age of Conan. And super-smart, überconfident Leslie Winkler reduces mere men to spineless jellyfish. Twenty-three laugh-filled episodes from series creators Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men) and Bill Prady (Gilmore Girls) and a talented cast with astronomical comedy I.Q.s show why Big Bang is such a big hit. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| This show cracks me up! Funniest sitcom I've seen in a long time! This season is even better than the first! I love how instead of going the "usual" route - bigger bolder badder - they actually centered on them even more, and brought to a more personal level. I love seeing Penny and Sheldon interact. They each live in such a different "world". I also love how they have Penny "win" most of the arguments with Sheldon... yet Sheldon will always get the last word, even though Penny obviously won the argument. I also like how there's an ongoing story thread. The characters are evolving, and the writers do leave breadcrumbs here and there, and then bring them up at crucial moments later in the season. All the characters are growing on me, even Howard (love the episode where Penny tells him "the truth" - probably my favourite)! The only bad I can think of on this show? The wait for Season 3 will be too loooooooooong. |
| RATING |
Post by: Rogmeister on November 23, 2009, 05:53:36 AM
The Return of Frank James (1940) 92m
Directed by Fritz Lang
Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck
Cast: Henry Fonda, Gene Tierney, Jackie Cooper, Henry Hull, John Carradine, Donald Meek
This movie takes up where Jesse James, released the previous year, left off...with Bob Ford's killing of Jesse. In fact, at the beginning of this new film, Frank hasn't even heard of Jesse's death yet...but he soon finds out and then makes getting even with Ford his top priority. Despite the fact that this is a sequel to the earlier film, the tone of the two films are completely different, not surprising since they have different directors. This film has not the romanticism of the earlier film or even the manic personality Jesse possessed in that film. Here we have no real identity other than a straightforward western with Fonda as Frank James first going after Ford and then being captured and being put on trial. Once the trial is over he goes after Ford but doesn't even get his revenge as Ford apparently shoots himself rather than face Frank himself and we have a sort of happy ending. The photography is good with excellent use of outdoor locales though one scene is almost comical in its use of rear process photography when we get closeups of men riding horses...except they are not bouncing up and down in the close-ups as actual riders would be doing. But that's a small quibble. Though not as strong as Jesse James, I still enjoyed The Return of Frank James. :)
Post by: richierich on November 23, 2009, 07:56:40 PM
Title: FrenZy
Runtime:116
Certificate:R
Year:1972
Genres:Suspense/Thriller
Plot:In modern-day London, a sex criminal known as the Necktie Murderer has the police on alert, and in typical Hitchcock fashion, the trail is leading to an innocent man, who must now elude the law and prove his innocence by finding the real murderer. Jon Finch, Alec McCowen and Barry Foster head this British cast in the thriller that alternates suspense scenes with moments of Hitchcock's distinctive black humor. Screenplay by Anthony Shaffer.
My Review:
There are huge chunks of Hitch under the surface of this movie - wrong man, comedy couple, suspense, intrigue, good pace, showdown scene etc. But there are some elements that just didn't fit right, full frontal nudity, rape scene, swearing, boobs aplenty etc. and I wonder if he was forced to add these into the film to satisfy the more liberated 70's audience, or what he wished to view as an ageing man?
As a standalone film without analysing too deeply it was really enjoyable, the script was quality, and the black comedy elements eased the serial killer heaviness of the film. The casting was good with several now famous British actors making early small appearances, although I didn't spot Hitch in this one?
I expected not to enjoy this, but was pleasantly surprised that such a quality piece was delivered as his penultimate film.
My Rating
:D
:D
Post by: richierich on November 23, 2009, 08:09:58 PM
Title: PsyCho
Runtime:108
Certificate:R
Year:1960
Genres:Suspense/Thriller, Horror
Plot:Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece of the macabre stars Anthony Perkins as the troubled Norman Bates, whose "old dark house" and adjoining motel are not the place to spend a quiet evening. No one knows that better than Janet Leigh, the film's ill-fated heroine who is victimized in the now-notorious "shower scene." Vera Miles, Martin Balsam, John Gavin and John McIntire co-star in Hitchcock's most compelling and terrifying film. Screenplay by Joseph Stefano.
My Review:
I saved the best til last of my Hitchcock films, one I have seen a few times and really enjoy, and which still in places makes the hairs on the back of my neck go up and my arms get goosebumps.
This to me is the first true scary film, everything since has been an attempt to match its absolutely perfect suspense, psychological tension, storyline, choreography and pace. The less is more gore aspect appeals to me, the innovative camera angles, and the way Hitch twists it so as a viewer you begin to side with Norman against the authorities is masterful.
Excellent acting, perfect dialogue, plausible characters, Hitch's greatest movie and a masterpiece I shall never tire of.
My Rating
:thumbup:
:thumbup:
Post by: Najemikon on November 23, 2009, 08:52:07 PM
2 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/young.jpg)
When two rival martial arts schools square off in an annual lion dance competition, the favourite, betrayed by their star pupil, Tiger (Wei Pei), exits in disgrace. When Tiger is expelled and joins with a notorious gang of criminals, led by feared kicking expert Master Kim (Wong In-sik), Dragon (Jackie Chan) embarks on a dangerous mission to bring his 'brother' back to the school. Unfortunately, the situation is further complicated when he is mistaken for his criminal brother, and must fight to clear his name, while continually on the run from both the local police and the criminal gang. Unknown to Dragon, the ultimate challenge awaits him: a deadly one-on-one encounter with the formidable Master Kim. Filled with intricate, masterfully choreographed action sequences, clever sight-gags and fluid camerawork, this timeless classic broke all Hong Kong box-office records on its original theatrical release, and is still, today, one of the top-grossing Jackie Chan movies of all time!
I've always enjoyed classic martial arts movies, especially those with the two masters, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. The plots of their films are usually similar, especially the earliest ones, but their styles very different. Chan is an acrobatic circus performer, so his films usually have a huge dose of slapstick comedy (he is definitely China's Chaplin) including the fights. You should watch his movies for fun and astonishing stunts.
Young Master, incorrectly thought of as Chan's debut as a director, is not a good place to start. It's worth seeing, but it is tedious. The comedy is just too silly, the dialogue horrendous (although that could be down to poor subtitling) and the fights just go on too long. And in these early films the emphasis was on a very structured style often using props that might be clever, but becomes annoying. Chan is amazing with a fan, long-time collaborator Yuen Baio equally so with a bench, but every one of them needs a kick up the arse, so to speak!
What especially annoyed me was the sequence in the middle where Master Kim (Wong In-Sik) is freed from custody. It is superb! Exciting and brutal. It's all Chan's work though and he does a couple of the harder stunts, so he proves he could have injected the rest of the film with a bit more vigour. The final one-on-one with In-Sik could have been a really good brawler. It was known for being one of the longest fight sequences filmed so far at about 15 minutes. That's 10 too long, sadly.
Ah, well. I'll have to have a marathon of proper Chan movies, like Project A or Dragon's Forever.
Post by: snowcat on November 23, 2009, 09:23:07 PM
Post by: richierich on November 23, 2009, 10:34:33 PM
Title: Milk
Runtime:122
Certificate:15
Year:2008
Genres:Drama
Plot:His life changed history. His courage changed lives. Academy Award® winner Sean Penn stars in this stirring celebration of Harvey Milk, a true man of the people. Based on the inspiring true story of the first openly gay man elected to major public office, this compelling film follows Milk’s powerful journey to inspire hope for equal rights during one of the least tolerant times in the history of the U.S.
With a stunning all-star cast, including Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna and James Franco, it’s the emotionally charged story that now has global recognition and critical acclaim.
My Review:
Fascinating biopic of a courageous man, who stood up not only for himself and his beliefs, but for those beliefs and rights of his fellow citizens, and was so tragically murdered with his supportive mayor by an unexpected assassin.
Penn is simply brilliant in this, he is surely one of the best actors of our generation? His sympathetic portrayal of Milk, a flawed, complex workaholic with personal relationship disasters aplenty, is refreshingly open and never tries to portray the civic leader as any kind of saint. Some of the supporting cast do not seem quite so sexually comfortable in their roles as gay activists, but the film, with the backdrop of Harvey narrating his 'just in case' memoirs to a tape recorder, is so smoothly paced and of overall interest that you can excuse the odd poor performance.
A painful journey, and a tearful ending, but a great educational and entertaining movie to inspire hope.
My Rating
;D
;D
Post by: Najemikon on November 24, 2009, 12:46:31 AM
The young master is a strange one :S myself and a Chinese friend (he also speaks Chinese :p) watched it, I agree that there is poor subbing... he was laughing all the way through it ¬_¬ ... I was sitting there like :S "what?"
You should hear the dubbed version! They're done with strong British accents. It's just weird! ???
Chan has a very cheeky old-fashioned British style of humour though, like the bath scene in Young Master. Have you seen some of the ones he did with the other Little Dragons, Yuen Baio and Sammo Hung? A couple of them are like Carry On films with a very silly cast of Chinese comedians, including Eric Tsang.
Post by: richierich on November 24, 2009, 12:46:41 AM
Title: What Just Happened
Runtime:104
Certificate:R
Year:2008
Genres:Comedy
Plot:Based on the acclaimed, best-selling memoir by veteran Hollywood producer Art Linson and directed by Academy Award® winning Barry Levinson, What Just Happened follows Ben (Robert De Niro), a producer desperately trying to save his two films from falling apart while managing the chaos of two marriages that already have. A bitingly sharp comedy about what it takes to survive a treacherous world of backstabbing, greed, and runaway egos - Welcome to Hollywood!
My Review:
Dull and self-indulgent, an unfunny comedy, that seemed like an in-joke the rest of us would never get. By Linson lassoing onboard a couple of his regular big name stars in Penn and DeNiro, he must of hoped he could slip this drivel under an audiences nose without them smelling how bad it is.
Disjointed, erratically paced, a mismatch of storylines full of splitting seams, pointless scenes to demonstrate his busy life, stupid episodes with Bruce Willis and a beard - WTF was this film trying to portray?? An attempted satire that falls flat on its face, and should be kicked into the gutter and ignored at all cost.
What Just Happened is a great title, it was exactly how I felt as the credits rolled!
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: RossRoy on November 24, 2009, 04:47:32 AM
Masters of the Universe |
 |
| WHAT THEY SAY |
| Planet Eternia and the Castle of Greyskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor, who wants to take over the planet. A group of Freedom Fighters led by the heroic He-Man are accidentally transported to Earth by a mysterious Cosmic Key which holds the power to make Skeletor all-powerful. Once on Earth, He-Man joins alliances with two teenagers as they attempt to find the key and return home. |
MY THOUGHTS |
| I thought I had never seen this movie before. But something felt really familiar right from the start. Some scenes were too familiar to be just a coincidence. And then it hit me, when you see Man-At-Arms, Gwildor and Teela eating at the chicken restaurant! Yes, I had seen this movie before! Anyway... I don't know what to say really. I didn't strike me as particularly good, but I wasn't bored with it. It was fun and entertaining, but gosh are the effects second-rate! But, I thought Frank Langella did a great job as Skeletor. It's obvious the whole movie is kind of limited, but Langella did a great job with what he had to work with. So yeah, the movie's got a lot going for it - blatant plot holes, cheesy effects, bad acting, steroid-induced muscles - yeah, its got it all! ;) |
| RATING |
Post by: snowcat on November 24, 2009, 09:26:12 AM
The young master is a strange one :S myself and a Chinese friend (he also speaks Chinese :p) watched it, I agree that there is poor subbing... he was laughing all the way through it ¬_¬ ... I was sitting there like :S "what?"
You should hear the dubbed version! They're done with strong British accents. It's just weird! ???
Chan has a very cheeky old-fashioned British style of humour though, like the bath scene in Young Master. Have you seen some of the ones he did with the other Little Dragons, Yuen Baio and Sammo Hung? A couple of them are like Carry On films with a very silly cast of Chinese comedians, including Eric Tsang.
Haha, ill have to borrow the DVD (ewww borrowing :laugh:) to see the dub it sounds hilarious, I haven't seen any of the other films ill have to look out for those too.
Post by: Najemikon on November 24, 2009, 08:59:09 PM
Post by: snowcat on November 24, 2009, 09:25:10 PM
Not to mislead you, but I think it must have only been a couple of characters with the "ey up me, duck" accent as I spotted it in the deleted scenes. Most have got awful American voices that obviously thought they were doing a cartoon!
It still sounds hilarious! ill have it tomorrow night so I can see these accents :laugh:
Post by: richierich on November 25, 2009, 01:14:40 AM
Title: XX/XY
Runtime:91
Certificate:R
Year:2002
Genres:Drama, Romance, Suspense/Thriller
Plot:They gave in to their deepest desires, but can they overcome their biggest fears? Mark Ruffalo (Windtalkers), Kathleen Robertson ("girls club") and Maya Stange (Garage Days) deliver stunning performances in this steamy, highly charged film that explores the passions of youth...and their inevitable price.
When New York animator Coles (Ruffalo) meets Sam (Stange), the attraction is immediate. And when Sam invites her hot friend Thea (Robertson) to bed with them, it's a dream come true...until ugly secrets destroy the carefree threesome. Ten years later, their very different lives converge again and Coles realizes how much he still loves Sam. but can he risk everything to tell her the naked truth?
My Review:
Moody and dull, a film more in love with itself than in entertaining its viewers.
The menage a trois beginning and the associated partying and emotional outbursts this causes creates a good beginning, but the movie slips into a boring dialogue and obvious conclusion for over an hour to follow. It is an appealing and attractive cast, but none of them are stretched and appear pretty limp with such a humourless script. The characters become too alike, there is no point or message conveyed, and the film loses its way.
Tries to be too intelligent, and lost this passenger after 20 minutes.
My Rating
:yawn:
:yawn:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 25, 2009, 02:15:42 AM
Post by: Jimmy on November 25, 2009, 05:15:30 AM
I watch everything on it, it's sure more reliable than any dvd reader I've bought...
But if you really want a stand alone reader you can't go wrong with a Phillips.
Post by: Achim on November 25, 2009, 05:25:37 AM
If you consider the computer variant, then maye a TV-out card can transfer the image to your well-known screen?
Post by: Dragonfire on November 25, 2009, 07:16:08 AM
Post by: Kathy on November 25, 2009, 12:11:41 PM
Edit: For example - Target has a Memorex compact DVD player on sale for $19.99. The sale starts Friday at 5am.
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 25, 2009, 03:06:53 PM
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 25, 2009, 03:28:15 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 25, 2009, 04:11:18 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 25, 2009, 04:43:21 PM
The Long Riders (1980) 99m
Director: Walter Hill
Music: Ry Cooder
Cast: David Carradine, Keith Carradine, Robert Carradine, James Keach, Stacy Keach, Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid, Christopher Guest, Nicholas Guest, Harry Carey Jr., Pamela Reed
This was another western about the James-Younger gang but it was done with a bit of a twist. Each set of brothers was played by a set of actual brothers...so you had the Carradines playing the Younger brothers, James and Stacy Keach playing Jesse and Frank James, Dennis and Randy Quaid playaing the Millers and Christopher and Nicholas Guest playing the Fords. Pamela Reed also shows up as Belle Starr (no, she didn't look that good in real life). It's an interesting idea (all those real brothers playing historical brothers) and it results in a fine western, definitely one of the better westerns of the 1980's. Since this is Jesse James (and company) we're talking about, there is definitely some actual events here though they still make the outlaws perhaps a bit more likeable than they actually were in real life but I still enjoy this film and have no qualms about recommending it. I've had this DVD awhile and there are unfortunately no real extras...just the trailer. I would definitely vote for this getting a special edition but this is all we have for now, I think. A first-rate western. :thumbup:
Post by: snowcat on November 25, 2009, 05:28:58 PM
My current DVD player was just £10 its also region free :D it was part of a clear out sale in a little shop that was closing :)
Post by: Najemikon on November 25, 2009, 09:08:37 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/wrest.jpg)
Back in the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centres around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life - trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a romance with an ageing stripper (Marisa Tomei). Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy "The Ram" back into his old world of sporting glory.
This film is a refreshing change. It's powerful, almost unassuming in it's simplicity, and works because a small number of people do what they do very, very well. Good solid, old fashioned film-making.
The story of The Ram is a sad and a lonely one and there is no real plot to speak of. Darren Aronofsky's camera just quietly follows Randy as he struggles to accept his wrestling career may be over and the relationship with his daughter (small, but sparky performance from Wood) never further away. In a way, it reminded me of The Hunter with Steve McQueen in it's low-key, almost meandering script, except that was much lighter in tone. As you'd expect from the director of Requiem for a Dream, this is much tougher, with a camera that refuses to look away as Randy lays himself bare.
It's poignant and bitter-sweet, but it does have a lot of comedy moments. Just like life really, and it's that gritty hand-held realism that allows such moments to shine in the perfectly judged tone. For all that though, with any other actor than Mickey Rourke in the title role, I can't see it working as well. I know that's really easy to say, but this is a monumental performance and so heartfelt. Rourke was always good when he allowed himself to be and he has natural charisma and a delivery you can't ignore. He plays Randy as hurt, but the steel in the character is right there too.
We first see him post-match and it's immediately obvious how much pain simply moving around causes him. He's a broken down relic, who can't see how out-dated he is and Rourke makes sure we feel every rattling breath and creaking joint throughout the film. The big old brawler might be tough, but he'll break your heart too, especially in the scenes with his daughter and trying to find comfort in a trailer at the arse end of life or signing autographs with other ageing wrestlers. Of course, as every review of this film says, Randy is Rourke. He'd pissed his career away and this role couldn't have been better suited for him. The irony is, he is at his best to portray this performance and the training regime couldn't have been one to take on easily.
He does look the part and again, just like the actor, Randy is at home in the ring. There are several wrestling scenes that are brutal! Another irony: the sport may be fake, but the passion isn't and the lengths they go to are barbaric. They pump up with drugs before a bout and the in-ring on-purpose stunts range from a nasty forehead gash with a razor hidden in his straps, to the clash that finally causes his heart to give out. Yours may do too as you watch them use glass, barb wire, staples and even a spectators false leg at one point! Urgh! Why anyone would put themselves through such torture, I can't imagine, but Aronofsky presents a world of respect and friendship amongst all the wrestlers, young and old. Far more respect than in the real world and it's a highlight when Randy finally loses his patience in his deli job. It didn't help they called him by his real name, Robin. He is so tied up in his own image, he protests that his name is "Randy".
He forms a touching, awkward romance with Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), another ageing performer losing respect, this time as a stripper. She too hides behind a false name, but has a clear and reliable distinction between her two sides. Still doesn't stop her anxiety though as she is losing her edge in a young womans world. She just isn't good looking enough! This is absurd though and perhaps the closest the film comes to a mis-step because Tomei is in fantastic shape. I would say that, she is long-time favourite, but still, she is gorgeous and brave too. Edging Rourke's bare performance by actually being bare for a good portion of the film, she is fantastic. Vulnerable and raw, but feisty, she is a good match for Rourke.
This is a great film that is much better than it had to be. The plot is unambitious, possibly even predictable, but it has masses of heart, stark performances and some heart-stopping moments, pardon the pun.
Post by: Najemikon on November 25, 2009, 09:35:31 PM
5 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/fuzz.jpg)
When top London cop, PC Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg), is reassigned to the quiet town of Sandford, he struggles with his seemingly crime-free world... and oafish partner Danny (Nick Frost). When several grisly accidents rock the village, it's not long before Danny's dreams of explosive, high-octane, car-chasing, gun fighting, all-out action become reality! It's time for these small-town cops to hand out big-city justice!
Yup. Another five-star review. I know, I know... "yawn". I tried to mark it down, but the only viable reason I could come up with was "it's not as good as Shaun". Well, it's not, but it's still better than every other British comedy for years.
Central to the success are the two main characters. Not only do Pegg and Frost work brilliantly and effortlessly together, but they're acting as well. A bit, anyway. This isn't the same Pegg as Shaun and I'm not sure Frost's Butterworth would be seen in the same pub as Ed. He has a puppy dog innocence in this. Just a big kid who loves his action movies.
Edgar Wright is that big kid too and this fun film rewards multiple viewings with all the classic action film nods, even ignoring the really obvious ones. He's no novice to action himself too. Some reviews say he lacks the punch of proper action directors, but I ask, who else does who can also balance such fantastic comedy? And he's far better than Michael Bay, who he affectionately takes the piss out of as much as anyone. I'd love to see him do a full-on, takes-itself-seriously action movie, though I doubt he ever will. He's a movie geek at heart, just like his target audience who understand things like the gay sub-text without thinking about it. Plus, a lot of fairly low-key comedies like this seriously lose pace when they try to handle the exciting stuff, but this doesn't. If anything, it gains it. The last half-hour is an absolute riot and the scene in the supermarket should be a modern classic! It's just so... British.
The real strength is in the script, which is wonderfully self-referential. Clever puns match with inspired sight gags and pop-up again with great timing. Take the scene where they eat ice-cream with the brain-freeze joke. Superb! The cast bring it to life of course. Paddy Considine is having a ball as Andy, as is Bill Bailey in an hilarious dual-role and I love Olivia Colman's snorting innuendo. Best of all might be Timothy Dalton who obviously relishes the villain role. And of course, the late Edward Woodward. His role is quite small, but perfectly delivered especially as the whole thing could be a Wicker Man homage.
It's just wonderful comic book stuff and I think I could watch it again right now.
Which is interesting, because I have seen it before and wasn't rushing back to it, though I always liked it. Maybe it needs to "settle". Shaun of the Dead had a huge advantage because everyone understands sitcom, everyone understands zombies and the characters were real and weren't compromised. Hot Fuzz is a bonkers idea with a central character at least who is faintly absurd is actually a high-concept film and perhaps you have to know it to love it. Just as I said with The Wrestler though, it's far better than it had to be as well.
Five star, solid gold gem. Watch it again if you don't believe me. :laugh:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 25, 2009, 09:57:11 PM
Going back to The Long Riders, I believe I mentioned that Pamela Reed was in that but I meant to mention that she once punched my best friend in the stomach. He got a job on one of her movies as an extra once (not a western) and apparently he didn't get out of her way quickly enough. I guess she had a temper... :laugh:
Post by: Najemikon on November 25, 2009, 10:00:12 PM
Going back to The Long Riders, I believe I mentioned that Pamela Reed was in that but I meant to mention that she once punched my best friend in the stomach. He got a job on one of her movies as an extra once (not a western) and apparently he didn't get out of her way quickly enough. I guess she had a temper... :laugh:
Great story! :thumbup:
Post by: snowcat on November 25, 2009, 11:46:28 PM
Emma yes, I do have a PS2 but I'm not crazy about it as a DVD player. I'm used to using a regular remote rather than a game controller. I do have a working unit now so I'll go with that.
¬_¬ I know what you mean! that controller is a pain! I generally find I accidentally hit the shoulder buttons and skip chapters forward! but its nice to know its there as a back up just in case :)
I have the Xbox360 HD DVD so as long as I want to play a pal disc that works pretty much all the time :D... haha, unfortunately I have a large NTSC collection :/
Post by: Najemikon on November 26, 2009, 12:42:23 AM
4 out of 5
(http://www.jonmeakin.co.uk/images/extreme.jpg)
This is a clever anthology of Asian horror. It's nicely produced, because each of the three is a separate country as well as director.
Dumplings (dir. Fruit Chan) Hong Kong
An ageing actress wishing to reclaim her youth goes to a woman who makes dumplings that supposedly have regenerative properties; however, they contain a gruesome secret ingredient.
Wow, this is intense stuff! It's rather unassuming, with straight-forward direction and there are no jump moments or gore, but the subject matter will probably stay with you for some time. I say there's no gore, but that depends on your perception; safer to say, don't watch it for gore, because it isn't that sort of film. It's a drama, that follows a middle-aged actress as she visits an enigmatic lady who promises she can restore her youth. This lady seems much younger, but claims to be far older. Her secret is in her special dumplings, which she prepares for her customers at her apartment.
You find out what is in the dumplings fairly early into this 40 minute story, though you see her preparing something even earlier. And it obviously ain't chicken! It's as sick an idea as they come and for the rest of the running time, it fairly wallows in the idea. When the actress finds out, she does a runner, but then comes back and gets stuck in. The camera lingers a lot on her eating and the sound effects really turn the screw.
As with much Asian horror, it has substance beyond it's premise and deals with societies obsession with youth. It's very good and is a short version of a feature length film. I have yet to decide if my stomach can handle another dose! :devil:
(click to show/hide)
Cut (dir. Park Chan Wook) Korea
A successful film director and his wife are kidnapped by an extra, who forces the director to play his sadistic games. If he fails, his wife's fingers will be chopped off one by one every five minutes.
This was a bit disappointing, to say it came from the director of OldBoy. What did I say about about substance above? This is rather empty in comparison, relying on a torture setup. It's still better than most of what the Saw films came up with and it's an ingenious trap and visually powerful. Korean films love to push the boundary of what cameras can do and Park pulls out all the tricks to brilliant effect.
The story is good to, with the director forced to consider something truly awful to free his wife, or at least save her remaining fingers. The kidnapper also forces all sorts of confessions and has an interesting theory about how rich and poor are depicted on TV compared to real life. Ok, I concede it has plenty of thought behind it. It's just the ending that felt a bit sensationalist. Almost as if they'd written themselves into a corner. Anyway, well worth seeing.
Box (dir. Takashi Miike) Japan
A soft spoken young woman has a bizarre recurring nightmare about being buried in a box in the snow. Searching for her long lost sister, she realizes her dreams and reality may possibly be connected.
With perhaps some very deep rooted similarities to the notorious Audition, this is easily the most ambitious of the three, but you wouldn't expect less from Miike who is a true master. He's also clearly mad! Visually the most powerful as he creates wonderful compositions without using any camera tricks (apart from a couple of subtle "twitches" that work very well), just well-dressed sets and contrasting tones. There are scenes in a snowy landscape that are simply gorgeous.
The story is the cleverest and most substantial of the three, again, relying on deep rooted psychosis rather than anything sensationalist. That takes away some immediacy, but I dare say this is the one that will continue to intrigue me. It isn't in anyway obvious and marks Miike out as the most Auteur-ish of the three brilliant men who contributed. I'd try to tell you more of the story, but the overview is good enough. I'm not sure I completely agree with the sentiments of that last sentence, but I can't describe it any better so I'll keep my mouth shut! Suffice to say, the ending leaves you in no doubt of the situation and may fascinate you enough to consider watching it again. Quite brilliant.
Three ...Extremes works very well in it's own right and just about escapes the problem that so many similar releases get trapped by. That feeling of style over substance, undone in the final moments, is common with short horror stories, but here, only Cut suffered and even then, it's still very good.
It works as an excellent primer to Asian cinema as well. They've been the best for horror for some time and the short stories make it easy to stop and come back to it, if you aren't used to their styles or even subtitles.
Post by: Jimmy on November 26, 2009, 01:33:19 AM
Hell of thing to make you look slow, Jimmy! By the way, I meant to say I'd be interested in your thoughts on two that I did: Lust, Caution (features copious amounts of sex, which you have a more thorough view on than the rest of us!) and the last one, Three ...Extremes (bunch of freaky horrors). That's one that might interest Pete too.Not really a review but this is my comment after watching 3 Extremes the first time, just here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,660.msg71576.html#msg71576)
Lust Caution looks to classy for my taste...
Post by: snowcat on November 27, 2009, 11:03:33 PM
¬_¬ sorry guys, Im gutted that I can't finish... but im sure there will be a christmas marathon next month right?
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 28, 2009, 06:00:10 PM
Hot Fuzz
5 out of 5
Five star, solid gold gem. Watch it again if you don't believe me. :laugh:
I'll have to do that. I remember it being good, but not a 5 out of 5.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 28, 2009, 06:13:45 PM
Leave Her to Heaven (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037865/)
Hollywood Legends:
Gene Tierney
Cornel Wilde
Vincent Price
Overview:
This film won the Oscar® for Best Cinematography (Color) and received three other Academy Award® nominations: Best Actress for Gene Tierney, Best Sound Recording, and Best Art Direction/Interior
Decoration (Color).
Based on the best-selling novel by Ben Ames Williams, ‘Leave Her to Heaven’ is a stylish psychological thriller starring Gene Tierney as Ellen, the stunningly beautiful wife of handsome writer Richard Harland, played by Cornel Wilde. Ellen panics as her perfect marriage unravels and Harland’s work and invalid brother demand more and more of his attention. Her husband becomes unnerved by her compulsive and jealous behavior. And when the people close to him are murdered, one by one, it is obvious that this dream marriage has become a full-fledged nightmare.
My thoughts:
This is the movie that crapped out on me last week. It looked like it was going to be a good one though. Gene Tierney (who is gorgeous BTW) was just starting to show her psychotic side. I had to skip 2 chapters on the DVD to get it to play so I could have finished the movie. What I would have missed was Tierney’s complete unraveling and that I do want to watch.
I’ll watch it again, I just have to get a new copy (or try Sébastien's suggestion). From what I saw it was going to be an enjoyable movie.
My Rating: Right now I have to rate it as a :shrug: I did see enough to make me want to know what happens next, so as of now I am recommending it.
Post by: Najemikon on November 28, 2009, 06:23:40 PM
Hot Fuzz
5 out of 5
Five star, solid gold gem. Watch it again if you don't believe me. :laugh:
I'll have to do that. I remember it being good, but not a 5 out of 5.
Hey, I was surprised myself. Last time I saw it I could have sworn it was a 4! It's matured... :D
It's better thought of than I realised actually. Simon Pegg posted this on Twitter t'other day: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/6664716/Comedy-films-Britains-most-popular-genre.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/6664716/Comedy-films-Britains-most-popular-genre.html)
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 28, 2009, 07:06:01 PM
Mogambo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046085/)
Hollywood Legends:
Clark Gable
Ava Gardner
Grace Kelly
John Ford (Director) (duh)
"Hey! A kangaroo," Eloise "Honey Bear" Kelly says when she sees a baby rhinoceros being lifted from an African pit. A Broadway showgirl stranded in the African jungle, Eloise is better suited for the urban jungle. Yet one look at safari guide Victor Marswell and she knows exactly where she wants to be.
Times change but the fun remains when Clark Gable portrays man's-man Victor in a sassy, vibrant remake of Gable's 1932 Red Dust. Ava Gardner plays tough-hided, vulnerable-hearted Eloise. And Grace Kelly is the prim anthropologist's wife who catches Victor's roving eye. Both women earned Oscar® nominations*, with Kelly also winning a Supporting Actress Golden Globe. Directed by John Ford and filled with his lung-swelling zest for the great outdoors,Mogambo is classic entertainment for anyone's great indoors.
My thoughts:I find it interesting that this is a remake of one of hie own movies. I would like to see the original and compare the two.
I guess the movie was a big deal at the time, with it being filmed on location in Africa (AKA the White Man's Graveyard as they call it in the theatrical trailer). The location shots were good but a lot of the film was still some sort of sock footage or clips they added in later. Some of the scenery was good but again, not great. The couple of animal scenes that were 'live' were obviously filmed on a set somewhere, or so it seemed. There were a couple of scenes where it looked like an animal may have got hurt in the filming. I know they weren't always as careful as they are now. I'm thinking in 1953 it was possible to film them actually shooting an animal. Times have changed I guess.
It was a good story well acted out by the players. Kelly won a golden globe for her performance but to me Gardner had a better performance. Clark Gable looked as though he was trying to show he "still had it" in this film. There was even a scene where he removed his shirt (one of those scenes that didn't need to be in the movie at all). Lookin pretty old and a bit wrinkly if you ask me Clark :stars: Put the shirt back on now.... thanks :whistle: Overall though he pulled off the African big game hunter as well as ladies man role.
There were a few parts of the story that jumped around a bit, but nothing really that made me roll my eyes r anything. Overall I enjoyed watching it. I'm happy to say my 23 year old Nephew also watched with my wife and I. He is beginning to develop a true love for movies, not just the latest blockbuster. Kudos to him. He also left with a handful of DVDs that I had copies of on Blu-ray (including my old Godfather Trilogy :thumbup: )
My Rating: :D
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 28, 2009, 08:21:53 PM
The New World (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402399/)
Hollywood Legend:
Colin Farrell
Christian Bale
:hysterical: Sorry - I couldn't even type them as 'Hollywood Legends' without cracking myself up, especially compared to those I have included :hysterical:
I haven't even entered this into DVDP yet, and I may not! I got the Blu-ray cheap a while ago. It was a movie I hadn't seen so decided to watch with my nephew yesterday. My son had warned my not to, but I did.
The movie is about John Smith and Pocahontas, and the native Americans, and settling in a strange land, and communicating with people you don't understand, and apparently trees... lot's of them. Oh yea, and streams. :stars:
This thing was so disjointed from the beginning I regretted watching it from about 20 minutes in. It is hard to follow because there is too much stuff thrown in there. It's 172 minutes long with about 40 of them just showing trees and streams. I'm guessing it was supposed to be the director's masterpiece (didn't even look to see who it is but will - so I know NOT to watch his movies). It just had that feel. To me it just came accross as :yawn: Even at the end, I knew it was the end and was waiting for the credits to roll. Tyhe show a ship sailing away... then starts the zoom in. V E R Y S L O W. The ship is a few hundred yards off when the scene starts. What seems like 10 minutes later (probably only a minute or two) the are finally zoomed all the way in on a set of rigging for one of the sails ??? It was this sort of filming throughout. Something would be happening, the scene would end, then we would get to watch a stream for 30 seconds. And did I mention the trees? This guy was fascinated with trees. It looked like he has a crew just sitting in the woods with the instructions of "every time the wind blows make sure you capture it!". The scenes weren't even that good. You would think being in high def it would look OK but the views were too tight to appreciate. No big landscape shots (or very few I should say) If I want to watch all that nature footage I'll put on a Sunrise Earth DVD. At least I won't have to watch the camera man go from a view of a tree, then the s l o w z o o m all the way to a leaf blowing in the wind. :slaphead:
The Native Americans were shown as savages that hardly spoke and mostly used hoots and yells to communicate. The little bit of dialog there was had no subtitles, so you had no idea what was going on. There were a few scenes with the subtitles but most of them you had to just make up what you thought they were saying. Perhaps again this was for each audience member to find their own message in the film. If it was the only message I got was the film was crap! Add to the mix Colin Farrell, who's dialog I couldn't understand at all most of the time. HE could have used subtitles too!
There were battles, which I would usually like. They made no sense half the time though. What was there was done OK. Not too gory and not too fake. I guess there was something positive about the movie.
With it being Thanksgiving weekend I thought I might enjoy a movie about some of the first settlers and their experiences in settling a new land. Unfortunately what I got was close to 3 hours of some directors wet dream of fantastic cinema. I can appreciate movies on many levels and have a varried collection. Very few films I have ever watched get the :yucky: rating. There is usually something good in them. Not this one. In fact I think I'll give it a :yucky: :yucky:
Post by: richierich on November 28, 2009, 08:45:29 PM
(http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000F7M6TG.25.jpg)
The New World (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402399/)
With it being Thanksgiving weekend I thought I might enjoy a movie about some of the first settlers and their experiences in settling a new land. Unfortunately what I got was close to 3 hours of some directors wet dream of fantastic cinema. I can appreciate movies on many levels and have a varried collection. Very few films I have ever watched get the :yucky: rating. There is usually something good in them. Not this one. In fact I think I'll give it a :yucky: :yucky:
My review the same as yours Rick, absolute rubbish film.
The only person who I know to give this a high rating is Jon..... :hmmmm:..... explain yourself sir :yellowcard:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 28, 2009, 10:01:01 PM
Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956) B&W 83m
Special Effects by Ray Harryhausen
Directed by Fred F. Sears
Cast: Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor, Donald Curtis, Morris Ankrum
Dr. Russell Marvin heads up Operation Skyhook, which is tasked with sending rockets into the upper atmosphere to probe for future space flights. Unfortunately, all the rockets are somehow disappearing. While investigating this strange occurrence, Russell and his new assistant/wife Carol Marvin are abducted by a flying saucer, where the aliens demand to meet with certain people in order to negotiate. But it was a trick; the aliens only wanted to kill them. The invasion has begun and if Russell and Carol can't find a way to get past their defenses and stop these creatures, it may be the end of the human race.
Science fiction movies seemed pretty rare prior to 1950...you got a few here and there (like Metropolis in the silent era) but they didn't really come into their own until the 1950s. In fact Sci-Fi films of the fifties seem to be a genre all their own. Some were excellent, some less so, but most of them seem at least interesting to check out, if for nothing but to see how we might react to aliens from outer space and other such things. This is definitely one of the better ones with first rate special effects by Ray Harryhausen, a stop-motion artist normally known to work with mythological beasts such as might appear in the Sinbad movies but who nonetheless gave us some first rate flying saucer effects here. Not only that, but we get to see most of Washington D.C. get destroyed...the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, even the Lincoln Memorial all reduced to rubble at the hands of these mysterious aliens. Interestingly enough we do get to see the interior of a saucer but it's all rather bare and we do get one look at an alien but all in all it's quite a good action film. Check it out. ;D
I got this DVD as part of a set...The Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen: Legendary Science Fiction Series which includes four other movies. The movie was also released by itself. The disc has a few extras but it was re-released early last year in a 2-disc special edition.
Post by: Najemikon on November 28, 2009, 10:23:28 PM
(http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000F7M6TG.25.jpg)
The New World (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402399/)
With it being Thanksgiving weekend I thought I might enjoy a movie about some of the first settlers and their experiences in settling a new land. Unfortunately what I got was close to 3 hours of some directors wet dream of fantastic cinema. I can appreciate movies on many levels and have a varried collection. Very few films I have ever watched get the :yucky: rating. There is usually something good in them. Not this one. In fact I think I'll give it a :yucky: :yucky:
My review the same as yours Rick, absolute rubbish film.
The only person who I know to give this a high rating is Jon..... :hmmmm:..... explain yourself sir :yellowcard:
:hysterical:
Rick, I disagree, but I do understand. Also, I do enjoy slagging off movies I don't like. I don't do it often, but I think it can be a fun read and yours gave me a few laughs, so thank you for that. :thumbup:
So. Why were you both wrong? :tease:
I am teasing. You weren't "wrong" (except in saying absolute rubbish. That was cheap!), because Terence Malick is cinematic Marmite. He is brilliant, but enigmatic to the point of infuriating and if you don't get his style, then you're in for a rough time. He is I think, the closest thing to a poet working in film. Dialogue is overrated! It's all about feelings and metaphors and... trees. :laugh:
I appreciate his honesty, both to himself and the stories. As a director, he literally only does what he wants and can never be accused of being in it for the cash. The New World was only his fourth film since Badlands in 1973 and before you say "that's because no-one can stand his films!", you must understand that his first two are generally regarded as milestones and he is almost a recluse, so his films are very personal things to him. Days of Heaven was name-checked several times during press for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford as an obvious inspiration that shares Malick's sentiments. The Thin Red Line is his other most recent film and has a similar focus on nature that you describe, Rick, but it works much better because it's a contrast with the war. Fascinating viewpoint if you're willing, which...I guess... you're not... :slaphead:
So I went into The New World prepared for it being slow. Because of that, it felt just right. Also, I'm an optimist at heart and that's what I mean about Malick's honesty, or commitment, to characters. He made the film rigidly from certain perspectives and refused to be drawn into any subtext. It's a story about a dreamy romance, so that's what we get. Very dreamily made. Rick starts his review by saying what he wanted to see, which was his first mistake. While I could understand him being mislead by the overview, he was actually watching the wrong film!
I'm not a Malick fan-boy. I love The Thin Red Line, but actually I didn't like the characters in Badlands so didn't enjoy that at all. The New World I think is technically superb and has a lot of depth, but ultimately, it's undermined by it being based on truth. Actually, in an ideal world, Mel Gibson would have done The New World, typical Braveheart-passionate-if-inaccurate style, and Malick could have done Apocalypto. I think both would have been five star movies then.
Basically, I look forward to watching his films again because you can sink into them, like you might choose classical music over rock one day.
Before defence rests, are there any other witnesses? Matthias maybe? :whistle:
Post by: Najemikon on November 28, 2009, 10:43:31 PM
Science fiction movies seemed pretty rare prior to 1950...you got a few here and there (like Metropolis in the silent era) but they didn't really come into their own until the 1950s. In fact Sci-Fi films of the fifties seem to be a genre all their own. Some were excellent, some less so, but most of them seem at least interesting to check out, if for nothing but to see how we might react to aliens from outer space and other such things. This is definitely one of the better ones with first rate special effects by Ray Harryhausen, a stop-motion artist normally known to work with mythological beasts such as might appear in the Sinbad movies but who nonetheless gave us some first rate flying saucer effects here. Not only that, but we get to see most of Washington D.C. get destroyed...the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, even the Lincoln Memorial all reduced to rubble at the hands of these mysterious aliens. Interestingly enough we do get to see the interior of a saucer but it's all rather bare and we do get one look at an alien but all in all it's quite a good action film. Check it out. ;D
I got this DVD as part of a set...The Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen: Legendary Science Fiction Series which includes four other movies. The movie was also released by itself. The disc has a few extras but it was re-released early last year in a 2-disc special edition.
I just got this as part of a sci-fi set of classic 50s movies! Nice review, Roger. The reason sci-fi came of age then was paranoia. The Cold War was just, erm, warming up. Switch the aliens for Russians and watch the Washington sequence again! :whistle: Star Trek followed with subtexts of its own, in a "can't we all just get along" fashion in the 60s, but still... Klingons, Comrade? ;)
Metropolis wasn't made by paranoid Americans, but it's actually a very interesting political film considering it was made by a German. What was Lang trying to say with robotic like workers in factories?
Good sci-fi is always laden with metaphors. I haven't seen it yet, but a lot have said that the new Trek is fantastic fun, but lacks that undercurrent and they hope the sequel introduces a hint at least.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 28, 2009, 11:39:51 PM
King of the Pecos (1936) B&W 54m
Directed by Joseph Kane
Cast: John Wayne, Muriel Evans, Cy Kendall, Jack Clifford, Arthur Aylesworth, Herbert Heywood, Yakima Canutt
A boy escapes when his parents are murdered by a cattle baron. Years later that boy returns as a young lawyer (wayne) with a six-shooter and a deadly aim.
This picture was shot during John Wayne's "B" western period which pretty much lasted the entire decade of the 1930s and which was bookended by two big "A" pictures, The Big Trail and Stagecoach. "B" pictures were films that were shot quickly (usualy in about a week) and which had short running times of about an hour. Some were okay, some were pretty good...I don't know if any ever reached the "great" end of the scale, though. This one would reach the "pretty good" end of the scale. It has some good action scenes with a few nice stunts (which was telegraphed by the fact that Yakima Canutt, fine stuntman but not a very good good actor, was in the cast). There's some good photography with some nice outdoor locations. The plot is the usual staple mixing revenge with a badguy trying to keep the water rights he has no real...ahem..."right" to keep...heh heh. But it's a decent kind of film kids ate up in that innocent time of the past. There aren't a lot of DVDs that have nice quality prints of the "B" pictures and this is definitely one of those few so I'd recommend it if you're a fan of "B" westerns. :)
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 01:06:00 AM
Zorro's Black Whip (1944) 12 chapters
Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet and Wallace Grissell
Cast: Linda Stirling, George J. Lewis, Lucien Littlefield, Francis McDonald, Hal Taliaferro, John Merton, John Hamilton
Despite the title, you won't find Zorro in this serial. You won't find him in it...and you won't ever hear his name mentioned in it. In this 12-chapter serial, you instead have a similar character who is known as The Black Whip. As the adventure begins, he is a masked man who is protecting the area against the badguys but he is killed before the end of the first chapter. His guise is then taken over by his sister (played by Linda Stirling) and the adventure continues from there. This was made by Republic who was probably the best at making top-notch exciting serials or cliffhangers. I have to admit I haven't yet reached the end of this serial (I'm about halfway through) but I've still made it through and I look forward to an exciting conclusion. Somehow, I expect the good guys to win...and so far, I've enjoyed what I've seen quite a bit. :D
This serial is now in the public domain and has been released by many companies. Mine is from The Serial Squadron, a small independent company. This is on 3 DVD-R discs and the quality is pretty nice. In recent years, they've fiddled around with some titles which has tarnished their reputation but this title remains one of their better ones.
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 29, 2009, 01:27:43 AM
The set I have from VCI Entertainment contains...
1. Zorro Rides Again (1937)
2. Zorro's Fighting Legion (1939)
3. Zorro's Black Whip (1944)
Wonder which one I should watch again.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 29, 2009, 01:45:18 AM
Zorro's Black WhipSounds more like something Jimmy would watch :tease:
Post by: Jimmy on November 29, 2009, 01:58:17 AM
Didn't watch it for quite some time, but it's a good David Friedman production when he was in his costume period phase and no it isn't an adult film. It's a good adaptation with a lot of production value, a typical drive-in/Pussycat Theatre sexploitation flick.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 29, 2009, 01:59:28 AM
I did not like the Thin Red Line either. Thanks for pointing out it was the same director. Obviously I don't his style as I would have rather spent the night sharpening pencils down to little tiny bits. :laugh:
FWIW I enjoy classical music. Not much of a rock and roll guy any more.
Post by: Najemikon on November 29, 2009, 02:31:41 AM
erm... I like Solaris too. :bag:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 03:22:16 AM
Quigley Down Under (1990) 120m
Directed by Simon Wincer
Music by Basil Poledouris
Cast: Tom Selleck, Laura San Giacomo, Alan Rickman, Chris Haywood, Ron Haddrick, Tony Bonner, Jerome Ehlers
According to Phil Hardy's The Western, this movie was originally written in the 70s for Steve McQueen but it wasn't filmed until 1990 and Tom Selleck got the part. Selleck made a lot of westerns in his time...possibly more than any current actor, though most have been for TV. This is his one western (as far as I know) to hit the big screen and it's a good one. The plot has him coming to Australia, apparently hired by rancher Alan Rickman to shoot wild dingos but he really wants him to off native aborigines. Selleck (as Matthew Quigley) doesn't like that so they two quickly become enemies. I really enjoy this movie...Selleck is a great cowboy, Rickman makes a fine villain, and Australia makes a fine (if different) landscape to set it all on. We also have a fine director...Wincer did another little western you may have heard of...it's called Lonesome Dove. I also love the film score which is by Basil Poledouris...hmmm, come to think of it, he did the music for Lonesome Dove, too. Okay, Laura San Giacomo is not your normal leading lady, playing Crazy Cora who keeps calling Matthew Quigley by the name of Roy...but even she is endearing in her own way. :thumbup:
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 29, 2009, 04:56:17 AM
:laugh:
erm... I like Solaris too. :bag:
Somehow I knew you would, that's why I threw it in there. :swordfight:
At least with that one I could see the appeal, it just did nothing for me personally.
Post by: lyonsden5 on November 29, 2009, 05:00:21 AM
Quigley Down Under (1990)
To me Tom Selleck is a true on-screen cowboy, just like those of the past. He is one of the few that the role is just so natural. Loved him in Monte Walsh too. :thumbup:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 05:29:13 AM
Haunted Gold (1932) 58m
Directed by Mack V. Wright
Cast: John Wayne, Sheila Terry, Harry Woods, Erville Alderson, Slim Whitaker, Blue Washington
One of 6 "B" westerns that Wayne shot for Warner Brothers in the early 30's, this has two Dukes in it...Duke Wayne himself and his white stallioin, Duke. This is a sort of mix between a western and a scary mystery haunted house kind of movie. John Wayne plays a young rancher who comes to a mostly deserted town with his black friend Clarence after receiving a mysterious letter...a young girl has also come after receiving a letter. It turns out an outlaw gang is after the gold in a mostly abandoned gold mine, of which the girl's father was wrongly cheated out of his half. There is some nice eerie atmosphere here along with the usual high-energy heroics. Unfortunately, this wouldn't play well today due to the black man's super-scared caricature performance which was so prevalent back in those days...the "lawdy feet, do yore thing" kind of performance. But if you remember it was a product of the time, you can still watch this film and enjoy it. :)
The DVD offers a nice print of this movie. There are no extras but the DVD does feature no less than three "B" westerns starring John Wayne. Besides Haunted Gold, you also get Ride 'Em, Cowboy and The Big Stampede.
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 29, 2009, 03:29:11 PM
Here is what I watched...
Note: Titles in RED Are first time viewings.
| Letter: | Title: | Date: | Rating: |
| #: | The 7th Victim | 11/07 | |
| A: | Autopsy | 11/07 | |
| B: | Bimbos BC | 11/07 |  |
| C: | Cat People | 11/11 | |
| D: | Day of the Dead | 11/20 | |
| E: | The Expedition | 11/12 | |
| F: | Forty Guns | 11/20 | |
| G: | Ghost Rider | 11/06 | |
| H: | Hellboy | 11/10 | |
| I: | I Dream of Dracula | 11/08 | |
| J: | Justice League: The New Frontier | 11/21 | |
| K: | Killer Story | 11/08 | |
| L: | The Leopard Man | 11/12 | |
| M: | My Bloody Valentine | 11/06 | |
| N: | Norma Rae | 11/22 | |
| O: | The Orphanage | 11/10 | |
| P: | Princess Diaries | 11/22 | |
| Q: | Queen of the Damned | 11/27 | |
| R: | Roxy Hunter and the Mystery of the Moody Ghost | 11/07 | |
| S: | Shutter | 11/05 | |
| T: | The Tommyknockers | 11/27 | |
| U: | The Uninvited | 11/08 | |
| V: | Vampire Conspiracy | 11/06 | |
| W: | Wonder Woman | 11/21 | |
| X: | The X-Files: I Want To Believe | 11/20 | |
| Y: | Young Frankenstein | 11/28 | |
| Z: | Zorro's Fighting Legion | 11/29 | |
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 05:53:32 PM
True Grit (1969)
Directed by Henry Hathaway
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Cast: John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Jeff Corey, Jeremy Slate, Strother Martin, John Fiedler
Matty Ross (Kim Darby) tries to find someone to track down and bring in the killer of her father and she winds up teamed with a cantakerous U.S. marshal named Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne) and a headstrong Texas ranger (Glen Campbell). Lively directed by Henry Hathaway and featuring John Wayne's Oscar-winning performance as the one-eyed Cogburn. Glen Campbell once said his acting was so bad that he made Wayne look so great by comparison that he won the Academy Award. I'm not sure that's altogether fair...but Campbell is definitely in over his head in this film. But other first-rate films have had a bad performance or two (remember Ricky Nelson in Rio Bravo?) and he doesn't bring it down too much. Overall we have some fine performances (including John Wayne apparently having a heck of a time) and a first-rate western. There is some nice photography here in picturesque locations and a solid musical score by Elmer Bernstein.
I have the Special Collector's Edition of this disc and it does have some nice features including cast and crew (including Kim Darby and Glen Campbell) talking about what it was like working with Duke and a too-short piece where a few historians talk about real western outlaws of the Old West.
:thumbup:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 07:50:55 PM
No Name On The Bullet (1959) 77m
Directed by Jack Arnold
Cast: Audie Murphy, Joan Evans, Charles Drake, R.G. Armstrong, Warren Stevens, Whit Bissell, Edgar Stelhi
Gunman John Gant arrives in town and this sets the townsfolk to thinking. Gant usually comes into a town and is there to kill a man he has been paid to. As time goes on, fear starts to set in as no one knows exactly who it is that Gant is after driving several to desperate acts including suicide and drinking whiskey to try to build up the courage to take him on. Audie Murphy stars as Gant in a fine deliberate performance aided by a first-rate supporting cast. It doesn't have tons of action but this is still one of Audie Murphy's better westerns. The DVD has no extras apart from the theatrical trailer.
;D
Post by: Najemikon on November 29, 2009, 08:20:35 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 10:09:28 PM
Post by: richierich on November 29, 2009, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks, Jon, but to be honest only 2 reviews so far are from today. The others I had on the previous page were done yesterday. I still doubt I can complete my marathon by the end of tomorrow...I think I need 8 more...
It's the participation that counts Rog, not the winning. I probably speak for everyone here to say i really enjoy your reviews as they are mainly of a genre I know little about. :thumbup:
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 29, 2009, 10:15:42 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 29, 2009, 10:34:34 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on November 30, 2009, 12:36:03 AM
Gunman From Bodie (1941) 62m
Directed by Spencer G. Bennet
Cast: Buck Jones, Tim McCoy, Tim McCoy, Raymond Hatton, Robert Frazer, Christine McIntyre, Frank LaRue
This is the second film in the "B" western series of the Rough Riders which starred Buck Jones, Tim McCoy and Raymond Hatton and is considered the best of the series. It is a slightly confusing plot (as was the the first of the series, Arizona Bound). In it, Buck Jones is apparently an outlaw while Tim McCoy is a marshal and Hatton is a cook on a ranch. Unbeknownst to the other characters, the three are really friends working secretly together. The story actually begins one rainy stormy night where Buck (as Bodie) comes across a couple who have been murdered by rustlers and he finds them dead but their baby is still alive and he find the woman still holding a note naming their killers. It's okay...not great...and the picture quality is just so-so. :-\
Post by: Rogmeister on November 30, 2009, 03:04:23 AM
Suzanne Westenhoefer: Live at the Village
I first became aware of Suzanne Westenhoefer as a panelist on GSN's new version of I've Got A Secret that aired a couple of years ago. They had a gimmick with their four regular panelists...all were gay. I enjoyed the show and Suzanne quickly became a favorite of mine. I soon found out she was a stand-up comedienne so I went in search of her releases. She has now released 3 solo albums (as well as appearing with others on a couple of group efforts) and has now also released two DVDs of her stand-up act, of which this one was the first released. In the opening, she is billed as the funniest lesbian comedienne out there and she is indeed very funny. Being the animal lover that I am, I find her bits on her animals (especially the cats) among the funniest bits to me. Though she is a lesbian and she does talk about her girlfriend, she never gets particularly lewd so I doubt this would offend too many people but it's still very funny. I believe this first DVD set came out in 2004. Her second DVD, A Bottom On Top, came out in 2008 which was only 4 years later but she actually looks quite a bit older and frumpier (unless my information was wrong and the Village concert is actually earlier than I thought). I still find her very funny and I'm glad to have both of these concerts on DVD. Both DVDs have interviews with Suzanne.
Post by: Rogmeister on November 30, 2009, 05:43:28 AM
You've Got Mail
Directed by Nora Ephron
Music by George Fenton
Cast: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey, Jean Stapleton, Dave Chappelle, Steve Zahn, Greg Kinnear, Dabney Coleman
This is basically a remake of the film The Shop Around The Corner in which two people who work together don't realize they are the same people each other is writing anonymous love letters to. In this updated version, they are exchanging e-mails and don't work together but work at competing book stores. Meg Ryan is at her cutest and perkiest in this film...I haven't seen her lately but I wonder if she's doing this kind of movie anymore...can a woman in her 40's (which she must surely be by now) still be that cute and perky? Probably not. I've always thought that Tom Hanks' character in this movie was actually something of a jerk but he has his good moments as well. I like much of the supporting cast, especially Jean Stapleton and Greg Kinnear.
My DVD of this is obviously an older release...not only does it have Warner Brothers' ancient cardboard case but when you put the disc in, it doesn't go first to a menu screen but instead immediately starts the movie up. I remember back when DVDs did that routinely...now you always go to the menu first. This disc has some decent extras including an audio commentary by Nora Ephron and producer Lauren Shuler Donner, a music-only track, a behind-the-scenes documentary, an HBO special (basically an interview with Ephron) and no less than 12 trailers (2 of this film with the others from other films). If you like witty romantic comedies, you should get this title. This film has since had a new special edition re-issue though I'm not sure enough has been added to get me to pick it up. So I'll just enjoy this copy again...
:thumbup:
Post by: Rogmeister on November 30, 2009, 10:55:25 PM
Post by: Kathy on November 30, 2009, 11:42:50 PM
Post by: addicted2dvd on December 01, 2009, 12:36:08 PM