Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (3 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

Monsters vs. Aliens 3/5

This is the second viewing for me and I didn't like it as much as the first one. It's probably because I watched all of the Hayao Miyazaki films in the interim. I find that Miyazaki and Pixar films have heart. I care about the characters and the stories seem fully developed. This feels like a long cartoon that would be aired on a Saturday morning.

It's full of cliche villains, explosions, screaming and running around. There's never a sense of danger because it never really engages the viewer and makes it seem real. Everything is rushed and there's no time to watch a character thinking through a problem or reacting emotionally to something.

Dreamworks obviously didn't take the time to observe human behavior and adapt it for this story. Pixar and Studio Ghibli are perfectly capable of making me cry, but this doesn't come close.

It's better than average for a Dreamworks title, but it's all pretty shallow in the end.

Just watched this today with my son. My take is similar, but I think I liked it even less than a 3/5.

 

[Kenny Powers]

V For Vendetta

This movie is a lot cornier and melodramatic than I remember. Almost cheesy. But what can I say? It's an entertaining movie.

The worst thing was Natalie Portman. Natalie is smart, kind, and pretty. But she is not a very good actor. I loved her in The Professional, but I haven't seen a ton of her work as an adult. She was bad in Star Wars: Episode I, although every actor under the direction of George Lucas has almost no shot at a decent performance. Portman was awful in Vendetta.

While I enjoyed this movie the only time I saw it, V for Vendetta seems like 1 of the most overrated movies of the last 5 years to me. Another one is Children of Men.

V For Vendetta doesn't have a lot of defenders, so I'm not sure it's overrated. I am not a fan of Children of Men. I wanted to murder Michael Caine every time he said "Amigo" and was glad when he got killed.

Its got an 8.2/10 and is rated the 170th best movie on IMDB. CoM is an 8.1/10 and the 190th best movie on there, and has a 93% on RT.I probably liked V more than CoM, the latter I had higher expectations for and didnt feel it was all the great. Going with what saintfool sort of said, it struck me as something that works better as a book than a movie.

I liked both, but those numbers tell me that theyre overrated (at least to my liking).

 

[badmojo1006]

V For Vendetta

This movie is a lot cornier and melodramatic than I remember. Almost cheesy. But what can I say? It's an entertaining movie.

The worst thing was Natalie Portman. Natalie is smart, kind, and pretty. But she is not a very good actor. I loved her in The Professional, but I haven't seen a ton of her work as an adult. She was bad in Star Wars: Episode I, although every actor under the direction of George Lucas has almost no shot at a decent performance. Portman was awful in Vendetta.

While I enjoyed this movie the only time I saw it, V for Vendetta seems like 1 of the most overrated movies of the last 5 years to me. Another one is Children of Men.

V For Vendetta doesn't have a lot of defenders, so I'm not sure it's overrated. I am not a fan of Children of Men. I wanted to murder Michael Caine every time he said "Amigo" and was glad when he got killed.

Its got an 8.2/10 and is rated the 170th best movie on IMDB. CoM is an 8.1/10 and the 190th best movie on there, and has a 93% on RT.I probably liked V more than CoM, the latter I had higher expectations for and didnt feel it was all the great. Going with what saintfool sort of said, it struck me as something that works better as a book than a movie.

I liked both, but those numbers tell me that theyre overrated (at least to my liking).

I liked Children of Men a lot more then V for Vendetta. I think it had to do with expectations. I knew little about Children of Men before I watched it (the one shot during the battle with him carrying out the baby is worth it) and was blown away.I had high expectations for V, but it just fell short for me. It felt lifeless to me

 

[John 14:6]

I liked Children of Men a lot more then V for Vendetta. I think it had to do with expectations. I knew little about Children of Men before I watched it (the one shot during the battle with him carrying out the baby is worth it) and was blown away.

The one shot of them in the car while the bikers were attacking them is a close second...

 

[Chaka]

Monsters vs. Aliens 3/5

This is the second viewing for me and I didn't like it as much as the first one. It's probably because I watched all of the Hayao Miyazaki films in the interim. I find that Miyazaki and Pixar films have heart. I care about the characters and the stories seem fully developed. This feels like a long cartoon that would be aired on a Saturday morning.

It's full of cliche villains, explosions, screaming and running around. There's never a sense of danger because it never really engages the viewer and makes it seem real. Everything is rushed and there's no time to watch a character thinking through a problem or reacting emotionally to something.

Dreamworks obviously didn't take the time to observe human behavior and adapt it for this story. Pixar and Studio Ghibli are perfectly capable of making me cry, but this doesn't come close.

It's better than average for a Dreamworks title, but it's all pretty shallow in the end.

Just watched this today with my son. My take is similar, but I think I liked it even less than a 3/5.

B.O.B. was hysterical. Everything else was entirely forgettable.Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.: [about B.O.B] Forgive him, but as you can see, he has no brain.

B.O.B.: Turns out, you don't need one. Totally overrated!

 

[jdoggydogg]

V For Vendetta

This movie is a lot cornier and melodramatic than I remember. Almost cheesy. But what can I say? It's an entertaining movie.

The worst thing was Natalie Portman. Natalie is smart, kind, and pretty. But she is not a very good actor. I loved her in The Professional, but I haven't seen a ton of her work as an adult. She was bad in Star Wars: Episode I, although every actor under the direction of George Lucas has almost no shot at a decent performance. Portman was awful in Vendetta.

While I enjoyed this movie the only time I saw it, V for Vendetta seems like 1 of the most overrated movies of the last 5 years to me. Another one is Children of Men.

V For Vendetta doesn't have a lot of defenders, so I'm not sure it's overrated. I am not a fan of Children of Men. I wanted to murder Michael Caine every time he said "Amigo" and was glad when he got killed.

Its got an 8.2/10 and is rated the 170th best movie on IMDB. CoM is an 8.1/10 and the 190th best movie on there, and has a 93% on RT.I probably liked V more than CoM, the latter I had higher expectations for and didnt feel it was all the great. Going with what saintfool sort of said, it struck me as something that works better as a book than a movie.

I liked both, but those numbers tell me that theyre overrated (at least to my liking).

I think Children of Men is a much better movie than V. But I think V is more entertaining, if that makes sense. Kind of like how The English Patient is a much better movie than Evil Dead, but I think Evil Dead is more entertaining.

 

[Bojang0301]

Since we are speaking about Portman I thought she was great in Closer.

 

[whoknew]

V For Vendetta

This movie is a lot cornier and melodramatic than I remember. Almost cheesy. But what can I say? It's an entertaining movie.

The worst thing was Natalie Portman. Natalie is smart, kind, and pretty. But she is not a very good actor. I loved her in The Professional, but I haven't seen a ton of her work as an adult. She was bad in Star Wars: Episode I, although every actor under the direction of George Lucas has almost no shot at a decent performance. Portman was awful in Vendetta.

I really want to like portman as an adult actor but my patience is running out. she came off as a natural in films like "the professional", "beautiful girls" and "anywhere but here" but she's been on a downward spiral pretty much since then. we all want to like her - she's cute, adorable and seems really nice - but she's been trading on that for some time now. it's wearing a little thin and she's in danger of becoming another julia roberts without the blockbuster bankability. she needs to find director to get her in the right role fast.

Actually, much as I'm not a Julia Roberts fan, even early Roberts roles were a lot better than what Portman's doing right now.

Agree with both of you. She's really cute - but not a very good actress. She was completely outclassed in Brothers. The Star Wars movie was a disaster. I liked Garden State a lot - but she was definitely awkward in it.

Oh well - just another hot chick who isn't a very good actress. Not everyone can be Meryl Streep.

 

[jdoggydogg]

V For Vendetta

This movie is a lot cornier and melodramatic than I remember. Almost cheesy. But what can I say? It's an entertaining movie.

The worst thing was Natalie Portman. Natalie is smart, kind, and pretty. But she is not a very good actor. I loved her in The Professional, but I haven't seen a ton of her work as an adult. She was bad in Star Wars: Episode I, although every actor under the direction of George Lucas has almost no shot at a decent performance. Portman was awful in Vendetta.

I really want to like portman as an adult actor but my patience is running out. she came off as a natural in films like "the professional", "beautiful girls" and "anywhere but here" but she's been on a downward spiral pretty much since then. we all want to like her - she's cute, adorable and seems really nice - but she's been trading on that for some time now. it's wearing a little thin and she's in danger of becoming another julia roberts without the blockbuster bankability. she needs to find director to get her in the right role fast.

Actually, much as I'm not a Julia Roberts fan, even early Roberts roles were a lot better than what Portman's doing right now.

Agree with both of you. She's really cute - but not a very good actress. She was completely outclassed in Brothers. The Star Wars movie was a disaster. I liked Garden State a lot - but she was definitely awkward in it.

Oh well - just another hot chick who isn't a very good actress. Not everyone can be Meryl Streep.

Portman was so good in The Professional and Heat, I'm wondering if she does better with really good directors to steer her.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Monsters vs. Aliens 3/5

This is the second viewing for me and I didn't like it as much as the first one. It's probably because I watched all of the Hayao Miyazaki films in the interim. I find that Miyazaki and Pixar films have heart. I care about the characters and the stories seem fully developed. This feels like a long cartoon that would be aired on a Saturday morning.

It's full of cliche villains, explosions, screaming and running around. There's never a sense of danger because it never really engages the viewer and makes it seem real. Everything is rushed and there's no time to watch a character thinking through a problem or reacting emotionally to something.

Dreamworks obviously didn't take the time to observe human behavior and adapt it for this story. Pixar and Studio Ghibli are perfectly capable of making me cry, but this doesn't come close.

It's better than average for a Dreamworks title, but it's all pretty shallow in the end.

Just watched this today with my son. My take is similar, but I think I liked it even less than a 3/5.

B.O.B. was hysterical. Everything else was entirely forgettable.Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.: [about B.O.B] Forgive him, but as you can see, he has no brain.

B.O.B.: Turns out, you don't need one. Totally overrated!

Agree about BOB. However, as much as I like Rogan's movies, I do want to punch him through the screen when I hear that laugh too much.

 

[Socrates11]

Watched Assassination of a High School President last night based on the recommendations here. I really liked it, even though the writers went a little overboard in making every character a little 'too cool and witty'. Still the writing was tight and story moved, even though 'the twist' wasn't too hard to predict. 4/5

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The Final: Columbine meets Saw. A group of 'losers' who get picked on throughout high school plot their revenge on the 'cool' kids. What follows, is about an hour of torture and minor moral dilemmas. I'm not sure if this can be classified as a horror movie or not. You know exactly what is going to happen and there really isn't any mystery. It seemed like all they wanted the audience to do was cringe at the upcoming mutilations. As with most teen movies, the acting was pretty horrible and over the top by the 'cool' kids. The 'losers' go from being stuttering messes to sadistic killers in about 30 minutes. 2/5

 

[hooter311]

Infestation

The Mist crossed with Tremors with very poor cgi insects. Brooke Nevin is a hottie and I'm always entertained by Chris Marquette. Comparable to the best the Sci-fi channel has to offer for originals. Ray Wise is always fun to see in material like this. Could have been better with crappier puppets and less cgi, but Hollywood will never hear my complaint no matter how many times I file it. I miss 80's monster movies.

2.5/5

 

[GoFishTN]

Portman's in the new Thor. That should get her career back on track.

 

[Chaka]

I would be interested in seeing Portman in a Leon sequel. I know it would have a 99% probability of massive suckitude but just for the 1% chance that a good script is written and a solid director attached it would be worth it.

 

[saintfool]

I would be interested in seeing Portman in a Leon sequel. I know it would have a 99% probability of massive suckitude but just for the 1% chance that a good script is written and a solid director attached it would be worth it.

good call. i don't trust luc besson's work any longer after "the 5th element".

 

[Chaka]

As much as I liked this movie, I'll say that I thought Paradise Lost was better. Similar situation/story, but there are 3 kids accused of the horrible crime and because of it the case is more complicated. Watching this tonight, I was 100% sure what I believed. Although it's been a little while, I remember watching the 2 Paradise Lost movies and there was so much from both sides, I still don't know what I believe. I urge you and anybody else who likes docs to check them out and report back.

Watched Paradise Lost last night Excellent documentary.

ETA Spoiler tags.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The X Files: I Want to Believe

Fun movie. Melodramatic and cheesy, for sure. But I enjoyed it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Rumor: Quentin Tarantino to Direct ‘The Shadow’?

Briefly: Take this one as more a subject for discussion than anything else at this point, but there’s a rumor that Quentin Tarantino is in talks to direct the new movie incarnation of classic pulp crime character The Shadow.

This is a project that has been around for a while, and was passed from Sony to Fox not long ago. Sam Raimi was attached to direct for some time, and recently there was a rumor that David Slade would helm the film. (Slade denied it.) Pajiba says the film is now out for a rewrite, and that Tarantino is attached to co-write and direct.

On one hand, that seems like a difficult idea to believe, in part because Tarantino and Fox seem to go together like oil and water. But perhaps Robert Rodriguez, who seems to have found a new home at the studio, has been whispering in QT’s ear. But I could see Tarantino doing fun things with The Shadow, and as he’s talked about wanting to make a sort of period crime piece, this could be a way to do that quickly. So discuss: how does the idea of a QT Shadow sound?

 

[Socrates11]

Rumor: Quentin Tarantino to Direct ‘The Shadow’?

Briefly: Take this one as more a subject for discussion than anything else at this point, but there’s a rumor that Quentin Tarantino is in talks to direct the new movie incarnation of classic pulp crime character The Shadow.

This is a project that has been around for a while, and was passed from Sony to Fox not long ago. Sam Raimi was attached to direct for some time, and recently there was a rumor that David Slade would helm the film. (Slade denied it.) Pajiba says the film is now out for a rewrite, and that Tarantino is attached to co-write and direct.

On one hand, that seems like a difficult idea to believe, in part because Tarantino and Fox seem to go together like oil and water. But perhaps Robert Rodriguez, who seems to have found a new home at the studio, has been whispering in QT’s ear. But I could see Tarantino doing fun things with The Shadow, and as he’s talked about wanting to make a sort of period crime piece, this could be a way to do that quickly. So discuss: how does the idea of a QT Shadow sound?

 

[hooter311]

Rumor: Quentin Tarantino to Direct ‘The Shadow’?

Briefly: Take this one as more a subject for discussion than anything else at this point, but there’s a rumor that Quentin Tarantino is in talks to direct the new movie incarnation of classic pulp crime character The Shadow.

This is a project that has been around for a while, and was passed from Sony to Fox not long ago. Sam Raimi was attached to direct for some time, and recently there was a rumor that David Slade would helm the film. (Slade denied it.) Pajiba says the film is now out for a rewrite, and that Tarantino is attached to co-write and direct.

On one hand, that seems like a difficult idea to believe, in part because Tarantino and Fox seem to go together like oil and water. But perhaps Robert Rodriguez, who seems to have found a new home at the studio, has been whispering in QT’s ear. But I could see Tarantino doing fun things with The Shadow, and as he’s talked about wanting to make a sort of period crime piece, this could be a way to do that quickly. So discuss: how does the idea of a QT Shadow sound?

Is it still going to be about that stupid dagger?

 

[KarmaPolice]

As much as I liked this movie, I'll say that I thought Paradise Lost was better. Similar situation/story, but there are 3 kids accused of the horrible crime and because of it the case is more complicated. Watching this tonight, I was 100% sure what I believed. Although it's been a little while, I remember watching the 2 Paradise Lost movies and there was so much from both sides, I still don't know what I believe. I urge you and anybody else who likes docs to check them out and report back.

Watched Paradise Lost last night *** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();

Excellent documentary.

ETA Spoiler tags.

I am hazy on where I come across info, but while the doc was a little one-sided, the case is still ####ed. Part 2 to the doc is filled with more info and great scenes with Byers' dad. There are also a couple good books about the case, along with great websites with a lot of details.

Were you like me, and came away with the feeling that while the case and evidence was shady, you still don't know 100% who is guilty? It starts to eat at you that Damien talked about it, there was a confession, etc.. While I think they are innocent, it was compelling enough to make you think a little.

I think the best points are the fact that it doesn't look like the killings were done on the banks - no blood, etc.. and the weird hunting knife of Byers with supposed deer blood on it (or some type of animal)

I'll have to revist the docs again soon.



*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();Long story short, I also suggest getting Paradise Lost: Revelations.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

Sorry, lazy reading. I misread it and thought you had seen the remake.

 

[Chaka]

As much as I liked this movie, I'll say that I thought Paradise Lost was better. Similar situation/story, but there are 3 kids accused of the horrible crime and because of it the case is more complicated. Watching this tonight, I was 100% sure what I believed. Although it's been a little while, I remember watching the 2 Paradise Lost movies and there was so much from both sides, I still don't know what I believe. I urge you and anybody else who likes docs to check them out and report back.

Watched Paradise Lost last night *** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***

");document.close();

Excellent documentary.

ETA Spoiler tags.

I am hazy on where I come across info, but while the doc was a little one-sided, the case is still ####ed. Part 2 to the doc is filled with more info and great scenes with Byers' dad. There are also a couple good books about the case, along with great websites with a lot of details.

Were you like me, and came away with the feeling that while the case and evidence was shady, you still don't know 100% who is guilty? It starts to eat at you that Damien talked about it, there was a confession, etc.. While I think they are innocent, it was compelling enough to make you think a little.

I think the best points are the fact that it doesn't look like the killings were done on the banks - no blood, etc.. and the weird hunting knife of Byers with supposed deer blood on it (or some type of animal)

I'll have to revist the docs again soon.



*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();Long story short, I also suggest getting Paradise Lost: Revelations.

Is Revelations part 2? The version I have is 2.5 hours and follows everything from the initial news reports through the conclusion of the trial.
My problem is that there are two other more logical explanations for the murders. Byers step father and the mysterious black man with blood on his arms in the Bojangles bathroom where 1) the fat, lazy patrol woman didn't even investigate (she went through the drive through instead which is unbelievable) and 2) all the blood evidence was lost by the West Memphis police (equally unbelievable and unforgivable).

I understand how they believe Echols was a suspect based upon superficial aspects like being hyper-intelligent and goth. Stuff like that stands out in West Memphis, Arkansas. His attitude was a little nonchalant and I almost felt he was empowered by the documentary crew compelling him to take the stand. But being an intelligent, wiccan, cynic do not a crime conviction make. I just don't see how there is not reasonable doubt here.

Again, from what was shown, it appears that the standards of proof for a capital crime were thrown out the window IMO.

*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();

 

[hooter311]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

We had discussed earlier that I still needed to see the original TCM, but Dawn of the Dead (1978) will always be tough to beat as my favorite classic horror film. It's just plain awesome, the remake wasn't so bad either.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I would be interested in seeing Portman in a Leon sequel. I know it would have a 99% probability of massive suckitude but just for the 1% chance that a good script is written and a solid director attached it would be worth it.

good call. i don't trust luc besson's work any longer after "the 5th element".

I loved The Fifth Element when it came out, and I still love it. That movie has a ton of rewatchability. I dont think many, or any, sci-fi/action popcorn movies have been better since it was released.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

We had discussed earlier that I still needed to see the original TCM, but Dawn of the Dead (1978) will always be tough to beat as my favorite classic horror film. It's just plain awesome, the remake wasn't so bad either.

For me it's Carpenter's The Thing. Followed by The Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, An American Werewolf In London, Audition, and Deep Red.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As much as I liked this movie, I'll say that I thought Paradise Lost was better. Similar situation/story, but there are 3 kids accused of the horrible crime and because of it the case is more complicated. Watching this tonight, I was 100% sure what I believed. Although it's been a little while, I remember watching the 2 Paradise Lost movies and there was so much from both sides, I still don't know what I believe. I urge you and anybody else who likes docs to check them out and report back.

Watched Paradise Lost last night *** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***

");document.close();

Excellent documentary.

ETA Spoiler tags.

I am hazy on where I come across info, but while the doc was a little one-sided, the case is still ####ed. Part 2 to the doc is filled with more info and great scenes with Byers' dad. There are also a couple good books about the case, along with great websites with a lot of details.

Were you like me, and came away with the feeling that while the case and evidence was shady, you still don't know 100% who is guilty? It starts to eat at you that Damien talked about it, there was a confession, etc.. While I think they are innocent, it was compelling enough to make you think a little.

I think the best points are the fact that it doesn't look like the killings were done on the banks - no blood, etc.. and the weird hunting knife of Byers with supposed deer blood on it (or some type of animal)

I'll have to revist the docs again soon.



*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();Long story short, I also suggest getting Paradise Lost: Revelations.

Is Revelations part 2? The version I have is 2.5 hours and follows everything from the initial news reports through the conclusion of the trial.
My problem is that there are two other more logical explanations for the murders. Byers step father and the mysterious black man with blood on his arms in the Bojangles bathroom where 1) the fat, lazy patrol woman didn't even investigate (she went through the drive through instead which is unbelievable) and 2) all the blood evidence was lost by the West Memphis police (equally unbelievable and unforgivable).

I understand how they believe Echols was a suspect based upon superficial aspects like being hyper-intelligent and goth. Stuff like that stands out in West Memphis, Arkansas. His attitude was a little nonchalant and I almost felt he was empowered by the documentary crew compelling him to take the stand. But being an intelligent, wiccan, cynic do not a crime conviction make. I just don't see how there is not reasonable doubt here.

Again, from what was shown, it appears that the standards of proof for a capital crime were thrown out the window IMO.

*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();Didn't think it was that long, but just looked on imdb, and the first one was 150mins. Revelations was made about 4 years after the first and is over 2 hours as well. Recommend watching that one as well.

If you are a reader, Devil's Knot is the book I was thinking about. I think THIS is the site I was thinking about that had all kinds of links to documents, mistakes, etc..

 

[KarmaPolice]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

We had discussed earlier that I still needed to see the original TCM, but Dawn of the Dead (1978) will always be tough to beat as my favorite classic horror film. It's just plain awesome, the remake wasn't so bad either.

you should fix that soon.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Kick-###....I cant say it was surprisingly good because Im not sure Ive read a review that wasnt mostly positive for it, but for the type of movie it is, it is surprisingly likeable, funny, and brash, sometimes all I once. Script was excellent. I thought the kid-cussing would take up most of the laughs, but there was a good amount of other laugh worthy lines in there. To those who said Nicolas Cage didnt ruin this one, I am somewhat surprised because I thought he came off like a Cageism we've seen before a few times (which I didnt mind as I typically like him). Mark Strong has really come out of nowhere the last 5 or so years and had a lot of solid performances in good movies (RockNRolla, Body of Lies, Syriana, Sunshine, Stardust...maybe Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood, but havent seen those yet), and this one was no different. Didnt expect McLovin to sort of be a villain, and thought he would end up on Kick-A's side. I cant put my finger on it, but something about this movie makes you like it even more than you should, and trust me, you should....8/10

Sequel?

 

[Musesboy]

As Good As It Gets 5/5

It's not often that a romantic comedy gets Oscar consideration. This was nominated for seven, with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt winning.

It works because everything comes together. The script is smart, without being insulting to the audience. The acting is superb with Nicholson, Hunt, Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. all on top form.

Nicholson plays a dysfunctional author with OCD and a whole lot of prejudices. He doesn't think much of people in general and despises his homosexual neighbor (Kinnear). Hunt's character saves him and makes him take stock of his miserable life.

The interplay between the the three main characters is excellent. You end up feeling sorry for all three and then hopeful. These are people to care about.

It's currently No. 28 on my all-time list. I'm hard to please when it comes to comedy. Basically, I don't like any of the dumb stuff that's forced down our throats. I find that comedy works best when it's inserted into dramas. This is one of those occasions.

One of my favorite lines in any movie of any genre happens to be in this movie:

A: I just think of a man and take away all reason and accountability

*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();I'm not sure that Nicholson, Hunt and Kinnear have done better work than this, and that's saying a lot.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

We had discussed earlier that I still needed to see the original TCM, but Dawn of the Dead (1978) will always be tough to beat as my favorite classic horror film. It's just plain awesome, the remake wasn't so bad either.

For me it's Carpenter's The Thing. Followed by The Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, An American Werewolf In London, Audition, and Deep Red.

I'll have to check out Deep Red. Love the pace and tension of The Thing, but the cheesy FX bring it down a little for me watching it now. My list would start off with the standards - TCM, Halloween, Exorcist

 

[Kenny Powers]

I'm not sure that Nicholson, Hunt and Kinnear have done better work than this, and that's saying a lot.

Kinnear, probably not. I dont remember Hunt's character much from this, but she was very good in Pay It Forward.Nicholson, he's done better at least a half dozen times

 

[Musesboy]

I dont remember Hunt's character much from this, but she was very good in Pay It Forward.

Yes, she certainly was.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Last night was The Hills Have Eyes (original '77 version).

Wes Craven's 2nd movie about a family stuck in the desert with a pack of cannibals after them. How could that go wrong? Well, it does. I know it's probably not fair to compare it to other iconic horror movies of the time, but that's what I did. It seemed to fall flat right in the middle of the grittiness of TCM (still my favorite horror movie) and the campiness of movies to come such as Friday the 13th. Sadly, I would probably watch the remakes that were done a few years back again before watching this one again. It's one thing for a horror movie to be cheesy, but it's another when it seems to be trying to scare you and comes off being cheesy.

Man, I am so tired of modern horror films. Maybe Guillermo Del Toro can set this ship on the right course.

1977 is modern?

We had discussed earlier that I still needed to see the original TCM, but Dawn of the Dead (1978) will always be tough to beat as my favorite classic horror film. It's just plain awesome, the remake wasn't so bad either.

you should fix that soon.

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is awesome.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Kick-###....I cant say it was surprisingly good because Im not sure Ive read a review that wasnt mostly positive for it, but for the type of movie it is, it is surprisingly likeable, funny, and brash, sometimes all I once. Script was excellent. I thought the kid-cussing would take up most of the laughs, but there was a good amount of other laugh worthy lines in there. To those who said Nicolas Cage didnt ruin this one, I am somewhat surprised because I thought he came off like a Cageism we've seen before a few times (which I didnt mind as I typically like him). Mark Strong has really come out of nowhere the last 5 or so years and had a lot of solid performances in good movies (RockNRolla, Body of Lies, Syriana, Sunshine, Stardust...maybe Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood, but havent seen those yet), and this one was no different. Didnt expect McLovin to sort of be a villain, and thought he would end up on Kick-A's side. I cant put my finger on it, but something about this movie makes you like it even more than you should, and trust me, you should....8/10

Sequel?

I saw it with low expectations and I really enjoyed it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

For me it's Carpenter's The Thing. Followed by The Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, An American Werewolf In London, Audition, and Deep Red.

I'll have to check out Deep Red. Love the pace and tension of The Thing, but the cheesy FX bring it down a little for me watching it now. My list would start off with the standards - TCM, Halloween, Exorcist

Deep Red is trashy, like all Argento movies. But it scared the hell out of me.

 

[Bojang0301]

Kick-###....I cant say it was surprisingly good because Im not sure Ive read a review that wasnt mostly positive for it, but for the type of movie it is, it is surprisingly likeable, funny, and brash, sometimes all I once. Script was excellent. I thought the kid-cussing would take up most of the laughs, but there was a good amount of other laugh worthy lines in there. To those who said Nicolas Cage didnt ruin this one, I am somewhat surprised because I thought he came off like a Cageism we've seen before a few times (which I didnt mind as I typically like him). Mark Strong has really come out of nowhere the last 5 or so years and had a lot of solid performances in good movies (RockNRolla, Body of Lies, Syriana, Sunshine, Stardust...maybe Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood, but havent seen those yet), and this one was no different. Didnt expect McLovin to sort of be a villain, and thought he would end up on Kick-A's side. I cant put my finger on it, but something about this movie makes you like it even more than you should, and trust me, you should....8/10

Sequel?

Already in the works.

 

[Bojang0301]

Bubba Hotep - Not many B movies get made anymore so this was a pleasant little surprise. Bruce Campbell rocks as always. Not much to it but keeping it simple makes it work. Nothing earth shattering but I see why it has a following. Gives nerdy Elvis fans the heroic ending that his legacy rightly or wrongly deserved in an off the wall gimmicky manner. Fine by me.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Tonight I watched Goodfellas:

I will get flamed again for posting it, but I think this is a good but not great movie. For me it has a couple things working against it:

1. Don't love mob movies. All the characters are the same, and there is never one that I give a damn about in these movies. Hard to watch a 2.5hr movie when that's the case.

2. I love watching Marty's movies for the camera work, but I usually end up thinking the acting is subpar. He has great style and makes cool looking movies but doesn't seem to get the performances I would expect from a director who is considered a legend. Liotta and his wife came off as cheesy to me. There were a couple other scenes that grated on me a little bit.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's a bad movie, but I have always thought it's overrated. It's cool and has some good quotes, but I guess I've never understood the draw towards mob movies and TV shows.

 

[KarmaPolice]

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is awesome.

I feel the need to shower every time I watch the movie. I remember the first time I saw the movie and Leatherface's first appearance - just about soiled myself.

 

[KarmaPolice]

For me it's Carpenter's The Thing. Followed by The Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, An American Werewolf In London, Audition, and Deep Red.

I'll have to check out Deep Red. Love the pace and tension of The Thing, but the cheesy FX bring it down a little for me watching it now. My list would start off with the standards - TCM, Halloween, Exorcist

Deep Red is trashy, like all Argento movies. But it scared the hell out of me.

I still haven't seen an Argento movie, but I will fix that soon. Would you say that's the best place to start, or should I watch another one of his first?

 

[Mr. Mojo]

As Good As It Gets 5/5

It's not often that a romantic comedy gets Oscar consideration. This was nominated for seven, with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt winning.

It works because everything comes together. The script is smart, without being insulting to the audience. The acting is superb with Nicholson, Hunt, Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. all on top form.

Nicholson plays a dysfunctional author with OCD and a whole lot of prejudices. He doesn't think much of people in general and despises his homosexual neighbor (Kinnear). Hunt's character saves him and makes him take stock of his miserable life.

The interplay between the the three main characters is excellent. You end up feeling sorry for all three and then hopeful. These are people to care about.

It's currently No. 28 on my all-time list. I'm hard to please when it comes to comedy. Basically, I don't like any of the dumb stuff that's forced down our throats. I find that comedy works best when it's inserted into dramas. This is one of those occasions.

One of my favorite lines in any movie of any genre happens to be in this movie:

A: I just think of a man and take away all reason and accountability
*** SPOILER ALERT! Click this link to display the potential spoiler text in this box. ***");document.close();

I'm not sure that Nicholson, Hunt and Kinnear have done better work than this, and that's saying a lot.

I thought it was obscenely overrated. The fact that an old, mean, weird guy like Nicholson would end up with Hunt was absurd. The Kinnear character was sympathetic at first and then became too Woody Allen wimpy to care about.

 

[Iraqi Information Minister]

Tonight I watched Goodfellas:

I will get flamed again for posting it, but I think this is a good but not great movie.

...

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's a bad movie, but I have always thought it's overrated. It's cool and has some good quotes, but I guess I've never understood the draw towards mob movies and TV shows.

 

[saintfool]

I thought it was obscenely overrated. The fact that an old, mean, weird guy like Nicholson would end up with Hunt was absurd. The Kinnear character was sympathetic at first and then became too Woody Allen wimpy to care about.

i have to agree with you on this. the writing/story was pretty weak to begin with but the acting was very TV movie of the week. i have a love-hate thing with nicholson. he's usually so over the top that it borders on parody. his best work comes about in his less popular films like "about schmidt", "the pledge" and "the border".

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Tonight I watched Goodfellas:

I will get flamed again for posting it, but I think this is a good but not great movie.

...

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's a bad movie, but I have always thought it's overrated. It's cool and has some good quotes, but I guess I've never understood the draw towards mob movies and TV shows.

Have always thought it was overrated as well. The wife likes it for some reason, and always stops on it when it is on and she has the remote. I always say "Not this #### again".

I thought it was obscenely overrated. The fact that an old, mean, weird guy like Nicholson would end up with Hunt was absurd. The Kinnear character was sympathetic at first and then became too Woody Allen wimpy to care about.

i have to agree with you on this. the writing/story was pretty weak to begin with but the acting was very TV movie of the week. i have a love-hate thing with nicholson. he's usually so over the top that it borders on parody. his best work comes about in his less popular films like "about schmidt", "the pledge" and "the border".

*coughtheshiningcough*

 

[Socrates11]

For the animation/comic geeks

Picked up Batman:Under the Red Hood because my 6 year old is into superheros and loves everything Batman. Then I noticed it was rated PG-13, so I thought I'd better check it out first before I let him watch. Good thing I did. This movie is violent. Holy crap. Batman doesn't kill (of course), but that doesn't stop everyone else from doing so. While you don't see the gore happen, you get some after effects. And scenes with the Joker? I think I'm going to wait another year or two before letting my son watch. He's familiar with death, etc, but I'm still trying to keep his exposure to brutal violence to a minimum.

As for the movie itself: all kinds of awesome. Good story, great action, execellent animation. Just top notch from start to finish. I don't know if the story was first a comic/graphic novel, but I remember the 'Death in the Family' books from way back, dealing with the brutal murder of the second Robin, and this movie starts off with that sequence.

4.5/5