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Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (2 Viewers)

SKribbles said:
Hancock: A whole lot of meh. This movie definitely ranks in the lower tier of super-hero movies. If it wasn't for Jason Bateman, it would be pretty close to the worst of all of them. That being said, it is decent enough to watch as long as you don't expect much. 1.5/5

Boot Camp: I kept waiting for this movie to get interesting but it just never did. Other than Jackie (from 70's Show) the acting was pretty much horrible. 1.5/5

Perfect Strangers: If it wasn't for Halle Berry being so damn hot, this movie would rival The Happening for the worst I've ever seen. The ending is ridiculously bad as in 99% of the acting throughout. Just brutal. .5/5

Charlie Wilson's War: I really enjoyed this. I was expecting the worst from all the negative things I'd heard from it. A few good laughs, a good storyline and good acting. 4/5
Agreed on Perfect Strangers. Considering Willis and Ribisi and both decent actor s, the acting was terrible1 of the worst endings ever
WTF did that happen ??
You dont think hes at least a decent actor? I think youre being a little too judgmental if you wouldnt at least consider him decent. Even if you dont think he's decent, he has about 20 movies that are at least good and entertaining.

Good:

DH

DH2

DH3

DH4

Planet Terror

16 Blocks

Sixth Sense (I dont like this, but enough do to put it here)

Billy Bathgate

Alpha Dog

Striking Distance

Bandits

Nobodys Fool

The Jackal

The Siege

Last Man Standing

Mercury Rising

Fast Food Nation

Very Good:

Lucky Number Slevin

Hostage

Fifth Element

Last Man Standing (call it a personal pick)

Great:

12 Monkeys

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Yes, most of his movies dont have the most substance to them, but theyre usually at least entertaining, if not good or better

Im not saying hes the Nicholson of his generation, but hes a decent actor
Add Shawshank Redemption and you about cover it all.
 
SKribbles said:
Hancock: A whole lot of meh. This movie definitely ranks in the lower tier of super-hero movies. If it wasn't for Jason Bateman, it would be pretty close to the worst of all of them. That being said, it is decent enough to watch as long as you don't expect much. 1.5/5

Boot Camp: I kept waiting for this movie to get interesting but it just never did. Other than Jackie (from 70's Show) the acting was pretty much horrible. 1.5/5

Perfect Strangers: If it wasn't for Halle Berry being so damn hot, this movie would rival The Happening for the worst I've ever seen. The ending is ridiculously bad as in 99% of the acting throughout. Just brutal. .5/5

Charlie Wilson's War: I really enjoyed this. I was expecting the worst from all the negative things I'd heard from it. A few good laughs, a good storyline and good acting. 4/5
Agreed on Perfect Strangers. Considering Willis and Ribisi and both decent actor s, the acting was terrible1 of the worst endings ever
WTF did that happen ??
You dont think hes at least a decent actor? I think youre being a little too judgmental if you wouldnt at least consider him decent. Even if you dont think he's decent, he has about 20 movies that are at least good and entertaining.

Good:

DH

DH2

DH3

DH4

Planet Terror

16 Blocks

Sixth Sense (I dont like this, but enough do to put it here)

Billy Bathgate

Alpha Dog

Striking Distance

Bandits

Nobodys Fool

The Jackal

The Siege

Last Man Standing

Mercury Rising

Fast Food Nation

Very Good:

Lucky Number Slevin

Hostage

Fifth Element

Last Man Standing (call it a personal pick)

Great:

12 Monkeys

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Yes, most of his movies dont have the most substance to them, but theyre usually at least entertaining, if not good or better

Im not saying hes the Nicholson of his generation, but hes a decent actor
Hostage over Die hard?Puff puff pass, please.

 
SKribbles said:
Hancock: A whole lot of meh. This movie definitely ranks in the lower tier of super-hero movies. If it wasn't for Jason Bateman, it would be pretty close to the worst of all of them. That being said, it is decent enough to watch as long as you don't expect much. 1.5/5

Boot Camp: I kept waiting for this movie to get interesting but it just never did. Other than Jackie (from 70's Show) the acting was pretty much horrible. 1.5/5

Perfect Strangers: If it wasn't for Halle Berry being so damn hot, this movie would rival The Happening for the worst I've ever seen. The ending is ridiculously bad as in 99% of the acting throughout. Just brutal. .5/5

Charlie Wilson's War: I really enjoyed this. I was expecting the worst from all the negative things I'd heard from it. A few good laughs, a good storyline and good acting. 4/5
Agreed on Perfect Strangers. Considering Willis and Ribisi and both decent actor s, the acting was terrible1 of the worst endings ever
WTF did that happen ??
You dont think hes at least a decent actor? I think youre being a little too judgmental if you wouldnt at least consider him decent. Even if you dont think he's decent, he has about 20 movies that are at least good and entertaining.

Good:

DH

DH2

DH3

DH4

Planet Terror

16 Blocks

Sixth Sense (I dont like this, but enough do to put it here)

Billy Bathgate

Alpha Dog

Striking Distance

Bandits

Nobodys Fool

The Jackal

The Siege

Last Man Standing

Mercury Rising

Fast Food Nation

Very Good:

Lucky Number Slevin

Hostage

Fifth Element

Last Man Standing (call it a personal pick)

Great:

12 Monkeys

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Yes, most of his movies dont have the most substance to them, but theyre usually at least entertaining, if not good or better

Im not saying hes the Nicholson of his generation, but hes a decent actor
Add Shawshank Redemption and you about cover it all.
Since Bruce Willis traveled in time during the making of 12 Monkeys for the role of 'Brooks', I figured it was unfair to include that
 
SKribbles said:
Hancock: A whole lot of meh. This movie definitely ranks in the lower tier of super-hero movies. If it wasn't for Jason Bateman, it would be pretty close to the worst of all of them. That being said, it is decent enough to watch as long as you don't expect much. 1.5/5

Boot Camp: I kept waiting for this movie to get interesting but it just never did. Other than Jackie (from 70's Show) the acting was pretty much horrible. 1.5/5

Perfect Strangers: If it wasn't for Halle Berry being so damn hot, this movie would rival The Happening for the worst I've ever seen. The ending is ridiculously bad as in 99% of the acting throughout. Just brutal. .5/5

Charlie Wilson's War: I really enjoyed this. I was expecting the worst from all the negative things I'd heard from it. A few good laughs, a good storyline and good acting. 4/5
Agreed on Perfect Strangers. Considering Willis and Ribisi and both decent actor s, the acting was terrible1 of the worst endings ever
WTF did that happen ??
You dont think hes at least a decent actor? I think youre being a little too judgmental if you wouldnt at least consider him decent. Even if you dont think he's decent, he has about 20 movies that are at least good and entertaining.

Good:

DH

DH2

DH3

DH4

Planet Terror

16 Blocks

Sixth Sense (I dont like this, but enough do to put it here)

Billy Bathgate

Alpha Dog

Striking Distance

Bandits

Nobodys Fool

The Jackal

The Siege

Last Man Standing

Mercury Rising

Fast Food Nation

Very Good:

Lucky Number Slevin

Hostage

Fifth Element

Last Man Standing (call it a personal pick)

Great:

12 Monkeys

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Yes, most of his movies dont have the most substance to them, but theyre usually at least entertaining, if not good or better

Im not saying hes the Nicholson of his generation, but hes a decent actor
I have no problem with that list, but to me good movies <> good acting. I like a lot of the movies that you listed (you missed The Last Boy Scout, btw), but I don't remember watching one of them and thinking "he did a helluva job in that movie". Maybe it's just me though - just don't think that he's a good actor. Kinda the opposite of DDL. I think he is great in every movie that he's in, but I usually never like the movies that he's in.

 
SKribbles said:
Hancock: A whole lot of meh. This movie definitely ranks in the lower tier of super-hero movies. If it wasn't for Jason Bateman, it would be pretty close to the worst of all of them. That being said, it is decent enough to watch as long as you don't expect much. 1.5/5

Boot Camp: I kept waiting for this movie to get interesting but it just never did. Other than Jackie (from 70's Show) the acting was pretty much horrible. 1.5/5

Perfect Strangers: If it wasn't for Halle Berry being so damn hot, this movie would rival The Happening for the worst I've ever seen. The ending is ridiculously bad as in 99% of the acting throughout. Just brutal. .5/5

Charlie Wilson's War: I really enjoyed this. I was expecting the worst from all the negative things I'd heard from it. A few good laughs, a good storyline and good acting. 4/5
Agreed on Perfect Strangers. Considering Willis and Ribisi and both decent actor s, the acting was terrible1 of the worst endings ever
WTF did that happen ??
You dont think hes at least a decent actor? I think youre being a little too judgmental if you wouldnt at least consider him decent. Even if you dont think he's decent, he has about 20 movies that are at least good and entertaining.

Good:

DH

DH2

DH3

DH4

Planet Terror

16 Blocks

Sixth Sense (I dont like this, but enough do to put it here)

Billy Bathgate

Alpha Dog

Striking Distance

Bandits

Nobodys Fool

The Jackal

The Siege

Last Man Standing

Mercury Rising

Fast Food Nation

Very Good:

Lucky Number Slevin

Hostage

Fifth Element

Last Man Standing (call it a personal pick)

Great:

12 Monkeys

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Yes, most of his movies dont have the most substance to them, but theyre usually at least entertaining, if not good or better

Im not saying hes the Nicholson of his generation, but hes a decent actor
I have no problem with that list, but to me good movies <> good acting. I like a lot of the movies that you listed (you missed The Last Boy Scout, btw), but I don't remember watching one of them and thinking "he did a helluva job in that movie". Maybe it's just me though - just don't think that he's a good actor. Kinda the opposite of DDL. I think he is great in every movie that he's in, but I usually never like the movies that he's in.
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle

 
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People are going to be surprised at this, but You Don't Mess With the Zohan is so ####in' unfunny it's sad. I hear that the Love Guru was a lot worse, and if that is the case I weep for anybody that watched that movie.

 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
 
Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.
God help me I want to see this movie.People throwing themselves off buildings? How bad can it be?
Worst movie I've seen in years.
So bad it's entertainingly bad? Or just bad?Remember too that I'm the guy that really liked Signs.
I liked Signs. I liked Unbreakable as well. It seems to have been a steady decline since 6th Sense.
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just sayingETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
 
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So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys, he actaully is a great actor. I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying
I think Willis is a decent actor. Heck he comes off like DiCaprio compared to the other action guys. But outside his genre he is just decent. Which means to me he doesn't get in the way of the movie and he is usually at least believable. And he has good comedic timing.
 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:thumbup:
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys, he actaully is a great actor. I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying
I think Willis is a decent actor. Heck he comes off like DiCaprio compared to the other action guys. But outside his genre he is just decent. Which means to me he doesn't get in the way of the movie and he is usually at least believable. And he has good comedic timing.
Well if your opinion is similar to my list, none of his best movies are even those strictly action flicks, but I agreeI think what you said is pretty on point, as was what KP said as far as not great actors being in great moviesConsider most action movie actors - I even used probably todays action guy Statham as my example - and Willis has a lot more range and chops than any of them.The comedic edge is good too, and demonstrates his range. Not all actors can do that. Weve seen DeNiro and Nicholson do it, but can Pacino? Im doubtful
 
People are going to be surprised at this, but You Don't Mess With the Zohan is so ####in' unfunny it's sad. I hear that the Love Guru was a lot worse, and if that is the case I weep for anybody that watched that movie.
I rented the Love Guru...KNOWING it was going to be pretty bad...and I STILL want to punch someone in the yarbles over how bad it is!
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys, he actaully is a great actor. I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying
I think Willis is a decent actor. Heck he comes off like DiCaprio compared to the other action guys. But outside his genre he is just decent. Which means to me he doesn't get in the way of the movie and he is usually at least believable. And he has good comedic timing.
Well if your opinion is similar to my list, none of his best movies are even those strictly action flicks, but I agreeI think what you said is pretty on point, as was what KP said as far as not great actors being in great moviesConsider most action movie actors - I even used probably todays action guy Statham as my example - and Willis has a lot more range and chops than any of them.The comedic edge is good too, and demonstrates his range. Not all actors can do that. Weve seen DeNiro and Nicholson do it, but can Pacino? Im doubtful
I like Statham. And I was impressed with him in the Heist. I think if he got the chance he could rise to decent as well.
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.I dont get itNot every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys, he actaully is a great actor. I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying
I think Willis is a decent actor. Heck he comes off like DiCaprio compared to the other action guys. But outside his genre he is just decent. Which means to me he doesn't get in the way of the movie and he is usually at least believable. And he has good comedic timing.
Well if your opinion is similar to my list, none of his best movies are even those strictly action flicks, but I agreeI think what you said is pretty on point, as was what KP said as far as not great actors being in great moviesConsider most action movie actors - I even used probably todays action guy Statham as my example - and Willis has a lot more range and chops than any of them.The comedic edge is good too, and demonstrates his range. Not all actors can do that. Weve seen DeNiro and Nicholson do it, but can Pacino? Im doubtful
I like Statham. And I was impressed with him in the Heist. I think if he got the chance he could rise to decent as well.
Actually, I think Statham is pretty good myself. That movie 'London' from a year or 2 ago is basically all in a BR with him and the other guy doing lines, and he keeps it entertaining.I dont know what you mean be "Heist" though. I thought the Mamet movie "Heist" with Hackman was good, but Statham wasnt in itAre you talking about The Bank Job by chance? I dont think he was in the Italian Job, but that could be another option
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys, he actaully is a great actor.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying
I think Willis is a decent actor. Heck he comes off like DiCaprio compared to the other action guys. But outside his genre he is just decent. Which means to me he doesn't get in the way of the movie and he is usually at least believable. And he has good comedic timing.
Well if your opinion is similar to my list, none of his best movies are even those strictly action flicks, but I agreeI think what you said is pretty on point, as was what KP said as far as not great actors being in great movies

Consider most action movie actors - I even used probably todays action guy Statham as my example - and Willis has a lot more range and chops than any of them.

The comedic edge is good too, and demonstrates his range. Not all actors can do that. Weve seen DeNiro and Nicholson do it, but can Pacino? Im doubtful
I like Statham. And I was impressed with him in the Heist. I think if he got the chance he could rise to decent as well.
Actually, I think Statham is pretty good myself. That movie 'London' from a year or 2 ago is basically all in a BR with him and the other guy doing lines, and he keeps it entertaining.I dont know what you mean be "Heist" though. I thought the Mamet movie "Heist" with Hackman was good, but Statham wasnt in it

Are you talking about The Bank Job by chance? I dont think he was in the Italian Job, but that could be another option
Yeah I did. My bad. Worked until 2 am this morning had to go back at 10 am and have been up since. I think the fatigue is getting to me. Good night to all my fellow film lovers.
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying

ETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
Yes, he does. Tarantino just has that knack of getting every once of acting out of a person. A lot of people he uses are has-beens and people you usually don't think about but they seem to work well with what he is doing - Travolta, Kurt Russel, Willis, etc... Most of the time you think of the work they did with him as being their best and that might point more towards him than the actors. I would be interested in seeing if he could get Keanu to look like an actor...

It's kinda like you hinted at - acting is relative sometimes. Is Willis a great actor as a whole? I would argue not. Is he one of the best at what he does - ie mostly action movies ? Sure is. I think Stratham's another great example of that, and is probably the Willis for this generation.

 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:hot:
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
:blackdot:
 
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People are going to be surprised at this, but You Don't Mess With the Zohan is so ####in' unfunny it's sad. I hear that the Love Guru was a lot worse, and if that is the case I weep for anybody that watched that movie.
Looks horrible - which is dissapointing since Robert Smigel wrote the movie.
 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:thumbup:
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
:rolleyes:
The Weatherman was pretty good.
 
In defense of Bruce Willis:

Sure, he's not the league of guys like Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, etc. But that doesn't mean Willis isn't a good actor. People tend to assume that guys like Willis are mediocre actors because Willis makes it look so easy. Not saying he's an A list guy, but it takes skill to do what Willis does.

 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying

ETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
Yes, he does. Tarantino just has that knack of getting every once of acting out of a person. A lot of people he uses are has-beens and people you usually don't think about but they seem to work well with what he is doing - Travolta, Kurt Russel, Willis, etc... Most of the time you think of the work they did with him as being their best and that might point more towards him than the actors. I would be interested in seeing if he could get Keanu to look like an actor...

It's kinda like you hinted at - acting is relative sometimes. Is Willis a great actor as a whole? I would argue not. Is he one of the best at what he does - ie mostly action movies ? Sure is. I think Stratham's another great example of that, and is probably the Willis for this generation.
I like that point on QT, though I wouldnt call any of them has beens except for Russell, but he hasnt done many movies over the last 5 years or so either.(Jackie Brown is probably my favorite QT movie. He got perfection out of Samuel, DeNiro, Grier, Fonda, Forster, etc)

Bringing up Keanu only helps, bc hes just bad. I want to rent Street Kings, heard some good things, but he makes me hesitant.

As far as Statham goes, hah, he might be.

In all honesty, I looked at my DVDs at someone who wouldnt be considered a 'good' actor, and I came upon Snatch, and named Statham. :rolleyes: :thumbup:

I agree he may be BW of this generation, but hes been in some pretty bad action movies lately (Condemned, Death Race, etc)

 
In defense of Bruce Willis:Sure, he's not the league of guys like Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, etc. But that doesn't mean Willis isn't a good actor. People tend to assume that guys like Willis are mediocre actors because Willis makes it look so easy. Not saying he's an A list guy, but it takes skill to do what Willis does.
Without creating exhibits like a lawyer, thats pretty much what I was tryin to say
 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:thumbup:
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
:rolleyes:
The Weatherman was pretty good.
Mixed on WeathermanBUT

Adaptation

Leaving Las Vegas

8MM

Lord of War

The Rock

are all great!!!

plus like Windtalkers, Snake Eyes, Con Air, Face/Off, Bringing Out The Dead are all VERY SoliD!!

But yeah, Nic Cage is kinda like Willis - he has his schtick - but hes a GOOD actor

 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying

ETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
Yes, he does. Tarantino just has that knack of getting every once of acting out of a person. A lot of people he uses are has-beens and people you usually don't think about but they seem to work well with what he is doing - Travolta, Kurt Russel, Willis, etc... Most of the time you think of the work they did with him as being their best and that might point more towards him than the actors. I would be interested in seeing if he could get Keanu to look like an actor...

It's kinda like you hinted at - acting is relative sometimes. Is Willis a great actor as a whole? I would argue not. Is he one of the best at what he does - ie mostly action movies ? Sure is. I think Stratham's another great example of that, and is probably the Willis for this generation.
I like that point on QT, though I wouldnt call any of them has beens except for Russell, but he hasnt done many movies over the last 5 years or so either.(Jackie Brown is probably my favorite QT movie. He got perfection out of Samuel, DeNiro, Grier, Fonda, Forster, etc)

Bringing up Keanu only helps, bc hes just bad. I want to rent Street Kings, heard some good things, but he makes me hesitant.

As far as Statham goes, hah, he might be.

In all honesty, I looked at my DVDs at someone who wouldnt be considered a 'good' actor, and I came upon Snatch, and named Statham. ;) :lmao:

I agree he may be BW of this generation, but hes been in some pretty bad action movies lately (Condemned, Death Race, etc)
You corrected NCCommish and came off rather smug doing it...so I thought I'd return the favor.Jason Statham has been in some clunkers as of late (Transporter 2 and Crank) but he's solid in "The Bank Job" and I actually enjoyed Death Race for what it was.

I dont know what you mean by "Condemned" though. I thought the movie with Steve Austin was entertaining, but Statham wasn't in it

Are you talking about Vinnie Jones by chance? He was in Snatch...so that's another option.

 
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So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying

ETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
Yes, he does. Tarantino just has that knack of getting every once of acting out of a person. A lot of people he uses are has-beens and people you usually don't think about but they seem to work well with what he is doing - Travolta, Kurt Russel, Willis, etc... Most of the time you think of the work they did with him as being their best and that might point more towards him than the actors. I would be interested in seeing if he could get Keanu to look like an actor...

It's kinda like you hinted at - acting is relative sometimes. Is Willis a great actor as a whole? I would argue not. Is he one of the best at what he does - ie mostly action movies ? Sure is. I think Stratham's another great example of that, and is probably the Willis for this generation.
I like that point on QT, though I wouldnt call any of them has beens except for Russell, but he hasnt done many movies over the last 5 years or so either.(Jackie Brown is probably my favorite QT movie. He got perfection out of Samuel, DeNiro, Grier, Fonda, Forster, etc)

Bringing up Keanu only helps, bc hes just bad. I want to rent Street Kings, heard some good things, but he makes me hesitant.

As far as Statham goes, hah, he might be.

In all honesty, I looked at my DVDs at someone who wouldnt be considered a 'good' actor, and I came upon Snatch, and named Statham. :lmao: :lmao:

I agree he may be BW of this generation, but hes been in some pretty bad action movies lately (Condemned, Death Race, etc)
You corrected NCCommish and came off rather smug doing it...so I thought I'd return the favor.Jason Statham has been in some clunkers as of late (Transporter 2 and Crank) but he's solid in "The Bank Job" and I actually enjoyed Death Race for what it was.

I dont know what you mean by "Condemned" though. I thought the movie with Steve Austin was entertaining, but Statham wasn't in it

Are you talking about Vinnie Jones by chance? He was in Snatch...so that's another option.
Well, I wasnt tryin to be smug, just trying to kno what movie were talkin boutYou're correct that JS wasnt in The Condemned, but it was just that type of movie, so I guess I remembered Statham being in it

My BAD

Im sorry I make mistakes about decent actors in terrible movies

WHAT A COINCIDENCE

 
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In defense of Bruce Willis:

Sure, he's not the league of guys like Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, etc. But that doesn't mean Willis isn't a good actor. People tend to assume that guys like Willis are mediocre actors because Willis makes it look so easy. Not saying he's an A list guy, but it takes skill to do what Willis does.
Maybe that's what throws me, dunno. I couldn't do what he does, but to me it just seems like he's basically the same in all movies - tough guy that cracks some funny jokes (and point taken that his comedic timing takes talent). So when I make a list of good actors he wouldn't come to mind, but when you line him up with the likes of The Rock, Keanu, Segal, etc.. that are doing the same type of thing he's been doing he definately is head and shoulders above them.
 
So what are you saying..youd rather watch a great actor in bad movies OR a decent/good actor in good or better movies?

Also, I initially called him a 'decent' actor. Now youre kinda backing down bc you dont think hes a 'good' actor, but you compare him to a great actor to weakly prove your point.

I dont get it

Not every actor is gonna get nominated, let alone multiple times. I just listed almost 25 movies hes done that after watching, you enjoyed and didnt waste your time (though to each his own).

Do I think guys half his age like Joe Gordon-Levitt, Ben Foster, Ryan Gosling, and Emile Hirsch are better actors than him, YES, but that doesnt mean Willis isnt good or at least makes good movies.

And maybe its just me, but Id rather watch Jason Statham in Snatch, than DeNiro in Rocky and Bullwinkle
All I was arguing is that Bruce Willis isn't a decent actor. (to me decent is above average, which is pretty close to good). I didn't say which I prefered, I was just commenting that there are a lot of average to bad actors that are in good/great movies, and on the flip side there are a lot of good/great actors that are in movies that I can't stand to watch. Just an observation, guy.
Observation understoodI know he has his schtick, but compared to most of those action guys (Arnold, Sly, and worse), he actually is a great actor. All things considered not great, but I think hes above average.

I guess our perception of 'decent' is different, but if youre in that many 'good' movies, I dont think your a below average actor, just saying

ETA: Does Tarantino use below average actors in fairly prominent roles? Just a thought.
Yes, he does. Tarantino just has that knack of getting every once of acting out of a person. A lot of people he uses are has-beens and people you usually don't think about but they seem to work well with what he is doing - Travolta, Kurt Russel, Willis, etc... Most of the time you think of the work they did with him as being their best and that might point more towards him than the actors. I would be interested in seeing if he could get Keanu to look like an actor...

It's kinda like you hinted at - acting is relative sometimes. Is Willis a great actor as a whole? I would argue not. Is he one of the best at what he does - ie mostly action movies ? Sure is. I think Stratham's another great example of that, and is probably the Willis for this generation.
I like that point on QT, though I wouldnt call any of them has beens except for Russell, but he hasnt done many movies over the last 5 years or so either.(Jackie Brown is probably my favorite QT movie. He got perfection out of Samuel, DeNiro, Grier, Fonda, Forster, etc)

Bringing up Keanu only helps, bc hes just bad. I want to rent Street Kings, heard some good things, but he makes me hesitant.

As far as Statham goes, hah, he might be.

In all honesty, I looked at my DVDs at someone who wouldnt be considered a 'good' actor, and I came upon Snatch, and named Statham. :devil: :devil:

I agree he may be BW of this generation, but hes been in some pretty bad action movies lately (Condemned, Death Race, etc)
I guess when I wrote that I was thinking mainly of Russell and Travolta. When Pulp Fiction came out, I thought Travolta hadn't been in anything for a while. That movie seemed to jack up his career a little bit. Speaking of Willis (I think the discussion's run it's course) I've been meaning to check out Lucky # Slevin and 16 Blocks. Are either of them worth the time ??

 
Speaking of Willis (I think the discussion's run it's course) I've been meaning to check out Lucky # Slevin and 16 Blocks. Are either of them worth the time ??
Slevin yes. I liked it quite a bit.16 Blocks, maybe, if you don't have better options.
 
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People are going to be surprised at this, but You Don't Mess With the Zohan is so ####in' unfunny it's sad. I hear that the Love Guru was a lot worse, and if that is the case I weep for anybody that watched that movie.
I thought Love Guru was funnier than Zohan. There are a couple lines in the Love Guru that are hilarious (the midget jokes). I don't think I even broke a smile watching Zohan. Neither are even remotely close to good though.
 
People are going to be surprised at this, but You Don't Mess With the Zohan is so ####in' unfunny it's sad. I hear that the Love Guru was a lot worse, and if that is the case I weep for anybody that watched that movie.
I thought Love Guru was funnier than Zohan. There are a couple lines in the Love Guru that are hilarious (the midget jokes). I don't think I even broke a smile watching Zohan. Neither are even remotely close to good though.
I know I didn't. Even during crappy Sandler movies like Little Nicky I've laughed at SOMETHING.
 
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Speaking of Willis (I think the discussion's run it's course) I've been meaning to check out Lucky # Slevin and 16 Blocks. Are either of them worth the time ??
Slevin yes. I liked it quite a bit.16 Blocks, maybe, if you don't have better options.
I would definately check out Slevin. Very underrated.16 Blocks...save it for a rainy day when you see it's on and have nothing else to watch. Not horrible.
 
Speaking of Willis (I think the discussion's run it's course) I've been meaning to check out Lucky # Slevin and 16 Blocks. Are either of them worth the time ??
Slevin yes. I liked it quite a bit.16 Blocks, maybe, if you don't have better options.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by 16 blocks. Local DVD rental had a Buy 2 for $20 get 2 free so i took a chance. Thought they did a good job keeping you in the dark about Willis's involvement.
 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:o
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
;)
The Weatherman was pretty good.
Mixed on WeathermanBUT

Adaptation

Leaving Las Vegas

8MM

Lord of War

The Rock

are all great!!!

plus like Windtalkers, Snake Eyes, Con Air, Face/Off, Bringing Out The Dead are all VERY SoliD!!

But yeah, Nic Cage is kinda like Willis - he has his schtick - but hes a GOOD actor
8MM, The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off rank among my worst movie experiences. Although admittedly, they were all better than McHale's Navy.
 
8MM, The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off rank among my worst movie experiences. Although admittedly, they were all better than McHale's Navy.
Never seen 8MM, but you've gotta be kidding me about the other three.
;) :o 8MM was too disturbing to enjoy.. I'd rather stay with my head buried in the sand about that.. But LOVED Face/Off, Rock was very good and Con Air was enjoyable.
 
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really liked the recently released the fall (by tarsem singh, who i think has only done the cell, previously)... this was one of the best movies i've seen this year... not perfect, i thought the end was a bit abrupt...this has probably fallen through the cracks, as i don't think it reached any kind of distribution outside of the festval circuit... i thought the cell was visually stunning, but somewhat lacking in the story department... the fall is even more visually stunning, & imo is a much better story... he doesn't have a very deep body of work (sort of like an indian terrance mallick? :thumbup: ), but after seeing this movie, i'm starting to think he could be an important director and worth following his career... somewhat like gilliam's baron von munchausen, employing similar narrative vehicle to spin out episodic tales... also like wizard of oz (& munchausen), characters & events from the narrator's world are incorporated into & interwoven with the tales...this could almost be a family classic (but a dark one, like pan's labrynth), but maybe not ideal for YOUNG children, as there is some heavy underlying subject matter... a paralyzed and hospitalized stunt man ('30s or '40s?) distraught over being jilted tells a young girl fellow patient an epic tale of revenge, betrayal & love, in order to cajole her into stealing morphine so he can carry out his intent to suicide... at any rate this movie could appeal at a lot of levels, & could have crossover appeal for most ages, young & old... the stunt man & central character doesn't look like him, but his way of speaking reminds me of owen wilson... the little girl steals the show...the scope of this work is also maybe reminiscent of gilliam in that he paints on an extremely broad canvas & the story is wildly imaginative (i suspect a big reason singh took so long between movies was probably a gilliam-like difficulty in securing funds from financiers who balk at the prospect that his epic scope of vision could exceed the resources alotted to the budget for a weird movie by a quirky director that may not have mainstream appeal & bankability)... but the look is more streamlined & maybe even refined... gilliam can be a bit bloated at times, though i do admire him a lot for the most part...
thanks to this review, i checked it out and liked it. the girl did stole the show.
interesting backstory to the movie... he claims to have scouted locations for 17 years (reportedly shot in 24 countries & it shows), & when he saw a picture of the girl he felt compelled to start filming right away... he was able to piggyback on his commerical shoots to cut costs, but still almost went bankrupt by financing it out of pocket... reminiscent of the big stakes coppola gambled with apocalypse now, reportedly being close to the brink financially... less successfully, billy friedkin, flush from success of the exorcist, lost a fortune shooting the unappreciated gem but commercially disastrous sorceror on location in central or south american jungle... one thing that made conventional financing impossible, was he admitted that the script would be partly written by the child actress (the stories of the narrator & girl become interwoven & collaborative during the course of the movie)... one way they were able to capture such a natural & unaffected performance from the child was hiding the camera where possible, & filming during apparent rehearsals...tarsem (as he goes by) has been attached to a few projects recently, but not sure if anything concrete is lined up...* ebert liked it enough to give it a follow up review (both below)... he also said it would make his best/favorite movies of the year list...The Fall May 29, 2008 By Roger EbertTarsem's "The Fall" is a mad folly, an extravagant visual orgy, a free-fall from reality into uncharted realms. Surely it is one of the wildest indulgences a director has ever granted himself. Tarsem, for two decades a leading director of music videos and TV commercials, spent millions of his own money to finance "The Fall," filmed it for four years in 28 countries and has made a movie that you might want to see for no other reason than because it exists. There will never be another like it."The Fall" is so audacious that when Variety calls it a "vanity project," you can only admire the man vain enough to make it. It tells a simple story with vast romantic images so stunning I had to check twice, three times, to be sure the film actually claims to have absolutely no computer-generated imagery. None? What about the Labyrinth of Despair, with no exit? The intersecting walls of zig-zagging staircases? The man who emerges from the burning tree? Perhaps the key words are "computer-generated." Perhaps some of the images are created by more traditional kinds of special effects.The story framework for the imagery is straightforward. In Los Angeles, circa 1915, a silent movie stunt man has his legs paralyzed while performing a reckless stunt. He convalesces in a half-deserted hospital, its corridors of cream and lime stretching from ward to ward of mostly empty beds, their pillows and sheets awaiting the harvest of World War I. The stunt man is Roy (Lee Pace), pleasant in appearance, confiding in speech, happy to make a new friend of a little girl named Alexandria (Catinca Untaru).Roy tells a story to Alexandria, involving adventurers who change appearance as quickly as a child's imagination can do its work. We see the process. He tells her of an "Indian" who has a wigwam and a squaw. She does not know these words, and envisions an Indian from a land of palaces, turbans and swamis. The verbal story is input from Roy; the visual story is output from Alexandria.The story involves Roy (playing the Black Bandit) and his friends: a bomb-throwing Italian anarchist, an escaped African slave, an Indian (from India), and Charles Darwin and his pet monkey, Wallace. Their sworn enemy, Governor Odious, has stranded them on a desert island, but they come ashore (riding swimming elephants, of course) and wage war on him.Roy draws out the story for a personal motive; after Alexandria brings him some communion wafers from the hospital chapel, he persuades her to steal some morphine tablets from the dispensary. Paralyzed and having lost his great love (she is the Princess in his story), he hopes to kill himself. There is a wonderful scene of the little girl trying to draw him back to life.Either you are drawn into the world of this movie or you are not. It is preposterous, of course, but I vote with Werner Herzog, who says if we do not find new images, we will perish. Here a line of bowmen shoot hundreds of arrows into the air. So many of them fall into the back of the escaped slave that he falls backward and the weight of his body is supported by them, as on a bed of nails with dozens of foot-long arrows. There is scene of the monkey Wallace chasing a butterfly through impossible architecture.At this point in reviews of movies like "The Fall" (not that there are any), I usually announce that I have accomplished my work. I have described what the movie does, how it looks while it is doing it, and what the director has achieved. Well, what has he achieved? "The Fall" is beautiful for its own sake. And there is the sweet charm of the young Romanian actress Catinca Untaru, who may have been dubbed for all I know, but speaks with the innocence of childhood, working her way through tangles of words. She regards with equal wonder the reality she lives in, and the fantasy she pretends to. It is her imagination that creates the images of Roy's story, and they have a purity and power beyond all calculation. Roy is her perfect storyteller, she is his perfect listener, and together they build a world.Ebert notes: The movie's R rating should not dissuade bright teenagers from this celebration of the imagination.Tarsem and the legend of "The Fall" June 3, 2008by Roger EbertTarsem was talking about how he risked almost everything he owned to make a movie that nobody, nobody at all, was willing to finance for years. The movie is "The Fall," which will be on my list of the year's best films, and is setting box office records on the art house circuit. It is almost impossible to describe. You can say what happens, but you can't convey the astonishment of how it happens.Tarsem made millions as a director of commercials, and gladly spent most of them to make his movie. "Everybody in advertising," he was telling me, "always says one day they’ll make a great movie with their own money, blah, blah, blah. They never do it. David Fincher, one of my producers, told me, 'You happen to be the fool that has done it'."Tarsem is a thin man of medium height, mercurial in conversation, smiling easily. "Something happened to me that doesn’t happen to most people," he said. "Life happens to them. It was happening to me. But at the particular point when I was ready to settle down with a woman and have the babies, the woman moved and had the babies with somebody else. I was freaked out. What happened next was, I had promised myself I would make this film in a heartbeat if I found the right girl. And suddenly I found the little girl."How would he finance the movie? "I’ve never known what to do with money. I live quite easily. Ninety-five percent of the time it seems like I'm on airplanes or in airports. I travel making commercials, I have a home that’s all paid for, and I’m a prostitute in love with a profession. I had no idea who my money was for. It wasn’t for the kids that I didn’t have, so I decided to cash in.""The Fall" is one of the most extraordinary films I've ever seen. Set in Los Angeles in 1915, it involves a paralyzed stunt man (Lee Pace) and a four-year old Romanian girl named Alexandria (Catinca Untaru) who occupy separate wings in a hospital where most of the beds are empty -- waiting, probably, to be filled by victims of the Great War.The stunt man begins to tell the girl a story. We hear the story in his words, but we see it through her eyes, and she imagines it as a magical vision. After filming all the scenes involving the two characters, Tarsem shot her visions in 28 countries over a period of four years. There are sights in the film you cannot imagine are possible, but Tarsem says he used no computers to create them. They exist.Who is this Tarsem? Full name, Tarsem Singh Dhabdwar. Last name too hard for Americans to say. Millions of Indians have the middle name "Singh." Therefore, Tarsem. Born in India, his family moved to Iran when he was three, but his father was concerned the mullahs would destroy education there, so he sent his two sons to a boarding school in the Himalayas."I saw a book in India titled Guide to Film Schools in America, and it shell-shocked me," he said. "It changed my life, because I thought you went to college to study something that your father loved and you hated. I told my father I wanted to study film and he said there was no way he was gonna let me do that. I made my way to Los Angeles, and made a film that won a scholarship to the Art Center College of Design. My father thought I was headed for Harvard. I called him and said, 'I want to study film,' and he said, 'You don’t exist anymore'."Tarsem made a music video for Suzanne Vega, another for REM. "The first commercial I did was for Levi's, and was based on the movie 'The Swimmer,' the Burt Lancaster one, where a guy swims from pool to pool in his neighbor's back yards. The tagline was, 'The more you wash them, the better they get.”' That won the Grand Prix in Cannes and so in a way it's been downhill ever since."The agencies that made commercials, he said, "gave me very good money and I didn't complain about it. I put it aside like a little squirrel and at the end I ended up with a project that I wanted to do very badly and threw it all away, so now I’m penniless but as happy as a pig in poo. I told my brother, sell everything, I’m going on this magical mystery tour. When I finish it, I’ll let you know. I called him when it was almost done. He said the house was almost up for sale. But I was finished."He has a quick smile and makes his struggle sound like a lark."If you think it’s hard raising money for a film, try telling people that the script is going to be written by a 4-year old. It’s going to be dictated to me by a child. For seven years wherever I would shoot a commercial I would send people out with a camera to schools, and one day I got a tape of this girl at a school in Romania, in the middle of students talking. I was amazed. She was perfect. She didn't speak English. The penny dropped. She was six, but if she didn’t speak the language she would be using, the misunderstanding would buy me the two years that I needed. Because she had to seem four."I found a mental asylum in South Africa that gave me a wing. I figured everything for her had to be visual. I explained to her where she lived, where he lived, where everything was. And we taught her the English of her lines, word by word. She would say them, and if she didn't get it right in three or four takes, we changed her dialog because she needed to sound spontaneous, not rehearsed.""I found a mental asylum in South Africa that gave me a wing. I figured everything for her had to be visual. I explained to her where she lived, where he lived, where everything was. And we taught her the English of her lines, word by word. She would say them, and if she didn't get it right in three or four takes, we changed her dialog because she needed to sound spontaneous, not rehearsed."It's true. One of the treasures of the film is the sound of the dialog by Catinca Untaru. We understand every word, but she sounds as if she's inventing them as utters them.Now what about those miraculous locations? I asked him. No special effects? What about the zig-zagging interlocking black and white staircases reaching down into the earth?"Its true. Its Ripley’s. What people think is not true in the film is true. The steps that go down, it's a reservoir that has been there for 500 or 600 years. It's used for seeing how low the water level is, to determine how to tax people. If the water level is so high, they charge so much tax from the farmers. The problem is most of the time you never see those steps; they’re underwater. Somebody showed me these steps and said they went really way down. And I said, well, has anybody seen that?"They said, most Indians think they look cheap. But in fact they look like an inspiration by Escher. So labyrinthine and mad. The problem is, when you see the wide shot, you realize they're not what I’m making them out to be. What matters is how I’m framing it. If you see the wider shots, there are about 2,000 Indians on trees watching and wondering why we’re shooting in a really crappy well. But since I shot those steps, three Hindi movies have gone and shot there because they figure, if its good enough for him, it must be beautiful."And the Labyrinth With no Escape?"That is a 400-year-old observatory. The steps line up with one star, the arc lines up with another star, and if you look around the location it's really chaotic and haywire. All I had to do was choose my angle so I could use their shapes without showing their surroundings. I thought, I can make a labyrinth out of this if I make it look like it’s enclosed. The fact is, it's a really cheap-looking park in the middle of Jaidpur."And as for the Blue City..."Jodhpur, the blue city, is a Brahmin city where you’re only supposed to paint your house blue. I made a contract with the city; we would give them free paint. We knew legally they could only choose blue. So they painted their houses blue and it looked more vibrant than it ever had before."Tarsem made it all sound so simple, and when you see the film it all seems literally impossible."There are no computer effects. It’s just the kind of visual stuff like what I was doing all the time with commercials, where it looks like more than it is. In all these places I had filmed over at least 17 years, I told the people, this is a paid job, its a commercial, but I’ll come back one day and make this place look magical. To use a line from 'The Godfather,' he does them a favor, and one day, 'and that day may never come,' there will be a favor in return. And 17 years later that day came, I showed up, and some of the favors I could cash in, and some I couldn't. "And then Tarsem made one of the most astonishing films I have ever seen. It is all the more special in this age of computer-generated special effects, because we see things that cannot exist, but our eyes do not lie, and they do exist, yes, they really do.
This movie is truly a masterpiece.I can't describe it and Ebert only scratches the surface. It's like the first time I ever saw Cirque Du Soleil's "Mystere" in Vegas. I could only liken it to the first time a child sees Disneyland.It's visually stunning with a great story.You HAVE to see this film. It's not a request!
yup.
 
8MM, The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off rank among my worst movie experiences. Although admittedly, they were all better than McHale's Navy.
Never seen 8MM, but you've gotta be kidding me about the other three.
Not kidding at all. I guess most people don't find Nicholas Cage incredibly annoying like I do.
i'm with you. he's been pretty awful over the last 15 years or so. Seems like for every "Bringing Out the Dead" there is a "Capt Correli's Mandolin" and "Windtalkers".
 
8MM, The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off rank among my worst movie experiences. Although admittedly, they were all better than McHale's Navy.
Never seen 8MM, but you've gotta be kidding me about the other three.
Not kidding at all. I guess most people don't find Nicholas Cage incredibly annoying like I do.
i'm with you. he's been pretty awful over the last 15 years or so. Seems like for every "Bringing Out the Dead" there is a "Capt Correli's Mandolin" and "Windtalkers".
Now there's a movie that made me want to hollow out my eye sockets. :moneybag:
 
8MM, The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off rank among my worst movie experiences. Although admittedly, they were all better than McHale's Navy.
Never seen 8MM, but you've gotta be kidding me about the other three.
Not kidding at all. I guess most people don't find Nicholas Cage incredibly annoying like I do.
i'm with you. he's been pretty awful over the last 15 years or so. Seems like for every "Bringing Out the Dead" there is a "Capt Correli's Mandolin" and "Windtalkers".
Now there's a movie that made me want to hollow out my eye sockets. :moneybag:
Corelli: [upon first seeing Pelagia] Bella bambina at two o'clock!
Code:
oof!
 
Watched 1408 last night.

Unfortunately for a "thriller" movie it was pretty laughable. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

Speaking of laughable - probably going to watch The Happening tonight.

:thumbdown:
Both of these are disgustingly bad. And at this point I've put M Shyamalan on my refuse to see list, along with Star Wars 3, M Bay crap, and anything starring Nicholas Cage.
:thumbdown:
The Weatherman was pretty good.
Mixed on WeathermanBUT

Adaptation

Leaving Las Vegas

8MM

Lord of War

The Rock

are all great!!!

plus like Windtalkers, Snake Eyes, Con Air, Face/Off, Bringing Out The Dead are all VERY SoliD!!

But yeah, Nic Cage is kinda like Willis - he has his schtick - but hes a GOOD actor
Cage picks some very bad movies, but he's capable of turning in solid work (see Moonstruck).
 
In defense of Bruce Willis:

Sure, he's not the league of guys like Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, etc. But that doesn't mean Willis isn't a good actor. People tend to assume that guys like Willis are mediocre actors because Willis makes it look so easy. Not saying he's an A list guy, but it takes skill to do what Willis does.
Maybe that's what throws me, dunno. I couldn't do what he does, but to me it just seems like he's basically the same in all movies - tough guy that cracks some funny jokes (and point taken that his comedic timing takes talent). So when I make a list of good actors he wouldn't come to mind, but when you line him up with the likes of The Rock, Keanu, Segal, etc.. that are doing the same type of thing he's been doing he definately is head and shoulders above them.
Well that's an entirely different argument in some respects. Eddie Murphy and Clint Eastwood made a lot of good movies playing the same guy over and over.
 

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