Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (2 Viewers)

[Luke Skywalker]

Virtuality. Anybody seen it?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219836/

Ran across the DVD for like 3 bucks on Amazon.

Was supposed to be a TV series (from the producers of Battlestar Galactica) but Fox didn't pick it up after the pilot movie didn't get great ratings.

It's a shame. This could have been a great show in the same vein as BSG or Lost. I'm convinced most TV executives are idiots.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

 

[Chaka]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Malick's movies are only boring to the rubes who don't "get" his movies.

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

I agree that his movies are filmed beautifully. Unfortunately that isn't enough.

 

[cosjobs]

J Edgar

Lots to like in this movie: a star turn by DiCapprio, intelligent script, interesting and pertinent political backstories, tight & concise history of the FBI. And I liked and appreciated all the aforementioned. Director Eastwood set a very appropriate tone and style, and the carousel of flashbacks worked and I was able to understand things linearly.

But

Spoiler

I do not know how much- such as the homo relationship, or the contradition of accounts of past events, like Eleanor Roosevelt, etc. were true. It does not seem that Eastwood would have fabricated these things. But if they were in fact true, it seems he should have addressed them in a more straightforward matter.

I left the theater frustrated and unresolved. I also felt it took too long to leave with such an opinion.

IT comes very close to being very good, and there are lots of admirable components, but in the end, it fails.

2.85/5 stars

 

[KarmaPolice]

Exit Through the Gift Shop:

Finally got around to this one, and damn what a fantastic documentary. Really nothing that I was interested in (street art), but turns it into a fascinating look at art mimicing art and if it does so, does it stop being art? Highly recommend this one to anybody else like me who has not gotten around to watching it.

 

[JZilla]

A Separation

Iranian family drama.. Got killer reviews and Ebert called it his best of the year, so I thought I'd check it out. It was fine - well done, great acting - but utterly miserable. I guess I'd put it on par with The Descendants. Worth a watch.

 

[Chaka]

The Whistleblower - Every now and again I sit down for a movie that I know is going to be difficult to watch and The Whistleblower is definitely one of those films. It is not a great film but it is good enough and I think it is important for people to see films like this to remind them that there are some seriously harsh realities out in the world that we like to pretend don't exist. This film does not give a 100% accurate portrayal of human trafficking, it actually had to be toned down because the author felt the viewing audience would be overwhelmed and wouldn't believe the reality of the situation.

It isn't overtly graphic or gratuitous but it is very difficult subject matter. While I recommend a viewing it is likely going to be a deeply frustrating experience. But I think that is kind of the point.

 

[Chaka]

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Third installment of the Stieg Larsson's novels. Liked it significantly more than The Girl Who Played With Fire, which fell short in its attempt to be some kind of action, revenge thriller, and in many ways I enjoyed it more than The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It is the least violent of the trilogy but it may have been the best performances by the lead actors. Noomi Rapace was particularly good and was pretty much riveting during her climactic scenes (not the very end of the film). I thought there were some holes particularly with the police investigation and with the development of The Section and I was not impressed with the final action scene, although she was pretty cold and bad ### it just felt gratuitous and unnecessary.

Overall and worth a watch, even if (as Tanner would say) it's all Flugge, fliggen, hurbe, derbe like that.

 

[cosjobs]

A Separation

Iranian family drama.. Got killer reviews and Ebert called it his best of the year, so I thought I'd check it out. It was fine - well done, great acting - but utterly miserable. I guess I'd put it on par with The Descendants. Worth a watch.

I've really been anticipating this because of the advance word. Thanks for tempering my expectations. Much better chance I will like it withy them turned down a notch or two. The previews have done nothing to inspire me- only all the positive press.

 

[cosjobs]

The Whistleblower - Every now and again I sit down for a movie that I know is going to be difficult to watch and The Whistleblower is definitely one of those films. It is not a great film but it is good enough and I think it is important for people to see films like this to remind them that there are some seriously harsh realities out in the world that we like to pretend don't exist. This film does not give a 100% accurate portrayal of human trafficking, it actually had to be toned down because the author felt the viewing audience would be overwhelmed and wouldn't believe the reality of the situation.

It isn't overtly graphic or gratuitous but it is very difficult subject matter. While I recommend a viewing it is likely going to be a deeply frustrating experience. But I think that is kind of the point.

This was one of those films that I liked okay and certainly respected what they were trying to portray. There was a talent and a good story involved- but I never was. The film never engaged me at near the visceral level I expected.

 

[cosjobs]

Melancholia

Profound, moving, deeply affective. An amazing performance by Dunst and a skillful and engaging effort from Von Triers resulted in a powerful existential treatise on suffering. I am still emotionally overwhelmed from seeing this and having a hard time gauging my rational response and an objective analysis. The fact that it could engage me emotionally with such force moves it into my top 5 for 2011.

4.6/5 stars

 

[Chaka]

The Whistleblower - Every now and again I sit down for a movie that I know is going to be difficult to watch and The Whistleblower is definitely one of those films. It is not a great film but it is good enough and I think it is important for people to see films like this to remind them that there are some seriously harsh realities out in the world that we like to pretend don't exist. This film does not give a 100% accurate portrayal of human trafficking, it actually had to be toned down because the author felt the viewing audience would be overwhelmed and wouldn't believe the reality of the situation.

It isn't overtly graphic or gratuitous but it is very difficult subject matter. While I recommend a viewing it is likely going to be a deeply frustrating experience. But I think that is kind of the point.

This was one of those films that I liked okay and certainly respected what they were trying to portray. There was a talent and a good story involved- but I never was. The film never engaged me at near the visceral level I expected.

I pretty much agree. The director did not do a great job of engaging the audience. Despite that I think has an important message and I think it is worth viewing despite its obvious flaws.

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Third installment of the Stieg Larsson's novels. Liked it significantly more than The Girl Who Played With Fire, which fell short in its attempt to be some kind of action, revenge thriller, and in many ways I enjoyed it more than The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It is the least violent of the trilogy but it may have been the best performances by the lead actors. Noomi Rapace was particularly good and was pretty much riveting during her climactic scenes (not the very end of the film). I thought there were some holes particularly with the police investigation and with the development of The Section and I was not impressed with the final action scene, although she was pretty cold and bad ### it just felt gratuitous and unnecessary.

Overall and worth a watch, even if (as Tanner would say) it's all Flugge, fliggen, hurbe, derbe like that.

Hoodah hooordah flurrdah flew.

 

[JZilla]

hoordah hoordah buttrape a doorbah

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

hoordah hoordah buttrape a doorbah

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The Rum Diary: Captain Jack as a journalist? Same character, different wardrobe. It wasn't bad but there just wasn't much there. Ribisi's character was terrible and unnecessary. The ending was extremely lacking but I guess when its based on a true story you can't get too creative with it. I'm sure I would enjoy the book much more than the movie. 2.5/5

 

[Apple Juice]

Exit Through the Gift Shop:

Finally got around to this one, and damn what a fantastic documentary. Really nothing that I was interested in (street art), but turns it into a fascinating look at art mimicing art and if it does so, does it stop being art? Highly recommend this one to anybody else like me who has not gotten around to watching it.

One of the best docs I've ever seen. Entertaining, interesting, a doc within a doc, the last 10 minutes are hilarious and not where I expected it to go. Bansky is fascinating to me--I also enjoyed the 15 minute extra that focused solely on his work.

 

[saintfool]

Monsters...I probably liked this more than I should have knowing it was basically "freestyle filmmaking" and I dont think there was even a script for the dialogue for the most part. Cinematography was quite good all things considered. It was different than I expected, and more of a journey type drama with monsters/aliens as the backdrop than the suspense sci-fi/horror you would expect with a movie like this. I thought the 2 leads did well enough to keep it interesting. Lack of chemistry didnt bother me because that wasnt really what they were going for IMO. Reading back, I didnt takeaway the immigration angle others did here. I thought the point of the ending was that as humans or maybe Americans, we fear what we dont understand or even vilify something undeserving of it. Either way, I enjoyed this more than most apparently....3.4/5

my wife and i watched this last night. we both liked it well enough but then our expectations weren't terribly high. aside from the terrible ending, i thought this was as confident and assured a first feature as i have seen in a long while. it looked good and was solid storytelling for the most part. it was surprising in that regard. the film reminded me of a spielberg film in some ways but without the saccharine plotting or score telegraphing the narrative. actors did pretty well too. female lead was awfully cute too.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

 

[El Floppo]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

I agree that his movies are filmed beautifully. Unfortunately that isn't enough.

For me it is... if they're filmed as beautifully as Malick's are. Days of Heaven, I could watch with the sound off.

 

[El Floppo]

Sanctum.

Shmanctum.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Just watched Horrible Bosses and thought it was good.

 

[saintfool]

For me it is... if they're filmed as beautifully as Malick's are. Days of Heaven, I could watch with the sound off.

pretty much the same thing for me. i didn't much care for "new world" but i'm not opposed to trying it again. everything else he's done works for me. "days of heaven" is in my top five even.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Exit Through the Gift Shop:

Finally got around to this one, and damn what a fantastic documentary. Really nothing that I was interested in (street art), but turns it into a fascinating look at art mimicing art and if it does so, does it stop being art? Highly recommend this one to anybody else like me who has not gotten around to watching it.

One of the best docs I've ever seen. Entertaining, interesting, a doc within a doc, the last 10 minutes are hilarious and not where I expected it to go. Bansky is fascinating to me--I also enjoyed the 15 minute extra that focused solely on his work.

I love this movie.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Sanctum.

Shmanctum.

Up there as "best review of all time".

 

[jdoggydogg]

Gladiator

I have an easy question about the end, and I'll put it in spoilers in case someone hasn't seen it...

Spoiler

At the end when Maximus is fighting the emperor, the emperor loses his weapon and demands another. The guards begin to pull out their swords, and the emperor's henchman tells them to sheath their swords. Am I correct assuming this is a protocol of battle that a combatant isn't allowed another weapon?

 

[jdoggydogg]

Sanctum.

Shmanctum.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

I think this movie is incredible. Highly recommended.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Bad Education

I really enjoyed Pedro Almodóvar's Talk To Her, so I thought I'd give this one a shot. It features Gael García Bernal, who was outstanding in Y Tu Mamá También. I hate to say it, but I just am so bored with transgendered characters in film now. I'm not giving the movie a bad review because I didn't finish it. Just not interested.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

I think this movie is incredible. Highly recommended.I think I watched it years ago, but didn't remember hardly anything about it. It was listed as the best movie of the decade by one of the filmspotting guys, so I figured I would give it a fresh viewing.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

I didn't like this one.

Spoiler

I can understand not showing the motives of the killers, but Van Sant didn't show the motives or give any back story about pretty well any character, except maybe the blonde haired boy. When the kids started to get shot, it really didn't affect me much seeing as I didn't care about any of the characters except that one girl who got bullied. I also thought a lot of the kids' actions were stupid, but maybe that's realistic

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Bad Education

I really enjoyed Pedro Almodóvar's Talk To Her, so I thought I'd give this one a shot. It features Gael García Bernal, who was outstanding in Y Tu Mamá También. I hate to say it, but I just am so bored with transgendered characters in film now. I'm not giving the movie a bad review because I didn't finish it. Just not interested.

I thought this movie was brilliant. I can't recall seeing many if any transgendered people in recent films I've seen though, so the transgenderness of the film didn't give me any apprehensions.

 

[El Floppo]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

I didn't like this one.

Spoiler

I can understand not showing the motives of the killers, but Van Sant didn't show the motives or give any back story about pretty well any character, except maybe the blonde haired boy. When the kids started to get shot, it really didn't affect me much seeing as I didn't care about any of the characters except that one girl who got bullied. I also thought a lot of the kids' actions were stupid, but maybe that's realistic

I remember liking this one a lot more than I expected, but I get your criticism. As I recall, I liked how well the movie captured the zeitgeist of high school, without having that backstory for characters or much plot-line other than the main event- it felt honest to me. Also thought it was beautiful to look at. In a way, had the positive elements of a typical Sofia Coppolla movie without being reduced to a shallow, superficial goo.

 

[Chaka]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

I didn't like this one.

Spoiler

I can understand not showing the motives of the killers, but Van Sant didn't show the motives or give any back story about pretty well any character, except maybe the blonde haired boy. When the kids started to get shot, it really didn't affect me much seeing as I didn't care about any of the characters except that one girl who got bullied. I also thought a lot of the kids' actions were stupid, but maybe that's realistic

I kind of think the point was to provide no perspective for character motivation and let the audience draw their own conclusions about the back story. That's the way it happens in the real world and, for me that seemed to be the intent of the film.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Bad Education

I really enjoyed Pedro Almodóvar's Talk To Her, so I thought I'd give this one a shot. It features Gael García Bernal, who was outstanding in Y Tu Mamá También. I hate to say it, but I just am so bored with transgendered characters in film now. I'm not giving the movie a bad review because I didn't finish it. Just not interested.

I thought this movie was brilliant. I can't recall seeing many if any transgendered people in recent films I've seen though, so the transgenderness of the film didn't give me any apprehensions.

I don't doubt the movie's good. It's not homophobia, I'm just bored with men dressing up as women.

 

[Chaka]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

I agree that his movies are filmed beautifully. Unfortunately that isn't enough.

For me it is... if they're filmed as beautifully as Malick's are. Days of Heaven, I could watch with the sound off.

I really enjoyed Days of Heaven and it is a particularly stunning film to look at. But it also provides a very interesting story line. The New World never got a hook in me. I didn't hate it and will probably revisit it some day with a new perspective but my initial impression is that, while feeling entirely authentic, it was just boring.Seems like more of a film to study than to watch.

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

I agree that his movies are filmed beautifully. Unfortunately that isn't enough.

For me it is... if they're filmed as beautifully as Malick's are. Days of Heaven, I could watch with the sound off.

Might as well just watch a screen saver or stare at your aquarium.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The New World - My fourth Malick film and they aren't getting better as I go along. Another film that just seemed random and disjointed. It can be very interesting to look at, as most Malick films are but otherwise I didn't like the story telling, the music was distracting, I don't think Malick got much from his actors and overall I found it boring.

I hope Tree of Life turns out to be something special because right now I see a director who has gotten worse with each successive film.

Tree of Life is stunning. But I wouldn't predict you'd like it based on your New World review.I don't think The New World is perfect, and I can see why someone wouldn't like it. Mick LaSalle's review sums up my thoughts on the movie.

That review helps give some perspective but even LaSalle used the word 'dull' or 'boring' five times in regards to TNW in that article. I do like the idea that it was filmed more from a perspective of half remembered memories supplemented by readings from the writings of Smith, Pocahontas and Rolfe. And I agree that Malick did an excellent job capturing the authenticity of the initial landing in Virginia and the wonder, awe and amazement of "the naturals".In light of that review I might give it another viewing someday but it was still boring.

Hell, I thought The Thin Red Line was boring. Not sure how Malick does it but he can really suck the life out of history.

I think boring is an apt description of Malick's movies, but they're still interesting to me.

I find his films to be interesting to look at. The guy is a master at setting up beautiful shots.

I agree that his movies are filmed beautifully. Unfortunately that isn't enough.

For me it is... if they're filmed as beautifully as Malick's are. Days of Heaven, I could watch with the sound off.

Might as well just watch a screen saver or stare at your aquarium.

Planet Earth should have won best picture.

 

[Apple Juice]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

Spoiler

I didn't like this one. I can understand not showing the motives of the killers, but Van Sant didn't show the motives or give any back story about pretty well any character, except maybe the blonde haired boy. When the kids started to get shot, it really didn't affect me much seeing as I didn't care about any of the characters except that one girl who got bullied. I also thought a lot of the kids' actions were stupid, but maybe that's realistic

I remember liking this one a lot more than I expected, but I get your criticism. As I recall, I liked how well the movie captured the zeitgeist of high school, without having that backstory for characters or much plot-line other than the main event- it felt honest to me. Also thought it was beautiful to look at. In a way, had the positive elements of a typical Sofia Coppolla movie without being reduced to a shallow, superficial goo.Conventions were almost entirely abandoned in favor of realism, in almost every regard. The kids weren't actors. The dialogue wasn't polished. The interaction didn't feel practiced. There were five minute scenes following a kid walking down hallways. I never felt led down any path watching it--it was normal kids doing normal things followed by something shocking happening. It wasn't built up or dramatized, it was cold and raw. After the final scene in the school, the extended shot of the clouds moving across the sky made me feel like I just watched nature unfold. Nothing could stop it. It just was. A million tiny reasons collided and combined to produce one event.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

GladiatorI have an easy question about the end, and I'll put it in spoilers in case someone hasn't seen it...

Spoiler

At the end when Maximus is fighting the emperor, the emperor loses his weapon and demands another. The guards begin to pull out their swords, and the emperor's henchman tells them to sheath their swords. Am I correct assuming this is a protocol of battle that a combatant isn't allowed another weapon?

The guy wasn't exactly the emperor's henchman. It was Quintus, the same guy that Maximus was talking to before the battle in Germania.Quintus was stuck between a rock and a hard place when the Marcus Aurelius died as Commodus likely approached him before he did Maximus so as to gain his loyalty. The choice was "join me or die" - no choice at all really. So he was forced to betray Maximus.In the Coliseum battle between Maximus and Commodus, however, he sees his opportunity to make things right - using his position as the head of the Praetorian Guard to ensure that Maximus would defeat the emperor.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Melancholia

Profound, moving, deeply affective. An amazing performance by Dunst and a skillful and engaging effort from Von Triers resulted in a powerful existential treatise on suffering. I am still emotionally overwhelmed from seeing this and having a hard time gauging my rational response and an objective analysis. The fact that it could engage me emotionally with such force moves it into my top 5 for 2011.

4.6/5 stars

As much as I disliked Act 1, it is worth watching for the beginning montage and the last 15 minutes leading up to the destruction of Earth. No, that's not a spoiler.

 

[jdoggydogg]

GladiatorI have an easy question about the end, and I'll put it in spoilers in case someone hasn't seen it...

Spoiler

At the end when Maximus is fighting the emperor, the emperor loses his weapon and demands another. The guards begin to pull out their swords, and the emperor's henchman tells them to sheath their swords. Am I correct assuming this is a protocol of battle that a combatant isn't allowed another weapon?

The guy wasn't exactly the emperor's henchman. It was Quintus, the same guy that Maximus was talking to before the battle in Germania.Quintus was stuck between a rock and a hard place when the Marcus Aurelius died as Commodus likely approached him before he did Maximus so as to gain his loyalty. The choice was "join me or die" - no choice at all really. So he was forced to betray Maximus.In the Coliseum battle between Maximus and Commodus, however, he sees his opportunity to make things right - using his position as the head of the Praetorian Guard to ensure that Maximus would defeat the emperor.I know who he was, I was just too lazy to look up his character name.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

I am a big fan of this show, and I watch re-runs regularly on demand.

I wanted to comment here about the episode where the girl scout has her first period selling cookies to Larry. As funny as it was, I must say that the show did a brilliant job with the subject. While it's totally uncomfortable, here's a singular instance where Larry actually handles something awkward very well.

 

[shake zula]

The American with George Clooney. So bad.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Elephant:

Just got done watching this one and still processing it. Can't imagine the wounds this one opened when it was released. Really liked the same scene from different POVs that you got at the beginning of the film, and I really liked how Van Sant wasn't trying to explain anybody's motives. In fact, I would say that the popular theories are blown out at the end of the movie for the most part:

Spoiler

..by killing off the one shooter (was it Eric?). He was the one that was being shown in the typical light that we would think or the media was latching onto. We see him playing the shooting video game and lecturing his principal about listening when students are talking to you about being picked on - then he gets killed. Felt to me like Van Sant was telling us to throw all that out and left us to trying to make any sense out of what happened.

Spoiler

I didn't like this one. I can understand not showing the motives of the killers, but Van Sant didn't show the motives or give any back story about pretty well any character, except maybe the blonde haired boy. When the kids started to get shot, it really didn't affect me much seeing as I didn't care about any of the characters except that one girl who got bullied. I also thought a lot of the kids' actions were stupid, but maybe that's realistic

I kind of think the point was to provide no perspective for character motivation and let the audience draw their own conclusions about the back story. That's the way it happens in the real world and, for me that seemed to be the intent of the film.Makes sense. I guess I just don't think that makes for a very good movie, although I seem to be in the minority in that thought.

 

[Chaka]

The Tree of Life - I enjoyed it. One of the most visually stunning films I have seen. No one sets up a shot like Malick. I had no problem with the non-linear narrative (I don't even think it was all that non-linear). I think what helped me enjoy this film more than The New World is the music was perfect to the setting, it never took me out of the moment. I found it to be the opposite with TNW where I found the music to be distracting.

Definitely not for everyone, apparently not even Sean Penn*, but for me this is an Oscar worthy film.

*

In August 2011, Sean Penn gave an interview to the French publication "Le Figaro" in which he was very critical of the movie and Terrence Malick's direction. Penn said "I didn't at all find on the screen the emotion of the script, which is the most magnificent one that I've ever read. A clearer and more conventional narrative would have helped the film without, in my opinion, lessening its beauty and its impact. Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing there and what I was supposed to add in that context! What's more, Terry himself never managed to explain it to me clearly."

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

The Tree of Life - I enjoyed it. One of the most visually stunning films I have seen. No one sets up a shot like Malick. I had no problem with the non-linear narrative (I don't even think it was all that non-linear). I think what helped me enjoy this film more than The New World is the music was perfect to the setting, it never took me out of the moment. I found it to be the opposite with TNW where I found the music to be distracting.

Definitely not for everyone, apparently not even Sean Penn*, but for me this is an Oscar worthy film.

*

In August 2011, Sean Penn gave an interview to the French publication "Le Figaro" in which he was very critical of the movie and Terrence Malick's direction. Penn said "I didn't at all find on the screen the emotion of the script, which is the most magnificent one that I've ever read. A clearer and more conventional narrative would have helped the film without, in my opinion, lessening its beauty and its impact. Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing there and what I was supposed to add in that context! What's more, Terry himself never managed to explain it to me clearly."

I brought that up in the Oscars thread. What a poopfest of a movie.

 

[Chaka]

The Tree of Life - I enjoyed it. One of the most visually stunning films I have seen. No one sets up a shot like Malick. I had no problem with the non-linear narrative (I don't even think it was all that non-linear). I think what helped me enjoy this film more than The New World is the music was perfect to the setting, it never took me out of the moment. I found it to be the opposite with TNW where I found the music to be distracting.

Definitely not for everyone, apparently not even Sean Penn*, but for me this is an Oscar worthy film.

*

In August 2011, Sean Penn gave an interview to the French publication "Le Figaro" in which he was very critical of the movie and Terrence Malick's direction. Penn said "I didn't at all find on the screen the emotion of the script, which is the most magnificent one that I've ever read. A clearer and more conventional narrative would have helped the film without, in my opinion, lessening its beauty and its impact. Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing there and what I was supposed to add in that context! What's more, Terry himself never managed to explain it to me clearly."

I brought that up in the Oscars thread. What a poopfest of a movie.

Gonna disagree with you on this one. I can definitely understand why people would not enjoy this film at all, but it worked for me.