Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (3 Viewers)

[FreeBaGeL]

I enjoyed The Way Way Back and thought it was an entertaining movie, but don't recall anything that would make it stick out to me as "best of the year". A few funny parts, an OK message, some good acting. It didn't really excel anywhere though. I also agree with hxperson that the kid seemed special and likable for no reason other than that he was the main character of the movie.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Saw Trance with James McAvoy. Pretty good, lots of twists and turns throughout. 8/10

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Saw Reality Bites, and I have to say I don't really get the hate for it. From what I can tell a lot of the criticism seems to be about how the film had 'high aspirations' to be a defining film of a generation or something, and while it certainly contained its fair share of 90s cliches, it wasn't so overt that I was taken out of the viewing experience to bother considering what the ambitions of the producers or whoever was. All things considered I thought it was an above average comedy-drama film. The ending did really suck though.

It's because it's a movie that's content derides exactly what it is - the stereotyping, oversimplification and commercialization of the X generation culture of the early 90s. It's the perfect hypocritical paradox. The characters are all particularly hateable as well.

meh, I suppose I'm not familiar enough with the stereotypes of generation X culture to have noticed anything like that. I took the film as pretty standard movie fare.

 

[On The Rocks]

"The Way Way Back" was the best movie I saw last year.

Oddly enough I caught it again last night, and it was the best movie I've seen this year as well.

I don't know. I just thought it was a great story.

I watched this over the weekend, and enjoyed it as well. However, I found the male lead's performance to be a bit unconvincing and I felt there was no compelling reason why the hot girl or the water park manager should like him. Sam Rockwell killed it in this movie tho and Annasophia Robb is

Annasophia Robb = Happy Bananna

 

[belljr]

Another Way Way Back watcher over the weekend..i enjoyed it

 

[jdoggydogg]

A page from Francis Ford Coppola's enormous "Godfather" notebook that never left his side while making the 1972 film.

 

[jamny]

Just saw Out of the Furnace with Christian Bale. One of the most disappointing movies I have seen in a while. Was expecting a solid movie, it started out decently but this was pretty much garbage from the middle of the movie until the end.

Wasted potential for what could have been a really good movie.

While I wouldn't be that harsh, it really wasn't a good movie. Especially considering the great cast. Took too long to develop and ended to quickly and easily. I also have no idea why Woody Harrelson did what he did.

Spoiler

He took the dive. Yes, Defoe says they were even but there was still potential money to be made.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Lincoln

Excellent. I don't think I can name anything about this movie I didn't like. Very entertaining.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Lilyhammer

This is a mixed bag. Four episodes in, two things are clear: 1) I really like the plot and the cast, but 2) Steven Van Zandt is just rehashing Silvio Dante. He's fine, but I think this series would have benefitted from a better actor in that role.

 

[James Daulton]

Lilyhammer

This is a mixed bag. Four episodes in, two things are clear: 1) I really like the plot and the cast, but 2) Steven Van Zandt is just rehashing Silvio Dante. He's fine, but I think this series would have benefitted from a better actor in that role.

Yep. Spot on.

 

[jamny]

Lilyhammer

This is a mixed bag. Four episodes in, two things are clear: 1) I really like the plot and the cast, but 2) Steven Van Zandt is just rehashing Silvio Dante. He's fine, but I think this series would have benefitted from a better actor in that role.

Yep. Spot on.

I think about 4 episodes is all I made it before giving up. Not horrible but just not worth the time.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Lilyhammer

This is a mixed bag. Four episodes in, two things are clear: 1) I really like the plot and the cast, but 2) Steven Van Zandt is just rehashing Silvio Dante. He's fine, but I think this series would have benefitted from a better actor in that role.

Yep. Spot on.

I think about 4 episodes is all I made it before giving up. Not horrible but just not worth the time.

You know who could have killed this role? Joe Mantegna.

 

[Bob Magaw]

For All Mankind

Great (imo) doc on the Apollo Missions. The director had unlimited access to NASA footage and edited it down to about 75 minutes. He interviewed most of the 24 Apollo astronauts (and the 12 that walked on the moon) so it is almost wall-to-wall narration, allowing them to speak for themselves, not in talking head style, but as an audio backdrop and without disrupting the mesmerizing flow of space and moon footage (and takeoff, mission control, etc.). I've seen the Howard movie, but still liked this a lot in a different way.

The Eno score was pitch perfect and one of the best meshings of image/sound I've experienced, somehow palpably conveying a sense of the weightlessness and mystery of space.

Gaudi

Interesting convergence of art. About the brilliant Spanish architect, done by an internationally known director (surrealist Woman in the Dunes), Teshigahara, with a kind of low key but spooky score by his frequent collaborator. Basically no dialogue. Puts you in another world. Not a biopic, the camera ranges over his work unhurriedly (the opposite of rushing through a museum), without need for commentary. His work does speak for itself, more than a lot of art/architecture, as some who are familiar with his work may know already.

 

[El Floppo]

For All Mankind

Great (imo) doc on the Apollo Missions. The director had unlimited access to NASA footage and edited it down to about 75 minutes. He interviewed most of the 24 Apollo astronauts (and the 12 that walked on the moon) so it is almost wall-to-wall narration, allowing them to speak for themselves, not in talking head style, but as an audio backdrop and without disrupting the mesmerizing flow of space and moon footage (and takeoff, mission control, etc.). I've seen the Howard movie, but still liked this a lot in a different way.

The Eno score was pitch perfect and one of the best meshings of image/sound I've experienced, somehow palpably conveying a sense of the weightlessness and mystery of space.

Gaudi

Interesting convergence of art. About the brilliant Spanish architect, done by an internationally known director (surrealist Woman in the Dunes), Teshigahara, with a kind of low key but spooky score by his frequent collaborator. Basically no dialogue. Puts you in another world. Not a biopic, the camera ranges over his work unhurriedly (the opposite of rushing through a museum), without need for commentary. His work does speak for itself, more than a lot of art/architecture, as some who are familiar with his work may know already.

No back-story on La Sagrada Familia in there?

Both of those sound amazing... big ol' hairy black dots.

 

[Bob Magaw]

The end of Gaudi covers it extensively, but without commentary.

Netflix has the Criterion bonus disc, which has a BBC doc on the visionary architect.

 

[saintfool]

caught the "Sci-fi" film with Scarlett Johansson this afternoon, "Under the Skin". I didn't think it was terrific but it had me interested in what was going to happen. I can't say that is an everyday thing for me. Scarlett is fine and I like Glazer's work as director here. He gambles a lot with the storytelling and more often as not wins with it. He's got some Kubrick in him, for sure, but it doesn't come off as mimicry.

 

[FUBAR]

Gravity. ... liked it. I can understand how awesome this was on imax. Music was perfect. Solid if not short movie.

Finally saw this yesterday. Agree completely. This movie seems made for 3D imax, was just okay on my big screen.

Started watching Mud on netflix, couldn't get into it.

Wolf of Wall Street was pretty good, glad my kids weren't in the house when I was watching.

Ender's Game was a mild disappointment.

Thor 2 was better than expected. Thor 1 and Captain America have actually grown on me with the Marvel world developing.

Next few in the queue: Hobbit 2, RIPD, Hercules.

 

[FUBAR]

Lincoln

Excellent. I don't think I can name anything about this movie I didn't like. Very entertaining.

but where were the Vampires?

 

[Papa Georgio]

caught the "Sci-fi" film with Scarlett Johansson this afternoon, "Under the Skin". I didn't think it was terrific but it had me interested in what was going to happen. I can't say that is an everyday thing for me. Scarlett is fine and I like Glazer's work as director here. He gambles a lot with the storytelling and more often as not wins with it. He's got some Kubrick in him, for sure, but it doesn't come off as mimicry.

I keep getting this confused or think it is a re-make of The Skin I Live In, which is very strange. The first part of the movie I felt a bit lost and couldn't figure out what they were trying to do, but the 2nd half ties it all together and is actually a very good movie. Like I said it is strange and bizarre but I liked it. It is a foreign language film.

 

[Papa Georgio]

Joe - 8/10

- It's been so long since Nicolas Cage made a good movie that I forgot he could act. The kid in this (Tye Sheridan) has now brought out career performances from two actors thought to be washed up (McConaughey in Mud and now Cage). Sheridan has a long career ahead of him.

The Machine - 7/10

- Keep in mind that this was made on a very low budget, but fans of sci-fi will enjoy this Blade Runner-ish movie.

Sorcerer (1977) - 8/10

- Bob Magaw wrote a great review of this so I watched the Blu Ray. Definitely grows on you and by the end you're not sure what to think. Now on my list of mind#### movies.

Just watcher Joe and agree. I am someone who likes Cage so it's good to see him in a film like this and I thought the role suited him. Also watched The Machine, wasn't what I expected and it seemed like a mash up of a few other sci-fi movies but it worked for me as well. A couple of non-big production movies that would be worth giving a try.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

About Time - 7.5/10

Liked it. And not just because I really like Rachel McAdams. In fact, her role kind of pushes her to the side.

Domhall Gleeson and Bill Nighy are great in it.

 

[KarmaPolice]

About Time - 7.5/10

Liked it. And not just because I really like Rachel McAdams. In fact, her role kind of pushes her to the side.

Domhall Gleeson and Bill Nighy are great in it.

did it get dusty in the room?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

About Time - 7.5/10

Liked it. And not just because I really like Rachel McAdams. In fact, her role kind of pushes her to the side.

Domhall Gleeson and Bill Nighy are great in it.

did it get dusty in the room?

Yes. A little.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Lincoln

Excellent. I don't think I can name anything about this movie I didn't like. Very entertaining.

but where were the Vampires?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Finally saw Oldboy (the original one)...that twist is right up there with the chili episode of South Park

 

[Kraft...]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

 

[Dan Lambskin]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

it was better than Pacifc Rim

 

[belljr]

I liked were the millers.

 

[Sarnoff]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

I did not stop laughing.

 

[saintfool]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

i caught this with my gf after we got back to our hotel one night. terrible movie.

the problem with all of it? there is zero chemistry between the actors. the script isn't helping them, of course, but it's mostly a cash grab for all parties.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Joe - 8/10

- It's been so long since Nicolas Cage made a good movie that I forgot he could act. The kid in this (Tye Sheridan) has now brought out career performances from two actors thought to be washed up (McConaughey in Mud and now Cage). Sheridan has a long career ahead of him.

The Machine - 7/10

- Keep in mind that this was made on a very low budget, but fans of sci-fi will enjoy this Blade Runner-ish movie.

Sorcerer (1977) - 8/10

- Bob Magaw wrote a great review of this so I watched the Blu Ray. Definitely grows on you and by the end you're not sure what to think. Now on my list of mind#### movies.

Just watcher Joe and agree. I am someone who likes Cage so it's good to see him in a film like this and I thought the role suited him. Also watched The Machine, wasn't what I expected and it seemed like a mash up of a few other sci-fi movies but it worked for me as well. A couple of non-big production movies that would be worth giving a try.

.

 

[saintfool]

"Easy A" last night. It's a chuckle here and there but little else beyond that. Emma Stone looks great all tarted up. I would do filthy things to Aly Michalka.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Saw the second Hobbit movie and it was much better than the first one.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Veep

Gotta pimp this show again.

Very dry and sarcastic. But minute after minute, there are more good jokes in this series than most comedies.

 

[Chaka]

Veep

Gotta pimp this show again.

Very dry and sarcastic. But minute after minute, there are more good jokes in this series than most comedies.

Agreed. I am always impressed with their ability to use foul language so creatively.

 

[Sarnoff]

Dallas Buyer's Club: Pretty good for most of it, but tailed off and dragged near the end. Maybe a little too

Spoiler

Once Jared Leto was out if it, not much to stay in it for

 

[jdoggydogg]

Veep

Gotta pimp this show again.

Very dry and sarcastic. But minute after minute, there are more good jokes in this series than most comedies.

Agreed. I am always impressed with their ability to use foul language so creatively.

Right. Exactly. They don't just cuss, they use cussing to play with words in a very clever manner.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

The bloopers at the end were pretty funny.

 

[saintfool]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

The bloopers at the end were pretty funny.

I agree with you: the best part of the movie may have been when the credits were rolling.

 

[KarmaPolice]

21 Jump Street:

yep, finally a remake/reboot this guy can get behind. had seen it before, but was curious if it held up, and I was still laughing.

 

[jamny]

Time to be shamed around these parts. I have tried (3 times now), and as much as I love Kubrick, I am just doing to concede that I don't like Dr. Strangelove.

I have it on my DVR and am going to try and give it another shot. I think I've tried twice too.

Finally got around to watching it and I gotta say I really liked it. And it holds up really well too, imo.

George C Scott was amazing in it and he reminded me of a real life Ren and Stimpy character.

Can't believe I never got through it before.

 

[badmojo1006]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

So agreed. it was one of the worst if not the worst movie I saw in the theater last year

 

[badmojo1006]

We're the Millers

Not good, don't waste your time. Not even worth sitting through for the Aniston strip tease(down to her undies )

The bloopers at the end were pretty funny.

I did like when they were singing the Friends theme to hear, that was funny

 

[badmojo1006]

Neighbors B (spoilers)

Some good acting and funny scenes (Zach and Seth fighting in the bedroom and the Dance Off with Rose Byrne and Halston Sage kissing were my favorite scenes) but a little inconsistent.

 

[badmojo1006]

I was about to post another for "Odd Thomas", but I guess that is in the Netflix thread. Very well done, liked the story, good performances. I think it tried a little too hard for the snarky and cute, but kinda of a minor quip. Waiting for "Odd Thomas in Vegas" soon

 

[badmojo1006]

Under the skin - I honestly can't rate it right now. Very weird movie starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien.

Need to see it again because there is too much to process. But, if you do want to see her naked, yeah, she gets naked 4 different times

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Saw Wolf Of Wall Street.

It was pretty funny in places but was about 30-45 minutes tooooooooo long. Too much of the same stuff.

 

[El Floppo]

skin.. right. We just saw Clean Skin with Sean Bean. Kind of a morally ambiguous British movie version of 24. Not worth the watch.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Neighbors B (spoilers)

Some good acting and funny scenes (Zach and Seth fighting in the bedroom and the Dance Off with Rose Byrne and Halston Sage kissing were my favorite scenes) but a little inconsistent.

That is on rental?

 

[KarmaPolice]

Her:

Really loved this movie - easily one of the best of last year. At a basic level, the premise does seem silly, but I thought it handled it so well and really had a lot to say about how we connect to each other. As I was watching it, I was nervous about how it would end, and I thought even that Jones nailed. Can't recommend this one enough, and I am sure most lingering in here will like it. 8/10