Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (4 Viewers)

[Apple Juice]

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

Watched it tonight. Agree fully. I'm not going to be able to forget this movie for a long time, if ever. A movie involving the end of the world--involving four people, basically--and it felt more real than any movie I've ever seen about the end of the world.

 

[Kenny Powers]

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.

For once, I think we agreed on something, although I didnt have a problem with the ending of Monsters

 

[Kenny Powers]

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?

I know Im late on this, and Im sure further reading of the thread will tell me something, but I took that as a "#### Commodus" move more than battle protocol.

 

[Kenny Powers]

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.

Not that Im interested in it, but why are you bored with it? I dont think I could count on my hand the roles I know of actors/actresses portraying trannies. I wouldve never watched Transamerica because I had no interest in watching it, but I was at a Motel 6 about a year ago and Transamerica was on HBO that night. I cant translate this to other shim movies, but Felicity Huffman was crazy good in that. After watching, I was shocked she didnt win best actress.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I dont remember Elephant as vividly as some here might, but I would tell enyone who liked it to watch Rampage...Rampage is still on Netflix instant watch. Its not as artsy/obscure as Elephant, but I thought it was a very good film about why someone would go on a killing spree, and the sequences of doing it was fantastic/alarming/entertaining. It focuses on 1 character's problems/demons and IMO it succeeds there.

 

[jdoggydogg]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

 

[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?

I know Im late on this, and Im sure further reading of the thread will tell me something, but I took that as a "#### Commodus" move more than battle protocol.That was my only other theory.

 

[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.

Not that Im interested in it, but why are you bored with it? I dont think I could count on my hand the roles I know of actors/actresses portraying trannies. I wouldve never watched Transamerica because I had no interest in watching it, but I was at a Motel 6 about a year ago and Transamerica was on HBO that night. I cant translate this to other shim movies, but Felicity Huffman was crazy good in that. After watching, I was shocked she didnt win best actress.

Well, it's hard to quantify. If you watch the movie, let me know how you feel. I loved Talk To Her, so I'm guessing the movie's worth watching.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

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 saw it when it first came out 12 years ago and I still plan on punching Terence MalIck in the throat if I ever run into him.

 

[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.

For once, I think we agreed on something, although I didnt have a problem with the ending of Monsters

i didn't mind the ending in terms of plotting but i did mind the execution.

Spoiler

i had to watch the first 3-5 minutes again to confirm what was happening. he could have had the opening bit repeated at the end and it wouldn't have diminished it one bit.

 

[hooter311]

The Grey

Awesome on so many levels. Will likely get a lot of flak because of the ending, but I thought it was perfect.

5/5

Put it on my top 10 favorite list.

 

[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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

He was excellent. Very authentic and genuine.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

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.

One of the best scenes of the season, if not series was him figuring out those instructions and explaining them to that girl.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

 

[KarmaPolice]

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.

One of the best scenes of the season, if not series was him figuring out those instructions and explaining them to that girl.

What season is this from?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

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.

One of the best scenes of the season, if not series was him figuring out those instructions and explaining them to that girl.

What season is this from?

Season 8. Episode 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV-aFh2ao0E

 

[jdoggydogg]

Entire original cast of Arrested Development signed on for new season

 

[jdoggydogg]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

He was excellent. Very authentic and genuine.

...and he didn't play the dad like a straight jerk.

 

[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.

One of the best scenes of the season, if not series was him figuring out those instructions and explaining them to that girl.

Just a brilliant scene all around

 

[jdoggydogg]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

 

[hooter311]

Entire original cast of Arrested Development signed on for new season

I never thought it would happen. Looking forward to the series more than the movie though.

 

[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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

He was excellent. Very authentic and genuine.

...and he didn't play the dad like a straight jerk.

It was a nuanced and realistic performance. Frankly I found the son to be much more disagreeable, but I guess in reality he was just being a kid. While I won't pretend to understand what Malick was trying to create it seemed that the themes of Grace and Nature were at the forefront and if you look at him in a from a linear perspective Pitt was the example of moving from Nature to Grace.Malick does an excellent job of creating an authentic feel to his films, and that doesn't always translate well (reality can be boring) but it worked here.

 

[Chaka]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

Happy GIlmore was awesome (in the dictionary under "Awesome" it says "See Happy GIlmore") and if you don't agree just shut the hell up.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Entire original cast of Arrested Development signed on for new season

I never thought it would happen. Looking forward to the series more than the movie though.

I like this series, though I confess I smile more often than laugh.That said, Will Arnett is a funny dude.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

Happy GIlmore was awesome (in the dictionary under "Awesome" it says "See Happy GIlmore") and if you don't agree just shut the hell up.

I've seen only a couple Sandler movies, and they deterred me from seeing any more of them. Still, I'd give it a shot.

 

[jdoggydogg]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

He was excellent. Very authentic and genuine.

...and he didn't play the dad like a straight jerk.

It was a nuanced and realistic performance. Frankly I found the son to be much more disagreeable, but I guess in reality he was just being a kid. While I won't pretend to understand what Malick was trying to create it seemed that the themes of Grace and Nature were at the forefront and if you look at him in a from a linear perspective Pitt was the example of moving from Nature to Grace.Malick does an excellent job of creating an authentic feel to his films, and that doesn't always translate well (reality can be boring) but it worked here.

Here's the deal with Malick: if everyone made movies like Malick, that would be incredibly dull. But the fact is, no one makes movies like Malick.

 

[Copeman]

Talking about Sandler, what did you guys think of his "serious" performance in "Reign Over Me"? I thought he did pretty good.

 

[Kenny Powers]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

Now you have me actually interested in seeing TToL as opposed to just seeing it for the sake of seeing it. I'll be surprised if I think its his best performance to date though.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

Happy GIlmore was awesome (in the dictionary under "Awesome" it says "See Happy GIlmore") and if you don't agree just shut the hell up.

Serious stretch

 

[Kenny Powers]

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.

For once, I think we agreed on something, although I didnt have a problem with the ending of Monsters

i didn't mind the ending in terms of plotting but i did mind the execution.

Spoiler

i had to watch the first 3-5 minutes again to confirm what was happening. he could have had the opening bit repeated at the end and it wouldn't have diminished it one bit.

Spoiler

so youre referring to their need for electricity/energy to thrive?

 

[Kenny Powers]

The GreyAwesome on so many levels. Will likely get a lot of flak because of the ending, but I thought it was perfect. 5/5Put it on my top 10 favorite list.

Top 10 all time?!

 

[hooter311]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Entire original cast of Arrested Development signed on for new season

So it wont be on TV, just Netflix??? Interesting..Something tells me it wont be as good as it was originally/not live up to expectations but I hope Im wrong.

 

[saintfool]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

Have you ever seen the Depp-Jarmusch flick? You might get a kick out of it, especially if you have a trace of fondness for Jarmusch.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

I liked PDL a good bit, but I thought Spanglish and Reign Over Me (his other serious roles) were just as good yet dont seem to get the same recognition because theyre not PTA films.As far as straightforward comedies, Sandler hasnt made one thats worth watching since Big Daddy and that was like 98 or 99. Billy Madison was his peak for me.

 

[Daywalker]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

I liked PDL a good bit, but I thought Spanglish and Reign Over Me (his other serious roles) were just as good yet dont seem to get the same recognition because theyre not PTA films.As far as straightforward comedies, Sandler hasnt made one thats worth watching since Big Daddy and that was like 98 or 99. Billy Madison was his peak for me.

Thought 40 First Dates was fun.

 

[hooter311]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

Have you ever seen the Depp-Jarmusch flick? You might get a kick out of it, especially if you have a trace of fondness for Jarmusch.Yes. And that is an excellent comparison to my theories of what is going on here. I didn't think Dead Man was much substance when I first watched it, but I'm surprised at just how much of the imagery has stuck with me through the years.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Entire original cast of Arrested Development signed on for new season

Nothing speaks to how overrated this show was than that everyone of the blinding talents who made it a bellweather program are still available to do TV.

 

[Chaka]

Talking about Sandler, what did you guys think of his "serious" performance in "Reign Over Me"? I thought he did pretty good.

I thought Reign Over Me was just a meh movie. Sandler was good enough as was Cheadle but the movie felt contrived. The most interesting thing about it was watching them play Shadow of the Colossus

The video game that Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle play is Shadow of the Colossus (Shadow of the Colossus). It's a game about a man who slays colossi in an attempt to bring a woman back to life. Early scripts had Sandler play a simple, 1980s-style game, until editor Jeremy Roush recalled that his own father watched the movie Aliens obsessively as a "thinly veiled kind of Vietnam veteran kind of story". Seeing the imagery of the colossi falling, he realized "someone who was dealing with 9/11 would be engrossed by a giant that keeps collapsing over and over again," so he demonstrated it to the director and actors. With the approval of the game's director Fumito Ueda, it was included in the movie.

I prefer Punch Drunk Love and Funny People.

 

[Chaka]

Punch-Drunk Love:

Really liked PTA's direction and the concept of the story, but Adam Sandler's character was holding me back from really loving this movie. Can't quite put my finger on it - maybe too maladjusted? 6/10

This is the only Sandler movie I've seen that was worth a ####, and I wish Sandler would do more serious roles.

Happy GIlmore was awesome (in the dictionary under "Awesome" it says "See Happy GIlmore") and if you don't agree just shut the hell up.

Serious stretch

Shut up, you.

 

[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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

Now you have me actually interested in seeing TToL as opposed to just seeing it for the sake of seeing it. I'll be surprised if I think its his best performance to date though.

My favorite is probably 12 Monkeys (or True Romance) but I do think this is probably his most mature and nuanced performance.

 

[Chaka]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

Have you ever seen the Depp-Jarmusch flick? You might get a kick out of it, especially if you have a trace of fondness for Jarmusch.Dead Man? I had never heard of it but with that cast I am definitely interested. Nobody brings the crazy like Crispin Glover.

 

[El Floppo]

Loved Dead Man, but I don't remember it much. I do remember all 3 of my grad school buddies I went to see it with fell asleep during.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

Spoiler

Have you ever seen the Depp-Jarmusch flick? You might get a kick out of it, especially if you have a trace of fondness for Jarmusch.

Dead Man? I had never heard of it but with that cast I am definitely interested. Nobody brings the crazy like Crispin Glover.Great movie. My second favorite Jarmusch film after Ghost Dog.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm sure there's a better place to ask, but is anybody watching The Fades on BBC America? 3 episodes in, and I'm really enjoying it. British teen/zombie-apocolypse/comedy/thriller.

Oh- wikkid is on my Players To Avoid kist know for that Arrested Development comment.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Black Swan - I had high expectations for this movie. While the acting was good, something about it didn't deliver. I also thought it was completely unbelievable that Nina went on an all night bender (wrt the timing of said bender).

Valhalla Rising - Loved the cinematography in this movie. The whole feel of the movie was very cool. But it just never reached that upper elite level. Also parts of the movie were hard to follow. I thought it was difficult to tell how much time had elapsed in between certain scenes of the movie.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Valhalla Rising - Loved the cinematography in this movie. The whole feel of the movie was very cool. But it just never reached that upper elite level. Also parts of the movie were hard to follow. I thought it was difficult to tell how much time had elapsed in between certain scenes of the movie.

Watched this like a month ago and agree with most of this. Awesome cinematography, visuals, fight scenes, and perfect color tones for this dark type of movie. I might even say its greatest strength was conveying the time period it was from in such a minimalistic fashion, alongside carrying the story with little dialogue. Between this, Casino Royale, and even a somewhat redeeming role in Clash of the Titans, I want to see Mads Mikkelsen in more stuff...3.5/5

 

[Kenny Powers]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

Now you have me actually interested in seeing TToL as opposed to just seeing it for the sake of seeing it. I'll be surprised if I think its his best performance to date though.

My favorite is probably 12 Monkeys (or True Romance) but I do think this is probably his most mature and nuanced performance.

Now that I could see, although I thought he was great in Assasination of Jesse James and think that description fits there as well.Hard enough to pick a favorite top 5 let alone #1...Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Kalifornia, Snatch, Jesse James, Sleepers

 

[JZilla]

More thoughts on the Grey:

Spoiler

Anyone else think that he really did kill himself at the beginning, and the "grey" is really the afterlife? The supporting characters are merely fodder leading up to Nielsen's true test. Defeating the Alpha wolf to exit purgatory. The wolves play out a little bit like cartoonish monsters, and add in the coincidence that he is heading directly towards the den the entire time. Directly towards his test? not his rescue.

uffpuffgive:I don't think so but I loved it too, glad you agree

 

[jdoggydogg]

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."

You know, I don't think this is a revelation, but some movies are so much better on the big screen. This was one of them. The enormity of the universe and all that.Much like Rooney Mara made Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for me, Brad Pitt made Tree Of Life. I think it's his best acting in any movie he's ever done.

Now you have me actually interested in seeing TToL as opposed to just seeing it for the sake of seeing it. I'll be surprised if I think its his best performance to date though.

I can see why Sean Penn thinks his scenes were superfluous. I agree. But they don't ruin the movie. I think the two reasons to see Tree of Life are the cinematography and Brad Pitt.