Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (1 Viewer)

[Socrates11]

Can we pass a law that if a movie has an 'R' rating then there should be some boobies shown? Tired of watching 'R' movies with no gratuitous boob shot.

That is all.

 

[El Floppo]

I thought gattaca was supposed to be terrible?nevermind, I see it was pretty well received -- of course, so was prometheus.I really liked the first half of minority report, but thought it fell apart as it went along.

I haven't met anybody who hasn't liked Gattaca, let alone thought it was terrible. take that for what it's worth.

 

[Swing 51]

Anyone been waiting for Margaret to be released? It is finally available on DVD. This film was shot in 2005 (I think) and has been tied up in litigation ever since. This is from the writer/director of You Can Count on Me, Kenneth Lonergan. Per the below, Gary Gilbert is the brother of Dan Gilbert, owner of Cleveland Cavaliers.

Margaret is a 2011 drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film stars Anna Paquin, Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo, Kieran Culkin, Olivia Thirlby, and Rosemarie DeWitt. Margaret originally was scheduled for release in 2007 by Fox Searchlight Pictures, but was repeatedly delayed while Lonergan struggled to create a final cut he was satisfied with, resulting in multiple lawsuits.While the studio insisted the film's running time could not exceed 150 minutes, Lonergan's preferred version was closer to three hours. Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker had even contributed to editing a 150-minute cut which Lonergan approved,[3], but producer Gary Gilbert rejected the cut.[4] Eventually, Fox Searchlight Pictures released the film limitedly in the United States on September 30, 2011. An Extended Cut of the film was subsequently released in DVD in July 2012.[5]

 

[saintfool]

To me it's a nearly perfect movie. It may not be the most overly ambitious film but for what it is it's well done.

i liked the film quite a bit. i just wish it had tried just a little harder and wanted to more somehow. it's the anti-"Minority Report" or "I, Robot" in that regard.

As I said the other day, have yet to see Gattaca, but Im confused by this statement. So Minority Report and I, Robot were very ambitious (and Gattaca isnt)? If that's the case, I guess what Im trying to say is lumping Minority Report and I, Robot in the same category is weird to me. The former I think is probably a Top 5 Sci-Fi movie of the last decade, the latter was okay I guess but pretty much a throwaway.

Ambitious in that they are trying to be "big" films and blockbusters. They put a lot of money into creating their specific universe. They are very deliberately trying to be "deep" or profound. Contrast that with "Gattaca", which doesn't rely on much in the way of special effects or a fully realized sci-fi world, and the difference is readily apparent. Personally, I was intrigued enough by the premise of "Gattaca" to want to see and learn more about this world and future. It trafficked in some interesting ideas and that's really kind of rare. Those other films had good ideas but fell victim to the Hollywood hype machine. They couldn't leave well enough alone.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Young Adult: Charlize Theron starred in it. I thought it was a great commentary on how beautiful women believe they can always get what they want, and most times do. And the times they do not, they lose their minds a bit.

Big fan of this movie, especially because it doesn't sell out at the end.

Martha Marcy May Marlene

I can see why this film was so beloved by critics. It features all the acting, direction, and cinematography you'd want in a good movie. But I thought it was kind of ugly and pointless. I'd recommend you see it. You'll probably like it more than I did.

really liked both of these.

I think Martha Marcy was very good, but I didn't like it very much - if that makes any sense.

 

[Kenny Powers]

To me it's a nearly perfect movie. It may not be the most overly ambitious film but for what it is it's well done.

i liked the film quite a bit. i just wish it had tried just a little harder and wanted to more somehow. it's the anti-"Minority Report" or "I, Robot" in that regard.

As I said the other day, have yet to see Gattaca, but Im confused by this statement. So Minority Report and I, Robot were very ambitious (and Gattaca isnt)? If that's the case, I guess what Im trying to say is lumping Minority Report and I, Robot in the same category is weird to me. The former I think is probably a Top 5 Sci-Fi movie of the last decade, the latter was okay I guess but pretty much a throwaway.

Must have been a terrible decade for sci-fi if Minority Report makes the cut.Thought it was very weak overall.

What would be your Top 5 Sci-Fi movies since 2002 then? Or even 2000?I really like Minority Report, but me calling it Top 5 has as much to do with what else is out there as it was a testament for MR.

 

[Abraham]

Gattaca was very good. It's suspensful sci-fi without being an action flick, which can be difficult to pull off.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

saw these 2 on a list that I had never heard of.

I mean the movies, not the list.

TIMECRIMES (2007)

What’s it about? Clever time travel story about a middle-aged schlubb who might or might not be a witness to a murder.

Why? Don’t be misled by the DVD cover. This isn’t some torture porn horror movie, but a clever Spanish time travel movie that inexorably follows its own plot logic in the best tradition of the genre.

FLATLAND (2007)

What’s it about? Indie SF movie based on a Victorian novel (!) set in a world that lacks depth, i.e., the world is completely 2-D!

Why? It isn’t only math buffs that will enjoy this oddity. Science fiction fans of a certain inclination (those who enjoy the science more than the fiction) will find loads to appreciate. Besides, chances are that you’ve never seen anything like it before!

. Code 46

The first of the dystopian-future movies to make the list. This was an overlooked little movie that is disturbing on a lot of different levels, everything from the control given to the governments over literally every individual, to the horror of being reconditioned to hate what you love or to forget what you hate, to the Freudian sensuality of falling in love with a copy of a genetic parent. The ending is so very bittersweet; this is one for those of you who love impossible love stories–the stories of a love so great it had to be put aside. Haunting. That’s what this story is.

 

[Kenny Powers]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

 

[jdoggydogg]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

You and me both.

 

[Kenny Powers]

After thinking for a few minutes, some movies since the turn of the century Id consider for my Sci-Fi top 5 would be Moon, District 9, The Jacket, Equilibrium...possibly Prometheus but Id have to see it at least one more time to have a better idea. Im sure theres at least a half dozen more that could contend.

ETA: I guess Inception is sci-fi in a sense to, similar to those other questionable movies in my previous post, but I dont think I can call it sci-fi. If it were, thats easily my #1.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

moon and district 9 were on a lot of googled lists, and I never heard of the jacket.

prometheus was terrible.

what defines sci-fi?

like I said, I just saw eternal sunshine last night, am a big fan, and it never would have occurred to me.

 

[jdoggydogg]

After thinking for a few minutes, some movies since the turn of the century Id consider for my Sci-Fi top 5 would be Moon, District 9, The Jacket, Equilibrium...possibly Prometheus but Id have to see it at least one more time to have a better idea. Im sure theres at least a half dozen more that could contend.ETA: I guess Inception is sci-fi in a sense to, similar to those other questionable movies in my previous post, but I dont think I can call it sci-fi. If it were, thats easily my #1.

My favorites:Star Trek Avatar PrometheusMinority Report Sunshine WALL·E Donnie Darko The Matrix: Reloaded EquilibriumI liked The Road and 28 Days Later, but I don't know that they are truly sci fi.

 

[Chaka]

What would be your Top 5 Sci-Fi movies since 2002 then? Or even 2000?

I really like Minority Report, but me calling it Top 5 has as much to do with what else is out there as it was a testament for MR.

Looking at the Wiki list of Sci-fi releases in the 2000s (and 2010s) these are the films I would put ahead of MR. You may not think some are Sci-fi, I would agree but I don't feel like debating the nuance. I am not saying these are good films just that I would rank them on par or ahead of MR. Not a ton of great ones in there and I removed all the super hero films but there are still plenty I would take over MR.

These are the ones I think are significantly better than MR: Donnie Darko, Melancholia, Eternal Sunshine, Primer, Children of Men, Sunshine, Timecrimes, The Man from Earth, The Core (guilty pleasure), Serenity (guilty pleasure), Wall-E, Moon, District 9, Star Trek, Inception, Attack the Block, Rise of the Planet of the Apes

These are not great but I enjoyed them equally or more than MR

2000

Pitch Black

2002

28 Days Later

Equilibrium

Reign of Fire

Signs

Star Trek Nemesis

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

2003

The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Revolutions

2004

The Butterfly Effect

The Chronicles of Riddick

Ghost in the Shell: Innocence

2005

The Jacket

A Sound of Thunder

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

2006

A Scanner Darkly

Day Watch

The Fountain

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Host

Idocracy

V for Vendetta

2008

Cloverfield

Outlander

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

2009

2012

Avatar

Monsters vs Aliens

Pandorum

The Road

2010

Hot Tub Time Machine

Skyline

2011

Battle: Los Angeles

Hanna

Limitless

Super 8

2012

Chronicle

 

[hooter311]

After thinking for a few minutes, some movies since the turn of the century Id consider for my Sci-Fi top 5 would be Moon, District 9, The Jacket, Equilibrium...possibly Prometheus but Id have to see it at least one more time to have a better idea. Im sure theres at least a half dozen more that could contend.

ETA: I guess Inception is sci-fi in a sense to, similar to those other questionable movies in my previous post, but I dont think I can call it sci-fi. If it were, thats easily my #1.

 

[Terpman22]

Just saw Hotel Rwanda for the first time. What a powerful film. I have always been a big fan of Don Cheadle, but he really brought it in this film. 5/5 in my book, especially since it is based on true events.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Source Code was good sci-fi.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Sunset Blvd:

Wow what a fantastic movie. Really loved seeing glitzy image of Hollywood peeled back and poked at. Still processing this one a little bit, but the initial reaction was that I had just watched one of the better movies I had ever seen. 9/10. Looking through his list of films, I don't think I have seen any other films by Mr. Wilder, and expect that to be corrected soon.

Wilder may be my favorite American director, certainly top 5.

I have The Apartment and Double Indemnity coming in from the library. Would that be the next 2 of his you would recommend?

theyre 1 & 1a. Stalag 17 & Some Like It Hot after that. I think Ninotchka is brilliant, but it dont travel well for some.

If you have a wife/lady friend, I highly recommend the two of you taking in the film Sabrina as well. Truly a fairy tale. Audrey Hepburn's finest film IMO. She was absolutely gorgeous in this movie.

 

[Kenny Powers]

What would be your Top 5 Sci-Fi movies since 2002 then? Or even 2000?

I really like Minority Report, but me calling it Top 5 has as much to do with what else is out there as it was a testament for MR.

Looking at the Wiki list of Sci-fi releases in the 2000s (and 2010s) these are the films I would put ahead of MR. You may not think some are Sci-fi, I would agree but I don't feel like debating the nuance. I am not saying these are good films just that I would rank them on par or ahead of MR. Not a ton of great ones in there and I removed all the super hero films but there are still plenty I would take over MR.

These are the ones I think are significantly better than MR: Donnie Darko, Melancholia, Eternal Sunshine, Primer, Children of Men, Sunshine, Timecrimes, The Man from Earth, The Core (guilty pleasure), Serenity (guilty pleasure), Wall-E, Moon, District 9, Star Trek, Inception, Attack the Block, Rise of the Planet of the Apes

These are not great but I enjoyed them equally or more than MR

2000

Pitch Black

2002

28 Days Later

Equilibrium

Reign of Fire

Signs

Star Trek Nemesis

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

2003

The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Revolutions

2004

The Butterfly Effect

The Chronicles of Riddick

Ghost in the Shell: Innocence

2005

The Jacket

A Sound of Thunder

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

2006

A Scanner Darkly

Day Watch

The Fountain

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Host

Idocracy

V for Vendetta

2008

Cloverfield

Outlander

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

2009

2012

Avatar

Monsters vs Aliens

Pandorum

The Road

2010

Hot Tub Time Machine

Skyline

2011

Battle: Los Angeles

Hanna

Limitless

Super 8

2012

Chronicle

I realize you said enjoy more and not better than Minority Report, but almost half that list is really stretching it - for the genre and quality.That said, after seeing more movies mentioned, my Top 10 would probably be something like:

Donnie Darko

District 9

Moon

The Jacket

Pitch Black

Minority Report

Equilibrium

Super 8

Prometheus

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Inception, Eternal Sunshine, and Vanilla Sky Id definitely have in there but Im struggling to consider them sci-fi. Each is more psychological fiction. Then again, maybe The Jacket is too but oh well.

I actually struggled so much deciding on a 10th movie I had to contradict myself and include Prometheus. It still has room to improve I think, but its at least Top 10 for me looking at what else is out there. I liked movies like The Cave, Feast, The Descent but those are probably more horror. Really liked Butterfly Effect but couldnt bring myself to include it in a Top 10. Almost considered Predators actually too.

As I said a week or so ago, I dont remember enough about The Matrix sequels to really consider them here, and despite totally being sci-fi, I have trouble placing Star Wars and Star Trek in a list like this for some reason. Same thing sort of for Avatar which strikes me more as fantasy.

Movies I havent seen that seem like they have legit potential to bump 1 or 2 of these 10 out: Source Code, The Man From Earth, Sunshine, Primer, Cloverfield, Wall-E

 

[KarmaPolice]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

You and me both.

Very interesting concept, and a fantastically shot film. Don't know what's not to love.

 

[KarmaPolice]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

I think Pitch Black is the best Sci Fi film in the 2000's.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Scanning through the lists that Chaka linked, I would say my top 10 would look something like this:

D.Darko

Minority Report

Solaris

Primer

Children of Men

Sunshine

Moon

The Road

Never Let Me Go

28 Days Later

Felt like too much of a cheat to have the superhero movies on there, or animated movies on there. Eternal Sunshine is probably my favorite movie from the time frame, but for whatever reason I have trouble putting that on the list too.

 

[cosjobs]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

I think Pitch Black is the best Sci Fi film in the 2000's.

I think I agree. But that's less an endorsement of Pitch Black than an example of how little great scifi there has been the past decade.

 

[Chaka]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

Space travel isn't necessarily a qualifier for the sci-fi designation according to some.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Pitch Black is the ####...People wanna know why Vin Diesel has/had a career?! Exhibit A is without a doubt Pitch Black. Concept was bad ###, writing was bad ###, and most of all Vin Diesel looked like the baddest man in the stratosphere. Maybe Pitch Black didnt make his career, but I guarantee it got him an audition for Hot Wheels Part 1

And for the record, I put Pitch Black over Minority Report

 

[Kenny Powers]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

Space travel isn't necessarily a qualifier for the sci-fi designation according to some.

After thinking about it a lot today, I think there's more qualifiers for sci-fi than not. There's plenty of unrealistic movies that myself and others may want to lump into sci-fi, but when it comes down to it, they arent for the most part. It can be a fine line, but I think fantasy and psychological thrillers have something different than sci-fiETA: Biggest thing is remember what SCI stands for

 

[jdoggydogg]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

You and me both.

Very interesting concept, and a fantastically shot film. Don't know what's not to love.

Michael Caine saying, "Amigo."

 

[Kenny Powers]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.

so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.

children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.

also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.

oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.

Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.

ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

I think Pitch Black is the best Sci Fi film in the 2000's.

I think I agree. But that's less an endorsement of Pitch Black than an example of how little great scifi there has been the past decade.

For sure. Narrowing down to a top 10 was hard due to choices than what to leave out. I even struggled to find a sci-fi on netflix instant watch that was worthwhile.The quality is def limited, but so are the options

 

[Kenny Powers]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

I see what youre saying, even moreso because its more difficult to figure out what category to lump those movies into to. I guess sci-fi may be the best choice

 

[KarmaPolice]

haha....I wasn't a big fan of minority report, either, so I was trying to think of a possible top 5 list, which is tough because I don't see many movies and my memory is crap -- love sci-fi, though.so, one movie I came up with was maybe children of men -- not saying it's spongeworthy, or anything like that, just a candidate that I was able to come up with on my own before I just cheated it up and googled.children of men was pretty huge on these lists, but what was kind of funny was that eternal sunshine of the spotless mind was prominent, and I would have never thought of that despite being a big fan and having rewatched it just last night because of commentary in this very thread.also, I see primer made some lists, and I was just pimping that in the best 50 you haven't seen thread a couple hours ago.oh yeah, and the road was on there -- another I had discussed a lot online when I saw it.

I wouldnt consider The Road or or Eternal Sunshine sci-fi, but maybe thats just me.I know Children of Men has a lot fans, I liked it, but I didnt see the greatness.Never saw Primer but after seeing all the recommendations in the other thread, Ill have to track it down.ETA: Not sure Id even consider CoM sci-fi now that I think about it, but I guess in a sense it is. Its not any more sci-fi than movies like V for Vendetta, Hunger Games, or Adjustment Bureau and I wouldnt call those sci-fi

I put the dystopian movies in with the sci-fi movies for the most part. Otherwise it's just too narrow of a genre - space and time travel can't be the only qualifiers.

I see what youre saying, even moreso because its more difficult to figure out what category to lump those movies into to. I guess sci-fi may be the best choice

I think what I am about to post might disqualify The Road, but a lot of times the dystopian genre is about science gone wrong, which is why I would put it into the sci-fi category. I think something like Never Let Me Go should be in there because it is about the consequences of our choices with science and presents a world based on that. Post apocalyptic movies should be in there for the same reason - usually they are a warning or are about something that we did to cause it - viruses, nuclear explosion. The Road walks the fine line b/c there really isn't a focus on what happened. I guess that's probably why superhero movies are under the umbrella for the list - Hulk, Spiderman, X-men were turned b/c of a science experiment/genetic mutation, etc..

 

[KarmaPolice]

Start of the wiki article for sci-fi:

Science fiction elements include:

A time setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archaeological record.

A spatial setting or scenes in outer space (e.g., spaceflight), on other worlds, or on subterranean earth.[3]

Characters that include aliens, mutants, androids, or humanoid robots.

Technology that is futuristic (e.g., ray guns, teleportation machines, humanoid computers).[4]

Scientific principles that are new or that contradict known laws of nature, for example time travel, wormholes, or faster-than-light travel.

New and different political or social systems (e.g. dystopia, post-scarcity, or a post-apocalyptic situation where organized society has collapsed).[5]

Paranormal abilities such as mind control, telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation.

Other universes or dimensions and travel between them.

So maybe in my mind, it's more about how much the science is focused, but I am not sure I have a rational explanation for some of my choices.

 

[Chaka]

The problem always comes down to semantics. Some say superhero movies should be their own category or animated movies like Wall-E don't count because they are geared towards children or Star Wars shouldn't count because the story seems more fantasy than science fiction based. Y'know what? A film can fit more than one category.

If it's got space ships or lasers or robots (or men in robot suits) the I'm calling it sci-fi. By that definition Minority Report might not even make the top 20 of the last decade. Don't get me wrong I like some of the themes and think some of the execution of the future society is spot on but it's a movie that fell short more often than not for me.

 

[Chaka]

Oh and I don't consider The Road to be sci-fi and I am not sure why it would be. Even though the cause of the fall is never explained in the book or film it is pretty easy to envision a way to make that future happen with the technology we currently have on hand.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

ETA: Biggest thing is remember what SCI stands for

how did they erase memories in eternal sunshine?

 

[Time Kibitzer]

ETA: Biggest thing is remember what SCI stands for

how did they erase memories in eternal sunshine?

Witchcraft.

 

[Chaka]

ETA: Biggest thing is remember what SCI stands for

how did they erase memories in eternal sunshine?

Flux MacGuffinator

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Hangover Part II

Free. HBO. Whatever.

Who decided that Ken Jeong was funny?

Distressing Ken Jeong update:

The next Hangover movie will give audiences a lot more of the Ken Jeong they ostensibly crave

Offering the most telling detail yet of how Todd Phillips plans to do slightly more with The Hangover Part III than provide another change of scenery and self-inflicted wounds for Ed Helms, The Hollywood Reporter notes that the third, ostensibly final film in the franchise will have way, way more Ken Jeong. The man who abandoned medicine for the equally healing power of laughing at the high-pitched screaming of a naked guy has signed on for a "significantly expanded" role, one that will presumably delve even deeper into his character, or maybe just have him say the word "#####es" more often, as this incongruity is always funny. THR also notes that Jeong is "the last significant piece of the puzzle" now that he's joined already-committed stars Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis, which is a phrase that is currently beginning an expected six months of echoing in Justin Bartha's brain.

 

[Daywalker]

The Hangover Part II

Free. HBO. Whatever.

Who decided that Ken Jeong was funny?

Distressing Ken Jeong update:

The next Hangover movie will give audiences a lot more of the Ken Jeong they ostensibly crave

Offering the most telling detail yet of how Todd Phillips plans to do slightly more with The Hangover Part III than provide another change of scenery and self-inflicted wounds for Ed Helms, The Hollywood Reporter notes that the third, ostensibly final film in the franchise will have way, way more Ken Jeong. The man who abandoned medicine for the equally healing power of laughing at the high-pitched screaming of a naked guy has signed on for a "significantly expanded" role, one that will presumably delve even deeper into his character, or maybe just have him say the word "#####es" more often, as this incongruity is always funny. THR also notes that Jeong is "the last significant piece of the puzzle" now that he's joined already-committed stars Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis, which is a phrase that is currently beginning an expected six months of echoing in Justin Bartha's brain.

Think it would be a cool idea for Hangover III to be about the cast of Entourage with Galifinakis involved.

 

[Chaka]

The Mechanic - Statham and Foster killing people for pretty much no reason, some kind of double revenge angle. Meh, barely held my attention.

 

[Chaka]

The Hangover Part II

Free. HBO. Whatever.

Who decided that Ken Jeong was funny?

Distressing Ken Jeong update:

The next Hangover movie will give audiences a lot more of the Ken Jeong they ostensibly crave

Offering the most telling detail yet of how Todd Phillips plans to do slightly more with The Hangover Part III than provide another change of scenery and self-inflicted wounds for Ed Helms, The Hollywood Reporter notes that the third, ostensibly final film in the franchise will have way, way more Ken Jeong. The man who abandoned medicine for the equally healing power of laughing at the high-pitched screaming of a naked guy has signed on for a "significantly expanded" role, one that will presumably delve even deeper into his character, or maybe just have him say the word "#####es" more often, as this incongruity is always funny. THR also notes that Jeong is "the last significant piece of the puzzle" now that he's joined already-committed stars Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis, which is a phrase that is currently beginning an expected six months of echoing in Justin Bartha's brain.

Still haven't seen part 2. This does not increase the chances of me seeing part 3.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

"The Sunshine Boys" was on one of the Encore channels recently. Matthau and George Burns as ex-vaudeville performers coaxed into a reunion after a falling out. .I usually dislike Neil Simon because you can see the set-up of his jokes coming from a mile away. That was mostly true in this story, but Matthau's angry charisma elevated the flimsy premise.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

"The Sunshine Boys" was on one of the Encore channels recently. Matthau and George Burns as ex-vaudeville performers coaxed into a reunion after a falling out. .I usually dislike Neil Simon because you can see the set-up of his jokes coming from a mile away. That was mostly true in this story, but Matthau's angry charisma elevated the flimsy premise.

Sounds good. I'm guessing there is a dozen Matthau movies I should see.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

My favorite is Charade. One of my all time favorites. Slightly cheesy romance (which is Cary Grant's shtick) with some fun mystery but I watch this movie every couple years and love every time.

 

[El Floppo]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

"The Sunshine Boys" was on one of the Encore channels recently. Matthau and George Burns as ex-vaudeville performers coaxed into a reunion after a falling out. .I usually dislike Neil Simon because you can see the set-up of his jokes coming from a mile away. That was mostly true in this story, but Matthau's angry charisma elevated the flimsy premise.

"En-TAH!"It's a good one.Also a fan of Hopscotch.

 

[El Floppo]

Watched Carnage last night.

Obviously a great case with Foster, Riley, Winslett and Waltz and I was intrigued with the concept (parents of kids who fought try to "work it out" between themselves). But the writing for this... it was from a play, right? It had moments where the characters and writing felt amazingly true, but then devolved into "Play" artifice clap/trap, particularly when used for the driving the action and trying to tell a bigger story- endless mvoes to keep the action in one place/set and cheap devices to make the characters talk and act in ways nobody ever would- especially the quickest sober-drunk drinking session to loosen tongues. Ultimately a mess, and the director (was it really Polanski?) and writing didn't do the actors any favors.

 

[Kenny Powers]

The Thing...Remake from last year. Certainly not as good as the original, but not near as bad as I expected. While it has more action and gore than the original, it lacks the tension and real scares. Also quite a few plot holes, such as saying the Thing cant replicate inorganic materials yet apparently it can replicate all clothing, but I was entertained enough. Ensemble cast was pretty good, and having a lot of foreigners I think did give it some character. Joel Edgerton always seems to put on a solid performance. Id say better than most box office sci-horror these days...2.9/5

 

[saintfool]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

My favorite is Charade. One of my all time favorites. Slightly cheesy romance (which is Cary Grant's shtick) with some fun mystery but I watch this movie every couple years and love every time.

that's a good, if slight, film. grant was an idol of mine as a kid and i have probably watched this film 50 times. it's a pretty good cast with george kennedy and audrey hepburn (whom i adore). fun and easy from stanley donen. it got remade a few years ago with thandie newton actually.

 

[jamny]

Watched Carnage last night.

Obviously a great case with Foster, Riley, Winslett and Waltz and I was intrigued with the concept (parents of kids who fought try to "work it out" between themselves). But the writing for this... it was from a play, right? It had moments where the characters and writing felt amazingly true, but then devolved into "Play" artifice clap/trap, particularly when used for the driving the action and trying to tell a bigger story- endless mvoes to keep the action in one place/set and cheap devices to make the characters talk and act in ways nobody ever would- especially the quickest sober-drunk drinking session to loosen tongues. Ultimately a mess, and the director (was it really Polanski?) and writing didn't do the actors any favors.

Yeah, that was on Broadway as God of Carnage. It was really good on stage but I don't think I'd rent the dvd after having seen the play. The play's cast was Jeff Daniels, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden. Don't remember who the other woman was. Gandolfini was incredible in it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I really need to see more Walter Matthau movies.

My favorite is Charade. One of my all time favorites. Slightly cheesy romance (which is Cary Grant's shtick) with some fun mystery but I watch this movie every couple years and love every time.