Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (3 Viewers)

[hooter311]

The Orphanage

I am about 3/4 through this movie, and it's scaring the #### out of me.

Love it. I think The Orphanage is so outstanding, it's a microcosm for everything that is bad about most modern horror movies. The Orphanage plays on similar themes we've seen over the last 10 years (ghosts, etc.). But unlike most modern horror, it takes time to build characters we care about. And most importantly, gore isn't used in lieu of real terror.

Outstanding movie. Can't wait to finish it.

The more I think about it, the more I think it's the best horror movie of the 00s.

I've come to pretty much the same conclusion.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Orphanage

I am about 3/4 through this movie, and it's scaring the #### out of me.

Love it. I think The Orphanage is so outstanding, it's a microcosm for everything that is bad about most modern horror movies. The Orphanage plays on similar themes we've seen over the last 10 years (ghosts, etc.). But unlike most modern horror, it takes time to build characters we care about. And most importantly, gore isn't used in lieu of real terror.

Outstanding movie. Can't wait to finish it.

The more I think about it, the more I think it's the best horror movie of the 00s.

I've come to pretty much the same conclusion.

It might be the best movie of the 00's PERIOD.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Orphanage

I am about 3/4 through this movie, and it's scaring the #### out of me.

Love it. I think The Orphanage is so outstanding, it's a microcosm for everything that is bad about most modern horror movies. The Orphanage plays on similar themes we've seen over the last 10 years (ghosts, etc.). But unlike most modern horror, it takes time to build characters we care about. And most importantly, gore isn't used in lieu of real terror.

Outstanding movie. Can't wait to finish it.

The more I think about it, the more I think it's the best horror movie of the 00s.

I can't disagree.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Cyrus:

This movie really did have potential. Jonah Hill played the creepy kid part perfectly. However, it just felt like the writers were holding back. There was a great dynamic between Hill and Reily, but they didn't really spend any time with them ####### with each other - it was seemingly the last couple minutes of the movie. Was OK, but could've been great if they let loose a bit more. 6/10.

Grown Ups:

This coming from a person who laughs at most of Sandler's movies - I think I felt myself losing IQ points watching this. Basically just 100mins of one liners and fart jokes. I'll admit that I laughed a couple times, but it doesn't make up for the rest of the 98mins. 3/10.

 

[Chaka]

Mother (2009)

Saw this on a 'best of' list and decided to check it out. I am very happy I did.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Two movies:

The Namesake

I would probably have never heard of this movie. But Iffran Khan was so outstanding on the HBO series "In Treatment," we had to see more of his work. This is a very genuine, thoughtful movie about an Indian family's new life in America. Worth a rental, for sure.

Christmas Story

No, not the loud movie about the kid that wants a BB gun. This is a little movie about the origins of Santa. The dubbing is pretty bad, and the few special effects are pretty weak. But don't miss this movie - particularly if you have kids. This is a genuine, sweet, heartwarming movie that made me tear up several times. Highly recommended - especially for the incredible shots of Finland.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

The Invention of Lying.

I found it clever and entertaining enough but even though the premise is clever, the execution is frequently lacking. Good for a few laughs but ultimately I am a little disappointed because I thought it could have become much more.

Also I completely understand why many are put off with the direction the film decided to go. Didn't bother me too much but I can get why it would bother many others.
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I agree the movie was flawed, although it did make me laugh out loud several times. That alone is enough reason for me to recommend the movie.I won't argue with that I appreciated it's creativity and there were definitely some good laughs.I've had this DVR'd since the end of the summer and finally saw it.

I agree with Chaka regarding the execution of the plot. Gervais had a very good premise but did not seem to know how to carry it through.

Garner's about-face at the end was disingenuous, and only occurred so the movie could end.

 

[TylerRoseFan]

Rocky Balboa

All of the Rocky movies are the same. This one was in line w/ the rest. I doubted it would be worth a crap...just as I did for all of the others. Then came the "rocky moment". We all know it. We all wait for it. We all love it. Yes, this is a great flick. I'm a better man for watching it.

Yes, I over did the review. I did, however, enjoy watching it.

3/5.

 

[Chaka]

Rocky Balboa

All of the Rocky movies are the same. This one was in line w/ the rest. I doubted it would be worth a crap...just as I did for all of the others. Then came the "rocky moment". We all know it. We all wait for it. We all love it. Yes, this is a great flick. I'm a better man for watching it.

Yes, I over did the review. I did, however, enjoy watching it.

3/5.

Disagree. The first was an incredibly well done film on every level. Rocky II was enjoyable but it is where the franchise started becoming a commercial enterprise. Rocky III was fun from a "I want to see some action" perspective, which it delivered, but everything after that was total garbage. But the original Rocky was a phenomenal film and should not be dismissed, nor categorized with the others in the franchise.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Rocky Balboa

All of the Rocky movies are the same. This one was in line w/ the rest. I doubted it would be worth a crap...just as I did for all of the others. Then came the "rocky moment". We all know it. We all wait for it. We all love it. Yes, this is a great flick. I'm a better man for watching it.

Yes, I over did the review. I did, however, enjoy watching it.

3/5.

Disagree. The first was an incredibly well done film on every level. Rocky II was enjoyable but it is where the franchise started becoming a commercial enterprise. Rocky III was fun from a "I want to see some action" perspective, which it delivered, but everything after that was total garbage. But the original Rocky was a phenomenal film and should not be dismissed, nor categorized with the others in the franchise.

So who you got today, even money, street fight but nothing on the ground: Stallone vs Drago??

 

[krista4]

The Namesake

I would probably have never heard of this movie. But Iffran Khan was so outstanding on the HBO series "In Treatment," we had to see more of his work. This is a very genuine, thoughtful movie about an Indian family's new life in America. Worth a rental, for sure.

Oh, you've heard of it.

The Namesake: I'm a big fan of the "traditional Indian/Pakistani/Middle Eastern immigrants dealing with their more modern, westernized children" genre, and I was very interested in seeing the well-reviewed performance of Kal Penn (from Harold & Kumar) in this movie. The cinematography of this one is amazing, and the last few scenes were so powerful as to make the movie one I'd definitely recommend. On the other hand, this story has been done better in many other movies. Penn's performance was interesting but a little bit of a caricature IMO. In any case, a good movie if you like the type. (4/5)

I seem to remember discussing it with saintfool and someone else(?), too.As mentioned earlier in the thread, Mr. krista4 and I were exchanging "movies you must watch" over the holiday season. Thus far I've had him watch Double Indemnity, 13 Tzameti, and Children of Heaven.

On his side, he's had me watch Bad Day at Black Rock: Great performance by Spencer Tracy, and an outstanding screenplay that blended Western and Noir, with a fair amount of comedy thrown into the dialogue. Fun movie. 4/5

I also recently watched Fermat's Room, a Spanish movie I'd never heard of but was on Sundance and the description sounded interesting. Four mathematicians are stuck in a room that gets smaller unless they solve math riddles (or in the movie they call them "enigmas"). It turns into kind of a mystery/thriller movie with plenty of twists and turns. Really interesting, especially if like me you're a math . Only complaint is that some of the music and cinematography seemed a bit campy. 4/5

 

[BigTex]

Salt: I love this movie

Black Swan: Why Lord................WHY??????

True Grit: Outstanding

Unstoppable: I think I've seen this movie several times before just under different names.

Tourist: Well written movie.

Unthinkable: good movie.

 

[TylerRoseFan]

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Great cast. Great effects. I like the retro Flash Gordon feel. Very interesting idea. Unfortunately it sucked. It was boring. The script was terrible. It fell apart in sooooo many aspects. I kept hoping it would get better.....but IT NEVER DID!!!

1/5

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Namesake

I would probably have never heard of this movie. But Iffran Khan was so outstanding on the HBO series "In Treatment," we had to see more of his work. This is a very genuine, thoughtful movie about an Indian family's new life in America. Worth a rental, for sure.

Oh, you've heard of it.

The Namesake: I'm a big fan of the "traditional Indian/Pakistani/Middle Eastern immigrants dealing with their more modern, westernized children" genre, and I was very interested in seeing the well-reviewed performance of Kal Penn (from Harold & Kumar) in this movie. The cinematography of this one is amazing, and the last few scenes were so powerful as to make the movie one I'd definitely recommend. On the other hand, this story has been done better in many other movies. Penn's performance was interesting but a little bit of a caricature IMO. In any case, a good movie if you like the type. (4/5)

Sweet. That pretty much sums it up.

 

[RudiStein]

I watched Easy A. Pretty good modern take on the Scarlet Letter.

Watched this last night. Very entertaining.

 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Bullitt - 5/10

Just another pre-blockbuster era police drama snoozefest. With far too little Jacqueline Bissett.

The car chase was pretty cool.

Aside from the famous car chase, I found this movie to be very overrated.

Very disappointed. Even in the car chase.

 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Moon

I dig science fiction. This was right down my alley. Strong sense of loneliness. Well developed. Good twist in the end. Nicely wrapped up in the end. I liked the differences in the two main characters and how they handled adversity. Well done.

I definitely recommend it. Mrs TRF is not a big scifi fan, but she enjoyed it. 4/5

Right on, I really liked that movie. Sam Rockwell should've at least been nominated for an Oscar for it, IMO. Happy that David Bowie's kid is also awesome.

 

[Bob Lee Swagger]

Mother (2009)

Saw this on a 'best of' list and decided to check it out. I am very happy I did.

I'd been searching in this thread for a mention of it to no avail (I'm probably just bad at searching, but whatever). This is probably my favorite movie since There Will be Blood. I loved almost everything about it. Maybe it got a little bit unrealistic toward the end, but I think the film did a nice job of setting up how/why the mother would/could do what she did. Yoon's hothead friend made me want to cringe a little, but overall I think he was a decently written character that the actor handled as best he could (why were they even friends at all? I saw it a while ago so that explanation might have slipped my mind).

Absolutely loved Yoon and Mother, and loved the whole plot. The tone and action were unlike so many modern American films in the best way. How refereshing it was to watch not a whole lot happen for 2 hours and still be captivated the whole time.

I loved the ending. Don't know how else it could've happened.

 

[mr. furley]

The American

don't bother

 

[TylerRoseFan]

Can anyone give me your quick review of Southland Tales? I'm interested in watching it, but don't want another clunker like Sky Captain.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The American

don't bother

I liked it

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Two Lovers

I couldn't tell if Joaquin Phoenix was playing his role as someone with clinical depression or someone with Asperger's Syndrome.

He went through the entire movie with a stupefied look on his face.

Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty good as the skittish, drug addled love interest.

 

[whodeywhodey]

I watched Easy A. Pretty good modern take on the Scarlet Letter.

Watched this last night. Very entertaining.

really???This was the worst movie i have seen in a long long time. I am still mad at my wife for picking this one.0.5 / 5

 

[saintfool]

The American

don't bother

I liked it

me too. it wasn't the best but it was interesting enough.watched "cold souls" the other night with paul giammati and really liked it. it was alternately funny and thoughtful. giammatti can be an acquired taste for some but he's really fine in this. not many other actors do what he can on the screen especially with a juicy role like this.

 

[TylerRoseFan]

The American

don't bother

I liked it

me too. it wasn't the best but it was interesting enough.watched "cold souls" the other night with paul giammati and really liked it. it was alternately funny and thoughtful. giammatti can be an acquired taste for some but he's really fine in this. not many other actors do what he can on the screen especially with a juicy role like this.

I love Giammati. I can't think of a role he's played that wasn't believable. He's probably one of my favorite actors.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Two Lovers

I couldn't tell if Joaquin Phoenix was playing his role as someone with clinical depression or someone with Asperger's Syndrome.

He went through the entire movie with a stupefied look on his face.

Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty good as the skittish, drug addled love interest.

Yeah, that movie had problems.

 

[Chaka]

Mother (2009)

Saw this on a 'best of' list and decided to check it out. I am very happy I did.

<_< I'd been searching in this thread for a mention of it to no avail (I'm probably just bad at searching, but whatever). This is probably my favorite movie since There Will be Blood. I loved almost everything about it. Maybe it got a little bit unrealistic toward the end, but I think the film did a nice job of setting up how/why the mother would/could do what she did. Yoon's hothead friend made me want to cringe a little, but overall I think he was a decently written character that the actor handled as best he could (why were they even friends at all? I saw it a while ago so that explanation might have slipped my mind).

Absolutely loved Yoon and Mother, and loved the whole plot. The tone and action were unlike so many modern American films in the best way. How refereshing it was to watch not a whole lot happen for 2 hours and still be captivated the whole time.

I loved the ending. Don't know how else it could've happened.

Yes it definitely is one of the best films I have seen this year. I thought the acting of both mother and Yoon was top notch. The opening sequence was both profound and confusing but Hye-ja Yin conveyed so much emotion in such a compact form that I was drawn in immediately.I think Yoon's friend Jin-tae (Ku Jin) was interesting and necessary for many purposes. His dual nature of helping while harming was interesting and I thought added a lot to the film.

I had no problems with plausibility, in fact I think that resolution absolutely made the most sense. I won't go into why because I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

I strongly recommend people check out this film. I think most people in this thread will really enjoy this one.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Two Lovers

I couldn't tell if Joaquin Phoenix was playing his role as someone with clinical depression or someone with Asperger's Syndrome.

He went through the entire movie with a stupefied look on his face.

Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty good as the skittish, drug addled love interest.

Yeah, that movie had problems.

It was difficult to connect to Phoenix on any level.For whatever reason, Ebert gave it 3.5 stars: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...VIEWS/902259987

 

[mr. furley]

The American

don't bother

I liked it <_<

me too. it wasn't the best but it was interesting enough.

common denominator = you're both bad people

 

[Chaka]

I love Giammati. I can't think of a role he's played that wasn't believable.

Shoot 'Em Up.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The American

don't bother

I liked it

me too. it wasn't the best but it was interesting enough.

common denominator = you're both bad people

<_<

 

[jdoggydogg]

I love Giammati. I can't think of a role he's played that wasn't believable. He's probably one of my favorite actors.

You must see American Splendor. That's one of my favorite Giamatti roles.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Saw Knight and Day.

I remembered a couple critics liking it.

It sucked big time.

Stupid unbelievable plot played like a serious movie.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Saw Flirting with Disaster, pretty damn funny. Several laugh out loud moments for me. Normally I dislike movies with this many unrealistic scenarios, but the movie also had a bunch of very realistic genuine scenes that sort of evened it out. Alan Alda was hysterical, he kind of stole the movie there at the end from my point of view, though both set of parents were pretty funny. Patricia Arquette was hot as always (though that one scene was gross), and Tea Leoni was really hot, never seen her that hot before.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Saw Flirting with Disaster, pretty damn funny. Several laugh out loud moments for me. Normally I dislike movies with this many unrealistic scenarios, but the movie also had a bunch of very realistic genuine scenes that sort of evened it out. Alan Alda was hysterical, he kind of stole the movie there at the end from my point of view, though both set of parents were pretty funny. Patricia Arquette was hot as always (though that one scene was gross), and Tea Leoni was really hot, never seen her that hot before.

I liked this movie a lot. Ben Stiller tends to pick some dumb movies, but this is an example of a quality Stiller movie.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Big Fan

Comedian Patton Oswalt stars as reclusive, troubled NY Giants fan. Written and directed by Robert Siegel - the write of The Wrestler. Very good movie. Thumbs up. The trashy, suntanned, breast-enhanced wife of his brother is worth the price of admission alone.

 

[TylerRoseFan]

I love Giammati. I can't think of a role he's played that wasn't believable. He's probably one of my favorite actors.

You must see American Splendor. That's one of my favorite Giamatti roles.

Great flick. This is the role that sold me on this guy.

 

[saintfool]

I love Giammati. I can't think of a role he's played that wasn't believable. He's probably one of my favorite actors.

You must see American Splendor. That's one of my favorite Giamatti roles.

oh, i have seen it a couple of times and it is very good. "cold souls" is less him portraying a character than that. it's a very slender premise pulled off to great effect.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Piranha 3D - So much greatness in this movie. It doesn't itself seriously which is pretty much key to everything. Plenty of ridiculous stuff that had me laughing my ### off. Lots of gore/blood and death scenes similar to stuff in the Final Destination movies. Fun, fun movie. Oh, and plenty of beautiful boobs.

Dinner for Shmucks - It almost seemed like a long episode of the office. Plenty of awkwardness created by Micheal Carell. A couple decent laughs but not nearly enough for a two hour movie. Stephanie Szostak

 

[Todem]

Watched Alice in Wonderland (TIm Burtons).

I really enjoyed it. I had no expectations going in and was pleasantly surprised. The acting was top notch. And visually it was really cool. Burton never disappoints me with his set pieces.

The Red Queen stole the movie.

 

[whodeywhodey]

Watched Salt last night.

Ehh. 1.5 / 5

I usually suspend belief for the sake of actions movies but this movie was just ridiculous. Watch it and you'll see what I mean.

Jolie is hot as always --- if you are into Jolie that is.

 

[Osaurus]

The Burrowers.

Horror movie set in the Dakota Territories in the 1860s. Family members killed and kidnapped by alleged Sioux, but turns out to be creatures living underground. Posse pursues them then splits apart. Not the worst horror flick I have seen lately (I reserve that for Catacombs). 3/5

 

[jdoggydogg]

Watched Salt last night.

Ehh. 1.5 / 5

I usually suspend belief for the sake of actions movies but this movie was just ridiculous. Watch it and you'll see what I mean.

Jolie is hot as always --- if you are into Jolie that is.

I enjoyed the movie - although I agree that there's nothing believable here.

 

[LHUCKS]

Anybody see the King's Speech? Looks a bit like a yawner.

 

[Chaka]

Anybody see the King's Speech? Looks a bit like a yawner.

Haven't seen it yet but to me it looks like it has a ton of potential.No offense (which means offense is sure to follow) but it might be a little above your level.

 

[krista4]

Continuing the "let's make each other watch movies we love" thing, Mr. krista4's next selection for me was Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.

Other than Kris Kristofferson in a good rapey role, someone please explain why I should have liked this movie.

 

[Chaka]

Continuing the "let's make each other watch movies we love" thing, Mr. krista4's next selection for me was Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.

Other than Kris Kristofferson in a good rapey role, someone please explain why I should have liked this movie.

Because Chevy Chase used it in a humorous way in Fletch?That's all I got.

 

[LHUCKS]

Continuing the "let's make each other watch movies we love" thing, Mr. krista4's next selection for me was Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.

Other than Kris Kristofferson in a good rapey role, someone please explain why I should have liked this movie.

Can you unpack this...thx.

 

[krista4]

Continuing the "let's make each other watch movies we love" thing, Mr. krista4's next selection for me was Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.

Other than Kris Kristofferson in a good rapey role, someone please explain why I should have liked this movie.

Can you unpack this...thx.

Mr. Kristofferson was given a good role in a movie. In addition, his character in such movie was rapey.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Continuing the "let's make each other watch movies we love" thing, Mr. krista4's next selection for me was Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.

Other than Kris Kristofferson in a good rapey role, someone please explain why I should have liked this movie.

Can you unpack this...thx.

Wasn't the use of this phrase designated as a one week ban? :crossesfingers: