Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (4 Viewers)

[Papa Georgio]

About Time

I liked this flick but thought the lead actor was miscast. Had a domino effect because they really had to play McAdams down too to make it believable. Had some great moments. Bill Nighy is so cool. But if the trailer caught your eye I think you'll still enjoy it. When it came and went I expected a bomb but it was actually pretty good but like I said completely miscast lead. The lead actor not bad just not going to draw the ladies attention which can submarine a movie like this.

5.5/10

hmmm

so you downgraded the movie because the lead wasn't cute enough for you?

I liked it- I thought they had chemistry, which is the most important thing for this genre. probably not a lot if hot Brits to choose from to begin with.

I'm talking why the movie flopped regardless of whether the lead actor was good or not.

You got R. McAdams with her track record in this genre you don't put a male lead opposite of her no one has ever heard of. Confused the audience.

J. McAvoy would have been a good choice. Doesn't need to be C. Tatum. Just someone familiar. It's a solid flick better then The Vow or Time Traveler's Wife and think the main reason it flopped is the female audience immediately tuned out. Romantic comedy with R. McAdams with 69% on rotten tomatoes. About Time did 15mill. Time Traveler did 63mill. You never know what movies are going to hit but the casting on this one really put a ceiling on things. I just think it's a head-scratcher when looking at the business of movie-making.

I get what you are saying. I think I was focusing on the goofy ******* in Love, Actually too much when I was thinking about that movie as a comparison and forget that Hugh Grant was front and center for that one and Notting Hill. It is sad, but I would guess that the rom/coms more than any other drama need the familiar good looking faces to get people in the seats. I usually find it refreshing when the oddball gets the girl/boy, but I also usually gravitate towards the indie romances too. I don't think this movie's concept would have worked with too good looking of a guy - then why in the hell would he need to use time travel to get Rachel McAdams? But that also probably took away over 1/2 the intended audience too.

Still was honestly shocked seeing that it did only 15M. Maybe they should have passed on the Brit and casted one of the nerds from Big Band Theory and made a killing.

I very much enjoyed the movie. In terms of this genre it would be one of the best I have seen recently. I hadn't really thought about why it didn't do well, but this does make sense. Although the lead is not a nobody and I never felt distracted myself this type of movie I would think is more universally appealing to women. Perhaps they want a familiar beef-cake in these roles?

 

[Papa Georgio]

I've been meaning for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

 

[biggamer3]

About Time

I liked this flick but thought the lead actor was miscast. Had a domino effect because they really had to play McAdams down too to make it believable. Had some great moments. Bill Nighy is so cool. But if the trailer caught your eye I think you'll still enjoy it. When it came and went I expected a bomb but it was actually pretty good but like I said completely miscast lead. The lead actor not bad just not going to draw the ladies attention which can submarine a movie like this.

5.5/10

hmmm

so you downgraded the movie because the lead wasn't cute enough for you?

I liked it- I thought they had chemistry, which is the most important thing for this genre. probably not a lot if hot Brits to choose from to begin with.

I'm talking why the movie flopped regardless of whether the lead actor was good or not.

You got R. McAdams with her track record in this genre you don't put a male lead opposite of her no one has ever heard of. Confused the audience.

J. McAvoy would have been a good choice. Doesn't need to be C. Tatum. Just someone familiar. It's a solid flick better then The Vow or Time Traveler's Wife and think the main reason it flopped is the female audience immediately tuned out. Romantic comedy with R. McAdams with 69% on rotten tomatoes. About Time did 15mill. Time Traveler did 63mill. You never know what movies are going to hit but the casting on this one really put a ceiling on things. I just think it's a head-scratcher when looking at the business of movie-making.

I get what you are saying. I think I was focusing on the goofy ******* in Love, Actually too much when I was thinking about that movie as a comparison and forget that Hugh Grant was front and center for that one and Notting Hill. It is sad, but I would guess that the rom/coms more than any other drama need the familiar good looking faces to get people in the seats. I usually find it refreshing when the oddball gets the girl/boy, but I also usually gravitate towards the indie romances too. I don't think this movie's concept would have worked with too good looking of a guy - then why in the hell would he need to use time travel to get Rachel McAdams? But that also probably took away over 1/2 the intended audience too.

Still was honestly shocked seeing that it did only 15M. Maybe they should have passed on the Brit and casted one of the nerds from Big Band Theory and made a killing.

I very much enjoyed the movie. In terms of this genre it would be one of the best I have seen recently. I hadn't really thought about why it didn't do well, but this does make sense. Although the lead is not a nobody and I never felt distracted myself this type of movie I would think is more universally appealing to women. Perhaps they want a familiar beef-cake in these roles?

I really liked this movie and I think the lead male was a fantastic actor and made the movie something other than your normal romantic comedy. He was nerdy, that was needed for such a role. I understand that is why the movie probably flopped, but for me it worked. I think Jessie Eisenberg would have been the ideal guy to play the lead here though. He can pass as nerdy/cool.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwest

shadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

 

[Lutherman2112]

Wife and daughter both have some nasty colds, so we hunkered down on the sectional couch and watch movies.

In addition to some classics, we watched "Ender's Game" on demand. Glad I didn't pay movie prices, but I did enjoy the flick. Twist at the end, and the ending was kinda Meh...still was entertained.

 

[El Floppo]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwest

shadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

great list... along with the two you already have lined up.

 

[El Floppo]

Wife and daughter both have some nasty colds, so we hunkered down on the sectional couch and watch movies.

In addition to some classics, we watched "Ender's Game" on demand. Glad I didn't pay movie prices, but I did enjoy the flick. Twist at the end, and the ending was kinda Meh...still was entertained.

we just watched this too... not a good sign that I don't remember whetherI read the books or not- I know I read a series or two by O Scott Card.

The movie felt... dunno- limp. I'm sure it was made (or intended to be) as part of the series rather than as a stand-alone, but soooo much time spent on the "training"/ self-realization that as a theme has been beaten to death over the decades. And despite all of it, I didn't feel like my understanding of the kid ever changed- just followed him along to the obvious conclusion of his training. Felt like a mash-up of Harry Potter, Matrix and Starship Troopers, but without any humor or character development. It wasn't terrible, but just meh.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Changing gears, watched the weird musical/spy spoof Top Secret! It was by Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker, who did Kentucky Fried Movie and Airplane, among others (Naked Gun, Hot Shots). Better than I remembered, though somewhat uneven, a lot of the same sight gags (guy looking through a magnifying glass has a distortedly large eye, when he pulls it away, that is how it is on his face) and word play as in their other movies.

I love Top Secret. I think it's easily as funny as Airplane!

Been working my way through some of their other movies. Naked Gun 2.5 was funnier than I remembered, similar formula with seemingly a few sight gags or word play jokes a minute.

Typical examples.

George Kennedy asks Leslie Nielsen if there is a sexual angle to the case, and says "Sex, Frank?" "Not right now."

At a speech/gathering, Kennedy says they have identified the criminal and points into the crowd. About a half dozen men simultaneously grab a female hostage and hold a gun to them.

Speaking of which, Police Squad. One of the funniest series ever made.

Thanks, never heard of it (at first I thought you meant Police Academy ), but now in my queue. Only six episodes before being cancelled.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwestshadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

great list... along with the two you already have lined up.

For years, I thought Hitchcock's Notorious (Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claud Rains) was the critical darling that made the prestigious Sight and Sound once-a-decade international top 10 poll*, but it was Vertigo. They are my two favorites (I'd put Vertigo in my top 5-10 movies period, with movies like Blade Runner and Seven Samurai), but he had so many great ones. Rear Window (shot claustrophobically from broken legged Jimmy Stewart's apartment) and Rope (also with Stewart, shot like a live play, as if it was a continuous, unbroken take, only about seven cuts, and those just to account for the necessary camera reel changes, cleverly done in a way it was hard to tell) were masterpieces as exercises in style. Same with Lifeboat (he appeared in cameo every movie, so here had to be in a newspaper ad! ). All the others mentioned by KarmaPolice were great, too (N by NW probably my next favorite, with regular Grant, James Mason an urbane villain and young Martin Landau as henchman). I'd add a few others. Spellbound (Bergman and Gregory Peck) is a masterful psychological thriller with a surreal Dali dream sequence on the bonus plan. The Man Who Knew Too Much (regular Stewart and Doris Day) was done twice, I preferred the remake, revisits his recurring theme of a common person being pulled into extraordinary events, in this case a mild mannered doctor spending some time after a medical conference vacationing with his wife and child in North Africa, when he is forced into the middle of a swirling espionage conspiracy. Foreign Correspondent was well done and had a similar theme. Criterion recently released three early ones (from England, before he became an international superstar in Holywood - one of the few/only where the movie title would be preceded by the director's name), his acknowledged early masterpieces, and The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, along with the original Man Who Knew Too Much, had similar plots/themes. I wouldn't start with them, but if you like the later Hictchcock, you should like these, they hold up extremely well, IMO, highly recommended. Saboteur was in this vein, but IMO not as great. To Catch a Thief (Grant and Grace Kelly, also in Rear Window) was more light hearted, but entertaining. The Birds was probably his last great movie.

I envy you, being able to see so many Hitchcock movies for the first time.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%26_Sound

 

[rockaction]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwest

shadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

great list... along with the two you already have lined up.

For years, Hitchcock's Suspsicion (Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claud Rains) was the critical darling that made the prestigious Sight and Sound once-a-decade international top 10 poll*. In 2012 it was supplanted by Vertigo. Vertigo and Suspicion are my two favorites (I'd put Vertigo in my top 5-10 movies period, with movies like Blade Runner and Seven Samurai), but he had so many great ones. Rear Window (shot claustrophobically from Stewart's POV) and Rope (also with Stewart, shot like a live play, as if it was a continuous, unbroken take, only about seven cuts, and those just to account for the necessary camera reel changes, cleverly done in a way it was hard to tell) were masterpieces as exercises in style. Same with Lifeboat (he appeared in cameo every movie, so here had to be in a newspaper ad! ). All the others mentioned by KarmaPolice were great, too (N by NW probably my next favorite, with regular Grant, James Mason an urbane villain and young Martin Landau as henchman). I'd add a few others. Spellbound (Bergman and Gregory Peck) is a masterful psychological thriller with a surreal Dali dream sequence on the bonus plan. The Man Who knew Too Much (regular Stewart and Doris Day) was done twice, I preferred the remake, revisits his recurring theme of a common person being pulled into extraordinary events, in this case a mild mannered doctor spending some time after a medical conference vacationing with his wife and child in North Africa, when he is forced into the middle of a swirling espionage conspiracy. Foreign Correspondent was well done and had a similar theme. Criterion recently released three early ones (from England, before he became an international superstar in Holywood - one of the few/only where the movie title would be preceded by the director's name), his acknowledged early masterpieces, and The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, along with the original Man Who Knew Too Much, had similar plots/themes. I wouldn't start with them, but if you like the later Hictchcock, you should like these, they hold up extremely well, IMO, highly recommended. Saboteur was in this vein, but IMO not as great. To Catch a Thief (Grant and Grace Kelly, also in Rear Window) was more light hearted, but entertaining.

I envy you, being able to see so many Hitchcock movies for the first time.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%26_Sound

I love this movie just to see Grace. Now, by all accounts in real life, Grace was a bad b. But she's a princess, forever.

eta* and Vertigo with Kim Novak is a classic, and always in everyone's top ten of all-time. I loved how Basic Instinct referenced the streets of SF and the exact house where Kim Novak lived when they shot that movie. The movies mentioned in this thread are all worthy of a watch, if you have time to kill.

eta2* Man Who Knew Too Much is noted for Doris Day's "Que Sera Sera," which became a massive hit, and even something I learned in grade school.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Robocop

I was prepared to hate this. It's fairly well made. Good action, nice art direction. But there's a lot more at stake in the original. One of my favorite aspects of the original is there are good supporting characters and sub-plots. Just the feud between Ronny Cox and Miguel Ferrer is better than almost everything in the remake. If you never saw the original movie, you might be satisfied with this iteration. The original, however, is far superior.

Does the 6000 SUX make a cameo in the remake?

Unless I blacked out, no.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Changing gears, watched the weird musical/spy spoof Top Secret! It was by Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker, who did Kentucky Fried Movie and Airplane, among others (Naked Gun, Hot Shots). Better than I remembered, though somewhat uneven, a lot of the same sight gags (guy looking through a magnifying glass has a distortedly large eye, when he pulls it away, that is how it is on his face) and word play as in their other movies.

I love Top Secret. I think it's easily as funny as Airplane!

Been working my way through some of their other movies. Naked Gun 2.5 was funnier than I remembered, similar formula with seemingly a few sight gags or word play jokes a minute.

Typical examples.

George Kennedy asks Leslie Nielsen if there is a sexual angle to the case, and says "Sex, Frank?" "Not right now."

At a speech/gathering, Kennedy says they have identified the criminal and points into the crowd. About a half dozen men simultaneously grab a female hostage and hold a gun to them.

Speaking of which, Police Squad. One of the funniest series ever made.

Police Squad was awesome, I remember when it aired that it bombed because people didn't get it. I guess a lot of people need the laugh track to tell them when the jokes happen and the dead pan delivery in PS without the laugh track left too many people confused.

They pretty much recycled all the jokes from PS in Naked Gun.

You always wonder where they're testing these shows. Bingo games?

 

[jdoggydogg]

I've been meaning for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

I like Shadow of a Doubt.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Wife and daughter both have some nasty colds, so we hunkered down on the sectional couch and watch movies.

In addition to some classics, we watched "Ender's Game" on demand. Glad I didn't pay movie prices, but I did enjoy the flick. Twist at the end, and the ending was kinda Meh...still was entertained.

I liked it a lot.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Changing gears, watched the weird musical/spy spoof Top Secret! It was by Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker, who did Kentucky Fried Movie and Airplane, among others (Naked Gun, Hot Shots). Better than I remembered, though somewhat uneven, a lot of the same sight gags (guy looking through a magnifying glass has a distortedly large eye, when he pulls it away, that is how it is on his face) and word play as in their other movies.

I love Top Secret. I think it's easily as funny as Airplane!

Been working my way through some of their other movies. Naked Gun 2.5 was funnier than I remembered, similar formula with seemingly a few sight gags or word play jokes a minute.

Typical examples.

George Kennedy asks Leslie Nielsen if there is a sexual angle to the case, and says "Sex, Frank?" "Not right now."

At a speech/gathering, Kennedy says they have identified the criminal and points into the crowd. About a half dozen men simultaneously grab a female hostage and hold a gun to them.

Speaking of which, Police Squad. One of the funniest series ever made.

Thanks, never heard of it (at first I thought you meant Police Academy ), but now in my queue. Only six episodes before being cancelled.

Police Squad is the genesis and template for all the hilarious Zucker, Abrahams & Zucker comedy films.

 

[Daywalker]

Hannah and her Sisters.

HBOGO.

The scenery and music. Just so enjoyable. Perfect amount of Woody acting. Dianne Wiest amazing. Caine was so funny. Made me nostalgic for a time I didn't even experience.

Lot of laughs. Great female characters. Everyone perfect.

Truly a classic. Can't wait to dig into Crimes and Misdemeanors which I haven't seen.

9/10

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hannah and her Sisters.

HBOGO.

The scenery and music. Just so enjoyable. Perfect amount of Woody acting. Dianne Wiest amazing. Caine was so funny. Made me nostalgic for a time I didn't even experience.

Lot of laughs. Great female characters. Everyone perfect.

Truly a classic. Can't wait to dig into Crimes and Misdemeanors which I haven't seen.

9/10

This is one of my favorite Allen movies. Love the scene with Bach and ee cummings.

Crimes and Misdemeanors is good, more serious than many of his movies.

 

[Papa Georgio]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwestshadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

great list... along with the two you already have lined up.

For years, I thought Hitchcock's Notorious (Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claud Rains) was the critical darling that made the prestigious Sight and Sound once-a-decade international top 10 poll*, but it was Vertigo. They are my two favorites (I'd put Vertigo in my top 5-10 movies period, with movies like Blade Runner and Seven Samurai), but he had so many great ones. Rear Window (shot claustrophobically from broken legged Jimmy Stewart's apartment) and Rope (also with Stewart, shot like a live play, as if it was a continuous, unbroken take, only about seven cuts, and those just to account for the necessary camera reel changes, cleverly done in a way it was hard to tell) were masterpieces as exercises in style. Same with Lifeboat (he appeared in cameo every movie, so here had to be in a newspaper ad! ). All the others mentioned by KarmaPolice were great, too (N by NW probably my next favorite, with regular Grant, James Mason an urbane villain and young Martin Landau as henchman). I'd add a few others. Spellbound (Bergman and Gregory Peck) is a masterful psychological thriller with a surreal Dali dream sequence on the bonus plan. The Man Who Knew Too Much (regular Stewart and Doris Day) was done twice, I preferred the remake, revisits his recurring theme of a common person being pulled into extraordinary events, in this case a mild mannered doctor spending some time after a medical conference vacationing with his wife and child in North Africa, when he is forced into the middle of a swirling espionage conspiracy. Foreign Correspondent was well done and had a similar theme. Criterion recently released three early ones (from England, before he became an international superstar in Holywood - one of the few/only where the movie title would be preceded by the director's name), his acknowledged early masterpieces, and The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, along with the original Man Who Knew Too Much, had similar plots/themes. I wouldn't start with them, but if you like the later Hictchcock, you should like these, they hold up extremely well, IMO, highly recommended. Saboteur was in this vein, but IMO not as great. To Catch a Thief (Grant and Grace Kelly, also in Rear Window) was more light hearted, but entertaining. The Birds was probably his last great movie.

I envy you, being able to see so many Hitchcock movies for the first time.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%26_Sound

Finished Rear Window, and agree you almost feel suffocated by the environment at times. I think what's funny is that as I am watching it I saw bits and pieces in the concept that have been used and copied since. I got a bit distracted right when things started to heat up but I enjoyed the movie but wouldn't say I was blown away. I think the thing I came away with the most was just how amazingly influential Hitchcock has been after only having seen 2 of his movies.

 

[El Floppo]

Hannah and her Sisters.

HBOGO.

The scenery and music. Just so enjoyable. Perfect amount of Woody acting. Dianne Wiest amazing. Caine was so funny. Made me nostalgic for a time I didn't even experience.

Lot of laughs. Great female characters. Everyone perfect.

Truly a classic. Can't wait to dig into Crimes and Misdemeanors which I haven't seen.

9/10

This is one of my favorite Allen movies. Love the scene with Bach and ee cummings.

Crimes and Misdemeanors is good, more serious than many of his movies.

C&M is fantastic, especially the first time he made it. The subsequent riffs on the same themes, not so much.

 

[Papa Georgio]

The Iceman

How can you go wrong with Michael Shannon portraying a psychopathic hitman? Not entirely factual but a very engaging watch.

Watched this last week and it was very well done. I thought the acting was good. I had no idea Michael Shannon was such a big guy. He fit the part well.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Wife and daughter both have some nasty colds, so we hunkered down on the sectional couch and watch movies.

In addition to some classics, we watched "Ender's Game" on demand. Glad I didn't pay movie prices, but I did enjoy the flick. Twist at the end, and the ending was kinda Meh...still was entertained.

we just watched this too... not a good sign that I don't remember whetherI read the books or not- I know I read a series or two by O Scott Card.

The movie felt... dunno- limp. I'm sure it was made (or intended to be) as part of the series rather than as a stand-alone, but soooo much time spent on the "training"/ self-realization that as a theme has been beaten to death over the decades. And despite all of it, I didn't feel like my understanding of the kid ever changed- just followed him along to the obvious conclusion of his training. Felt like a mash-up of Harry Potter, Matrix and Starship Troopers, but without any humor or character development. It wasn't terrible, but just meh.

Interesting reaction to it. The training section of the movie was actually much quicker and less fleshed out than the book. Most book reader's one major complaint is that they didn't spend enough time in training in the movie, since it was basically the whole book.

Also, I don't think it was made as the first part of a series, as the rest of the book series after Ender's Game is barely connected to it. It takes place thousands of years later and gets into some really heavy philosophy that would never work as a movie.

 

[badmojo1006]

Jeff, who lives at home. B+.

A slice of life of a dysfunctional family. Pretty enjoyable, though the "Secret" admirer was telegraphed a mile away

 

[jamny]

I've been meant for years to go on a Hitchcock marathon and it looks like I am finally about to get to it. I have already seen Psycho and bits of others as a kid but would it be best to start with any one movie of his? I have Rear Window and Vertigo ready to go, but thought some of you more informed fans might have a suggestion?

north by northwestshadow of a doubt

rope

strangers on a train

dial m for murder

Rebecca

great list... along with the two you already have lined up.

For years, I thought Hitchcock's Notorious (Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Claud Rains) was the critical darling that made the prestigious Sight and Sound once-a-decade international top 10 poll*, but it was Vertigo. They are my two favorites (I'd put Vertigo in my top 5-10 movies period, with movies like Blade Runner and Seven Samurai), but he had so many great ones. Rear Window (shot claustrophobically from broken legged Jimmy Stewart's apartment) and Rope (also with Stewart, shot like a live play, as if it was a continuous, unbroken take, only about seven cuts, and those just to account for the necessary camera reel changes, cleverly done in a way it was hard to tell) were masterpieces as exercises in style. Same with Lifeboat (he appeared in cameo every movie, so here had to be in a newspaper ad! ). All the others mentioned by KarmaPolice were great, too (N by NW probably my next favorite, with regular Grant, James Mason an urbane villain and young Martin Landau as henchman). I'd add a few others. Spellbound (Bergman and Gregory Peck) is a masterful psychological thriller with a surreal Dali dream sequence on the bonus plan. The Man Who Knew Too Much (regular Stewart and Doris Day) was done twice, I preferred the remake, revisits his recurring theme of a common person being pulled into extraordinary events, in this case a mild mannered doctor spending some time after a medical conference vacationing with his wife and child in North Africa, when he is forced into the middle of a swirling espionage conspiracy. Foreign Correspondent was well done and had a similar theme. Criterion recently released three early ones (from England, before he became an international superstar in Holywood - one of the few/only where the movie title would be preceded by the director's name), his acknowledged early masterpieces, and The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, along with the original Man Who Knew Too Much, had similar plots/themes. I wouldn't start with them, but if you like the later Hictchcock, you should like these, they hold up extremely well, IMO, highly recommended. Saboteur was in this vein, but IMO not as great. To Catch a Thief (Grant and Grace Kelly, also in Rear Window) was more light hearted, but entertaining. The Birds was probably his last great movie.

I envy you, being able to see so many Hitchcock movies for the first time.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%26_Sound

Finished Rear Window, and agree you almost feel suffocated by the environment at times. I think what's funny is that as I am watching it I saw bits and pieces in the concept that have been used and copied since. I got a bit distracted right when things started to heat up but I enjoyed the movie but wouldn't say I was blown away. I think the thing I came away with the most was just how amazingly influential Hitchcock has been after only having seen 2 of his movies.

I know you're looking at Hitchcock but you should consider mixing in a little Kurosawa at the same time.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Nebraska:

still not 100% how I feel about this one. bruce dern was great as expected. black and white added a nice grittiness. kept thinking that it had a 'straight story' vibe to it. very good, but didn't love it, and I think it has to do with not digging will forte as his son. 7.5/10 for now

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Billy Joel: A Matter Of Trust: The Bridge To Russia

A Showtime documentary on Joel's concert to Russia in 1987. I give Joel credit for allowing footage of him not behaving so very well. He doesn't come off as a bad guy, not at all, just very high-strung, temperamental and diva-ish.

The concert itself was not very good (bad acoustics, Joel's voice seeming a bit worn), but all the behind-the-scenes stuff was interesting.

 

[Daywalker]

Nebraska:

still not 100% how I feel about this one. bruce dern was great as expected. black and white added a nice grittiness. kept thinking that it had a 'straight story' vibe to it. very good, but didn't love it, and I think it has to do with not digging will forte as his son. 7.5/10 for now

Haven't seen it. Like Adam Carolla's take if a no-name director put this out we would have never heard of it. Kind of got that feeling. I'll watch eventually. Loved Sideways but thought The Descendants was wildly overrated.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Hannah and her Sisters.

HBOGO.

The scenery and music. Just so enjoyable. Perfect amount of Woody acting. Dianne Wiest amazing. Caine was so funny. Made me nostalgic for a time I didn't even experience.

Lot of laughs. Great female characters. Everyone perfect.

Truly a classic. Can't wait to dig into Crimes and Misdemeanors which I haven't seen.

9/10

Can I assume you've seen Love and Death? It's required viewing if you like his comedies.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Jeremiah Johnson

I had never even heard of this movie. But I always enjoy Robert Redford. The wife said this was her favorite when she was 10 years old. Clearly, she forgot that Redford slaughters practically every animal from A-Z. The weird part of Jeremiah Johnson is it's really one of the darkest films I've ever seen. But it sure has the patina of a family film. On one hand, there are four or five songs written and performed for the movie that are fairly saccharine. On the other hand, Robert Redford wipes out the entire Crow Native American population. Oh, and lots of women and children get killed. Like a bunch.

Did I mention that this is some dark ####?

Good movie.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Runner Runner

Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck play the owner and affiliate of an online gambling website in Costa Rica. It got terrible reviews- 9% on RT.

It jumped around a bit and some parts weren't explained as well as they could have been, but I was entertained. I'd watch it again.

7/10

 

[VA703]

saw Das Boot for the first time. very good uboat movie. it was about 3 some hours long but never really a dull moment

 

[Dan Lambskin]

We're The Millers was surprisingly funny

 

[36th Chamber]

You're Next

Solid horror flix, was pleasantly surprised

 

[Kenny Powers]

Jeff, who lives at home. B+.

A slice of life of a dysfunctional family. Pretty enjoyable, though the "Secret" admirer was telegraphed a mile away

Liked this one. Jason Segel plays the lazy stoner role again which is nothing new, but the film had some character to it thanks to the Duplass brothers.

 

[El Floppo]

saw Das Boot for the first time. very good uboat movie. it was about 3 some hours long but never really a dull moment

Loved this one in the theaters.. can't remember if I'e seen it since. I remember it being non-stop and tense... really gave the sense of the claustrophobia of being inside that tin can, especially when #### was going down. Gut-wrenching ending, IIRC.

 

[VA703]

saw Das Boot for the first time. very good uboat movie. it was about 3 some hours long but never really a dull moment

Loved this one in the theaters.. can't remember if I'e seen it since. I remember it being non-stop and tense... really gave the sense of the claustrophobia of being inside that tin can, especially when #### was going down. Gut-wrenching ending, IIRC.

if you find the time, the full movie is on youtube

 

[badmojo1006]

Jeff, who lives at home. B+.

A slice of life of a dysfunctional family. Pretty enjoyable, though the "Secret" admirer was telegraphed a mile away

Liked this one. Jason Segel plays the lazy stoner role again which is nothing new, but the film had some character to it thanks to the Duplass brothers.

Ed Helms surprised me. I am so used to his comedic talents, he was believable as the wounded husband.

Spoiler

And I got choked up on the boat, wasn't sure if Jeff was going to make it.

 

[badmojo1006]

We're The Millers was surprisingly funny

I must have watched a different movie because I hated it. Just was not believable to me

 

[Chaka]

We're The Millers was surprisingly funny

I must have watched a different movie because I hated it. Just was not believable to me

Since when are comedies required to be believable?

 

[badmojo1006]

We're The Millers was surprisingly funny

I must have watched a different movie because I hated it. Just was not believable to me

Since when are comedies required to be believable?

I didn't like any of the characters, didn't care that Aniston and Sudekis got together (only part I liked is when they were yelling at each other in the beginning).

Nick Offerman was wasted in his role. And as much as i liked Ed Helms in "Jeff, who lives at home", he was awful in this

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Nebraska:

still not 100% how I feel about this one. bruce dern was great as expected. black and white added a nice grittiness. kept thinking that it had a 'straight story' vibe to it. very good, but didn't love it, and I think it has to do with not digging will forte as his son. 7.5/10 for now

Haven't seen it. Like Adam Carolla's take if a no-name director put this out we would have never heard of it. Kind of got that feeling. I'll watch eventually. Loved Sideways but thought The Descendants was wildly overrated.

I'd probably agree with that. It was alright and all, but I'd say it's overrated given the accolades it received. The small town characters were funny (beside Will Forte's cousins who were dumb caricatures imo), but I thought the main characters were too exaggerated.

 

[JoeSteeler]

The Iceman

How can you go wrong with Michael Shannon portraying a psychopathic hitman? Not entirely factual but a very engaging watch.

Watched this last week and it was very well done. I thought the acting was good. I had no idea Michael Shannon was such a big guy. He fit the part well.

really liked this as well. if you like Michael Shannon check out Boardwalk Empire

 

[KarmaPolice]

Nebraska:

still not 100% how I feel about this one. bruce dern was great as expected. black and white added a nice grittiness. kept thinking that it had a 'straight story' vibe to it. very good, but didn't love it, and I think it has to do with not digging will forte as his son. 7.5/10 for now

Haven't seen it. Like Adam Carolla's take if a no-name director put this out we would have never heard of it. Kind of got that feeling. I'll watch eventually. Loved Sideways but thought The Descendants was wildly overrated.

I'd probably agree with that. It was alright and all, but I'd say it's overrated given the accolades it received. The small town characters were funny (beside Will Forte's cousins who were dumb caricatures imo), but I thought the main characters were too exaggerated.

agree 100%. thought father was done well, but the mom was too much (especially at the cemetery) and davey was too one-note.

I think payne's movies are steadily declining.

 

[jamny]

You're Next

Solid horror flix, was pleasantly surprised

Wow, I thought that was horrible. And I usually like those kinds of movies. Stupid story and horrible actors, imo. Barely made it halfway through before fast-forwarding to see what happens.

 

[Papa Georgio]

You're Next

Solid horror flix, was pleasantly surprised

Wow, I thought that was horrible. And I usually like those kinds of movies. Stupid story and horrible actors, imo. Barely made it halfway through before fast-forwarding to see what happens.

I liked it. Was surprised more people haven't talked about it. While the story is a familiar one it does take a different path.

 

[Papa Georgio]

Red Riding: 1983

This came on one of the movie channels and I had no idea it was a trilogy. There is 1970, 1980 and 1983. So being the idiot that I am I have watched the final one 1st. However I thought this was very very good. I put subtitles on to help with the British dialog. I was finding it a bit hard to follow but now that I know it is a trilogy I think that had a lot to do with it. Film is about a corrupt police force that is dealing with missing/murdered children. There are some flashbacks that are not so obvious, but again I think the order I watched the films in is to blame. Great acting and interesting characters.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

You're Next

Solid horror flix, was pleasantly surprised

Wow, I thought that was horrible. And I usually like those kinds of movies. Stupid story and horrible actors, imo. Barely made it halfway through before fast-forwarding to see what happens.

I liked it. Was surprised more people haven't talked about it. While the story is a familiar one it does take a different path.

I liked it quite a bit as well. The lead chick was a total badass.

 

[Apes with Guns]

Ender's Game sucked so much.

 

[cstu]

Ender's Game sucked so much.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Ender's Game sucked so much.

I thought it was outstanding

 

[Apes with Guns]

Ender's Game sucked so much.

i didn't like it because they downplayed most of what made the book great. and the character development was quite lacking. i think they skipped a lot of important material when he was in training, and in the simulator. they didn't do a good job showing his maturation as a student, nor explain what he was doing that was so revolutionary. they basically said "ender wins, and so he's great leadership material." I remember the book being so much more organic, rather than the movie where they just made him look smarmy.

meh, i was just really disappointed.