Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (1 Viewer)

[Time Kibitzer]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I agree. Although I'd argue the average comedy film is terrible - so that's not a ringing endorsement.

True, but I'm also considering that making a funny comedy film is pretty damn difficult. It's so much easier to make a decent comedy TV series than it is a decent comedy film.

I think you're right. Why is that?

I'll leave that answer to wikkid and other film theorists, as I couldn't tell you. Cosjobs made a good point in that TV shows can get pretty well immediate feedback and make changes for future episodes. But you'd think that with several shows making funny 20 minute episodes on a bi-monthly basis that making a 90 minute comedy film shouldn't be that much more difficult.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I liked Moneyball but the performances were nothing special. The script and direction made that movie. Any number of actors could have filled the parts. Comedic actors are grossly underrated and Hill is a pretty good one. He could be a great actor but Moneyball doesn't lead me to think either way. It is a good sign though that he was adequate in it.

His everyman/nuanced performance elevated the film from typical sports movie to a couple of levels above. He outperformed Pitt in that movie. He did not steal the performance of Pitt, but enhanced the movie as a whole. The sign of a true pro.

I guess we just disagree then, as I thought Hill's performance was completely ordinary and thought it could have been replicated by many. I also didn't think Hill's performance in Get Him to the Greek was any different from what he's done in every other comedy movie he's in.

 

[Daywalker]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I agree. Although I'd argue the average comedy film is terrible - so that's not a ringing endorsement.

True, but I'm also considering that making a funny comedy film is pretty damn difficult. It's so much easier to make a decent comedy TV series than it is a decent comedy film.

I think you're right. Why is that?

I'll leave that answer to wikkid and other film theorists, as I couldn't tell you. Cosjobs made a good point in that TV shows can get pretty well immediate feedback and make changes for future episodes. But you'd think that with several shows making funny 20 minute episodes on a bi-monthly basis that making a 90 minute comedy film shouldn't be that much more difficult.

Think coming up with numerous 20-minute premises(episodes) is a lot easier then 100 minutes that are all related and build off each other. Also think people just enjoy their comedies in 20-30 minute segments. Never really hear anyone say they watched a marathon of a comedy show. Usually an episode or two here and there. Eastbound and Down is good in small doses but would never recommend reeling off five episodes in a row. Movies don't have that luxury.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I know that Jonah Hill isn't Anthony Hopkins. But don't underestimate how hard it is to be a good comic actor.

As long as we're discussing talented young actors, I nominate all of the young actors from Game of Thrones

 

[KarmaPolice]

21 Jump Street

This is not really a very good movie. THis is an enjoyable and funny movie. Jonah Hill is probably the best young comic actor today. Jonah Hill may even be the best actor under 35 in Hollywood. Predicatble fluff done right.

3.5/5 stars

Wait..what? I'd wouldn't even put Jonah Hill in the top 50 of actors under 30. Granted, I got tired of his comedy shtick years ago, but I also thought he was completely ordinary in Moneyball which is the only serious film I've seen him in. Only role of his that left me impressed was Superbad. I've still been meaning to see Cyrus and 21 Jump Street though.

50 comedic actors under 30?I'll give you that it's schtick, but it's damn good schtick. He even made the horrible movie The Sitter watchable.

No I couldn't even name 50 comedic actors under 30, did cosjobs mean best comedic actor under 35?

I thought I was clear:Best young comic actor today = probably Jonah Hill

Best overall actor under 35 = may be Jonah Hill

I can see why you may not like him, but he is undeniably talented.

I thought you were clear too but cstu had me double guessing. I just find it kind of absurd how someone who plays one of 2 characters (that happen to be highly correlated) would even be in the conversation for the best overall actor under 35.

Absurd indeed.Just off the top of my head..

Ben Foster?

Ryan Gosling?

Aaron Johnson?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

Come on, those guys could be having a bad day and still act circles around Hill.

Ben Foster? are you kidding me? maybe some day, but one note so farRyan Gosling? Likeable, but I have not seen any range.

Aaron Johnson? Needs more work to be judged. He is dreamy, tho

Joseph Gordon-Levitt? Fair point, he's very good.

You have Lars and the Real Girl, Half Nelson, and Blue Valentine all the way through Crazy Stupid Love, etc.. For my $ this discussion is probably over when you bring up Gosling with Gordon-Levitt nipping at his heels.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hot Coffee:

A very interesting doc. on the law system and the battle over "frivolous" lawsuits. Focuses on business' battle to keep cases out of the court system via various ways. As the title suggests there is a bit to do with the famous McDonald's coffee case and using that as a springboard to point to how we are all just money grubbers. Very much an eye opener, and a strong recommend out of me.

Probably not the best description from me. Really not about us being money grubbers. More about how the court system should/is the last line of defense between us and big business, and we seem pretty willing to give up our rights to jury trials over the illusion of all these 'frivolous' cases. As Joe Citizen it made me think, but I would really be interested in the lawyer perspective on this one.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Caught the last half hour or so of Forman's Man on the Moon for the first time since seeing it in theaters. Such a similar tone to Larry Flynt... which I guess is understandable given the director and biopic angle. I remembered Carey being pretty good in this- as a not-too-much-of-a-stretch role of Andy Kaufman- but found myself less interested this time around with his typical exaggerated slapsticky phsyicality. Still love Kaufman's story (which had mostly wrapped up by the time I started watching) and remember finding the telling of it compelling in this. Was disappointed in some of the reenacted wacky kaufman humor this time around, and found it telling that Forman fell back on the tired cliche of using the supporting actors to relay how the audience is supposed to emote to any given scene (see... Paul Giamatti and Danny Devito are laughing... no wait- now they're crying) that could/should have otherwise been played in the ambiguous way that Kaufman himself used in his act. And I had no memory of Giamatti being in that- must've been an early role for him.

I remember liking this, despite one of the lamest scenes I've ever seen in a critically-acclaimed movie: Danny DeVito says something like, "You are nuts. But you might be a genius." Terrible writing.

Yeah, that line is horrible.

 

[Jutz]

I watched Vally Girl with Nic Cage. I really don't know what angle the director was coming from, but either way I liked it. Either the director said... hey, let's think of every stereotype ever in any 80's film and put it into 1 film and make it a charicature of 80's films. Or... the director actually attempted to make a sincere good 80's flick and just ended up having all those same elements.

Regardless, the 80's film feel was there the whole time. I loved hearing the girls say: rad, tubular, totally, and like. They made the main female character seem like a complete ditz. The way she selected boyfriends was absurd and completely material... but at the same time, very realistic. The 'dudes' were the definition of 80's movies. The jocks / preppies vs. the 'punks'. Except the 'punks' looked like new wave, and the 'punk' style outfits they put them in were so bad they looked funny and harmless. Solid soundtrack too.

This movie was definitely a blast from the past. Regardless of weather the director actually attempted to make a serious 80's movie, or just put out some pure schtick... it was fun.

Oh, and the credits rolling at the end were in hot pink... I think this is where the director of Drive stole it from... that and the soundtrack.

 

[snogger]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

In the last couple years:Hangover - LOVED it, Own it. Hangover 2 - Hated it.. Hot Tub Time machine - quite a few times..Date Night - Same as aboveDue date - Not great, not bad.. Wouldn't watch it again though.Bridesmaids - Laughed less then I did at Due Date.The Other guys - About the same level as Bridesmaids.Bad Teacher - SameJust go with it - started strong, finished

 

[Socrates11]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

In the last couple years:Hangover - LOVED it, Own it. Hangover 2 - Hated it.. Hot Tub Time machine - quite a few times..Date Night - Same as aboveDue date - Not great, not bad.. Wouldn't watch it again though.Bridesmaids - Laughed less then I did at Due Date.The Other guys - About the same level as Bridesmaids.Bad Teacher - SameJust go with it - started strong, finished

The Change Up- Bateman and Reynolds comedy. Went into it with low expectations. The wife and I were laughly nearly non-stop throughout.Hall Pass- had moments it was almost classic, but fell a little short.Horrible Bosses- Solid. Jennifer Aniston was white-fire hot in this one too.Crazy Stupid Love- solid romcomCedar Rapids- like Hall Pass, had moments but didn't quite get thereThose are recent ones I remember

 

[Chaka]

I watched Vally Girl with Nic Cage. I really don't know what angle the director was coming from, but either way I liked it. Either the director said... hey, let's think of every stereotype ever in any 80's film and put it into 1 film and make it a charicature of 80's films. Or... the director actually attempted to make a sincere good 80's flick and just ended up having all those same elements.

Regardless, the 80's film feel was there the whole time. I loved hearing the girls say: rad, tubular, totally, and like. They made the main female character seem like a complete ditz. The way she selected boyfriends was absurd and completely material... but at the same time, very realistic. The 'dudes' were the definition of 80's movies. The jocks / preppies vs. the 'punks'. Except the 'punks' looked like new wave, and the 'punk' style outfits they put them in were so bad they looked funny and harmless. Solid soundtrack too.

This movie was definitely a blast from the past. Regardless of weather the director actually attempted to make a serious 80's movie, or just put out some pure schtick... it was fun.

Oh, and the credits rolling at the end were in hot pink... I think this is where the director of Drive stole it from... that and the soundtrack.

I always had a thing for Deborah Foreman.

 

[snogger]

I watched Vally Girl with Nic Cage. I really don't know what angle the director was coming from, but either way I liked it. Either the director said... hey, let's think of every stereotype ever in any 80's film and put it into 1 film and make it a charicature of 80's films. Or... the director actually attempted to make a sincere good 80's flick and just ended up having all those same elements.

Regardless, the 80's film feel was there the whole time. I loved hearing the girls say: rad, tubular, totally, and like. They made the main female character seem like a complete ditz. The way she selected boyfriends was absurd and completely material... but at the same time, very realistic. The 'dudes' were the definition of 80's movies. The jocks / preppies vs. the 'punks'. Except the 'punks' looked like new wave, and the 'punk' style outfits they put them in were so bad they looked funny and harmless. Solid soundtrack too.

This movie was definitely a blast from the past. Regardless of weather the director actually attempted to make a serious 80's movie, or just put out some pure schtick... it was fun.

Oh, and the credits rolling at the end were in hot pink... I think this is where the director of Drive stole it from... that and the soundtrack.

I always had a thing for Deborah Foreman.

 

[wikkidpissah]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I agree. Although I'd argue the average comedy film is terrible - so that's not a ringing endorsement.

True, but I'm also considering that making a funny comedy film is pretty damn difficult. It's so much easier to make a decent comedy TV series than it is a decent comedy film.

I think you're right. Why is that?

I'll leave that answer to wikkid and other film theorists, as I couldn't tell you. Cosjobs made a good point in that TV shows can get pretty well immediate feedback and make changes for future episodes. But you'd think that with several shows making funny 20 minute episodes on a bi-monthly basis that making a 90 minute comedy film shouldn't be that much more difficult.

The two biggies are sustenance of plot & character familiarity.

In a play or movie, you have to develop the reason why everyone is up on the screen & then drag them thru a full arc of story to satisfying resolution while maintaining a brisk & timely pace to keep the audience with you. In sitcoms, plotting is not only not a burden - story arcs can develop over a season or perhaps the entire course of the series - it can be, as with the Larry David concept of weaving three disparate side stories into a ridiculous payoff, a comic element itself.

And we dont always realize how much it helps that we know how Joey relates to Rachel before we process the comedic value of their interaction. The building blocks of the sitcom in fact are creating a static situation, attractive characters with sustainability and, finally, relationships - both between characters themselves and between characters and the all-knowing eye of the viewer who nods in comfirmation and comfort when he hears "Norm!" every week.

 

[Jutz]

I can't really comment on Bridesmaids much because I didn't see the whole thing... but I did see about 10 minutes of it while flipping through channels at the hotel, and of that small part I saw... well.

I saw the part after they ate at the Brazillian food place. Then they went shopping at the fancy dress place. Then they all puked and had the runs... and did a whole bunch of disguisting stuff. Well, the last movie I saw gross out humor and thought it was funny was Dumb and Dumber when the guy was pooping in the bathroom at that girls house. The movie that had a bunch of gross out humor and I decided I was no longer interested in this style was when I saw the 'load' in that famous blond chicks hair in Something About Mary. Ever since then, I was so done with gross out humor.

There was quite a run (no pun intended) of gross out humor in movies and I feel like Something About Mary (or somewhere around that time) is when gross out humor really caught on and became very prominent. I still don't like it. Sometimes if the comedy is greater then the gross out humor I can stand it and let it pass... but I gotta say when I saw those broads making a mess in the bathroom in the dress shop... my thoughts were... I've seen enough.

I just don't get that style of humor. I mean, I love farting, and laughing about farts in real life. But I don't really like laughing about puke and the runs.

 

[hooter311]

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I barely laughed.

Fair enough. Curious though, what do you two consider to be some of the funnier comedy films of the last few years?

People are really hating on Bridesmaids? I can understand being let down after the hype it's gotten in the media and the like, but even taking that into account, I thought everyone in here at least would agree that at worst, it's a firmly above average comedy film.

I agree. Although I'd argue the average comedy film is terrible - so that's not a ringing endorsement.

True, but I'm also considering that making a funny comedy film is pretty damn difficult. It's so much easier to make a decent comedy TV series than it is a decent comedy film.

I think you're right. Why is that?

I'll leave that answer to wikkid and other film theorists, as I couldn't tell you. Cosjobs made a good point in that TV shows can get pretty well immediate feedback and make changes for future episodes. But you'd think that with several shows making funny 20 minute episodes on a bi-monthly basis that making a 90 minute comedy film shouldn't be that much more difficult.

The two biggies are sustenance of plot & character familiarity.

In a play or movie, you have to develop the reason why everyone is up on the screen & then drag them thru a full arc of story to satisfying resolution while maintaining a brisk & timely pace to keep the audience with you. In sitcoms, plotting is not only not a burden - story arcs can develop over a season or perhaps the entire course of the series - it can be, as with the Larry David concept of weaving three disparate side stories into a ridiculous payoff, a comic element itself.

And we dont always realize how much it helps that we know how Joey relates to Rachel before we process the comedic value of their interaction. The building blocks of the sitcom in fact are creating a static situation, attractive characters with sustainability and, finally, relationships - both between characters themselves and between characters and the all-knowing eye of the viewer who nods in comfirmation and comfort when he hears "Norm!" every week.

Good stuff Wikkid. I think you nailed it. A 22 minute sitcom actually has more time to build familiarity with characters because they are not trying to stuff a 3 act structure into 100 pages of script. The first season of a comedy series is very rarely anyone's favorite. Some shows are able to get away it with by nailing their characters just right.

 

[hooter311]

I can't really comment on Bridesmaids much because I didn't see the whole thing... but I did see about 10 minutes of it while flipping through channels at the hotel, and of that small part I saw... well.I saw the part after they ate at the Brazillian food place. Then they went shopping at the fancy dress place. Then they all puked and had the runs... and did a whole bunch of disguisting stuff. Well, the last movie I saw gross out humor and thought it was funny was Dumb and Dumber when the guy was pooping in the bathroom at that girls house. The movie that had a bunch of gross out humor and I decided I was no longer interested in this style was when I saw the 'load' in that famous blond chicks hair in Something About Mary. Ever since then, I was so done with gross out humor.There was quite a run (no pun intended) of gross out humor in movies and I feel like Something About Mary (or somewhere around that time) is when gross out humor really caught on and became very prominent. I still don't like it. Sometimes if the comedy is greater then the gross out humor I can stand it and let it pass... but I gotta say when I saw those broads making a mess in the bathroom in the dress shop... my thoughts were... I've seen enough.I just don't get that style of humor. I mean, I love farting, and laughing about farts in real life. But I don't really like laughing about puke and the runs.

I'm the same way. I love stupid humor, but bathroom jokes are almost as big of turn off as torture porn for me.

 

[-arcK-]

I know that Jonah Hill isn't Anthony Hopkins. But don't underestimate how hard it is to be a good comic actor.

Hell, I like the guy and enjoy his work. But best actor under 35!? At this point I'm convinced cosjobs is just amused at getting people riled up, so I'm not going to argue anymore.

As long as we're discussing talented young actors, I nominate all of the young actors from Game of Thrones

Excellent call. Excited to see how the show makes use of them...

 

[-arcK-]

Aaron Johnson I didnt recognize by name, but saw today he is in Oliver Stone's new movie in a big role. Kick-### was great, but he needs to do a lot more to even deserve mentioning with these other actors.

You're right. It was premature to throw him in that group, but if you haven't seen him in the John Lennon movie, give it a shot. I'm already convinced of his ability and potential.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The two biggies are sustenance of plot & character familiarity.

In a play or movie, you have to develop the reason why everyone is up on the screen & then drag them thru a full arc of story to satisfying resolution while maintaining a brisk & timely pace to keep the audience with you. In sitcoms, plotting is not only not a burden - story arcs can develop over a season or perhaps the entire course of the series - it can be, as with the Larry David concept of weaving three disparate side stories into a ridiculous payoff, a comic element itself.

And we dont always realize how much it helps that we know how Joey relates to Rachel before we process the comedic value of their interaction. The building blocks of the sitcom in fact are creating a static situation, attractive characters with sustainability and, finally, relationships - both between characters themselves and between characters and the all-knowing eye of the viewer who nods in comfirmation and comfort when he hears "Norm!" every week.

Good stuff Wikkid. I think you nailed it. A 22 minute sitcom actually has more time to build familiarity with characters because they are not trying to stuff a 3 act structure into 100 pages of script. The first season of a comedy series is very rarely anyone's favorite. Some shows are able to get away it with by nailing their characters just right.

Totally agree with all points mentioned here.To the bolded point, I remember watching the first few episodes of the Big Bang Theory with my wife and we thought it was just horrible. Now we both love it.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I checked out "Buried" last night.

It follows an American contract worker (Paul Conrad) who is captured by Iraqi insurgents and buried alive. It's similar to 127 hours only they went balls to the wall and didn't use flashbacks/hallucinations to fill up time like 127 hours did. The movie is literally 1 hour and 35 minutes of Paul Conrad (played by Ryan Reynolds) trapped in a box. No flashbacks, no hallucinations, there is never another actor on the screen and somehow they pull it off and it ended up being really good.

I'd give it a solid 8.5/10

 

[Joe T]

Rented the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo over the weekend.

Rated E for excellent.

 

[snogger]

Forgot to add that for the heck of it I DVR'd the "Nightmare on Elm Street" remake.. WHY?????

Can anyone get my 2 hours back???

Talk about a hack job..

I understand remakes very rarely compare to the original, but this remake was so slow I kept thinking of fast forwarding through it..

 

[cstu]

The Sunset Limited

Tommy Lee Jones and Sam Jackson in a room for 90 minutes discussing religion - how could it be anything other than awesome?

 

[krista4]

Hot Coffee:

A very interesting doc. on the law system and the battle over "frivolous" lawsuits. Focuses on business' battle to keep cases out of the court system via various ways. As the title suggests there is a bit to do with the famous McDonald's coffee case and using that as a springboard to point to how we are all just money grubbers. Very much an eye opener, and a strong recommend out of me.

Probably not the best description from me. Really not about us being money grubbers. More about how the court system should/is the last line of defense between us and big business, and we seem pretty willing to give up our rights to jury trials over the illusion of all these 'frivolous' cases. As Joe Citizen it made me think, but I would really be interested in the lawyer perspective on this one.

Just looked for it on Netflix but it's not on there.

 

[jdoggydogg]

21 Jump Street

This is not really a very good movie. THis is an enjoyable and funny movie. Jonah Hill is probably the best young comic actor today. Jonah Hill may even be the best actor under 35 in Hollywood. Predicatble fluff done right.

3.5/5 stars

Wait..what? I'd wouldn't even put Jonah Hill in the top 50 of actors under 30. Granted, I got tired of his comedy shtick years ago, but I also thought he was completely ordinary in Moneyball which is the only serious film I've seen him in. Only role of his that left me impressed was Superbad. I've still been meaning to see Cyrus and 21 Jump Street though.

50 comedic actors under 30?I'll give you that it's schtick, but it's damn good schtick. He even made the horrible movie The Sitter watchable.

No I couldn't even name 50 comedic actors under 30, did cosjobs mean best comedic actor under 35?

I thought I was clear:Best young comic actor today = probably Jonah Hill

Best overall actor under 35 = may be Jonah Hill

I can see why you may not like him, but he is undeniably talented.

I thought you were clear too but cstu had me double guessing. I just find it kind of absurd how someone who plays one of 2 characters (that happen to be highly correlated) would even be in the conversation for the best overall actor under 35.

Absurd indeed.Just off the top of my head..

Ben Foster?

Ryan Gosling?

Aaron Johnson?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

Come on, those guys could be having a bad day and still act circles around Hill.

Ben Foster? are you kidding me? maybe some day, but one note so farRyan Gosling? Likeable, but I have not seen any range.

Aaron Johnson? Needs more work to be judged. He is dreamy, tho

Joseph Gordon-Levitt? Fair point, he's very good.

You have Lars and the Real Girl, Half Nelson, and Blue Valentine all the way through Crazy Stupid Love, etc.. For my $ this discussion is probably over when you bring up Gosling with Gordon-Levitt nipping at his heels.

Gosling is a fantastic actor.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I know that Jonah Hill isn't Anthony Hopkins. But don't underestimate how hard it is to be a good comic actor.

Hell, I like the guy and enjoy his work. But best actor under 35!? At this point I'm convinced cosjobs is just amused at getting people riled up, so I'm not going to argue anymore.

As long as we're discussing talented young actors, I nominate all of the young actors from Game of Thrones

Excellent call. Excited to see how the show makes use of them...

I don't know how they managed to nab so many good young actors.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Rented the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo over the weekend.Rated E for excellent.

The remake? I liked it a lot.

 

[Chaka]

I know that Jonah Hill isn't Anthony Hopkins. But don't underestimate how hard it is to be a good comic actor.

Hell, I like the guy and enjoy his work. But best actor under 35!? At this point I'm convinced cosjobs is just amused at getting people riled up, so I'm not going to argue anymore.

As long as we're discussing talented young actors, I nominate all of the young actors from Game of Thrones

Excellent call. Excited to see how the show makes use of them...

I don't know how they managed to nab so many good young actors.

For the five youngest Stark kids, including Jon Snow, GoT is their first or second acting job.

 

[cstu]

Gosling is a fantastic actor.

He's got my vote and
(1:30).

 

[cosjobs]

Boy

Coming of age film set in New Zealand about an 11 year old boy and the return of his comically inept ex-con father.Set in 1984 in a small NZ village with characters named Rocky, Chardonnay, Dallas, Dynasty and other pop culture icons. It develops unhurried, kind of like the Descendants, with a similar slice of life unfolding with small but real dramas keenly realized and felt. On the other hand it was very funny and the tone was far, far lighter. Written, directed by and starring Taika Waititi as the father. I predict both Waitiki and Boy's little brother (James Rollensten) become huge in the next decade. This is a fine film that I enjoyed as much as any I have seen this year and defintely a Top 10 (or better).



4.75/5stars

 

[cstu]

Boy

Coming of age film set in New Zealand about an 11 year old boy and the return of his comically inept ex-con father.Set in 1984 in a small NZ village with characters named Rocky, Chardonnay, Dallas, Dynasty and other pop culture icons. It develops unhurried, kind of like the Descendants, with a similar slice of life unfolding with small but real dramas keenly realized and felt. On the other hand it was very funny and the tone was far, far lighter. Written, directed by and starring Taika Waititi as the father. I predict both Waitiki and Boy's little brother (James Rollensten) become huge in the next decade. This is a fine film that I enjoyed as much as any I have seen this year and defintely a Top 10 (or better).



4.75/5stars

I liked it but I wouldn't give it more than a 7.5/10. Problem I had was that it tried to walk the line between slice-of-life and farce.

 

[cosjobs]

Boy

Coming of age film set in New Zealand about an 11 year old boy and the return of his comically inept ex-con father.Set in 1984 in a small NZ village with characters named Rocky, Chardonnay, Dallas, Dynasty and other pop culture icons. It develops unhurried, kind of like the Descendants, with a similar slice of life unfolding with small but real dramas keenly realized and felt. On the other hand it was very funny and the tone was far, far lighter. Written, directed by and starring Taika Waititi as the father. I predict both Waitiki and Boy's little brother (James Rollensten) become huge in the next decade. This is a fine film that I enjoyed as much as any I have seen this year and defintely a Top 10 (or better).



4.75/5stars

I liked it but I wouldn't give it more than a 7.5/10. Problem I had was that it tried to walk the line between slice-of-life and farce.

Wife and I discussed it afterwards and that was what raised it to another level for us, the way they blended in the farce and made it work. The pre-barfight dance fantasy and cast production of Thriller were both really out of place, but clever and fun and just worked. What did you think of the little brother?

 

[saintfool]

caught "the raid: redemption" tonight in the theater. really, really good if you are in the mood for that kind of thing. tense and thrilling pretty much throughout. terrific fight sequences done by a game cast and crew. all parties seemed to know what they wanted to show and do. plot held together too. it's pretty badass really.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hot Coffee:

A very interesting doc. on the law system and the battle over "frivolous" lawsuits. Focuses on business' battle to keep cases out of the court system via various ways. As the title suggests there is a bit to do with the famous McDonald's coffee case and using that as a springboard to point to how we are all just money grubbers. Very much an eye opener, and a strong recommend out of me.

Probably not the best description from me. Really not about us being money grubbers. More about how the court system should/is the last line of defense between us and big business, and we seem pretty willing to give up our rights to jury trials over the illusion of all these 'frivolous' cases. As Joe Citizen it made me think, but I would really be interested in the lawyer perspective on this one.

Just looked for it on Netflix but it's not on there.

That's where I got it.

 

[cstu]

Tomorrow, When the War Began

This came out a couple of years ago in Australia but was recently released here. It's based on a series of Australian books. A lot of reviews call it a knock-off of Red Dawn, but it was a fun movie. Nothing great but worth a watch. 7/10.

 

[Chaka]

Tomorrow, When the War Began

This came out a couple of years ago in Australia but was recently released here. It's based on a series of Australian books. A lot of reviews call it a knock-off of Red Dawn, but it was a fun movie. Nothing great but worth a watch. 7/10.

AVENGE ME...and get me a Foster's while you're at it.

 

[krista4]

Hot Coffee:

A very interesting doc. on the law system and the battle over "frivolous" lawsuits. Focuses on business' battle to keep cases out of the court system via various ways. As the title suggests there is a bit to do with the famous McDonald's coffee case and using that as a springboard to point to how we are all just money grubbers. Very much an eye opener, and a strong recommend out of me.

Probably not the best description from me. Really not about us being money grubbers. More about how the court system should/is the last line of defense between us and big business, and we seem pretty willing to give up our rights to jury trials over the illusion of all these 'frivolous' cases. As Joe Citizen it made me think, but I would really be interested in the lawyer perspective on this one.

Just looked for it on Netflix but it's not on there.

That's where I got it.

Cool. Try to find it instant view and send me a link if you have it.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hot Coffee:

A very interesting doc. on the law system and the battle over "frivolous" lawsuits. Focuses on business' battle to keep cases out of the court system via various ways. As the title suggests there is a bit to do with the famous McDonald's coffee case and using that as a springboard to point to how we are all just money grubbers. Very much an eye opener, and a strong recommend out of me.

Probably not the best description from me. Really not about us being money grubbers. More about how the court system should/is the last line of defense between us and big business, and we seem pretty willing to give up our rights to jury trials over the illusion of all these 'frivolous' cases. As Joe Citizen it made me think, but I would really be interested in the lawyer perspective on this one.

Just looked for it on Netflix but it's not on there.

That's where I got it.

Cool. Try to find it instant view and send me a link if you have it.

I just have the old school disc option, so maybe its not on instant? Since they changed the options, I can't browse the instant stuff either.

 

[jamny]

I had Green Zone on my DVR forever. Finally got around to watching it. Below average Iraq war thriller. Nothing special. 1.5/5

 

[JZilla]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

 

[cosjobs]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

Besides Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, The Believer, Blue Valentine, The United States of Leland, and Drive I can't think of any.

 

[Chaka]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

Half Nelson was very good. Lars and the Real Girl was good. Many people think Blue Valentine is a very good film (not sure about that myself). Personally I think Drive was one of the best films from 2011 but I know that inspires a lot of disagreement.He was also very good in Remember the Titans and that character was a departure from what we normally see from him.

 

[cosjobs]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

Half Nelson was very good. Lars and the Real Girl was good. Many people think Blue Valentine is a very good film (not sure about that myself). Personally I think Drive was one of the best films from 2011 but I know that inspires a lot of disagreement.He was also very good in Remember the Titans and that character was a departure from what we normally see from him.

Lars was pretty darn good, but not real good. I really liked Drive a lot when I saw it in the theater and at the time considered it a strong candidate as a top 10, but I watched the DVD with my wife and it left me much more lukewarm about it. I do not remember his role in RtT, I will need to re-watch that. I really like Gosling a lot, I just have not seen much versatility.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

You should keep this Jonah Hill schtick going for years to come.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

Besides Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, The Believer, Blue Valentine, The United States of Leland, and Drive I can't think of any.

Not to mention Fracture, All Good Things, and Murder By Numbers were all pretty good. I havent seen The Notebook, but all his movies that Ive seen I think are good or better, and Im guessing The Gangster Squad will be awesome.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

Half Nelson was very good. Lars and the Real Girl was good. Many people think Blue Valentine is a very good film (not sure about that myself). Personally I think Drive was one of the best films from 2011 but I know that inspires a lot of disagreement.He was also very good in Remember the Titans and that character was a departure from what we normally see from him.

Lars was pretty darn good, but not real good. I really liked Drive a lot when I saw it in the theater and at the time considered it a strong candidate as a top 10, but I watched the DVD with my wife and it left me much more lukewarm about it. I do not remember his role in RtT, I will need to re-watch that. I really like Gosling a lot, I just have not seen much versatility.

Unlike the great Jonah Hill.

 

[JZilla]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

Besides Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, The Believer, Blue Valentine, The United States of Leland, and Drive I can't think of any.

Not to mention Fracture, All Good Things, and Murder By Numbers were all pretty good. I havent seen The Notebook, but all his movies that Ive seen I think are good or better, and Im guessing The Gangster Squad will be awesome.

When I saw this movie ten years ago or whatever it was, I thought it might have been the worst movie I had ever sat throughI guess I haven't seen the bulk of Gosling's work. Lots of chicky flicks. Maybe I'll check out Lars.

 

[JZilla]

Finally saw The Ides of March. On board with average, and "meh"

I'm over Clooney . I think the last movie I saw him in that I didn't think was overrated was Burn After Reading

I think Gosling's a promising actor and he sure is dreamy, but has he done a good movie yet at all?

I thought Half Nelson was a very good movie. He's no Jonah Hill, but he could be one of the best of his generation if he starts showing some more range. The roles he has had were very different, but he played them pretty much the same. He definitely has the longest face in Hollywood.

Half Nelson was very good. Lars and the Real Girl was good. Many people think Blue Valentine is a very good film (not sure about that myself). Personally I think Drive was one of the best films from 2011 but I know that inspires a lot of disagreement.He was also very good in Remember the Titans and that character was a departure from what we normally see from him.

Lars was pretty darn good, but not real good. I really liked Drive a lot when I saw it in the theater and at the time considered it a strong candidate as a top 10, but I watched the DVD with my wife and it left me much more lukewarm about it. I do not remember his role in RtT, I will need to re-watch that. I really like Gosling a lot, I just have not seen much versatility.

Unlike the great Jonah Hill.

Jonah can play fat guy AND skinny guy with fat head

 

[Chaka]

I think Gosling is one of the best going today but it is true that he doesn't seem to stretch himself too much in his roles. He played the characters from Lars, Blue Valentine, Drive, Ides of March, Notebook, Half Nelson, US of Leland etc is a very similar manner, which isn't a bad thing but I would like to see if he can bring something else to a role.

Gosling is kind of like Clooney in that regard. Clooney almost always plays a version of Clooney, where a guy like Brad Pitt (who for some reason seems to be forever linked with Clooney) goes all over the map in his roles. I like that about Pitt and prefer him to Clooney as an actor for that reason.

It's one of the reasons I really appreciate Joseph Gordon-Levitt as one of the best young actors out there. The guy is not afraid to take on radically different characters. He doesn't always hit (e.g. Hesher) but has had some terrific performances as remarkably different characters (50/50, Mysterious Skin, Killshot okay that was a meh movie but JGL was excellent). I like that he is willing to challenge himself.