Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (9 Viewers)

[Andy Dufresne]

it seems pretty easy to agree that Polanski is a scumbag, but it's not because he broke a law. if it was somehow legal to do what he did, he'd still be a scumbag. and I imagine there are plenty of other laws that people can break which wouldn't influence your opinion of their movies much at all.

I'm not sure what you're saying. I'm not so down on Polanski because he broke the law as I am because of the law he broke.

but you pointed out the "legality" of racism as a reason why that doesn't bother you as much. Just seemed an odd choice of reasoning to back up your claim that you didn't want to support Polanski. My only point was the legality of either action was kind of besides the point, as you've admitted with your stance on drug users, etc. I don't think we're disagreeing.

Gotcha.

 

[Chaka]

Just watched Babel, looks like I am in the minority here. Even heavy hitters like krista and karma police didn't seem to like this one. It worked for me on many levels, and I found Rinko Kikuchi's performance to be particularly compelling. The story is certainly not without flaws (the border incident chief among them) but I found myself caring about the plight of pretty much every character in the movie.

Seemingly disconnected story lines seems to be the primary stomping ground for Alejandro Inarritu but after Amores Perros, 21 grams and Babel I can't fault him for it. He works the genre to great effect and IMO captures a deeper, and often more subtle emotional resonance from his characters. Inarritu has pretty much become a must watch director for me.

FWIW I thought Babel was worlds better than Crash (a movie it was compared to in this thread) which hit you over the head with a patently unbelievable story and a message that was as subtle as a fart in church. Babel is far more subtle, nuanced and enjoyable to watch IMO.

 

[hooter311]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Too few people get the reference when I use "Once again, we are defeated."

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Just watched Babel, looks like I am in the minority here. Even heavy hitters like krista and karma police didn't seem to like this one. It worked for me on many levels, and I found Rinko Kikuchi's performance to be particularly compelling. The story is certainly not without flaws (the border incident chief among them) but I found myself caring about the plight of pretty much every character in the movie.Seemingly disconnected story lines seems to be the primary stomping ground for Alejandro Inarritu but after Amores Perros, 21 grams and Babel I can't fault him for it. He works the genre to great effect and IMO captures a deeper, and often more subtle emotional resonance from his characters. Inarritu has pretty much become a must watch director for me.FWIW I thought Babel was worlds better than Crash (a movie it was compared to in this thread) which hit you over the head with a patently unbelievable story and a message that was as subtle as a fart in church. Babel is far more subtle, nuanced and enjoyable to watch IMO.

I agree with your take.

 

[saintfool]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

i know this is a kind of blasphemy but i don't much care for "7S". i am comfortable with older films and certainly kirosawa's work. this film just didn't do much of anything for me.

 

[hooter311]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

i know this is a kind of blasphemy but i don't much care for "7S". i am comfortable with older films and certainly kirosawa's work. this film just didn't do much of anything for me.

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

 

[saintfool]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

 

[Andy Dufresne]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

I think Thin Red Line is an in-joke by Malik as in it's the slit on your wrists that you're sure to do out of boredom from watching his film (and the absurdity of Nick Nolte's performance).

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Thin Red Line is awesome, FWIW

 

[hooter311]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

Not a priority for me either, but I sit down and read the Art of War like 4 times a year, so I have a soft spot.

 

[hooter311]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

I think Thin Red Line is an in-joke by Malik as in it's the slit on your wrists that you're sure to do out of boredom from watching his film (and the absurdity of Nick Nolte's performance).

Disagree, but People either really love, or really hate this film. Malick's stream of consciousness style is detracting to a lot of viewers, but I thought this was miles better than Saving Private Ryan.ETA: Call me crazy but I've always been hopeful to watch the 5 hour version some day.From Wikipedia:Reportedly, the first assembled cut took seven months to edit and ran five hours. By the final cut, all footage of the performances by Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Sheen, Gary Oldman, Bill Pullman, Lukas Haas, Viggo Mortensen and Mickey Rourke had been removed.

 

[saintfool]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

I think Thin Red Line is an in-joke by Malik as in it's the slit on your wrists that you're sure to do out of boredom from watching his film (and the absurdity of Nick Nolte's performance).

while i was expecting more from malick and the film, it was still enjoyable to me. i wish i could have said the same thing about "the new world". still, he has a masterpiece in "days of heaven" and a very fine "badlands".

 

[jdoggydogg]

I thought Babel was worlds better than Crash

That's not saying much.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Haven't watched this for years. But my enduring memory of this movie (and many of my favorite classic cinema) is the use of prolonged scenes with silence. This is a device that has nearly disappeared in modern movies.

 

[jdoggydogg]

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

i don't watch films to learn military strategy but, on a related note, i really love malick and enjoyed "thin red line".

I think Thin Red Line is an in-joke by Malik as in it's the slit on your wrists that you're sure to do out of boredom from watching his film (and the absurdity of Nick Nolte's performance).

while i was expecting more from malick and the film, it was still enjoyable to me. i wish i could have said the same thing about "the new world". still, he has a masterpiece in "days of heaven" and a very fine "badlands".

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Haven't watched this for years. But my enduring memory of this movie (and many of my favorite classic cinema) is the use of prolonged scenes with silence. This is a device that has nearly disappeared in modern movies.

I love the film, but I completely understand how most people would find it incredibly boring. As a huge fan of samurai movies to begin with, plus being a lover of cinematic technique, I find it engrossing and flawlessly perfect............but I would never get mad at anyone if it wasn't their cup of tea.

 

[saintfool]

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

you're just being contrary. without question, "Days of Heaven" is far and away his best film. he somehow manages to coax a decent performance out of richard gere. "new world" has the heart of "days of heaven" but the madness of "thin red line".

 

[saintfool]

I love the film, but I completely understand how most people would find it incredibly boring. As a huge fan of samurai movies to begin with, plus being a lover of cinematic technique, I find it engrossing and flawlessly perfect............but I would never get mad at anyone if it wasn't their cup of tea.

watching the film, i thought to myself "this films needs sonny chiba and a helluva lot more of mifune..."

 

[jdoggydogg]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Haven't watched this for years. But my enduring memory of this movie (and many of my favorite classic cinema) is the use of prolonged scenes with silence. This is a device that has nearly disappeared in modern movies.

I love the film, but I completely understand how most people would find it incredibly boring. As a huge fan of samurai movies to begin with, plus being a lover of cinematic technique, I find it engrossing and flawlessly perfect............but I would never get mad at anyone if it wasn't their cup of tea.

Kurosawa's movies are a little weird, so I can see why some people wouldn't dig them.

 

[hooter311]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Haven't watched this for years. But my enduring memory of this movie (and many of my favorite classic cinema) is the use of prolonged scenes with silence. This is a device that has nearly disappeared in modern movies.

Agreed. Especially like that these scenes of deep mental contemplation also usually end with a chuckle from everyone involved. Gotta love the samurai mindset.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

you're just being contrary. without question, "Days of Heaven" is far and away his best film. he somehow manages to coax a decent performance out of richard gere. "new world" has the heart of "days of heaven" but the madness of "thin red line".

Days of Heaven is far and away his best film according to you. I liked it, didn't love it. I'm not being contrary to play a game. The critical consensus isn't a template on which we should be basing our opinions.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

Haven't watched this for years. But my enduring memory of this movie (and many of my favorite classic cinema) is the use of prolonged scenes with silence. This is a device that has nearly disappeared in modern movies.

Agreed. Especially like that these scenes of deep mental contemplation also usually end with a chuckle from everyone involved. Gotta love the samurai mindset.

My mom took me to this movie when I was 10 years old and I loved it. When my step mom said she'd never heard of Toshiro Mifune, I said, "You've never heard of Toshiro Mifune?!!" My mom said, "You just found out about him yesterday, dear."

 

[saintfool]

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

you're just being contrary. without question, "Days of Heaven" is far and away his best film. he somehow manages to coax a decent performance out of richard gere. "new world" has the heart of "days of heaven" but the madness of "thin red line".

Days of Heaven is far and away his best film according to you. I liked it, didn't love it. I'm not being contrary to play a game. The critical consensus isn't a template on which we should be basing our opinions.

um, i said "days of heaven" is his best film and that stands.:malickexpertcineaste:

 

[jdoggydogg]

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

you're just being contrary. without question, "Days of Heaven" is far and away his best film. he somehow manages to coax a decent performance out of richard gere. "new world" has the heart of "days of heaven" but the madness of "thin red line".

Days of Heaven is far and away his best film according to you. I liked it, didn't love it. I'm not being contrary to play a game. The critical consensus isn't a template on which we should be basing our opinions.

um, i said "days of heaven" is his best film and that stands.:malickexpertcineaste:

Yes, your opinion that it's his best film stands.

 

[saintfool]

Days of Heaven was fine, but I preferred The New World.

you're just being contrary. without question, "Days of Heaven" is far and away his best film. he somehow manages to coax a decent performance out of richard gere. "new world" has the heart of "days of heaven" but the madness of "thin red line".

Days of Heaven is far and away his best film according to you. I liked it, didn't love it. I'm not being contrary to play a game. The critical consensus isn't a template on which we should be basing our opinions.

um, i said "days of heaven" is his best film and that stands.:malickexpertcineaste:

Yes, your opinion that it's his best film stands.

 

[jdoggydogg]

No you don't.

 

[Chaka]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

i know this is a kind of blasphemy but i don't much care for "7S". i am comfortable with older films and certainly kirosawa's work. this film just didn't do much of anything for me.

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

 

[Chaka]

I thought Babel was worlds better than Crash

That's not saying much.

I guess I walked into that one.Let me rephrase, I think Babel earned it's best picture nomination. Crash's was a travashamockery.

 

[hooter311]

Seven Samurai

A great cinematic achievement, but it can be kind of a chore to watch. It seems like the longest film ever made even though it's only 3 1/2 hours. Great story though and I love the way the battle strategy is planned and staged. Too many Samurai, 5 would have been easier to keep track of. Possibly one of the most satisfying endings in film history and rock solid all the way through. Cinematography is unparalleled, you could take any shot in this film and frame it. Really wish it would have ended with the line "Once again, we survive." Chilling.

5/5

i know this is a kind of blasphemy but i don't much care for "7S". i am comfortable with older films and certainly kirosawa's work. this film just didn't do much of anything for me.

It is the best example of military strategy on film I've seen, Thin Red Line being 2nd. But it's easier to appreciate than it is to enjoy.

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

It's on my list, thanks!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

It's on my list, thanks!

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[hooter311]

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

It's on my list, thanks!

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

It's John Woo too, right?

 

[Abraham]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I thought Babel was worlds better than Crash

That's not saying much.

I guess I walked into that one.Let me rephrase, I think Babel earned it's best picture nomination. Crash's was a travashamockery.

Just giving you a hard time

 

[saintfool]

It's John Woo too, right?

is it wrong that i always picture this guy when i think of john woo?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

This movie gets a lot of negative reviews. I enjoyed it. I think Judge will be forever harshly judged due to his monster success with Office Space.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

It's on my list, thanks!

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

It's John Woo too, right?

Yes, but more subdued and not shticky like Face/Off or Broken Arrow.Although if I remember right there are doves.

 

[Drifter]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

This movie gets a lot of negative reviews. I enjoyed it. I think Judge will be forever harshly judged due to his monster success with Office Space.

I thought this movie had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I barely cracked a smile in a couple of places.

 

[hooter311]

It's John Woo too, right?

is it wrong that i always picture this guy when i think of john woo?

I hear the name John Woo and the first thing I think of is Chow Yun Fat with a toothpick in his mouth stomping that bird cage and blowing away about 90 people in the restaurant.

and doves, lots and lots of doves.

 

[hooter311]

Watch Red Cliff. The full version.

It's on my list, thanks!

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

It's John Woo too, right?

Yes, but more subdued and not shticky like Face/Off or Broken Arrow.Although if I remember right there are doves.

I have a soft spot for Woo either American or Foreign. I don't know if he was just trying too hard to appeal to our culture or what the deal was when he was here.

 

[saintfool]

It's John Woo too, right?

is it wrong that i always picture this guy when i think of john woo?

I hear the name John Woo and the first thing I think of is Chow Yun Fat with a toothpick in his mouth stomping that bird cage and blowing away about 90 people in the restaurant.

and doves, lots and lots of doves.

 

[Kenny Powers]

ETA: Call me crazy but I've always been hopeful to watch the 5 hour version some day.From Wikipedia:Reportedly, the first assembled cut took seven months to edit and ran five hours. By the final cut, all footage of the performances by Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Sheen, Gary Oldman, Bill Pullman, Lukas Haas, Viggo Mortensen and Mickey Rourke had been removed.

whoa

 

[Kenny Powers]

It's John Woo too, right?

is it wrong that i always picture this guy when i think of john woo?

I hear the name John Woo and the first thing I think of is Chow Yun Fat with a toothpick in his mouth stomping that bird cage and blowing away about 90 people in the restaurant.

and doves, lots and lots of doves.

I thought that pic was going to be Chow Yun Fat too

 

[Musesboy]

Harry Brown 3.5/5

As a fan of Michael Caine, I wanted to check this out. Quite a realistic portrayal of the social problems in the UK and one of the reasons I moved to Canada. Caine was excellent as always. It's a very gritty subject, so I can't say it's exactly enjoyable to watch. Good stuff though.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Michael Collins

Entertaining biopic about the Irish revolutionary starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman, and Julia Roberts. Good stuff.

 

[offdee]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

This movie gets a lot of negative reviews. I enjoyed it. I think Judge will be forever harshly judged due to his monster success with Office Space.

I thought this movie had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I barely cracked a smile in a couple of places.

Agreed, I don't get the love for this movie. Only thing I enjoyed was the annoying neighbor.

 

[Glaven]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

This movie gets a lot of negative reviews. I enjoyed it. I think Judge will be forever harshly judged due to his monster success with Office Space.

I thought this movie had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I barely cracked a smile in a couple of places.

Agreed, I don't get the love for this movie. Only thing I enjoyed was the annoying neighbor.

Who is giving Extract any love? I'm pretty sure the large majority in this thread is panning it and the large majority of critics are also panning it.

 

[Bojang0301]

Watched The Thin Red Line after the earlier debate and being a fan of Malick's work that I have seen. What a spectacular movie. Malick is like poetry in motion. He paints a beautiful portrait with the landscapes being the focus of a movie centered around life, death and the torture of war. The only thing I didn't care for was actually what some might consider it's strength: the cast. I think having such star power in small roles really detracted from the core of the message. Some of the players weren't as big then as they became later on though so it may just be a product of when I'm seeing it.

 

[Drifter]

Watched "Extract" the other day. Excellent movie. Smart and funny. Highly recommended.

This movie gets a lot of negative reviews. I enjoyed it. I think Judge will be forever harshly judged due to his monster success with Office Space.

I thought this movie had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I barely cracked a smile in a couple of places.

Agreed, I don't get the love for this movie. Only thing I enjoyed was the annoying neighbor.

Who is giving Extract any love? I'm pretty sure the large majority in this thread is panning it and the large majority of critics are also panning it.

Odd that you would ask that question given the first block of quoted text.

 

[Drifter]

I watched Nine last night. Very nice, very original movie. I was pleasantly surprised although I did not love the ending