Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (6 Viewers)

[Kenny Powers]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Come and See

 

[saintfool]

Come and See

reading about this now. whoa.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Come and See

= Link

 

[El Floppo]

Come and See

= Link

Great googly. I've never heard of this before today, but it appears to make Europa Europa (similarish in story) look like American Pie.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

 

[El Floppo]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

I still need to see Damned United.But I'd never call The Fighter "lame". Over-rated at the time, yeah. But an interesting story (to me) told fairly well and acted fairly well. I do agree about the cliches and I would never consider this a great film, but I would also never consider it "lame". Worth the watch, IMO- especially if you ever followed Ward.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

I still need to see Damned United.But I'd never call The Fighter "lame". Over-rated at the time, yeah. But an interesting story (to me) told fairly well and acted fairly well. I do agree about the cliches and I would never consider this a great film, but I would also never consider it "lame". Worth the watch, IMO- especially if you ever followed Ward.

The HBO documentary that it was based on was on Crackle a few months ago. Pretty good portrayal by Bale for sure.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

I still need to see Damned United.But I'd never call The Fighter "lame". Over-rated at the time, yeah. But an interesting story (to me) told fairly well and acted fairly well. I do agree about the cliches and I would never consider this a great film, but I would also never consider it "lame". Worth the watch, IMO- especially if you ever followed Ward.

Ok. I take back "lame."

 

[SmoovySmoov]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

I still need to see Damned United.

But I'd never call The Fighter "lame". Over-rated at the time, yeah. But an interesting story (to me) told fairly well and acted fairly well. I do agree about the cliches and I would never consider this a great film, but I would also never consider it "lame". Worth the watch, IMO- especially if you ever followed Ward.

Yes, you do. ASAP.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

I still need to see Damned United.

But I'd never call The Fighter "lame". Over-rated at the time, yeah. But an interesting story (to me) told fairly well and acted fairly well. I do agree about the cliches and I would never consider this a great film, but I would also never consider it "lame". Worth the watch, IMO- especially if you ever followed Ward.

Yes, you do. ASAP.

The Damned United is fantastic.

 

[KarmaPolice]

The Invention of Lying:

I was blindsided by this one (in a good way). I popped it in thinking I was going to get a brainless comedy ala Liar Liar and Yes Man. Actually was a pretty smart and thought out movie about what makes a lie, when is it ok to lie, and how it ties into religion. Got a bit tired of the "say whatever is on my mind" gag, but still would suggest people check this one out. Love the Coke ad and name of the nursing home too.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Invention of Lying:

I was blindsided by this one (in a good way). I popped it in thinking I was going to get a brainless comedy ala Liar Liar and Yes Man. Actually was a pretty smart and thought out movie about what makes a lie, when is it ok to lie, and how it ties into religion. Got a bit tired of the "say whatever is on my mind" gag, but still would suggest people check this one out. Love the Coke ad and name of the nursing home too.

Really enjoyed this movie.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

Wahlberg is the same in nearly everything. When you see the clips at the end of the real guys in The Fighter, you see a strong resemblance to Bale and hardly any to Wahlberg. In Invincible, when they showed the real Vince Papale, you could see that Wahlberg was nothing like him. Wahlberg is a likable guy, but has almost no range as an actor.

 

[saintfool]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

 

[Kenny Powers]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

I can't help but compare this to The Damned United - which I think is much better.

Havent seen Damned United yet. I dont understand why you say Bale is too big a star to get lost in a role though. Thats what great actors do, get lost in roles. He's had a lot of easy roles since he's made a name for himself, but I cant say Ive seen him slack off either. I thought he was fantastic in The Fighter, better than American Psycho IMO

 

[Kenny Powers]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

Wahlberg is the same in nearly everything. When you see the clips at the end of the real guys in The Fighter, you see a strong resemblance to Bale and hardly any to Wahlberg. In Invincible, when they showed the real Vince Papale, you could see that Wahlberg was nothing like him. Wahlberg is a likable guy, but has almost no range as an actor.

Im not sure Ive seen a film that Wahlberg has elevated, but he hasnt hurt any either. The Fighter was no different. Wahlberg was good, but the rest of the actors. storytellings, etc is what really elevated it.

 

[KarmaPolice]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

Wahlberg is the same in nearly everything. When you see the clips at the end of the real guys in The Fighter, you see a strong resemblance to Bale and hardly any to Wahlberg. In Invincible, when they showed the real Vince Papale, you could see that Wahlberg was nothing like him. Wahlberg is a likable guy, but has almost no range as an actor.

Im not sure Ive seen a film that Wahlberg has elevated, but he hasnt hurt any either. The Fighter was no different. Wahlberg was good, but the rest of the actors. storytellings, etc is what really elevated it.

I think Bale still does a good job of mixing it up. He mixes his Batman and Terminator roles with stuff in The Mechanic, The Fighter, and Rescue Dawn. I think the guy can bring it when he wants to. Agree with others that Wahlberg is Wahlberg in just about everything. He is just there - doesn't elevate the movie, but doesn't bring it down either. The only thing that makes me cringe about The Fighter are the annoying loud-mouth sisters. Love the movie besides them.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

 

[mon]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

 

[El Floppo]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

As a massive soccer nerd, I still need to see Damned United- regardless of what my inner voice (aka sf) says.

 

[jamny]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

 

[jamny]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

As a massive soccer nerd, I still need to see Damned United- regardless of what my inner voice (aka sf) says.

I liked Green Street Hooligans but Football Factory was much more authentic. Haven't seen The Damned United yet either, though it's in my queue. I think it's just the dumb cover that keeps preventing me from seeing it. Makes it look like some hollywood feel good sports flick.

 

[saintfool]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

I haven't seen The Football Factory. Reading up on it, GSH doesn't sound like a remake of it. "Inspired by" maybe but not beyond that. Again, the problem with these films is that they are entirely too familiar thematically. There is a thin line been "classic" and "unoriginal". There was really very little in either film that I couldn't see coming about 5 minutes into them.

 

[jamny]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

I haven't seen The Football Factory. Reading up on it, GSH doesn't sound like a remake of it. "Inspired by" maybe but not beyond that. Again, the problem with these films is that they are entirely too familiar thematically. There is a thin line been "classic" and "unoriginal". There was really very little in either film that I couldn't see coming about 5 minutes into them.

Yeah, it wasn't a remake. Different story all together. I think they came out around the same time.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this. skip "green street hooligans" too. it's a tired film.

Disagree with you about The Damned United, and GSH is an American remake of a much better film called The Football Factory, which is very good. That's the one to see out of the two.

I haven't seen The Football Factory. Reading up on it, GSH doesn't sound like a remake of it. "Inspired by" maybe but not beyond that. Again, the problem with these films is that they are entirely too familiar thematically. There is a thin line been "classic" and "unoriginal". There was really very little in either film that I couldn't see coming about 5 minutes into them.

Okay, but I'm not sure what you were looking for with The Damned United, since it was a true story. Explosions, maybe?

(Just a joke. I generally value your film opinion.)

Also, I think you're right on GSH. I had read that it was a remake of The Football Factory, but that does sound like a different movie, albeit one that also centers around football hooliganism. I was misinformed on that one. I still would rather watch The Football Factory than a hooliganism movie with Frodo, though.

 

[mon]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

 

[jamny]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

Spoiler

does he just kill himself at the end?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

Spoiler

does he just kill himself at the end?

Spoiler

Gets on stage at an American Idol type show. Gives a long dramatic speech. Him and the girl start shooting up the place then they get killed by security... if I remember correctly

 

[mon]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

Spoiler

does he just kill himself at the end?

Spoiler

He and the girl get killed by the cops when they go on a killing spree on the stage of the American Idol finale. Of course, he makes them listen to his reasons first.

 

[jamny]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

Spoiler

does he just kill himself at the end?

Spoiler

Gets on stage at an American Idol type show. Gives a long dramatic speech. Him and the girl start shooting up the place then they get killed by security... if I remember correctly

Spoiler

Thanks! Glad I didn't have to sit through the speech.

 

[jamny]

God Bless America- It's not that I was offended by what Bobcat was doing here, but I'm not sure if it was a statement he was trying to make or if he's just exploiting/capitalizing people's hatred of the stupid. Given the Aurora massacre, the movie theater scene was a little tough to take. I guess it's over my head but I don't get the point of this. Granted, I haven't actually finished it yet and I'm not sure if I will. I'm a fan of Natural Born Killers and at least that movie had some artistry and meaning to it. This was just very cold and flat. Not my cup of tea I guess.

I need to come into this thread more often. After reading about this movie here, I decided to watch it -- and loved it. Technically, it's just mediocre, but personally I identified with the message. The banality and hatred that pervades tv today drives me insane, which is of course why I don't watch much tv. Can't watch a commercial, either -- pisses me off when someone tries to sell me something.

I guess it depends on what level you identify with the theme of the movie. Many of us can to a certain degree but I'm definitely on the low end of the scale. The movie itelf was just bland, imo, but I never did finish it before sending it back so it's tough for me to give it a final grade. Maybe it got better at the end.

No surprises or revelations at the end, so I don't think the end would change your mind about the movie.

Spoiler

does he just kill himself at the end?

Spoiler

He and the girl get killed by the cops when they go on a killing spree on the stage of the American Idol finale. Of course, he makes them listen to his reasons first.

thanks...

 

[Kenny Powers]

I liked Green Street Hooligans

 

[saintfool]

Okay, but I'm not sure what you were looking for with The Damned United, since it was a true story. Explosions, maybe?

(Just a joke. I generally value your film opinion.)

Also, I think you're right on GSH. I had read that it was a remake of The Football Factory, but that does sound like a different movie, albeit one that also centers around football hooliganism. I was misinformed on that one. I still would rather watch The Football Factory than a hooliganism movie with Frodo, though.

There are about a million ways to tell a story - true or fictional. "Damned..." seemed pretty ho-hum and content with itself. Maybe a more compelling story about the coaches, the players or the period in time? As it stands, it bore a some unsettling similarities to "Bad News Bears" and "Major League".Your point about GSH is well taken. I can believe that Frodo/Elijah is a conflicted and confused 20-something. This is not the face of a soccer hooligan, however. Also, Clare Forlani needs to be naked much more often.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

Wahlberg is the same in nearly everything. When you see the clips at the end of the real guys in The Fighter, you see a strong resemblance to Bale and hardly any to Wahlberg. In Invincible, when they showed the real Vince Papale, you could see that Wahlberg was nothing like him. Wahlberg is a likable guy, but has almost no range as an actor.

I liked Wahlberg a lot in Boogie Nights. But for the most part, he should stick to action movies.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this.

You couldn't be more wrong if your name was R. Wrongy Wrongerstein.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Fighter

Wow. This is a pretty lame movie. Almost universally critically lauded, but I just don't see it. I'm a big Melissa Leo fan, and Christian Bale is always good. I think Bale's too big a star to get lost in a role like this. Cliches abound in this movie.

Bale and Leo killed, Wahlberg was quite good. This is a sports movie that I wouldnt even call a sports movie, but to minimize the characters/acting is somthing I would not want to get into an argument on

Wahlberg is the same in nearly everything. When you see the clips at the end of the real guys in The Fighter, you see a strong resemblance to Bale and hardly any to Wahlberg. In Invincible, when they showed the real Vince Papale, you could see that Wahlberg was nothing like him. Wahlberg is a likable guy, but has almost no range as an actor.

Im not sure Ive seen a film that Wahlberg has elevated, but he hasnt hurt any either. The Fighter was no different. Wahlberg was good, but the rest of the actors. storytellings, etc is what really elevated it.

I think Bale still does a good job of mixing it up. He mixes his Batman and Terminator roles with stuff in The Mechanic, The Fighter, and Rescue Dawn. I think the guy can bring it when he wants to. Agree with others that Wahlberg is Wahlberg in just about everything. He is just there - doesn't elevate the movie, but doesn't bring it down either. The only thing that makes me cringe about The Fighter are the annoying loud-mouth sisters. Love the movie besides them.

The Skank Chorus was my favorite part.

 

[saintfool]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this.

You couldn't be more wrong if your name was R. Wrongy Wrongerstein.

It's R. Wrongy Wrongersen and it's Scandanavian.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this.

You couldn't be more wrong if your name was R. Wrongy Wrongerstein.

It's R. Wrongy Wrongersen and it's Scandanavian.

I didn't know that reference had an ethnicity.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Okay, but I'm not sure what you were looking for with The Damned United, since it was a true story. Explosions, maybe?

(Just a joke. I generally value your film opinion.)

Also, I think you're right on GSH. I had read that it was a remake of The Football Factory, but that does sound like a different movie, albeit one that also centers around football hooliganism. I was misinformed on that one. I still would rather watch The Football Factory than a hooliganism movie with Frodo, though.

There are about a million ways to tell a story - true or fictional. "Damned..." seemed pretty ho-hum and content with itself. Maybe a more compelling story about the coaches, the players or the period in time? As it stands, it bore a some unsettling similarities to "Bad News Bears" and "Major League".Your point about GSH is well taken. I can believe that Frodo/Elijah is a conflicted and confused 20-something. This is not the face of a soccer hooligan, however. Also, Clare Forlani needs to be naked much more often.

Eh. Being a fan of the Premier League and English football probably helps, in my case, but I thought it was pretty solid top to bottom.

 

[El Floppo]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this.

You couldn't be more wrong if your name was R. Wrongy Wrongerstein.

It's R. Wrongy Wrongersen and it's Scandanavian.

I didn't know that reference had an ethnicity.

And yet you assumed it was jewish.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I still need to see Damned United.

you're not missing much. interesting topic but no great shakes. i like michael sheen as much as the next but he can't elevate a film like this.

You couldn't be more wrong if your name was R. Wrongy Wrongerstein.

It's R. Wrongy Wrongersen and it's Scandanavian.

I didn't know that reference had an ethnicity.

And yet you assumed it was jewish.

I'm as bad as Hitler.

 

[jdoggydogg]

As usual, the Onion AV Club has the funniest take on movie news:

Shia LaBeouf's penis in talks to join next Lars Von Trier movie

For those who found themselves longing to see more of recent Sigur Rós video star Shia LaBeouf declaring his maturation into more adult roles by again getting naked and La-boning, The Hollywood Reporter notes that he is now in negotiations to join Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac, a film that promises to have plenty of that. As previously reported, several times, with occasional cameos from Stellan Skarsgard's floppy penis, Nymphomaniac chronicles the erotic life of a woman from the hot, steamed-up embryo action of "age zero" through the increasingly less titillating age of 50, and will star frequent Von Trier muse/victim Charlotte Gainsbourg, along with a recently added small role for Von Trier survivor Nicole Kidman. And as we've also mentioned before, the two-part film will be shot in both "softcore" and "hardcore" versions with all the graphic nudity that implies. The report says it's not yet clear how big LaBeouf's part will be, though anyone who's watched the aforementioned video already knows. (Ho ho! We mean his penis!)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Warrior:

I liked this movie when it stuck with the family, especially anything to do with Tom Hardy. Once they started with the tournament, it really ran off the rails for me, and was borderline silly. Would have liked it more if it was some underground thing, or maybe something like the Ultimate Fighter show where they are competing to get into the big leagues. Instead we get some half assed tourney where they fight 4 times in a couple days, ignore weight classes, fighters can be picked up and thrown 4 feet into the cage, and of course an average Joe can take down a world class fighter. From what I was hearing and the accolades it was getting, I was hoping for something more on the lines of The Wrestler - focusing more on the drama and family dynamic. I can see why people liked it, but it was a swing and a miss for me. 5/10

 

[Kenny Powers]

Warrior:

I liked this movie when it stuck with the family, especially anything to do with Tom Hardy. Once they started with the tournament, it really ran off the rails for me, and was borderline silly. Would have liked it more if it was some underground thing, or maybe something like the Ultimate Fighter show where they are competing to get into the big leagues. Instead we get some half assed tourney where they fight 4 times in a couple days, ignore weight classes, fighters can be picked up and thrown 4 feet into the cage, and of course an average Joe can take down a world class fighter. From what I was hearing and the accolades it was getting, I was hoping for something more on the lines of The Wrestler - focusing more on the drama and family dynamic. I can see why people liked it, but it was a swing and a miss for me. 5/10

While I loved both this and The Wrestler, similar to The Fighter, Id call all 3 dramas with a sports theme (or even backdrop) before Id call them sports movies. Moneyball was a sports movie, Friday Night Lights was a sports movie, Remember the Titans was a sports movie. I feel these recent few are a different breed. I definitely preferred the first half of the movie, but the sports focus of the 2nd half kept me fully on board, despite an idea of the expected final outcome anyway. Good point with the weight classes, although it seemed reasonable outside of Edgerton being noticeably smaller (but in a fictitious tourney like this, if he wins, what is there to stop him?!). Not to mention considering he was a submission/ground specialist, I found Edgerton's character to be quite believable. It pretty much had to veer from solely the family dynamics storyline to a more even split in the 2nd half, and I thought it was done very well. Obviously, the best scenes involve Hardy, Nolte, and/or Edgerton. I thought all 3 were great here. I see your complaints, but when youre talking about a drama that revolves around family struggle - moreso than sports IMO - nitpicking about the reality of the tournament is not something I personally prioritized. Also, while the rules/fights may have stretched reality, I thought the media side of it felt totally realistic.

 

[Meatwad Reloaded]

Warrior:

I liked this movie when it stuck with the family, especially anything to do with Tom Hardy. Once they started with the tournament, it really ran off the rails for me, and was borderline silly. Would have liked it more if it was some underground thing, or maybe something like the Ultimate Fighter show where they are competing to get into the big leagues. Instead we get some half assed tourney where they fight 4 times in a couple days, ignore weight classes, fighters can be picked up and thrown 4 feet into the cage, and of course an average Joe can take down a world class fighter. From what I was hearing and the accolades it was getting, I was hoping for something more on the lines of The Wrestler - focusing more on the drama and family dynamic. I can see why people liked it, but it was a swing and a miss for me. 5/10

While I loved both this and The Wrestler, similar to The Fighter, Id call all 3 dramas with a sports theme (or even backdrop) before Id call them sports movies. Moneyball was a sports movie, Friday Night Lights was a sports movie, Remember the Titans was a sports movie. I feel these recent few are a different breed. I definitely preferred the first half of the movie, but the sports focus of the 2nd half kept me fully on board, despite an idea of the expected final outcome anyway. Good point with the weight classes, although it seemed reasonable outside of Edgerton being noticeably smaller (but in a fictitious tourney like this, if he wins, what is there to stop him?!). Not to mention considering he was a submission/ground specialist, I found Edgerton's character to be quite believable. It pretty much had to veer from solely the family dynamics storyline to a more even split in the 2nd half, and I thought it was done very well. Obviously, the best scenes involve Hardy, Nolte, and/or Edgerton. I thought all 3 were great here. I see your complaints, but when youre talking about a drama that revolves around family struggle - moreso than sports IMO - nitpicking about the reality of the tournament is not something I personally prioritized. Also, while the rules/fights may have stretched reality, I thought the media side of it felt totally realistic.

Dudes..Warrior is solid 8 or 9 out of 10 material. A 5??!?!?!?! WTF?

Of course is is not totally realistic! It is a movie. I think you built it up too much to have given it a 5. In a nutshell, this movie is Rocky jr. Not bad for a low budget flick...great acting all around and better than The Fighter.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Warrior:

I liked this movie when it stuck with the family, especially anything to do with Tom Hardy. Once they started with the tournament, it really ran off the rails for me, and was borderline silly. Would have liked it more if it was some underground thing, or maybe something like the Ultimate Fighter show where they are competing to get into the big leagues. Instead we get some half assed tourney where they fight 4 times in a couple days, ignore weight classes, fighters can be picked up and thrown 4 feet into the cage, and of course an average Joe can take down a world class fighter. From what I was hearing and the accolades it was getting, I was hoping for something more on the lines of The Wrestler - focusing more on the drama and family dynamic. I can see why people liked it, but it was a swing and a miss for me. 5/10

While I loved both this and The Wrestler, similar to The Fighter, Id call all 3 dramas with a sports theme (or even backdrop) before Id call them sports movies. Moneyball was a sports movie, Friday Night Lights was a sports movie, Remember the Titans was a sports movie. I feel these recent few are a different breed. I definitely preferred the first half of the movie, but the sports focus of the 2nd half kept me fully on board, despite an idea of the expected final outcome anyway. Good point with the weight classes, although it seemed reasonable outside of Edgerton being noticeably smaller (but in a fictitious tourney like this, if he wins, what is there to stop him?!). Not to mention considering he was a submission/ground specialist, I found Edgerton's character to be quite believable. It pretty much had to veer from solely the family dynamics storyline to a more even split in the 2nd half, and I thought it was done very well. Obviously, the best scenes involve Hardy, Nolte, and/or Edgerton. I thought all 3 were great here. I see your complaints, but when youre talking about a drama that revolves around family struggle - moreso than sports IMO - nitpicking about the reality of the tournament is not something I personally prioritized. Also, while the rules/fights may have stretched reality, I thought the media side of it felt totally realistic.

I guess I couldn't help it when the tourney monopolizes the last hour of the movie. Didn't like the scene with Nolte and Hardy in the hotel room. I believe that could have been handled a different way without Nolte having to sink that low. Long story short, I thought the drama in the first 1/2 was well done and the any drama in the 2nd 1/2 was cliche and predictable like most sports movies.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Warrior:

I liked this movie when it stuck with the family, especially anything to do with Tom Hardy. Once they started with the tournament, it really ran off the rails for me, and was borderline silly. Would have liked it more if it was some underground thing, or maybe something like the Ultimate Fighter show where they are competing to get into the big leagues. Instead we get some half assed tourney where they fight 4 times in a couple days, ignore weight classes, fighters can be picked up and thrown 4 feet into the cage, and of course an average Joe can take down a world class fighter. From what I was hearing and the accolades it was getting, I was hoping for something more on the lines of The Wrestler - focusing more on the drama and family dynamic. I can see why people liked it, but it was a swing and a miss for me. 5/10

While I loved both this and The Wrestler, similar to The Fighter, Id call all 3 dramas with a sports theme (or even backdrop) before Id call them sports movies. Moneyball was a sports movie, Friday Night Lights was a sports movie, Remember the Titans was a sports movie. I feel these recent few are a different breed. I definitely preferred the first half of the movie, but the sports focus of the 2nd half kept me fully on board, despite an idea of the expected final outcome anyway. Good point with the weight classes, although it seemed reasonable outside of Edgerton being noticeably smaller (but in a fictitious tourney like this, if he wins, what is there to stop him?!). Not to mention considering he was a submission/ground specialist, I found Edgerton's character to be quite believable. It pretty much had to veer from solely the family dynamics storyline to a more even split in the 2nd half, and I thought it was done very well. Obviously, the best scenes involve Hardy, Nolte, and/or Edgerton. I thought all 3 were great here. I see your complaints, but when youre talking about a drama that revolves around family struggle - moreso than sports IMO - nitpicking about the reality of the tournament is not something I personally prioritized. Also, while the rules/fights may have stretched reality, I thought the media side of it felt totally realistic.

Dudes..Warrior is solid 8 or 9 out of 10 material. A 5??!?!?!?! WTF?

Of course is is not totally realistic! It is a movie. I think you built it up too much to have given it a 5. In a nutshell, this movie is Rocky jr. Not bad for a low budget flick...great acting all around and better than The Fighter.

This is a cop-out excuse. Sure, a movie can be unrealistic, but it should work within the 'rules' of it's universe. They took the time to set this up as a real MMA/UFC event - have the octagon, some Joe Rogan wanna be announcer, etc.. I think they do everything BUT call it the UFC. Then they go ahead an have some unrealistic fights and a tourney that probably wouldn't happen now. Pretty sure I haven't seen guys thrown into the cage like that, or somebody be able to take 9+ rounds of beating that Edgerton did and still have a couple shallow cuts. I am a UFC fan, and thought everything was just a little too silly at the end. Almost late stage Rocky bad.

Actually, I was avoiding this one because I usually don't get much out of sports movies (as has been well documented in here). I didn't give a high grade to Rocky either (maybe a 5 or 6) and I was putting off watching this one because I had a feeling about what you posted. Then I hear about all the great acting in the movie (although to be fair, some of that is just Nolte acting like drunken Nolte), and how realistic and intense the MMA stuff was. Like I posted, I liked the drama stuff, but the 2nd half didn't do a thing for me. I personally thought The Fighter did a better job of staying grounded, fleshing out the motivations of the characters, and keeping the sports part realistic and interesting. Although to be fair, they did have the benefit of basing it on real characters and having footage to choreograph the fights to. This was an above average sports movie, which for me means an average movie overall.

 

[KarmaPolice]

We Bought a Zoo:

Exactly the fluffy family movie I thought it would be. Would recommend people looking for a family/PG movie think about this one. There really isn't much else out that fits the bill as far as newer movies go - maybe this, Mirror Mirror, and Big Miracle? 6/10

Jeff, Who Lives at Home:

Despite the players involved, this was pretty bland for me. I think this is just a lesson that I am not into the writer/directors' movies, as I thought the same thing watching Cyrus -how can a movie with Jonah Hill and John C. Reilly be so unfunny? 4/10

Harold and Kumar's 3D Christmas:

Should've known better, but I got a few laughs out of the second one at least. Couldn't get through this one though. 3/10

 

[KarmaPolice]

Okay, but I'm not sure what you were looking for with The Damned United, since it was a true story. Explosions, maybe?

(Just a joke. I generally value your film opinion.)

Also, I think you're right on GSH. I had read that it was a remake of The Football Factory, but that does sound like a different movie, albeit one that also centers around football hooliganism. I was misinformed on that one. I still would rather watch The Football Factory than a hooliganism movie with Frodo, though.

There are about a million ways to tell a story - true or fictional. "Damned..." seemed pretty ho-hum and content with itself. Maybe a more compelling story about the coaches, the players or the period in time? As it stands, it bore a some unsettling similarities to "Bad News Bears" and "Major League".Your point about GSH is well taken. I can believe that Frodo/Elijah is a conflicted and confused 20-something. This is not the face of a soccer hooligan, however. Also, Clare Forlani needs to be naked much more often.

This happens on a daily basis in my mind, but she was naked in a movie??