Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (7 Viewers)

[Abraham]

I was a huge fan of Tattoo. It really impressed me. But if memory serves, it was not received particularly well in this thread.

Not sure why. I can always tell when a foreign language film is done well to me - after finishing it, I don't remember having to read subtitles but rather remember it as if it were in English. Maybe that sounds weird. I have hope that because of his success/skill with sadism in Seven that Fincher won't pull the reins back too much. THe violence against Lisbeth and the Guardian actually provide a fair amount of depth to the story, IMO.

 

[El Floppo]

The Sopranos - I gave up renting this about halfway thru Season 4, but my neighbor lent me Seasons 5 & 6 recently & it had been 5 yrs, so whatda#@&%?! I'm terribly disappointed that they never established a Shakespeare-history-play structure of mob hierarchies, felt that mood & consistency suffered from the tug o war for the soul of the show between the three big writer/producers (Chase, Winter, Weiner) and have wished premature death on AJ from the moment i saw him - especially since all that angst & ####upery never resulted in having Tony consider giving him a role in the Family as a way of straightening him up. Yet I couldnt take my eyes from the screen - maybe not the best, but easily the most compelling television (granted, i havent seen The Wire) of our time.

You need to see The Wire.I still wonder how the Sopranos would have differed had the mother not passed away.

I think the first two seasons of The Sopranos were a lot better than the remaining seasons. Still, a mediocre episode of this show is far better than most TV shows. Love The Sopranos. But The Wire wins because it was far more consistent.

I understand what you guys are saying about the first two seasons which were sooooo satisfying, but for my money- and I don't remember whcih season it was- but I flat out loved the later season that dealt more with the Sopranos as a couple- some of the best written dialogue and character arcs, IMO, ever on TV during that season... and the acting by the two was breath-taking. Falco absolutely soared that season. IIRC, it was the same season that had Tony recuperating from Uncle's attack... dream sequences and whatnot. And for the the record, I loved the last episode, including the final scene.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Sopranos - I gave up renting this about halfway thru Season 4, but my neighbor lent me Seasons 5 & 6 recently & it had been 5 yrs, so whatda#@&%?! I'm terribly disappointed that they never established a Shakespeare-history-play structure of mob hierarchies, felt that mood & consistency suffered from the tug o war for the soul of the show between the three big writer/producers (Chase, Winter, Weiner) and have wished premature death on AJ from the moment i saw him - especially since all that angst & ####upery never resulted in having Tony consider giving him a role in the Family as a way of straightening him up. Yet I couldnt take my eyes from the screen - maybe not the best, but easily the most compelling television (granted, i havent seen The Wire) of our time.

You need to see The Wire.I still wonder how the Sopranos would have differed had the mother not passed away.

I think the first two seasons of The Sopranos were a lot better than the remaining seasons. Still, a mediocre episode of this show is far better than most TV shows. Love The Sopranos. But The Wire wins because it was far more consistent.

I understand what you guys are saying about the first two seasons which were sooooo satisfying, but for my money- and I don't remember whcih season it was- but I flat out loved the later season that dealt more with the Sopranos as a couple- some of the best written dialogue and character arcs, IMO, ever on TV during that season... and the acting by the two was breath-taking. Falco absolutely soared that season. IIRC, it was the same season that had Tony recuperating from Uncle's attack... dream sequences and whatnot. And for the the record, I loved the last episode, including the final scene.

I agree with all of that.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Blue Valentine

Fantastic. I've reviewed many a B movie and many an action flick, and I'll reiterate my love for a vast many genres. But this movie is right in my wheelhouse. Let's face it: many movies are written and produced with the intention that a high school kid could enjoy. Blue Valentine is written for adults. There's no fluff here. Only a stark, beautiful examination of a crumbling family. Ryan Gosling and Michele Williams are perfect here. Blue Valentine is one of the best movies I've seen in the last five years. High recommended if you are tiring of the typical Hollywood detritus.

You know how bad movies quickly fade from memory and good movies get better and better? The more I think about this movie, the more I am inclined to fit it somewhere in my all time top 20.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

 

[wikkidpissah]

The Sopranos - I gave up renting this about halfway thru Season 4, but my neighbor lent me Seasons 5 & 6 recently & it had been 5 yrs, so whatda#@&%?! I'm terribly disappointed that they never established a Shakespeare-history-play structure of mob hierarchies, felt that mood & consistency suffered from the tug o war for the soul of the show between the three big writer/producers (Chase, Winter, Weiner) and have wished premature death on AJ from the moment i saw him - especially since all that angst & ####upery never resulted in having Tony consider giving him a role in the Family as a way of straightening him up. Yet I couldnt take my eyes from the screen - maybe not the best, but easily the most compelling television (granted, i havent seen The Wire) of our time.

You need to see The Wire.I still wonder how the Sopranos would have differed had the mother not passed away.

I think the first two seasons of The Sopranos were a lot better than the remaining seasons. Still, a mediocre episode of this show is far better than most TV shows. Love The Sopranos. But The Wire wins because it was far more consistent.

I understand what you guys are saying about the first two seasons which were sooooo satisfying, but for my money- and I don't remember whcih season it was- but I flat out loved the later season that dealt more with the Sopranos as a couple- some of the best written dialogue and character arcs, IMO, ever on TV during that season... and the acting by the two was breath-taking. Falco absolutely soared that season. IIRC, it was the same season that had Tony recuperating from Uncle's attack... dream sequences and whatnot. And for the the record, I loved the last episode, including the final scene.

I got no problem with the way it ended, because to resolve the ongoing would have violated the spirit of the piece as a whole (of course, unlike the live viewer, i wasnt waiting for weeks/months to see how it concluded). No matter if it had gotten irretrievably messy or the Soprano situation got tied up in a little bow, bets still gotta be booked, hos pimped, trucks hijacked, kilos offloaded, percentages skimmed, so there's gonna be a boss in that spot, no matter who he is or where he's from. If David Chase thought the only way to end his show was to have it "hit" - to take a moment filled with life and cut it off into cruel nothing, so be it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Sopranos - I gave up renting this about halfway thru Season 4, but my neighbor lent me Seasons 5 & 6 recently & it had been 5 yrs, so whatda#@&%?! I'm terribly disappointed that they never established a Shakespeare-history-play structure of mob hierarchies, felt that mood & consistency suffered from the tug o war for the soul of the show between the three big writer/producers (Chase, Winter, Weiner) and have wished premature death on AJ from the moment i saw him - especially since all that angst & ####upery never resulted in having Tony consider giving him a role in the Family as a way of straightening him up. Yet I couldnt take my eyes from the screen - maybe not the best, but easily the most compelling television (granted, i havent seen The Wire) of our time.

You need to see The Wire.I still wonder how the Sopranos would have differed had the mother not passed away.

I think the first two seasons of The Sopranos were a lot better than the remaining seasons. Still, a mediocre episode of this show is far better than most TV shows. Love The Sopranos. But The Wire wins because it was far more consistent.

I understand what you guys are saying about the first two seasons which were sooooo satisfying, but for my money- and I don't remember whcih season it was- but I flat out loved the later season that dealt more with the Sopranos as a couple- some of the best written dialogue and character arcs, IMO, ever on TV during that season... and the acting by the two was breath-taking. Falco absolutely soared that season. IIRC, it was the same season that had Tony recuperating from Uncle's attack... dream sequences and whatnot. And for the the record, I loved the last episode, including the final scene.

I got no problem with the way it ended, because to resolve the ongoing would have violated the spirit of the piece as a whole (of course, unlike the live viewer, i wasnt waiting for weeks/months to see how it concluded). No matter if it had gotten irretrievably messy or the Soprano situation got tied up in a little bow, bets still gotta be booked, hos pimped, trucks hijacked, kilos offloaded, percentages skimmed, so there's gonna be a boss in that spot, no matter who he is or where he's from. If David Chase thought the only way to end his show was to have it "hit" - to take a moment filled with life and cut it off into cruel nothing, so be it.

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Toy Story 4 Rumor of the Day

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss his latest film Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on the development of a fourth installment in Pixar’s Toy Story film franchise. “I think there will be, yeah,” Hanks told Tim Muffett when asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see. “I think they’re working on it now.” WaPo’s Celebritologist Jen Chaney reached out to Pixar who responded, simply: “We’re not commenting.”

 

[Sarnoff]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

Yeah. I've read the ridiculously long article explaining that there's no other interpretation.

 

[JZilla]

Shooter

Now THIS is what a brainless action flick should be like. For whatever reason, this movie hit the spot the other night. Loved just about every minute of the over the top action and acting. 7/10

Excellent flick. Nothing special or unique, but solid. Makes you wonder why so many other action flicks blow it.

I didn't think this was that great. I really like Michael Peña though. He was awesome in Observe and Report. He was in that pile of crap the Lincoln Lawyer too. I'd like to see him get better roles.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

I would say that there is no way this would win best picture. Pushes way too many envelopes for that to happen, IMO. (if it's anything like the first one)

 

[wikkidpissah]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

Yeah. I've read the ridiculously long article explaining that there's no other interpretation.

And that interpretation is....?

 

[KarmaPolice]

Toy Story 4 Rumor of the Day

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss his latest film Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on the development of a fourth installment in Pixar’s Toy Story film franchise. “I think there will be, yeah,” Hanks told Tim Muffett when asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see. “I think they’re working on it now.” WaPo’s Celebritologist Jen Chaney reached out to Pixar who responded, simply: “We’re not commenting.”

I think these movies have done all they need to. I would be disappointed to see a 4th.

 

[Chaka]

Toy Story 4 Rumor of the Day

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss his latest film Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on the development of a fourth installment in Pixar's Toy Story film franchise. "I think there will be, yeah," Hanks told Tim Muffett when asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see. "I think they're working on it now." WaPo's Celebritologist Jen Chaney reached out to Pixar who responded, simply: "We're not commenting."

I think these movies have done all they need to. I would be disappointed to see a 4th.

I tend to agree that entertainment shouldn't outstay it's welcome but the first three have all been quite good, if not excellent, so I'll remain cautiously optimistic and hope that it is as good as the first three and not as disappointing as Cars 2.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Toy Story 4 Rumor of the Day

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss his latest film Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on the development of a fourth installment in Pixar's Toy Story film franchise. "I think there will be, yeah," Hanks told Tim Muffett when asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see. "I think they're working on it now." WaPo's Celebritologist Jen Chaney reached out to Pixar who responded, simply: "We're not commenting."

I think these movies have done all they need to. I would be disappointed to see a 4th.

I tend to agree that entertainment shouldn't outstay it's welcome but the first three have all been quite good, if not excellent, so I'll remain cautiously optimistic and hope that it is as good as the first three and not as disappointing as Cars 2.

They were all good, but I am in the camp that thought the story was too similar in 2 and 3. Toy Story 3 was good, but it didn't really bring that much more to the table. It ended too perfectly, so I just wish they would leave it be and go out on a high note.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Toy Story 4 Rumor of the Day

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss his latest film Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on the development of a fourth installment in Pixar's Toy Story film franchise. "I think there will be, yeah," Hanks told Tim Muffett when asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see. "I think they're working on it now." WaPo's Celebritologist Jen Chaney reached out to Pixar who responded, simply: "We're not commenting."

I think these movies have done all they need to. I would be disappointed to see a 4th.

I tend to agree that entertainment shouldn't outstay it's welcome but the first three have all been quite good, if not excellent, so I'll remain cautiously optimistic and hope that it is as good as the first three and not as disappointing as Cars 2.

They were all good, but I am in the camp that thought the story was too similar in 2 and 3. Toy Story 3 was good, but it didn't really bring that much more to the table. It ended too perfectly, so I just wish they would leave it be and go out on a high note.

i'm sure the guaranteed half-billion in profit will help the corporation find a way past caring about extending a well-resolved story past its beauty point.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Shooter

Now THIS is what a brainless action flick should be like. For whatever reason, this movie hit the spot the other night. Loved just about every minute of the over the top action and acting. 7/10

Excellent flick. Nothing special or unique, but solid. Makes you wonder why so many other action flicks blow it.

I didn't think this was that great. I really like Michael Peña though. He was awesome in Observe and Report. He was in that pile of crap the Lincoln Lawyer too. I'd like to see him get better roles.

I'd never use the word "great" to describe Shooter. Just enjoyed it, that's all.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

Yeah. I've read the ridiculously long article explaining that there's no other interpretation.

And that interpretation is....?

Spoiler

That Tony absolutely got murdered.

 

[JZilla]

Shooter

Now THIS is what a brainless action flick should be like. For whatever reason, this movie hit the spot the other night. Loved just about every minute of the over the top action and acting. 7/10

Excellent flick. Nothing special or unique, but solid. Makes you wonder why so many other action flicks blow it.

I didn't think this was that great. I really like Michael Peña though. He was awesome in Observe and Report. He was in that pile of crap the Lincoln Lawyer too. I'd like to see him get better roles.

I'd never use the word "great" to describe Shooter. Just enjoyed it, that's all.

Sorry I should have said "excellent"

 

[JZilla]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

Yeah. I've read the ridiculously long article explaining that there's no other interpretation.

And that interpretation is....?

Spoiler

That Tony absolutely got murdered.

Spoiler

I was a little disappointed they decided to kill him off. Then I remembered he's not real.

 

[dal_boys_phan]

Saw "Love and Other Drugs" the other night from the Redbox

IMDB Link to "Love and Other Drugs"

Worth it for Anne Hathaway - she deserved some type of Golden Globes award for showing off her "Golden Globes" enough times to sit through it.

And, if your wife picks it out and likes the "story", you may get the "bonus" features afterwards. Win, win, if I do say.

 

[El Floppo]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

 

[jdoggydogg]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

 

[Drifter]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

Yeah. I've read the ridiculously long article explaining that there's no other interpretation.

And that interpretation is....?

Spoiler

That Tony absolutely got murdered.

And it was by some film student/devotee that based everything on camera angles and pure speculation. I'm in the camp that he didn't get offed, if he had, they could have showed it. But they left it open so everyone could think what they want. So I also get annoyed at people that think there can only be one explanation.

The most damning thing that pushes it convincingly to him being dead was that according to Bill Simmons, originally they wanted the final "black" scene to be five minutes long. They wouldn't do that if he wasn't dead.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

I didn't mind the last episode as much as the last season as a whole.No humor and a bunch of whiny mobsters feeling sorry for themselves.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I don't get the uproar about the final scene. I am so sick and tired of TV and film telling me everything. What, we can't imagine something interesting? I love ambiguity.

The only thing I don't like about the final scene is other people insisting there's no ambiguity.

I didn't mind the last episode as much as the last season as a whole.No humor and a bunch of whiny mobsters feeling sorry for themselves.

I agree that the humor was thin. But I did enjoy all the Jersey vs. NY stuff.

 

[saintfool]

watched "kick ###" tonight. didn't much care for it. it was trying to have its cake and eat it too. i will admit to being put off by Hit Girl too. maybe if i were somehow younger, i could see the fun that character offered but i was more annoyed with her schtick than anything. cage, with his Adam West impression, seemed like he was the only guy who got it right.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

 

[jdoggydogg]

watched "kick ###" tonight. didn't much care for it. it was trying to have its cake and eat it too. i will admit to being put off by Hit Girl too. maybe if i were somehow younger, i could see the fun that character offered but i was more annoyed with her schtick than anything. cage, with his Adam West impression, seemed like he was the only guy who got it right.

I liked it, although I had extremely low expectations going in.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

 

[hooter311]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

 

[wikkidpissah]

I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

worst "important" movie of the century

 

[KarmaPolice]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

Bought it at the store today for $2, so I am sure I'll get around to it sometime.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

Yeah, I agree. Button had some beautiful shots. But this is the only Fincher film I don't like, and every frame screams, "This will win an Oscar."

 

[KarmaPolice]

I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

Yeah, I agree. Button had some beautiful shots. But this is the only Fincher film I don't like, and every frame screams, "This will win an Oscar."

It's lower on the list than Alien 3?

 

[jdoggydogg]

I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

Yeah, I agree. Button had some beautiful shots. But this is the only Fincher film I don't like, and every frame screams, "This will win an Oscar."

It's lower on the list than Alien 3?

People really hated Alien 3. So by the time I saw it, I thought it was fine. Plus, Alien 3 was an original work with modest intentions. Button was pretentious and bloated.

 

[hooter311]

I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

Yeah, I agree. Button had some beautiful shots. But this is the only Fincher film I don't like, and every frame screams, "This will win an Oscar."

It's lower on the list than Alien 3?

People really hated Alien 3. So by the time I saw it, I thought it was fine. Plus, Alien 3 was an original work with modest intentions. Button was pretentious and bloated.

I don't mind Alien 3, but I'd like it a lot better if it wasn't the sequel to Aliens.

 

[Kenny Powers]

The Sopranos - I gave up renting this about halfway thru Season 4, but my neighbor lent me Seasons 5 & 6 recently & it had been 5 yrs, so whatda#@&%?! I'm terribly disappointed that they never established a Shakespeare-history-play structure of mob hierarchies, felt that mood & consistency suffered from the tug o war for the soul of the show between the three big writer/producers (Chase, Winter, Weiner) and have wished premature death on AJ from the moment i saw him - especially since all that angst & ####upery never resulted in having Tony consider giving him a role in the Family as a way of straightening him up. Yet I couldnt take my eyes from the screen - maybe not the best, but easily the most compelling television (granted, i havent seen The Wire) of our time.

You need to see The Wire.I still wonder how the Sopranos would have differed had the mother not passed away.

Its been so long since Ive watched the Sopranos, I might be confusing seasons, but I thought 3 was still great (Pine Barrens episode was in 3, right?), 4 was the worst season, 5 I dont think Ive even seen because I didnt have HBO then but heard it was good (season with buscemi, right?), and I thought the last season might not have been as good as the first few, but it came back strong and finished the series good, although I still think this finale makes the Seinfeld finale look like gold.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

I havent seen any of the original 3 either, and definitely dont plan on watching them until I see Fincher's remake first just for the sake of comparison.I dont doubt remakes going in when they have a director of Fincher's caliber, but the original series seems pretty highly touted, so it should be a tough task. I havent seen the originals, so I cant gauge the language or violence, but Id hate if Fincher/Co dull it down to PG-13 for the sake of the box office if the originals were more vulgar and violent. Thats probably my only fear.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Although I don't know if I can say I am a fan boy if I haven't watched Benjamin Button yet.

Good lord man, save yourself a bullet and don't do it.

I enjoyed Button...I know Im going out on a limb, but thought it was pretty good. Everyone here seems to hate Forrest Gump as well, and I really like that one, so Im not surprised.I also liked Crash (not the Holly Hunter "lets #### in the car one" either), so I guess I just enjoy the occasional cliche hollywood movie more than the rest of the snobs here

 

[jamny]

I loved Forrest Gump but couldn't make it through Benjamin Button. My wife stuck with it just to see the real Brad Pitt show up.

 

[cosjobs]

I liked gump, button and both crashes.

 

[Chaka]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Why not?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Finished THe Girl WIth THe Dragon Tattoo. If done correctly (like the Swedish version) then it will win best picture. Fantastic balance of story, suspense, and characters. Already started The Girl WHo Played WIth Fire right afterwards and it is starting well also.

The first was the only one of the three that really didnt need remaking (not to tip too much - 2 was messy in general & 3's aspects as a procedural arent tight & taut enough for an audience that's been forcefed them for a coupla decades now). It appeared from the previews that Fincher's going to use Scandanavia's frozenness as a way to give it a Silenceofthelambs gothicity, which couldnt hurt if its not overdone. My major problem is going to be with the portrayal of Salander - Noomi Rapace really internalized the rage and gave it a always-simmering-sometimes-flashing eminence that projected Salander's need for revenge the way Hopkins' Lecter did the desire for a pound of flesh. If they dont lose us with Tattoo, i'll look forward to their treatment of the other wto, though all in all i'd rather they just left it alone.

I normally approach remakes the same way I approach any movie: if the cast and crew are good, I look forward to it. I know that some people bristle when they hear the word, "remake." But Fincher's one of the best directors around, and I don't think he'll settle for anything less than excellent.

I watched the first two and was completely underwhelmed by the whole thing. Story lines felt completely goofy, writing and most of the acting forced, pacing bad.I do agree with WP about the lead nailing the role. Will be very difficult to see a remake and not think of that actress in the role (whcih is an immediate distraction from watching the remake).

Not having seen the original, perhaps I won't be fettered with that burden.

If you could hold off til December, it would be fun to have the perspective of someone who sees the Fincher first. Have u read the books?

Haven't read the books. You like?I won't see the original first. One caveat is I am a Fincher fan boy, so I don't know how objective I can be.

Why not?

Not because it doesn't look good. I'm just willing to wait so I can see it in reverse. Just for the heck of it.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Blue Valentine

Fantastic. I've reviewed many a B movie and many an action flick, and I'll reiterate my love for a vast many genres. But this movie is right in my wheelhouse. Let's face it: many movies are written and produced with the intention that a high school kid could enjoy. Blue Valentine is written for adults. There's no fluff here. Only a stark, beautiful examination of a crumbling family. Ryan Gosling and Michele Reynolds are perfect here. Blue Valentine is one of the best movies I've seen in the last five years. High recommended if you are tiring of the typical Hollywood detritus.

I have been hesitant with this one because I hear it is pretty darn depressing. I'll move it up my list.

It is sad but I wouldn't say depressing. Very real.BTW, jdd, since I have a crush on her I have to correct you and say it's Michelle Williams.

Thanks, guys. NEVER thought you'd lead me this far astray....Blue Valentine - Rented this over others i wanted to pair with True Grit, much to my chagrin. If i wanted to bear witness to the particulars of an inarticulate couple with deep ambivalence toward life, love & each other i'd go down the street for coffee with Phil & Melissa. At least then, i'd get danish. Exceptionality is the first order of what i require from a movie & this couple wasnt even exceptional in their ordinariness. I am proud that less than half the movies i've ever watched have explosions in them, but they damn well better have writing if nothing blows up. Improv setups of boring people bored with their lives wont cut it, even if those setups are for two immensely attractive & talented actors. 1.6666666666666666666666/5

True Grit - Same reaction I have to almost every Coen Brothers movie - I didn't enjoy it as much as they did. The internal logic, the twinlanguage between these two is fascinating but rarely satisfying. They have once again strung together a bunch of scenes they'd like to see/film. Much of it is cool & makes me want to have coffee with the Coens much more than with Phil & Melissa, but it usually falls short of being an entire movie. They clearly do have a reason why they show what they show when they show it, but i dont think anyone has or is supposed to figure out what that is. 3.1/5

 

[jdoggydogg]

Blue Valentine

Fantastic. I've reviewed many a B movie and many an action flick, and I'll reiterate my love for a vast many genres. But this movie is right in my wheelhouse. Let's face it: many movies are written and produced with the intention that a high school kid could enjoy. Blue Valentine is written for adults. There's no fluff here. Only a stark, beautiful examination of a crumbling family. Ryan Gosling and Michele Reynolds are perfect here. Blue Valentine is one of the best movies I've seen in the last five years. High recommended if you are tiring of the typical Hollywood detritus.

I have been hesitant with this one because I hear it is pretty darn depressing. I'll move it up my list.

It is sad but I wouldn't say depressing. Very real.BTW, jdd, since I have a crush on her I have to correct you and say it's Michelle Williams.

Thanks, guys. NEVER thought you'd lead me this far astray....Blue Valentine - Rented this over others i wanted to pair with True Grit, much to my chagrin. If i wanted to bear witness to the particulars of an inarticulate couple with deep ambivalence toward life, love & each other i'd go down the street for coffee with Phil & Melissa. At least then, i'd get danish. Exceptionality is the first order of what i require from a movie & this couple wasnt even exceptional in their ordinariness. I am proud that less than half the movies i've ever watched have explosions in them, but they damn well better have writing if nothing blows up. Improv setups of boring people bored with their lives wont cut it, even if those setups are for two immensely attractive & talented actors. 1.6666666666666666666666/5

True Grit - Same reaction I have to almost every Coen Brothers movie - I didn't enjoy it as much as they did. The internal logic, the twinlanguage between these two is fascinating but rarely satisfying. They have once again strung together a bunch of scenes they'd like to see/film. Much of it is cool & makes me want to have coffee with the Coens much more than with Phil & Melissa, but it usually falls short of being an entire movie. They clearly do have a reason why they show what they show when they show it, but i dont think anyone has or is supposed to figure out what that is. 3.1/5

Oy. I'm not even going to touch your True Grit comments, as no one seems to love this movie except me. But I am vexed, nay flummoxed, at your Blue Valentine comments. The acting in this movie is so real, this could have passed for a documentary if the cinematography wasn't so beautiful. I've yet to see a movie you've loved that we agree on. So now more than ever, I'm interested in seeing your all time favorite films list. There must be common ground somewhere.

Here's the top 100 thread if you'd like to share

 

[wikkidpissah]

Blue Valentine

Fantastic. I've reviewed many a B movie and many an action flick, and I'll reiterate my love for a vast many genres. But this movie is right in my wheelhouse. Let's face it: many movies are written and produced with the intention that a high school kid could enjoy. Blue Valentine is written for adults. There's no fluff here. Only a stark, beautiful examination of a crumbling family. Ryan Gosling and Michele Reynolds are perfect here. Blue Valentine is one of the best movies I've seen in the last five years. High recommended if you are tiring of the typical Hollywood detritus.

I have been hesitant with this one because I hear it is pretty darn depressing. I'll move it up my list.

It is sad but I wouldn't say depressing. Very real.BTW, jdd, since I have a crush on her I have to correct you and say it's Michelle Williams.

Thanks, guys. NEVER thought you'd lead me this far astray....Blue Valentine - Rented this over others i wanted to pair with True Grit, much to my chagrin. If i wanted to bear witness to the particulars of an inarticulate couple with deep ambivalence toward life, love & each other i'd go down the street for coffee with Phil & Melissa. At least then, i'd get danish. Exceptionality is the first order of what i require from a movie & this couple wasnt even exceptional in their ordinariness. I am proud that less than half the movies i've ever watched have explosions in them, but they damn well better have writing if nothing blows up. Improv setups of boring people bored with their lives wont cut it, even if those setups are for two immensely attractive & talented actors. 1.6666666666666666666666/5

True Grit - Same reaction I have to almost every Coen Brothers movie - I didn't enjoy it as much as they did. The internal logic, the twinlanguage between these two is fascinating but rarely satisfying. They have once again strung together a bunch of scenes they'd like to see/film. Much of it is cool & makes me want to have coffee with the Coens much more than with Phil & Melissa, but it usually falls short of being an entire movie. They clearly do have a reason why they show what they show when they show it, but i dont think anyone has or is supposed to figure out what that is. 3.1/5

Oy. I'm not even going to touch your True Grit comments, as no one seems to love this movie except me. But I am vexed, nay flummoxed, at your Blue Valentine comments. The acting in this movie is so real, this could have passed for a documentary if the cinematography wasn't so beautiful. I've yet to see a movie you've loved that we agree on. So now more than ever, I'm interested in seeing your all time favorite films list. There must be common ground somewhere.

Here's the top 100 thread if you'd like to share

my post highlighting those films i agree with you on is like three posts below your OP. but i'll try to put something together that reflects what i look for & love in movies. we're going to have to agree to disagree on BV - for naturalism, i got real life. short of Brando, Depp & Streep, i cant imagine paying to watch anyone be boring & normal (reminds me of a brief series, "Rippin' Yarns", Michael Palin had on the BBC after Python where he portrayed the most boring people he could think of - one was a bank teller whose major interests were shovels & average yearly rainfall & was so dull that bankrobbers who took him hostage turned themselves in rather than endure another minute with him). naturalistic acting can help a great script but is nothing in & of itself. i can go to any apartment complex in Albuquerque and see human drama quite the equal of BV played out for real in stairwells, balconys & parking lots. i hear the BV sequel is entitled "Bad Neighbors".