Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (3 Viewers)

[Chaka]

The Hangover Part II

Cowboys & Aliens

Neither of these were as bad as I was expecting. That doesn't mean they were good but Hangover had some laughs and C&A had some decent moments. Don't go out of your way but they were both decent for background viewing.

I don't know who decided that Ken Jeong was funny, but he isn't.

Well he's no Gedde Watanabe.

 

[Chaka]

Hall Pass - Started off horrible, I mean really, really bad. Owen Wilson is just difficult to watch because he is just the same exact guy in every single movie and whatever charm that guy had is long gone. But then at some point (hidden camera scene) it actually got kind of funny at times, with plenty of stupid mixed in, but still had some lol moments. The ending got a good laugh from me and the Stephen Merchant short during the credits was seriously funny too.

 

[jamny]

Loved The Descendants Might be a little long for some but I loved it. Great performance by Clooney. Some hits and misses with the rest of the cast but overall a solid movie. 4/5

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Illusionist

Simply put, this is the most beautiful animated film I've ever seen. Any random still shot from this film would make a stunning art print.

Loved it. Highly recommended.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Broken Flowers

I really dug this movie. I don't think I've seen a common-man mystery type film before, so I enjoyed the fresh premise. I thought the film teetered on the line between realism and entertainment very well, which I haven't seen in an American film in a while. I also enjoyed the non-traditional ending, I was afraid there was gonna be a Hollywood ending there for a moment. Lots of pretty ladies in the film as well, including the first time I've ever found Tilda Swinton looking attractive, which was certainly unexpected; she looks infinitely better with long brown hair than she does as a short-haired blonde.

It was the first Jim Jamursch film I've seen and I enjoyed it a lot, so do you guys have any other films of his that you would recommend? Looking at his filmography, the only other film I've heard of is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, which I recall seeing in a lot of underrated film lists, but it looks really silly to me..

 

[jdoggydogg]

Broken Flowers

I really dug this movie. I don't think I've seen a common-man mystery type film before, so I enjoyed the fresh premise. I thought the film teetered on the line between realism and entertainment very well, which I haven't seen in an American film in a while. I also enjoyed the non-traditional ending, I was afraid there was gonna be a Hollywood ending there for a moment. Lots of pretty ladies in the film as well, including the first time I've ever found Tilda Swinton looking attractive, which was certainly unexpected; she looks infinitely better with long brown hair than she does as a short-haired blonde.

It was the first Jim Jamursch film I've seen and I enjoyed it a lot, so do you guys have any other films of his that you would recommend? Looking at his filmography, the only other film I've heard of is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, which I recall seeing in a lot of underrated film lists, but it looks really silly to me..

I think Ghost Dog is awful, but I am in the minority.

 

[cstu]

People Like Us - 8/10

Really surprising movie, I didn't expect much but even Michelle Pfeiffer (who I usually can't stand) was good. Chris Pine (Capt. Kirk) did a surprising nice job as well and Elizabeth Banks was top nothch. Overall just a very well acted movie.

 

[Daywalker]

Gamer

Had this in last night but couldn't get into it at all. Some cool stylish camera work and some nods to hardcore gaming fans (like teabagging your dead opponent), but ultimately not much more than a perverse little turd of a movie. Was really looking forward to it and it had some good ideas, but the execution was horrible. Butler needs a better agent. The guy from Dexter looked like he was having a lot of fun as the villain, thats really the only nice thing I have to say about it.

1.5/5

I know, right? Butler has a great role in a little gem called Dear Frankie. A beautiful indy film. He's excellent in that movie. Methinks Butler is cashing in on his 300 success rather than looking for good roles.

+1, I enjoyed Dear Frankie, good movie night with the wife type film.

Totally. That is a great date movie - and the best part is the movie is actually good. Some date movies stink.

Friend told me to check this one out.Very refreshing storytelling and an impressive production for what I imagine to be a bare bones budget. I'm tempted to rewatch it right away because it would be a different experience knowing what you do by the end of the film. Damm impressive for a little indy film.

It's sad, for whatever reason, that Shona Auerbach has not directed a film since. Insane if she is not getting the opportunity.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Gamer

Had this in last night but couldn't get into it at all. Some cool stylish camera work and some nods to hardcore gaming fans (like teabagging your dead opponent), but ultimately not much more than a perverse little turd of a movie. Was really looking forward to it and it had some good ideas, but the execution was horrible. Butler needs a better agent. The guy from Dexter looked like he was having a lot of fun as the villain, thats really the only nice thing I have to say about it.

1.5/5

I know, right? Butler has a great role in a little gem called Dear Frankie. A beautiful indy film. He's excellent in that movie. Methinks Butler is cashing in on his 300 success rather than looking for good roles.

+1, I enjoyed Dear Frankie, good movie night with the wife type film.

Totally. That is a great date movie - and the best part is the movie is actually good. Some date movies stink.

Friend told me to check this one out.Very refreshing storytelling and an impressive production for what I imagine to be a bare bones budget. I'm tempted to rewatch it right away because it would be a different experience knowing what you do by the end of the film. Damm impressive for a little indy film.

It's sad, for whatever reason, that Shona Auerbach has not directed a film since. Insane if she is not getting the opportunity.

 

[El Floppo]

Broken Flowers

I really dug this movie. I don't think I've seen a common-man mystery type film before, so I enjoyed the fresh premise. I thought the film teetered on the line between realism and entertainment very well, which I haven't seen in an American film in a while. I also enjoyed the non-traditional ending, I was afraid there was gonna be a Hollywood ending there for a moment. Lots of pretty ladies in the film as well, including the first time I've ever found Tilda Swinton looking attractive, which was certainly unexpected; she looks infinitely better with long brown hair than she does as a short-haired blonde.

It was the first Jim Jamursch film I've seen and I enjoyed it a lot, so do you guys have any other films of his that you would recommend? Looking at his filmography, the only other film I've heard of is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, which I recall seeing in a lot of underrated film lists, but it looks really silly to me..

I think Ghost Dog is awful, but I am in the minority.

Yep. I liked that one, but probably my third favorite of his.I really enjoyed Down By Law- definitely my favorite of his films; I saw it again recently and posted a review in here a few months ago. He set up every scene, IIRC, with a static camera- framing each shot like a piece of art so every scene is a joy to look at. Also the least cloying performance from Benigni I can recall with Lurie and Waits both having fun with their roles. Some good quotes from this one too and one of my favorite closing scenes (similar to Third Man, IIRC).

If you enjoy Down by Law, it's worth watching his first film- Stranger than Paradise for similar style and themes. But for me, it was successful mostly because it was first- I remember seeing it in the theaters and being pretty blown away... but then seeing it in the last few years and thinking it was a bit slow.

eta: duh- I forgot Broken Flowers, which I'd put 2nd of his films.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Loved The Descendants Might be a little long for some but I loved it. Great performance by Clooney. Some hits and misses with the rest of the cast but overall a solid movie. 4/5

The daughter's boyfriend really made me enjoy the movie less than I expected to. Hated that kid.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I've had Patton sitting in a Ted envelope on my coffee table for a month. I need motivation to watch it.

 

[Chaka]

I've had Patton sitting in a Ted envelope on my coffee table for a month. I need motivation to watch it.

It's a phenomenal film, if it weren't Sunday during the NFL season I would say that you should put it in now.Great, great film

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I've had Patton sitting in a Ted envelope on my coffee table for a month. I need motivation to watch it.

It's a phenomenal film, if it weren't Sunday during the NFL season I would say that you should put it in now.Great, great film

Ted = red. That's my understanding, but I just haven't had a chance (or desire I guess) to watch a long movie of late.

 

[jamny]

Loved The Descendants Might be a little long for some but I loved it. Great performance by Clooney. Some hits and misses with the rest of the cast but overall a solid movie. 4/5

The daughter's boyfriend really made me enjoy the movie less than I expected to. Hated that kid.

I laughed at a couple of things he said but overall he was a distraction in the movie. They really didn't need him.

 

[saintfool]

Broken Flowers

I really dug this movie. I don't think I've seen a common-man mystery type film before, so I enjoyed the fresh premise. I thought the film teetered on the line between realism and entertainment very well, which I haven't seen in an American film in a while. I also enjoyed the non-traditional ending, I was afraid there was gonna be a Hollywood ending there for a moment. Lots of pretty ladies in the film as well, including the first time I've ever found Tilda Swinton looking attractive, which was certainly unexpected; she looks infinitely better with long brown hair than she does as a short-haired blonde.

It was the first Jim Jamursch film I've seen and I enjoyed it a lot, so do you guys have any other films of his that you would recommend? Looking at his filmography, the only other film I've heard of is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, which I recall seeing in a lot of underrated film lists, but it looks really silly to me..

i don't much care for JJ's early work but I really liked this film. i don't remember his "night on earth" or "mystery train" at all. maybe i haven't seen those? i *loved* "dead man" though. it's a really sort of thoughtful film and "broken flowers" follows that too.

 

[cstu]

Fetih 1453 (Conquest 1453) - After getting back from Istanbul I was looking forward to this since the fall of Constantinople was a major historical event. I wasn't expecting a historically accurate movie and didn't get it - this is basically the movie 300 for the Turks. Still, I enjoyed some of it and it's an interesting story so I'll give it a 6/10.

Detachment - Are you depressed about our school system? Well, this movie won't help you feel better about it. Adrien Brody does a good job, but this is one depressing movie. I don't know what to rate it but its 7.7 on IMDB is too high.

 

[El Floppo]

Broken Flowers

I really dug this movie. I don't think I've seen a common-man mystery type film before, so I enjoyed the fresh premise. I thought the film teetered on the line between realism and entertainment very well, which I haven't seen in an American film in a while. I also enjoyed the non-traditional ending, I was afraid there was gonna be a Hollywood ending there for a moment. Lots of pretty ladies in the film as well, including the first time I've ever found Tilda Swinton looking attractive, which was certainly unexpected; she looks infinitely better with long brown hair than she does as a short-haired blonde.

It was the first Jim Jamursch film I've seen and I enjoyed it a lot, so do you guys have any other films of his that you would recommend? Looking at his filmography, the only other film I've heard of is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, which I recall seeing in a lot of underrated film lists, but it looks really silly to me..

i don't much care for JJ's early work but I really liked this film. i don't remember his "night on earth" or "mystery train" at all. maybe i haven't seen those? i *loved* "dead man" though. it's a really sort of thoughtful film and "broken flowers" follows that too.

who are you?(I almost fell asleep in the theater during Dead Man, so can't give it a ringing endorsement, although I'm open to giving it another shot. But don't bother with Night on Earth or Mystery Train- they're both similarly themed "we're all in this together/butterfly effect disparate group pieces where each scene/story feels forced and overwrought. whoa... I think I've seen all of Jarmusch's films- at least until the last few years.

 

[El Floppo]

Fetih 1453 (Conquest 1453) - After getting back from Istanbul I was looking forward to this since the fall of Constantinople was a major historical event. I wasn't expecting a historically accurate movie and didn't get it - this is basically the movie 300 for the Turks. Still, I enjoyed some of it and it's an interesting story so I'll give it a 6/10.

I thought the Greeks were more into the homoerotica than the Turks.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Couldn't sleep again - an ongoing theme - and watched Salt. Angelina Jolie's attempt to be some kind of James Bond counterspy. Meh, it didn't put me to sleep - go or bad depending on what you are looking for I guess. The whole attack inside the White House was rather stupid to me. As was the whole Russian plot. Why does the guy go into the CIA? Why not just get her when you get the husband and wake her up or whatever it was that got her going? I mean, really.

And the ending sucked. The middle wasn't that good either. The beginning was ok.

 

[saintfool]

(I almost fell asleep in the theater during Dead Man, so can't give it a ringing endorsement, although I'm open to giving it another shot. But don't bother with Night on Earth or Mystery Train- they're both similarly themed "we're all in this together/butterfly effect disparate group pieces where each scene/story feels forced and overwrought. whoa... I think I've seen all of Jarmusch's films- at least until the last few years.

i liked that it was less a western and more a philosophical exploration. it wasn't perfect - very episodic, which makes it hit-or-miss often - but i dig the idea of his personal journey. it was as gorgeously shot black-and-white film as i have seen from a recent film.

 

[El Floppo]

(I almost fell asleep in the theater during Dead Man, so can't give it a ringing endorsement, although I'm open to giving it another shot. But don't bother with Night on Earth or Mystery Train- they're both similarly themed "we're all in this together/butterfly effect disparate group pieces where each scene/story feels forced and overwrought. whoa... I think I've seen all of Jarmusch's films- at least until the last few years.

i liked that it was less a western and more a philosophical exploration. it wasn't perfect - very episodic, which makes it hit-or-miss often - but i dig the idea of his personal journey. it was as gorgeously shot black-and-white film as i have seen from a recent film.

I remember liking the visual quality and not liking Depp's performance or the "quirky" characters thrown in.When was the last time you saw Down By Law? I flat out loved the black and white in that as well as the compositional framing of each scene; beautiful use of foreground/middleground/background in each scene.eta: I remember Dead Man came out when I was in grad-school, and my friends and I caught it after a project review, so operating on no sleep. Out of 5 guys, I was the only that was able to stay awake. Same group also went under for that Egoyan movie Exotica.

 

[saintfool]

I remember liking the visual quality and not liking Depp's performance or the "quirky" characters thrown in.

When was the last time you saw Down By Law? I flat out loved the black and white in that as well as the compositional framing of each scene; beautiful use of foreground/middleground/background in each scene.

eta: I remember Dead Man came out when I was in grad-school, and my friends and I caught it after a project review, so operating on no sleep. Out of 5 guys, I was the only that was able to stay awake. Same group also went under for that Egoyan movie Exotica.

:boner:i saw that at some midnight showing in Nashville while i was living there. it was my first exposure to Egoyan and i loved it. i was back to see it the next 3-4 nights. that film just sort of unfolded for me in a way that i was surprised - and delighted for that - at almost every turn. it's just a well-constructed narrative.

 

[cstu]

Fetih 1453 (Conquest 1453) - After getting back from Istanbul I was looking forward to this since the fall of Constantinople was a major historical event. I wasn't expecting a historically accurate movie and didn't get it - this is basically the movie 300 for the Turks. Still, I enjoyed some of it and it's an interesting story so I'll give it a 6/10.

I thought the Greeks were more into the homoerotica than the Turks.

A little less so but I now understand the popularity of Turkish baths.

 

[Daywalker]

Loved The Descendants Might be a little long for some but I loved it. Great performance by Clooney. Some hits and misses with the rest of the cast but overall a solid movie. 4/5

The daughter's boyfriend really made me enjoy the movie less than I expected to. Hated that kid.

I laughed at a couple of things he said but overall he was a distraction in the movie. They really didn't need him.

What bothered me about the film was the lack of connection between Clooney and the kids. His character is a likeable enough guy. He lived in the same household with his kids and never got divorced. But the whole time is was like Clooney didn't know what to do with the kids. Lots of parents are screwups but Clooney's character didn't fit the mold. It was just odd and did not work IMO.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Deconstructing Harry

One of Woody Allen's most underrated comedies. This is an unusual movie for Allen for two reasons: 1) there is a lot of cussing in this movie. A LOT. 2) Allen often lets the camera linger for long takes. Here, there are a lot of abrupt cuts.

Very funny, and features an all-star cast that's hard to top:

Judy Davis

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Richard Benjamin

Tobey Maguire

Robin Williams

Julie Kavner

Kirstie Alley

Mariel Hemingway

Demi Moore

Stanley Tucci

Elisabeth Shue

Amy Irving

Jennifer Garner

Eric Bogosian

Billy Crystal

Paul Giamatti

Tony Sirico >>> Paulie Walnuts!

 

[Kraft...]

Watched a portion of "The Postman" last night. What a piece of crap, I bailed out with over an hour left. Olivia Williams looked amazing in it though

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

 

[Copeman]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

What makes you say this? I thought he was fine.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

What makes you say this? I thought he was fine.

I like Patton but he didn't have the gravitas for a role like that and for a movie that long.

 

[Copeman]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

What makes you say this? I thought he was fine.

I like Patton but he didn't have the gravitas for a role like that and for a movie that long.

Who would have rather seen in that role, for example?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

What makes you say this? I thought he was fine.

I like Patton but he didn't have the gravitas for a role like that and for a movie that long.

Who would have rather seen in that role, for example?

Malkovich, Spacey, or Hopkins spring to mind.

 

[Copeman]

The Postman would have been much better if the villain had been anyone but Will Patton.

What makes you say this? I thought he was fine.

I like Patton but he didn't have the gravitas for a role like that and for a movie that long.

Who would have rather seen in that role, for example?

Malkovich, Spacey, or Hopkins spring to mind.

I could see any of them in that role. That said, I thought Patton was fine. I don't see the ones you mention doing a better job in the physical scenes, but as far as being the new age artsy evil guy, as I said any of the ones you list would have worked.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Kill List.

A former military man turned hitman retires from killing folks. When money starts becoming an issue for his family, his former partner pressures him to take another job. They need to kill three folks. A priest, a librarian, and an M.P. The movie is sloooow to get going and once it does it breaks into a ripoff of other films I won't mention for fear of spoiling things. If it had limited itself to one or two styles it might have had something. There are a couple good movies in here but the potential falls flat.

Horror fans love it for some reason. It's got a 75% RT score. I thought it was incredibly stupid and wanted to stop watching numerous times. I stuck with it because I hate not finishing a movie once I start. I wish I hadn't bothered. Dumb ending and completely predictable. This will be going on my biggest pieces of crap for 2012 list.

ETA - I read a review that sums things up beautifully. "A bad man wins a hat." Worth watching just for that one liner.

 

[El Floppo]

The Posrman is a giant guilty pleasure of mine.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Posrman is a giant guilty pleasure of mine.

As long as it's legal, you should never feel guilty about pleasure.

 

[El Floppo]

The Posrman is a giant guilty pleasure of mine.

As long as it's legal, you should never feel guilty about pleasure.

Yeah, see- I dno't think The Postman is actually legal.

 

[Marvin]

Had trouble sleeping last night so I got up and turned on the TV. "The Green Lantern" was on HBO. Sweet freaking Judas what an absolute pile of dog crap that was. About 5 minutes into it I had to hit "info" to make sure I wasn't watching one of those "scary movie" type parodies.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Had trouble sleeping last night so I got up and turned on the TV. "The Green Lantern" was on HBO. Sweet freaking Judas what an absolute pile of dog crap that was. About 5 minutes into it I had to hit "info" to make sure I wasn't watching one of those "scary movie" type parodies.

 

[jdoggydogg]

A Dolphin Tale

Totally sappy, totally cliche, and absolutely worth watching with your kids. Pretty well done overall.

 

[cosjobs]

The Posrman is a giant guilty pleasure of mine.

Its only 20 percent as good as the novel, but its still a great deal of fun to watch.

 

[cosjobs]

The Loved Ones

Auspicious freshman effort by Aussie director Sean Byrne. A clever, inventive, well-paced meld of horror, teen movie and Troma. Byrne knows his chops already and this is a very well constructed film. I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

3.98/ 5 stars

 

[cosjobs]

End of Watch

Went to see the Master in 70mm, but it was sold out, so I caught this instead.

The review left me nonplussed and I could not see Jake Gyllenhaal or Michael Peña carrying this movie on their shoulders, as would be required in this type effort.

I was mistaken. Both actors were phenomenal and made the rapidly-growing-trite character-held video camera pretty damn compelling. Both actors gave bravura performances that sucked me in and made the movie a thrill and a joy to watch. I really cared about both characters and what happened to them/. Very well done.

4.15/ stars

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Bernie

New Linklater film about Bernie Tiede, assistant funeral director, humanitarian, murderer and hero. Jack Black plays Bernie and turns in a joyous, tour de force. It was great to see the old jack back, strutting across the screen with the childish abandonment that made him a star. Shirley McClaine and Matthew McConaughey were top notch as co-stars, but the parade of Texan character actors probably generate more laugh at loud moments than the stars. Set in Carthage Texas and painfully true to is East Texas roots, Linklater acutely captures the region's very best and worst in a very funny and very humanistic portrayal. The storyline reminded me a lot of Byrne's True Stories. but decidedly funnier with better overall performances. Linklater's best since Slackers/Dazed and Confused.

4.51/5

Just saw this, and I gotta agree with your high rating. Movie was damn funny; Jack Black was great and the other co-stars were good (I had some issues with McConaughey at times) but the Carthage locals were hysterical. The film kinda plays like a darker Christopher Guest mockumentary, and I thought Bernie was just as good as some of Guest's best if you're into that sort of thing. Probably my favourite film of 2012 so far.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Bernie

New Linklater film about Bernie Tiede, assistant funeral director, humanitarian, murderer and hero. Jack Black plays Bernie and turns in a joyous, tour de force. It was great to see the old jack back, strutting across the screen with the childish abandonment that made him a star. Shirley McClaine and Matthew McConaughey were top notch as co-stars, but the parade of Texan character actors probably generate more laugh at loud moments than the stars. Set in Carthage Texas and painfully true to is East Texas roots, Linklater acutely captures the region's very best and worst in a very funny and very humanistic portrayal. The storyline reminded me a lot of Byrne's True Stories. but decidedly funnier with better overall performances. Linklater's best since Slackers/Dazed and Confused.

4.51/5

Just saw this, and I gotta agree with your high rating. Movie was damn funny; Jack Black was great and the other co-stars were good (I had some issues with McConaughey at times) but the Carthage locals were hysterical. The film kinda plays like a darker Christopher Guest mockumentary, and I thought Bernie was just as good as some of Guest's best if you're into that sort of thing. Probably my favourite film of 2012 so far.

 

[Run It Up]

Pontypool

Searched this thread for pontypool with zero results, I just finished watching it and have to say its one of the best metaphysical horror/thriller movies ive ever seen.

I found it while searching through netflix for suspenseful horror movies and the brief description was just enough to catch my interest:

Valentine's Day is off to a bizarre start for a radio shock-jock when he runs into a crazed woman on his way to work -- and that's only the beginning. Soon, scores of other people in the small Ontario town of Pontypool start acting awfully odd.

The execution was good, very suspenseful. The twist was great and the idea was refreshing.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Men of a Certain Age

Before I hear complaints about reviewing TV shows again, I must start out by saying that this series has been more real, more honest than most of the movies I see. I don't know any stronger words to recommend this series. It's not worth going into specifics, but Men of a Certain Age is better than most of the series that are recommended to me.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Pontypool

Searched this thread for pontypool with zero results, I just finished watching it and have to say its one of the best metaphysical horror/thriller movies ive ever seen.

I found it while searching through netflix for suspenseful horror movies and the brief description was just enough to catch my interest:

Valentine's Day is off to a bizarre start for a radio shock-jock when he runs into a crazed woman on his way to work -- and that's only the beginning. Soon, scores of other people in the small Ontario town of Pontypool start acting awfully odd.

The execution was good, very suspenseful. The twist was great and the idea was refreshing.

you got my hopes up. Been wanting to watch this one for awhile, but must just be on netflix streaming.

 

[El Floppo]

Saw the Grey. A bit silly, but nicely shot/crafted (aside from the wolves). And one of my 5 yo son's old classmate's dad was in it, which was fun (other than explaining his demise to our son who didn't see it, and who also is an idiot).

Can somebody explain why the woods are a safer place against wolves than a giant metal carcass of a plane? TIA

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Saw the Grey. A bit silly, but nicely shot/crafted (aside from the wolves). And one of my 5 yo son's old classmate's dad was in it, which was fun (other than explaining his demise to our son who didn't see it, and who also is an idiot).Can somebody explain why the woods are a safer place against wolves than a giant metal carcass of a plane? TIA

It's not but they felt they were never going to be found where the plane crashed and had to take their chances getting to a place where they could be found.