Nigel Tufnel
Footballguy
Little Miss Sunshine: A funny film. Good performances all around, many laughs throughout, and one huge laugh at the end. Nigel recommends.
Oh yeah... Doom was a stinker. One of a select few movies I couldn't even watch on an airplane- my absolute lowest uncommon denominator in movie worthiness.Elway Lives said:Doom
Awful. Just stunningly bad. The acting was terrible. The dialogue was laughable. It was funny to hear them explain things: "this room is CODE RED! That means....." or "we are under a LEVEL FIVE quarantine! That means...." I kept waiting and waiting for the first person perspective scenes I thought I remembered seeing in the previews. About an hour and a half into the movie, I finally get my wish, all seven minutes or so. But man, was it ever forcibly rammed into the script. It dragged. And dragged. Don't bother with this one.
If you ever have the misfortune of finding this DVD in your player and are forced at gunpoint to watch it, fast forward until about 25 minutes left in the movie, watch for about 10 minutes, then kick the guy in the nuts who is holding the gun to your head so you can escape and not have to watch any more.
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I agree with this... and use of "overstated" is probably "understated" in this case- but credit to him for trying to say what he needs to say. I'd rather have that 9x out of 10 over the mindless drek Hollywood craps out. For me, I'd rather be made to think and/or feel something about a movie- even if I don't agree with it.I think Lee is an imperfect director. I agree that his politics are often overstated (see Bamboozled for the worst example of this). But Lee, like a good political band, is at least willing to take a stand in his art. Not many of those left in the world.whoknew said:Spike sees the entire world in black and white and it hurts his movies. Race is thrown in there for no apparent reason and its not developed. He basically yells out angrily for a couple of hours without providing any real insight. His characters are one dimensional. Basically his stuff is boring and tired.Not to mention, he isn't exactly the most subtle director in the world.So we are discussing technique? Which segments in a Spike Lee film would you consider to be amatuerish? Understand, I don't rank Lee up there with the great modern filmakers. For every "25th Hour" and "Do The Right Thing" there are five "Bamboozled" or "Girl 6." I just think he has a great visual style and an eye for staging and color.Come on. You can't possibly believe that. It's not his politics with which I disagree. It's his ####ty, awful directing.
I couldn't sit through "Waves", and "Dancer" looked screechy and awful. So I avoided it. Sounds like I made the right call based on your review.Saw this when it first came out, and had a more positive reaction to it then...
Dancer in the Dark, Lars von Trier
I really like Trier as a director, but his "woman in distress" stories are excruciating. This one stars Bjork and takes place in the NorthWest in the 60s. She's a factory worker, going blind, trying to save for an operation for her son who suffers the same issues. It's a beautiful movie, with some amazing musical numbers and great cast (Björk, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare, Joel Grey and a cameo by Udo Kier). I just find myself getting angry at the "woman in distress's" self-fulfilling/dooming actions.
"Breaking the Waves" suffered the exact same issue, keeping both of them from being great movies.
Exactly. I found myself pretty pissed off watching "Bamboozled." Probably the most preachy, condescending film I have ever seen. But on a positive note, only a handful of major directors would have the courage to make that film.I agree with this... and use of "overstated" is probably "understated" in this case- but credit to him for trying to say what he needs to say. I'd rather have that 9x out of 10 over the mindless drek Hollywood craps out. For me, I'd rather be made to think and/or feel something about a movie- even if I don't agree with it.
"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.I couldn't sit through "Waves", and "Dancer" looked screechy and awful. So I avoided it. Sounds like I made the right call based on your review.Saw this when it first came out, and had a more positive reaction to it then...
Dancer in the Dark, Lars von Trier
I really like Trier as a director, but his "woman in distress" stories are excruciating. This one stars Bjork and takes place in the NorthWest in the 60s. She's a factory worker, going blind, trying to save for an operation for her son who suffers the same issues. It's a beautiful movie, with some amazing musical numbers and great cast (Björk, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare, Joel Grey and a cameo by Udo Kier). I just find myself getting angry at the "woman in distress's" self-fulfilling/dooming actions.
"Breaking the Waves" suffered the exact same issue, keeping both of them from being great movies.
wife and i saw this like 2 weeks ago. we absolutely love it. it's a slight film, to be sure, but it is a lot of fun. visiting the in-laws this weekend. watched...Little Miss Sunshine: A funny film. Good performances all around, many laughs throughout, and one huge laugh at the end. Nigel recommends.
That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
One of the most underrated films around.sadly, reese will always be tracy flick from "election" for me...
"The Proposition"... that's not the Robert Redford, Demi Moore thing is it (I'm really doubting it)? Sounds familiar- recent, right? Keep in mind, I'm a big Deadwood fan- so a mention of it with Proposition makes me interested- is it worth seeing, or just annoying?That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
That's "indecent Proposal."The Proposition is a gritty, dirty Australian Western art house film starring Guy Pierce (Memento, LA Confidential) and written by musician Nick Cave. Most of the actors deserve an Oscar JUST for being able to perform with all those flies :X"The Proposition"... that's not the Robert Redford, Demi Moore thing is it (I'm really doubting it)? Sounds familiar- recent, right? Keep in mind, I'm a big Deadwood fan- so a mention of it with Proposition makes me interested- is it worth seeing, or just annoying?That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
Right... thanks- the Nick Cave flick. Sounded interesting- worthwhile rental?That's "indecent Proposal."The Proposition is a gritty, dirty Australian Western art house film starring Guy Pierce (Memento, LA Confidential) and written by musician Nick Cave. Most of the actors deserve an Oscar JUST for being able to perform with all those flies :X"The Proposition"... that's not the Robert Redford, Demi Moore thing is it (I'm really doubting it)? Sounds familiar- recent, right? Keep in mind, I'm a big Deadwood fan- so a mention of it with Proposition makes me interested- is it worth seeing, or just annoying?That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
It's like an amalgam of a Clint Eastwood revenge Western combined with a Jim Jarmusch art flick. Hard to watch, but I liked it a lot.
IMDB page for "The Proposition"
Depends on your sensibility. I have seen quite enough shallow action and comedy films. So a film like "The Proposition" is a breath of fresh air to me. If you want a film that challanges you and despite being a little nauseating in the process, I recommend it. The closest film I can think of in spirit is "Requiem For a Dream."Right... thanks- the Nick Cave flick. Sounded interesting- worthwhile rental?That's "indecent Proposal."The Proposition is a gritty, dirty Australian Western art house film starring Guy Pierce (Memento, LA Confidential) and written by musician Nick Cave. Most of the actors deserve an Oscar JUST for being able to perform with all those flies :X"The Proposition"... that's not the Robert Redford, Demi Moore thing is it (I'm really doubting it)? Sounds familiar- recent, right? Keep in mind, I'm a big Deadwood fan- so a mention of it with Proposition makes me interested- is it worth seeing, or just annoying?That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
It's like an amalgam of a Clint Eastwood revenge Western combined with a Jim Jarmusch art flick. Hard to watch, but I liked it a lot.
IMDB page for "The Proposition"
No real need to rehash the same arguments we've been over, but this movie sucked eggs.The Constant Gardener - I couldn't decide if I was enjoying myself or not for the first hour of it, then it really picked up the pace and pulled me in. I think I'll try a John Le Carre book now.![]()
Is it just me or does she remind anyone else of Elizabeth Shue? Movie was eh? Felt like a 24 episode for a while.Caught "Red Eye" on cable, and while it was preposterous it was still watchable.
Eh, I probably just consider it watchable because Rachel McAdams is just stunning in this movie...a classic beauty.
It sounds worth seeing.Depends on your sensibility. I have seen quite enough shallow action and comedy films. So a film like "The Proposition" is a breath of fresh air to me. If you want a film that challanges you and despite being a little nauseating in the process, I recommend it. The closest film I can think of in spirit is "Requiem For a Dream."Right... thanks- the Nick Cave flick. Sounded interesting- worthwhile rental?That's "indecent Proposal."The Proposition is a gritty, dirty Australian Western art house film starring Guy Pierce (Memento, LA Confidential) and written by musician Nick Cave. Most of the actors deserve an Oscar JUST for being able to perform with all those flies :X"The Proposition"... that's not the Robert Redford, Demi Moore thing is it (I'm really doubting it)? Sounds familiar- recent, right? Keep in mind, I'm a big Deadwood fan- so a mention of it with Proposition makes me interested- is it worth seeing, or just annoying?That's how I felt about "The Proposition." Incredible movie, but very hard to watch. I wanted to shower after seeing it. Made Deadwood look like Sesame Street :X"Waves"... phew... only movie I've ever seen where my opinion of the movie ranged across the spectrum from wanting to walk out to thinking it was the best movie of the year... and all within the time I spent watching it! I still like both movies- but having women repeatedly do idiotic, ridiculous things to propel the plot stinks of early 90s Lifetime Channel.
It's like an amalgam of a Clint Eastwood revenge Western combined with a Jim Jarmusch art flick. Hard to watch, but I liked it a lot.
IMDB page for "The Proposition"
I'm pretty easy to please.No real need to rehash the same arguments we've been over, but this movie sucked eggs.The Constant Gardener - I couldn't decide if I was enjoying myself or not for the first hour of it, then it really picked up the pace and pulled me in. I think I'll try a John Le Carre book now.![]()

Wrong.Equilibrium - I enjoyed it. It has some truck sized plot holes and Christian Bale is not a very good actor but the whole gun kata things mad it enjoyable.
He plays emotionless well (American Psycho, Batman Begins, Equilibrium) but when it comes to showing emotion he's awful.Wrong.Equilibrium - I enjoyed it. It has some truck sized plot holes and Christian Bale is not a very good actor but the whole gun kata things mad it enjoyable.
I can sort of see where you're coming from. He was pretty darn good in "Velvet Goldmine" though.He plays emotionless well (American Psycho, Batman Begins, Equilibrium) but when it comes to showing emotion he's awful.Wrong.Equilibrium - I enjoyed it. It has some truck sized plot holes and Christian Bale is not a very good actor but the whole gun kata things mad it enjoyable.
Green Street Hooligans - I liked it. This film had a Fight Club feel about it.
I am hoping so since this is next on my Netflix queue.Green Street Hooligans - I liked it. This film had a Fight Club feel about it.Great movie right there.
.I dont really care if its good or not. Saw this last night because of earlier comments in this thread. Weird little movie, kinda cool if you're a Harry Turtledove fan, though it was indeed more over the top than Turtledove's novels. I was reminded, though, that the movie mirrored much of what was thought and said in the old Confederate states right up until the sixties, so maybe it wasn't that far over the top after all.Confederate States of America ...... What would have happened if the South won the Civil War? This was done as a documentary complete with commericals ( Sambo Oil, an ad for Runaways.. A Cops-like show that shows footage of slaves being captured etc.). It wasn't bad but I question some of the history ( would Hitler have come to the CSA and formed an alliance? would abolitionists be the 1950's equivlent to Communists?). I know it was satire but at times it was over the top. Still if you are a fan of historical What Ifs? its worth a rent.
The only Turtledove I have read had white supremacists from South Africa go back in time to give AK-47s to the South so they would win the Civil War. Is that movie really more over the top than that?Saw this last night because of earlier comments in this thread. Weird little movie, kinda cool if you're a Harry Turtledove fan, though it was indeed more over the top than Turtledove's novels. I was reminded, though, that the movie mirrored much of what was thought and said in the old Confederate states right up until the sixties, so maybe it wasn't that far over the top after all.Confederate States of America ...... What would have happened if the South won the Civil War? This was done as a documentary complete with commericals ( Sambo Oil, an ad for Runaways.. A Cops-like show that shows footage of slaves being captured etc.). It wasn't bad but I question some of the history ( would Hitler have come to the CSA and formed an alliance? would abolitionists be the 1950's equivlent to Communists?). I know it was satire but at times it was over the top. Still if you are a fan of historical What Ifs? its worth a rent.
After the "Cotton Wall" went up between Canada and the Confederate States only South Africa refused to embargo the States.The only Turtledove I have read had white supremacists from South Africa go back in time to give AK-47s to the South so they would win the Civil War. Is that movie really more over the top than that?Saw this last night because of earlier comments in this thread. Weird little movie, kinda cool if you're a Harry Turtledove fan, though it was indeed more over the top than Turtledove's novels. I was reminded, though, that the movie mirrored much of what was thought and said in the old Confederate states right up until the sixties, so maybe it wasn't that far over the top after all.Confederate States of America ...... What would have happened if the South won the Civil War? This was done as a documentary complete with commericals ( Sambo Oil, an ad for Runaways.. A Cops-like show that shows footage of slaves being captured etc.). It wasn't bad but I question some of the history ( would Hitler have come to the CSA and formed an alliance? would abolitionists be the 1950's equivlent to Communists?). I know it was satire but at times it was over the top. Still if you are a fan of historical What Ifs? its worth a rent.
He has written a much lengthier series revolving around a southern victory in the Civil War with substantially different circumstances, so perhaps the book you read is not very representative of his larger body of work. And, in that series, the victorious Confederates manumit their slaves shortly after the war (while not granting full citizen rights) because of the difficulties in maintaining the system.The movie portrays not only southern whites but northern whites as well embracing a slave culture and happily rationalizing it in much the same manner as the South Africans during their apartheid period. That's pretty out there.Darth mentioned the commercials. They were definitely entertaining.The only Turtledove I have read had white supremacists from South Africa go back in time to give AK-47s to the South so they would win the Civil War. Is that movie really more over the top than that?Saw this last night because of earlier comments in this thread. Weird little movie, kinda cool if you're a Harry Turtledove fan, though it was indeed more over the top than Turtledove's novels. I was reminded, though, that the movie mirrored much of what was thought and said in the old Confederate states right up until the sixties, so maybe it wasn't that far over the top after all.Confederate States of America ...... What would have happened if the South won the Civil War? This was done as a documentary complete with commericals ( Sambo Oil, an ad for Runaways.. A Cops-like show that shows footage of slaves being captured etc.). It wasn't bad but I question some of the history ( would Hitler have come to the CSA and formed an alliance? would abolitionists be the 1950's equivlent to Communists?). I know it was satire but at times it was over the top. Still if you are a fan of historical What Ifs? its worth a rent.
finally saw this and i have to agree with you. it's pretty damn fine film, really well done. ganz is spot on. really intriguing.No doubt. I wasn't looking forward to Downfall. I've seen so many films about WWII, a new one doesn't always excite me. But this was powerful stuff.Bruno Ganz is a fine European actor that never really hooked up with the Hollywood set. I first saw him in "wings of desire" and later in vignette in "especially on sunday". i had thought he died a few years ago but was pleased to see his name turn up for "downfall". i've been meaning to see that, as its probably better than alec guiness' turn as der fuhrer. kinda weird to see obi wan kenobi as hitler...By the way, as long as Hitler's on the table, I URGE all of you to see "Downfall." No one thirsts to see a long film about Hitler's last days, but this is a masterpiece. Brilliant."Max" got mixed reviews, as i recall. "Machinist" is in my netflix queue already.Ok, I sound like I have a one-track mind. Another good film is "Max". Noah Taylor (again) as a young Adolph Hitler. John Cusack as his art dealer. VERY underrated film.
As for sci fi / horror / fantasy, have you two seen "The Machinist"? Decent psychological thriller with Christian Bale.
finally saw this and i have to agree with you. it's pretty damn fine film, really well done. ganz is spot on. really intriguing.No doubt. I wasn't looking forward to Downfall. I've seen so many films about WWII, a new one doesn't always excite me. But this was powerful stuff.Bruno Ganz is a fine European actor that never really hooked up with the Hollywood set. I first saw him in "wings of desire" and later in vignette in "especially on sunday". i had thought he died a few years ago but was pleased to see his name turn up for "downfall". i've been meaning to see that, as its probably better than alec guiness' turn as der fuhrer. kinda weird to see obi wan kenobi as hitler...By the way, as long as Hitler's on the table, I URGE all of you to see "Downfall." No one thirsts to see a long film about Hitler's last days, but this is a masterpiece. Brilliant."Max" got mixed reviews, as i recall. "Machinist" is in my netflix queue already.Ok, I sound like I have a one-track mind. Another good film is "Max". Noah Taylor (again) as a young Adolph Hitler. John Cusack as his art dealer. VERY underrated film.
As for sci fi / horror / fantasy, have you two seen "The Machinist"? Decent psychological thriller with Christian Bale.
I never thought that Denzell deserved an Oscar for this. Then I watched it again the other day and saw how great his acting was in that. He reminds me of the job Daniel Day Lewis did in Gangs of New York.Training Day
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Can't remember if I got the reco from this thread or somewhere else, but very good movie with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. Cop action/drama, kept me on my toes throughout the entire movie. Some great plot twists, very satisfying ending. Very much recommend....great flick.