Miscellaneous Movie Musings [Archive] - Page 10

lindyhop

08-12-2007, 07:49 PM

I just got around to watching my DVD of Peter Pan and I'm pretty sure I've never seen the whole thing before.

Shocking, I know. I saw the Mary Martin version on TV a lot when I was a kid but this version, no. There were little bits that were familiar but I know that would be from other sources. Now I'm looking at the unopened Bambi DVD and thinking that I've never seen that all the way through either.

But my first doll was a Peter Pan doll. And our cat was named Tiger Lily (but we never called her anything but Kitty). This was all around the time the movie was released. If I saw it then I was much too young to remember.

cirquelover

08-12-2007, 10:40 PM

Undertaking Betty came to me via Netflix. Wacky undertaking fun with Brenda Blethyn, Alfred Molina, Naomi Watts and Christopher Walkin. Silly and fun, loved it.

I caught this on tv the other night and I thought it was zanily amusing. My husband tuned in for a few minutes, rolled his eyes and went back the laptop but I found it to be unexpected gem.

CoasterMatt

08-12-2007, 11:23 PM

I think Flesh Gordon would be a good one to watch with Forbidden Zone

innerSpaceman

08-17-2007, 08:29 AM

Continuing my Ryan Gosling obsession, I watched Fractured last night. Meh movie. But he's riveting, and manages to bring a trite character arc to interesting levels. Anthony Hopkins, on the other hand, was phoning it in with a Hannibal Lector lite immitation. And the story was, in the end (especially in the end), kinda stupid.

The movie bombed, and deservedly so. So I hope Gosling can get past that and keep getting interesting parts. He's terrific and I can't get enough of him.

Alex

08-17-2007, 09:10 AM

I can't remember, did you ever watch The Believer?

innerSpaceman

08-17-2007, 10:45 AM

Yes. What a terrific movie. Gosling was superb.

The plot would have been completely unbelievable ... had it not been based on a true story!

Gemini Cricket

08-17-2007, 11:01 AM

Last night I saw two of the best performances I have seen in a long time. My Judi and Cate Blanchett in Notes on a Scandal.
Wow.
This movie was wonderful.
Judi Dench was amazing in this. She played that character with the right amounts of anger and loneliness. She could have made the character just a madwoman but instead portrayed her as being smart, flawed, lonely, depressed, angry and likeable all at the same time. Wonderful.
And Cate Blanchett is just amazing to watch. So very pretty with them big sad eyes.
Bill Nighy is terrific. Everytime I see him I love him.
I bought this film when it was first released to DVD and hadn't opened it. I watched it last night after revisiting Ladies in Lavender. Judi plays 2 completely different characters. So amazing.
See it if you haven't.

"We are bound by the secrets we share."

LSPoorEeyorick

08-17-2007, 11:03 AM

Funny you should mention that-- I just said (on the board where I moderate) that among a dearth of potential icons, Gosling and his lady-partner McAdams could blow the lid off this town.

LSPoorEeyorick

08-17-2007, 11:04 AM

Last night I saw two of the best performances I have seen in a long time. My Judi and Cate Blanchett in Notes on a Scandal.
Wow.
This movie was wonderful.

Oh, my! I forget that sometimes those who often share your opinion (like GC often does mine) can disagree sometimes. Notes was definitely not a fave.

Ghoulish Delight

08-17-2007, 11:12 AM

Not recognizing Ms. McAdams' name, I dutifully went to imdb (I've seen a couple of her films and remember one of the characters well enough to say that I liked her). The first thing listed...Time Traveler's Wife, slated for a 2008 release!

innerSpaceman

08-17-2007, 11:25 AM

I LOVED Notes on a Scandal ... and prodded GC to watch it when I learned last week he'd had it unopened for months. Gak. It's Dame Judy's absolute best performance, imho.

Who's this McAdams women (who already gets points merely for being attached to the lushiousness that is Ryan Gosling)?

Ghoulish Delight

08-17-2007, 11:26 AM

She hasn't done a ton, but she was the chick in Wedding Crashers (a surprisingly good movie).

innerSpaceman

08-17-2007, 11:27 AM

Oh, I liked her in that. And I was surprised at how The Wedding Crashers didn't absolutely suck.

Gemini Cricket

08-17-2007, 11:48 AM

I'm a big fan of Rachel McAdams. I liked her a lot in Mean Girls. I also like Gosling in Half Nelson. But as I mentioned before somewhere in this thread that the Gosling and McAdams pairing in The Notebook did nothing for me. I like them both but despise that film. Blechk!

LSPoorEeyorick

08-17-2007, 11:48 AM

She was also great in the otherwise-not-terrific "The Family Stone," as well as the I-admit-I-sobbed-in "The Notebook." Also "Mean Girls."

Gemini Cricket

08-17-2007, 11:53 AM

Oh, I liked her in that. And I was surprised at how The Wedding Crashers didn't absolutely suck.
I liked it. It was funny.
I saw Wedding Crashers because I have a crush on Owen Wilson. However, in that film my crush turned to Bradley Cooper. Wow, what a cutie. :)

innerSpaceman

08-17-2007, 12:27 PM

And I only saw The Notebook because I have a crush on Ryan Gosling (or, wait, wasn't that the totally worthless movie that started my crush on Ryan Gosling??)

Who was McAdams in The Family Stone? I liked that movie. But if she was the unfortunate girl stuck with the one "straight" role, she was completely overlooked by me in the menagerie of comic performances.

Alex

08-17-2007, 01:23 PM

She was the younger sister of Sara Jessica Parker's fiance.

The "of course you do" in this exchange:

Meredith Morton (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000572/): I don't care whether you like me or not!
Amy Stone (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/): Of course you do.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

08-17-2007, 01:24 PM

Rachel McAdams is hotter than hot!

Thought I'd share.. :cool:

AllyOops!

08-17-2007, 03:06 PM

Rachel McAdams is total awesomeness! I absolutely ♥ her to pieces! She is by far one of my favorite actresses.

I'm surprised that nobody here mentioned The Hot Chick (actually, no I'm not. I think I'm the only one here who considers those kinds of movies total entertainment. I'm well aware of my odd duck status on the Board :p). Regardless, I love that movie and I loved her in it. She was a total supreme bitch goddess, but with a sweet twist. In fact, I just watched The Hot Chick last night for the trillionth time. I love that movie!!

She also rocked in Red Eye with Cillian Murphy. I loved that movie!!

And The Notebook? I LOVED that movie. I loved the book & the movie just as much. It's one of my top faves. The deleted sex scene on the DVD is worth, like, a gazillion viewings. It's practically porn. :snap: :blush:

Gemini Cricket

08-17-2007, 03:07 PM

The Hot Chick, Ally?
The Hot Chick?!
I may have to subtract princess points from you, Missy.

:D

AllyOops!

08-17-2007, 03:12 PM

The Hot Chick, Ally?
The Hot Chick?!
I may have to subtract princess points from you, Missy.

:D

And with that, my heart hurts just a little bit. Ouchie. :(

;) :D

I also loved White Chicks. Friday (which I can completely quote at length). House Party 1 & 3. And Dumb & Dumber is my most favorite one of all. :D :snap:

Ghoulish Delight

08-17-2007, 03:36 PM

Gemini Cricket

08-17-2007, 04:48 PM

Friday is a brilliantly funny movie. Next Friday, definitely suffered from sequelitus, but was still entertaining. Didn't follow through and see Friday After Next, though.

I'll leave my comments at that. :p
I like Friday, too.
Friday, without a doubt, has one of the funniest moments ever. At least for me.

Jehovah's Witness: Are you prepared for Jehovah's return? 'Cause if you're not, we've got a pam...
[Craig slams the door in their faces]
Jehovah's Witness: Well fu ck you. Half-dead motherfu cker. Come on, sister!

LaWanda Page rocks. Man, I laughed so hard in the theatre and ever freakin' time I see it.
In fact, it's my favorite insult on the freeway when someone ticks me off. "Half dead motherfu cker!"

lol! :D

Love it love it.

katiesue

08-17-2007, 07:06 PM

Ally - I liked Hot Chick and the Notebook. You are not alone.

CoasterMatt

08-17-2007, 07:30 PM

Dumb and Dumber still makes me soil myself with giggliness.

Strangler Lewis

08-18-2007, 07:37 PM

MouseWife

08-18-2007, 08:02 PM

What is this about High Schol Musical 2? And last night? My sis made a big deal out of it {granted, we were 'talking' via emails} and they saw it last night. And now you. LOL {Okay, that isn't the whole world but....} I'm just curious.

I watched a movie that a friend loaned to me. Either 'The Tenant' or 'Tenant'. Roman Polanski? It was an interesting psychological thriller.

Anyone see this? An older movie. I was discussing it with the person who loaned it to me and there are no real answers....interesting....

wendybeth

08-18-2007, 08:32 PM

I didn't see the first one, and I only saw the last half hour of the sequel last night, and, granted, I was drunk, though I'm not sure which way that cuts, but . . . I thought High School Musical 2 was, oh, subpar.

Zac, Zac, Zac, what were you thinking?

I think the only logical way to view this 'movie' is on acid. Or shrooms. Drunk is not enough, unless you're talking 'Barfly' drunk.

Yeah, the Kid made us watch it last night. I was sober, unfortunately.

innerSpaceman

08-18-2007, 10:16 PM

HSM 2 is getting practically the best reviews of any movie this year. I almost want to see it for myself.

Zac was pretty good in Hairspray, though I don't get what all the teen-tizzyhood is about. But, um, he's totally, like, hot in a spread in Rolling Stone this month.

Not Afraid

08-18-2007, 10:54 PM

I watched a movie that a friend loaned to me. Either 'The Tenant' or 'Tenant'. Roman Polanski? It was an interesting psychological thriller.

Anyone see this? An older movie. I was discussing it with the person who loaned it to me and there are no real answers....interesting....

I had to look this one up on IMDB. I don't believe I have seen it. While perusing IMBD, I learned that this film - along with Repulsion and Rosemary's baby - is meant to be loose trilogy about the horrors faced by apartment/city dwellers. I never knew that.

Those 3 films would make one great movie night!

MouseWife

08-18-2007, 11:52 PM

I had to look this one up on IMDB. I don't believe I have seen it. While perusing IMBD, I learned that this film - along with Repulsion and Rosemary's baby - is meant to be loose trilogy about the horrors faced by apartment/city dwellers. I never knew that.

Those 3 films would make one great movie night!

Ooo! You are so computer efficient!! I didn't think of that. I haven't seen 'Repulsion' but you mention 'Rosemary's Baby' and yikes, yes, I do see the connection of the horrors faced by apartment/city dwellers. I didn't know that. I thought Rosemary's Baby was purely about Satan worship.

It is pretty good. And, so ironic that you respond because the woman in the movie {um, the redhead, and that's all I will say....and not anything about the theater scene, either....} in the movie reminds me of you. I told the guy who loaned it to me and he said 'Introduce me!!'

{thanks for posting about that, btw, I was constantly thinking about the apartment situation as well as the city dwellers....interesting that this was the objective of the director/writer}

The Zac Rolling Stone thing. 2 young girls came through my line. He was on the cover of their bopper magazine. I said 'Oh, is this the guy from the Rolling Stone magazine?' and I didn't realize right off that they weren't kidding when they said 'Oh, sorry, that was shocking, wasn't it?' and I said 'Yeah!! It was ah, a, ah, yeah, I was surprised to see him like that' and they were like 'Yeah, sort of gross'. LOL I realized they were too young to get it. I changed my tune when I did so.

mousepod

08-19-2007, 07:00 AM

innerSpaceman

08-19-2007, 07:21 AM

I love Pirates. One of his best, though I can clearly see why some don't get it.

Teenyboppers grossed out by Zac Efron's hotness?! HaHaHaHaHaHa!! :D

flippyshark

08-19-2007, 09:58 AM

I'll have to give Pirates another shot someday, if I can find it. I just adore The Fearless Vampire Killers (aka Dance of the Vampires), and all three of the apartment horrors listed above. And when in the heck will his bloody and disturbing movie of The Scottish Play get a decent release? (I have a crappy old pan n' scan from 20 years ago.)

Strangler Lewis

08-19-2007, 11:25 AM

And when in the heck will his bloody and disturbing movie of The Scottish Play get a decent release?

You mean, Mac . . . AAAUGGHHHH!

Actually, I don't recall it being particularly bloody and disturbing. At the time I thought it a straightforward telling of a play that is bloody and disturbing, which, perhaps, one occasionally forgets while reading it.

mousepod

08-19-2007, 11:37 AM

http://deepdiscount-content.vcommerce.com/products/281/5742281/main-205.jpg

It's on DVD (and it's widescreen):
The cheapest place to get it now is deepdiscount for $22.42 (http://www.deepdiscount.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=5742281#) inc. shipping.

xharryb

08-19-2007, 07:19 PM

HSM 2 is getting practically the best reviews of any movie this year. I almost want to see it for myself.

Perhaps because the target audience has ****e for taste. I gave the first one a shot when it was new. I like musicals, and I work with teens. Plus the director has some solid credentials as a choreographer (most notably Dirty Dancing). So I went in wanting to like it.... I hated it. All the over hyping was an even bigger turn off. I refuse to watch the second one, especially since even the few adults I know who liked the first say the second is a lame retread.

innerSpaceman

08-19-2007, 11:49 PM

Hmmm, now I'd like to find out which it is .... but in order to determine whether HSM2 is a retead, I'd have to watch both of them.

And, uh, that's not something I'm willing to do.

wendybeth

08-20-2007, 12:53 AM

Even Tori didn't seemed overly impressed with it.

katiesue

08-20-2007, 08:55 AM

Maddy was out on Friday night so we DVR'd it - she started watching it Saturday but then we ran out to do some errands and she hasn't finished it yet. Not that she didn't have time just wasn't interested in watching the rest.

AllyOops!

08-20-2007, 09:01 AM

Friday is the bomb. Now I'm thinking of all my favorite parts!

"Smokey, why you go bangin' on the door like you the poe-lice?"
(everytime somebody knocks too hard, I spout that line.)

I just bought The Hot Chick on DVD this weekend. At $7.99 at Best Buy, that's a steal. I got Encino Man for that price, too.

And yeah, I LOVE PAULIE SHORE MOVIES. I can quote both Son-In-Law & Encino Man at length.

And High School Musical 1 & 2? I'm dying to see both. I caught bits of the first one the other night on the Disney channel. My poor boyfriend walked in the room and was like, "WTF?" I think Ashley Tisdale is darling & Zac Efron is smokin'!! (Although, I have to admit, I saw a clip from HSM 2 on The Soup this weekend of baseball players leaping to each base and spinning and skipping while twirling their bats. I was dying! Mostly because my boyfriend, a total sports fanatic, turned ghostly at the sight.) :D

My girlfriend Leigh, the other night, after we saw Hairspray, was like, "if I was 17 again I'd be so in love with Zac Efron!" I was like, "17 again? I'm 34 & I'm still lusting. He's legal."

So let me all beat you to the punch- apparently my taste is in my mouth, I'm a huge fan of craptacular movies, and I'm a predator of teenage boys. But I'm honest. :D :p

MouseWife

08-20-2007, 11:03 AM

'Friday' is one of the most funny movies I've ever seen!!

{what is difficult is trying not to show the kids that we 'get' a lot of the funny stuff....and, yes, we have watched this with the little one, too}

The two sequels were good but the first one was best.

The other movies you posted, dang, funny!! I love 'Encino Man' {love Brendan Frasier, I think he has a new movie out but I only knew this by walking around Blockbuster?!!!}.

Ah, le lust. :cool:

Yeah. I get that. My friend told me it isn't that we are naughty women, we just know their potential.

{or is that, in fact, naughty?:blush: }

Now that I've watched a few movies, I need to read a book. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. I think the other one I want to read/buy is 'Aria'. {okay,I am derailing...I'm so outta here!}

AllyOops!

08-20-2007, 11:45 AM

"Every time I come in the kitchen, you in the kitchen. In the ***damn refrigerator, eatin' up all the food. All the chicken. All the pig feet. All the collard greens. All the hog maw. I wanna eat some of them chitlins! I like pig feet!"

I love that line!! Hog maw?? That's the best name for a dish EVER. And in it's original Pennsylvanian German language it's even better. It's like, smegma or something. Wait..I gotta find out..

Oops. I'ts "Seimaaga". Hog maw, smegma, seimaaga. It's all foul ass to me.

Did anybody here see I'm Gonna Git You Sucka? The Chris Rock "gimmee some ribs!" scene slays me. In fact, I didn't even realize that was Chris Rock until catching it on cable a few years ago. Chris Rock slays me, too.

I found one of the best rib scene quotes on IMDb!
Rib Joint Customer: Ya got any soda?
Hammer: One dollar.
Rib Joint Customer: Aw, c'mon, now! Look out for a brother, man, c'mon, yeah. Check this out: why don't you let me get a sip for fifteen cents?
Hammer: My cups cost more than fifteen cents!
Rib Joint Customer: All right, f uck the cup. Pour it in my hand for a dime.

Oh, and it's not naughty, MouseWife! It's all about knowing the potential, as you say. :D My face may look older (which reminds me, I'm lusting for botox) but my hormones haven't aged a bit! If anything, they just keep going backwards giving me the drive of a teenage boy. This is why Zac & I are perfect for one another in some place in time (and maybe that place is on Mars, but it's still somewhere). Because, we're both teenage boys (me in hormonal spirit, he in, um, actuality.)

Welcome to what my friends call "Shelly logic". (my proper first name is Michelle). :D

Snowflake

08-20-2007, 11:56 AM

The Loved One, a great guilty pleasure.

Babette

08-20-2007, 12:04 PM

I saw Underdog. Yawn!

Ponine

08-20-2007, 12:15 PM

I saw Without Love this weekend.
What a nostalgic and lovely little romp that was. :)

innerSpaceman

08-20-2007, 12:16 PM

When Babette was relaying her underwhelming review of Underdog to us last night, as we staggered home from Goth Day, I was remarking how Hollywood won't rest until every last movie, sitcom and Saturday morning cartoon from my youth has be re-made or otherwise mined for profit.

I mentioned that a live-action version of Johnny Quest is now in the making (a cult cartoon beloved by me as a tike, that I was shocked to learn ran only ONE season).

But I forgot to mention that Roland Emerrich (of Godzilla infamy) is remaking Fantastic Voyage, the Raquel Welch starrer from the 60's that perhaps sparked the entire Inner Space vogue fantasy of shrinking to microscopic size.

Strangler Lewis

08-20-2007, 12:24 PM

Hollywood won't rest until every last movie, sitcom and Saturday morning cartoon from my youth has be re-made or otherwise mined for profit.

I'm thinking full length F Troop, except we set it in Iraq, kind of Three Kings, except funnier, and we bring back the Spike Jonze character . . .

How about an all-black Bowery Boyz?

AllyOops!

08-20-2007, 12:53 PM

And, you know, some of them really work & are awesome (i.e. The Brady Bunch movies) and others just suck. Mind you, my taste in movies is often questioned here and well, anywhere else people populate, but still.

I'm surprised Gilligan's Island (one of my childhood favorites) hasn't been greenlit, complete with sh*tty miscastings & insulting script reworkings. Or, maybe they just saved Hollywood that masterful fete by giving us the original cast sans Ginger Grant trapped on the island with the Harlem Globetrotters. Who greenlit that trite sh*t?

I bet if I watched it now, I'd probably love it. In fact, I know I would. Read my other posts complete with movies I celebrate and you'll agree, too.

If they can find somebody to fill Grape Ape's feet or be willing to take on Captain Caveman, we'll be in for that treat. These were all childhood faves. However, I'm all for The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop being remade. She was awesome!

Snowflake

08-20-2007, 01:21 PM

I'm still PO'd there is still talk of remaking The Women. Pathetic, how can you mess with perfection?

innerSpaceman

08-20-2007, 02:46 PM

I've never seen The Women. :eek:

Where do I go to surrender my Gay Card?

Gemini Cricket

08-20-2007, 02:49 PM

I've never seen The Women. :eek:

Double U Tee Eff?!

:eek:

AllyOops!

08-20-2007, 02:58 PM

You need to surrender it at the same place I need to go register for mine. I have not only not seen The Women, I had never heard of it.

Upon doing some googling, it sounds like a movie that would be right up my alley, er.."Ally". ;)

I can see the worries of remaking it, considering that if today's remakes are any cue, it will be handled with a total lack of class, made into a vulgar comedy, and will star Lindsay Lohan as one of the women. By some sort of unwritten but well-known secret clause, Claire Danes & Diane Keaton will be foreced to fill in the other voids, as they do in any other female bonding film these days. Why do I know this? I've seen them ALL. However, I'm pretty sure Paris or Britney are available. As is the entire cast of Coyote Ugly (except maybe Bridget Moynahan. Or Tyra).

:( ;) :p

Gemini Cricket

08-20-2007, 02:59 PM

Minus princess points for InnerSpaceman.
Minus princess points for AllyOops!
:D

Sounds like I need to have a screening of 'The Women' at my house... or at Chernabog's.
:)

AllyOops!

08-20-2007, 03:13 PM

Hahaha! I'm really running out of princess points! I'm powering down!! First The Hot Chick, then The Women!

How can I gain any points back? Your'e a tough crowd!

I own Dr. Strangelove on DVD and have seen it many times. Awesome! A Clockwork Orange, however, is my least favorite movie on the planet. Too visually disturbing, even now. Malcolm McDowell, however? Yummy, villainous stuff.

Oh, golly, what else? I own Casablanca....but, um, I've never seen it or watched it. :(

Or, as my Dad says sarcastically & with much disappointment as I tell him of never having seen Casablanca, "I'm sure you can name all the members of N*SYNC, though". And with eyes totally rolling. :rolleyes: <-- (AllyOops!'s Dad, if he were yellow with a Beatle wig sans mustache.)

"No, Dad. I (Justin, Lance, Chris, Joey & JC) cannot." :p

And with that, the "princess" was laid to rest for all eternity. :( ;)

Ponine

08-20-2007, 03:46 PM

You need to surrender it at the same place I need to go register for mine. I have not only not seen The Women, I had never heard of it.

Upon doing some googling, it sounds like a movie that would be right up my alley, er.."Ally". ;)

Ally,
if you have access, please watch it.

It would mean soemthing totally different to you than you expect.
Its funny to be watching the older ideas of propriety and such and have a cat fight.
I never found it all that funny, and I know many do.
But its a lovely film. There are some fab gowns and coats, and all sorts of things...

Snowflake

08-20-2007, 04:02 PM

I've never seen The Women. :eek:

Where do I go to surrender my Gay Card?

You have got to be kidding? :eek: :eek:

INDOCTRINATION NOW, GC!

Snowflake

08-20-2007, 04:03 PM

Minus princess points for InnerSpaceman.
Minus princess points for AllyOops!
:D

Sounds like I need to have a screening of 'The Women' at my house... or at Chernabog's.
:)

Wait til I'm in town! I have not seen it this month!

katiesue

08-20-2007, 04:37 PM

I've never seen the Women either. Hmm guess I need to hit blockbuster on the way home.

MouseWife

08-20-2007, 04:57 PM

I've never seen the Women either. Hmm guess I need to hit blockbuster on the way home.

Ditto.

And I need to write down the titles of movies that I catch a glimpse of but missed the beginning, the end, or both.

A movie that looked great~ Judy Dench {oh, I just Googled it, wahoo!!}:

'Ladies' In Lavender'. 2004

Tagline:The story of two sisters who saved a stranger, and the stranger who stole their hearts.

Plot Outline:Two sisters befriend a mysterious foreigner who washes up on the beach of their 1930's Cornish seaside village.

What little I saw I fell in love with. If anyone sees this, their house is where I'd love to live. And die. {well, naturally, not like a horror flick, okay?}

CoasterMatt

08-20-2007, 08:38 PM

wow... even I've seen The Women.

Gemini Cricket

08-20-2007, 08:41 PM

Ditto.

And I need to write down the titles of movies that I catch a glimpse of but missed the beginning, the end, or both.

A movie that looked great~ Judy Dench {oh, I just Googled it, wahoo!!}:

'Ladies' In Lavender'. 2004

Tagline:The story of two sisters who saved a stranger, and the stranger who stole their hearts.

Plot Outline:Two sisters befriend a mysterious foreigner who washes up on the beach of their 1930's Cornish seaside village.

What little I saw I fell in love with. If anyone sees this, their house is where I'd love to live. And die. {well, naturally, not like a horror flick, okay?}
Ladies in Lavender. It's not a perfect film, but it is wonderful. It's like spending a little time with two wonderful ladies.
I wish I was that boy. :)
I also wish I was the girl who gets him. :D

MouseWife

08-20-2007, 08:56 PM

Ladies in Lavender. It's not a perfect film, but it is wonderful. It's like spending a little time with two wonderful ladies.
I wish I was that boy. :)
I also wish I was the girl who gets him. :D

He was good looking, wasn't he? The woman who gets him, is it the lady they show painting? I didn't get to watch any further than that but I did see, in one scene, a lady painting.

I think it was wonderful, too. I looked ideal.

I thought of myself and my sisters {any of them} when we are old. Damn, I wish we got along that well.

I always think of getting old. Once two sisters and I were cruising up to L.A. in my old Buick, singing and laughing, all of us in the front seat. Then, we look over, and there, in this old Fairmont {?) are three old women, all in the front seat of their car, singing and laughing. What a trip, what a look in to the future.

mousepod

08-20-2007, 10:28 PM

I saw The Women at Theater 80 St. Marks in the NYC. It was a great little revival house that has since been turned back to a live theater space - much better than condos. It's a great experience to see it with a catty gay crowd - kinda like the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Like RHPS, you could easily watch it on your own on DVD - but you'd be missing out.

Speaking of watching something on your own - I just viewed David Lynch's Inland Empire. Would anyone care to discuss/dissect it with me?

xharryb

08-21-2007, 03:28 AM

I've never seen the film version of The Women, but I have seen a live stage production. Does that count for anything?

innerSpaceman

08-21-2007, 08:27 AM

That all depends.

Do you like the kock? If so, I think the movie version is de rigeur.

Gn2Dlnd

08-21-2007, 03:18 PM

Minus princess points for InnerSpaceman.
Minus princess points for AllyOops!
:D

Sounds like I need to have a screening of 'The Women' at my house... or at Chernabog's.
:)

As a representative of the Chernabog household, I'm calling a The Women view on the biggievision teevee, pick a Friday or Saturday night in the near future.

innerSpaceman

08-21-2007, 03:40 PM

Do thincrisps come in popcorn flavor??

Gemini Cricket

08-21-2007, 03:54 PM

I think he should make Jungle Red thin crisps.
;)

Gn2Dlnd

08-21-2007, 05:01 PM

How about Jungle Red Pepper Garlic Cheddar? Or Summer Rain Parmesan Sage?

And they'll help you keep your Adonis figure!

Not Afraid

08-21-2007, 07:38 PM

I'm soooo up for this!

September 1st, 8th or 15th?

Snowflake

08-21-2007, 08:00 PM

15th!

flippyshark

08-22-2007, 06:59 AM

Now, this doesn't sound very enchanting to me at all:

Scary new OZ movie (http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Entertainment/2007/08/22/new_oz_movie_in_the_works/4909/)

Disney's Return To Oz tanked already, in large part due to its grim and depressing tone. (I kind of like it in spite of this, though it isn't aging all that well for me.) Even The Wiz, on film, ended up as a heavy-handed downer. Now, this McFarlane take on Oz? I give it a pre-emptory Bah. Between that and, I presume, the eventual movie of Wicked, a generation is going to think of Oz as a conflicted, neurotic place. Where's the whimsy and fun?!

(p.s. - Yes, I do like Wicked on stage, but I worry that a movie of it is likely to suffer from similar "Oz is a bad place" vibes. Can we get Baum's good hearted, place you don't want to leave Oz someday?)

Prudence

08-22-2007, 07:07 AM

Jiminy Christmas a Ripley-like Dorothy? There already ARE Oz sequels. Quite a few. Written by Baum. Why not try to do those properly? (And by "properly" I mean "not like Return to Oz", although that was closer than most.)

Cadaverous Pallor

08-22-2007, 09:16 AM

Things seem to be skewing towards "gritty" and away from "enchanting" these days. That Narnia movie certainly went that way. Though I did enjoy it's LotR-ness, it was pretty obvious they made some style choices.

I don't know why they just can't make up something new and not have to put the name Oz on it.

AllyOops!

08-22-2007, 09:45 AM

Aww! A Women party! Because I was one of those singled out, does this mean I'm invited? Or can I just roll on up and get a to-go bag of Thin Krisps? Pretty please? ;)

I briefly saw the word "Oz" and thought this was a Frank Oz/Jim Henson convo. Oops. My bad. But I will say this- did anybody else love Labyrinth like I did when I was a kid? Boy, I remember seeing David Bowie in all of his wizardly & goblin-y glory and just totally crushing on him. I may have been a little girl, but I thought he was certainly yummy. I think he was the kick-starter to my long fascination and obsession with boys in make-up. Adam Ant, we love thee.

I never did see The Dark Crystal, and I heard that that was way better.

As for Wicked, I have yet to hear anybody say that they disliked it. It must be awesome! I love plays, and I wouldn't mind seeing it, but I'm going to be completely honest, those commercials on TV promoting Wicked irk the living sh*t out of me. So much shrieking. Ugh. Still, I bet I'd love it! Especially the music (sans shrieking, of course) ;)

Boy, talk about a convoluted post. I think I need to just stop. ;)

Gemini Cricket

08-22-2007, 10:00 AM

Here's my innerSpaceman-style answer to that question:

It's not going to be at my place, but yes! Everyone is invited!
:D

I think Ally should definitely be there.
I also think we all should show up wearing red. Jungle red.
:)

MouseWife

08-22-2007, 10:04 AM

I loved the 'Labyrinth'!! That is a movie the whole family loved. I think we own it on VHS but not DVD, yet.

And, 'Return to Oz', that is another favorite around here.

Okay, GC, what is up with the red? Jungle red?

Ghoulish Delight

08-22-2007, 10:07 AM

Both Labyrinth and Dark Crystal are awesome movies. And that's not even a child's filter talking as I never saw either until I was in my 20s.

innerSpaceman

08-22-2007, 10:43 AM

Ok, I didn't like Wicked. There, I said it.

I enjoyed the production. I dig some of the songs and performances. I love the costumes.

The 2nd act purely sucked. And, boring as the book was, the play simply skipped the most interesting parts.

Also, unlike the book, the play reimagines the Wicked Witch of the West as a poor, misunderstood heroine - thus positing a complete alternate to the Baum creation (and beloved MGM version) ... and making no attempt to have the audience comprehend how charming Elphaba could, in fact, become the Wicked Witch of the West.

To me, this was an unforgivable cop-out. And because the 2nd act was so lackluster, I give Wicked - on the whole - a non-passing grade.

* * * *

I love the idea of a McFarlane OZ ... and I'm only dismayed that he's going to tone it down from his line of fabulously designed characters.

It's been a long time, but I recall the Baum series of books getting rather dark. The article says McFarlane is going for "Harry Potter" dark rather than "Seven" dark ... and I think, the beloved MGM version nothwithstanding, that's the proper tone for OZ.

.

LSPoorEeyorick

08-22-2007, 10:55 AM

[quiet confirmation of iSm's stance on Wicked]

Gemini Cricket

08-22-2007, 11:46 AM

Yeah, I was underwhelmed by Wicked when I saw it as well.
I thought some of it was good. I thought the Defying Gravity song was great. But all in all, I was meh about it.
But... I do understand why people love it. I just don't share in the love.

AllyOops!

08-22-2007, 04:00 PM

I ♥ you guys! You always know how to make this girl feel better! :)

I have to be honest, and while I know this is unfair on my part, the hoopla surrounding Wicked has soured me. I know it's not right, and I'm not sure why I'm built this way, but when too many people go ga-ga over some product, albeit a movie or book (or play, in this case), I'm inclined to automatically not want to like it. Maybe it's my rebellious streak, but for whatever reason, I just..don't want to be caught up in the hype! It makes absolutely no sense, really. I know that I am being unfairly biased. I might be passing up something that I'd really enjoy! Am I alone? Crazy? Does anybody else find themselves trying to resist something uber popular?

I know people who practically put this play right up there with the Second Coming and it gets a little exhausting. While I don't doubt for a second it's thrilling & entertaining, I just don't..get it. But then again, I've never seen it, so I'm aware I'm totally in the wrong!

innerSpaceman

08-22-2007, 04:20 PM

One of the reasons I try to get in on things early is to avoid my knee-jerk reaction against their potential popularity. I want to like it for itself, and not for how others like it.

More important, I want to give it a fair shot - and not deduct points for being popular. I tend to deduct popularity points from stuff I've never even seen ... and the cure is to see it before it has a chance to get popular.

LSPoorEeyorick

08-22-2007, 04:35 PM

...when too many people go ga-ga over some product, albeit a movie or book (or play, in this case), I'm inclined to automatically not want to like it.

Yes, this is why I didn't watch Buffy until the fourth season. Or Potter until the fourth book came out. Hmm, what is my thing with four? And also why I didn't watch Wicked until last weekend. (So, you win some, you lose some.)

BarTopDancer

08-22-2007, 04:42 PM

I'll be going to see Halloween in a few weeks.

Was going to see it on opening night but the stupid scary clown mask in the commercial started freaking me out. The movie will now be pre-screened so I can hide during the scary clown mask parts.

Yes, go figure. Blood, guts and slasher doesn't bother me. Clown mask? OH HELL NO. Yet IT is still one of my favorite books and movies

xharryb

08-22-2007, 04:49 PM

I have to be honest, and while I know this is unfair on my part, the hoopla surrounding Wicked has soured me. I know it's not right, and I'm not sure why I'm built this way, but when too many people go ga-ga over some product, albeit a movie or book (or play, in this case), I'm inclined to automatically not want to like it. Maybe it's my rebellious streak, but for whatever reason, I just..don't want to be caught up in the hype! It makes absolutely no sense, really. I know that I am being unfairly biased. I might be passing up something that I'd really enjoy! Am I alone? Crazy? Does anybody else find themselves trying to resist something uber popular?

I know people who practically put this play right up there with the Second Coming and it gets a little exhausting. While I don't doubt for a second it's thrilling & entertaining, I just don't..get it. But then again, I've never seen it, so I'm aware I'm totally in the wrong!

I'm exactly the same way. I've not seen Wicked. I've only heard a couple of the songs (and those because they've been butchered by many school choirs). I was never all that excited about it to begin with other than the fabulous original leading ladies, but when it suddenly became HUGE that just made me even less interested.

Cadaverous Pallor

08-22-2007, 04:58 PM

I have to be honest, and while I know this is unfair on my part, the hoopla surrounding Wicked has soured me. Total agreement with Ally's entire post. I am so glad that there are a few here who didn't like it! I've heard the music and it didn't impress me at all. I'm also annoyed when they take the evil characters in classic stories and make them out to be good guys. Bleh. At least it wasn't Baum himself doing it, a la Lucas.

Gemini Cricket

08-22-2007, 05:01 PM

The only thing that drew me to Wicked was the whole "other side of the story" aspect of it. A what if the witch was actually a good person after all, etc. I kinda liked that. But it was dull and boring... like the book actually...
:shrug:

innerSpaceman

08-22-2007, 05:25 PM

No, that's crap. Might as well have a what-if-every-story-was-exactly-the-opposite-of-what-it-was.

The POINT of (the original) Wicked was to show how the Wicked Witch of the West got to be so damn wicked. There were details about her, and an understanding of her character that made her more likeable ... but at no point did they need to claim that The (Wonderful) Wizard of Oz got it completely wrong.

That sort of contrariness simply for the sake of it can be done with any tale, and I find it both insulting and uninteresting.

Triple Quadruple Quintuplet Bah on the Melting of the Wicked Witch being a ploy that NEVER HAPPENED and Elphaba lives happily ever after. Feh.

I know "Wicked" is still playing at the Pantages ... but the show is so old, it is no longer appropriate for spoiler tags, imo.

€uroMeinke

08-22-2007, 08:45 PM

I liked wicked the play much more than I enjoyed the book, which got dreadfully boring with faux Oz politics. I thought it a delightful bit of whimsy fun.

The music didn't stick with me, and it had it's awkward moments - but as big Broadway show entertainment goes, this one I actually liked.

innerSpaceman

08-22-2007, 09:00 PM

Oh, I was completely and utterly charmed and entertained throughout. I don't mean to imply it wasn't a fantastic evening of fun and enjoyable theater. It WAS.

I gladly went to see it a second time. ;)

And, as a matter of fact, I like the songs and have listened to the CD quite a bit (though I'm certainly long over it).

It's really just the essence of what they did to the story that bugs me - and the dissatisfaction with the seemingly less musical, certainly less fun 2nd act - - that just happened to dispose of the book's most interesting episodes.

(There certainly was a whole lot of boring Oh Zee politics, so I find discarding one of the story's main virtues a terrible waste.)

Oh, are we talking about movies? Hmmm, well, when they do finally get around to a movie version of Wicked, I hope they incorporate a bit more of the book when they film the musical.

Prudence

08-22-2007, 09:06 PM

I haven't seen Wicked because I *liked* the books. Loved the politics. Apparently I'm in the minority. I'm not really in love with what little of the songs I've heard. Actually, I didn't like what I heard.

Gemini Cricket

08-22-2007, 09:07 PM

While IMing I put Hard Day's Night in my DVD player. God, I love that film. iSm and I bought copies at the Grove. The restored version was $9.99. Amazing price.
I love every inch of this film. Each shot looks like it could be a postcard of some kind. The black and white photography is awesome.
Every time I watch this it's like visiting with an old friend. No wonder every girl in the 60's fell in love with them. They're hot.... except George. Never fancied him.
:D

€uroMeinke

08-22-2007, 09:08 PM

I also liked the Movie Wizard of Oz better than the book - but I read the book as an adult long after seeing the movie

innerSpaceman

08-22-2007, 09:26 PM

I never really fancied the Oz books as a kid (and haven't re-read them as an adult). That doesn't quite explain why I read at least 4 or 5 of them.

I always fancied George Harrison. I have his DNA on a napkin, by the way ... and as soon as home cloning is available ...

meanwhile, maybe I'll throw that Hard Day's Night that I bought with GC into the DVD ...

CoasterMatt

08-22-2007, 10:47 PM

Oh joy...

I get to see a free screening of Mr. Bean's Holiday.

wendybeth

08-22-2007, 11:01 PM

George was far and away my favorite Beatle. Not saying he was the most talented, but I liked him best as an individual and he was, in my mind, the best looking one.

Okay, saw 'The Simpsons' today, and naked Bart was hilarious! Tori was totally shocked to see his little bits.:D Didn't stop her from laughing her ass off, though.

Babette

08-22-2007, 11:01 PM

Oh, are we talking about movies? Hmmm, well, when they do finally get around to a movie version of Wicked, I hope they incorporate a bit more of the book when they film the musical.When I went on the Behind the Emerald Curtain tour in NYC, we were told they are going to wait as long as possible before making a film version of Wicked. The stage show is still amazingly successful, both on Broadway and the touring company, and they do not want a wide release movie to slow their money making machine.

I love Wicked, but I can't really think about it anymore. I am totally obsessed with Spring Awakening! Spring Awakening!! Spring Awakening!!!

LSPoorEeyorick

08-23-2007, 10:35 AM

I am totally obsessed with Spring Awakening! Spring Awakening!! Spring Awakening!!!

When is it coming here? When is it coming HEEEEEEEERRRRREEE? (Can't wait.)

flippyshark

08-23-2007, 11:10 AM

Stan4dSteph

08-23-2007, 11:35 AM

I don't know anyhing about Spring Awakening, but I've just visited the official website (http://www.springawakening.com/) and it sounds like something I'd enjoy. But, like others here, I'd better hop on it before it becomes a sensation, at which point, yeah, I'll resist it.Too late; it already won the Tony.

Bono and Edge went to see it recently. I want to see it, but usually don't go to shows by myself.

innerSpaceman

08-23-2007, 12:08 PM

Well, turns out I was unimpressed by the original cast recording. I liked only a 2 or 3 of the songs. Worse, listening to the songs did not convey the story to me one iota, which I find a failing in musical theater. They didn't even really convey much about the characters to me, but that perhaps is dependant on the theatrical context I didn't have.

Also, I'm not a prude ... but the constant use of swear words bothered me. They seemed to me to be an overcompensation attempt at modernity for a tale that takes place in the 19th century. I thought that choice was stupid. Not offensive, just stupid.

I had to go to Wikipedia to get a plot synopsis so I could have some context for the songs, and the plot is a collection of sophomoric soap opera staples.

If it were not for Babette's high praise and recommendation, I would write Spring Awakening off completely.

Stan4dSteph

08-23-2007, 12:34 PM

I may rent The Lives of Others this weekend. I meant to see it in the theater, but never got to it before it closed here.

Gemini Cricket

08-23-2007, 01:09 PM

I may rent The Lives of Others this weekend. I meant to see it in the theater, but never got to it before it closed here.
I like the director's name: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. Best. Name. Ever! :D

innerSpaceman

08-23-2007, 03:16 PM

I have it on my Netflix queue, but it says there's a wait for it.

So I shall.

CoasterMatt

08-23-2007, 08:26 PM

What the hell's Spring Awakening? Sounds like some kind of feminine hygiene product...

Gemini Cricket

08-24-2007, 08:04 AM

I just saw some info on the new Oz:
The reaction was rather divided yesterday when we reported Todd McFarlane was working on a "revisionist" take on The Wizard of Oz. McFarlane critics: breathe a sigh of relief (and McFarlane fans, furrow your brows). As it turns out, McFarlane has less involvement with the project than previously thought. Project screenwriter Josh Olson made a comment on the Publisher's Weekly blog (which we've since confirmed to be authentic), clarifying his role and McFarlane's role for the movie:
"While it was Todd's idea to bring back Oz, and that idea sparked this whole process, I've never met him, never heard his take, and am not writing this script with anyone else. I love the Baum books, and leapt at the chance to bring those amazing stories and characters to a new audience."
Source (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1092277-wizard_of_oz/news/1665261/)

innerSpaceman

08-24-2007, 08:38 AM

Bah.

And, at the far end of the spectrum from McFarlane's twisted OZ ....

I watched High School Musical 2 last night.

An enjoyable enough piece of fluff. Squarely aimed at the kiddie and tween set ... really not interesting enough to hold my interest for 2 hours, but not horrible young folk entertainment by any means. The dance numbers, in particular, were enthusiastic and fairly inventive, and packed plenty of ooomph.

Oh, and Zac Efron is.like.soooo.cute.

and since it's summer vacation, there's a pool scene where he's shirtless ... and, oh my, is that little boy ever ripped! :eek:

Strangler Lewis

08-24-2007, 08:46 AM

I assume you'll be watching the Dance-along reprise this Saturday night?

innerSpaceman

08-24-2007, 09:58 AM

No, I'm sure the dance-along would teach me to do the most boring stuff in the film. Really, there were some good moves that could not be taught via television.

And I'm not going to watch any of the sing-a-longs either. The songs were pleasant enough, but instantly forgettable.

I am, however, planning on watching the original HSM next week.;)

(GC tells me Zac takes his shirt off for a moment in that one, too.)

LSPoorEeyorick

08-24-2007, 10:55 AM

And don't forget about the swell taciturn anal sex reference.

"I'LL show you my promise." As he turns her around with a look on his face as though he's about to take her. (He's actually about to put a necklace on her.) We watched this bit like 80 times because it was just that amusing to us.

Wait.

Did I just admit to watching it?

Carry on.

Gemini Cricket

08-24-2007, 11:01 AM

innerSpaceman

08-24-2007, 12:06 PM

2. And my-my, even I did not think of that in terms of anything but the chaste kiss he was trying so desperately to plant on her.

(of course, I saw all sorts of imaginary references to locker room anal sex with his also-quite-cute afro-headed sports buddy.)

alphabassettgrrl

08-24-2007, 12:25 PM

Just saw "Serenity". I liked it. We can't decide which of the women is the hottest though- Anara has her charms, Kaylee's just so darn cute, but then there's Zoe...

We decided it was the Ginger or MaryAnn question, with our same answer- not going to choose, want to keep them all.

LSPoorEeyorick

08-24-2007, 01:14 PM

Zoe. No question.

I love Serenity! God bless Joss Whedon. I can't wait for him to get off his duff and give us something else.

Gemini Cricket

08-24-2007, 01:14 PM

xharryb

08-24-2007, 01:39 PM

They're all hot, but my personal preference is for Kaylee. I like the cute "girl next door" thing.:cool:

alphabassettgrrl

08-24-2007, 02:32 PM

Sure Kaylee's cute, but then Zoe looks at you with challenge in her eyes...

And Anara's another matter entirely. The only woman who gets to bathe in space. :) I bet she smells fantastic.

Gemini Cricket

08-24-2007, 02:39 PM

Sure Kaylee's cute, but then Zoe looks at you with challenge in her eyes...

And Anara's another matter entirely. The only woman who gets to bathe in space. :) I bet she smells fantastic.
Hey, I just snapped out of it. I would love to be in a Wash, Jane, hot doctor and Captain sandwich!
:D

Babette

08-24-2007, 02:40 PM

When is it coming here? When is it coming HEEEEEEEERRRRREEE? (Can't wait.)National tour is in production and is supposed to start in San Francisco in Fall 2008.

Well, turns out I was unimpressed by the original cast recording. I liked only a 2 or 3 of the songs. Worse, listening to the songs did not convey the story to me one iota, which I find a failing in musical theater. They didn't even really convey much about the characters to me, but that perhaps is dependant on the theatrical context I didn't have.

Also, I'm not a prude ... but the constant use of swear words bothered me. They seemed to me to be an overcompensation attempt at modernity for a tale that takes place in the 19th century. I thought that choice was stupid. Not offensive, just stupid.

I had to go to Wikipedia to get a plot synopsis so I could have some context for the songs, and the plot is a collection of sophomoric soap opera staples.

If it were not for Babette's high praise and recommendation, I would write Spring Awakening off completely. To be honest I had trouble getting into the soundtrack until I actually saw the show. Their cast recording performances were when it was all new and I think they have way more passion and character in the live performance (of course, as expected). Putting the songs into the context of the storyline really made a difference as well. I only hope that once it makes it to SoCal, the touring actors can live up to the original cast's performances.

As for the soundtrack, I didn't see why they needed the swearing either until I saw it. #15 Totally F**cked is the expression of how one feels when caught with no way out of a tough situation. #4 B*tch of Living is frustrated teen boys dealing with shame and confusion over masterbation. In addition to these two, my favorite songs are: #5 My Junk, #12 Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind, #19 The Song of Purple Summer.

The plot lines are similiar to modern day soap opera themes, but the story is an 1890s German play. They added music in a rock opera style to show us the inner thoughts of the characters. Watch a video here (http://www.springawakening.com/spring_awakening_video.php) and here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgkdoIz5tmE). Ok, I'll shut up now.

I know you've already seen the Bitch video, but just wait :iSm:... you'll see.

innerSpaceman

08-24-2007, 03:21 PM

Ok, I'll keep an open mind.

Oh, and definitely Zoe. ;)

Prudence

08-25-2007, 01:12 AM

I saw Stardust tonight. Now, granted it's not a great movie in the "quality cinema" sense. And yes, Claire Danes acts like she's on stage, not film. (And has a much larger nose than I remembered, but that's beside the point.) And there were a few moments of anachronism that bugged me. And Sienna Miller looked like she was about 45.

Still, I confess that I enjoyed it. I'm a huge sucker for fairy tales. Huge. I was prepared to hate this movie and pass the time thinking about how I would have done it better. Instead, I got sucked in, big ol' fairy tale sap that I am.

It had all the important elements - royalty, magic, a land just beyond our own, destiny, the love story developing between characters who start out fighting, and - very important - the young hero who magically becomes hotter with longer hair, frock coat, and sword.

I'm feeling all swoony now, and it's only partly due to the post-movie port.

Babette

08-26-2007, 09:28 PM

High School Musical #1 on Disney Channel as I type! Get'cha head in the game! Can someone tell me how HSM2 already won an award? I caught 30 seconds of Teen Choice Awards tonight when they won. Ummm, it has only been out a week!

innerSpaceman

08-26-2007, 09:41 PM

OMG, Zac's so young ... he's almost not even my type anymore!

RStar

08-26-2007, 11:32 PM

I thought Stardust was pretty good also. A great fun ride, a huge fairytale show with just enough special effects and originality to make it "new". And the music almost made it epic. I enjoyed just about every minute of it.

Still, there was something about it that almost said "Made for TV" to me. Not sure what it was, perhaps it had that Hallmark sappy quality or something.

And Robert De Niro was great as a cross-dressing gay pirate captain! Hilarious!

innerSpaceman

08-27-2007, 01:15 PM

Well, I didn't end up seeing Stardust over the weekend. Next stop, Netflix. Sorry, Stardust.

Thanks for the heads-up on HSM, Babette. As GC said, it does indeed have a much better message than the sequel. So even with much worse choreography and Zac not having the services of his personal trainer yet, I liked it waaaay better than High School Musical 2.

I think the message for school age kids to live outside your peer-pressure box is hugely valuable. If you like to bake or sing or hip-hop dance, do it!

It was a much less generic moral than the sequel's cliche of don't-let-your-bigheadedness-ruin-your-friendships. Snore. So what if Zac was hotter in the second one?

(And, yeah, GC, his Dad was HOT in the original. Did they change dads or something??)

Gemini Cricket

08-27-2007, 01:23 PM

(And, yeah, GC, his Dad was HOT in the original. Did they change dads or something??)
Not sure. I haven't seen 2.
:)

Gemini Cricket

08-27-2007, 02:34 PM

Rumors are circulating that Owen Wilson tried to kill himself this weekend.
That's so sad if it's true.
:(

innerSpaceman

08-27-2007, 02:50 PM

Hollywood has officially lost all semblence of originality. The lastest in the endless remake news is Keanu Reeves starring as Klatu in a remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still.

I wonder what the remakes of Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey will look like in a couple of decades??

Gemini Cricket

08-27-2007, 02:53 PM

I wonder what the remakes of Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey will look like in a couple of decades??
Zac Efron as Luke Skywalker? Hannah Montana as Leia?

innerSpaceman

08-27-2007, 02:54 PM

But who will play HAL?

Gemini Cricket

08-27-2007, 02:55 PM

But who will play HAL?
Ben Stein?

mousepod

08-27-2007, 04:11 PM

Please - somebody buy or rent the DVD of David Lynch's Inland Empire. I loved it and want to discuss it here, but I'm not ready to either pontificate or deliver a monologue.

(I guess you could always drop by La Casa de Mousepod in a couple of weeks and I'll inflict the whole 3 hours on ya...)

wendybeth

08-27-2007, 05:34 PM

I just found out yesterday that Lynch is from Spokane- he was born in Montana, but lived a large part of his life in the PNW. No wonder he's so weird.

innerSpaceman

08-27-2007, 05:43 PM

Please - somebody buy or rent the DVD of David Lynch's Inland Empire. I loved it and want to discuss it here, but I'm not ready to either pontificate or deliver a monologue.
Ok, I put it in my Queue, and moved it near the top.

No guarantee when I will get around to watching it.

If I was "meh" about Mullholland Drive, am I likely to hate "Inland Empire?" The So.Cal title commonalities make me nervous.

wendybeth

08-27-2007, 05:48 PM

Haven't seen it, iSM, but the term 'Inland Empire' is also applied to the Spokane region. Hopefully, the movie isn't, because you'll likely fall asleep.

CoasterMatt

08-27-2007, 06:33 PM

Dude! I'll watch anything by David Lynch, I just have to double up my medication first, for proper viewing.

Prudence

08-27-2007, 06:45 PM

Haven't seen it, iSM, but the term 'Inland Empire' is also applied to the Spokane region. Hopefully, the movie isn't, because you'll likely fall asleep.

Well, Spokane has to do something to try to appear relevant.

(I have to watch what I say, since I just might end up there. Maybe I should rent the movie as homework.)

Snowflake

08-27-2007, 07:10 PM

Hollywood has officially lost all semblence of originality. The lastest in the endless remake news is Keanu Reeves starring as Klatu in a remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still.

THUD (jaw hitting floor)

Snowflake

08-27-2007, 07:11 PM

I'm ashamed to say, the last Lynch film I saw was Wild at Heart.

CoasterMatt

08-27-2007, 07:20 PM

I watched Eraserhead for the first time in high school - while recovering from a bad bike accident - a dear teacher gave me videotapes of that, A Clockwork Orange, and Koyaanisqaatsi.

mousepod

08-27-2007, 09:44 PM

iSm - sorry to say that if you didn't dig Mulholland Drive, you probably won't like Inland Empire. The seemingly disjointed and surreal style that Lynch dared only in the last 1/3 of Lost Highway and second half of MD is all of IE. I certainly don't want to give anything away before you all see it, but I just want to warn you: don't look for a plot. There is one (or many) there, but Lynch's experimental narrative style demands (at least for me) two viewings: one passive, just to let it all soak in, and, following lots of pondering and discussion, at least one engaged viewing, just to see how the hell he did it. I think it might be my favorite movie so far this year.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

08-27-2007, 10:00 PM

Twin Peaks - Firewalk with me scared teh crap out of me. The "Bob" lurking around just sent chilles.

mousepod

08-27-2007, 10:02 PM

OK then, another warning. There are some extremely startling moments in Inland Empire. Definitely a horror flick on some level.

Babette

08-28-2007, 02:07 AM

Twin Peaks - Firewalk with me scared teh crap out of me. The "Bob" lurking around just sent chilles.Did you watch the TV series? "She's dead, wrapped in plastic!" My mom and I still quote that one. It had some wacky, creepy moments, and "Bob" was in many of them. Firewalk with Me crossed ick-factor lines the TV show could not. "There's a fish in the percolator." Lynch is definitely a creative wack job.

Rumors are circulating that Owen Wilson tried to kill himself this weekend.
That's so sad if it's true.
:(I too hope they are just rumors. I love him. Take care Owen!

Zac Efron as Luke Skywalker? Hannah Montana as Leia?What is the deal with Hannah Montana? I keep catching a minute of the show here or there. Her name isn't Hannah, but then they talk about meeting her. Is she a celebrity? I don't get it, but then, do I really want to?!

I still have not seen HSM 2 so I cannot compare the two. I enjoyed #1 much better the second time. The first time I watched it with 32 fifth graders who were quoting the entire movie!

Stan4dSteph

08-28-2007, 07:01 AM

What is the deal with Hannah Montana? I keep catching a minute of the show here or there. Her name isn't Hannah, but then they talk about meeting her. Is she a celebrity? I don't get it, but then, do I really want to?!Hannah Montana is her rock star secret identity. See she's a regular student by day, rock star by night. She wears the wig to disguise herself.

xharryb

08-28-2007, 02:37 PM

I saw Kinky Boots last night. I really enjoyed it. Chiwetel Ejiofor did a fantastic job as the drag queen.

Ponine

08-28-2007, 03:46 PM

I saw Kinky Boots last night. I really enjoyed it. Chiwetel Ejiofor did a fantastic job as the drag queen.
I have passed Kinky Boots to people at work who had no idea what I was handing them.
Do you have issues with drag queens? no
Foreign accents? No
Here.. watch this

Brilliant little film. Though I did leave wanting more.

xharryb

08-28-2007, 06:14 PM

It always looked interesting to me, but I had no idea it was going to be as good as it was. It was funny, but had enough dramatic bits to make the characters realistic, and had some really sweet moments. There was always something I liked about Ejiofor when I saw him in other things, but I've gotta say this film made me a full fledged fan.

CoasterMatt

08-30-2007, 09:54 PM

I saw Balls of Fury tonight...

Seeing Christopher Walken singing "Pour Some Sugar On Me" was almost worth the price of admission.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

08-30-2007, 09:59 PM

Balls of Fury is a movie everyone should rent on DVD and drink alot before watching. It's very funny, but not in the way I thought it would be. Most of the laughter was either followed or was proceeded by a Oh My GOd!

Not worth running out to see, but worth seeing for a good laugh.

7 bornieo's out of 10

Alex

08-30-2007, 10:14 PM

Saw War last night because both Jet Li and Jason Statham are capable of bringing the kick assery. Unfortunately whoever was in charge of it wasn't particularly capable of filming and editing it.

Snowflake

08-31-2007, 07:12 AM

Saw War last night because both Jet Li and Jason Statham are capable of bringing the kick assery. Unfortunately whoever was in charge of it wasn't particularly capable of filming and editing it.

This is one of the best film reviews I've ever read. :snap:

CoasterMatt

09-01-2007, 11:03 PM

I almost forgot just how much I enjoy Dead Alive, but tonight's airing on HD Net brought back all the over top disgusting fun.

Next up (without even changing the channel) - Swamp Thing!

Gemini Cricket

09-02-2007, 01:19 AM

I just saw an 'I Love Lucy' with guest star Rock Hudson in it. Holy Jeebus on a pogo sick he was handsome... Man oh man!
:) :blush:

JWBear

09-02-2007, 08:51 AM

This (http://www.beowulfmovie.com/) looks like it's going to be kickass!

flippyshark

09-02-2007, 11:49 AM

This (http://www.beowulfmovie.com/) looks like it's going to be kickass!

Hmm, I don't know. It looks so much like the cut scenes from a video game, with even the human actors replaced by motion control lookalikes. (Albeit pretty good ones, though on the big screen, their pixel-y qualities will be amplified.) It looks slick and shiny, but I'd prefer something gritty, filmed on real locations with real horses, armor, weapons and so on. But then, I've been grouchy about this kind of thing for a long time now. Maybe the 3D will be entertaining. (I am a sucker for 3D)

Prudence

09-02-2007, 01:19 PM

A vaguely Beowulf-inspired video game movie? No thanks.

JWBear

09-02-2007, 03:46 PM

All I can say is watch the trailer. The graphics are incredibly lifelike.

Alex

09-02-2007, 03:50 PM

I've seen the trailer at least a dozen times now and it just doesn't work for me. I'll wait and see what the word is when it opens but based on that sampling it is just creepy odd, not visually arresting in a good way.

Saw Balls of Fury and found it stupidly amusing. It helped to be able to see most (I believe) of the references to specific martial arts movies (beyond the obvious Enter the Dragon and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story that provide the major narrative framework). But it was starting to wear thin by the end and I could have done with the homo-humor (the first batch was ok, it was the second at the end that I was annoyed by).

scaeagles

09-02-2007, 05:33 PM

Saw Balls of Fury and found it stupidly amusing.

I saw Mr. Bean's Holiday and found it stupidly amusing.

Babette

09-02-2007, 06:10 PM

This (http://www.beowulfmovie.com/) looks like it's going to be kickass!
I just saw this (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/hh/1495382/HH/1495382/iid_979754.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Stephens,%20Aaron) beautiful speciman is playing the "Beowulf physique". Yummy!

JWBear

09-02-2007, 08:29 PM

I just saw this (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/hh/1495382/HH/1495382/iid_979754.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Stephens,%20Aaron) beautiful speciman is playing the "Beowulf physique". Yummy!

It looks better in blonde.... ;)

CoasterMatt

09-02-2007, 09:16 PM

I've got a Beowulf promotional pin, and I have no intention of seeing the movie (I will go through the movie themed maze at this year's Haunt, though)

Gemini Cricket

09-03-2007, 12:14 AM

Spider Man 2 - Wow. I never get tired of this one. One of the bestest comic book hero movies ever.
:)

Mousey Girl

09-03-2007, 01:20 AM

I own Spiderman 2, but have yet to watch it.

About the only thing out right now that I would like to see is Stardust, but I don't see going to the movies in my immediate future.

I did finally watch DaVinchi Code and I enjoyed it, but I was really glad I had read the book first. Now I need to reread the book.

I find myself looking forward to Angels & Demons on film, but I'm not sure how long the wait will be.

innerSpaceman

09-03-2007, 09:05 AM

Despite what some who post here may claim, Spider-Man 2 is the best comic book movie ever made.

The Da Vinchi Code sucked, because it was merely enjoyable.

I'm bummed I didn't get to see Stardust in theaters ... but it did so poorly I have hopes it will be on DVD very soon.

I will totally see Beowolf, but nothing I've seen impresses me so far.

Alex

09-03-2007, 09:40 AM

To get pedantic, if you change "best comic book movie" to "best superhero movie" then I think the argument is more solid.

As movies, Ghost World, A History of Violence (graphic novel), and American Splendor, for example, are far better (in my opinion) than Spider-Man 2.

Personally, I wasn't totally enthralled by Spider-Man 2, though it was definitely a good movie. If I picked among the more traditional superhero, action comic book movies I think I would go with Batman Begins as my preference.

Mousey Girl

09-03-2007, 09:54 AM

I have Batman Begins too, but have yet to watch it.

I had to come up with a Christmas list every year for the in-laws. Since I refused to put underwear and cleaning products on my list I put dvds. I have at least 30 that I have never watched.

€uroMeinke

09-03-2007, 10:07 AM

Saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch last night and found it delightful - though I wish I had caught the stage show when it came to the Roxy.

Not Afraid

09-03-2007, 11:16 AM

I missed Inland Empire in the theaters. :( Fill up my calender, people. ;)

innerSpaceman

09-07-2007, 03:25 PM

I'm not sure why, but I loved the movie Perfume. It tanked on release, but I can't seem to shake it.

It was so odd to see such a Dickensian movie made in this day and age. Ya know, poor kid with a tormented childhood in a horrible orphanage in France in the 18th century, later to mix in unlikely with much higher classes. The kind of France where everyone speaks in English accents.

Except for Dustin Hoffman, who spoke in an American accent ... but he was supposed to be Italian, not French.

The best accent was of course, from Alan Rickman. Any movie in which he speaks has a head start.

The lead actor who played the weirdo serial murderer with the ungodly sense of smell was kinda meh. But since he was supposed to be a demonic oddball, I accept him, gabba gabba.

I haven't read the novel (yet*), so I was surprised at where the story went. And I like the theme of smell being associated with essence, and essence being associated with magic.

And for a medium in which the only sense that cannot be conveyed in smell ... I think the filmmaker did an amazing job in conveying scent and its mysteries.

*anyway, I liked the film so much, I picked up the book.

innerSpaceman

09-07-2007, 03:28 PM

Oh, and Alex is correct re Superhero vs. Comic movie.

In which case, I'd put A History of Violence as the best comic book movie.

€uroMeinke

09-07-2007, 05:23 PM

Prudence

09-07-2007, 06:41 PM

Alan Rickman has the sexiest voice in the English-speaking world, followed closely by Jeremy Irons. (Why yes, I am horribly disappointed that there may be a new Spaceship Earth narrator. So much for my air-conditioned fantasy ride. Unless Alan Rickman does the new narration, in which case I'm buying an AP. No matter where I end up living.)

Alex

09-08-2007, 07:14 PM

3:10 to Yuma is fantastic.

CoasterMatt

09-08-2007, 07:33 PM

I'm watching "World's Fastest Indian" (AGAIN) followed by Silence of the Lambs.

Snowflake

09-12-2007, 08:34 PM

Anyone have any thoughts on Julie Taymor's new film, Across the Universe?

Planning on seeing it? I'm certainly curious (but yellow)

Snowflake

09-12-2007, 08:35 PM

I'm watching "World's Fastest Indian" (AGAIN) followed by Silence of the Lambs.

World's Fastest Indian is in my Netflix queue, somewhere

Alex

09-12-2007, 08:36 PM

I'm curious and strongly inclined to see it unless the reviews continue be abysmal.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

09-12-2007, 08:52 PM

I'd like to see Across the Universe just for the direction - other than that looks like a typical sappy l**e story.

I did see STARDUST this past week. I enjoyed it, but I think it was missing something. Acting and such was fun, but I think there was a real chemistry missing from both the actors in the roles and between the actors themselves. It had potential but fell short somewhere...

6 bornieo's out of 10

katiesue

09-12-2007, 08:53 PM

We just watched Hercules - for the first time in a long while. Meg is my favorite Disney heronie. And I love the songs.

flippyshark

09-12-2007, 10:11 PM

Anyone have any thoughts on Julie Taymor's new film, Across the Universe?

Planning on seeing it? I'm certainly curious (but yellow)

Since I actually own the appalling SGT. PEPPERS movie, and actually watch it on rare occasion, Across the Universe can only be a step up. I liked the trailer well enough.

CoasterMatt

09-12-2007, 10:21 PM

Since I actually own the appalling SGT. PEPPERS movie, and actually watch it on rare occasion

I LOVE THAT MOVIE!

flippyshark

09-12-2007, 10:39 PM

I LOVE THAT MOVIE!

It's kind of a "guilty pleasure that makes me wince." I inherently love rock musicals, from Tommy to Hair to Hedwig, and hearing Beatles tunes in this context is an appealing idea. But mostly, Sgt. Peppers is a jaw dropper of awfulness. Still, Earth Wind and Fire are great, and Aerosmith's "Come Together" needs no defending. Some (not all) of the Frampton and Bee Gees covers are respectable if uninspired. Some of it is so awful I have to zip past it. (Steve Martin's "Maxwell's Silver Hammer," Alice Cooper's 'Because," there are more.)

I know others who open-heartedly love it, and in most cases, they saw it when they were kids, so it has nostalgia going for it. Was this the case with you, CM?

CoasterMatt

09-12-2007, 10:41 PM

Yes, without that movie, I wouldn't appreciate the Beatles as much as I do now, and that movie got me hooked on Aerosmith.

innerSpaceman

09-12-2007, 10:52 PM

I HATE Sgt. Peppers, but have better hopes for Across the Universe.

Though, and even if it's to be expected, I had to groan when I learned the lead characters are named Lucy, Jude, Jo-Jo and Max.

Ugh.

innerSpaceman

09-12-2007, 11:03 PM

Oh, and I've now seen Inland Empire.

But there's nothing for me to discuss, monsieur mousepod.

I've nothing to say about the film ... except that David Lynch should be locked away in a dark cave ... and Laura Dern should be shot.

mousepod

09-13-2007, 10:43 AM

That sounds like a discussion starter if there ever was one, iSm.

But back to Across The Universe - what's the latest on the version that's going to be released theatrically? Is it Taymor's or the studio's?

innerSpaceman

09-13-2007, 03:26 PM

It's Taymor's.

It's already been reviewed, and I've read some not bad things about it. Basically, it's a so-so love story thinly strung along a plot of Beatles songs. The movie looks to be about 96% music, with little bits of dialogue as connective tissue.

As such, the film is only as good as the cover songs and how they are filmed/choreographed/performed. From what I hear, most of them are good. A lot of them are bad.

xharryb

09-14-2007, 03:59 AM

Sounds like the kind of film that, good or bad, I HAVE to see it out of pure curiosity.

mousepod

09-14-2007, 08:16 AM

Whenever there's a new movie out that I want to see, I try to read the first and last couple of paragraphs of the New York Times review to get a gist of what they think and still avoid spoilers. Here are the first two and last paragraphs of Stephen Holden's review of Across The Universe:

From its first moments, when a solitary dreamer on a beach turns to the camera and sings, unaccompanied, the opening lines of the Beatles' song "Girl," Julie Taymor's '60s musical fantasia "Across the Universe," reveals its intention to use the Beatles' catalog to tell two stories at once, one personal, the other generational. That young man, Jude (Jim Sturgess), is a cheeky Liverpool dockworker with a twinkle in his eye. He quickly emerges as a winsome vocal composite of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with a personality to match.
From here the movie only gets better. Somewhere around its midpoint, "Across the Universe" captured my heart, and I realized that falling in love with a movie is like falling in love with another person. Imperfections, however glaring, become endearing quirks once you've tumbled.

...

"Across the Universe" believes wholeheartedly in the quaint communitarian spirit it exalts. You share the joy of the blissed-out hippies in the grass. You feel the deepening friendship between Jude and Max that is sealed in Max's incandescent performance of "Hey, Jude." And during the time it lasts, the intoxicating passion of Jude and Lucy, both innocents by today's standards, convinces, for a moment, that love is all you need.

I wanna see it. Now.

Stan4dSteph

09-14-2007, 08:26 AM

The trailers have been appealing to me. I will definitely try to go see this in the theater, since it seems that the visuals will be much more rich on a big screen.

innerSpaceman

09-14-2007, 09:19 AM

What's the release date??

(and who can score some LSD???)

LSPoorEeyorick

09-14-2007, 09:49 AM

Today. (for the release date, not the LSD)

mousepod

09-14-2007, 09:53 AM

It's out today. It's playing at Arclight, The Grove and The Landmark. Online ticketing isn't available for any of these theaters (through Fandango, at least), but we'd love to go tonight.

Anyone else?

(oh... and no LSD from/for me, thanks.)

LSPoorEeyorick

09-14-2007, 09:56 AM

mememememe!

But I don't know how long it'll take me to get home from Santa Monica.

And: you can buy the tickets direct from Arclight. I'd vote to go there (love it!)

mousepod

09-14-2007, 09:59 AM

Well, the Arclight is the closest of the three to us - so that works for me. What time should we shoot for?

We're going to see it at the Arclight at 8:05 tonight... so if anyone is in the neighborhood...

Babette

09-14-2007, 06:49 PM

My friend bought the Universe soundtrack today and we were listening to it after school. Eddie Izard singing Mr. Kite is great!

innerSpaceman

09-14-2007, 08:51 PM

I HATE the Arclight.

1. Reserved seating means that, unless you get tickets all together, you cannot go to a movie with friends. That sucks right hard right there, and is 93% of the reason I hate that place.

2. Even being the most expensive theater in Los Angeles, they still don't include the price of parking with your ticket. And so, even with the validation, you then have to wait in a Looooooong line after your film to pre-pay your parking fees, or wait forever to get out of the lot (or both).

3. The bait-and-switch they pulled on me tonight. I bought tickets for 3:10 to Yuma in the Cinerama Dome. Much as I hate the entire Arclight experience, I loves me the great theater that is the Cinerama Dome. But when I arrive, the Dome is closed for a private event, and they want me to see the movie I paid $14 for in some anonymous black box theater of theirs. Er, not. Refund, please.

It will a be a loooong time before I go to the Arclight again. That place sucks.

Not Afraid

09-14-2007, 09:34 PM

You should''ve just joined the others at that Beatles film.

xharryb

09-15-2007, 05:07 PM

So did people actually go to the Taymor film? How was it? It's the kind of thing I'll have to go to another town to find at a small artsy type theater, so I'm wondering if it's worth the effort or I should just wait for the DVD.

€uroMeinke

09-15-2007, 07:01 PM

I'm not as big a Beatles fan as most around here, but I thought it was a great piece. I really enjoyed some of the dance/animation/effects numbers and also like the coy allusions to the real Beatles story. I enjoyed how she captured an era. I grew up in the 60's and really dug the metaphorical nostalgia.

mousepod

09-15-2007, 09:56 PM

I agree with €uro - very enjoyable.

As a Beatles fan and a frequent apologist for the musical genre (even when it doesn't deserve it), I think that Taymor used the Beatles music perfectly (see my rant elsewhere on CdS's Love to see when it's not used right), and the characters, as portrayed by a mostly unknown (by me) cast were sympathetic. While the structure is similar to something like RENT, I found this much more appealing.

I'd gladly see it again.

lashbear

09-16-2007, 01:05 AM

Anybody wanna see 'Dead Silence' with me? (for FREE!)
Yes, please !!!

I just saw (pardon the pun) the poster for it (it's coming out on DVD here on October 3) and a quick search on Youtube proves that it's going to be a good fun film (for me, that is.... Stoat might have to watch through his fingers)

I believe they're putting in a maze based on the movie this year at HHN - I wish I could go. Tell them to start doing it in Sydney as well !!! :(

I know.... They could open Universal Studios Sydney just for the purpose. :cool:

Snowflake

09-17-2007, 04:08 PM

Snowflake

09-17-2007, 04:14 PM

Across the Universe is currently playing at one (1) ONE!!!!! venue in SF. Is the film only in limited release? Sheesh.....it's not even at the Kabuki which is a short jaunt for me, no I'd have to hit the tourist area at 835 Market Street. Yuck! I hope it plays somewhere else in town.

Alex

09-20-2007, 12:04 PM

I just stumbled into reading the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest last week (somehow I've never read it before) and it got me to thinking about the process of literary to film adaptation.

So I've decided on a little project wherein I'll compare the great films with the materials they are based on. We'll see how long that lasts and I've decided to use the AFI 100 films list as a guide (simply because they had it presented in an easy format and it is a list of good movies even if not a perfect list of the best).

So, from the top 20, in the next year I hope to cover:

The Godfather by Mario Puzo (Novel)

Everbody Comes to Rick's (Play) by Joan Alison and Murray Barnett - the basis for Casablanca

Raging Bull: My Story (Autobiography) by Jake LaMotta

Gone with the Wind (Novel) by Margaret Mitchell

Schindler's List (Novel) by Thomas Keneally

Cold Sweat: From Among the Dead (Novel) by Pierre Boileau and Pierre Ayrand, translated from the French D'entre les Morts and the basis for Vertigo

The Wizard of Oz (Novel) by Frank L. Baum

The Searchers (Novel) by Alan Le May

Psycho (Novel) by Robert Bloch

2001: A Space Odyssey (Novel) by Arthur C. Clarke

The Graduate (Novel) by Charles Webb

The Great Locomotive Chase (Autobiography) by William Pittinger and the basis for The General

A series of articles in the New York Sun by Malcolm Johnson that were the basis for On the Waterfront

The Greatest Gift (short story) by Philip Van Doren Stern and the basis for It's a Wonderful Life

The only one I've read is 2001 and the only one I dread reading is Gone with the Wind so if I stick to it, it should be interesting. I will, of course, follow the reading with a viewing (and I've already seen all of these movies).

Eliza Hodgkins 1812

09-20-2007, 12:34 PM

Eastern Promises. A better movie than A History of Violence, which I didn't care for. Worth it for Viggo's performance and one of the best on screen fights I've ever seen. I'm interested in the Russian mob underworld and Russian prison tattoos, but I was expecting more historical depth and context, I think. And there was one aspect relating to Viggo's character that disappointed me.

lashbear

09-20-2007, 05:14 PM

Also try Tim by Colleen McCulloch - a good read made into an interesting adaptation with Mel Gibson and Piper Laurie.

and maybe some Disney conparisons, such as the original Pinocchio by Carlo Cullodi (The Cricket episode is worth it alone...) not forgetting the original Cinderella, gore and all.

Babette

09-20-2007, 06:48 PM

the only one I dread reading is Gone with the Wind so if I stick to it, it should be interesting. I will, of course, follow the reading with a viewing (and I've already seen all of these movies).
GwtW is one of my favorite books! It is sooooooo much better than the movie (which I like). I know many LoTers would advise you skip the viewing and save four hours of your life.

Alex

09-20-2007, 06:57 PM

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

09-20-2007, 11:06 PM

I saw "3:10 to Yuma" this evening at a really crappy theatre - the AMC City Walk. Yes, I worked 18 years as a projectionist and it bothers me when there are scratches and the zenon bulb is not focused properly, among other things. Damnit!

Anyway - I enjoyed it - It was one of those films where you're not quite sure where it will end up (Unless you saw the original or read the short story, which I've not) It was long in parts and the acting was both Crowe and Bale at their usual - nothing too great but good.

I see why the released it now, instead of during the Oscar race. It might get something, but I doubt it. I think in a "greater" directors' hand it might have been easier to sit thru.

3:10 to Yuma gets 6 bornieo's out of 10. Mostly hinging on a better than average script. I'm eager to read the short story.

wendybeth

09-21-2007, 12:18 AM

I've seen the movie and I wasn't a huge fan, though I recognize it as a pretty impressive achievement of its time.

I've not read GwtW but did read some other (supposedly lesser) novels from the same general school of thought and style back in school for a class on the Civil War and popular culture and hated them pretty uniformly.

But I bought The Godfather at lunch today and despite being told that the book is pretty unimpressive the first 100 pages have been very readable in a John Grisham/Stephen King sort of way.

It's been years, but I thought The Godfather was a great novel on many levels. I'll probably re-read it now and think it's ****, but at the time I really liked it. GWTW was okay, but I wanted to smack the crap out of most of the characters, particularly Scarlett, Melanie and Ashley. It's nothing special- just a precursor to Rosemary Rogers and her ilk.

innerSpaceman

09-21-2007, 07:10 AM

Kinky Boots has really good songs.

Movies in theaters right now I'd really like to see, but life demands I wait for Netflix: 3:10 to Yuma, Eastern Promises and Across the Universe. Fine.

Snowflake

09-21-2007, 07:31 AM

It's been years, but I thought The Godfather was a great novel on many levels. I'll probably re-read it now and think it's ****, but at the time I really liked it. GWTW was okay, but I wanted to smack the crap out of most of the characters, particularly Scarlett, Melanie and Ashley. It's nothing special- just a precursor to Rosemary Rogers and her ilk.

Well, I feel that way in the movie, too. I appreciate it for what it is, I loved it last time I saw it on the big screen. I've got the DVD and have never watched it.

Gemini Cricket

09-25-2007, 05:23 PM

Stayed home today. Feelin' ill.
I watched Parenthood today. Gosh, it's such a well written movie. Lots of characters and they were pretty well fleshed out.
I think it's my favorite Ron Howard film.
:)

LSPoorEeyorick

09-25-2007, 05:36 PM

310 to Yuma is solid. Enjoyable. Something about it keeps me from saying it's excellent, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Good writing, good acting, generally... good.

Ponine

09-26-2007, 09:10 AM

The fact that its a re-make maybe?
I love Bale.. I do. But Glen Ford........................................

its hard to achieve excellence when you're re-making Glen Ford. imo

Eliza Hodgkins 1812

10-01-2007, 07:54 PM

3:10 to Yuma met, then surpassed, my high expectations. I love Westerns and this wasn't in the least disappointing. I immediately wanted to see it again *and* watch The Magnificent Seven. Russell Crowe was in top form, as is Bale, but Bale rarely ever misses and Crowe - though a solid performer - sometimes chooses material that isn't really my cup of tea. But a lovable rogue is something he was born to play - oh my. I will probably go see this again.

I also recently watched on cable Goodbye Mr. Chips, the one with Robert Donat (who won the Oscar that year, instead of Clark Gable for Rhett Butler). And for some reason, I broke into hysterical sobs at the end of it. Donat was fantastic. And the story is FAR more gripping than I would have thought, having only seen the embarrassing version with Peter O'Toole. (I should add that I've never read the book.)

Rounding things out, I watched Sunshine, and Donny Boyle pretty much blew my mind in the best way possible. It was visually astounding and had a well developed story.

Alex

10-01-2007, 08:45 PM

I loved 3:10 to Yuma. But have not seen the original.

The Kigndom was two good movies that don't go good together. The first part is a serious look at international relations and the difficulties of working on issues of terrorism in conflicted states. The second part is an action movie. Both halves are done well but they don't belong in the same movie and subtract from each other.

Also, the movie ends with a comment on how we're more alike in our base behaviors than we might like to think. Not a horrible sentiment but not at all supported by the previous 120 minutes of movie.

Eastern Promises is good but a bit too understated. The events happen but there wasn't really any investment in them or their outcome. I never felt concern for anybody or doubt about outcomes. That said Viggo's fully nude (without any effort to hide the, quite literally, wobbly bits) was pretty intense.

Eliza Hodgkins 1812

10-02-2007, 11:14 AM

Eastern Promises is good but a bit too understated. The events happen but there wasn't really any investment in them or their outcome. I never felt concern for anybody or doubt about outcomes. That said Viggo's fully nude (without any effort to hide the, quite literally, wobbly bits) was pretty intense.

That is pretty much exactly how I felt. Though something definitely fell short, I felt my money was well spent for two reasons. Viggo's performance and the bathhouse fistfight. Not just because Viggo was naked - though, bonus! - but because it really was one of the most intense on-screen fights I've ever seen. It was filmed so, so well.

innerSpaceman

10-02-2007, 12:46 PM

Ugh, I can't get to the movies. So.many.I.want.to.see. 3:10 and Easten Promises tops amongst 'em.

flippyshark

10-02-2007, 04:16 PM

A passing note of marginal to no interest, but, here in Florida, at Universal's City Walk movie theaters, JAWS will be playing on the big screen for four nights. Need I mention that I'll be there? Woo Hoo!

€uroMeinke

10-02-2007, 07:27 PM

All the movies I want to see don't seem to be playing anywhere - The New and improved Bladerunner, The Darjeeling Express, and Lust, Caution - are these films really out yet? Curse you NPR and your reviews of movies I can't see!

innerSpaceman

10-02-2007, 07:42 PM

Lust Caution and D. Express came out last weekend. You can see them in Los Angeles. They might be at one theater each, but both did fantastic (at least in New York), and should be expanding soon.

ETA: Jaws on the big screen would have been a factor in my go/no-go to Epcot's 25th that I scheduled, then canceled. not that it would have changed my decision, but it would have been a factor.

€uroMeinke

10-02-2007, 07:54 PM

Lust Caution and D. Express came out last weekend. You can see them in Los Angeles. They might be at one theater each, but both did fantastic (at least in New York), and should be expanding soon.

Then curse yahoo and thier movie tool that tells me they are not playing anywhere in LA

Alex

10-02-2007, 08:07 PM

The Darjeeling Limited is currently playing on 2 screens nationwide, both in New York City.

Lust, Caution is on just one screen, also in New York City.

Both played at the New York Film Festival over the weekend which is why NPR has been talking about them so much.

Darjeeling opens limited this weekend so you should be able to find it in LA. Same for Lust, Caution.

€uroMeinke

10-02-2007, 08:11 PM

Sigh - in the meantime, I'll just have to watch naked Natalie Portman some more...

mousepod

10-02-2007, 08:21 PM

there's some kind of "lust, caution" contest going on at the arclight. I got a postcard, but it's at home (and I'm not).

Snowflake

10-05-2007, 02:06 PM

I just got this from a friend in the biz

The remake of The Women is currently filming in Massachusetts. This
is the reported cast. As in the 1939 film, there are no men in the
cast. While filming at the Boston library, all paintings and busts of
men were taken down and replaced with women.

Cast listing from imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430770/)

Annette Benning as Sylvia could be quite fun.

Bette Midler as the Countess? Cloris Leachman as Lucy?

I'm grateful that there will be no men, but, but, but.........let's now remake the Wizard of Oz. Oh, yeah, they did that already.

Alex

10-05-2007, 02:09 PM

Debra Messing and Meg Ryan in the same movie? I'm out.

Chernabog

10-05-2007, 03:17 PM

The remake of The Women is currently filming in Massachusetts. .....

Cast listing from imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430770/)

Annette Benning as Sylvia could be quite fun.

Bette Midler as the Countess? Cloris Leachman as Lucy?
.

I can see Cloris Leachman as Lucy, certainly. Deborah Messing and Meg Ryan? How are they supposed to be those characters?!?!

But why do a 1939 "period piece" with different actors in the same roles? What's the point of doing a remake of a movie unless something better is brought to the table? (oh yeah, money). The original has been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it at the ripe old age of 16 (just ask Gemini Cricket and I, who sometimes have entire conversations in nothing but The Women quotes haha); I hate to see it screwed up like they did with that PBS stage play version. Especially when the original is SO PERFECT.