Recently viewed movie thread - Rental Edition (7 Viewers)

[cstu]

Harold

This one was a surprise since the cover made me go 'WTH' and it's such an odd premise, but the movie had me laughing all the way through. Reminded me of an 80's comedy and was very quirky so it's probably not for everyone.

 

[tdoss]

Harold

This one was a surprise since the cover made me go 'WTH' and it's such an odd premise, but the movie had me laughing all the way through. Reminded me of an 80's comedy and was very quirky so it's probably not for everyone.

Watched this last night and was pleasantly surprised. Very quirky and funny...I enjoyed it.

 

[cstu]

Another one I liked recently was Red, about a man whose dog is killed by teenage hoodlums.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Last night I watched Heckler.

It's a documentary by Jamie Kennedy. It started out being about hecklers, then turned into discussions about critics and the power of the internet. Mostly clips of comedians and movie stars talking about experiences and stories they've heard. (there's a clip where a singing comedian smashes his guitar over a heckler's head). Intermingled in there is clips of Kennedy sitting down with critics that smashed him for his movies Malibu's Most Wanted and The Son of Mask. Had a good point about blurring the lines of "I really didn't like that movie" to "Kennedy is an unfunny d-bag that should be put out of his misery", and how most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I liked it well enough- as with all documentaries I took something away from it. It's pretty funny seeing the comedians tear into these people. Not highly recommended, but found it enjoyable enough.

Oh- and when did Carrot Top get so friggin' ripped?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick, as I've seen both Transsiberian and Redbelt in the past week. Enjoyed both a great deal. Up next is Mongol. I don't think she's in that one.Oh, I also caught Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Japanese spaghetti western. Don't waste your time. It's pretty horrible.

That bums me out about Django...it looked great from the previews.

Yeah, the trailer was awesome, but the flick was brutal.

Currently watching this. I wouldn't call it brutal, but it's not great. Wouldn't recommend it, except for someone who a) likes spaghetti westerns 2) likes samurai movies III) likes Takashi Miike's films and four) can stomach Tarantino guest starring and sporting a bad southern/cowboy accent followed by a bad Asian accent. But the action is good and the visuals are great. (3/5)

 

[bigbottom]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick, as I've seen both Transsiberian and Redbelt in the past week. Enjoyed both a great deal. Up next is Mongol. I don't think she's in that one.Oh, I also caught Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Japanese spaghetti western. Don't waste your time. It's pretty horrible.

That bums me out about Django...it looked great from the previews.

Yeah, the trailer was awesome, but the flick was brutal.

Currently watching this. I wouldn't call it brutal, but it's not great. Wouldn't recommend it, except for someone who a) likes spaghetti westerns 2) likes samurai movies III) likes Takashi Miike's films and four) can stomach Tarantino guest starring and sporting a bad southern/cowboy accent followed by a bad Asian accent. But the action is good and the visuals are great. (3/5)

a) check.2) double check.III) This was my first Miike film.four) I was able to stomach this, but just barely.I think it's because I really enjoy both spaghetti westerns and samurai flicks that I didn't like this one. It was like Miike couldn't decide if he was paying tribute to the genres or parodying them. And I guess there was some artistic rationalization for having the actors speak English, but I found it terribly distracting. I'm fairly certain several of the actors were delivering every single one of their lines phonetically, with no understanding of what it was they were saying. The plot was convoluted, and the characters were underdeveloped (and what little character development existed was horribly trite - though that's not necessarily inconsistent with the genres). Some of the action scenes were cool, but again, it was like Miike couldn't make up his mind whether he was going for legitimate, though over the top, action (like Kill Bill), or if he was going for complete absurdity (along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle). I do agree that some of the visuals are spectacular and I certainly enjoyed the "feel" of the movie, but otherwise I was disappointed.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick, as I've seen both Transsiberian and Redbelt in the past week. Enjoyed both a great deal. Up next is Mongol. I don't think she's in that one.Oh, I also caught Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Japanese spaghetti western. Don't waste your time. It's pretty horrible.

That bums me out about Django...it looked great from the previews.

Yeah, the trailer was awesome, but the flick was brutal.

Currently watching this. I wouldn't call it brutal, but it's not great. Wouldn't recommend it, except for someone who a) likes spaghetti westerns 2) likes samurai movies III) likes Takashi Miike's films and four) can stomach Tarantino guest starring and sporting a bad southern/cowboy accent followed by a bad Asian accent. But the action is good and the visuals are great. (3/5)

a) check.2) double check.III) This was my first Miike film.four) I was able to stomach this, but just barely.I think it's because I really enjoy both spaghetti westerns and samurai flicks that I didn't like this one. It was like Miike couldn't decide if he was paying tribute to the genres or parodying them. And I guess there was some artistic rationalization for having the actors speak English, but I found it terribly distracting. I'm fairly certain several of the actors were delivering every single one of their lines phonetically, with no understanding of what it was they were saying. The plot was convoluted, and the characters were underdeveloped (and what little character development existed was horribly trite - though that's not necessarily inconsistent with the genres). Some of the action scenes were cool, but again, it was like Miike couldn't make up his mind whether he was going for legitimate, though over the top, action (like Kill Bill), or if he was going for complete absurdity (along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle). I do agree that some of the visuals are spectacular and I certainly enjoyed the "feel" of the movie, but otherwise I was disappointed.

I concur. For a better Miike film, check out Audition or Ichi the Killer. If you want to sit there like this: watch Visitor Q.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick

Dude, tell me you've seen Dear Frankie.

 

[jdoggydogg]

most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I have a music degree, and I long used the above argument to dismiss art criticism. But Wynton Marsalis had an excellent comment that defended critics. He said that critics are there to help consumers hear an opinion about these works that is not tainted by marketing. I know that's kind of obvious, but it is a valid point.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick, as I've seen both Transsiberian and Redbelt in the past week. Enjoyed both a great deal. Up next is Mongol. I don't think she's in that one.Oh, I also caught Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Japanese spaghetti western. Don't waste your time. It's pretty horrible.

That bums me out about Django...it looked great from the previews.

Yeah, the trailer was awesome, but the flick was brutal.

Currently watching this. I wouldn't call it brutal, but it's not great. Wouldn't recommend it, except for someone who a) likes spaghetti westerns 2) likes samurai movies III) likes Takashi Miike's films and four) can stomach Tarantino guest starring and sporting a bad southern/cowboy accent followed by a bad Asian accent. But the action is good and the visuals are great. (3/5)

a) check.2) double check.III) This was my first Miike film.four) I was able to stomach this, but just barely.I think it's because I really enjoy both spaghetti westerns and samurai flicks that I didn't like this one. It was like Miike couldn't decide if he was paying tribute to the genres or parodying them. And I guess there was some artistic rationalization for having the actors speak English, but I found it terribly distracting. I'm fairly certain several of the actors were delivering every single one of their lines phonetically, with no understanding of what it was they were saying. The plot was convoluted, and the characters were underdeveloped (and what little character development existed was horribly trite - though that's not necessarily inconsistent with the genres). Some of the action scenes were cool, but again, it was like Miike couldn't make up his mind whether he was going for legitimate, though over the top, action (like Kill Bill), or if he was going for complete absurdity (along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle). I do agree that some of the visuals are spectacular and I certainly enjoyed the "feel" of the movie, but otherwise I was disappointed.

You need to see Audition.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I Emily Mortimer

 

[belljr]

National Treasure 2 - whatever it's called . Now that was a popcorn flick but I enjoyed it. Was the chick hotter in this one?

Have you seen the first one? I was pretty disappointed with the 2nd compared to the 1st. I didn't have high expectations but it still came up short. But yes, this chick was far hotter.

Yeah I saw the first. It was much better but I still thought it was ok

 

[KarmaPolice]

most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I have a music degree, and I long used the above argument to dismiss art criticism. But Wynton Marsalis had an excellent comment that defended critics. He said that critics are there to help consumers hear an opinion about these works that is not tainted by marketing. I know that's kind of obvious, but it is a valid point.

That's a valid point. I see both sides of the debate and get that sometimes it's too personal - ie us saying that Mr. Bay is a POS instead of saying that his movies are POSs. A lot of critics cross the point where you can tell it's less about their love for movies/music and more about them and getting recognized for something, even if it is for being a doosh.

 

[jdoggydogg]

most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I have a music degree, and I long used the above argument to dismiss art criticism. But Wynton Marsalis had an excellent comment that defended critics. He said that critics are there to help consumers hear an opinion about these works that is not tainted by marketing. I know that's kind of obvious, but it is a valid point.

That's a valid point. I see both sides of the debate and get that sometimes it's too personal - ie us saying that Mr. Bay is a POS instead of saying that his movies are POSs. A lot of critics cross the point where you can tell it's less about their love for movies/music and more about them and getting recognized for something, even if it is for being a doosh.

Michael Bay isn't a piece of ####, per se. But given that logic, neither is Thomas Kincaid. While I don't wish harm or ill health for these guys, I really have no respect for what they do. When you churn out perfunctory, pedestrian #### and call it art, it makes me nauseous.

 

[cstu]

most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I have a music degree, and I long used the above argument to dismiss art criticism. But Wynton Marsalis had an excellent comment that defended critics. He said that critics are there to help consumers hear an opinion about these works that is not tainted by marketing. I know that's kind of obvious, but it is a valid point.

That's a valid point. I see both sides of the debate and get that sometimes it's too personal - ie us saying that Mr. Bay is a POS instead of saying that his movies are POSs. A lot of critics cross the point where you can tell it's less about their love for movies/music and more about them and getting recognized for something, even if it is for being a doosh.

Michael Bay isn't a piece of ####, per se. But given that logic, neither is Thomas Kincaid. While I don't wish harm or ill health for these guys, I really have no respect for what they do. When you churn out perfunctory, pedestrian #### and call it art, it makes me nauseous.

I can't believe I'm defending Michael Bay, but I don't think he considers his movies to be art rather just entertainment. Kincaid on the other hand probably thinks he's an artist.

 

[krista4]

I Emily Mortimer

She is absolutely adorable, and a great actress. Emily Mortimer fans, please add Lovely and Amazing, Bright Young Things, Lars and the Real Girl and Match Point to the suggestions above.

 

[jdoggydogg]

most critics have never been in a position to make a movie, write a script, etc..

I have a music degree, and I long used the above argument to dismiss art criticism. But Wynton Marsalis had an excellent comment that defended critics. He said that critics are there to help consumers hear an opinion about these works that is not tainted by marketing. I know that's kind of obvious, but it is a valid point.

That's a valid point. I see both sides of the debate and get that sometimes it's too personal - ie us saying that Mr. Bay is a POS instead of saying that his movies are POSs. A lot of critics cross the point where you can tell it's less about their love for movies/music and more about them and getting recognized for something, even if it is for being a doosh.

Michael Bay isn't a piece of ####, per se. But given that logic, neither is Thomas Kincaid. While I don't wish harm or ill health for these guys, I really have no respect for what they do. When you churn out perfunctory, pedestrian #### and call it art, it makes me nauseous.

I can't believe I'm defending Michael Bay, but I don't think he considers his movies to be art rather just entertainment. Kincaid on the other hand probably thinks he's an artist.

Certainly. I can see that. And I've never heard Bay claim that he's an artist. But here's my beef: Bay has enormous resources. Despite his horrific movies, there's a lot of talent there when you consider the actors, production, etc. My problem is that Bay could be making GOOD movies. I'd argue it doesn't take more effort to make a good movie, it just requires some integrity.

 

[bigbottom]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick, as I've seen both Transsiberian and Redbelt in the past week. Enjoyed both a great deal. Up next is Mongol. I don't think she's in that one.Oh, I also caught Sukiyaki Western Django, an English-language Japanese spaghetti western. Don't waste your time. It's pretty horrible.

That bums me out about Django...it looked great from the previews.

Yeah, the trailer was awesome, but the flick was brutal.

Currently watching this. I wouldn't call it brutal, but it's not great. Wouldn't recommend it, except for someone who a) likes spaghetti westerns 2) likes samurai movies III) likes Takashi Miike's films and four) can stomach Tarantino guest starring and sporting a bad southern/cowboy accent followed by a bad Asian accent. But the action is good and the visuals are great. (3/5)

a) check.2) double check.III) This was my first Miike film.four) I was able to stomach this, but just barely.I think it's because I really enjoy both spaghetti westerns and samurai flicks that I didn't like this one. It was like Miike couldn't decide if he was paying tribute to the genres or parodying them. And I guess there was some artistic rationalization for having the actors speak English, but I found it terribly distracting. I'm fairly certain several of the actors were delivering every single one of their lines phonetically, with no understanding of what it was they were saying. The plot was convoluted, and the characters were underdeveloped (and what little character development existed was horribly trite - though that's not necessarily inconsistent with the genres). Some of the action scenes were cool, but again, it was like Miike couldn't make up his mind whether he was going for legitimate, though over the top, action (like Kill Bill), or if he was going for complete absurdity (along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle). I do agree that some of the visuals are spectacular and I certainly enjoyed the "feel" of the movie, but otherwise I was disappointed.

I concur. For a better Miike film, check out Audition or Ichi the Killer. If you want to sit there like this: watch Visitor Q.

Ah, I was wrong about Miike - I have seen Audition. And at the risk of losing your and jdog's respect, I have to say I wasn't really a fan. I know I'm in the minority on that one. I've heard great things about Ichi the Killer - it's on my list.

 

[bigbottom]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick

Dude, tell me you've seen Dear Frankie.

Not yet. I guess I need to.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I guess I'm on an Emily Mortimer kick

Dude, tell me you've seen Dear Frankie.

Not yet. I guess I need to.

I pimp Dear Frankie to everyone I know. When you read the description, you think, "Oh lord. This sounds awful." And frankly, if a lesser director and writer had made this movie, it would have been garbage. But Dear Frankie is sincere, decent, genuine, and just a beautiful movie. I loved it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Ah, I was wrong about Miike - I have seen Audition. And at the risk of losing your and jdog's respect, I have to say I wasn't really a fan. I know I'm in the minority on that one. I've heard great things about Ichi the Killer - it's on my list.

Audition is pretty repulsive, so I can see why some people wouldn't like it. To tell the truth, I will make an effort to never watch Audition again. Let's face it, the movie is just excruciating. But I think Audition and The Ring are two of the most original thrillers of the last 20 years.

 

[bigbottom]

Ah, I was wrong about Miike - I have seen Audition. And at the risk of losing your and jdog's respect, I have to say I wasn't really a fan. I know I'm in the minority on that one. I've heard great things about Ichi the Killer - it's on my list.

Audition is pretty repulsive, so I can see why some people wouldn't like it. To tell the truth, I will make an effort to never watch Audition again. Let's face it, the movie is just excruciating. But I think Audition and The Ring are two of the most original thrillers of the last 20 years.

I enjoyed The Ring as well. As for Audition, while I thought the violence at the end was completely gratuitous, that's not really why I didn't like it. I didn't care for it because I found the first 90 minutes of the film to be pretty darn boring.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Ah, I was wrong about Miike - I have seen Audition. And at the risk of losing your and jdog's respect, I have to say I wasn't really a fan. I know I'm in the minority on that one. I've heard great things about Ichi the Killer - it's on my list.

Audition is pretty repulsive, so I can see why some people wouldn't like it. To tell the truth, I will make an effort to never watch Audition again. Let's face it, the movie is just excruciating. But I think Audition and The Ring are two of the most original thrillers of the last 20 years.

I enjoyed The Ring as well. As for Audition, while I thought the violence at the end was completely gratuitous, that's not really why I didn't like it. I didn't care for it because I found the first 90 minutes of the film to be pretty darn boring.

I see the movie as a radical feminist message. So while the first 1/2 of the movie is slow, I liked it because the first 1/2 is outlining the moral theme of the story.

 

[Jutz]

Charlie Bartlett... it was awesome... watch it!

 

[bigbottom]

Ah, I was wrong about Miike - I have seen Audition. And at the risk of losing your and jdog's respect, I have to say I wasn't really a fan. I know I'm in the minority on that one. I've heard great things about Ichi the Killer - it's on my list.

Audition is pretty repulsive, so I can see why some people wouldn't like it. To tell the truth, I will make an effort to never watch Audition again. Let's face it, the movie is just excruciating. But I think Audition and The Ring are two of the most original thrillers of the last 20 years.

I enjoyed The Ring as well. As for Audition, while I thought the violence at the end was completely gratuitous, that's not really why I didn't like it. I didn't care for it because I found the first 90 minutes of the film to be pretty darn boring.

I see the movie as a radical feminist message. So while the first 1/2 of the movie is slow, I liked it because the first 1/2 is outlining the moral theme of the story.

Oh yeah, no doubt that is the theme. Miike isn't particularly subtle about it.

 

[hooter311]

Charlie Bartlett... it was awesome... watch it!

I enjoyed this a lot, think Ferris Bueller with prescription drugs!

 

[KarmaPolice]

Watched Tropic Thunder last night.

Most comedies lately follow the same trend for me - I think they are great for 1 hour and then get bored with them for the last 30min - 1hour. This one was no different. I thought it was great up until the point where Stiller got captured and the group stumbled on the camp where he was at (almost exactly the 1 hour mark - I checked). For the first part of it all the characters seemed new and funny and the cameos were good. By the 2nd or 3rd time seeing Tom Cruise's character I was done with him, as with McConaughey(sp?), and Jack Black. I would say that Downey Jr's character was as funny as expected and that really didn't get old to me, but the rest of the movie did. Would still recommend the rent, as I saw enough funny stuff throughout to justify telling others to watch it. I just wish a comedy movie could hold my interest and laughs for the whole time (maybe I'm just getting too old)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

 

[bigbottom]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

As I was reading your post, this is precisely what came to mind. This film sounds interesting (and I loved Crash).

 

[krista4]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

As I was reading your post, this is precisely what came to mind. This film sounds interesting (and I loved Crash).

I had this in my queue and just removed it the other day. The reviews all compare it to Crash, which I found too creepy. Sounds like it was a good idea to remove it.

 

[bigbottom]

Saw Mongol last night. It really wasn't what I was expecting. That said, it is a beautifully shot movie. I'm not familiar with the director, but he did some amazing things. I also thought the acting was quite good. I did get a bit tired of the now he's a prisoner, now he's escaped, now he's a prisoner, now he's escaped, now he's a prisoner again, but overall I really did enjoy the film.

 

[bigbottom]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

As I was reading your post, this is precisely what came to mind. This film sounds interesting (and I loved Crash).

I had this in my queue and just removed it the other day. The reviews all compare it to Crash, which I found too creepy. Sounds like it was a good idea to remove it.

What could possibly be creepy about a car crash fetish?

 

[saintfool]

Watched Tropic Thunder last night.

Most comedies lately follow the same trend for me - I think they are great for 1 hour and then get bored with them for the last 30min - 1hour. This one was no different. I thought it was great up until the point where Stiller got captured and the group stumbled on the camp where he was at (almost exactly the 1 hour mark - I checked). For the first part of it all the characters seemed new and funny and the cameos were good. By the 2nd or 3rd time seeing Tom Cruise's character I was done with him, as with McConaughey(sp?), and Jack Black. I would say that Downey Jr's character was as funny as expected and that really didn't get old to me, but the rest of the movie did. Would still recommend the rent, as I saw enough funny stuff throughout to justify telling others to watch it. I just wish a comedy movie could hold my interest and laughs for the whole time (maybe I'm just getting too old)

pretty much my take on it, although i thought i could have used more Jack Black for some reason. RDJr - far and away - was the best thing about the movie. I still find myself quoting/paraphrasing some of his lines.

 

[saintfool]

What could possibly be creepy about a car crash fetish?

creepy might not be the first word to come to mind...

 

[KarmaPolice]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

As I was reading your post, this is precisely what came to mind. This film sounds interesting (and I loved Crash).

I had this in my queue and just removed it the other day. The reviews all compare it to Crash, which I found too creepy. Sounds like it was a good idea to remove it.

IMO it's safe to put it back in the queue. Didn't think it was anywhere near as creepy as Crash. Just the closest thing that came to mind during a couple scenes.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

I haven't seen it. My beef with this movie is they borrowed a line from one of the most famous thrillers in movie history (Silence of the Lambs). Really? Seems like a poor choice to me.This would be akin to an Iron Man sequal where the producers decide to name it, "If It Bleeds We Can Kill It."

 

[krista4]

What could possibly be creepy about a car crash fetish?

creepy might not be the first word to come to mind...

over both posts.

 

[saintfool]

What could possibly be creepy about a car crash fetish?

creepy might not be the first word to come to mind...

over both posts.

curiously enough, i thought the bb's post was very tufnel-esque...

 

[KarmaPolice]

Haven't been able to sleep for #### lately, so watched an odd little movie at 3am this morning:

Quid Pro Quo

Basically about a man who does reports/stories for talk radio. He was paralyzed in an accident as a child and somebody tips him off to a group of people that are able-bodied but want to become paralyzed - going as far as trying to bribe doctors to make them so or taking drugs. As he follows up on that, he gets involved with a woman that is one of these people (?). Anyway, can't explain much more than that. Sad to say, but not sure if I liked it or not. It was different and I didn't shut if off or start fast forwarding like I've been known to do during movies lately. Could see the ending coming from a bit away too. For awhile it was reminding me of Cronenberg's Crash (but in the hands of a lesser director)

Maybe the best way to put it: good concept for a movie, but a tad obvious.

I haven't seen it. My beef with this movie is they borrowed a line from one of the most famous thrillers in movie history (Silence of the Lambs). Really? Seems like a poor choice to me.

Now you are getting too picky. Not like the phrase was original to SotL.

 

[jamny]

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Not really sure what to say about this movie. There was a brief point where I almost stopped watching it, but I'm glad I continued. Amazing cinematography. Great performances. The scene with his son at the beach really got to me. I just felt there wasn't a great connection with him before the incident to really feel compassion for him. Except for the shaving scene with his father we didn't really get a chance to connect with him.

That's really my only criticism as this is a very good movie and really brings up a lot of questions.

If that was me...just kill me.

 

[Bob Magaw]

added transiberian, equilibrium & blood in, blood out to queue...

hellboy II... if you liked the first one, you should like it... i heard peter jackson declined the hobbit, & del toro was signed...

casino royale - rewatched it before quanturm of solace (which i'll get to in a minute)... i had read some of the original fleming novels, but it has been a while... went back & have been devouring the complete series at the rate of about one every 2 days... the reason i'm mentioning this is casino royale is much more faithful to the spirit of the original novels (certainly since connery left)... the original novels were very dark (the torture scene came from the novel)...

imo, craig is the best bond since connery... the series had sort of become a bloated, indulgent charicature & parody of itself, and the one liners that moore handled with aplomb (& aren't really in the novels, that i can recall), had become tedious, sort of like going through the motions...

needless to say, i'm a fan of the reboot of the series... its darker, grittier, far more stripped down & back to basics...

in a few ways, it became almost the anti-modern bond (which had gotten further & further away from the original)...

no jetpacks or submarine cars (the props could be spectacular at times but at others, over the top & goofy)... no Q... few if any one-liners... no villains with cats (mike myers send up was so dead on that when i think of a villain with a cat, i almost think of dr. evil before blofeld now ) or metal jaws...

the foot chase near the beginning was maybe the most singularly spectacular scene in the entire bond iconography... i've been starting to hate car chase scenes for a while (probably been played out since about when william peterson went against freeway traffic ((with some amazing long shots of onrushing traffic)) in billy friedkin's to live & die in LA, a few decades ago...

that said, i was not as big a fan of QOS... maybe it is the new director (because monster's ball is so much like a bond movie, it is easy to see why they naturally gravitated to each other?)...

without any overt spoilers (obviously )...

i liked the bourne movies, but this quick cutting is beginning to become seizure-inducing for the audience...

wimpy villain... minimal chemistry or even interaction with bond girl...

instead of extorting the west for a bazillion $$$, the caper involves... water in a south american country... OOOOOOHHH! real edge of the seat, white knuckler premise...

not, imo, a good story, plot, dialogue... not the worst bond movie, but far from the best... & i found it a disappointment after the promise held by the arc & trajectory of the immediately preceding casino royale reboot (incidentally, it is the first "sequel" proper, taking place about an hour after where casino royale left off)...

hope they get a different director/writer for next two craig has reportedly signed on for (but maybe not, since it is killing at the box office)...

* bond trivia... what was the only bond movie done twice (not counting the two casino royales, as i don't count the first one, a comedy)...

 

[QUEZILLA]

Watched a few movies this weekend for the first time in a while. Thanks to the new Xbox Experience.

Iron Man - 9/10 - Much more entertaining then most of the super hero movies I have seen.

Who the $%&@ is Jackson Pollack - 8/10 - Pretty interesting documentary about a red neck woman who buys a Jackson Pollack painting at a garage sale for $5. It's not signed so they document how she proves it's real through forensic science. One of his finger prints is on the back.

Super High Me - 5/10 - Basically Super Size Me, but about a comedian who quits weed for a month, and then smokes all day for a month. Interesting, but the comedian is annoying because he basically makes a living off of typical weed stereotypes. I get annoyed by people that make such a big deal about smoking. Plus, I question his scientific method. I think he purposely skewed many of the test. This guy gives stoner's a bad name.

American Pimp - 7.5/10 - Documentary on pimps. Interesting, and funny. An educational flick on the terminology, and profession of pimpology.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Who the $%&@ is Jackson Pollack - 8/10 - Pretty interesting documentary about a red neck woman who buys a Jackson Pollack painting at a garage sale for $5. It's not signed so they document how she proves it's real through forensic science. One of his finger prints is on the back.

Really liked this movie too. didn't she turn down a couple hundred grand b/c it might be worth millions? There were a lot of snobby people in this movie for sure - basically all the 'experts' dismissing her solely because if there was another Pollack out there 'they' would've known about it. Hard not to like the main woman in this movie.

 

[KarmaPolice]

American Pimp - 7.5/10 - Documentary on pimps. Interesting, and funny. An educational flick on the terminology, and profession of pimpology.

That should've been my major in college. I's got my PHD in pimpology, #####.

 

[saintfool]

watched "art school confidential" over the weekend. awful. maybe it is funny to art school folks with a slew of "inside" jokes? to me, however, i found it terribly obvious and unfunny. a big waste of talent from terry zwigoff of "Crumb" fame.

 

[QUEZILLA]

American Pimp - 7.5/10 - Documentary on pimps. Interesting, and funny. An educational flick on the terminology, and profession of pimpology.

That should've been my major in college. I's got my PHD in pimpology, #####.

Not sure if your white or black, but according to the pimps in the movie there is no such thing as a white pimp.

 

[guru_007]

The Orphanage

Pretty well done suspense movie by Del Toro. Had a number of moments that were quite tense, and a few shockers in there that kept you on your toes for most of the movie. One bit that fell a bit short, imo, was the scene where the medium comes into the house and goes into her trance, I think that they could have done that part a bit better, but all in all it was a pretty decent movie. My wife called it the Spanish version of "The Others" and we both agreed it was done quite a bit better than that movie. If you like those kind of movies, you'll enjoy this one. Rank it a 3.0/5.0.

 

[krista4]

The Edge of Heaven: Kind of a three-part movie. The first follows a Turkish father and son living in Germany, where the father accidentally kills a prostiture. The second portion follows the dead woman's daughter, living illegally in Germany after fleeing Turkey because of political activities. The third section brings the stories together. I loved the first portion, liked the third quite a lot, and didn't enjoy the second much. This movie, however, is shot absolutely spectacularly--there were times that were just breathtaking. And the underlying themes of connections between people, feeling like an outsider, and familial connections are very well done. I wanted to like this movie (best screenplay at Cannes in 2007) better than 4/5, but that middle section was too draggy.

Slumdog Millionaire: In theatres, not on video, but I'm hoping to save someone else from making the same mistake I did. Maybe it was the 92 rating on Rotten Tomatoes, or the fact that Time called it "what movies should be", or the fascination of combining Bollywood with Danny Boyle, but I really didn't enjoy this movie. It was so trite, so saccharine, ugh. I'll give it 2/5 just because the child actors are amazing, and the penultimate scene with the protagonist's brother is very well done.

 

[saintfool]

Slumdog Millionaire: In theatres, not on video, but I'm hoping to save someone else from making the same mistake I did. Maybe it was the 92 rating on Rotten Tomatoes, or the fact that Time called it "what movies should be", or the fascination of combining Bollywood with Danny Boyle, but I really didn't enjoy this movie. It was so trite, so saccharine, ugh. I'll give it 2/5 just because the child actors are amazing, and the penultimate scene with the protagonist's brother is very well done.

i am really wary of his recent work. "sunshine" was pretty disappointing, for example. i couldn't bring myself to watch "millions" as it looked like a kid's movie. some of his other films - "a life less ordinary" and "the beach" - are also missteps. so that leaves his body of work as wildly uneven with those misses but really pretty strong films like "shallow grave", "trainspotting" and "28 days later". i was cautiously optimistic about "slumdog" but, now, not so much...

 

[KarmaPolice]

American Pimp - 7.5/10 - Documentary on pimps. Interesting, and funny. An educational flick on the terminology, and profession of pimpology.

That should've been my major in college. I's got my PHD in pimpology, #####.

Not sure if your white or black, but according to the pimps in the movie there is no such thing as a white pimp.