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-=RTFR666=-

07-01-2016, 08:10 PM

I have to start bingewatching The Americans from the beginning, but the one problem I've had is keeping track of the separate story lines and keeping track of who's who - they all look too much alike to me. :oops

Hal...

07-01-2016, 09:00 PM

A caveat, as much as I enjoyed the movie, it's not The Americans good.
Well, I loved Cloverfield so if the new one is, as you say, better, I'll happily skip a night of The Americans.

Klonk

07-01-2016, 09:43 PM

...a molotov fucking cocktail

That's all I have to say.

spellbound

07-02-2016, 04:01 PM

Watched some music DVDs last night, because anything's better than summertime TV.

Johnny Cash In Ireland 1993 - excellent. I don't think I had seen this one before.

The Kinks-One For The Road (recorded 1979)- saw it before but always love it. I saw them on their 1976 and 1977 tours.

JKL2000

07-02-2016, 04:48 PM

Million Dollar Baby (2004) - Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman. I'm sure everyone here is familiar with this classic about a trainer and fighter but if you haven't, this is a must see. 10/10.

I haven't seen it but I remember hearing more negative opinions of this than positive when it came out.

-=RTFR666=-

07-02-2016, 04:51 PM

I haven't seen it but I remember hearing more negative opinions of this than positive when it came out.

In what parallel universe, Jed? That movie had pretty damned near universal acclaim, media and viewers alike.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/million_dollar_baby/

NogbadTheBad

07-02-2016, 04:53 PM

In what parallel universe, Jed? That movie had pretty damned near universal acclaim, media and viewers alike.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/million_dollar_baby/

He's heard of Clint Eastwood but hasn't seen anything by him.

-=RTFR666=-

07-02-2016, 04:55 PM

He's heard of Clint Eastwood but hasn't seen anything by him.

I keep trying to give him the benefit of the doubt....silly rabbit. ;) :roll I'm sure Jed loved Clint's work in Smokey and the Bandit...

moecurlythanu

07-02-2016, 04:58 PM

I give it a thumbs down. I'm a big boxing fan, and I know what's realistic and what isn't. I can't really recall any that were realistic, so I guess I'm down on the whole subgenre. Having said that, I don't think I ever saw more than a few snatches of Raging Bull, and it is also critically acclaimed.

nosebone

07-02-2016, 05:03 PM

...a molotov fucking cocktail

That's all I have to say.

Weakest scene in the movie

Hal...

07-02-2016, 08:05 PM

...a molotov fucking cocktail

That's all I have to say.
As soon as I saw the bottle of liquor in the truck I immediately thought of you. I consider that a borderline spoiler. Shame on you.

[Spoiler Alert]

I actually didn't have a problem with that. What I had a problem with was the whole fucking premise of the movie. I mean, think about it: the reason for being in the bunker could have been anything. The tie-in with Cloverfield was cheap and superficial. Unless, of course, they do a proper sequel. But I doubt that's in the works.

And the basic story was really about a woman stuck in a bunker who's maybe held against her will by a guy who's either a nutcase (which he was) or just trying to protect her (which he also was, but not for altruistic reasons). I can think of a better recent movie with the same basic premise: Hush.

Aside from the acting, I was left unimpressed.

Jerjo

07-02-2016, 08:21 PM

Unless, of course, they do a proper sequel. But I doubt that's in the works.

Hal...

07-02-2016, 09:56 PM

From one of the pieces I read from the producer or director they said this is the point where Michelle's saga begins. She done with running from everything. She's here to kick ass. I see your point where it felt tacked on but it was there for a reason. Yes, the whole story inside the bunker could have been just the movie. Goodman is so good as these kind of roles where you just don't know where he's going to turn. I'm just very excited about the implications of a wider story and usually JJ Abrams does little to excite me.
Well, now see, I like Abrams. He's been involved in a lot of things I've enjoyed (e.g. Alias, Person of Interest, Cloverfield, Super 8). And if this movie is the first of a series (or at least a duology), then it gets a pass. And I should clarify: I liked the movie okay but I wouldn't have recommended it before reading your post.

Klonk

07-02-2016, 10:20 PM

As soon as I saw the bottle of liquor in the truck I immediately thought of you. I consider that a borderline spoiler. Shame on you.

Hal...

07-02-2016, 11:39 PM

[Spoiler Alert]

Oh yeah...[Spoiler Alert] Sorry man, my bad! But that whole scene just angered the shit out of me. And honestly with you and Jerol being the nitpicky bastards you are ;), I'm surprised it gets a pass! I mean cmon! How would she know to throw it there?! And it takes down the whole freakin thing??!! CMON!!! Ruined the movie for me. I did like it up to that point though.
I just watched it again and that scene was not filmed or staged all that well. Director's fault. But, first off, as soon as I knew she was going to make a molotov cocktail, I immediately thought I'd throw it in that same spot. It looked like a mouth to me so why not throw it in there? Besides, it looked like the only opening to the ship. Seemed logical to me. And as for how it took down the whole thing, you must have missed it I did at first. Remember when the big ship showed up and started spewing that green smoke and she ran to put on her gas mask? The fire from the bunker ignited a large portion of that green smoke. It was flammable! Case solved.

All in all, I think the biggest take away from this movie was John Goodman. I don't know why he's never been nominated for an Oscar. He was an asshole who redeems himself in Punchline, was amusing in Raising Arizona and Arachnophobia, scary/weird in Barton Fink, was kind of an odd asshole wound a little too tight in The Big Lebowski, was wonderful in Monsters, Inc, and totally convincing in 10 Cloverfield Ln. One of the best actors without an Oscar nomination.

Jerjo

07-03-2016, 02:03 AM

Don't forget Goodman's brief appearance as the Cyclops in O Brother Where Art Thou

JKL2000

07-03-2016, 09:21 AM

In what parallel universe, Jed? That movie had pretty damned near universal acclaim, media and viewers alike.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/million_dollar_baby/

I just read the NY Times review, which is favorable, yet from the description the movie sounds terrible and hackneyed. It obviously got good reviews, but people I knew generally seemed to be unimpressed. But clearly the critics liked it, or said they did. I'm a pretty big Clint fan, actually.

-=RTFR666=-

07-03-2016, 04:07 PM

Don't forget Goodman's brief appearance as the Cyclops in O Brother Where Art Thou

Goodman's been great in most of the movies I've seen him, particularly in the crime noir films like The Big Easy and Sea of Love. I draw the line at the Blues Brothers reboot, though...

JKL2000

07-03-2016, 08:08 PM

Didn't know there was a Blues Bros reboot.

I remember first seeing him in True Stories, the David Byrne/Talking Heads movie.

NogbadTheBad

07-03-2016, 08:52 PM

Didn't know there was a Blues Bros reboot.
.

For the love of Pete don't explore further.

mozo-pg

07-03-2016, 09:41 PM

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) - This movie is highly entertaining. Interesting characters, good humour, lots of action.

JKL2000

07-03-2016, 10:13 PM

For the love of Pete don't explore further.

I don't even like the original movie - just not my thing.

Scott Bails

07-03-2016, 10:34 PM

I don't even like the original movie - just not my thing.

I'm surprised that you've even heard of the original movie.

NogbadTheBad

07-03-2016, 10:41 PM

I'm surprised that you've even heard of the original movie.:lol:O

NogbadTheBad

07-03-2016, 10:41 PM

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) - This movie is highly entertaining. Interesting characters, good humour, lots of action.

I really really enjoyed that movie, just the right balance of action, humor and biting sarcasm

Jerjo

07-03-2016, 11:18 PM

I remember my wife while watching the ending of Guardians, "great, now I'm all verklempt about a fucking tree".

JKL2000

07-04-2016, 12:21 AM

^ LOL!

tom unbound

07-04-2016, 09:33 AM

I don't even like the original movie - just not my thing.

Well, the sequel TOTALLY sucked compared to the original, maybe it's different enough you would like it !

(Excellent advice Nog -- Quote Originally Posted by NogbadTheBad

For the love of Pete don't explore further.)

hippypants

07-04-2016, 05:15 PM

I was tired last night and El Rey network was playing a Godzilla marathon. I caught Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, and yes, it was cheesy, but was about what I'd want from a Godzilla movie, lots of mayhem & destruction. Even though was cheesy I enjoyed it more that that recent 2014 American reboot, which I found mostly boring. I also caught the Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla movies and enjoyed them as well.

JKL2000

07-04-2016, 07:38 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX-C_dOkMRI

JKL2000

07-04-2016, 07:43 PM

Do you think it was supposed to be Godzilla vs. Destroyer, not Destoroyah?

mozo-pg

07-04-2016, 07:45 PM

X-Men: Apocalypse - Surprisingly, a decent action flick.

nosebone

07-04-2016, 07:47 PM

I watched an amazing French flick on Netflix last night called Breathe (2014).

Beautifully shot film about two teenage girls whose friendship takes a turn for the worse.

Its understated and perhaps a tad slow for some, but man, what performances by the two lead actresses.

NogbadTheBad

07-04-2016, 07:48 PM

X-Men: Apocalypse - Surprisingly, a decent action flick.

Didn't like it, Days Of Future Past was the best of the recent ones.

mozo-pg

07-04-2016, 07:50 PM

Didn't like it, Days Of Future Past was the best of the recent ones.

I didn't see Days of Future Past. What didn't you like about the new one?

NogbadTheBad

07-04-2016, 07:54 PM

Considering how powerful the main bad guy was meant to be it seemed to be remarkably easy to defeat him. I also didn't like the character development, it seemed rather flimsy.

mozo-pg

07-04-2016, 07:59 PM

Yeah, he did go down pretty easy. I just thought it was a lot of fun - mindless entertainment.

hippypants

07-04-2016, 11:16 PM

Do you think it was supposed to be Godzilla vs. Destroyer, not Destoroyah?

I think it was/ is the same film. Godzilla vs. Destroyer is the English title. I think El Rey had the title as Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. It came out in 1995, and I believe was the last Godzilla of the Japanese films. You can read about it on the Wikizilla. (http://godzilla.wikia.com/wiki/Godzilla_vs._Destoroyah)

They got a combo pack on Blu-ray over at Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/Godzilla-Vs-Destoroyah-Megaguirus-Annihilation/dp/B00IQAUO6Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467684887&sr=8-2&keywords=godzilla+vs.+destoroyah)

Rogue Mail

07-06-2016, 07:48 AM

10 Cloverfield Lane - really enjoyed this, though the last 20 min's or so are a little...well, won't spoil it. That said I suppose it does fit in with the concept of it being set in the same world as the original movie. But I enjoyed the tension between the characters in the bunker, and loved John Goodman's menacing performance.

Grimsby - Oh dear lord! An odd mixture of Bourne-style mayhem, and gross-out comedy. Unsurprisingly for a Sacha Baron Cohen vehicle, expect some strong stuff. Very strong. It's not a particularly good movie, but I watched it in a 'horrific car crash' fashion...sick in places but often compelling. I am not sure how it will fare across the pond (I am UK based) as it's very parochial.

London Has Fallen - atrocious. A virtual re-run of the first one, set in London with the Pres attending a funeral. Not very convincing at all. Most of the action and stunts showing mayhem in London are CGI, though there is one car-chase that was filmed right outside my office. Made by people who have probably never visited London before...lots of easy-to-spot geographical mistakes. Moorgate station dressed up as Charing Cross...Stansted airport is NOT in the countryside...trash cans on the tube stations (they don't exist)...and at one point a character refers to a location US style like 'He's on Brunswick and Piccadilly'. We don't use that phrasing at all. Totally stupid, dumb movie.

Midnight Special - I liked this. I like Nichol's/Shannon's collaborations. This seemed to receive a lot of early praise and hype comparing it to early, classic John Carpenter and similar stuff, also it was made to look like an action/road movie. It is kind of a road movie, but very much character driven with little action. But it is very well acted. I do get some of the Carpenter comparisons, especially with Starman (Which I incidentally loved).

Eddie The Eagle - hugely enjoyable, feelgood stuff. Eddie Edwards was a typical, lovable loser. A naïve, geeky English guy that dreamed of going to the 1988 Olympics as a ski jumper, somehow scraped through, but basically came last in every event. But as a result he became an unlikely hero as a result of his unwillingness to give in. Hugh Jackman is very good as his reluctant coach, and Taron Egerton (Kingsmen) captures Eddie's character and signature jutting jaw perfectly. Great score too...not just sourced 80's music, but the soundtrack itself evokes the period beautifully.

The Last Wave - early Peter Weir film, with Richard Chamberlain as a lawyer in Australia given the task of defending a group of Aborigine's for killing a man during a ritual. The film deals with Aboriginal tribal customs and portents of an impending disaster, to which Chamberlain's character is somehow linked. It has some brilliantly effective, haunting imagery and at times evokes a genuine sense of dread and fear. There is a bravura 'dream' sequence, where the camera follows a characters 'spirit' through a house, and the didgeridoo on the soundtrack gets louder and more menacing as it goes on.

spellbound

07-06-2016, 12:11 PM

London Has Fallen - atrocious. A virtual re-run of the first one

What do you mean, "the first one?" Was there an earlier movie with this title/plot?

I wasn't planning to see this film, as it looked stupid in the TV commercial I saw and the reviews I read did not convince me it was worth my time.

Made by people who have probably never visited London before...lots of easy-to-spot geographical mistakes. Moorgate station dressed up as Charing Cross...Stansted airport is NOT in the countryside...trash cans on the tube stations (they don't exist)...and at one point a character refers to a location US style like 'He's on Brunswick and Piccadilly'. We don't use that phrasing at all.

Thanks for pointing out those errors. I've never been to London before and would likely not have caught them. I am very interested in the locations movies are shot. Nowadays, many movies in the US are shot in states that supply bribes to the movie makers paid for with taxpayer money. This is not only wrong, but confusing. I recently watched a movie that took place only in Ohio (The Fifth Wave). The entire film was shot in Georgia. I have never been to either state. But if I did visit Ohio, I might expect it to look like Georgia based on the film. I saw another film (Black or White) based in Los Angeles that was filmed in Louisiana. In the special features on the DVD, Kevin Costner talked about how useful the money Louisiana gave him was. Why do taxpayers have to fund movies (made by millionaires), and why can't they be filmed at the location where the story is set?

As for geographical errors, I can only (and often) spot them in movies filmed in places I have been.

Thanks for the reviews. I already saw, and enjoyed 10 Cloverfield Lane. I never saw the original movie Cloverfield. I was planning to see Midnight Special. Now I will add Eddie The Eagle to the movies I want to see.

Hal...

07-06-2016, 12:11 PM

Mad Max: Fury Road. I have no idea why I watched this; not my type of movie, at all. Never even liked the original.

Oh, wait. Now I remember: Charlize Theron. Ooh baby.

Over all, I'm not even sure what the point was to this movie. It was action from beginning to end... so, essentially, mind numbing. And what was the point of even having Max in it? Totally extraneous character.

And how this came to be nominated as best picture at the Oscars is one of the biggest Academy mysteries of all time.

Money grabbing tie-in to a franchise that isn't worth the time. Blah.

Scott Bails

07-06-2016, 01:11 PM

What do you mean, "the first one?" Was there an earlier movie with this title/plot?

It's a sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, which I found enjoyable, for what it is. I wouldn't give it any awards, but for a Jerry Bruckheimer/Michael Bay type of "thriller," I thought it was fine.

nycsteve

07-06-2016, 08:28 PM

Mad Max: Fury Road. I have no idea why I watched this; not my type of movie, at all. Never even liked the original.

Oh, wait. Now I remember: Charlize Theron. Ooh baby.

And how this came to be nominated as best picture at the Oscars is one of the biggest Academy mysteries of all time.

Money grabbing tie-in to a franchise that isn't worth the time. Blah.

I saw a documentary-type story about the guy on TV. It was around the time the movie came out. Kinda forgot about it. Will have to put it on my "to watch" list.

I thought Mad Max was decent for the type of flick it is. I totally agree it had no place in the Oscars with exceptions for fx , sets and the like. Best Picture, ridiculous.

NogbadTheBad

07-06-2016, 09:00 PM

It was a fun chase movie, not really a Mad Max movie as he was second banana in this one. I laughed a lot in it, thought they handled humor very well.

Hal...

07-06-2016, 09:30 PM

I'm not sure I laughed once. But then I'm losing my sense of humor and am becoming a bitter old cranky fuck. The one thing I did like about it was the sentiment that crept into the movie toward the end.

frinspar

07-07-2016, 02:52 AM

Exciting things happen, thanks to the educated performers - beautiful imagery and emotional connections to the story are depicted in the performances.
On a prog board, whining about not liking that kind of combo is silly. But typical, if it doesn't involve a 12-string and white hair.
Mad Max: Fury Road was everything to film that KC, Zappa, Genesis with and without "Big Time", Voivod and CTTE are to music.

Rogue Mail

07-07-2016, 08:05 AM

What do you mean, "the first one?" Was there an earlier movie with this title/plot?

I wasn't planning to see this film, as it looked stupid in the TV commercial I saw and the reviews I read did not convince me it was worth my time.

As for geographical errors, I can only (and often) spot them in movies filmed in places I have been.

London Has Fallen was sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, about terrorists taking over the Whitehouse. It was watchable, not great. But this is somewhat inferior.

I know and fully expect a lot of substitution when it comes to location shooting - there are often very practical and financial reasons why movies cannot be shot in the location they are set. Sometimes permission cannot be obtained, or when it comes to large, busy cities its just far too difficult logistically.

Therefore its all down to set dressing and making the location look as convincing as possible. LHF didn't really get that right.

The worst possible example of this is Superman 4 - there is a sequence set on the New York subway...except its CLEARLY a London Tube station. No use putting subway signs over the existing ones...a London Tube station design is iconic and unmistakable. And London tube trains also look NOTHING like NY subway trains. Worst and cheapest set dressing I ever saw.

But I am fascinated at how some non-indigenous filmmakers portray London, and some of the short-cuts they take. Another fave is Brannigan, with John Wayne. The car chase in that movie takes some bizarre twists and turns geographically, but you realise that the filmmakers are just trying to squeeze as many well know landmarks as possible into the sequence.

To be fair, only the people who live in that location and those who know it well will notice it. When you consider the movie will be watched all around the world most people won't know the difference. But sometimes filmmakers are so obsessed with cramming every single iconic part of the city into their shots, they often lose sight of the practicalities.

It's not a deal breaker for me, it does not really take me out of the movie, just one of those things that happens. However, in a movie like this where its just very poor in general, location issues are the least of its problems.

moecurlythanu

07-07-2016, 08:50 AM

Yeah, they've been doing filming in Cleveland lately. One was The Avengers, and it was very interesting, and a touch surreal, to see all of those alien invaders wrecking Euclid Avenue. Especially after the city spent all of that time and money renovating it. ;)

selmer

07-07-2016, 03:06 PM

Mad Max: Fury Road. I have no idea why I watched this; not my type of movie, at all. Never even liked the original.

Oh, wait. Now I remember: Charlize Theron. Ooh baby.

And how this came to be nominated as best picture at the Oscars is one of the biggest Academy mysteries of all time.

Money grabbing tie-in to a franchise that isn't worth the time. Blah.

I saw a documentary-type story about the guy on TV. It was around the time the movie came out. Kinda forgot about it. Will have to put it on my "to watch" list.

I liked the very first Mad Max.
This one. Theron was good, IMO. I didn't pay much attention to how much screen time Max had. I don't think Hardy was the best choice in the first place. The rest of the cast was mostly average. The film is fairly forgettable. If I compare it with most of the other action type movies of late - it doesn't stick out. At least for me. Something like Skyfall was far better.
And about the Oscars - agreed.

spellbound

07-07-2016, 06:09 PM

I can understand how filming these days in New York City or Los Angeles can be an expense and a hassle. I appreciate those films that go to the trouble to shoot there anyway. Some of the best location pictures are the James Bond films. AFAIK, when they are supposed to be set somewhere, they really film there. Most pictures that are filmed someplace other than claimed in the film do not require me to suspend my disbelief to a distracting degree.

For me, recognizing a location in a movie (often Westerns) is just gravy. One of the funniest that comes to mind is John Wayne in North To Alaska, where in a fight scene I see in the background Mt Whitney, California, and not Alaska at all.

Rogue Mail

07-08-2016, 03:37 AM

I think the Bond movies have a slight advantage because of their iconic status...what city would not want to be immortalised by being featured in a Bond movie?

In fact many people are often curios to check out and holiday in locations made famous in these movies, so it also helps their tourist trade.

Rogue Mail

07-12-2016, 06:31 AM

Rollercoaster - never saw this on original release, just been released on blu ray with the 'sensurround' track. Don't expect too much from this now, as it seems rather old fashioned these days when sub woofers are commonplace even in our homes. The film itself is ok, typical 70's fare. Timothy Bottoms is intent on blowing up rollercoasters for ransom. Actually, there is only one such set piece shown, the rest of the movie revolved around tracking down Bottoms' character, pursued by George Segal's dogged investigator. There is some attempt to humanise Segal's character, and the cat-and-mouse between him and Bottom's is quite tense. Not sure about those very obvious dummies on the Rollercoaster crash though...

The Wave (Bolgen) - Stunning Scandinavian movie set in Norway, concerning the very real (and apparently inevitable in real life) possibility of a rockslide causing a tsunami in the Fjords. The action centres around an engineer who discovers the impending event, and mainly revolves around him, his family and a small group of people in the town. The wave effects are very well done, and its the complete antithesis of the bloated, Emmerich-style disaster movie. It takes the time to establish the characters, making us invest in them emotionally. There are some obvious clichés, but for the most part its very good.

Hail, Caesar! - Been a while since I watched a Coen brothers movie, and this one intrigued me as a pastiche of 50's Hollywood and with an intriguing cast. I enjoyed it for the most part. Clooney is very good, Channing Tatum also stands out and shows he can sing and dance...Tilda Swinton is excellent as always in a double role, Scarlett Johannssen as an Esther Williams type starlet, and Josh Brolin is very good as the studio guy who has to keep all of these errant movie stars in check. Newcomer Alden Ehrenheich is the standout though, the Tom Mix style cowboy star who suddenly finds himself switched from cowboy movies to the set on an English drawing room drama. That was my fave scene in the movie, with him walking onto the set during his first scene like John Wayne. And his scene with Ralph Ffeinnes as the English director, trying desperately to get him to pronounce a line a certain way is priceless.

Hawk The Slayer - another little 'gem' that had passed me by. Definitely in the 'so bad its good' category, a very low budget sword and sorcery effort made in the UK in the early 80's. Lots of wildly inappropriate disco-style music, cardboard sets, plastic swords, bargain basement effects (death by silly string...I'm not kidding!), and Jack Palance hamming it up for all he's worth.

Cop - one of James Woods earliest and best movies, as a tightly wound cop getting involved in a sleazy case. One of the roles that brought him to prominence, and deservedly so. Only let down by a badly judged, generic ending.

The Manhattan Project - bit of an obscure one this, I saw it on an advance preview in the UK in the 80's but not sure it ever got released. Directed by Marshall Brickman, it stars John Lithgow as a nuclear scientist who befriends a woman with a son who is curious and fascinated with Lithgow's job, and after visiting his lab bizarrely decides to steal some plutonium to make a bomb for his science project. You get the impression this was heavily influenced by Wargames, but the sheer lack of logic and indeed any sense of threat is very misjudged. It is all seen as a kids prank. The ease in which the kid gets into the plant and steals the goods is simply laughable.

Heist - excellent David Mamet directed thriller, with a byzantine plot in which you never quite know who is playing who. Gene Hackman is a professional thief specialising in complex heists for high-line items such as gold and expensive jewellery. Hackman and his team reluctantly team up with fence/broker (A sleazy Danny De Vito), and his errant son (An early role for Sam Rockwell) to pull off a gold bullion heist from a Swiss air flight. One of those movies that you cannot really describe the plot because it spoils it too much, but if you are familiar with House Of Games (and you should be), you get an idea for how Mamet constantly pulls the rug out from under you. Oh, and it has one of my most favourite lines from a movie ever...Hackman, on the verge of being discovered by some cops and trying to talk himself out of the situation, while being eyed nervously by his team...Sam Rockwell's character asks one of his crew (Ricky Jay) 'Is he cool?', to which he replies 'My motherfucker is so cool, when he sleeps sheep count him'. Love it.

Hal...

07-12-2016, 02:05 PM

Oh, and it has one of my most favourite lines from a movie ever...
Probably my favorite movie line would be from Harvey when the orderly, Marvin Wilson, is reading the definition of "Pooka" and at the end reads, "...a benign but mischievous creature. Very fond of rumpots, crackpots, and how are you, Mr. Wilson?"

Either that or something from Dr. Strangelove. Peter Sellers standing up and shouting, "mein Fuhrer! I can walk!" is hilarious as are dozens of other lines mostly said by George C Scott as General Buck Turgidson. This is probably my favorite scene from that movie. The lines they gave Scott are brilliant as is his delivery:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuP6KbIsNK4

spellbound

07-12-2016, 04:49 PM

And his scene with Ralph Ffeinnes as the English director, trying desperately to get him to pronounce a line a certain way is priceless.

Would that it were.

I watched "Pride And Prejudice And Zombies" last night. I expected it to be awful, but it was really quite decent.

The Wave (Bolgen)

I would like to see this. I suspect the wave is a Seiche (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiche), rather than a tsunami, but that's just geological semantics.

BaldFriede

07-12-2016, 05:04 PM

Of recent movies I especially like the German TV-movie "Im Schmerz geboren" ("Born in Pain"). A mixture of Truffaut's "Jules et Jim", Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" (the train station scene is definitely a bow to Leone, though with a little twist) and Shakespeare, with Hieronymus Bosch, Vincent van Gogh, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and a lot of other artists thrown in and a soundtrack consisting of Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Umberto Giordano, Peter Tchaikovsky, Gustav Holst, Antonín Dvorák, Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Johannes Brahms, Georg Friedrich Händel, Giuseppe Verdi and Arcangelo Corelli, and you get an excellent arthouse thriller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy2CD6ns3A0

Jerjo

07-12-2016, 05:59 PM

"mein Fuhrer! I can walk!" still makes me giggle. But then again so does the ridiculously incorrect line from 16 Candles, "hey Fred, there's your Chinaman".

Hal...

07-14-2016, 11:28 AM

Or how about, "Mr President, we must now allow a mine shaft gap!"

And of course, one of the classics from that film, after Slim Pickens reads through the list of supplies in the event they have to ditch, "shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."

My all time favorite movie.

I read in the LoBrutto bio of Kubrick that General Ripper was based on Air Force Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay. And according to a Kennedy brothers bio I read (Brothers (https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Hidden-History-Kennedy-Years/dp/0743269195/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468506327&sr=1-2&keywords=brothers+kennedy+brothers); an excellent book, btw) LeMay was as war crazy as they come. He was actually pushing for a shootout with the Soviets over Cuba.

JKL2000

07-16-2016, 01:29 PM

But wherever the word Destroyah is used, do you think it was an error and they meant to use the English word Destroyer? Even if it was in the Japanese title?

The German prog metal band Dreamscape has a song called "One and a Million." I was always convinced they meant to call it One in a Million but got the idiom wrong. I had a hard time convincing people of this a long while back.

spellbound

07-16-2016, 08:53 PM

Watched a movie called Identicals (2015). Made me kinda sleepy, but it may have been the late hour coupled with the desolate violin music throughout (the music wasn't bad, just not the kind to wake you up). After the movie I watched the special features, which included an interview with the director. The interviewer immediately asked the director what the movie was about (never a good sign). When he explained what he intended it to be about, I thought, "That's not what I got out of it." I thought the idea for the movie might have been good, but the execution was quite a bit on the slow side, with very little clarity. Maybe I'm just dumb, but I give it two out of five futuristic schizophrenics. It was different to see a film featuring absolutely no actors I recognized (although, admittedly, that is not my strong suit).

hippypants

07-17-2016, 02:44 PM

But wherever the word Destroyah is used, do you think it was an error and they meant to use the English word Destroyer? Even if it was in the Japanese title?

I never thought about it, I figured it was something to do with the Japanese translation, but it looks like it has more to do with trademarks. (http://godzilla.wikia.com/wiki/Destoroyah)

I couldn't speak about the prog band, but it could be either. It depends upon the context.

Lou

07-18-2016, 09:13 PM

Ghostbusters

Went to see this last night and had a blast! This truly exceeded my expectations! The reboot of the franchise with the all female
Ghostbusters was really quite funny. This was done in exactly the same vein as the original ones. More than just a little bit of homage to
the originals. What makes it seem fresh, and not just a ripoff, was the performances. Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig are the paranormal
geeks, Patty Tolan is the black lady recruited from her job at the subway. Kate McKinnon (who steals the show in my opinion) is the slightly
dangerous nuclear engineer. And Chris Hemsworth is wonderful as the brain dead, eye candy receptionist. With the obvious exception of Harold Ramis,
(and Rick Moranis) there are at least cameos or better by all the original main characters.
This movie was just flat out fun! Highly recommended.

By the way, it happens to have quite possibly the funniest scene ever of someone getting fired!

selmer

07-19-2016, 04:49 AM

Ghostbusters

By the way, it happens to have quite possibly the funniest scene ever of someone getting fired!

The reaction to this on the net is all over the place. I haven't even seen the trailer. Perhaps I'll watch the film sometime along the line. I can't say I'm crazy about the first movies.

Rogue Mail

07-19-2016, 08:22 AM

Ghostbusters

By the way, it happens to have quite possibly the funniest scene ever of someone getting fired!

I liked it. Better than expected. Some of the improvised humour seemed a little forced. Kate McKinnon is definitely the start of the show. Hemsworth is ok, not as funny as I expected. Nothing we have not seen before, but enjoyable.

BobM

07-19-2016, 08:43 AM

5th Wave

Saw this last night. Very predictable. Seems to be a trend in making disaster movies, end of the world stuff, with a group of young kids and the promise of sequels. This one didn't hold up to Maze Runner though.

selmer

07-19-2016, 08:54 AM

Hal...

07-19-2016, 05:41 PM

It happens when you expect it to be very bad. You watch it and think - well, this wasn't so terrible. Most of these remakes are just as you describe them - watchable but nothing we haven't seen before. A case could be made for it being endless recycling, though. Surprising how there's no Dirty Harry with Hugh Jackman yet...
I heard a review on NPR and the reviewer wasn't all that impressed. I kinda think he missed the point, tho. I mean, it's just a basic rehash, yes, but the selling point is who plays the leads! Melissa McCarthy is pretty funny, altho she often plays humor a bit broad for my taste. Leslie Jones can be hilarious when she plays the oversexed role or the put-out minority. And I love Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon! That's all I need. I rarely see movies in the theater, anymore, but I may consider it for this one.

progeezer

07-19-2016, 07:23 PM

:lol

Coincidentally, I got home from seeing Ghostbusters in IMAX 3D. Some of the specters flying at you are pretty cool, but (& someone alluded to this above) it's worth seeing just for Kate McKinnon, who IMO is the most talented of the 4, and I really like the other 3 (especially Wiig).

Her loose cannon character is f*****g hilarious!

SteveSly

07-19-2016, 07:43 PM

I heard a review on NPR and the reviewer wasn't all that impressed. I kinda think he missed the point, tho. I mean, it's just a basic rehash, yes, but the selling point is who plays the leads! Melissa McCarthy is pretty funny, altho she often plays humor a bit broad for my taste. Leslie Jones can be hilarious when she plays the oversexed role or the put-out minority. And I love Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon! That's all I need. I rarely see movies in the theater, anymore, but I may consider it for this one.

nycsteve

07-19-2016, 08:04 PM

Is McKinnon the one who does Hillary?

Lou

07-19-2016, 08:27 PM

I haven't seen SNL in decades, but fell in love with McKinnon during the film!

Hal...

07-19-2016, 08:28 PM

Her loose cannon character is f*****g hilarious!
I can just imagine. She's one of those comedic actors who puts her whole being into a role.

I have not seen the film, but am intrigued after reading some of these reviews. Jones, Whig, and McKinnon have been the best thing in the cast of SNL for the last few years and are truly funny ladies.
I agree. I wish Kristen was still on it. Her character with the tiny hands used to kill me. Amy Poehler used to have some really good characters, as well, and Vanessa Bayer, one of the current members, has some good ones, too. This is off topic, but I felt like once those older members like Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri started leaving and people like Fey, Fallon, Dratch, Poehler, etc started getting featured, SNL got a lot better. It could be that it also coincided with Tina Fey taking over as head writer but it continued with Seth Meyers and whoever replaced him.

Is McKinnon the one who does Hillary?
Yep.

SteveSly

07-19-2016, 11:35 PM

I can just imagine. She's one of those comedic actors who puts her whole being into a role.

I agree. I wish Kristen was still on it. Her character with the tiny hands used to kill me. Amy Poehler used to have some really good characters, as well, and Vanessa Bayer, one of the current members, has some good ones, too. This is off topic, but I felt like once those older members like Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri started leaving and people like Fey, Fallon, Dratch, Poehler, etc started getting featured, SNL got a lot better. It could be that it also coincided with Tina Fey taking over as head writer but it continued with Seth Meyers and whoever replaced him.

Yep.

For the past decade or more it is really the women who have taken over SNL in my opinion. These days the show can be really hit and miss, but they do still come up with some funny stuff now and then.

frinspar

07-20-2016, 01:41 AM

selmer

07-20-2016, 04:15 AM

It depends on what is objective. I subjectively saw the two new trailers for the Magnificent 7 and can say that whoever did that endless cutting set to that rap/hip hop music doesn't have a clue. The second trailer made a big difference as it had rock music. I think one was the local and the other the international trailer but both were new.

nycsteve

07-20-2016, 07:53 AM

Personally I cant get excited by yet another example of a Hollywood carbon copy of a previous movie or TV show. In a way its depressing. I like 3 of 4 of the actresses, and don't know the fourth. I would have liked to see this lineup in something more original and not another moneygrabbing ripoff. That said , I watch the dvd.

Hal...

07-20-2016, 11:11 AM

For the past decade or more it is really the women who have taken over SNL in my opinion.
Yep. And I've loved it. Like I said, I think that started with Fey taking over as head writer in 2000 (I also loved when Poehler took over for Fallon and joined Fey on Weekend Update; they were great together). And since then they've had a lot of excellent, female actors. Wiig has been my favorite, but most have been great: Fey, Poehler, Dratch, Bayer, McKinnon, Jones and Strong (never really liked Rudolph). You know, they've also had a lot of good male actors, as well, since ~2000: Parnell, Meyers, Forte, Armisen, Hader, Sudeikis. But they've all gone on to better things and you're right: the show now is hit or miss.

Nice to see some objective views on the new Ghostbusters. Everywhere else on the internet it's either SJWs raging about apocalyptic misogyny based on the original "no-I'm-totally-not-misogynist-but-women-as-ghostbusters-rapes-my-childhood" manboys whining, or racist hate for Leslie Jones. It's really affected her badly.
Yeah, I heard a thing on the radio about the nasty tweets, etc Paul Feig has gotten since he announced an all female cast. Jesus, it's the 21st century; misogyny should be a thing of the past.

I didn't know about the racism toward Jones. That's too bad. People suck.

selmer

07-20-2016, 01:36 PM

There are so many articles on the net regarding the movie climate but most of them are very poorly written. They basically come down to - ah, there are all these remakes and comic book films, they should instead make more of the masterpieces like The Nice Guys.

spellbound

07-20-2016, 02:51 PM

What's SJW?

Hal...

07-20-2016, 08:48 PM

What's SJW?
Social Justice Warrior

spellbound

07-20-2016, 09:37 PM

Thanks. I tried looking it up and found nothing that remotely made sense.

tom unbound

07-21-2016, 07:43 PM

Fan-O-Rama -- A Futurama Fan Film
I'm still freaked out from watching it..... I think I'll watch it again...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfNRPKKF4qU
(I like the 'Q' rating - ;))
From 'comments' - "This looks so bad, I can't wait to see it !"

Hal...

07-21-2016, 09:42 PM

Rogue Mail

07-22-2016, 10:01 AM

Thanks. I tried looking it up and found nothing that remotely made sense.

Even when you know what it means, it makes no sense.

One of those nonsensical, pigeonholing, sweeping generalisation type of phrases invented for idiots to throw back at you when they disagree with your views, in a pathetic attempt to ridicule.

And normally used by people who lack the capacity to debate and will inevitably resort to childish name-calling.

-=RTFR666=-

07-22-2016, 11:22 AM

Even when you know what it means, it makes no sense.

One of those nonsensical, pigeonholing, sweeping generalisation type of phrases invented for idiots to throw back at you when they disagree with your views, in a pathetic attempt to ridicule.

And normally used by people who lack the capacity to debate and will inevitably resort to childish name-calling.

Written like a true Libtard.

:rofl

tom unbound

07-23-2016, 11:09 PM

Guardians Of The Galaxy -- Rocket and Groot are on an International Space Station patch !!

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-072216a-marvel-rocket-groot-space-patch.html

moecurlythanu

07-24-2016, 12:35 AM

Oh yeah.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSzx-zryEgM&feature=youtu.be

Scott Bails

07-24-2016, 03:09 AM

Whoa.

Jerjo

07-24-2016, 11:22 AM

Doctor Strange looks quite mind-bending.

Lots of good trailers coming out of Comic Con:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lGoQhFb4NM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gglkYMGRYlE

Progatron

07-24-2016, 05:10 PM

Just watched an outstanding film called The Dresser with Ian McKellan and Anthony Hopkins. Terrific performances from two master actors.

Rogue Mail

07-25-2016, 03:19 AM

Just watched an outstanding film called The Dresser with Ian McKellan and Anthony Hopkins. Terrific performances from two master actors.

Not bad, this was a recent BBC production for TV.

But you should check out the original film with Albert Finney and Tom Courtney, who played the roles in the original stage production.

JKL2000

07-25-2016, 06:32 AM

Was the Austrian film "Good Night Mommy" mentioned? Watched it this weekend. Creepy and pretty good - avoid spoilers.

Rogue Mail

07-25-2016, 09:43 AM

Star Trek Beyond - Overall I enjoyed it, but the usual pro's and con's - spoilers ahead.

Yorktown Station. Wow. It looked incredible, CGI was very good indeed and had a genuine sense of scale to it. The introduction to Yorktown sequence actually made me feel dizzy (saw it at BFI Imax at London's Waterloo). And was anyone else reminded of the Dyson sphere from TNG?

The swarm attack. Not a new concept but very well done and Enterprise suffered real and serious damage as a result.

The attack on Enterprise - shades of First Contact here, but a genuinely exciting and fast-paced sequence.

Destruction of Enterprise and saucer separation. Yes, been done before, notably in Generations but far better here.

Generally the film looked incredible, not just the sequences mentioned above, but also on the planet.

Having the various crew members spread around and having to figure out how to deal with the situation, there was a reasonable degree of problem solving/inventiveness on behalf of the Enterprise crew.

Hand to hand combat sequences - vicious, punchy and very well choreographed, especially the one between Jayla and Krall's henchman on the planet.

Nods to the original series and continuity with the previous movies. Spock's death acknowledged, an old Starfleet ship buried on the planet, Krall being a Starfleet captain, Spock finding a picture of the original Enterprise crew and the TV theme playing.

Cons -

Opening sequence with the silly creatures. Granted it paid off later and linked to the main plot but...not the best opening sequence.

Still not sure about Pegg's Scotty. Don't find him amusing and he just does not seem to embody the character in the same way a lot of the other cast members do.

Dreadful, lazy plot device involving Keenser (Peggs's little alien helper) having an 'acidic sneeze', enabling a whole bunch of the crew to escape? Seriously?

The shoehorning in of a vehicle sequence, namely the motorbike. Granted, it referenced the first movie, but it still felt out of place. Was wondering if Lin would find a way to inject some F and F style into the movie. Thankfully it was kept to a minimum.

Some of the humour and crew bonding sequences did not come across as genuine. The McCoy/Spock stuff was ok but felt a bit forced.

Looking back, the whole end sequence with the UHF signal, the music seemed very silly, but yet by that time I was enjoying the movie and caught up in it so I didn't really care.

Similarly with the sequence at the end in the air purifier on Yorktown station with Krall. Where was everyone else? No other ships or personnel who could have helped? And could they not have just beamed him out?

But I kind of got wrapped up in the excitement of it and just enjoyed it for what it is. It's that kind of movie. Silly and illogical in places, but ultimately very enjoyable.

NogbadTheBad

07-25-2016, 10:58 AM

Any chance you can reverse out the spoilers so they only show when highlighted? I'd love to read your post but don't want any spoilers, thanks

moecurlythanu

07-25-2016, 11:08 AM

It's almost all spoilers, Ian.

Rogue Mail

07-25-2016, 12:01 PM

Any chance you can reverse out the spoilers so they only show when highlighted? I'd love to read your post but don't want any spoilers, thanks

I would but even on advanced settings I don't see spoiler tags.

I only made a few comments outside of the spoilers stuff anyway, as below -

Overall I enjoyed it, the usual pro's and cons,but I kind of got wrapped up in the excitement of it and just enjoyed it for what it is. It's that kind of movie. Silly and illogical in places, but ultimately very enjoyable.

spellbound

07-25-2016, 02:05 PM

Mojave - a rich Hollywood actor (Garrett Hedlund) encounters a psychopath (Oscar Isaac) in the California desert. The psychopath learns where the actor lives and makes his life hell. Good acting makes neither main character likeable, but you still want to see what happens to them.

Hal...

07-25-2016, 09:58 PM

I would but even on advanced settings I don't see spoiler tags.
There aren't any. What you do is highlight the text you want hidden, click on the big "A", and change the color to white.

Rogue Mail

07-26-2016, 08:20 AM

There aren't any. What you do is highlight the text you want hidden, click on the big "A", and change the color to white.

Done.

nycsteve

07-26-2016, 02:58 PM

I read the spoilers yesterday, but my memory being as it is (on vacation) I don't remember any of them. So I can enjoy the flick regardless . One of the few perks of fading memory.

Hal...

07-26-2016, 05:32 PM

I'm not really a fan of horror movies, exactly, but I do enjoy a couple of subgenres of it: supernatural- and psychological-horror, tho I much prefer supernatural.

Any other fans with recommendations?

Here's a list of some of my favorites:
The Haunting (the original)
The Shining
Angel Heart
The Ninth Gate
The Omen (including the remake)
The Exorcist (most of the FX are kinda lame, now, but the movie is still good)
The 2 Exorcist prequels
Blair Witch Project
Paranormal (the first couple, anyway)
Ringu/The Ring (one of the few Asian horror movies I really liked; I also thought it was amazing that the American remake was as good; maybe even better)
The Devil's Advocate
Devil (the 2010 movie, which was surprisingly good)
Gothika

Some I didn't like or thought overrated:
The Wicker Man (the original)
Burnt Offerings
Rosemary's Baby (I like it, I guess, but think it's overrated)
And pretty much anything made where the blood looks like paint and/or the FX are lame

-=RTFR666=-

07-26-2016, 07:40 PM

Just watched one last night on Netflix...pretty much a "VHS" reject IMO

"They're Watching"

Lou

07-26-2016, 11:03 PM

I'm not really a fan of horror movies, exactly, but I do enjoy a couple of subgenres of it: supernatural- and psychological-horror, tho I much prefer supernatural.

Any other fans with recommendations?

I'd have to think this one through to give a concise reply, but if you want a good psychological thriller, I highly recommend "Let Us Prey".

frinspar

07-27-2016, 01:18 AM

It's a TV rec, but it fits the categories. Stranger Things is an incredible new series on Netflix that is really a perfect 8-hour movie in the binge-watching trend of today. It embodies everything we loved from E.T., Close Encounters, The Goonies, The Thing, John Carpenter's ideas and synth soundtracks, and all that stuff from the early 80s.

8096

NeonKnight

07-27-2016, 10:54 AM

8096

Agreed 100%

Just posted this review in Groups:

OK Confirmed.

Stranger Things is some great TV if you enjoy Stephen King, ET, Poltergeist, X-Files, mixed with some Goonies and lots more 80's references. The kid actors here carry the load, some of the best young acting I've seen since Stand by Me. (Also referenced many times.)

Winona Ryder is really good, and I'm a "Private Joker" fan, so how could I not enjoy Matthew Modine in a bad guy role? Also only 8 episodes, so like True Detective, they get their story across in a reasonable amount of time.

Nine out of nine trips to The Upside Down.

hippypants

07-28-2016, 10:07 PM

[QUOTE=Hal...;593346]I'm not really a fan of horror movies, exactly, but I do enjoy a couple of subgenres of it: supernatural- and psychological-horror, tho I much prefer supernatural.

Any other fans with recommendations?

Yes, I think we all do here, though may disagree on what we think is the best, etc. For example, I still think The Exorcist is still one of the better ones made. That aside though:

We Are Still Here is a newer film in that genre.
The Conjuring
The Amityville Horror
The Changeling
The Legend of Hell House

nycsteve

07-29-2016, 08:46 AM

Watched 1953's Shane on TCM the other night. Been quite a few years since I've viewed this gem from start to finish. A classic western,stylized good vs evil, with Alan Ladd's Shane allied with Van Heflin's Starrett for good and Jack Palance balancing the scale for evil. Palance is positively reptilian as the killer gunman. I noticed Clint Eastwood's homage to Shane in Pale Rider, in the recreation of the Shane Palance shooting Elisha Cook Jr scene, and I believe the stump scene recreated in the river rock scene. Substituting the young girl for young boy, and more similarities. Imatation being the surest form of flattery and such, Pale Rider is a fine film, as is Shane. IMO Shane much deserves its reputation as a classic, 10 of 10, worth seeing if you have not as yet.

selmer

07-29-2016, 09:16 AM

I'm not really a fan of horror movies, exactly, but I do enjoy a couple of subgenres of it: supernatural- and psychological-horror, tho I much prefer supernatural.

Any other fans with recommendations?

You're one of the few people who I've seen disliking the original Wicker Man. I can't say I was over the moon with it either.

Recently saw Dead & Buried (1981). Liked it better than the first time I saw it. There's some supernatural stuff there.

Shock Waves (1977) - Peter Cushing & Brooke Adams. It was fine, though there was some nonsense as well. Worth watching at least once.

Death Line (aka Raw Meat) - directed by the same director who made Dead & Buried. Liked this one much better than the first time as well. Actually this was great, just an all round good movie. Donald Pleasence is there and his tea drinking habits are exciting.

Of Unknown Origin (1983) - Peter Weller vs a rat. Not bad.

Watch any of the John Carpenter horror films from the 70's and 80's. Well, maybe except the average Christine.

There are lots of watchable ones out there, especially in the 70's and 80's. I'd just recommend using the net, even on imdb each film on its page has recommendations of similar ones. There are also lots of lists there and on other sites. The thing is that this is all so subjective.

For example, some here praised Stranger Things. I saw it as well and thought it was watchable, nothing more.

Rogue Mail

07-29-2016, 09:26 AM

Short Cuts - Been quite a while since I saw this one, Robert Altman's 'portmaneau' movie about the lives of various LA residents. Very similar to Paul Anderson's Magnolia (which I personally prefer), and I enjoyed this just as much second time around. Even watched it all through in one sitting (its almost 3 hours).

On the face of it the people are going about their boring, mundane lives, but of course in real life there are complications, affairs, insecurities, messy divorces, alcoholism, and inevitably death.

Some segments work better than others - The Bruce Davison/Jack Lemmon (has he EVER given a bad performance) story about their son being injured, Lemmon as the errant father turning up at the hospital after a prolonged absence, and Lyle Lovett's outraged cake-maker making sinister phone calls to the family about an uncollected birthday cake for the boy is probably the most powerful.

And there are some very strong sexual references and nudity for the time the film was made - Jennifer Jason Leigh as a sex-line worker, nonchantly changing her babies nappy while talking filthy to 'John's' on the phone...looked on by her cuckolded and emasculated husband Chris Penn.

Julianne Moore, in one of her early roles, also gets a startling full-frontal scene, shocking for its prolonged length and almost throwaway manner in which it is shown.

No point to list all of the characters and various stories, these are just a few. But it has one hell of a cast, and if this type of multi-character, multi-faceted storyline kind of movie is for you, its well worth checking out.

JKL2000

07-29-2016, 09:27 AM

Some I didn't like or thought overrated:

The Wicker Man (the original)

Rosemary's Baby (I like it, I guess, but think it's overrated)

?? Really? I'm a bit biased regarding the latter, but I love both.

Rogue Mail

07-29-2016, 11:11 AM

?? Really? I'm a bit biased regarding the latter, but I love both.

I am another one that could never see the appeal not was I disturbed by The Wicker Man (though the final scene is quite powerful).

Same with Rosemary's baby, but quite some time after I saw The Exorcist, and it seemed to pale in comparison, especially as it had been considered up to that time to be one of the scariest film ever made. One of those movies I really need to watch again and re-evaluate.

Hal...

07-29-2016, 12:30 PM

For example, I still think The Exorcist is still one of the better ones made
I do too. The problems with The Exorcist are that the FX don't hold up and those bits thrown in to shock the hell out of you (no pun intended) take away from the impact of the supernatural. In 1973, seeing a girl masturbate with a crucifix, spin her head 360°, or spew green vomit was considerably more upsetting than it is today. Today, the head spinning has almost dropped to the level of camp given the limitations of FX then. But to my point, most of those things come off over the top and push the supernatural aspect to the side. So often, in an effort to ratchet up the tension or shock value, directors go overboard and don't seem to know when to stop. And it's for that reason I thought The Exorcism of Emily Rose was really good; it was depicted realistically (from what I've read on real possessions).

We Are Still Here is a newer film in that genre.
The Conjuring
The Amityville Horror
The Changeling
The Legend of Hell House
Saw The Conjuring. It was okay. The problem for me is that it's associated with the Warrens, a pair of paranormal investigators, much of whose work has been debunked.
Have seen The Amityville Horror a few times. Without going into detail, I'd grade this movie a B-.
Saw The Legend of Hell House on TCM not long ago. Wasn't impressed but I don't remember why.

I read up on The Changeling. It's now on my list. Thanks.

Don't know if any of you have heard of or seen Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, the 2010 remake produced by Guillermo del Toro, but man was I disappointed. It was good up to a point and then totally fell apart. I was very disappointed given del Toro's involvement. And speaking of del Toro, I never made it through The Devil's Backbone. Not sure what happened, there, but it didn't hold my interest.

Watch any of the John Carpenter horror films from the 70's and 80's. Well, maybe except the average Christine.
The only movies of Carpenter's I've enjoyed are Halloween, Escape from New York, and The Thing, the latter being his best. I tried watching Prince of Darkness but couldn't get through it.

There are lots of watchable ones out there, especially in the 70's and 80's... The thing is that this is all so subjective.
You're right. It is subjective. I consider the vast majority of horror films from the '70s & '80s, and even into the '90s, pretty poor. Since then, I feel there have been quite a few decent supernatural horror films (and zombie films don't fit the category; supernatural horror films "include menacing ghosts, demons, or other depictions of supernatural occurrences. Often, supernatural horror films combine elements of religion into the plot"). And maybe I should have qualified my request to anything made since the mid to late '90s.

For example, some here praised Stranger Things. I saw it as well and thought it was watchable, nothing more.
Hmm. I saw the trailer somewhere and it piqued my interest, a little, but a couple of people, whose opinions I value, both thought it was good so I'll check it out.

?? Really? I'm a bit biased regarding the latter, but I love both.
I concede it's possible I was in the wrong mood for The Wicker Man; I haven't ruled out seeing it again. But the problem I have with Rosemary's Baby is Polanski didn't create the right mood for much of the movie, especially the impregnation scene. Why did Polanski choose a boat for that scene? It should have a been a much creepier setting.

Watched 1953's Shane on TCM the other night.
It's not without its faults, but it's my choice for best western ever made.

I noticed Clint Eastwood's homage to Shane in Pale Rider...
You're not the first person to notice that. Pale Rider could have been an excellent movie but, overall, it pales in comparison. ;)

nycsteve

07-29-2016, 02:50 PM

Hal...

Quote Originally Posted by nycsteve View Post

Watched 1953's Shane on TCM the other night.

It's not without its faults, but it's my choice for best western ever made.

IMO that honor belongs to The Searchers.

progeezer

07-29-2016, 03:04 PM

For (my own personal) nostalgia, I'm looking forward to a movie coming out this week that's of the type I would usually never even think about.

Streep playing Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy NYC socialite with a voice that could cause people to contemplate suicide when she sang. Her enabling millionaire husband (Hugh Grant) footed the bill for all sorts of concerts, including Carnegie Hall during the late 40s/early 50s.

I remember that as a little kid of 5-10, my parents and their friends would play her records (yeah, more than one) as laughable background to their cocktail parties, hence the nostalgia for me.

This woman makes American Idol "She Bangs" William Hung sound like Pavarotti.

-=RTFR666=-

07-29-2016, 03:30 PM

..sounds like a plot lifted straight from Citizen Kane!

Jerjo

07-29-2016, 05:02 PM

For (my own personal) nostalgia, I'm looking forward to a movie coming out this week that's of the type I would usually never even think about.

I remember that as a little kid of 5-10, my parents and their friends would play her records (yeah, more than one) as laughable background to their cocktail parties, hence the nostalgia for me.

This woman makes American Idol "She Bangs" William Hung sound like Pavarotti.

Take a look at this list of David Bowie's favorite records. He lists her at the very bottom of the list and writes a bit about the phenomenon of her appearances.

http://scallemang.ca/bowie25albums/

mozo-pg

07-29-2016, 05:24 PM

Going to see Jason Bourne tomorrow. Hope it's decent.

selmer

07-29-2016, 05:31 PM

I do too. The problems with The Exorcist are that the FX don't hold up and those bits thrown in to shock the hell out of you (no pun intended) take away from the impact of the supernatural. In 1973, seeing a girl masturbate with a crucifix, spin her head 360°, or spew green vomit was considerably more upsetting than it is today. Today, the head spinning has almost dropped to the level of camp given the limitations of FX then. But to my point, most of those things come off over the top and push the supernatural aspect to the side. So often, in an effort to ratchet up the tension or shock value, directors go overboard and don't seem to know when to stop. And it's for that reason I thought The Exorcism of Emily Rose was really good; it was depicted realistically (from what I've read on real possessions).

Saw The Conjuring. It was okay. The problem for me is that it's associated with the Warrens, a pair of paranormal investigators, much of whose work has been debunked.
Have seen The Amityville Horror a few times. Without going into detail, I'd grade this movie a B-.
Saw The Legend of Hell House on TCM not long ago. Wasn't impressed but I don't remember why.

I read up on The Changeling. It's now on my list. Thanks.

The only movies of Carpenter's I've enjoyed are Halloween, Escape from New York, and The Thing, the latter being his best. I tried watching Prince of Darkness but couldn't get through it.

You're right. It is subjective. I consider the vast majority of horror films from the '70s & '80s, and even into the '90s, pretty poor. Since then, I feel there have been quite a few decent supernatural horror films (and zombie films don't fit the category; supernatural horror films "include menacing ghosts, demons, or other depictions of supernatural occurrences. Often, supernatural horror films combine elements of religion into the plot"). And maybe I should have qualified my request to anything made since the mid to late '90s.

Hmm. I saw the trailer somewhere and it piqued my interest, a little, but a couple of people, whose opinions I value, both thought it was good so I'll check it out.

I concede it's possible I was in the wrong mood for The Wicker Man; I haven't ruled out seeing it again. But the problem I have with Rosemary's Baby is Polanski didn't create the right mood for much of the movie, especially the impregnation scene. Why did Polanski choose a boat for that scene? It should have a been a much creepier setting.

It's not without its faults, but it's my choice for best western ever made.

You're not the first person to notice that. Pale Rider could have been an excellent movie but, overall, it pales in comparison. ;)

I'd agree that The Thing is his best film. The problem with Prince Of Darkness is that it's not as well directed/put together. It drags in places and there is some nonsense as well. But after The Thing it's the only film which manages to re-create his stylings from 1974-1982. IMO, of course.

Stranger Things - I haven't seen The Goonies or Stand By Me. Some reviews cite them as influences. But of those I have seen, it most resembles Poltergeist and ET. Some ideas are definitely borrowed and they don't particularly try to hide it. I didn't see almost any Carpenter nods there (except for some characters watching The Thing and some music) but there is lots of Spielberg. Also Firestarter could be a reference. If you like any of these, you could enjoy it. If you don't, then it depends.

JKL2000

07-29-2016, 09:10 PM

I read up on The Changeling. It's now on my list. Thanks.

The only movies of Carpenter's I've enjoyed are Halloween, Escape from New York, and The Thing, the latter being his best. I tried watching Prince of Darkness but couldn't get through it.

Hmm. I saw the trailer somewhere and it piqued my interest, a little, but a couple of people, whose opinions I value, both thought it was good so I'll check it out.

It's not without its faults, but it's my choice for best western ever made.

You're not the first person to notice that. Pale Rider could have been an excellent movie but, overall, it pales in comparison. ;)

The part of Rosemary's Baby on the boat is mostly Rosemary's dream, influenced by snippets of voices she hears from next door. The actual rape takes place in the neighbors' apartment.

Hal...

07-29-2016, 11:21 PM

IMO that honor belongs to The Searchers.
I know that movie ranks high on the BFI's decennial poll of the 50 greatest movies, but I didn't like it that much. I'm not sure why, other than I'm not a big fan of John Wayne. I have been meaning to see it again, tho.

Speaking about the horror of various decades - I'd say that there have been VERY few horror films in the history of cinema which are great both as horror and just good films. For example, Carpenter has said several times that most are awful, some are fair, very few are good and even fewer are very good. I think Alien still hold up, so does The Thing, The Omen is a well directed picture although it does suffer from too much melodramatics. Overall I wouldn't say there are many which are all round great.
Yeah, I agree with Carpenter. Halloween is by no means great, but it holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of high school, since I'm about the same age as the characters. And as for The Thing, I think it's a very well made movie but suffers from the FX. IMO, they were over the top.

And of course, the era in which they're made is also a factor. The old Universal horror movies are a product of their time, just as Rosemary's Baby & The Exorcist are. Dracula & Frankenstein were both scary and excellent... in the '30s. I don't think anyone would consider them scary today. The same goes for Rosemary's Baby, imo. Not sure about The Exorcist. I know when I first saw it, I was at the drive-in with about 500 other teenagers and it was one big party. I don't think anyone was freaked out by it. But then, the air was a bit funky and there were a lot people drinking beer. Good times. lol

I did watch it later, by myself, in the dark and I had a different opinion the 2nd time around.

The only that can still give me goose bumps, tho, is The Haunting. To me, it's timeless. The first time I saw it was on the late show when I was 7 or 8 with my mom, sister, & brother. Scared the shit out of us. The next time I saw it was about 20 years later. Forced my girlfriend to watch it with me. She actually drew blood grabbing my arm and neither of us slept well that night. lol

The part of Rosemary's Baby on the boat is mostly Rosemary's dream, influenced by snippets of voices she hears from next door. The actual rape takes place in the neighbors' apartment.
That sounds familiar. I guess I forgot about that. Still, tho, it wasn't nearly as creepy as it could have been.

-=RTFR666=-

07-30-2016, 12:37 AM

Agreed 100%

Just posted this review in Groups:

OK Confirmed.

Nine out of nine trips to The Upside Down.

I don't find myself saying this much, but this is a bingewatch that I'm going to repeat soon. I enjoyed this one immensely.

nycsteve

07-30-2016, 08:07 AM

Hal...

Originally Posted by nycsteve

The Searchers is beautifully shot, Wayne plays against type, one of his best roles, and the film is populated with Ford "charactors", the edge that for me puts it a notch above even Shane. Richly drawn, detailed, mean. Fabulous.
The Shane/Pale Rider connection didn't click till the other night. As obvious as it is I missed it for years. It was fun when the light went on though.

Hal...

07-30-2016, 12:24 PM

The Searchers is beautifully shot, Wayne plays against type, one of his best roles, and the film is populated with Ford "characters", the edge that for me puts it a notch above even Shane. Richly drawn, detailed, mean. Fabulous.
I looked the movie up in this book I have called The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made. The review of The Searchers reminded me of why I had a problem with this movie. It also reminded me that there are many shots in Monument Valley when the movie takes place in Texas. Which then reminded me that I was somewhat confused when I first saw it because John Wayne must have traveled a very long way to get to Monument Valley. Having been to both places, it just didn't make sense. Maybe I was being dense? After reading the review I realized what John Ford was doing: he was placing Monument Valley in Texas. :huh

Another problem I have is that most (all?) of the shots are in the desert. I have a tendency to dislike movies that take place in a desert. I know that's not fair but that's just me. When I was 6, we drove through TX, NM, and AZ on our way to CA; that is one long-ass drive through a very dry and barren environment.

Bear in mind, I know Shane isn't a perfect movie, either (has there ever been a perfect movie?). So many scenes in the movie were obviously shot on a sound stage because you can hear the subtle echo of a shouted voice. Having a degree in audio post-production, it bugs the hell out of me that way too many directors put way too much emphasis on the visual and then blow off the audio. David Lynch gets it, but he's a rarity.

Anyway, here's the review from the New York Times: The Searchers by Bosley Crowther (http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=EE05E7DF173EE770BC4950DFB366838D649EDE) . It's the last two paragraphs that pinpoint my main objections with the film. Feel free to ignore it. lol

progeezer

07-30-2016, 01:10 PM

Take a look at this list of David Bowie's favorite records. He lists her at the very bottom of the list and writes a bit about the phenomenon of her appearances.

http://scallemang.ca/bowie25albums/

Damn, I feel redeemed! Thanks Jer & Ziggy.

selmer

07-30-2016, 03:47 PM

I know that movie ranks high on the BFI's decennial poll of the 50 greatest movies, but I didn't like it that much. I'm not sure why, other than I'm not a big fan of John Wayne. I have been meaning to see it again, tho.

Yeah, I agree with Carpenter. Halloween is by no means great, but it holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of high school, since I'm about the same age as the characters. And as for The Thing, I think it's a very well made movie but suffers from the FX. IMO, they were over the top.

I did watch it later, by myself, in the dark and I had a different opinion the 2nd time around.

That sounds familiar. I guess I forgot about that. Still, tho, it wasn't nearly as creepy as it could have been.

The Evil Dead has even more over the top stuff.
Halloween - just good, IMO. I think The Fog has more going for it.
I haven't seen The Exorcist for quite a while. Friedkin is an inconsistent director even within the same movie. The same with De Palma. The French Connection and To Live and Die In LA have some mediocre stuff in them.
The Haunting is decent. I find Harris to be annoying there and I know I'm not the only one. Otherwise it's alright.

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 10:29 AM

The problem with The Fog and any movie with Adrienne Barbeau is that she's rather unattractive. But she was Carpenter's wife.

Rogue Mail

07-31-2016, 10:39 AM

Batman V Superman - watched the blu ray of this with the extended (by 30 mins) edition. Actually enjoyed it more second time around. The extra footage helps, fleshes out the storyline, characters get more screentime, especially in the first hour or so. In particular, it gives Lex much more screen time and better motivation for his actions and modus operandi. It also ups the language and violence content such that it has an R rating.

Kill Zone 2(SPL 2) - always intrigued by Tony Jaa's movies, the guy is an incredible athlete, though his language and acting skills are a little lacking. He's not actually the main character here, plot revolves around illegal harvesting, and Jaa is a prison guard who gets unwittingly involved in the enterprise. He also has a young daughter who has leukemia and needs a blood transfusion...and the only compatible donor is an undercover cop who the bad guys are trying to kill. It takes a while to build up a head of steam, but its slick and well made, and the last 45 mins or so are satisfyingly epic and action packed, where Jaa's gets to let loose. Plus he is ably assisted by Jin Wu and Jin Zhang, who give him a decent run for his money.

The Mermaid - very entertaining stuff from Stephen Chow, maker of the excellent Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer, and to a lesser extent CJ7 and Journey to the West. Plot revolves around a group of real-life mermaids whose environment is threatened by a large conglomerate company polluting their environment. The films take on the mermaid legend is interesting, there are male ones as well as female, and they don't all have fish-tails, some are more like octopus for example. Plus they have special powers, and there is an elderly, matriarchal mermaid who looks after them. Though it's generally light hearted and very funny in places, it does have some surprisingly harsh and dark sequences, especially near the end. Also, the CGI does not always work, it can be a little overdone and look too cartoony. But it does hark back to the successes of his earlier movies, after a few slightly off-form movies.

Hal...

07-31-2016, 11:18 AM

The problem with The Fog and any movie with Adrienne Barbeau is that she's rather unattractive.
:huh You really think this woman is unattractive?

http://cdn.quotationof.com/images/adrienne-barbeaus-quotes-8.jpg

That's rich, coming from the ugliest of the great apes. :p

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 11:44 AM

:huh You really think this woman is unattractive?

http://cdn.quotationof.com/images/adrienne-barbeaus-quotes-8.jpg

That's rich, coming from the ugliest of the great apes. :p

I should have said IMO. She wouldn't have been cast in any of the Carpenter films if she wasn't his wife. IMO.

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/thegreatprojects/uploads/119722e43a0f35cd0a4c15353ea7ceef.jpg

Hal...

07-31-2016, 12:37 PM

^^ That's a baby orang so that doesn't count since all babies are cute. Take a gander at this ugly mofo:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/761/1659/1600/orangutan_ueba1com.jpg

But back to Adrienne; a lot of guys I knew back in the '70s had the hots for Adrienne, not just John Carpenter.

mozo-pg

07-31-2016, 12:40 PM

back to Adrienne; a lot of guys I knew back in the '70s had the hots for Adrienne, not just John Carpenter.

She was beautiful.

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 01:42 PM

^^ That's a baby orang so that doesn't count since all babies are cute. Take a gander at this ugly mofo:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/761/1659/1600/orangutan_ueba1com.jpg

But back to Adrienne; a lot of guys I knew back in the '70s had the hots for Adrienne, not just John Carpenter.

LOL. Look at the placement of those nipples! The Orang's not Adrienne's. But I'm not a normal Orangutan, I'm a highly evolved one, so closer to human.

So, IMO, if Carpenter hadn't been married to Barbeau he would have cast a younger, more attractive starlet in The Fog and Escape From NY. Not that the roles required a young starlet, I just don't care for Barbeau's curly-haired, somewhat haggard look. Same goes for her parts in Creepshow and Swamp Thing.

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 01:46 PM

I'm waiting for Gruno to come along and profess his love for her...

selmer

07-31-2016, 03:10 PM

The problem with The Fog and any movie with Adrienne Barbeau is that she's rather unattractive. But she was Carpenter's wife.

Well, it's always those Barbeau's assets that everyone seems to talk about :D He was involved with Debra Hill before that and it must have been tough to make the film (The Fog) together with your current and ex. I read on the net about a guy who wrote a paper in a University in the 80's about the Carpenter films. He contacted him and he said (at the time, I don't know the year) that his favourite of his own films is Someone's Watching Me because that's where he met Barbeau.

I don't mind her, I thought she was good in this particular film.

This kind of wife/husband actors working relationship is interesting. There's the Bronson/Ireland relationship. Walter Hill had some interesting stories about it as I think he cast Ireland in Hard Times because of Bronson's demands.

Mcqueen only would agree to do Sorcerer if Friedkin cast Ali Mcgraw or give her a producers credit. Friedkin refused. Ironically, years later Friedkin said he should have agreed to any of Mcqueens demands.

Hal...

07-31-2016, 03:59 PM

But I'm not a normal Orangutan, I'm a highly evolved one, so closer to human.
Intellectually, but how do we know you look any different? lol

So, IMO, if Carpenter hadn't been married to Barbeau he would have cast a younger, more attractive starlet in The Fog and Escape From NY.
I don't know. Don't forget, she was pretty in demand after Maude... especially considering she was willing to show off her "assets": she starred in an off Broadway play (Stag Movie) where she appeared nude; I used to have a deck of cards of topless women and she was one of them; and then, of course, was a poster she did that sold very well (my brother had one).

As for her curly hair, that was a very popular style for quite a few years at that time. I liked it but I'm not going to tell you why; you'll think I'm a perv. lol

A picture from Stag Movie:

http://www.ethnomusicology.org/resource/group/eac913bd-77de-4f04-8712-0ed82c7bfc06/wollman_photo_3.jpg

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 04:23 PM

I don't mind her, I thought she was good in this particular film.

I think not many people know this, and this commentator on TCM is completely mistaken in her explanation of why at the end of The Stepford Wives, the wives are wearing long gowns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcf9Pdglr7g

The real reason is that director Bryan Forbes insisted on casting his wife Nanette Newman in the film. The wives were actually all supposed to be in sexy outfits in that scene, but Newman had bad legs, so Forbes had them all wear dresses that hid their legs. I think it's pretty funny that this commentator has come up with a whole, fabricated reason for it.

JKL2000

07-31-2016, 04:33 PM

Intellectually, but how do we know you look any different? lol

Haven't you seen me in the Planet of the Apes movies?

I'm not telling anyone they shouldn't have the hots for Barbeau - totally subjective of course.

selmer

08-01-2016, 04:51 PM

I think not many people know this, and this commentator on TCM is completely mistaken in her explanation of why at the end of The Stepford Wives, the wives are wearing long gowns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcf9Pdglr7g

She should visit this forum, some useful info here :)

JKL2000

08-01-2016, 10:28 PM

She should visit this forum, some useful info here :)

She would if she knew what was good for her!

selmer

08-02-2016, 06:37 AM

She would if she knew what was good for her!

She didn't marry Carpenter, maybe that's where the problem is :) You don't know what's good for you unless you marry Carpenter. Barbeau knew it :)

MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

08-03-2016, 04:04 AM

great movies both!

I re-watched one of the greatest films of all time which gets very little respect mostly just because it is viewed as a 50s martian movie

The Day The Earth Stood Still

10 out of 10 indestructible and incorruptible policemen

arabicadabra

08-07-2016, 01:15 AM

Just saw what may become my favorite film of all TIME.....

D' Wild Wild Weng.

Not since The Lost Skeleton Of Cadavra have I laughed so hard at a B movie.

Hal...

08-08-2016, 01:05 PM

Stranger Things...
Nine out of nine trips to The Upside Down.
I just finished Stranger Things last night and I agree with NK. This was an excellent mini-series. Maybe a couple times the writers did something borderline stupid but they were minor incidents and didn't affect the overall story. And a few times the writing approached the inevitable frustration moment but managed to walk that tightrope well. [A frustration moment, as I call it (for lack of a better term), is an oft used trope by Hollywood writers. It's when character A knows something vitally important and rather than get to explain that to character B, character A gets cut off or is sidetracked or is ignored; usually an argument is involved. As a viewer, I find those moments frustrating because (a) it comes off as a device that superficially adds tension and (b) delays some key event and/or leads to the demise of a character. I see it as lazy or unimaginative writing] And a time or two they even exceeded my expectations. You know how you're watching a movie and someone's in danger and you think the character should "do this" or "go there" and they never do? The characters actually do it in Stranger Things. Kudos to the writers for not dumbing things down.

So, overall, I thought the writing was very good. As for the story itself, what can you say? I thought it was great!

The acting was, as well. And much of that you can thank the Duffer brothers (the directors) for keeping things realistic. The one area in which I thought the actor or directors made a mistake was having Winona Ryder smoke. She's obviously not a smoker (smokers can tell) and so it wasn't convincing. Also, I wasn't always convinced by Ryder's frenetic performance; at times, she came off as a bit melodramatic. But that wasn't often and wasn't a deal breaker.

The kids, tho, were all excellent, especially the girl who played "Eleven" and the boy who played "Dustin". The adults and teens were all very good, as well.

Much has been made of influences. Yeah, you can see a couple of nods to '80s directors and/or movies but I thought the Duffer brothers captured the zeitgeist of the '80s and '80s movie making more than they borrowed from it. In other words, it was an homage rather than being derivative. And that makes a difference.

I give it 330 out of 360 degrees on a compass dial.

-=RTFR666=-

08-08-2016, 01:47 PM

What Hal said.

I watched Stranger Things last week, and again when my daughter and I watched it together this weekend.

My take on Ryder's performance - outside of not being able to comment on her cigarette technique as I've never smoked - but what I think worked for the Joyce portrayal were the flashbacks with her and Will during "normal" times, showing a rational mother interacting with her kid. Even the "One month later" scenes at dinner Ryder portrays her as something a little more "normal." Further, there was dialogue at various times between Hop's officers, and Jonathan and his father, alluding to Joyce having a "history" (and the cops snark that Hop and Joyce also had a history *wink wink nudge nudge say no more*) - something along the lines of Joyce having a history of prior manic/depressive episodes.

Hal...

08-08-2016, 01:59 PM

...what I think worked for the Joyce portrayal were the flashbacks with her and Will during "normal" times, showing a rational mother interacting with her kid. Even the "One month later" scenes at dinner Ryder portrays her as something a little more "normal."
True. Overall, I think she did a great job. She certainly deserves an Emmy nod.

NogbadTheBad

08-08-2016, 02:08 PM

Watched Suicide Squad this weekend, I'm not sure where all the criticism is coming from, it was fun in a aimless sort of way, Margot Robbie stole the movie as Harley Quin. The baddie was sufficiently bad. The goodies boss was sufficiently megalomaniac, it was just some fun.

Hal...

08-08-2016, 02:35 PM

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13912412_10154495039534617_2784980725178655160_n.p ng?oh=43c5b016c31b4a0df1347cb3c66fcab3&oe=58226AEA

spellbound

08-08-2016, 02:56 PM

^:lol

tom unbound

08-08-2016, 03:10 PM

Uh oh... red shirts...;)

SteveSly

08-09-2016, 12:16 AM

I just finished Stranger Things last night and I agree with NK. This was an excellent mini-series. Maybe a couple times the writers did something borderline stupid but they were minor incidents and didn't affect the overall story. And a few times the writing approached the inevitable frustration moment but managed to walk that tightrope well. [A frustration moment, as I call it (for lack of a better term), is an oft used trope by Hollywood writers. It's when character A knows something vitally important and rather than get to explain that to character B, character A gets cut off or is sidetracked or is ignored; usually an argument is involved. As a viewer, I find those moments frustrating because (a) it comes off as a device that superficially adds tension and (b) delays some key event and/or leads to the demise of a character. I see it as lazy or unimaginative writing] And a time or two they even exceeded my expectations. You know how you're watching a movie and someone's in danger and you think the character should "do this" or "go there" and they never do? The characters actually do it in Stranger Things. Kudos to the writers for not dumbing things down.

So, overall, I thought the writing was very good. As for the story itself, what can you say? I thought it was great!

The kids, tho, were all excellent, especially the girl who played "Eleven" and the boy who played "Dustin". The adults and teens were all very good, as well.

I give it 330 out of 360 degrees on a compass dial.

What network was this on?

Scott Bails

08-09-2016, 12:20 AM

It's only available on Netflix, Steve.

frinspar

08-09-2016, 12:55 AM

What network was this on?

You can sign up and get the first month free, watch it all, and cancel before you're charged for the next month. ;) It's only 8 episodes.

I do enjoy using Netflix, but the reason they have less old TV series and movies now is that they're spending such a large part of their budget on original programming. But they are really all quality series.

Rogue Mail

08-09-2016, 06:15 AM

A Sense Of Freedom - BBC Scottish produced TV play from 1979 about the life of notorious gangster Jimmy Boyle. Quite a powerful and hard-hitting drama for the time it was made, and the language was also quite strong, though obviously authentic. David Hayman plays Boyle with a suitable air of menace. It can be difficult to understand at times due to the strong Glaswegian accents (though a dubbed version was produced later, with the accents still Scottish but toned down for the International market. Both versions were on the DVD I watched).

The part of the play I remember the most is Boyle's incarceration in various prisons, and his unwillingness to bend to the system, meaning he was regularly placed in solitary, and routinely pummelled by the prison officers. At one point, he gets the idea to cover himself and the walls and floor of his cell with his own faeces, and when the officers enter his cell to give him a pounding, he says .

'Whassamaer eh boys? Ma blood turns ye on, but mah shite makes ye cringe, eh?'

Ultimately Boyle realises the futility of his lifestyle, and he actually became an artist and writer in later life, though the play stops short of this era.

The DVD is not great quality and I cannot see it being remastered due to its obscurity, but its a very interesting slice of life in the 60's and 70's in Glasgow.

And the pedigree of the film is interesting, it was written by Peter Macdougall, who made a series of influential plays for BBC in the early 70's (Just Another Saturday, Elephants Graveyard, Just a Boys game, a few of these with Billy Connolly in his earliest acting roles). Directed by John McKenzie of Long Good Friday fame (it was also produced by Handmade Films), and many actors from Scottish TV shows and films such as Rab C Nesbitt, Gregorys Girl and Taggart.

NogbadTheBad

08-09-2016, 08:04 AM

It's only available on Netflix, Steve.

I don't have a smart TV, do you download or stream netflix via a laptop onto the tv?

selmer

08-09-2016, 09:57 AM

So, overall, I thought the writing was very good. As for the story itself, what can you say? I thought it was great!

The kids, tho, were all excellent, especially the girl who played "Eleven" and the boy who played "Dustin". The adults and teens were all very good, as well.

I give it 330 out of 360 degrees on a compass dial.

I disagree with you on most of this, I forgot it pretty quickly (just as Mad Max Fury Road). I guess as the old cliche goes - you can't like everything. But then again, I haven't seen ET for a long time and Poltergeist is hardly stellar. I thought this borrowed from those quite a lot. It had some of the same vibes and simultaneously some of the same problems that Midnight Special had but the director of this later one openly said that he wanted to make a movie which is very similar to Carpenter's Starman. And it really is while not having Carpenter in the directors chair.

Scott Bails

08-09-2016, 12:23 PM

I don't have a smart TV, do you download or stream netflix via a laptop onto the tv?

You can probably do that, as long as both your laptop and TV have HDMI input/outputs. You can also get a Google Chromecast or Amazon FireStick - both are relatively cheap and both pretty much turn your TV into s smart TV. A worthwhile investment, IMO.

hippypants

08-09-2016, 12:46 PM

You can stream Netflix from a Roku stick as well. I bought one the other day at Walmart and have been watching some of the programs from it. It's pretty cool. They have a channel called Pluto TV that allows you to watch old SF movies, some horror, they have been showing MSK3K all the time, cartoons, and all sorts of other things.

There's also a many other channels you can load as well. The Roku comes with several channels like Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, etc. already built into it, however, you have to pay for those channels.

But there are many free ones that you can load onto it as well like: the Pluto, which has several channels on it alone: Horror Channel has horror movies 24/7, a Stand-up comedy channel, Drive-in movies, Shout TV, and a bunch of other things. You can also load PBS, the Smithsonian Channel, a Really Bad movies channel, a Popcornflix channel, the Crackle free movie channel (I caught some Godzilla films off it the other day), something called Tubitv, which has free movies, Midnight Pulp channel, a Cowboy classics channel, a Retrovision channel, and well, a bunch of others I've yet to get around to using. Not a bad little device for $50.

mozo-pg

08-11-2016, 10:27 PM

I enjoyed Stranger Things. Pretty entertaining. I think it was episode 3 or so but I thought it was cool they played Gabriel's version of Heroes.

nosebone

08-11-2016, 11:27 PM

I tried to get into Stranger Things, but I felt like I saw it all before.

Also, I never could get into Winona Ryder.

Remember Dracula!?!

Hal...

08-12-2016, 12:46 AM

I disagree with you on most of this
That's alright. I thought it was fun and even gave me goose bumps a time or two.

As for "borrowing" from ET or Poltergeist, I didn't think so. I always thought most of Spielberg's family movies were sappy and his treatment of kids was obviously from the point of view of an adult, unlike, say, Stand By Me. I thought the kids in Stranger Things were more natural.

...the Crackle free movie channel (I caught some Godzilla films off it the other day)...
The best thing about Crackle is Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Great show.

Rogue Mail

08-12-2016, 02:57 AM

That's alright. I thought it was fun and even gave me goose bumps a time or two.

The best thing about Crackle is Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Great show.

Ahhh...Stand By Me...the holy grail as far as accurate and honest portrayals of young boys growing up.

Even living in the UK this evoked nostalgic feelings of going on epic trips across country with your friends during the summer holidays.

But I remember it most of all from when I worked in a cinema...because of the language and some of the near-the-knuckle pranks the kids got up to, it got a 15 certificate here in the UK, which is strictly no one under 15 allowed, even with an adult. Of course, because it was a film ABOUT kids, lots of parents thought it was actually a kids film...boy did I have some arguments with people!

Mind you, one of the most common things people did in that situation when they realized they could not take their child in to see the movie, was to leave you with this little parting shot...'Well thank you very much. I hope you realise you are responsible for ruining my childs day!'

My standard response to that one was...'Actually, I would have thought the people that decided to bring their children to a movie without checking the rating would be responsible'.

selmer

08-12-2016, 09:53 AM

I tried to get into Stranger Things, but I felt like I saw it all before.

Also, I never could get into Winona Ryder.

Remember Dracula!?!

I had forgotten about her. The first movie with her that I remember is Alien Ressurection and that is pretty much crap, even Alien 3 a bit better, at least there are some decent british actors.

There is one more film that Stranger Things could be compared to and that's Super 8. So no surprise that I saw a TV program where they compared ST to the works of Spielberg, King and Abrams. I'm just no sure what has Abrams made as to consider him a benchmark in smth.

NogbadTheBad

08-12-2016, 09:55 AM

She was quite good in Edward Scissorhands and Heathers.

selmer

08-12-2016, 10:14 AM

That's alright. I thought it was fun and even gave me goose bumps a time or two.

The best thing about Crackle is Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Great show.

There were some good moments here and there but the problem with TV is that the format has limited options. Very often they build the story, giving clues of some grand story lines only for it to scale back. This is very characteristic of X-Files where they had only 40 minutes to tell the whole story in one episode. I think there are limited artistic possibilities. But you know what you'll get going in, so...

On the other hand, I can give a credit to all the filmmakers who make these mini series as it's much more tight. I have yet to see True Detective but the short format seems more interesting than all those seasons of Castle, Mentalist or whatever. Very often they stretch it out and after the first couple of seasons it's pretty bad.

As for borrowing - I thought the kid being on the other side and trying to communicate with his mom was very Poltergeist-like. And the story element where they hide the girl was very similar to ET's where the boy was hiding the alien. Sure, this is hardly the only film that borrows smth but I thought it was a bit too obvious here.

Spielberg is a director whose catalogue of films and influence on movie industry has sparked a lot of debates. I wouldn't be surprised if Abrams, Emmerich or even Bay are big fans of his work.

Jerjo

08-12-2016, 10:19 AM

Here's a video that compiles all the film references in Stranger Things

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/stranger-things-side-by-side-with-every-excellent-film-1784380113

Klonk

08-12-2016, 07:56 PM

I loved Stranger Things Really hoping they do a 2nd season. Great stuff!

NogbadTheBad

08-12-2016, 10:29 PM

Watching the Present - Barbaro DVD from RIO in 2007, this may be my favorite dvd.

mozo-pg

08-12-2016, 10:37 PM

I loved Stranger Things Really hoping they do a 2nd season. Great stuff!

Totally entertaining Scott!

Hal...

08-12-2016, 10:44 PM

Here's a video that compiles all the film references in Stranger Things
http://sploid.gizmodo.com/stranger-things-side-by-side-with-every-excellent-film-1784380113
I thought most (not all mind you) of those comparisons were specious and some were laughable (The Shining, Carrie, et al) but the comparison to Commando was ridiculous. And the second comparison to Alien was just flat out wrong; I immediately thought of AlienS during that scene (when Ripley goes down to rescue Newt). And when the kid pulled the knife on Dustin in Stranger Things the first thing I thought of was Stand By Me (when Keifer Sutherland pulled the knife on River Phoenix) not The Goonies.

Oh, and how does that guy Bryan Menegus come up with this: "Hell, Chief Hopper is basically Han Solo meets Jack Torrance." Bullshit.

I think the dude who made the video was reaching, for the most part. There were maybe 5 or 6 comparisons I thought were legitimate.

SteveSly

08-12-2016, 11:00 PM

It's only available on Netflix, Steve.

I get Netflix, so will have to check it out.

SteveSly

08-12-2016, 11:09 PM

You can sign up and get the first month free, watch it all, and cancel before you're charged for the next month. ;) It's only 8 episodes.

We ordered DVD’s through the mail from Netflix for quite a few years, but just subscribed to the streaming service when we bought a new TV about two years ago. I actually find their movie selection pretty limiting, but have enjoyed some of the music documentaries, regular documentaries, and original programming. I have watched Lillehammer (good, but not great), Narcos (first season was very good), Making Of A Murderer (I enjoyed, but now that I have read about some of the evidence they left out, I am not as enthusiastic), House Of Cards (outstanding!), Orange Is The New Black (first season was great, but has gone downhill a bit), and currently watching The League (I run a fantasy football league so find it funny). I will have to check this one out next.

Klonk

08-12-2016, 11:15 PM

Steve our tastes seem to be quite similar so I'd definitely recommend Stranger Things Personally I'm a sucker for 80's nostalgia and it's chock-full-of it :up

Another Netflix series I think is excellent is Peaky Blinders and right now I'm watching and so far enjoying Bloodline

moecurlythanu

08-12-2016, 11:22 PM

Watching the Present - Barbaro DVD from RIO in 2007, this may be my favorite dvd.

Might have to pick this one up.

SteveSly

08-13-2016, 12:35 AM

Steve our tastes seem to be quite similar so I'd definitely recommend Stranger Things Personally I'm a sucker for 80's nostalgia and it's chock-full-of it :up

Another Netflix series I think is excellent is Peaky Blinders and right now I'm watching and so far enjoying Bloodline

I have been curious about both of those as well. Maybe have to check them out next.

JKL2000

08-13-2016, 01:04 AM

I enjoyed Stranger Things. Pretty entertaining. I think it was episode 3 or so but I thought it was cool they played Gabriel's version of Heroes.

Which I guess implied a time warp since the recording is from more than 20 years after the show takes place.

JKL2000

08-13-2016, 01:08 AM

True. Overall, I think she did a great job. She certainly deserves an Emmy nod.

Uhh, not sure about that, but then what merits an Emmy these days? Or ever...?

JKL2000

08-13-2016, 01:15 AM

I really enjoyed it, but they haven't answered most of the questions the story opens. If they didn't have another season it would be only a fraction of a story told, which IMO doesn't really count, despite good performances.

Progatron

08-13-2016, 08:52 AM

Another Netflix series I think is excellent is Peaky Blinders and right now I'm watching and so far enjoying Bloodline

Bloodline is excellent. Fantastic acting from the whole cast, and such a gnawing tension the whole way through. Both seasons were top notch!

I watched the first two Peaky Blinders and liked it, but then got caught up in something else and never went back... these days there is just too much to watch.

JKL2000

08-13-2016, 10:25 AM

Bloodline is excellent. Fantastic acting from the whole cast, and such a gnawing tension the whole way through. Both seasons were top notch!

I watched the first two Peaky Blinders and liked it, but then got caught up in something else and never went back... these days there is just too much to watch.

That's true, which is why I usually end up not watching anything. I don't want to get caught up in it all. So it was very unusual for me to watch Stranger Things. But I did watch an episode or two of Peaky Blinders and it seemed very good.

Scott Bails

08-13-2016, 07:51 PM

Hell or High Water looks like it's going to be pretty good. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/08/11/hell-high-water-5-star-movie/88586568/?hootPostID=ca97b27aa0642d6384c351ea5440f85e)

Lou

08-13-2016, 10:51 PM

Sweet Home

Nice Spanish thriller on Netflix. Mostly in English with some subtitles.
A dilapidated tenement building has one lone occupant who refuses to be put out. The realty company is finally fed up and resorting to more severe,
and less legal, tactics to have him removed. A young couple decides to use the building for a private birthday ceremony for him. Unfortunately for
them, it happens to be the same night the realty thugs show up to deal with the old man.
A good high suspense, cat and mouse movie. The lead actress was quite good, and beautiful. Recommended for the horror/thriller crowd!

nycsteve

08-14-2016, 08:04 AM

Hell or High Water looks like it's going to be pretty good. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/08/11/hell-high-water-5-star-movie/88586568/?hootPostID=ca97b27aa0642d6384c351ea5440f85e)

I agree. Bridges has throughout his career picked good roles and done them well. This looks to be another high caliber entry.

Rogue Mail

08-14-2016, 09:25 AM

The Deadly Affair - 1966 adaptation of a John Le Carre novel (Call For The Dead, and with the name of the George Smiley character changed to Charles Dobbs due to a rights issue). On the face of it, it seems an unremarkable, run-of-the-mill typical sixties spy drama, with infidelity, intrigue, lots of intense conversations in drawing rooms etc.

But being a Sidney Lumet film, there is of course more to it than that. Lumet insisted on not showing the touristy side of London, and de-saturating the colour to give it a very drab but interesting look. He also used a lot of hand held camera in real locations, which really helped to give an impression of sixties London as it was, and not how it was often unrealistically portrayed.

The other plus point is the concentration on secondary characters, notably Harry Andrews stoic, and sometimes brutal Inspector Mendel, Roy Kinnear in a straight role as a sleazy car salesman, and Simone Signoret in a very late career role and looking somewhat world weary, though still a very good actress, Maximillian Schell, Kenneth Haigh, A very young looking Lynn Redgrave and an unbilled David Warner (playing Edward II in an on-stage performance during a tense sequence in a theatre), and Corin Redgrave.

The portrayal of the seedier side of London is very well realized, especially in the sequence where Harry Andrews goes looking for Roy Kinnear in a pub, and beats him to a pulp. Quite uncharacteristic and brutal for the time, as was the general look of the movie with handheld cameras and the washed-out look.

A bit of a nostalgia trip I guess, but I can remember watching this on TV some 30 years back and it left an impression on me.

Well worth watching if you like Le Carre and sixties British spy drama's.

Hal...

08-14-2016, 12:37 PM

A bit of a nostalgia trip I guess, but I can remember watching this on TV some 30 years back and it left an impression on me.

Well worth watching if you like Le Carre and sixties British spy drama's.
I looked the movie up on Wikipedia. You forgot to mention that it also stars James Mason, a wonderful actor I don't think as ever done a shoddy job. For some reason, tho, I clicked on the link to Harry Andrews. I immediately recognized him. A great English actor who also co-stars in The Hill (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hill_(film)), probably my second favorite Sidney Lumet film (after 12 Angry Men) that stars Sean Connery in maybe his best role ever. If you've never seen it, check it out. You'll need the closed captions, tho, as the dialogue is often hard to follow due to their British accents.

I'm gonna look for The Deadly Affair. Where did you see it?

Hal...

08-14-2016, 01:58 PM

Hidden – The 2015 film written and directed by The Duffer brothers, the same guys who brought you Stranger Things. The easiest way to describe this movie is that it's a viral outbreak version of 10 Cloverfield Lane without famous actors and with elements of another movie. To say what would probably be a spoiler. Oh and there's something else that makes this the most interesting take on the genre but I'm not going to tell you what. So if this review piques your interest, do yourself a favor and don't read about this movie online before watching it.

BTW, this was released a half year before 10 Cloverfield Lane. Which kinda makes me wonder if JJ Abrams ripped off the Duffer bros. ;)

Two thirds of the movie takes place in an old abandoned fallout shelter next to the local school and is inhabited by a family of four: Ray, Claire (his wife), Zoe (their daughter), and Olive (Zoe's doll). The movie begins sometime after a viral outbreak. We never find out if the outbreak is localized, an epidemic, or a pandemic as the family went underground almost immediately, discovered through flashbacks. Fortunately for them there are plenty of provisions in the way of canned goods stored in the shelter. Luckily, there's also a water pump. It isn't explained, however, where their bathroom facilities are but that becomes immaterial as the movie takes place over the course of several hours. And it's obvious they don't really have a shower, either, as they all look a bit dirty.

Like 10 Cloverfield Lane, the door (which is really a nautical deck hatch) to the shelter is locked at all times because they are hiding from the "breathers". And because the breathers are so apparently dangerous, the parents have established four rules:
1. Never be loud.
2. Never lose control.
3. Never open the door.
4. Never talk about the breathers.

One of the more interesting aspects to the movie is that they are able to look out of their shelter through a vent with a handmade periscope and we can see that something major has occurred. My first thought was that it looks like a nuclear winter.

To say anything more would contain spoilers.

4 out of 5 twisted perspectives.

Hal...

08-14-2016, 02:23 PM

A Million Ways to Die in the West – I believe this has already been reviewed here so I'll keep this brief. It's a funny movie if you like Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad) and I do. There is some toilet humor, which I loathe, and a bit that could have been left out. Like so many comedies, however, the laughs get fewer the longer the movie runs and the focus switches to the story. Stars MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Neal Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, and Sarah Silverman.

It's worth a look for many good laughs and the ever gorgeous Charlize Theron.

progeezer

08-14-2016, 05:01 PM

^^^ I'm pretty subjective (Seth McF is my son-in-law's cousin & while he didn't attend my daughter's wedding, his mailed gift was impressive), but that said, A Million Ways.... is pretty damn funny. It's no Blazing Saddles, but not bad at all.

And I agree that Theron is so striking that even the makeup on Monster didn't hide that completely. Close though.

Rogue Mail

08-15-2016, 05:24 AM

I looked the movie up on Wikipedia. You forgot to mention that it also stars James Mason, a wonderful actor I don't think as ever done a shoddy job. For some reason, tho, I clicked on the link to Harry Andrews. I immediately recognized him. A great English actor who also co-stars in The Hill (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hill_(film)), probably my second favorite Sidney Lumet film (after 12 Angry Men) that stars Sean Connery in maybe his best role ever. If you've never seen it, check it out. You'll need the closed captions, tho, as the dialogue is often hard to follow due to their British accents.

I'm gonna look for The Deadly Affair. Where did you see it?

Good lord...forgetting the star of the movie...for shame! Dunno how I missed that. I picked this up on an R2 dvd pretty cheap via Amazon, and its also available on R1.

I agree I don't really think Mason ever gave a bad performance, even one of his last ever roles in The Verdict (Mr Lumet again) was excellent.

I know The Hill very well, used to show on TV a lot in the UK, which is where I live so the accents are not an issue for me. Powerful stuff even today, and good to see Connery flexing his acting muscles outside Bond.

Harry Andrews was one of those solid, dependable actors who was never really the lead, but was often quite a powerful presence in most of his roles.

selmer

08-15-2016, 06:48 AM

I'm gonna look for The Deadly Affair. Where did you see it?

Mason at least once was pretty bad - it was one of the Italian movies where he starred with Leonard Mann. It was in the mid 70's. The movie is hardly an undiscovered golden apple but he was not particularly good. A lot of american actors were cast in the 70's italian eurocrime pics, such as Lee J Cobb, I guess for marketing reasons. I think it's the same with Mason and that film. They needed a recognizable face. Just like George Kennedy in the Franko Nero film Top Line where he was bad. They basically appear in just a few scenes. At least Cobb was decent in some of those films.

There are also examples of an average film and a decent performance - like The Jigsaw Man with Michael Caine, Robert Powell and Susan Geroge where Laurence Olivier was as decent as he could be, considering the average quailty of the picture.

Rogue Mail

08-15-2016, 10:33 AM

I think many actors like those mentioned got seduced into appearing in European crime drama's, war movies and silly action movies.

In a lot of cases it was either because the work had dried up, or at least they had a dry spell. Many of them did these movies near the end of their career, and I guess it kept them in work and able to pay the bills.

I guess its either that or go into a soap opera for the remainder of their career...not an easy choice I guess.

Hal...

08-15-2016, 12:11 PM

I know The Hill very well, used to show on TV a lot in the UK, which is where I live so the accents are not an issue for me.
Really?? And you can still understand them? ;)

Powerful stuff even today, and good to see Connery flexing his acting muscles outside Bond.
Oh yeah. Anyone serious about film should see The Hill.

Mason at least once was pretty bad - it was one of the Italian movies where he starred with Leonard Mann.
I'd bet a paycheck it was due to either communication issues (Mason not understanding the director) or the director not being very good. Many people don't realize a director is as much responsible for a good acting job as the actor. Case in point: the difference between Max Von Sydow's performances in Hannah and Her Sisters vs Flash Gordon. But then Woody Allen is one of those directors who is able to get great performances out of his actors... not that Von Sydow needs much direction, mind you.

A lot of american actors were cast in the 70's italian eurocrime pics, such as Lee J Cobb, I guess for marketing reasons.
I'm inclined to agree with Rogue. It wasn't so much they were marketable in Europe but that they weren't marketable in the US. Clint Eastwood made those spaghetti westerns because he couldn't find much work in the US outside of TV. Of course, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly made him an international movie star and the rest is history. I still think that was his best role, btw.

JKL2000

08-15-2016, 10:12 PM

Really?? And you can still understand them? ;)

Oh yeah. Anyone serious about film should see The Hill.

I'd bet a paycheck it was due to either communication issues (Mason not understanding the director) or the director not being very good. Many people don't realize a director is as much responsible for a good acting job as the actor. Case in point: the difference between Max Von Sydow's performances in Hannah and Her Sisters vs Flash Gordon. But then Woody Allen is one of those directors who is able to get great performances out of his actors... not that Von Sydow needs much direction, mind you.

I'm inclined to agree with Rogue. It wasn't so much they were marketable in Europe but that they weren't marketable in the US. Clint Eastwood made those spaghetti westerns because he couldn't find much work in the US outside of TV. Of course, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly made him an international movie star and the rest is history. I still think that was his best role, btw.

Raymond Burr in Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

Rogue Mail

08-16-2016, 06:14 AM

Really?? And you can still understand them? ;)

Oh yeah. Anyone serious about film should see The Hill.

There are exceptions...Gregory's Girl for example. A Glasgow accent is one of the hardest to understand, and I often struggle myself sometimes (See my comments on the movie A Sense of Freedom). Even The Long Good Friday was intended to be dubbed for the US market , until Bob Hoskins threatened to sue the producers.

Worse still, sometimes filmmakers go for pure cliché and end up insulting peoples intelligence, like Mickey Rooney's 'chinaman' in Breakfast At Tiffany's, Fisher Stevens 'Indian' in Short Circuit (poor guys career never recovered after that).

Truth is any regional accent from any part of the world is going to be problematic, and very few representations of the same in movies will be accurate. People who know those accents well will complain, but unfortunately its a sad reality that they need to dumb them down for worldwide audiences.

Hal...

08-16-2016, 12:37 PM

Actually, like most regional accents in movies and TV they are often toned down or softened, as they need to be understood by audiences in different parts of the world. So if you struggle with them, you would have real problems if you went to the actual parts of the UK where that accent is prominent.
I was at Nearfest listening to a conversation between a Quebecois woman (whose first language is French), an English woman, and a Scottish woman (sounds like the beginning of a joke, doesn't it?). The only one I could understand was the Quebecois. lol

Rogue Mail

08-17-2016, 06:36 AM

I was at Nearfest listening to a conversation between a Quebecois woman (whose first language is French), an English woman, and a Scottish woman (sounds like the beginning of a joke, doesn't it?). The only one I could understand was the Quebecois. lol

Were you in a bar at the time? :beer

Hal...

08-17-2016, 11:43 AM

Were you in a bar at the time? :beer
Hahaha.

mozo-pg

08-17-2016, 11:45 AM

The Reader (2008) - Kate Winslet and Ray Fiennes: Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial. This was a depressing movie but the acting was excellent and the story was fascinating. They movie questions your sense of morality as the main characters were presented in a sympathetic light despite one character's horrific history.

NogbadTheBad

08-17-2016, 11:55 AM

I enjoyed that movie

progeezer

08-17-2016, 12:15 PM

like Mickey Rourke's 'chinaman' in Breakfast At Tiffany's
I think you mean Mickey Rooney, since Rourke was 9 when "Tiffany's" came out.

Rogue Mail

08-17-2016, 12:34 PM

I think you mean Mickey Rooney, since Rourke was 9 when "Tiffany's" came out.

Bugger...

Rogue Mail

08-17-2016, 12:40 PM

Elvis and Nixon - Curious little movie about an apparently true 'meeting' between Elvis and Nixon at the Whitehouse in 1970. Elvis had become obsessed with trying to become some sort of official, undercover agent and after unsuccessful attempts with various officials, decided to turn up at the Whitehouse to seek an audience with the Pres.

Decent movie, liked it more as it progressed and got to the actual 'meeting'. Took a while to get there though. Was not sure at first about Shannon's Elvis, but I tend to prefer someone who does not got for a literal impersonation of the character, and just tries to find things about them, traits, habits, speech patterns etc that are familiar to people.

On the whole I thought Spacey's Nixon was the better portrayal though. Very natural, and not the often cartoony caricature that a lot of people have done over the years.

And I still say if ever they decide to re introduce the Jaws character to the Bond movies, Shannon is the man. No make up needed...he could be Richard Kiel's actual son!

Lou

08-18-2016, 07:53 PM

Thank you to everyone for the heads up on Stranger Things! Made for great post surgery binge watching.
Man, that little girl who played Eleven was awesome. She could say more with a look than most actors can
with a page of script!

progeezer

08-18-2016, 08:34 PM

Saw Florence Foster Jenkins today. Funny & poignant, but not cheesy or sappy imo. The actor (Hedberg?) who plays her pianist is deserving of a supporting actor Oscar imo. You expect great acting from Streep & get it, but Hugh Grant, who I've never been a big fan of, played a pretty complex character quite well. It's the first time I've ever liked him.

Took me back to when I was a kid & my parents used to listen to her for laughs at their cocktail parties.

She may not have known the truth (I do remember being told as a kid by my parents that she actually did think she could sing beautifully, which only compounded the humor for them), but she proved it was possible to be a brilliant satirist without knowing it.

She died in 1944, and her recordings weren't released to the general public until 5-6 years later.

Klonk

08-19-2016, 12:51 AM

Everything ok man? Yeah the girl was great. I had a blast watching Stranger Things.

Lou

08-19-2016, 01:44 AM

Everything ok man? Yeah the girl was great. I had a blast watching Stranger Things.

Umbilical hernia repair. Good times!! Thank you for asking!

Scott Bails

08-19-2016, 02:43 AM

Wishing a speedy recovery, Lou.

Lou

08-19-2016, 03:07 AM

Wishing a speedy recovery, Lou.

Thanks Scott!

MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

08-19-2016, 06:15 AM

Umbilical hernia repair. Good times!! Thank you for asking!

heh... I had that procedure done 10 years ago

belly button no longer pops out

Lou

08-19-2016, 11:03 AM

heh... I had that procedure done 10 years ago

belly button no longer pops out

How long did it take you to recover?

(apologies for the momentary thread hijack)

progeezer

08-19-2016, 11:16 AM

Don't know how long it takes, but hope its quick, Lou.

mozo-pg

08-19-2016, 11:25 AM

How long did it take you to recover?

(apologies for the momentary thread hijack)

I had it done 10 years ago. It's hard to remember but it wasn't long. I was in bed for about 4-5 days and after that it was pretty good.

Lou

08-19-2016, 01:37 PM

Don't know how long it takes, but hope its quick, Lou.

Thank you!

Lou

08-19-2016, 01:38 PM

I had it done 10 years ago. It's hard to remember but it wasn't long. I was in bed for about 4-5 days and after that it was pretty good.

Thanks for the input!

spellbound

08-19-2016, 01:49 PM

Umbilical hernia repair.

I have one of those. For years, it went undiagnosed. Thereafter, no doctor ever told me it was treatable. There are probably stone-age tribes with better health care than the US.

Lou

08-19-2016, 03:19 PM

I have one of those. For years, it went undiagnosed. Thereafter, no doctor ever told me it was treatable. There are probably stone-age tribes with better health care than the US.

Can't wait to get the bills, but the surgery itself so far doesn't seem to be a big deal.

Back on topic, I tried a couple of Netflix series after Stranger Things, with no success. Got through 2 episodes of Making a Killer, and was bored.
Same thing with Narcos. So, its back to strictly movies.Going to try and watch the 7 Star Wars movies in order. I haven't seen the prequels, or the
latest one yet.

MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

08-19-2016, 06:24 PM

I had it done 10 years ago. It's hard to remember but it wasn't long. I was in bed for about 4-5 days and after that it was pretty good.

sounds about right according to my Aldtimers memory

Hal...

08-20-2016, 10:59 AM

Got through 2 episodes of Making a Killer, and was bored.
If you mean Making A Murderer, don't bother. At the outset, the filmmakers thought they had a compelling narrative and when the facts didn't fit that narrative, they continued on with the narrative anyway. In other words, it's a shoddy doc. Too bad, too, because I didn't know anything about it before seeing it and I found it one of the most compelling things I'd ever seen.

Hal...

08-20-2016, 11:04 AM

If you mean Making A Murderer, don't bother. At the outset, the filmmakers thought they had a compelling narrative and when the facts didn't fit that narrative, they continued on with the narrative anyway. In other words, it's a shoddy doc. Too bad, too, because I didn't know anything about it before seeing it and I found it one of the most compelling things I'd ever seen.

Edit: The one thing that the filmmakers didn't address was how the title of the doc could refer to how Avery was turned into a murderer.

Klonk

08-20-2016, 11:11 AM

I thought Making A Murderer was blah. Definitely fizzled out about halfway through. MUCH more interesting (I thought) and in similar territory is The Life And Mind Of Mark Defriest It's a 90 min. documentary, not a series, but it's fascinating.

Klonk

08-20-2016, 11:14 AM

Can't wait to get the bills, but the surgery itself so far doesn't seem to be a big deal.

You may want to give Bloodline a whirl. So well written and acted. Very character driven...really sucked me in!

Hal...

08-20-2016, 11:43 AM

Making A Murder got a 97% favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84% on Metacritic. I don't always agree with RT's or MC's ratings but I find them useful to determine whether I should invest the time in watching something.

spellbound

08-20-2016, 03:37 PM

Took my daughter to see Finding Dory. Very good.

NogbadTheBad

08-20-2016, 03:58 PM

Just saw the latest Star Trek, quite fun

Poisoned Youth

08-20-2016, 04:18 PM

I thought Mad Max was decent for the type of flick it is. I totally agree it had no place in the Oscars with exceptions for fx , sets and the like. Best Picture, ridiculous.

I can't really agree. It was nominated for a pile of awards and won 5 or so I believe, primarily for editing, sound design, costumes, etc. It was a bit of a retro effort with the emphasis on "practical FX". From my perspective, it was the cumulative accomplishments in these areas that made a contender for best picture. And keep in mind there are more best picture nominees each year now than there used to be (it's obviously good for home market sales to have as many films as possible say "nominated for best picture").

Poisoned Youth

08-20-2016, 04:22 PM

Just saw the latest Star Trek, quite fun

This is the first ST film I can recall where I didn't see in the theater (not that it's not too late). The whole vibe of it put me off and I wasn't thrilled with Into Darkness. So I guess I took it off "autobuy" haha.

Curious, what about it did you like and are you a lifelong fan of the franchise?

spellbound

08-20-2016, 07:47 PM

I enjoyed this late night movie on the TV: The Notorious Landlady (1962) Jack Lemmon, Kim Novak, Fred Astaire.

NogbadTheBad

08-20-2016, 08:08 PM

Curious, what about it did you like and are you a lifelong fan of the franchise?

I'm not a huge fan of the movies but I've seen them all, there was plenty of action and humor, it was well paced and the baddy was suitably bonkers. Not high drama but a fun way to kill a couple of hours.

malterb

08-20-2016, 08:20 PM

My wife and I saw Florence Foster Jenkins last night, this woman should be given all the credit for being the first Prog artist!

Cute, funny and harmless movie.

Jerjo

08-20-2016, 11:43 PM

I was dusting my man cave early this evening and was working through the action figures. I got to a figure of The Mummy (1932 version) and his sarcophagus from my wife scored from TCM's online store. I thought, with all these remakes, reboots, and sequels, how come no one has redone this. And then I remembered those brain-dead movies with Brendan Fraser that were pretty much Indiana Jones Lite. It occurred to me, here's something that should be done with a little wit and style. While looking up the original I saw that Tammy Cruise and Russell Crowe are in a version of it coming out next year. OK. I looked to see who was the director and writer. It was the marginally talented Alex Krutzman. Well fuck that. There'll be enough plot holes and incongruities to make the Fraser films look like cinematic masterpieces. Hollywood sucks.

Lou

08-20-2016, 11:56 PM

You may want to give Bloodline a whirl. So well written and acted. Very character driven...really sucked me in!

I've heard a lot about this. I might have to check it out.

Done with Star Wars, and now it is time to check out two other trilogies that I have not seen before. The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit

Jerjo

08-21-2016, 12:05 AM

The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit

I guess one could watch it with The Hobbit movies first now that I think of it. Just remember, despite the attempt, the Hobbit films don't have the heft and gravitas of the original LOTR films. I remember seeing the Fellowship of the Ring on the day of release. A bunch of us from work took the afternoon off for the matinee. Theater audience was almost all middle-aged guys, still wearing "business casual". When Gandalf recited what was written on the Ring, there was this low rumble of grown men reciting it along with him. I'll never see the likes of that again.

selmer

08-21-2016, 12:50 PM

There's the "wonderful" Lethal Weapon TV series coming up...with I don't remember who in the Riggs part and Wayans playing Murtaugh. Somebody (other than Geroge C Scott) must have seen some kind of a big board...

Scott Bails

08-21-2016, 02:04 PM

Just saw the latest Star Trek, quite fun

Curious, what about it did you like and are you a lifelong fan of the franchise?

I enjoy this cast. I think they've settled into their roles. Karl Urban, in particular, is excellent, IMO.

And there's a video floating around with all of them lip-syncing various songs on their set. They seem like they have a lot of fun together.

The stories themselves aren't going to win any awards, but Star Trek, to me, was never about perfect stories or performances. It's just fun.

That's pretty hilarious. You paint a great picture, Jerol.

-=RTFR666=-

08-21-2016, 02:16 PM

Saw Kubo and the Two Strings yesterday. Stunning animation, dark story definitely not appropriate for kids under 9. Is there anything that George Takei does anymore that doesn't include an "Ohhhhh MY!" at some point??? :roll

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/kubo-and-the-two-strings-movie-review-w434656

spellbound

08-21-2016, 07:03 PM

Theater audience was almost all middle-aged guys, still wearing "business casual". When Gandalf recited what was written on the Ring, there was this low rumble of grown men reciting it along with him. I'll never see the likes of that again.

No man ever forgets the universal inscription on a woman's wedding ring: "One ring to rule them all."

"When you see a smiling woman and a frowning man
She's got a ring in his nose and a ring on her hand" - Chris Youlden (Savoy Brown) 1969

nycsteve

08-22-2016, 08:03 AM

No surprise, the Ben Hur remake is tanking at the box office.

Hal...

08-22-2016, 10:23 AM

http://67.media.tumblr.com/e38e32459335f5dcd6d3d5a1c95d8e26/tumblr_njj3f0iGQO1qz6f9yo1_500.jpg

selmer

08-23-2016, 08:29 AM

No surprise, the Ben Hur remake is tanking at the box office.

I haven't seen the original, but I wonder why is this one so lowly rated? Maybe people are not interested in this particular type of film right now or it was poorly marketed. Somehow I don't believe that it's related to quality or the lack of it. When I see what takes the number one spot these days and when I look at each years top 10 grossing films - mostly it's comic book flicks, The Fast and The Furious and The Transformers which occupy the top spots.

Then again - not every film can top the numbers.

Then there's the question of how many really good films have been made this year and particularly this summer. There's hardly tons of those which stimulate the intelect or at least imagination. Most of them you don't even have to watch to realise it :) The irony is that there ARE good genre films in the history of cinema. So it's possible to make them.

Jerjo

08-23-2016, 11:13 AM

BBC just released this list of the top films of the 21st century. Oh, there's a lot I disagree with here, to the point where I think they might be trolling for clicks. Nonetheless, have at it:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160819-the-21st-centurys-100-greatest-films?ocid=twcul

selmer

08-23-2016, 01:16 PM

Maybe if they avoided that moralising in that particular way...
Otherwise the lists can be helpful in finding/watching smth you haven't seen or heard of. Often you read the plot summary and it already turns you off but there could always be smth decent on these lists.

Lou

08-24-2016, 01:03 AM

Done with The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings. Between the two trilogies, I prefer the Hobbit.
LotR seemed a bit excessive and bloated compared to the Hobbit. Bilbo was much more likable than Frodo.
Sam should have drop kicked Frodo into the fire, along with the ring!

Rogue Mail

08-24-2016, 07:34 AM

BBC just released this list of the top films of the 21st century. Oh, there's a lot I disagree with here, to the point where I think they might be trolling for clicks. Nonetheless, have at it:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160819-the-21st-centurys-100-greatest-films?ocid=twcul

As they surveyed 62 critics from around the globe, it is as expected a pretty diverse range of movies, and largely eschewing popular movies in favour of arthouse fare.

But ultimately its meaningless, because it is other peoples opinions. No one else can tell you what your favourite films are or should be, its a personal choice. At best they can recommend, but we will all watch what we want to watch.

I can never really do lists like that, I don't like the idea of putting certain films above others. If I like it, I like it. Does not matter to me what others think, never has.

Rogue Mail

08-24-2016, 07:49 AM

Then again - not every film can top the numbers.

I wonder if people are becoming bored with historical epics in general. There have been some pretty ropey ones in the last few years, like Gods of Egypt, Exodus - Gods and Kings, Pompeii, 300, Noah etc.

I think we went through a spate of them after the LOTR films, where CGI had reached a point where epic battle scenes, huge mountain fortresses/castles, and digital blood and guts enabled filmmakers to portray such events with ease. So inevitably you always get a certain amount of 'bandwaggoning', once one film is a hit the floodgates open, and Hollywood thinks we want more.

But like all trends we tire of them, and the law of diminishing returns comes into play, particularly when its obvious some of them are made on the cheap to cash-in. Films like Ironclad, Valhalla for example.

nycsteve

08-24-2016, 08:13 AM

Then again - not every film can top the numbers.

My first observation, you are into film, you should see the '59 version of Ben Hur. This film defines the term epic. Without CGI ,thank God, its spectacular,deserving of its rep. Its a long film requiring more commitment and attention than say Fast and Furious IX . It held the record at 11 Academy Awards, before the Academy added a multitude of dopey awards.
I predict the remake of The Magnificent 7 will fail also. My feeling, trying to redo authentic classic masterpieces is usually doomed from the start , the newbie competes with larger than life old Hollywood actors,with the new flavor of the month modern actors, competes against master old time directors with directors whose experience is commercials and music videos. Then add overblown CGI to replace actual crafted stunts and flesh and blood sets. Plus its f'n sad that todays Hollywood cant come up with anything original anymore, its constantly recycling, Golden Age movies, TV shows, kids comics, endless sequals. And I hate CGI! Rather the overuse of CGI, and the road runner/ coyote action sequences CGI so often produces. I've seen the new Ben Hur chariot scene clips, crap.

Klonk

08-24-2016, 10:00 AM

I remember seeing and loving Ben Hur for the first time as a kid on 'The 4:30 Movie' here in NY...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2es-lfRSDOI

selmer

08-24-2016, 10:12 AM

As they surveyed 62 critics from around the globe, it is as expected a pretty diverse range of movies, and largely eschewing popular movies in favour of arthouse fare.

I can never really do lists like that, I don't like the idea of putting certain films above others. If I like it, I like it. Does not matter to me what others think, never has.

Some lists are interesting - there was one where a lot of horror film actors and directors named their faves in the genre. Not always in particular order. I remember Michael Berryman putting The Hitcher as his number one, he had a bunch of interesting stuff in his 10 faves.

Clooney thinks that the best films were made between 1964 and 1976, he had a list. Also I've read lists from Tarantino, Carpenter, Del Toro, Fincher, Wright, Scorsese and many others. It's just for curiosity to see what they themselves rate.
Although one thing should be noted - it's doubtful all of these lists can be taken TOO seriously, there could be all kinds of reasons why a film makes a list :)

selmer

08-24-2016, 10:20 AM

The comic book stuff is still going strong. I think it's close to 10 years since they're hits. And those definitely fit the formula - once one is a hit, many others follow. There aren't that many each year, but they are one of the dominating events all this time. They make some kind of a context.

selmer

08-24-2016, 10:46 AM

I think the director is Russian. I say this because I saw an analysis on one of the more updated Russian TV channels - they think that the film failed to live up to the name and weight of the original. They think that it's a difficult time to make a remake (I wonder why since so many are churned out?). Also they mention that there were some good actors but the film lacks a star who could carry it on his shoulders (they gave the example of Russell Crowe and Gladiator).

Maybe there's one of the mentioned problems - that people can't hold their attention, so the films are made faster and hence the Furious flicks take the top spot. But the pacing is hardly the only problem - I just have to look at some of the "actors" in those films and how they try to act so seriously, delivering the "dialogue".

You'll see on the net some saying that the M7 remake is no big deal because it itself is a remake. They just forget that the Kurosawa version and the Sturges film take place in different cultural environments and were made in different countries which makes a big difference. This new one just adds different actors and I guess more explosive action. I bet a lot of those who'll go see it haven't even heard of the previous films. I think it could do decent at least for one reason - Washington could bring in the crowd. He's still what they call bankable, as is Tom Cruise who was initially planned to star alongside him.

hippypants

08-24-2016, 12:23 PM

Another list: 21st Century Top 100 Films (http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160819-the-21st-centurys-100-greatest-films)

Jerjo

08-24-2016, 03:05 PM

Most remakes are utter crap. Then again, some look like they did it just right. Like this:

http://io9.gizmodo.com/watch-the-batman-return-of-the-caped-crusaders-trailer-1785645875

Though can we call it a remake if we've still got three of the main actors? Don't know, don't care. It's just brilliant.

Scott Bails

08-24-2016, 03:10 PM

That looks pretty cool. :up

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