Post by: Dragonfire on July 02, 2010, 01:41:59 AM
I've decided on a few titles, but I'm not sure for all of them yet.
Post by: Dragonfire on July 02, 2010, 02:11:45 AM
| Disturbia (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097363483441f.jpg) Even on this quiet tree-lined street, no one is safe...especially from the savage killer next door. Welcome to Disturbia, "a cool thriller with big scares" (Richard Roeper, EBERT & ROEPER). Living under three months' house arrest, Kale Brecht (Shia LaBeouf, Transformers) passes his days spying on the neighbors. It's all fun and games until things take a horrifying turn for the worse. Kale is convinced his neighbor next door is a serial killer – but he can't prove anything, can't convince anyone and can't leave his house without triggering an alarm. Enlisting the help of his friends, Kale is determined to expose the truth – but have they all taken on more than they bargained for with a cold-blooded murderer on the loose? With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, Kale and his friends are in a race for their lives in this electrifying thriller that will keep you on the edge on your seat. My Thoughts When I first saw the trailers for this one, I thought it looked like a more modern version of Rear Window (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5251.msg117208.html#msg117208). Seeing the movie just reinforced that idea. Even though the story borrows heavily from Rear Window, I still enjoy this one and think it is worth watching. After watching Rear Window in the last few days, I decided to watch this one again. The story is very entertaining even though it isn't the most original. Nothing is in the credits to say the movie is based on Rear Window or inspired by it, but I think it is very clear that the story has borrowed from the earlier movie. Kale is confined for a different reason and he has a bigger area to move around in, but he ends up watching the neighbors too. He resorts to that after his mom cuts off his XBox live and actually cuts the cord to the tv in his room. He becomes convinced that a neighbor is a killer and 2 friends end up trying to help him prove his theory. There is a good amount of mystery to what is going on and a few scenes are very suspenseful. I do think the movie works as an updated version of Rear Window, though it isn't as good as the earlier movie. Most of the movie is set in Kale's house, though some things do take place in other areas. Even with the other locations, most still takes place in the immediate neighborhood where Kale lives. A few scenes are very suspenseful and a few creepy things happen as well. One scene clearly illustrates why it is a good idea to keep the doors locked and windows up in a car..especially if you happen to be following someone you think is a killer. This isn't an action packed movie, though some action does turn up in a few scenes. A little violence turns up in a few scenes as well. That stuff does help to keep things interesting since some of the scenes do move slower. The characters are fine, though not overly interesting. Kale acts like a jerk at first, though it is sort of understandable given that he is still dealing with his dad's death. It would have been nice if Kale had been a more likable character. I also think he does some stupid things. When he is watching the neighbors, he is always sitting in a room with a bunch of lights on. He would clearly be visible to anyone who glanced in the direction of the window he is using. Even after he has a scare about someone maybe catching him watching - before he is watching the guy he is sure is a killer - he still doesn't turn the lights off when he focuses on watching who he thinks is a murderer. He should have had enough sense to turn the lights off as a precaution against being seen. I know that is a minor thing, but it bugs me. Shia LaBeouf does well with the part. Ashley and her family move into the neighborhood after Kale is stuck on house arrest. She joins Kale and his other friend, Ronnie, in watching the suspected murderer. Both of them are fine, though nothing special. David Morse is wonderful as Robert, the neighbor Kale believes is a killer. He is charming when needed and flat out creepy, freaky, and scary at other times. Carrie-Ann Moss turns up a few times as Kale's mom. She is concerned about what is going on with her son. Overall, I really enjoy this movie and think it is worth watching.  I did write a review on Epinions a few years ago after I saw the movie on HBO. Disturbia (http://www0.epinions.com/review/Disturbia_Shia_LaBeouf/content_422376803972) |
Post by: addicted2dvd on July 02, 2010, 02:16:54 AM
Post by: Dragonfire on July 04, 2010, 05:57:37 AM
| Superman Batman: Public Enemies (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929069927f.jpg) A desperate solution for a troubled country: Lex Luthor for president with the Justice League in the service of the government. Only Batman and Superman stand against the new regime - and their disloyalty proves to be exactly what Luthor intended. Using their outcast status to instigate a scandal against Superman, Luthor finally tastes a victory in his vendetta against the Man of Steel. From Executive Producer Bruce Timm and voiced by the cast from both hit Batman and Superman animated TV series including Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Clancy Brown, this DC Universe Original Animated Movie based on Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness's popular graphic novel seethes with Political intrigue and action-packed battles between heroes all believing they're on the right side of the law. My Thoughts This is the 6th animated straight to video movie made featuring characters from DC comic books. The animation is done well, though nothing about it stands out as great. The story for the movie is taken from the Superman/Batman comic book. I've never read the comic book, so I have no idea what has been changed for the movie. I'm guessing some things have been. The story of Luthor being the president and being able to go after Superman is interesting. Unfortunately, I don't think the movie dealt with the subject as well as it could have. There isn't enough attention to the story itself and how the main characters are handling certain things. There is nothing in the movie about how things impact Superman's life as Clark. Lois is only barely mentioned and is only briefly seen at the very end of the movie. That just seems like a waste to me. I think the movie would have been stronger if the story had received more attention. There are many fights throughout the movie. The fights are done well enough, but there are so many of them, one right after the other, that they start to blend together. There is too much attention given to all the fights at the expense of the story. All the fights do get a bit old after a while. For most of the other characters involved in the fights, I don't know who they are. I think they are more minor characters from the comic books, but I don't know for sure. There are just too many characters popping up in this one. It would have been better if the cast of characters had been smaller..then the characters could be more developed. Several of the people providing voices for this one have done voices for the characters before, in the animated series for Batman and Superman. The actors all do well with the voices for the characters. I did enjoy the movie overall, though I do think the story could have been stronger.  I did get a review posted on Epinions earlier tonight if anyone would like to take a look. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (http://www0.epinions.com/review/Superman_Batman_Public_Enemies_Allison_Mack/content_516824600196) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 04, 2010, 06:56:23 AM
| WALL-E (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936769364f.jpg) The highly acclaimed director of Finding Nemo and the creative storytellers behind Cars and Ratatouille transport you to a galaxy not so far away for a new cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALL•E. Experience the exciting animated hit film with theater-quality sound and the most pristine picture available on Disney Blu-ray Disc. 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 - unsurpased on Blu-ray Hi-Def. Loaded with bonus features, including the all-new animated short "BURN•E," this 2-disc set overflows with fun for the entire family. My Thoughts I thought I had posted about this one here before, but I can't find it if I did. So my Pixar marathon continues with WALL-E. I loved the movie when I first saw it and I still love it. Presto is the animated short that played before the movie. This one features a magician having some problems with his rabbit. It is a bit more silly than some of the other Pixar shorts, but I really like it. I think the silliness works perfectly for it. WALL-E is probably the most different movie Pixar has made. The main character is a run down robot who can only say a few words. For most of the movie, there isn't any dialog. I wasn't bothered or bored by that aspect of the movie and think it works perfectly for the story. WALL-E is one of the most expressive characters I've ever seen. He displays more emotion than many human characters in other movies. The relationship that develops between him and EVE is really sweet. I love when they are basically dancing through space around the ship. That scene is beautiful. The story for the movie isn't that complicated, but it ends up working very well. Time is taken to set up the situation and make it clear that WALL-E is alone except for cockroach friend. He's been doing his job for hundreds of years and is the only robot left still working. Things start to get a bit more complicated once EVE shows up and starts running tests. The story does have a bit of a message, but I think it is delivered without getting preachy. Some of what happens is more serious, but there are a lot of funny moments. Many of the things that made me laugh are tied to WALL-E trying to figure out what things are when he finds different things, like a fire extinguisher. He is fascinated by items he finds and hauls some of it back to the trailer that is his home. It is so cute when he starts showing EVE different things from his collection. Robots - at least those two - find bubble wrap irresistible too. The animation is amazing. All the piles of trash look very realistic. There is this...haze hanging over the city that impacts the look of things. Everything on Earth has a sort of dirty, worn out look. EVE and the ship have a more streamlined and sleek look, which emphasizes the contrast. The images of space look amazing. After picking up some of the other Pixar movies on Blu-ray, I decided to get the Blu-ray of WALL-E too. The picture quality is absolutely amazing. More details in the background are visible. The different textures for some things really stands out. I never noticed how reflective EVE was before. The movie looks gorgeous on Blu. I didn't watch the extras, though it looks like they are the same ones that were on the DVD version I have, including The Pixar Story. The animated short BURN-E is really cute and it ties in with the movie. This is a wonderful movie that definitely deserves to be seen.  I did post a review on Epinions back after I saw the movie in the theater. WALL-E (http://www0.epinions.com/review/Wall_E_Andrew_Stanton/content_435233525380) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 04, 2010, 07:22:16 AM
| G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/032429075277f.jpg) Prepare for non-stop action and thrilling adventure when you go inside the high-tech world of G.I. Joe in this 2-disc Special Edition. When a secret weapon is stolen by the mysterious and evil Cobra organization, mankind's only hope is G.I. Joe, an elite covert strike force featuring the best operatives from around the globe. So, suit up and join Duke, Snake Eyes and Ripcord in a race against time to stop Cobra from using their ultimate weapon and plunging the world into chaos. When all else fails... they don't. They are G.I. Joe! My Thoughts I ended up seeing this one in the theater after it had been out a while and I enjoyed it overall. The movie has problems, but it works as a fun, entertaining action movie. It is based on the toy line and the various characters have also been featured in comic books and a cartoon. I watched the cartoon all the time when I was younger. I have forgotten just about everything. Maybe I would have had more issues with the movie if I remembered more. There is a decent story, though it could have been a bit stronger. It does serve as a bit of an origin story showing how Duke and Ripcord join the Joes. The beginnings of the group Cobra is also shown. There are a few twists introduced into the story that help to keep things interesting. Flashbacks are used to share some important information. They do slow the flow of the movie a bit, but the information shared is really needed. The action scenes are the main focus of the movie. They are very well done, though they do go over the top. The movie is supposed to be set in the future, though not that far into it. The weapons and various technology things do have a futuristic look to them. They do seem to be things that could be developed. I think the sound effects for at least some of the weapons is very much like what was used for the cartoon, though I may be remembering wrong. There are a lot of action scenes in the movie, and that does take time away from developing the characters. The violence isn't extreme, though it might bother some viewers. None of the characters are developed enough. There are too many of them popping up for that to happen without the moving being much longer. Thanks to the flashbacks, a few characters are a bit more developed and shown to have a more complicated back story than I had expected. The cast is fine in their parts without anyone really standing out. I think I ended up enjoying the movie more this time than when I first saw it. When I first saw it, I was more aware of all the negative reviews and watching closer for issues. This time, I just watched it to enjoy it..and I did. The movie has problems, but it works as an entertaining mindless action movie. I did post a review at Epinions after I saw it in the theater...I thought I had posted here too, but I guess I didn't. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (http://www0.epinions.com/review/G_I_Joe_Stephen_Sommers/content_481274007172) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 04, 2010, 07:48:05 AM
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929070770f.jpg) Discover the intriguing inside stories of why so many of Britain's most celebrated stars took roles in the series. See the newly unveiled screen test between Daniel Radcliffe and Evanna Lynch (selected to play Luna out of 15,000 hopefuls!) Go on the set to see firsthand how each of the directors brought unique strengths to the series. Witness the amazing transformations as Daniel, Rupert and Emma grow with their characters over a decade of unprecedented filmmaking. My Thoughts I have no idea how many times I've seen this one now, though this is the first time I've watched the Blu-ray version. I love the movie - though I don't care for the snake parts...and the basalisk still freaks me out even though I know it is CGI. What can I say...I'm a wimp. All the spiders don't bother me at all though. This is a good adaptation from the book. There are changes, but they aren't huge and don't irritate me to no end like seems to happen more and more with the later movies. The story is a little more complicated and definitely darker in tone than the story of the first book/movie. Voldemort comes across as a bigger threat and there seems to be more danger. A bit more about just how powerful a wizard he was comes out. I think this one is a lot darker than the first movie - and book - but this is mild compared to what is coming. The violence is mild and things are really scary, though some children may find a few things scary. There is a decent amount of humor added in as well, much of it provided by something Ron says or does. I think the way he reacts to the spiders is really funny. Though if I was in a situation with real spiders like he was in the movie, I would have freaked way more than he did. The characters of Ron, Hermione, and Harry are growing and developing and becoming more complex. The actors are doing better with the parts too. They are starting to become a bit more mature, which fits since they are dealing with more serious issues. Hermione shows again how intelligent she is and what a power witch she is becoming by figuring out that potion as a second year. She does other things like that in the later books that have unfortunately been cut from the movies. The new characters are wonderful and the casting for them is perfect. Lockhart is such an insufferable dolt and Kenneth Branagh does a great job with the part. Doby is done very well as is Lucius Malfoy. With the way Lucius acts, it becomes clearer why Draco is the way he is. I watched the extended version of the movie this time that has about 17 more minutes. There are just little differences here and there. I wasn't sure about all of the changes until I watched the deleted scenes. The main new extra lasts about an hour and 20 minutes and is focused on the characters. There are interviews with a lot of the cast about their characters. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are shown the most. The casting of different characters through the sixth movie is covered. The directors talk about some of the casting as well. Not all of the characters are covered. It would have been nice if more of them had been mentioned, though that would have made the extra a lot longer. None of the characters who will be introduced in the last movie are talked about, though at one point, I'm sure I saw Luna's father in the footage playing. Since nothing tied to the last movie is brought up or even hinted at, it does make this featurette or documentary - whatever - feel unfinished to me. The movie has held up very well and is still enjoyable to watch. Harry, Ron, and Hermione already look different from the first movie. I'm so glad that the cast has stayed the same through all the movies. It just wouldn't have been the same if some of the parts had been recast. This Ultimate set is wonderful and something that Potter fans will enjoy. I did post a review on Epinions after I saw the movie in the theater in 2002. I have thought about updating the review, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (http://www0.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1116751/content_81341812356) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 05, 2010, 08:55:50 AM
| Independence Day (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543002581f.jpg) One of the biggest box office hits of all time delivers the ultimate encounter when mysterious and powerful aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race. The spectacle begins when massive spaceships appear in Earth's skies. But wonder turns to terror as the ships blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet. Now the world's only hope lies with a determined band of survivors, uniting for one last strike against the invaders – before it's the end of mankind. My Thoughts I saw this one in the theater at least twice, though I'm thinking it might have been 3 times. At that time, the dollar theater was still open. Anyway, I also got the movie on VHS and I have no idea how many times total I've seen the movie. This was the first time I'd watched it in a while, but I still enjoyed it overall. Things get off to a slower start while all the characters are introduced and the situation is set up. For much of the movie, it jumps around from character to character, showing what each of them are up to. Even once most of them are in the same place, the movie still jumps around. That does get a little annoying, though it mostly works for what is going on. Because there are so many characters to deal with, none of them are that developed. Most of them are rather flat actually. It would have been nice if there had been more development for the characters. The cast is good and does fine with their parts. There is a lot of action throughout the movie. The action scenes are done well for the most part and I think they have held up well. Some of the action is a bit over the top, but that is to be expected for this type of movie. The action ends up receiving more attention than the characters or the story. The violence isn't that extreme or graphic, though the movie really isn't a good one for younger children. The story of aliens showing up is interesting, though I don't think it is handled as well as it could have been. Some aspects of the story do seem to be pulled from the original V..at least the look of the ships and how they hover over large cities is very much the same. Much of what happens is predictable, especially if you have watched many of this type of movie. It does seem like the director has used this one as a template for some of his later movies - The Day After Tomorrow and 2012. Those movies have a very similar structure and the same type of characters in general. Really the only difference is how the world is being destroyed. I think the elements worked better in this one. Independence Day has some issues with being predictable and having flat characters, but the movie is entertaining overall. It is a decent disaster type movie. I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone would like to take a look. Independence Day (http://www.epinions.com/review/Independence_Day_Roland_Emmerich/content_516914187908) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 10, 2010, 08:35:06 AM
| Ratatouille (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936738025f.jpg) 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, and savor a gourmet high-definition experience on Blu-ray Disc®. 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. Experience Ratatouille for the first time with revolutionary clarity and spectacular audio enhancement. It's a rare treat you'll enjoy again and again. My Thoughts I finished up my Pixar binge with Ratatouille - I've remembered how to spell it again. :laugh: I first saw the movie in twice in the theater and I still love the movie. The short, Lifted, is very cute and entertaining and I really enjoy it. The plot for Ratatouille is very entertaining and having a rat want to be a chef is definitely different. Rats aren't usually thought of as being that cute, and they are definitely not welcome in kitchens, but somehow, it works for the movie. The movie deals with the idea of following dreams and has a message that is handled well. There really isn't any mystery or suspense to the story, though I was surprised by some of the developments. Some of what happens is slightly predictable, but I don't think the movie is predictable overall. The character of Remy is wonderful and he's very likable. Humans are around a lot, mostly in the kitchen of the restaurant, but they aren't as developed as Remy. Linguini is a bit of an idiot and he is helpless is the kitchen without Remy. The voice cast works wonderfully with all the voices fitting the characters. The animation is gorgeous and it looks amazing on Blu-ray. When I first saw the movie, I noticed the details in Remy's fur and the water, but that stuff looks even better on Blu-ray. I noticed more little details like I have with the other Pixar movies I've watched on Blu-ray. Many of the surfaces in the kitchen are reflective, and it looks believable. The food, even though it is animated, looks really good and appetizing. The extras on the Blu-ray are focused on the making of the movie and very entertaining. There are still some of them that I haven't gotten to. I'm very glad I picked up the Blu-ray and think this movie, like the other Pixar titles, is a good one to upgrade to Blu-ray. I did post a review on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater in 2008. Ratatouille (http://www.epinions.com/content_517361929860) |
Post by: Achim on July 11, 2010, 04:06:55 AM
(click to show/hide)
What I didn't like, although inevitable, I guess:
(click to show/hide)
I also enjoyed the special features. It was nice to see that they weren't the same style as on the other discs, so it doesn't get boring just yet because we're the seeing the same thing over and over again.
Post by: Dragonfire on July 11, 2010, 07:03:20 AM
Read abo ut it somewhere, but when I watched it last week yself I definitely agreed. best moment of the film:(click to show/hide)
What I didn't like, although inevitable, I guess:(click to show/hide)
I also enjoyed the special features. It was nice to see that they weren't the same style as on the other discs, so it doesn't get boring just yet because we're the seeing the same thing over and over again.
Oh yes.
(click to show/hide)
Extras on Pixar movies are wonderful. I'm already looking forward to seeing what they come up with Toy Story 3.
Post by: Dragonfire on July 13, 2010, 04:43:56 AM
| Blade (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/794043470929f.jpg) Wesley Snipes stars as the tortured soul Blade - half man, half immortal. Blade sharpens his lethal skills under the guidance of Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), his mentor, guardian and fellow hunter of the night. When the bloodthirsty Immortals' lord, Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff), declares war on the human race, Blade is humanity's last hope for survival. My Thoughts I wasn't aware that Blade was a comic book character until well after I had seen this movie. From what I've read, it sounds like a lot has been changed about the character from the comic book. I can't remember if I rented this one at first or if I saw it tv. The idea of a character that is considered half human and half vampire who hunts vampires is interesting to me. The plot is interesting and makes for an entertaining movie even though it isn't that complicated. Most of what happens is just focused on Blade fighting vampires and Deacon trying to put his plan in motion. Karen trying to come up with a cure is also interesting, though it doesn't get that much attention overall really. The action scenes are done well. The violence does get graphic in some scenes, which could bother some viewers. The characters are interesting for the most part and the cast does fine. I do think this is a good vampire movie that is worth checking out....it just isn't great. I did get a review posted on Epinions. Blade (http://www99.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1083484/content_517545954948) |
Post by: Jimmy on July 13, 2010, 04:59:51 AM
Post by: Dragonfire on July 13, 2010, 10:17:36 AM
| High Anxiety (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543657842f.jpg) In this outrageous homage to Hitchcock thriller, Mel Brooks plays a renowned psychiatrist who’s just become head of the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. Amid strange goings-on at the asylum, the doc is accused of murder, and he must confront his own condition – a paralyzing fear of heights – in order to clear his name. My Thoughts I'm not sure when I first saw this one. I really enjoyed it then even though I hadn't seen all the Hitchcock movies that were being spoofed. Until this last time I watched it, I had just noticed the references to Psycho, The Birds, and Vertigo. I noticed a bunch of other references this time, even going back to The Lodger, one of Hitchcock's silent movies. The story dealing with Dr. Thorndyke becoming the new head of the institute is interesting, though it could have been a bit stronger. A lot of what happens does seem to be just done as an opportunity to poke fun at a Hitchcock movie. That may disappoint some viewers, but I think it works overall and makes for a fun, entertaining movie. There is something a bit darker about this one than the other Mel Brooks movies I've seen. That darker tone works perfectly since the movie is spoofing Hitchcock movies, several of which get rather dark. There is a good amount of humor to what is happening throughout the movie, though this isn't the funniest Mel Brooks movie that I've seen. That may disappoint some people expecting the movie to be funnier. The movie uses some unique shots, something that Hitchcock did in most of his movies. One scene is shot through a fish tank which gives a unique look to the scene. The fish in the tank look like little sharks which fits considering one of the characters involved. Another scene is shot up through a glass table. That is very much like when a glass floor was used in The Lodger to show someone pacing back and forth upstairs. Since that movie was silent, Hitchcock had to find a way other than hearing footsteps to show the pacing. The scene in High Anxiety is a bit twisted though..the characters keep putting stuff down on the table, blocking the camera. There is a funny, if somewhat gross, scene that is inspired by The Birds. The recreation of the shower scene from Psycho is wonderful. The characters are interesting and entertaining. Nurse Diesel is very stern and a bit scary with the way she acts. Cloris Leachman is wonderful in the part. I do like Mel Brooks as Thorndyke. The bellhop, played by Barry Levinson, is only in a few scenes, but he is very entertaining. Madeline Kahn does really well as Victoria, the blonde who gets mixed up in what is going on. The Blu-ray has a very interesting featurette that has Brooks and some of the other people who worked on the movie talking about the movie. Brooks talks about how much he loved Hitchcock movies. He sent Hitchcock the script and got suggestions back. Hitchcock really liked the movie when he saw it. His granddaughter is also shown, talking about how the family enjoyed the movie so much and finding all the references to her grandfather's movies in it. The other extras are a trivia track and a test. The test thing pops up silly questions while the movie plays. I only saw a few of them, but it was kind of fun. I really enjoyed this movie. I do think it is worth watching, though it probably won't appeal to everyone. I did get a review posted on Epinions. High Anxiety (http://www99.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1009593/content_517647142532) |
Post by: Achim on July 13, 2010, 03:04:12 PM
The Blu-ray has a very interesting featurette that has Brooks and some of the other people who worked on the movie talking about the movie. Brooks talks about how much he loved Hitchcock movies. He sent Hitchcock the script and got suggestions back. Hitchcock really liked the movie when he saw it. His granddaughter is also shown, talking about how the family enjoyed the movie so much and finding all the references to her grandfather's movies in it.Wow, that is kind of impressive.
Post by: Najemikon on July 13, 2010, 07:29:31 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on July 13, 2010, 10:43:42 PM
Wow, that is kind of impressive.
I thought it was impressive too. This extra does talk about Hitchcock's sense of humor..something that has been brought up in some extras on some of the Hitchcock movies I've watched.
Post by: Antares on July 13, 2010, 11:45:57 PM
First, there really is no coherent plot to it. It's just a string of Hitchcock spoofs sewn together.
Second, Mel Brooks is not skilled enough as a comedic actor to pull off the lead man's role. Mel's genius is writing and directing. He likes to break the fourth wall way too much, and it ruins the flow of the film. Originally, his part was written for Gene Wilder, and I believe that if Wilder had starred in it, Brooks would have seen the weakness in the running gag I mentioned and would have fixed it.
It has its moments, but it definitely was the beginning of the Mel Brooks slide towards mediocrity in his films. 3/5
Post by: Dragonfire on July 13, 2010, 11:52:30 PM
Post by: Antares on July 13, 2010, 11:54:38 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on July 14, 2010, 12:02:38 AM
Post by: Dragonfire on July 14, 2010, 08:25:22 AM
| Murder by Decree (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012236106814f.jpg) When Scotland Yard is unable to stop the gruesome rampage of Jack the Ripper, a citizens' committee asks Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer) and his trusted associate Dr. Watson (James Mason to investigate. But even if Holmes' remarkable powers of deduction can unmask the manical fiend, can he and Watson face the most shocking secret of all? Find out in this masterful suspense thriller directed by Bob Clark (A Christmas Story) that both fans and critics have called the most exciting and original Sherlock Holmes movie ever made. My Thoughts I decided to pick this one up recently after reading a bit about it. I hadn't seen it before. I'm glad I decided to get the movie. The plot is very interesting and I like the idea of Sherlock trying to track down Jack the Ripper. I don't know a lot about the Ripper murders, but I know enough to know that that aspect of the plot seems accurate. At least the order of the victims and the condition of the bodies. I do think there is a good amount of mystery to what is going on and a few scenes are very suspenseful. As far as I know, the plot for this one has been created just for the movie and isn't pulled from any of the stories or books. The ...resolution for the Ripper murders is very much like one that has been used in another movie I've seen featuring Jack the Ripper. From what I've read since watching the movie, the theory in the movie was taken from a book about the Ripper. I think the theory was kind of popular for a while, so that part of the plot may not be much of a surprise to viewers. I still thought the movie was very entertaining even though I wasn't surprised by the resolution Sherlock came up with. The actual attacks aren't shown that much, and there really isn't a lot of violence, especially considering the subject. More of the final murder is shown late in the movie, though it is through a grimey window, so things are obscured. The things done to the victims is talked about and those descriptions might bother some people. The versions of Sherlock and Watson in this movie are a bit different from how they have been portrayed in some of the other Sherlock movies. I really like these versions of the character. Sherlock is clearly intelligent and good at solving crimes without seeming smug or condescending. He treats Watson as more of an equal and there seems to be more of a true friendship between them. Watson isn't a bumbling fool and he even handles part of the investigation alone. Sherlock also shows much more emotion - especially compassion for others. It makes him seem more human than he has in some of the other Sherlock movies I've seen. Christopher Plummer is wonderful in the part. This is a really good, entertaining movie. Fans of Sherlock should definitely give it a chance. I did get a review posted at Epinions. Murder by Decree (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1014401/content_517757701764) |
Post by: Achim on July 14, 2010, 09:32:36 AM
I happened to see documentary about Jack the Ripper the other day. You don't reveal the ending (obviously), so here is what they said in that show:
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Post by: Dragonfire on July 14, 2010, 09:26:21 PM
Have you seen Sherlock Holmes movies where Watson was a bumbling fool? I don't remember so and certainly would never picture him that way.
I happened to see documentary about Jack the Ripper the other day. You don't reveal the ending (obviously), so here is what they said in that show:(click to show/hide)
I don't think of him that way either, though I have read that he was depicted that way in a lot of the movies. I have seen one or two - including one I haven't written about yet - where he isn't ....well...not stupid, but he is clearly less intelligent than Holmes and has to be..lead through things.
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Post by: Achim on July 15, 2010, 06:16:11 AM
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Yes, please name the other movies.
Post by: Dragonfire on July 15, 2010, 06:24:17 AM
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Yes, please name the other movies.
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Post by: Achim on July 15, 2010, 06:56:38 AM
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Post by: Dragonfire on July 15, 2010, 07:00:13 AM
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Post by: Dragonfire on July 15, 2010, 07:47:24 AM
| Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929094592f.jpg) In a parallel universe, the long survivor of Earth’s Justice League – Les Luthor – travels through other-world dimensions to join forces with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and J’onn J’onzz in a desperate attempt to save his world and its people. But the villainous Crime Syndicate controlled by Ultraman, Owlman and Superwoman will stop at nothing to maintain their domination. It will take wits, might and a sacrifice to defeat these unforgiving enemies in this spectacular DC Universe Animated Original Movie with a stellar voice cast headed by Mark Harmon, James Woods, Chris Noth, Gina Torres, William Baldwin, Bruce Davison and more. Two Earths, two Leagues and one epic battle collide for a thrilling experience that will leave you breathless! My Thoughts This one deals with one of the many alternate Earths that DC has created. I don't know a lot about all that other than that the characters on the other worlds are at least somewhat different. This movie deals with a version of Earth that is pretty much an opposite from the world where the Justice League is. Lex Luthor is good and the alternate versions of the superheroes re villains that are part of a crime organization. I think the story is interesting, though the plot could have been fleshed out a bit more. There is more attention given to the numerous fights. The fights don't blend together as much as the ones in Superman/Batman: Public Enemies did. Even with all the fighting, the violence didn't seem as strong as it has been in some of the other DC animated movies. There are a lot of characters in the movie, and most of them aren't developed that much. Owlman and Superwoman receive the most attention and they are interesting characters. The voice cast all does well with the voices of the characters. The animation is done well. Things - including characters - do have a slightly different look. The movie has been released on DVD and Blu-ray. There is a first look at the next DC animated movie, Batman Under the Red Hood which looks interesting. There are also looks at some of the previous DC animated movies. There is a featurette on the second disc that I haven't taken the time to watch yet. I enjoyed this movie and think it is worth watching for people who like superhero movies. People who have enjoyed the previous DC animated movies should give this one a chance. I would have rated this one 3.5 stars at Epinions if I had the option. Since I didn't, I decided to round up to 4. I did post a review on Epinions. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (http://www0.epinions.com/review/Justice_League_Crisis_on_Two_Earths_Mark_Harmon/content_517887790724) |
Post by: addicted2dvd on July 15, 2010, 12:08:59 PM
Post by: Najemikon on July 15, 2010, 06:59:11 PM
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Post by: Dragonfire on July 15, 2010, 08:04:27 PM
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Post by: Dragonfire on July 20, 2010, 07:12:41 AM
| Superhero Movie (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/796019813396f.jpg) Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four will never be the same after this outrageously funny spoof of your favorite comic book movies! Drake Bell (Drake & Josh) stars as a nerdy high school student bitten by a genetically-altered dragonfly. He stumbles hilariously through the process of becoming a crime-fighter and as his powers grow, so do the laughs. Sara Paxton (Aquamarine) and Christopher McDonald (Spy Kids 2) costar as the clueless damsel in distress and the comically intense super villain, along with Pamela Anderson and Leslie Nielson. Going from superzero to superhero has never been this much fun! My Thoughts I'll just start by saying that I know some will probably doubt my sanity over this one. But in my defense, this is loads better than Date Movie and Epic Movie. That doesn't mean that this is a great movie, but it manages to be entertaining. The spoof stuff works better in this one instead of just seeming like a bunch of random references thrown together in with a nonexistent plot. This one sticks to superhero movies, and more specifically, Spider-Man. The main plot is clearly pulled from Spider-Man, though there are also references to X-Men and Fantastic 4 as well as Batman. I think a big reason why the movie is entertaining is because some restraint was shown instead of throwing in references to every superhero movie ever made into the movie. Most of the humor is silly and not all of it works, but there are funny moments in the movie. Some of the humor is a bit gross, but thankfully not that much of it. There is a bit of action to what is going on which does help to make things interesting. The violence is rather mild. Some of the lines are very suggestive and had to have played a big part in the movie being rated PG-13. The characters are all right without being anything special. Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lucille are my favorites, though it is really odd to me to hear Marion Ross saying some of those lines. I still think of her as Mrs. Cunningham. The plot isn't the most original since so much of it is pulled from Spider-Man. Even with that basis, the plot is still a bit weak. The characters are pretty flat, though a few of them are interesting. Despite the flaws, the movie is entertaining. Superhero Movie (http://www.epinions.com/review/Superhero_David_Zucker/content_518236573316) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 20, 2010, 07:46:31 AM
| Galaxy Quest (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/66/667068601725f.jpg) For four years, the courageous crew of the NSEA Protector – "Commander Peter Quincy Taggart" (TIM ALLEN), "Lt. Tawny Madison" (SIGOURNEY WEAVER) and "Dr. Lazarus" (ALAN RICKMAN) – set off on thrilling and often dangerous missions in space...and then their series was canceled! Now, twenty years later, aliens under attack have mistaken the Galaxy Quest television transmissions for "historical documents" and beamed up the crew of has-been actors to save the universe. With no script, no director and no clue, the actors must turn in the performances of their lives in this hilarious adventure Jeffrey Lyons (NBC-TV) calls "The funniest, wittiest comedy of the year." My Thoughts I love this movie and was in the mood to see it again. I have seen some of the Star Trek tv shows and movies, so I know a little about the characters, but I don't know everything. I have heard of the conventions that fans have. I thought that aspect of the movie, with how ...obsessed some of the fans were, is very realistic. It is clear to me, even with my limited Trek knowledge, that Galaxy Quest is intended to be a show like Star Trek, except the show never got turned into a series of movies. The cast is all stuck being associated with these roles and some of them, like Alexander, hate that. The plot is like Three Amigos with the aliens believing that the episodes of the tv show are historical documents and the actors are a real crew of a space ship that has deal with all sort of bad aliens. Even though the plot is similar to the earlier movie, there is enough different for the movie to be really fun and entertaining. The story is developed enough to be interesting and entertaining. So much that happens in really funny. The characters really make the movie and the acting is wonderful. I love Alan Rickman in his part of a classically trained actor who feels trapped by being associated with this role. Tony Shalhoub is really good as Fred. He is so calm when the others are freaking out, like after they have been transported onto the ship or after their first encounter with Seris when they are fleeing and the ship is in such bad shape..there's Fred all calm telling Jason that the ship can't take it. There is just so much that I enjoy about this movie. I loved this one when I first saw it and I still feel the same way. It is really fun and entertaining and the cast is great in their roles. I did post a review on Epinions a few years ago. Galaxy Quest (http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1093782/content_248269868676) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 30, 2010, 09:18:04 AM
| 30 Days of Night (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396196186f.jpg) Josh Harnett crosses over to the dark side in this bone-chilling adaptation of the cult-hit graphic novel, brought to the screen in all its demonic glory. In a small Alaskan town, thirty days of night is a natural phenomenon. Very few outsiders visit, until a band of bloodthirsty, deathly pale vampires mark their arrival by savagely attacking sled dogs. But soon they find there are much more satisfying thirst-quenchers about – human beings. One by one, the townspeople succumb to a living nightmare, but a small group survives – at least for now. The vampires use the dark to their advantage, and surviving this cold hell is a game of cat and mouse... and screams. My Thoughts This one is based on a comic book that I haven't read. Since I haven't read it, I have no clue how close to the source material the movie stays. The idea of vampires attacking during 30 days of darkness is interesting and it seems like something they might do. The plot really isn't that complicated since it is just about the vampires attacking and people trying to survive until daylight returns. Much of what happens is predictable, though one major thing happens that I didn't expect. Unfortunately, some of what happens doesn't make much sense. Once the darkness sets in, the vampires move in and they kill almost everyone in what seems like minutes. The vampires attack and kill everyone they find, leaving bodies everywhere. A handful of people, including the sheriff, his estranged wife, and younger brother, manage to survive the attack and they find a somewhat decent hiding place. All that happens fairly early in the movie. After that, the rest of the movie is basically the survivors trying to stay hidden until the darkness ends. The survivors are able to peek out and see that the vampires are systemically going through houses and buildings, seeming to be searching for anyone who may be hiding. Yet someone the survivors manage to stay hidden, even as some fighting happens between them. Huge chunks of time in the 30 days of night are skipped over, and then, very late in the movie, a few more survivors turn up without any explanations for how they have survived. That doesn't work for me. Too much time in the movie passes without much of anything happening, and that does make several scenes drag. The movie is fairly violent and a lot of blood is shown, though it doesn't get really gory. In several scenes, the violence happens off camera, and just the after math is seen. That is gory enough most of the time. These vampires are very savage and vicious with how they kill. They basically rip out the throats of their victims instead of just sucking blood. Blood is everywhere, even all over the vampires. That was probably meant to make them look and seem scarier, but that effect doesn't last that long. The vampires in this movie are a bit bizarre. None of them are identified by name during the movie, though they have names in the credits. Marlow seems to be in charge. He is the only one who talks and the others just screech and yell. The screeching does sound creepy, but it is a bit weird. When Marlow talks, it is in some other language and subtitles aren't provided. The vampires have a mouth full of sharp pointy teeth that are almost shark like instead of just 2 fangs. The face and eye shapes of a few of the vampires do make them look somewhat like a shark as well. That is something else that is odd. These differences do make the vampires more unique, but it also makes them a bit weird. There isn't much character development for anyone, and basically none for the vampires. Eben, the sheriff, does have a few issues to deal with and he probably has the most development. Most of the characters seem nice enough, but I never felt that connected to any of them. The cast all does fine with their parts. I did watch the extras on the making of the movie and they are interesting. The extras mostly feature the crew and director talking. A few cast members only briefly appear. Overall, this is an entertaining vampire movie, though it isn't my favorite. I did get a review posted at Epinions. 30 Days of Night (http://www0.epinions.com/review/30_Days_of_Night_David_Slade_4/content_519071764100) |
Post by: Dragonfire on July 30, 2010, 09:56:14 AM
| Bulletproof Monk (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/027616888396f.jpg) Chow Yun-Fat (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Seann William Scott (the American Pie films) star in this heart-pumping action-adventure that bristles with "acrobatic battles [and] solid visual effects" (The Hollywood Reporter)! For 60 years, a mysterious monk has protected an ancient scroll that holds the key to unlimited power. But when a streetwise punk named Kar saves him from capture, the monk thinks he's found a replacement protector for the scroll. Now Kar, under the tutelage of the monk, must unleash his potential as one gravity-defying, sword wielding, butt-kicking warrior to save the world from the scroll's most avid pursuer. My Thoughts I only just discovered that this movie was based on a comic book. The Nameless Monk does sort of have some special powers, but it is tied to his being the protector of the scroll. The explanation for that does make sense. The plot is interesting and entertaining, though it could have been more developed. There is more attention given to fights than other things. A few surprises turn up, though more is predictable. The action scenes are done well. They mostly involve fights, some of which look pretty impressive. Humor does turn up every so often. Some of it is silly, but it does help to keep things entertaining. The cast does well with their parts. The DVD has a few extras, though I didn't take the time to watch them. Overall, this is an entertaining movie, though it isn't for everyone. I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look. Bulletproof Monk (http://www0.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1121710/content_519505546884) |
Post by: Dragonfire on August 01, 2010, 09:50:11 AM
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If ever a movie was meant to be experienced in high definition, Frank Miller's Sin City is guilty on all counts! A groundbreaking masterpiece of mayhem, Sin City roars to life with both barrels blazing in this Blu-ray Disc™ set that includes the restored theatrical feature and the Recut, Extended, Unrated Release. This jam-packed 2-disc powerhouse explodes with all-new bonus including Kill 'Em Good Interactive Comic Book and Cine-Explore, a behind-the-scenes picture-within-a-picture commentary.
Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn), Frank Miller (The Spirit) and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill 1 and 2, Pulp Fiction) direct an amazing cast of big-screen favorites (Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Brittany Murphy, Benicio Del Toro, Rosario Dawson and more!) in this acclaimed and visually stunning hit that's straight from the pages of Miller's hip series of "Sin City" graphic novels.
Strap yourself in as a staggering sensory onslaught hits you right where you live. From the stylized, razor-sharp clarity of the unique, high definition visuals to the throbbing, phenomenally intense sounds of bullets spraying and bones crunching, this awesome, mind-blowing excursion into a sexy, twisted funhouse of cops, killers, hookers and hit men will tease, tantalize and thrill you as never before in Blu-ray Disc™ High Definition.
My Thoughts
First of all, this isn't a movie for everyone. It will be too violent and just plain too different for some people. I do think it is entertaining and worth seeing. I've never seen the original stories in the graphic novels, though from things I've read about the movie and seen in some of the extras, it does seem like the movie stays very true to the stories. It definitely does have the look of a comic book with the unique coloring used. Most of the movie is in black and white, with only selective use of colors in a piece of clothing or someone eyes..or blood. The movie was filmed with green screens and just about all the locations were created digitally. That does give the movie a very unique look that may turn off some viewers.
The movie is made up of four stories that slightly weave together with over lapping scenes. I watched the extended version this time, which splits the stories into different parts, complete with their own credits. Some things are shown in a slightly different order than they were in the theatrical version. That could cause a little bit of confusion in a few spots since things are shown sort of out of order in a few cases. The stories are mostly independent of each other with only a little overlap. The stories are dark, disturbing, and twisted in some way, something else that may turn some viewers off. A few things are a little harder to see. The movie is entertaining overall even with the darker tone and subject matter. Several scenes are very violent, though it does seem slightly less gory at times when the blood is a different color, like white.
Pretty much all of the characters are twisted in some way and really none of them are purely good characters, though a few are presented as sort of hero characters. Nancy is probably the only really good character, and she does seem a bit out of place. She dances suggestively in some sort of club, but she doesn't strip. That just seems a tad unbelievable. From one of the extras, a panel from the graphic novel is shown and I think it is Nancy dancing topless, so that seems to have been changed for the movie..probably because of Jessica Alba being cast.
The Blu-ray has several extras that focus on some part of the making of the movie. The extras that I've watched are interesting and worth checking out.
Overall the movie is entertaining and worth checking out, though it will turn some people off.
I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look. :)
Sin City (http://www0.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1143969/content_519726141060)
Post by: Dragonfire on August 01, 2010, 10:58:54 AM
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Get ready for the wild comedy that goes where no movie has dared go before! Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express) and Elizabeth Banks (Role Models) star as two cash-strapped roommates who try to get out of debt by making an adult film. Once the cameras start rolling, things quickly get complicated...and hilarious! Writer/Director Kevin Smith is at his funniest, backed by a motley cast, including Craig Robinson ("The Office"), Jason Mewes (Clerks films), Justin Long (Live Free or Die Hard), and Brandon Routh (Superman Returns). Critics promise, "If you liked The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Superbad, you'll love Zack and Miri" (Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV).
My Thoughts
This is another one that won't appeal to some people because of the subject. This isn't an actual porn movie..it is just a movie about some people who decide to make a porn. There aren't a lot of sex scenes, though one of them is a bit more explicit. It makes sense for that sort of scene, along with nudity, to be in the movie given what the plot is. One other sex scene that is more important ends up without any nudity, which does seem slightly odd given that the characters are supposed to be making a porn movie to make money. I don't know a lot about porn, but nudity seems to be a bit selling point. Anyway, the sexual content isn't really that extreme and there is less nudity and fewer sex scenes than I expected considering what is going on.
There are a lot of funny moments throughout the movie. Some of the humor is sexual in nature and other stuff is more crude or even gross. The humor works well for the most part, though a few things were probably intended to be funny that weren't. There is one really, really gross moment at one point that I could have done without seeing, though it is sort of funny in a very twisted way. A lot of the humor is silly, which might disappoint some people.
The plot is fairly simple and straight forward. A lot of people have money problems, especially lately in this country, so I think it makes sense that Zack and Miri would be willing to go to extreme measures in an attempt to pay their bills. Time is taken to set up the problem and show how bad it is once their water and electric are turned off. Miri does need to be convinced, but it isn't long before they start planning to make their movie. Just about everything that happens is predictable, though there are a few minor surprises. Even though the plot isn't that complicated, it is still interesting and entertaining.
The characters are nice enough, though they do have some issues. Seth Rogen is fine as Zack, though the character does seem to be a lot like other characters he's played. Miri is nice and likable and she does seem to be a bit more responsible than Zack. Elizabeth Banks does well with the part. Stacy, Lester, Bubbles, and Barry are people hired to act in the movie and they all add something to it. There isn't a lot of development for them, but they are interesting characters.
The two disc DVD has all sorts of extras. There are at least an hour of deleted scenes - I lost track when watching them. Some are slightly different versions of the ones in the movie. Some of them didn't add a lot to the movie, so I can see why they were cut. I do think the parts having Zack fight with the car door are really funny though. The featurette on the making of the movie is really well done and interesting. It is one of the more detailed making of featurettes that I've seen. The webisodes are also entertaining and worth watching. The extras are really interesting and entertaining and worth watching.
I really enjoyed this one overall. Yes it is raunchy and crude at times, but it works as an entertaining movie. I liked this one more than Knocked Up. I'm getting a bit tired of Apatow's movies. While they are some similarities in this one, something about it makes it better overall I think.
I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look. :)
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (http://www0.epinions.com/review/Zack_Miri_Make_a_Porno_Kevin_Smith/content_519826738820)
Post by: lovemunkey187 on August 01, 2010, 11:17:18 AM
I really enjoyed this one overall. Yes it is raunchy and crude at times, but it works as an entertaining movie. I liked this one more than Knocked Up. I'm getting a bit tired of Apatow's movies. While they are some similarities in this one, something about it makes it better overall I think.
I think that it's the Kevin Smith influence.
Post by: Dragonfire on August 01, 2010, 11:21:14 AM
Two words for you - Dutch Rudder :hysterical:I really enjoyed this one overall. Yes it is raunchy and crude at times, but it works as an entertaining movie. I liked this one more than Knocked Up. I'm getting a bit tired of Apatow's movies. While they are some similarities in this one, something about it makes it better overall I think.
I think that it's the Kevin Smith influence.
:laugh:
That was different..and I can honestly say I'd never heard of that before.
It probably is Smith's influence. I still haven't seen all his movies..I'll get to that sometime. I do know that Rogen is use to doing a lot more improvisational stuff with Apatow...that isn't always better. It seems like Rogen is a tad more controlled in this one, even though his character does end up being more like a lot of his others.
Post by: Najemikon on August 01, 2010, 02:37:49 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on August 01, 2010, 11:03:54 PM
I much prefer Smith's films over Apatow. Both have this dirty but sweet style, and they fill they're DVDs with tons of extras. But there's nothing of substance on Knocked Up, just rubbish improv. I spoilt that film by watching all the bloody outtakes and most of them are pointless.
I saw Knocked Up on HBO, so I haven't seen the extras on that one...though some of the alternate scenes or deleted scenes or whatever they called them on 40 Year Old Virgin were just all that improv stuff..over and over and over. And well...I haven't been that impressed with the improv stuff the guys in Apatow's movies do. They aren't as good at it as they think they are. A little of that goes a long way at times.
Post by: Najemikon on August 02, 2010, 12:49:46 AM
I much prefer Smith's films over Apatow. Both have this dirty but sweet style, and they fill they're DVDs with tons of extras. But there's nothing of substance on Knocked Up, just rubbish improv. I spoilt that film by watching all the bloody outtakes and most of them are pointless.
I saw Knocked Up on HBO, so I haven't seen the extras on that one...though some of the alternate scenes or deleted scenes or whatever they called them on 40 Year Old Virgin were just all that improv stuff..over and over and over. And well...I haven't been that impressed with the improv stuff the guys in Apatow's movies do. They aren't as good at it as they think they are. A little of that goes a long way at times.
You know Ken Jeong who plays the Doctor in Knocked Up? I thought he was great in the two minutes he is in it. Watching the extras though, I discover he is a novice. Fair enough. But he really thinks he is brilliant and so does everyone else! There must be 20 minutes of him doing one bloody scene, and everyone is falling about laughing at his improv genius. Really put me off him. He is in The Hangover too and it is hilarious when he jumps out the boot, but then they extend his role and I can see right through him. Useless, big headed "actor" who for some reason has been surrounded by "yes" men, clearly, or am I missing something?
Post by: Dragonfire on August 02, 2010, 02:52:17 AM
You know Ken Jeong who plays the Doctor in Knocked Up? I thought he was great in the two minutes he is in it. Watching the extras though, I discover he is a novice. Fair enough. But he really thinks he is brilliant and so does everyone else! There must be 20 minutes of him doing one bloody scene, and everyone is falling about laughing at his improv genius. Really put me off him. He is in The Hangover too and it is hilarious when he jumps out the boot, but then they extend his role and I can see right through him. Useless, big headed "actor" who for some reason has been surrounded by "yes" men, clearly, or am I missing something?
I didn't really like him in Knocked Up..I thought his character was a jerk. I think I'm glad I didn't see those extras. That would have turned me off the movie even more. That improv stuff they do gets old really fast. He was funny in The Hangover when he jumped out of the trunk...not so much when he turned up again later. There is some extra that just has more of him doing basically the same thing over and over. If I remember right, I turned it off pretty quick. I think it was more of a fluke that 40 Year Old Virgin took off like it did. Since then, he's just been doing more of the same stuff, with a lot of the same actors who are not as funny as they all think they are.
Post by: Dragonfire on August 03, 2010, 07:26:36 AM
He's admitted that he smokes pot a lot. Maybe he's been stoned when he's done some of his stuff that he thinks is funny but isn't.
Post by: Achim on August 03, 2010, 08:10:58 AM
I just remembered something that may explain a few things ...at least with Rogen.Wouldn't still be the director at fault...?
He's admitted that he smokes pot a lot. Maybe he's been stoned when he's done some of his stuff that he thinks is funny but isn't.
I never so much thought of him as an actor than as a character who appears in many movies. He is still kind of the same as the guy in Freaks & Geeks :shrugs:
Post by: Dragonfire on August 03, 2010, 08:14:12 AM
Heck..maybe they were all stoned. :laugh:
I haven't been that impressed with is ..acting really.
Post by: Jimmy on August 03, 2010, 08:22:42 AM
He's admitted that he smokes pot a lot. Maybe he's been stoned when he's done some of his stuff that he thinks is funny but isn't.Smocking pot doesn't make you think you are funny... At least it wasn't for me, when I've stop most of the time that makes me paranoid (a pretty good reason to stop, the last time I've passed an entire evening hidden in a bathroom scared and angry because in my head everyone at a party was against me :laugh:). Before it turns this way smoking was just relaxing... I've never understood what happens to go from a relaxing pleasant effect to a not fun crazy insane paranoid stage effect :shrug:
Post by: Dragonfire on August 03, 2010, 08:25:46 AM
Post by: Jimmy on August 03, 2010, 08:53:48 AM
But some of my friends acted like idiots on pot, not doing joke but doing the ""retard"" laughing wich became annoying really fast :voodoo:
Post by: Dragonfire on August 03, 2010, 12:08:55 PM
Oh..and by the way.
I'M FINISHED....Wooohooo.
Just finished the last movie, Family Plot..which also finishes my Hitchcock Marathon.
Review will be coming in a few days probably.
So now I have officially finished the alphabet marathon - and pretty much on time really - plus I finally finished up the Bond and Hitchcock marathons at the same time.
Post by: Najemikon on August 03, 2010, 01:31:12 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on August 03, 2010, 09:01:44 PM
Post by: lovemunkey187 on August 04, 2010, 01:00:21 PM
You know Ken Jeong who plays the Doctor in Knocked Up? I thought he was great in the two minutes he is in it. Watching the extras though, I discover he is a novice. Fair enough. But he really thinks he is brilliant and so does everyone else! There must be 20 minutes of him doing one bloody scene, and everyone is falling about laughing at his improv genius. Really put me off him. He is in The Hangover too and it is hilarious when he jumps out the boot, but then they extend his role and I can see right through him. Useless, big headed "actor" who for some reason has been surrounded by "yes" men, clearly, or am I missing something?
I didn't really like him in Knocked Up..I thought his character was a jerk. I think I'm glad I didn't see those extras. That would have turned me off the movie even more. That improv stuff they do gets old really fast. He was funny in The Hangover when he jumped out of the trunk...not so much when he turned up again later. There is some extra that just has more of him doing basically the same thing over and over. If I remember right, I turned it off pretty quick. I think it was more of a fluke that 40 Year Old Virgin took off like it did. Since then, he's just been doing more of the same stuff, with a lot of the same actors who are not as funny as they all think they are.
Ken Jeong, I thought was pretty good in the film The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1092633/)(which no one else seems to have seen)