Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (4 Viewers)

[Usual21]

The DividePost-Nuclear drama about a group of people hiding away in a basement after a nuke hits Manhattan. Started off strong and had some good parts, but I really couldn't stand Milo Ventimiglia's bottom lip anymore. 7/10

Hard to see how badly Michael Biehn has aged, as well.

Yeah, but it might have been overdone for effect. The pics of him and his family had him looking better.As for the movie, it was also hard to see how Rosanna Arquette's character ended up.

 

[jamny]

Chronicle was ok mostly because the ending saved it. A pet peeve of mine is if you're going to do a hand-held style film you better make sure it stays that way throughout. This one fails in that respect. Some good effects although the flying was overdone. I thought the lead did a good job of transitioning from shy nerd to what he becomes. Short movie helped. 2.5/5

I know it didn't stay exactly "handheld", but I like the fact that they found different ways to use film footage such as news footage, cell phones, security cams, etc.

I liked that too but I think if you're not going to do it throughout the movie, why do it at all? Just make a regular movie. Who was filming as the friend and the girl were driving in the VW to the hospital and being thrown in the air? Who was filming as the father was next to the son's bed? (not the alternate hospital footage)Who was filming when the lead was up in the bedroom with the girl with the pink hair? On and on.Like I said, pet peeve. It takes away from the movie for me. Happened with End of Watch too.

 

[cstu]

The DividePost-Nuclear drama about a group of people hiding away in a basement after a nuke hits Manhattan. Started off strong and had some good parts, but I really couldn't stand Milo Ventimiglia's bottom lip anymore. 7/10

So many things made no sense in this movie it drove me crazy. Could have been very good but it felt so contrived, especially the part with the guys in the suits.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Chronicle was ok mostly because the ending saved it. A pet peeve of mine is if you're going to do a hand-held style film you better make sure it stays that way throughout. This one fails in that respect. Some good effects although the flying was overdone. I thought the lead did a good job of transitioning from shy nerd to what he becomes. Short movie helped. 2.5/5

I know it didn't stay exactly "handheld", but I like the fact that they found different ways to use film footage such as news footage, cell phones, security cams, etc.

I liked that too but I think if you're not going to do it throughout the movie, why do it at all? Just make a regular movie. Who was filming as the friend and the girl were driving in the VW to the hospital and being thrown in the air? Who was filming as the father was next to the son's bed? (not the alternate hospital footage)Who was filming when the lead was up in the bedroom with the girl with the pink hair? On and on.Like I said, pet peeve. It takes away from the movie for me. Happened with End of Watch too.

Neither movie was supposed to be entirely like that though, it was more of a interest/characteristic of the character. I dont remember all those instances you mention exactly, but someone doesnt have to be "behind" the camera for it to be filming, it can just be turned on and remain in a static location, which IIRC was the case for at least a couple of those occasions you mention.As for why do it at all, I thought the handheld camera aspect here made it feel like I was watching a real story/real life - which I know is the premise behind it - but these kids had freaking superpowers and could fly and stuff and it still felt quite sincere and realistic to me, part of why I enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

[Daywalker]

North Face (08)

This one is a gem.

German. Subtitles.

Griping. Amazing landscape shots. Touching. Slam-dunk.

From IMDB:

"Based on a true story, North Face is a suspenseful adventure film about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps. Set in 1936, as Nazi propaganda urges the nation's Alpinists to conquer the unclimbed north face of the Swiss massif - the Eiger - two reluctant German climbers begin their daring ascent."

8/10. That may even be selling it short. Streaming on Netflix.

 

[jamny]

Chronicle was ok mostly because the ending saved it. A pet peeve of mine is if you're going to do a hand-held style film you better make sure it stays that way throughout. This one fails in that respect. Some good effects although the flying was overdone. I thought the lead did a good job of transitioning from shy nerd to what he becomes. Short movie helped. 2.5/5

I know it didn't stay exactly "handheld", but I like the fact that they found different ways to use film footage such as news footage, cell phones, security cams, etc.

I liked that too but I think if you're not going to do it throughout the movie, why do it at all? Just make a regular movie. Who was filming as the friend and the girl were driving in the VW to the hospital and being thrown in the air? Who was filming as the father was next to the son's bed? (not the alternate hospital footage)Who was filming when the lead was up in the bedroom with the girl with the pink hair? On and on.Like I said, pet peeve. It takes away from the movie for me. Happened with End of Watch too.

Neither movie was supposed to be entirely like that though, it was more of a interest/characteristic of the character. I dont remember all those instances you mention exactly, but someone doesnt have to be "behind" the camera for it to be filming, it can just be turned on and remain in a static location, which IIRC was the case for at least a couple of those occasions you mention.As for why do it at all, I thought the handheld camera aspect here made it feel like I was watching a real story/real life - which I know is the premise behind it - but these kids had freaking superpowers and could fly and stuff and it still felt quite sincere and realistic to me, part of why I enjoyed it as much as I did.

I admit it has more to do with me being overly critical of these types of films. If you're going to be ambitious enough to attempt it, it has to be consistant throughout and be done for a reason. If I start seeing camera shots that don't fit with the style, I get distracted looking for it and the effect is lost for me. I guess that's why I like the "found footage" ones more. Some movies have pulled it off very well, like Blair Witch, Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, Quarentine and Apollo 18. I'm not saying these are all great movies but they captured the genre seamlessly throughout.

 

[FootballDummy]

North Face (08)This one is a gem.German. Subtitles.Griping. Amazing landscape shots. Touching. Slam-dunk.From IMDB:"Based on a true story, North Face is a suspenseful adventure film about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps. Set in 1936, as Nazi propaganda urges the nation's Alpinists to conquer the unclimbed north face of the Swiss massif - the Eiger - two reluctant German climbers begin their daring ascent."8/10. That may even be selling it short. Streaming on Netflix.

I saw that. Liked it a lot.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Little bored at work so I streamed "The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia".An hour and a half of pure white trash. I'm not even sure what they were trying to accomplish through the documentary.Didn't know it was possible, but my outlook on the human race has been lowered once again.

Remember how they used to make documentaries about people that had accomplished something?

"Wild and Wonderful Whites' actually came about due to an earlier documentary regarding Jessie 'Jesco' White called 'The Dancing Outlaw'. Took a look at a clearly crazy dude who had delusions of channeling Elvis but was also a very talented tap/clog dancer. Beck used a clip from it in his 'Loser' video. Fascinating doc. When Roseanne and Tom Arnold were still together they saw the 'Dancing Outlaw' doc and brought Jesco out to LA to do a cameo on the Roseanne show (believe it ended up being cut though) which resulted in a followup documentary. I think it was Johnny Knoxville, in seeing these docs, who made this 'Wild Wonderful Whites' movie because the whole White family is pretty nuts. If you get a chance you should definitely check out the original Dancing Outlaw doc, it's hysterical.The more you know...

Seems like with these movies and all these freakshow reality series we're now supposed to be entertained by freaks. I just don't dig it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Titanic

Not the ####ty James Cameron movie. The miniseries penned by Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes.

Pretty good overall.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The Master

Like There Will Be Blood, this movie's central character is utterly unlikeable. Both Anderson roles harken back to Ed Harris in Pollack. Angry, abusive borderline sociopaths. But there's plenty to like here. Hoffman's great. Amy Adams isn't on the A list yet, but this inches her closer. Overall, compelling. But I do miss Anderson movies like Boogie Nights, where the lead character wasn't a tyrant.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Titanic

Not the ####ty James Cameron movie.

How dare you

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Finally saw Argo. I liked it but it wasn't great. I never really felt the tension or danger for the house guests and it just didn't seem too difficult. Is that poor writing or direction, I don't know. I do know that Lincoln and End of Watch were both better movies with better acting, direction, and dialogue.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Finally saw Argo. I liked it but it wasn't great. I never really felt the tension or danger for the house guests and it just didn't seem too difficult. Is that poor writing or direction, I don't know. I do know that Lincoln and End of Watch were both better movies with better acting, direction, and dialogue.

Finally saw it yesterday. I thought it was excellent. I felt the tension, liked the humor and thought the history intro and wrap up were interesting. Compared to The Artist, it seemed like a masterpiece.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Finally saw Argo. I liked it but it wasn't great. I never really felt the tension or danger for the house guests and it just didn't seem too difficult. Is that poor writing or direction, I don't know. I do know that Lincoln and End of Watch were both better movies with better acting, direction, and dialogue.

Finally saw it yesterday. I thought it was excellent. I felt the tension, liked the humor and thought the history intro and wrap up were interesting. Compared to The Artist, it seemed like a masterpiece.

The best part was the history introductions and initial taking of the embassy.

 

[Apple Jack]

Finally saw Argo. I liked it but it wasn't great. I never really felt the tension or danger for the house guests and it just didn't seem too difficult. Is that poor writing or direction, I don't know. I do know that Lincoln and End of Watch were both better movies with better acting, direction, and dialogue.

Finally saw it yesterday. I thought it was excellent. I felt the tension, liked the humor and thought the history intro and wrap up were interesting. Compared to The Artist, it seemed like a masterpiece.

The best part was the history introductions and initial taking of the embassy.

And the part when you realize that's Slater.

 

[wazoo11]

Olympus Has Fallen

Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.

2.5/5

 

[jdoggydogg]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

 

[snogger]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

 

[Chaka]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

That phenomenon is demonstrated every minute of every day in the FFA.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

That phenomenon is demonstrated every minute of every day in the FFA.

 

[snogger]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

 

[wazoo11]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

Same.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

Definitely. Anyone that didn't enjoy Olympus should never have seen it to begin with. It delivered exactly what it promised.

 

[hooter311]

Little bored at work so I streamed "The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia".An hour and a half of pure white trash. I'm not even sure what they were trying to accomplish through the documentary.Didn't know it was possible, but my outlook on the human race has been lowered once again.

Remember how they used to make documentaries about people that had accomplished something?

"Wild and Wonderful Whites' actually came about due to an earlier documentary regarding Jessie 'Jesco' White called 'The Dancing Outlaw'. Took a look at a clearly crazy dude who had delusions of channeling Elvis but was also a very talented tap/clog dancer. Beck used a clip from it in his 'Loser' video. Fascinating doc. When Roseanne and Tom Arnold were still together they saw the 'Dancing Outlaw' doc and brought Jesco out to LA to do a cameo on the Roseanne show (believe it ended up being cut though) which resulted in a followup documentary. I think it was Johnny Knoxville, in seeing these docs, who made this 'Wild Wonderful Whites' movie because the whole White family is pretty nuts. If you get a chance you should definitely check out the original Dancing Outlaw doc, it's hysterical.The more you know...

Seems like with these movies and all these freakshow reality series we're now supposed to be entertained by freaks. I just don't dig it.

The Dancing Outlaw was from the early 90's, no?I had an English teacher screen it for us in high school. Fantastic stuff. The family is more than a freak show, I think they are worth studying.Not that the "Wild and Wonderful Whites" doesn't suck or anything, but the material is there.

 

[Daywalker]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

Definitely. Anyone that didn't enjoy Olympus should never have seen it to begin with. It delivered exactly what it promised.

Could a 9-year-old handle this? He watched Skyfall and it was no biggie.See Olympus is rated R for violence and language. No sexual content. FYI my nephew is American.

 

[Funcooker]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

The thing Larry David realizes: Comedies of manners are the most telling, enduring and the most subvervisely funny of comic forms.The thing Larry David doesn't realize: His bull#### detector is indeed finely honed, but his responses always serve to weave new codes of bull#### far more intractable than those he attacks. That's often funny, too, but very much the flaw that causes more of his stuff not to work than has to be.

 

[cstu]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

The thing Larry David realizes: Comedies of manners are the most telling, enduring and the most subvervisely funny of comic forms.The thing Larry David doesn't realize: His bull#### detector is indeed finely honed, but his responses always serve to weave new codes of bull#### far more intractable than those he attacks. That's often funny, too, but very much the flaw that causes more of his stuff not to work than has to be.

Larry is playing both sides - calling out the BS of manners but also trying to fit in by having manners. Either way it leads to trouble for him.

 

[cstu]

Olympus Has Fallen

Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.

2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

Definitely. Anyone that didn't enjoy Olympus should never have seen it to begin with. It delivered exactly what it promised.

Could a 9-year-old handle this? He watched Skyfall and it was no biggie.See Olympus is rated R for violence and language. No sexual content. FYI my nephew is American.

Oh, so he lives and breathes for violence - go right ahead.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

Definitely. Anyone that didn't enjoy Olympus should never have seen it to begin with. It delivered exactly what it promised.

Could a 9-year-old handle this? He watched Skyfall and it was no biggie.See Olympus is rated R for violence and language. No sexual content. FYI my nephew is American.

Extremely violent with plenty of cruelty and abuse thrown in. I wouldn't take a 9 year old anywhere near this movie, but

 

[jdoggydogg]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Re-watching on HBOGO. Still hilarious.

I think the reason this show works so well is that at its core, the show is about people making mountains out of molehills. The show seems silly and ridiculous at times. But this phenomenon of humans getting upset over seemingly small things that ruin the important things rings true.

The thing Larry David realizes: Comedies of manners are the most telling, enduring and the most subvervisely funny of comic forms.The thing Larry David doesn't realize: His bull#### detector is indeed finely honed, but his responses always serve to weave new codes of bull#### far more intractable than those he attacks. That's often funny, too, but very much the flaw that causes more of his stuff not to work than has to be.

I agree, somewhat. Although in his defense, many people tend to have really ridiculous rules about inane subjects.

 

[Daywalker]

Olympus Has Fallen Fun entertaining flick with lots of action but little plot to it.2.5./5

Exactly my thoughts. And there are some huge plot holes in this one.

for being what it was.. a Spring time flick I'd give it 4 out of 5.. We enjoyed it quite a bit

Oh, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was just agreeing that it had huge plot holes.

There were a few, but the action was top notch and even though you knew what the outcome was going to be, they did a good job leading up to it.

Definitely. Anyone that didn't enjoy Olympus should never have seen it to begin with. It delivered exactly what it promised.

Could a 9-year-old handle this? He watched Skyfall and it was no biggie.See Olympus is rated R for violence and language. No sexual content. FYI my nephew is American.

Extremely violent with plenty of cruelty and abuse thrown in. I wouldn't take a 9 year old anywhere near this movie, but

Guess I'll go with GI JOE instead.

 

[cstu]

Sightseers - 8/10

A British dark comedy about two misfits who go on a road trip and fall madly in love.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

 

[jdoggydogg]

June 1977 Starlog article about a new space movie coming out soon

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

June 1977 Starlog article about a new space movie coming out soon

"The power"

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Lawless - 6.5/10

I guess it's worth watching. You get to see most of Jessica Chastain if she's your kind of thing.

But the movie itself just didn't come together. Guy Pearce's overacting nearly killed it.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Lawless - 6.5/10

I guess it's worth watching. You get to see most of Jessica Chastain if she's your kind of thing.

But the movie itself just didn't come together. Guy Pearce's overacting nearly killed it.

Thought Hardy was great. Thought Pearce was great. There are faults in the storyline, but overall I really enjoyed Lawless.

 

[Daywalker]

fool... The Showtime shows are pretty much all the same. A goofy premise with some fun moments, but overall lacking anything to make them great. Homeland quickly degenerates in the second season into some really lazy and goofy writing and silly scenarios. But it's still a decent enough ride if you can ignore all of that. For your sake I think just pull the cord and bail out now..

:updatesnotebookn a related note, the netflix series "house of cards" is a very pleasant surprise about two episodes in. most would think that kevin spacey is the reason but, imo, i credit David Fincher here mostly. his fingerprints are all over this series. in other news, robin wright is a incredibly good (and hot at 46) in the show too.

HOC has gotten some buzz but it's a must watch. I wonder if it qualifies for the Emmy's considered it was only released on Netflix.Don't let the Netflix-only launch scare you off. This show is as good as anything on tv. The storytelling is extremely concise and it rarely leaves you saying oh that's ridiculous.

Political intrigue and Spacey playing kingmaker. It's a perfect vehicle for him. Wright is great too.

Fincher directed first two and saw Joel Schumacher did one as well. Netflix really hit a homerun with this.

 

[Apple Jack]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

I thought the same thing and then I heard how he spun the story and now I'm not nearly as interested.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

I thought the same thing and then I heard how he spun the story and now I'm not nearly as interested.

Who spun...Mamet or Spector? See the movie, regardless.

 

[jdoggydogg]

on a related note, the netflix series "house of cards" is a very pleasant surprise about two episodes in. most would think that kevin spacey is the reason but, imo, i credit David Fincher here mostly. his fingerprints are all over this series. in other news, robin wright is a incredibly good (and hot at 46) in the show too.

I need to gripe about this show. I consider myself a Fincher fanboy. Love his work. But this show made two big mistakes:1) Talking to the camera

Giant error. Terrible. Why do we need this? Is this for the stupid people that can't understand what's happening?

2) Spacey's southern accent

I'm not saying it's terrible, but it is really distracting.

 

[Apple Jack]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

I thought the same thing and then I heard how he spun the story and now I'm not nearly as interested.

Who spun...Mamet or Spector? See the movie, regardless.

Mamet. I heard he made Soector come off like a victim. I'm a huge fan of his work, and even his madness to a degree, but he's killed this chick.

 

[JZilla]

on a related note, the netflix series "house of cards" is a very pleasant surprise about two episodes in. most would think that kevin spacey is the reason but, imo, i credit David Fincher here mostly. his fingerprints are all over this series. in other news, robin wright is a incredibly good (and hot at 46) in the show too.

I need to gripe about this show. I consider myself a Fincher fanboy. Love his work. But this show made two big mistakes:1) Talking to the camera

Giant error. Terrible. Why do we need this? Is this for the stupid people that can't understand what's happening?

It's the big Fourth Wall taboo, but I think it's a bold move that Spacey pulls off with just the right amount of arrogance. I watched the whole season and I got used to it pretty quickly.I like the show, interested to see where they go next..

 

[Daywalker]

on a related note, the netflix series "house of cards" is a very pleasant surprise about two episodes in. most would think that kevin spacey is the reason but, imo, i credit David Fincher here mostly. his fingerprints are all over this series. in other news, robin wright is a incredibly good (and hot at 46) in the show too.

I need to gripe about this show. I consider myself a Fincher fanboy. Love his work. But this show made two big mistakes:1) Talking to the camera

Giant error. Terrible. Why do we need this? Is this for the stupid people that can't understand what's happening?

It's the big Fourth Wall taboo, but I think it's a bold move that Spacey pulls off with just the right amount of arrogance. I watched the whole season and I got used to it pretty quickly.I like the show, interested to see where they go next..

What is exactly wrong with talking to the camera? Seems like something a critic wrote in a textbook that has just stuck. Like reading a book and complaining about the random musings of the author. Like anything sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Spacey talking to the camera is often hilarious and other times very effective in keeping the pace from dragging.

 

[FootballDummy]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

I thought the same thing and then I heard how he spun the story and now I'm not nearly as interested.

Who spun...Mamet or Spector? See the movie, regardless.

Mamet. I heard he made Soector come off like a victim. I'm a huge fan of his work, and even his madness to a degree, but he's killed this chick.

He did make him seem innocent. It was decent.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Phil Spector

Yet another in a long line of fantastic HBO movies.

This is Pacino's second HBO film I've seen. He was amazing as Jack Kevorkian, and as Spector he's equally compelling. I loved this movie, and I can't recommend it enough. Oh, and did I mention the always brilliant Helen Mirren? One of the best roles she's ever played.

Look, David Mamet wrote a script for Al Freakin' Pacino and Helen Freakin' Mirren. What the hell are you waiting for? Go watch it this instant, #####.

I thought the same thing and then I heard how he spun the story and now I'm not nearly as interested.

Who spun...Mamet or Spector? See the movie, regardless.

Mamet. I heard he made Soector come off like a victim. I'm a huge fan of his work, and even his madness to a degree, but he's killed this chick.

I am not willing to look this up now. But unless the movie completely reversed the evidence, the prosecution had a weak case. Spector appear to be a violent lunatic, but citizens need to be convicted on evidence that proves the case beyond reasonable doubt. You can't convict someone on character - ask OJ Simpson.

 

[jdoggydogg]

on a related note, the netflix series "house of cards" is a very pleasant surprise about two episodes in. most would think that kevin spacey is the reason but, imo, i credit David Fincher here mostly. his fingerprints are all over this series. in other news, robin wright is a incredibly good (and hot at 46) in the show too.

I need to gripe about this show. I consider myself a Fincher fanboy. Love his work. But this show made two big mistakes:1) Talking to the camera

Giant error. Terrible. Why do we need this? Is this for the stupid people that can't understand what's happening?

It's the big Fourth Wall taboo, but I think it's a bold move that Spacey pulls off with just the right amount of arrogance. I watched the whole season and I got used to it pretty quickly.I like the show, interested to see where they go next..

I should have made it clear I like the show, and after watching the first two episodes, I think it has a lot of potential.

 

[Nikki2200]

There was another thread in here somewhere specifically about House of Cards. Breaking the fourth wall is one of the things I actually liked about the series. Especially with Kevin Spacey. I like that artistic component to the show where we are meant to understand the inner workings of his mind because he was unable to portray that to any other character on the show.

However, the plot becomes so absurd at times and doesn't even a little logically make sense in current day politics that it is really off-putting. If they kept the scenarios based in reality, which they totally could have, it would be a lot more intriguing. It just feels like they are going over the top for the sake of going over the top and that puts me off on the whole show. There is enough fodder within Washington, and politics, and power, to keep it at least loosely based in the real world and the OTT crap makes it feel like sloppy writing.

Spoiler

Hint: teachers' strike.

Don't want to put any spoilers out there if people aren't done watching, but the teachers' strike was a deal breaker for me. It was so ludicrous and not even loosely based in reality that it became difficult for me to take the show seriously after that.