Miscellaneous Movie Musings

[€uroMeinke]

I picked up Beyond the Valley of the Dolls tonight - I am so happy. This will headline the next swank movienight

[Alex]

Watched Silkwood today. It was ok and both Kurt Russell and Meryl Streep were great. Of course it underplayed the controversy over her plutonium exposure but that is to be expected.

However, I see that Cher was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for this roll and I just don't see it. She didn't really have much to do. Was it simply because she was playing a lesbian in 1983?

[Not Afraid]

I was going to watch a DVD tonight but Gilda was on TCM so I watched that instead. I don't think I had seen this wonderful film before. God, Rita Hayworth was beautiful! I seem to be seeing quite a bit of the film noir classics lately. I don't mind one bit.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Just saw Little Miss Sunshine. I'll have to agree with ISM assessment of the film. I felt everyone acted like they should, so there wasn't much surpise in the storytelling there, but I think the time spent with the characters in the film really overshadowed the fact that they were all stereotypes who reacted fairly typicaly to the situations presented.

Really one of the best films this year.

[BarTopDancer]

I am really wondering if it is too late to go see Snakes on a Plane. Will it be a fun audience or an empty audience this weekend.

Oh the delimna.

[Freaky Tiki]

I saw it for a second time and the theatre was empty, albeit I went to a 4 o'clock showing, i say this week should still be good.

[tracilicious]

I finally saw Citizen Kane. You guys were right. It was a good movie.

[innerSpaceman]

whew, cause we were going out on a limb with that one.


i mean, we like it here alright ... but it's not generally highly regarded.








:p

[RStar]

Saw Powder last night. Very interesting and had some touching moments in it. Great acting for the most part, especially the kid who played Powder. I'd never heard of it before. It's from 1995.

[Gemini Cricket]

I finally saw Citizen Kane. You guys were right. It was a good movie.
Yay! I second iSm's 'whew'!
:)

[Alex]

I have to disagree. Citizen Kane is not a good movie.

It is a freakin' great movie. It is, I say with comfort, the greatest English movie ever made. Even if there is debate it is where the movie should be in the top five.

Saying Citizen Kane is a good movie is like saying the Mona Lisa is a decent drawing or Michael Jordan was a fair basketball player.

[Gemini Cricket]

Citizen Kane is not a good movie.
My mouth fell open reading this. Then I read on.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

CK is my favorite. Ever.

Also, I'm glad to hear that iSm and I finally agree on a movie! The rest of you should see Little Miss Sunshine, too.

[Alex]

Just for the record/reminder. I did see it a few weeks ago and agree with what everybody has said. So far I know only one person who saw it and didn't like it.

[Gemini Cricket]

The problem I have with CK is that I can't take my eyes off of it when it's on. If it's on TCM, I stop and watch. My DVD is pretty worn out, too.

[Ponine]

Also, I'm glad to hear that iSm and I finally agree on a movie! The rest of you should see Little Miss Sunshine, too.

LSPE, are you reading the O Wells bio by ... shoot... now I cant think by who. The actor with the funeral in Four Weddings and a Funeral.


I follow on the advice... see Little Miss Sunshine!!
No question!

[Stan4dSteph]

Just for the record/reminder. I did see it a few weeks ago and agree with what everybody has said. So far I know only one person who saw it and didn't like it.Is that me?

[Alex]

No. I wasn't aware you had seen it. I take it you didn't like it?

[Stan4dSteph]

No. I wasn't aware you had seen it. I take it you didn't like it?I just wasn't that into the plot. I've only seen it once at a screening for a film class.

[Alex]

Oh. The bit you quoted from me was in response to LSPE and Little Miss Sunshine, not Citizen Kane. I'm sure that when I know hundreds of people who have seen Little Miss Sunshine as I do with Citizen Kane I'll know more than one who didn't like it (as I do with Citizen Kane).

[LSPoorEeyorick]

LSPE, are you reading the O Wells bio by ... shoot... now I cant think by who. The actor with the funeral in Four Weddings and a Funeral.


We have a huge collection of Wells biographies (we're planning to write a screenplay about the relationship between John Houseman and Wells-- it's fascinating.) But I don't know if we have that one...

Wait, Steph, you didn't like Little Miss Sunshine? Awww. (edited to say-- err, yeah. You guys beat me to a discussion about it.)

[Gemini Cricket]

I've always wondered if Cotten and Wells had a thing. They had such natural chemistry in CK and 'The Third Man'.

[mousepod]

I think Ponine's talking about the second volume of Simon Callow's Welles bio. I appreciated the first one, though I felt like he went a little too far out of his way to "expose" Welles. I know that the Leaming one is filled with hyperbole, but it's still my favorite.

GC - Have you seen Journey Into Fear? I enjoy it more than the extant version of Ambersons.

[Gemini Cricket]

GC - Have you seen Journey Into Fear? I enjoy it more than the extant version of Ambersons.
I haven't seen it. I will now, though. But I bet it's one of those never been on DVD films... Grrr. It sounds good. Evil Nazi agents. (Nazis. I hate these guys.)


I'm waiting for Netflix to send me a copy of 'My Family and Other Animals'. I saw some of it on PBS and loved what I saw.


That reminds me. Has anyone here seen 'My Father's Glory' and 'My Mother's Castle'? They're two beautifully shot 'family on vacation' movies. It's light and airy and fun.
:)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I was going to watch a DVD tonight but Gilda was on TCM so I watched that instead. I don't think I had seen this wonderful film before. God, Rita Hayworth was beautiful! I seem to be seeing quite a bit of the film noir classics lately. I don't mind one bit.

A favorite movie. I first watched it in college and have seen it about five times. My grandfather met Rita Hayworth. Said she was a classy broad who could drink like a fish. He quite liked her.

She was gorgeous in that film. Glen Ford. Ah.

[Not Afraid]

Ahhhh, the first "Running With Scissors" trailer is out. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439289/trailers-screenplay-E28245-6-3)

I like the look of it and the music, but it's hard to tell from a trailer. But, for once, I'm excited about the filming of a novel - or memoir, actually.

Baited breath.

[Stan4dSteph]

Wait, Steph, you didn't like Little Miss Sunshine? Awww. (edited to say-- err, yeah. You guys beat me to a discussion about it.)No, I was talking about Citizen Kane.

I really liked Little Miss Sunshine.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

No, I was talking about Citizen Kane.

I really liked Little Miss Sunshine.

Right, thus the "edited to say: you guys beat me to a discussion about it."

For a writer, sometimes I'm so damn unclear!

[tracilicious]

I have to disagree. Citizen Kane is not a good movie.

It is a freakin' great movie. It is, I say with comfort, the greatest English movie ever made. Even if there is debate it is where the movie should be in the top five.

Saying Citizen Kane is a good movie is like saying the Mona Lisa is a decent drawing or Michael Jordan was a fair basketball player.


Ok, let me rephrase. I LOVED Citizen Kane! I need to watch it a few more times to fully appreciate it. I fell asleep for five minutes because we were watching it late at night. When I fell asleep he was driving off with his second wife. When I woke up they were in Xanadu and the doctor was at her bed. Did she try to kill herself?

[Gemini Cricket]

Did she try to kill herself?
That's my take on it. He does say something to the nurse about not knowing how Mrs. Kane mixed up these bottles etc.

[Ponine]

I think Ponine's talking about the second volume of Simon Callow's Welles bio. I appreciated the first one, though I felt like he went a little too far out of his way to "expose" Welles. I know that the Leaming one is filled with hyperbole, but it's still my favorite.

Yes, thank you. That is the biography I was thinking of.
I have only seen the first, and saw an article referring to the second one just recently.

[RStar]

Ahhhh, the first "Running With Scissors" trailer is out. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439289/trailers-screenplay-E28245-6-3)

I like the look of it and the music, but it's hard to tell from a trailer. But, for once, I'm excited about the filming of a novel - or memoir, actually.

Baited breath.
Oh, I thought you meant this running with scissors! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000JH89/102-1048065-5680943?v=glance&n=5174) Sorry...

It does look like it could be a good movie though.....

[innerSpaceman]

Ah confusion abounds at times in a thread devoted to miscellaneous movie musings.



But, all in all, I'd say G.C.'s concept has been paying off nicely.

[tracilicious]

That's my take on it. He does say something to the nurse about not knowing how Mrs. Kane mixed up these bottles etc.

That's right where I woke up. The whole movie I'm going, "Wow, the guy playing CK is really good!" Then the credits come up and it's Orson Wells. Duh to me!

[Gemini Cricket]

I'm watching the HBO mini-series 'Elizabeth' right now. Helen Mirren is fantastic, as are Jeremy Irons and Hugh Dancy. It's a love/hate thing for me at the moment. I, of course, love the history but am turned off by the way the director has made Elizabeth I a crybaby. She's stomping around the castle weakly. I think that is wrong. That face, says several books I have read, was saved for very very few. There was also a scene where she shed a tear in front of her troops... I think that is the wrong take on it. This director despises establishing shots and whoever the art director was that painted one of her rooms to look like a seascape should be shot.
The Earl of Essex (Dancy) is gorgeous. Nice choice.
Mirren is fantastic, but the camera angles do her no justice, nor does the lighting.
Glenda Jackson is the best E I in my opinion. (Dame Judi's part was wayyyy too small in 'Shakespeare in Love'.)
I recommend it nonetheless.
It's far better than the youth-inized version that was on PBS several months ago with a rock score attached to it. Ghastly.
As you can read, this queen turned into quite a queen watching that other queen. :D

[Prudence]

(Dame Judi's part was wayyyy too small in 'Shakespeare in Love'.)


But it was the best part of that movie! "Too late, too late!" Teehee!

[Gemini Cricket]

But it was the best part of that movie! "Too late, too late!" Teehee!
Oh, I totally agree. I love her to death. She was fantastic. She was good as Victoria as well in 'Mrs. Brown'.


So, I finished the second half of 'Elizabeth I' and the second part is twice as good. Much better. I recommend this mini-series. It's good stuff. A couple of things made me cringe but overall it was good.
:)

[innerSpaceman]

Though only covering the early escapades, I liked Cate Blanchette the best, and her E. movie the most.

[Prudence]

Oh, I totally agree. I love her to death. She was fantastic. She was good as Victoria as well in 'Mrs. Brown'.


Oooh! That was a good one, too! Even BT wanted to see that, most likely because it had the guy from Head of the Class in it.

[RStar]

Watched Gremlins 2. I thought it would be horrible. That's why I've avoided it all these years (decades?)

You all may think I'm a simpleton for this, but I rather enjoyed it. I like the original, so that helps. And I learned the Howie Mandel does the voice of Gizmo.

And as the credits rolled, Daffy Duck came out to make wise cracks!

[CoasterMatt]

I watched "Lost Boys" after work today - just me in a darkened break room.

I love that movie, it's filmed at my favorite place on Earth and even has an Aerosmith tune on the soundtrack... :)

[innerSpaceman]

Lost Boys is awesome. Ah, and it was filmed and released at the height of my Santa Cruz constant visitation. Le sigh.


Just now, this second, finished watching Brick. Hard-boiled, tough-talking, 100% Noir in modern-day, high-school mileu. See it.:coffee:

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Saw "Snakes on a Plane" and its exactly what I thought. Dumb, cheesy, bad special effect, bad writing and even cheesy-er tag lines. Ugh.

But, I enjoyed the heck out of it. It was fun. I left my brain at the boxoffice and just ran with the whole thing. Couple good howls out of me and some screams, I admit. It was worth the price of admission (nothing) but really was alot of fun.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Also Re: Citizen Kane. I really enjoyed the audio commetaries on the special edition DVD. Roger Ebert and Peter Bogdonovich give excellent insight and I learned quite a bit about the film.

[Not Afraid]

We watched Capote last night. It was a LOT darker than I thought it was going to be. But, what a great film. Phillip Seymore Hoffman is an amazing actor. He really nailed Tru. I realized I've never read any Capote. Nor have I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I'm familiar with the film versions of both TKaM and Breakfast at Tiffany's but my eyes haven't given the written word their fair due.

[Gemini Cricket]

Per EH1814's suggestion, I watched 'Babette's Feast' last night. Loved it. Wonderful film. The film was totally inspired. A perfect film. Beautiful.
:)

I also recommend 'My Family and Other Animals'. It's fun filled fluff. :)

[BarTopDancer]

I watched "Lost Boys" after work today - just me in a darkened break room.

One of my all time favorite movies, and one that set me on a path of unfulfilled lust for Kiefer. MMMMMMMM vampire Kiefer.

That was a fun era for movies. Kiefer, Kevin, Julia and Jason were in everything; a second brat pack of sorts.

I watched How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Cute fun movie. A nice change after Brokeback Mtn and Syriana.

[RStar]

We watched Capote last night. It was a LOT darker than I thought it was going to be. But, what a great film. Phillip Seymore Hoffman is an amazing actor. He really nailed Tru. Philip WAS Tru, wasn't he? He was great! :cheers:

I watched the movie made from "In Cold Blood" first, then "Capote". It was real interesting to see that way. His book In Cold Blood really changed modern writing with the very first non-fictional novel. :snap:

[RStar]

I realized I've never read any Capote. Nor have I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I'm familiar with the film versions of both TKaM and Breakfast at Tiffany's but my eyes haven't given the written word their fair due.
To be fair, Harper Lee, Trumans' close friend, wrote TKaM (her only novel).

[Not Afraid]

To be fair, Harper Lee, Trumans' close friend, wrote TKaM (her only novel).


I wasn't very clear about that in my post, was I. Duh.

[Gemini Cricket]

Just finished up 'Runaway Jury'. I liked it. Lots of twists.
:)

[BarTopDancer]

I was debating wether or not to see Snakes on a Plane. I heard it was good fun with snakes that look fake. Ok, I can deal with that, and I can deal with the whole *any time there isn't a snake in view one will startle me* thing. But I just got off the phone with Erica and she told me that a cat (or was it a dog) was eaten by a snake. That, I cannot deal with. Give me human movie death over animal movie death any day.

[Snowflake]

Capote so impressed me, I actually bought the DVD. Am currently listening to In Cold Blood on CD right now, it's so very lyrical, I'm quite amazed (never read it before, so I am going to have to get the book too)

Just watched Chocolat, which was a nice piece of fluff and was a fun fairy tale kind of film. The theme is chocolate, why wouldn't I like it? I'd rate the film yummy.

[Gemini Cricket]

Just watched Chocolat, which was a nice piece of fluff and was a fun fairy tale kind of film. The theme is chocolate, why wouldn't I like it? I'd rate the film yummy.
I was thinking about 'Chocolat' last night after watching 'Babette's Feast'. It seems to me that that film and 'Like Water for Chocolate' got some influence from 'Babette'. Just a theory I have. I love all three films, btw.
:)

[Snowflake]

I was thinking about 'Chocolat' last night after watching 'Babette's Feast'. It seems to me that that film and 'Like Water for Chocolate' got some influence from 'Babette'. Just a theory I have. I love all three films, btw.
:)

Me too, love all three! I need to revisit Babette's Feast, it's been a while since I've watched it. Note to self, add to Netflix Queue.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Saw Dirty Dancing at a party. It's been a long time....and I still love it. I still think Swayze is hot in it, still love the music, still love the corny plot completely lacking in subtlety. The other girls disagreed - oh well.

[Alex]

There is another Truman Capote movie surrounding the events of In Cold Blood coming out this fall. I have to take people's word for it that Hoffman was Capote since I don't really know a thing about the man other than what was in the movie. But I do know that Hoffman wasn't Hoffman so that is good enough for me.

Watched the Japanese bloodfest Battle Royale the other night after years of people telling me I had to watch it. I was just "eh" on it but I understand why it had cult status in certain circles.

[JWBear]

Bill and I just went an saw Little Miss Sunshine. Absolutely f-ing hysterical!

[Snowflake]

Is anyone, besides me, looking forward to Hollywoodland? It's got a good cast and loooks to be very noirish, which is always appealing to me.

I don't know enough about the mystery surrounding the death/suicide of George Reeves to know how accurate it may be, but with Bob Hoskins in it, I am compelled to see it. Diane Lane looks like she will be turning in a good performance as well. Then there is Adrien Brody...

[Not Afraid]

Ummmmmm......Adrien Brody. But, only if he is playing an intellectual. I don't like him as a palooka.

[Gemini Cricket]

I just watched 'Schindler's List' again after a long hiatus from watching the film. It's truly a great film. I think it was Spielberg's last great film. (Save the first 20 minutes of 'Private Ryan'.)
It doesn't feel right to talk about how beautiful this film is, but it is. There is some great imagery that hits a homerun in this film. There are parts that drag, but he really did something right with this one.
I have seen the film at least 4 times now and missed the shot of Schindler and his wife driving away in concentration camp uniforms. I don't know how I missed that before. I also thought he did a good job showing the progression of characters even the minor ones. There were a lot of people to keep track of and he did it well.
And Liam Neeson is huge! He looks like he's 7 feet tall in this film. :)

[Not Afraid]

We watched Detour last night. Chris missed it at the Cemetery this summer and I wanted him to see it. It really hit me how wonderful it is to see films with a GOOD crowd. While it was great to see again, it just wasn't the same as sharing the experience with a mostly knowledgable and appreciative film crowd.

[Gemini Cricket]

Now to remove the sad from my heart, I'm watching 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World'. Watching Ethel Merman slip on that banana peel makes me laugh every time.
:D

[Snowflake]

Ummmmmm......Adrien Brody. But, only if he is playing an intellectual. I don't like him as a palooka.

He looks like he plays the cop who suffers

[Alex]

I believe he is a private investigator.

[Not Afraid]

Too bad.

[Snowflake]

I believe he is a private investigator.

I stand corrected! :blush:

[RStar]

I stand corrected! :blush:
A corrected who suffers!

[innerSpaceman]

Detour, schmeetour ... and Hollywoodland?? - -eh, good premise, but the word out on the film is 'meh'.


I'm still recommending "Brick" as the noir du jour.

[xharryb]

Just finished up 'Runaway Jury'. I liked it. Lots of twists.
:)

I tend to get my "Jury" movies mixed up. Is this the one with John Cusack? If so I really enjoyed it. Such a great cast, and they really did keeping you guessing. It was something I just watched one day when it came on HBO, and liked it way more than I was expecting. I do have a bit of a thing for Cusack though, so I figured that had something to do with it.

[Alex]

Yeah, it is the one with John Cusack. I've only seen bits and pieces of the movie but the book is truly horrendous.

[Moonliner]

I tend to get my "Jury" movies mixed up. Is this the one with John Cusack? If so I really enjoyed it. Such a great cast, and they really did keeping you guessing. It was something I just watched one day when it came on HBO, and liked it way more than I was expecting. I do have a bit of a thing for Cusack though, so I figured that had something to do with it.

I've had a crush on Cusack (in a healthy hetro way of course...) ever since "Grosse Point Blank (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119229/)". Now that was a fun movie. :snap:

[Stan4dSteph]

I'm still recommending "Brick" as the noir du jour.I've read good things about it, and meant to see it in the theater. The last time I was at Blockbuster all the copies were out. It's definitely on my list.

[AndrewBanks]

try CAPOTE, TRANSAMERICA, HEAD ON (German and set in two subcultures in Berlin; the postpunk and the Turkish immigrant. movie is an emotional rush):)

[Not Afraid]

try CAPOTE, TRANSAMERICA, HEAD ON (German and set in two subcultures in Berlin; the postpunk and the Turkish immigrant. movie is an emotional rush):)


All in one night? I'm not sure I'm emotionally fit for that combo.

[xharryb]

I've had a crush on Cusack (in a healthy hetro way of course...) ever since "Grosse Point Blank (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119229/)". Now that was a fun movie. :snap:

I have the same thing, only I go back to Say Anything. There's a reason In Your Eyes is one of my all time favorite songs.

[innerSpaceman]

Don't worry, gentlemen, the ManCrush is gaining ground as a legitimate, non-homo phenomena.



It won't be too many years now before people don't think you're gay.

[Moonliner]

Don't worry, gentlemen, the ManCrush is gaining ground as a legitimate, non-homo phenomena.



It won't be too many years now before people don't think you're gay.

Hey, his movie was about some lovesick geek with a radio. Mine was at least about contract killers, death and other manly stuff.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Glad to see you caught up on Capote, Lisa. (It was both Tom's and my favorite film last year. Close on the heels was Wallace & Grommit and Junebug, so if anybody hasn't seen either of those, hie thee to a video rental location.)

[Not Afraid]

I need to add Junebug to my Netflix queue.

[Alex]

Yeah, Junebug is definitely worth. The Wallace and Gromit movie is so definitely not (I know I seem to be in the minority but I found it extremely disappointing).

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I need to add Junebug to my Netflix queue.

Yes, you do!

[xharryb]

I saw Junebug. I thought it was a great character piece, but the overall film didn't go anywhere. It was deffinitely worth watching though even if just for Amy Adams who was amazing.

[Gemini Cricket]

I liked 'Junebug'. But like xhb said it goes nowhere. I really liked Amy Adams' character but despised the actor who plays her husband. I don't know what it is about him but I can't stand his acting...

Watching 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World' last night made me wish I had more slapstick comedies in my DVD library.
:)

[Gemini Cricket]

Tonight I'm watching 'Some Like it Hot'. It's such a good film.
Has anyone else noticed Marilyn Monroe's dress during her 'I Want to Be Loved By You' number? Uh, it's practically see through. The lighting guy looked like he had special instruction to hit her with a spotlight in a certain way so as not to give it all away. It's deliberate if you watch it. And what's also deliberate is the placing of the sequins on her dress. They look like nipples. No lie.
:)

[Snowflake]

Tonight I'm watching 'Some Like it Hot'. It's such a good film.
Has anyone else noticed Marilyn Monroe's dress during her 'I Want to Be Loved By You' number? Uh, it's practically see through. The lighting guy looked like he had special instruction to hit her with a spotlight in a certain way so as not to give it all away. It's deliberate if you watch it. And what's also deliberate is the placing of the sequins on her dress. They look like nipples. No lie.
:)

Orry Kelly, one of my favosite designers! If I am not mistaken, he was nominated, if not a winner, of an Academy Award. That monkey fur number she wears in her first scene with the steam engine, priceless!

Of course, Jack Lemmon is priceless in this film. I can never look at maracas and not think of "him"

[Snowflake]

Ooh! Next up from Netflix will be The Bad Sleep Well, been years since I've seen it!

[Gemini Cricket]

I have 'Match Point' and 'All Quiet on the Western Front' coming from Netflix. :)

I don't think I've ever seen 'The Bad Sleep Well'. I'll have to look it up.

[Snowflake]

I have 'Match Point' and 'All Quiet on the Western Front' coming from Netflix. :)

I don't think I've ever seen 'The Bad Sleep Well'. I'll have to look it up.

All Quiet with Lew Ayres? A great film. I enjoyed Match Point, but liked Crimes & Misdemenors better

[Gemini Cricket]

Yes, that's the one.
C&M is one of my all time favorite Woody Allen films.
:)

[Snowflake]

Yes, that's the one.
C&M is one of my all time favorite Woody Allen films.
:)
I read that as S&M

[innerSpaceman]

Junebug was so cool it didn't have to go anywhere. Lots of films don't go anyway ... and yeah, that's generally considered a fault. It did sorta bug me about Junebug ... but its other qualities made it worthwhile.

[xharryb]

For me the characters in Junebug were so interesting (for the most part) that they sucked me in, but then when it was over I just thought, "that's it?" I wanted it to be more. I don't mind a film that is set up as "a day in the life of" and goes nowhere, but this one seemed as though they were setting up something great and just couldn't figure out where to go with it. The one character that dissapointed me the most was the lead character's husband. He didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to be the reason she was with this family. I also didn't think they were very consistent with who he was. Different scenes seemed to give a conflicting idea of what the character was about. Almost like his sole purpose as a character was to facilitate the needs of the other characters.

[Gemini Cricket]

I will say this about 'Junebug'... the mother character hit close to home for me...

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Junebug was so cool it didn't have to go anywhere. Lots of films don't go anyway ... and yeah, that's generally considered a fault. It did sorta bug me about Junebug ... but its other qualities made it worthwhile.

I don't think character pieces need to "go anywhere". It's all about the evolution and experience of the characters. The couples marriages are profoundly effected by what happened in the movie, and though we do not get to see what becomes of them, the momentum of their change is evident at the end of film, in my opinion.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I like Hugh Jackman. I like and sometimes love Scarlett Johansson. and I love Ian McShane, so foolishly I went to see Scoop. At least the music was really good, Jackman looked dishy, and McShane was charming, though nothing like he is on Deadwood. Ah, well. I'm used to being disappointed by and annoyed with Woody Allen. I shoulda known better, or at least waited for video.

[Stan4dSteph]

I like Hugh Jackman. I like and sometimes love Scarlett Johansson. and I love Ian McShane, so foolishly I went to see Scoop. At least the music was really good, Jackman looked dishy, and McShane was charming, though nothing like he is on Deadwood. Ah, well. I'm used to being disappointed by and annoyed with Woody Allen. I shoulda known better, or at least waited for video.This is my plan. Then I can just replay the pool scene over and over and over...

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

This is my plan. Then I can just replay the pool scene over and over and over...

Smart. Very smart.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I also didn't think they were very consistent with who he was.

I quite disagree. Who, in life, is consistent?

I understood him-- and I connected with him. Returning home to a small city and a family I've left behind is a confusing and odd experience. Sometimes you feel warm and connected, sometimes you feel completely at odds. Sometimes you hook in to a part of you that used to exist (ie singing at church) and sometimes you can't even face them after a few hours. Sometimes you can't understand why you left. Sometimes, after you leave again, you say "I'm so glad to be out of there," whether you mean it or you not. (Probably both.)

[Alex]

Saw The Illusionist tonight, starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, and Jessica Biel.

The acting was fine as you'd expect. And it was a pretty movie. Unfortunately it was dreadfully boring as it is a movie attempting misdirection but the actual lay of the land is apparent at each step. And in the end, the one thing you really want explained, especially since the whole movie depends on it, is not.

It's pretty, though.

[RStar]

Saw The Illusionist tonight, starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, and Jessica Biel.

The acting was fine as you'd expect. And it was a pretty movie. Unfortunately it was dreadfully boring as it is a movie attempting misdirection but the actual lay of the land is apparent at each step. And in the end, the one thing you really want explained, especially since the whole movie depends on it, is not.

It's pretty, though.
Aw, and I was so looking forward to that one being an exceptional movie, too.:(

[€uroMeinke]

Saw Beyond the Valley of the Dolls tonight - I was so happy to finally get this on DVD - I mean Roger Ebert and Russ Meyers. It was everything I remembered and more, the fashion, the art direction, the dialogue - God, I hope this one makes it the cemetary sometime - it has to be seen with Company - and such an homage to LA and it's decadent entertainment industry.

[CoasterMatt]

Having seen that recently on HD Movies, I can say that Beyond The Valley of the Dolls is a great one to pair with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band :cool:

[Alex]

Saw Crank tonight.

It is better than I expected. It has aboslutely nothing in the way of socially redeeming values and couldn't quite sustain itself all the way to the end but it had its moments. As a litmus test, if you found yourself enjoying The Transporter despite its many schlocky faults you'll probably enjoy this one.

With Fearless and The Protector also coming out this month September will be good for fans of hand-to-hand movie combat.

[Snowflake]

This week's fare will be eithr Hollywoodland or The Illusionist. Might be hitting the Balboa Theater out in the avenues, depends on the choice of my hosts. If not Hollywoodland this weekend, the next for sure, it's playing the Kabuki in Japantown, walking distance from me.

I won't be bored at home, Netflix just arrived with 3 Disney films I've not seen, Robin Hood, Pete's Dragon and The Rescuers.:)

[Gemini Cricket]

I saw 'Poseidon' on the flight back home from LA. It was so bad it gave me hives.

I watched 'The Wild' also. But I refused to put my headphones on to listen to it too. :D

[Gemini Cricket]

We just watched 'Match Point'. Loved it. Wonderful flick.
:)

[katiesue]

I just was forced to wach RV. Luckily I kept thinking of things to do in the other room so missed a good portion of it. Really really bad. Even the munchkin got bored and thought it wasn't funny.

[wendybeth]

I watched about five minutes of RV, and then decided to clean the bathroom.

[Alex]

I saw The Protector the other day. Unfortunately Mr. Harvey Weinstein has decided that the way to handle an Asian martial arts movie is to cut all exposition (who wants to watch the yelloe people talk, eh?) and redub it with a hip hop soundtrack.

But it is still a sight to behold. Tony Jaa is quickly turning into the next Jackie Chan (but without the humor) and if you have any appreciation for the martial arts genre of movies there are two set pieces in this movie that absolutely must be seen.

If you don't have much appreciation for martial arts movies you will want to stay away.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We saw "Confetti" tonight-- little Fox Searchlight/BBC Films production done in mockumentary style a la Christopher Guest. Though not as good as Guest's best work, it kept us chuckling.

The film's premise was a contest as thrown by a wedding magazine trying to find England's most unique wedding themes. It came down to three-- tennis, nudist, and vintage Hollywood musical.

Seeing as the latter selection was only off our own approaching wedding theme by one word, we were definitely amused. (Also by the others.) Not necessarily a rush-to-see-in-theatres film (and likely you won't be able to) but a good possibility for your Netflix account, if you need silliness.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We are not going to have time to see Little Miss Sunshine any time soon. :( Too much going on. It's bumming me out.

[Snowflake]

Tonight is sushi at Japan Town and then either The Illusionist or Hollywoodland at the Kabuki. :D

[Snowflake]

Tonight's fare was Hollywoodland. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 5. Well cast, the film could have been tightened up by a good 30 minutes of trimming. The intrercutting between the flashbacks and the present were choppy and excessive and disturbed the flow when something was slowly building, and then nothing. Essentially, I felt the whole film was a slow build to nothing.

Affleck was handsome and charming enough, but I didn't really care for Reeves as a person or character in this film at all. I think the best scene was an early one in which he meets the Diane Lane character, Toni Mannix, those fairly crackle with possibility. Then we get to the skid row, second rate detective story. I love Adrien Brody, but this sub-plot of the divorcee detective and his angst ridden son and bitter ex-wife did not really move the plot along.

Bob Hoskins was short and sweet as Eddie Mannix. Not enough to do, but the denouement with Brody was excellent.

Diane Lane was a bit over the top, but in a good way. Got to give her props, she played and older woman, was made up that way and pulled it off. Loved her pink t-bird, that was the real Lana Turner moment, think The Bad & the Beautiful (now that is something they should show at the cemetary screenings).

Some of the movie seemed over crowded, cramped sets, claustrophobic. Cinematography was good, it had the lush, 1950s look to it. But the direction was plodding, imo. As I said, 30 minutes could have been trimmed easily.

In the end, the movie solved nothing, gives you three options and leaves it to the viewer to figure out what really killed old Superman. The sad thing, you get to the end of the movie and you don't really care about poor old George or anyone else for that matter.

[tracilicious]

Saw Vera Drake last night. Quite good, I thought. I liked how they addressed the different issues of abortion without being too preachy on any side. Sort of a neutral view. Imelda Staunton was amazing in it.

[Gemini Cricket]

Saw Vera Drake last night. Quite good, I thought. I liked how they addressed the different issues of abortion without being too preachy on any side. Sort of a neutral view. Imelda Staunton was amazing in it.
I agree. The movie is quite good. And, as always, Imelda Staunton gives an excellent performance. I was amazed at how well paced the movie was. I just bought a copy from a Blockbuster near Chris and Lisa's. $5! Yeehaw! :)

[Alex]

I agree that Vera Drake was very good but I found it quite preachy and anything but neutral.

[tracilicious]

Really? I thought that they presented just about every side of the story. Young girls getting an abortion because they couldn't care for a child, legalized abortions being safer but expensive and more invasive, and the risks of do-it-yourself abortions.

[innerSpaceman]

Eh, a bit preachy, but moving. Staunton's performance sold it beautifully.

[Gemini Cricket]

Eh, a bit preachy...
Maybe I should watch it again, because I didn't get that from the movie at all...

[Matterhorn Fan]

Runaway Bride was on TV last night. I endured maybe half an hour (while doing something else) before I switched to DVD reruns of Newsradio.

[Not Afraid]

I watched "Paper Moon" last night. I had never seen it somehow. I forgot all about Pter Bogdanovich....and both of the O'Neals as well.

[Gemini Cricket]

I watched "Paper Moon" last night. I had never seen it somehow. I forgot all about Pter Bogdanovich....and both of the O'Neals as well.
Madeline Kahn and her maid steal that movie for me. I love love love that film.
"This little baby gotta go winkie tinkie..."
"She's like that little white speck on top of old chicken sh!t!"
Love it.
:)

[Alex]

I watched "Paper Moon" last night. I had never seen it somehow. I forgot all about Pter Bogdanovich....and both of the O'Neals as well.

If you haven't seen it, I recommend you check out Bogdanovich's Saint Jack. If nothing else it has one of the most surprising uses of a midget in movie history.

[RStar]

If you haven't seen it, I recommend you check out Bogdanovich's Saint Jack. If nothing else it has one of the most surprising uses of a midget in movie history.Does involve a wall of velcro? Been there, done that.

[Alex]

Nope.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We saw Bogdanavich speak at the Turner Classic Movies store (short-lived as it was) at the Grove. He had some truly funny anecdotes (though his impressions were terrible.) Two years later we're still referencing his tale of meeting Ryan O'Neill on an airplane.

[innerSpaceman]

Rented Swordfish last night. I don't know how I even heard about it; maybe somewhere in this thread for all I know.

Pretty basic caper movie. One of John Travolta's good roles. But the main reason to see the film, and the main thing I took away from it is ...


Hugh Jackman is hubba hubba :eek: oh my, is it hot in here? :eek: could you be any sexier? :eek: Is that your name, or a suggestive invitation that I'm just about ready to take you up on? :coffee: hot, hot, hot.









That is all.

[Gemini Cricket]

'Jackass 2'. I laughed. A lot! Hysterical.
:)

[RStar]

Nope.
Bummer.

[RStar]

:coffee: hot, hot, hot.
I hear a cold shower can relieve that;)

[Prudence]

Last night Monkeybone was on teevee. I saw most of it (edited, of course). The movie was so-so, but what really stuck with me is how uncomfortable I was watching Brendan Fraser when the Stu body was inhabited by Monkeybone. I don't know if it's because he's a super actor and I was supposed to be creeped out, or if I'm just so used to him playing essentially noble hero roles that I just couldn't buy him in this role. I haven't seen anything else he's been in since the Mummy Returns, I don't think, so maybe he does all kinds of roles now and I just don't get it. But normally leather pants activate my 'oooh! it's a bad boy!' salivary glands, and this time I nearly turned the channel.

(On the other hand, it was the only time I've ever found Chris Kattan to be even slightly watchable.)

[RStar]

but what really stuck with me is how uncomfortable I was watching Brendan Fraser when the Stu body was inhabited by Monkeybone.
I agree totaly. I had the same feeling, and I think that is what they were going for, and shows what a good actor Brandon Fraser is.

The last movie I saw him in was "Loony Toons, back in action" (though he had a small part in "Dikie Roberts"). But I have liked him best in "Blast From The Past" which came out the same year as "The Mummy" and "Dudly Do Right" (Man he is a busy actor!). He was perfect as "George Of The Jungle" (which is why the second one sucked, 'cause they didn't get him), and had that same innocence in "Encino Man" that I liked.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I saw Hollywoodland friday night. I really enjoyed the film. There were a few moments when it was slow, but the performances were amazing all around. Even Ben Afflek (Big surprise there, although if there was a "worst" it would be him). Brody was wonderful. It was difficult to take you're eyes off him and his mesmerizing performance. I was very impressed.

I give it 9 bornieo's out of 10!!

[Alex]

Haven't seen Monkeybone but Brendan Fraser has put together a pretty decent dramatic resume in between his more slapstick roles. Particularly The Quiet American and Gods and Monsters.

[Prudence]

Is he a white hat or a black hat in those?

[innerSpaceman]

Definitely a white hat in Gods and Monsters (with perhaps a touch of pink).

I haven't seen The Quiet American. Any good?

[Gemini Cricket]

Just finished watching 'Grand Hotel'. It's a grand film. Love it. :)

[JWBear]

"Miss Grusinskaya will not dance tonight."

[RStar]

"Miss Grusinskaya will not dance tonight."
Is that a film, or your neighbor??

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I just watched the Sci-Fi Ch's mini-series of DUNE. I loved the books and the David Lynch film to death. This mini was a soooo cheesy. Really, really bad acting, special effects are horrible. IT's about 4 hours of the worst TV mini series has to offer. Or with the budget of $3.50.

This gets 1 bornieo out of 10.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I agree totaly. I had the same feeling, and I think that is what they were going for, and shows what a good actor Brandon Fraser is.

The last movie I saw him in was "Loony Toons, back in action" (though he had a small part in "Dikie Roberts"). But I have liked him best in "Blast From The Past" which came out the same year as "The Mummy" and "Dudly Do Right" (Man he is a busy actor!). He was perfect as "George Of The Jungle" (which is why the second one sucked, 'cause they didn't get him), and had that same innocence in "Encino Man" that I liked.

First time I saw Monkeybone I hated it. Second time, I thought it was FANTASTIC. I don't know what changed my mind, but I thought everyone's performances were pretty darn great. The dead zombie dude? His body work was AMAZING.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I recently watched Amores Perros and Hard Candy. Both were excellently crafted, acted, written, directed, etc.

But I don't want to see either movie ever, ever again. Hard Candy especially set my teeth on edge.

[JWBear]

I just watched the Sci-Fi Ch's mini-series of DUNE. I loved the books and the David Lynch film to death. This mini was a soooo cheesy. Really, really bad acting, special effects are horrible. IT's about 4 hours of the worst TV mini series has to offer. Or with the budget of $3.50.

This gets 1 bornieo out of 10.
Interesting... I thought the minseries was far superior to the Lynch version.

[Alex]

I agree.

[Stan4dSteph]

I recently watched Amores Perros and Hard Candy. Both were excellently crafted, acted, written, directed, etc.

But I don't want to see either movie ever, ever again. Hard Candy especially set my teeth on edge.I saw Hard Candy in the theater. Extremely well done.

[innerSpaceman]

Yep, put me down for Dune series superior to the movie in every way .... except visually.

The visuals in the movie were splendid (effects were cheesy as hell, but the visual concepts and production design were great). The rest of the movie was pure suckitude.

Watching them both gives you an amalgamation appreciation for the story. But, um, you're way better off reading the book.


(and then stopping. None of the zillion sequels were anywhere near as good.)

[Not Afraid]

Worms? Spice? Is there a connection?



Why do the STUPIDEST lines stay in my brain for years and years.

[RStar]

Watching them both gives you an amalgamation appreciation for the story.
Thanks for the $64M word, ISM.:D

And for those of us with little education (I had to look this up, as I'm clueless, with the exception of Amalgam in dentistry- but still didn't know what it meant):


Amalgamation, meaning to combine or unite into one form, has several uses:

*Amalgam, in chemistry, mining and dentistry, the result of the blending of mercury with another metal or alloy

*Amalgamation, in business, the result of mergers of companies

*Amalgamation (music), the synthesis of sound events into an inter-parametric unit where parameters act together

*Amalgamation (album), an EP released by the band Pop Will Eat Itself in 1994

:snap:

[Not Afraid]

Both Junebug and Brick are on their way to me from Netflix.

[Prudence]

Is the 1964 version of Masque of the Red Death available on DVD? Anyone know? I haven't found it, but it seems impossible to me that the others in that sort of series would be available but not that one.

[Alex]

IMDb does show it was released on DVD but their link to Amazon goes nowhere so must be long out of print.

It is available from Amazon Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000068TPE/imdbca-20/) paired on one disc with The Premature Burial. $12.78 CDN. The same disc is available from Amazon UK and France as well.

[Gemini Cricket]

'All Quiet on the Western Front' is an amazing film for its time and even now. It came out in 1930 and still packs a punch. Again, another film that Spielberg seems to have borrowed from. I recommend it.
:)

[Snowflake]

'All Quiet on the Western Front' is an amazing film for its time and even now. It came out in 1930 and still packs a punch. Again, another film that Spielberg seems to have borrowed from. I recommend it.
:)

:snap: Right there with you GC.

[RStar]

It also on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Masque-of-the-Red-Death-Premature-Burial-1962-NEW-DVD_W0QQitemZ110036762203QQihZ001QQcategoryZ617QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), paired with Premature Burial, like Alex said. This one is $7.90, with $5.95 shipping. There were quite a few, starting as low as $3.99 and up new.

[Prudence]

Since I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than buy from Amazon, I might have to go the eBay route. thanks.

[Alex]

I'm sure you can find other vendors out there. Amazon is just a good source for what is actually avialable. If you aren't aware, IMDb is owned by Amazon so if you go to a movies page there is a box in the upper right that shows all the various national Amazon stores that have that movie available on DVD.

Though I am curious why you don't like Amazon.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

*waits patiently for Lisa to watch Junebug*

[Prudence]

Though I am curious why you don't like Amazon.

Short version: placed order. Waited. Waited. Waited. Ship by date long gone. Contacted customer service and was told they had cancelled order on their end due to computer problems and they don't notify you when that happens. No they couldn't revive it - I'd have to place a new order. Got my goods elsewhere. Got Visa bill. Was charged for order - TWICE. Still no goods. Company refused to respond, so disputed charges. Months later get "your items have shipped!" email on "cancelled" order, and bill charged again. Customer service in India couldn't care less. Disputed charges and refused shipment. Stateside CS finally contacts me with "sorry, here's a $5 gift certificate for your trouble." This is just the bare bones and doesn't cover the whole of the communication, if you can call it that. And it wasn't the first problem I'd had with them, just the last.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

(and then stopping. None of the zillion sequels were anywhere near as good.)

I took that advice. I've only read the first book and LOVED it.

[CoasterMatt]

I watched 'Raging Bull' tonight on HDMV... Such wonderful power, I love that movie.

[tracilicious]

We watched Bee Season last night. So good. I recommend it.

[Alex]

My reviews run tomorrow:

The Guardian - Very mediocre but in an entertaining way. If you like the solid, middle-of-the-pack John Wayne movies and things like that you have a shot of enjoying this one.

Renaissance - A French motion-capture animated movie (kind of like City City, but more so) that was picked up by Miramax. Impressively dull. Seriously, I think I yawned more in that 90 minutes than in the previous month.

[Gemini Cricket]

'Adam & Steve' = Hysterical, loved it. I laughed out loud for reals during it. I recommend it to the mo's and the straights. Funny sh!t.
:)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

The Science of Sleep. Not a flawless movie, but very, very lovely. The performances were excellent and the stop animation was inventively integrated into the live action. Considered it as an intimate look at someone who confuses reality and dreams (at times willingly, and at other times beyond his control), in a way that may have been more heartbreaking than sweet and dreamy.

[Not Afraid]

We saw both Junebug and Brick over the weekend. I thought Brick worked really well. Classic style in a different setting, great story, good characters, I really enjoyed it and wonder why it didn't get more buzz/press.

Junebug I liked- but less than I thought I would. Maybe it's because I was expecting to like it and that's always a bad thing. I thought Amy Adams was great, as was all of the cast. My favorite charater, however, was the next door neighbor. The entire movie, it bothered be where I had seen the wife/actresss before. I find it so distracting when I recognize the actress but can't place her. A trip to IMDB after revealed Bridgette Jones' Diary to be the thing on the tip of my tongue.

Bother are in the mail and next on the list are Brokeback Mtn (about time, eh?) and The Libertine. I need a more exciting queue.

[Alex]

Ooh, those two will be at the extremes of entertaining filmmaking.

[Not Afraid]

Here's my current Netflix list. Some of these films I don't event want to see any longer - they were only a passing fancy. Considering how many films I DON'T see, I would think I'd have a better list.

8 1/2 Women
A Beautiful Mind
Akira
Antonia's Line
Auntie Mame
Boys Don't Cry
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Brokeback Mountain
Bubba Ho-Tep
Children of Paradise: Disc 1
Children of Paradise: Disc 2
City of God
Dead Man Walking
Devdas
Dogma
Farinelli
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Hard Eight
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
High and Low
House of Sand and Fog
Igby Goes Down
Iggy & The Stooges: Live in Detroit
In America
Kiss Me Kate
Lantana
Lumiere and Company
Malena
Memories
Metropolis
Mystic River
Open Your Eyes
Phone Booth
Pollock
Pride and Prejudice: Vol. 1
Pride and Prejudice: Vol. 2
Sense and Sensibility
Shadow of a Doubt
Snatch
Steamboy
Strangers with Candy: Season 2: Disc 1
Strangers with Candy: Season 2: Disc 2
Swept Away
The Bicycle Thief
The Big Heat
The Cooler
The Day of the Locust
The Filth and the Fury: A Sex Pistols Film
The Libertine
The Red Violin
The Third Man
The Women
Thirteen
Tony Takitani
Trigun: Vol. 1: The $60,000,000,000 Man
Trigun: Vol. 2: Lost Past
Trigun: Vol. 3: Wolfwood
Trigun: Vol. 4: Gung-Ho-Guns
Trigun: Vol. 5: Angel Arms
Trigun: Vol. 6: Project Seeds
Trigun: Vol. 7: Puppet Master
Trigun: Vol. 8: High Noon
Two Women
Vanilla Sky
Vatel
What's the Matter with Helen?
Wilde

[€uroMeinke]

Junebug was good, but really made me feel uncomfortable. I loved the opening with the outsider artist as it reminded me of an excursion we once made to visit James Martin (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2001/0617/cover.html)at the Donald Duck Ranch. He was delightfully excentric. In Junebug though the artist seemed to turn much darker.

The Characters were good, but totally creeped me out in their disfuntionalness - they all needed years of therapy and even then, I wouldn't want to hang with them. I think it did a great job of capturing the telling silences and cutting passive agressiveness of families - but sheesh, this one depressed me. Glad I saw it, but happy we rented and didn't buy.

Brick was a delight. I loved the classic Noir tale, rolled out in the context of a High School - the showgirl being the Drama class diva, the stoners a sort of outer circle of a darker force. There were moments when the dialogue just didn't seem right coming out of a high school student, but then as a metaphore for the melodramatics of that time in one's life, it seemed to work just fine.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I meant to say I also watched Lon Chaney's "Laugh, Clown, Laugh".

One of the greatest, saddest films I've ever seen, and I'm now completely convinced that Chaney is one of the greatest actors to ever be captures on film. My God, he's amazing.

[Alex]

I thoroughly enjoyed Junebug, but it was definitely in the sense of being provided a window into lives I would hate to live.

[Mousey Girl]

I exposed Nickolas to the wonder that is SpaceBalls. He laughed a few times, but most of it went over his head. He and David went through a mess of old movie posters last night, the ones that actually hung in the theaters. One of them was for Spaceballs, so he wanted to see it. I enjoyed watching it again, but I'm not sure how much he enjoyed it.

[Gemini Cricket]

I saw "United 93". I liked it. I'm saying that in a pure filmmaking view. It's well done. I enjoyed the fact that these real people were not played by the likes of Gene Hackman, Jessica Alba and Nicholas Cage. It puts you right on that plane and doesn't let you go for 2 hours. The editing was superb.

Emotionally, I was blown away. I cried a couple of times. The scene where the passengers attempt to take back control of the plane is amazing. It's visceral and jarring.

Watching the bonus features is a must. Seeing the reactions of the families to the film and watching the actors meet them is wonderful.

One of the family members said that one of the biggest reasons to have this immortalized on film is so that no one forgets what happened. I agree. Granted, we'll never know everything but it's a great real time account of events of that day.

I also didn't realize how close they were to the ground for a good portion of the flight. Yikes.

[innerSpaceman]

I enjoyed the fact that these real people were not played by the likes of Gene Hackman, Jessica Alba and Nicholas Cage.
Not to mention that most of the real people who weren't on the plane were not only played by "unknowns," they were played by the actual real people who were the real people.

Far from that being a stunt, I found it a fantastic casting decision.

In the director's commentary, he points out that a wonderful alchemy occurred between the actors and non-actors ... in that the "non-professionals" started performing more like professional actors, and the professional actors started performing more like real people.

[Gemini Cricket]

In the director's commentary, he points out that a wonderful alchemy occurred between the actors and non-actors ... in that the "non-professionals" started performing more like professional actors, and the professional actors started performing more like real people.
The acting or non-acting in this film sold me. It was very convincing. When I watch a movie and people are supposed to be panicking, I want to see running, tears, screaming, veins popping, sweat, everything.

Although the movie was "meh" I thought the two kids in "Jurassic Park" were great in the panic scenes. Especially when they were reacting to CG dinos.

The panic in "Titanic" was "meh" to me. I wanted to see more.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I just saw Employee of the Month. Funny, but very typical of the underdog get the girl flick. Not one to go out of your way to see. Video or HBO is about all its worth. Some good laughs beyond what you see in the trailer.

I give it 5 bornieo's out of 10

[Gemini Cricket]

Here's the movies on NA's list that I haven't seen:


Antonia's Line
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Children of Paradise: Disc 1
Children of Paradise: Disc 2
City of God
Devdas
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Hard Eight
High and Low
House of Sand and Fog
Iggy & The Stooges: Live in Detroit
Lantana
Lumiere and Company
Malena
Memories
Open Your Eyes
Phone Booth
Pollock
Shadow of a Doubt
The Big Heat
The Cooler
The Day of the Locust
The Filth and the Fury: A Sex Pistols Film
The Libertine
The Red Violin
Thirteen
Tony Takitani
Trigun: Vol. 1: The $60,000,000,000 Man
Trigun: Vol. 2: Lost Past
Trigun: Vol. 3: Wolfwood
Trigun: Vol. 4: Gung-Ho-Guns
Trigun: Vol. 5: Angel Arms
Trigun: Vol. 6: Project Seeds
Trigun: Vol. 7: Puppet Master
Trigun: Vol. 8: High Noon
Two Women
Vanilla Sky
Vatel
What's the Matter with Helen?


LISA! You haven't seen "The Women"? I'm sorry. You get a big "F" on your movie report card. :D Save that one, we'll watch it together. I'll bring my DVD copy with me. :)

[Snowflake]

Here's the movies on NA's list that I haven't seen:
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

Shadow of a Doubt

LISA! You haven't seen "The Women"? I'm sorry. You get a big "F" on your movie report card. :D Save that one, we'll watch it together. I'll bring my DVD copy with me. :)


I read it as TWO Women, GC. Different flick entirely. I think Lisa has seen The Women. That is a great movie party movie!

Lisa, no reason to see the Bridget Jones sequel. I caught it on cable some months back and could barely watch it. The original was so charming and cute. This was plain stupid and they showed everyone the money and they ran with that, but they should have run away from it. One of the top 5 of the worst films I've ever seen. I did not even find it to be a good bad film, nothing to recommend it.

Shadow of a Doubt, one of my favorite and one of the best dark Hitch films. I believe it was also Hitch's favorite of his films. Good performances all around and Joseph Cotten is marvelous (and at the time, so totally out of character for him) Also a very good bit with a young Hume Cronyn. Many thumbs up for this one :snap:

[Gemini Cricket]

Oops. You're right, Snowflake. I read it wrong. I take back the "F", Lisa.
:)

[Gemini Cricket]

"Man of the Year" = 17% on RottenTomatoes. That's pretty bad.
The reviews are calling it a comedy, a thriller and a romantic comedy. It sounds like it has an identity crisis. Ugh. Robin Williams is turning into box office poison... just like his buddy Affleck.

Won't be seeing that one...

[€uroMeinke]

We saw Secretary last night and I really enjoyed it, though I must confess it kept me dumbfounded for quite awhile as I digested this tale. While I expected the kink, I wasn't expecting the romance and the complexity of the relationships. My one complaint was the movement between fantasy and reality - the cartoony elements of the flashing secretary sign, or the strangely ornate office, where somewhat distracting to me, as was the crowd of people at the discipline watch/media event.

But a day later the movie really struck with me, particularly the character of Mr. Grey, how he is contrasted with the absuive alcoholic father, and his compassion for trapped mice. His penchance for dominance, is his shield to his shyness and ultimately the way his sexuality is repressed. Still there is much we don't know about him - had he played this scenario before with all the previous secretaries? If so, to what extent? Where the roles reversed in his relationship with his ex? I don't know interesting and thought provoking.

[MouseWife]

I saw a movie on cable called 'Little Otik'. It was bizarre, to put it mildly. I found it on the Rotten Tomatoes list...no kidding. But it was interesting. The claymation.

Aw. Maybe Robin Williams has some sort of contract do to those movies?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

But a day later the movie really struck with me....I don't know interesting and thought provoking.Glad you liked it. Seems you liked it so much, it affected your typing ability ;) This one also stuck with me for quite a while afterwards and any reminder of it makes me smile.

[Ghoulish Delight]

But a day later the movie really struck with me, particularly the character of Mr. Grey, What struck me about him is how it seemed he didn't even understand his dominant side. When you think of a dominant person, especially to that extreme, you tend to think of someone who is confident and in control, but here's a guy who is overall clueless about what he wants out of his sexuality and yet expresses it in a dominant way.

[Prudence]

What struck me about him is how it seemed he didn't even understand his dominant side. When you think of a dominant person, especially to that extreme, you tend to think of someone who is confident and in control, but here's a guy who is overall clueless about what he wants out of his sexuality and yet expresses it in a dominant way.

I thought that was actually one of the aspects that made it more realistic.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I thought that was actually one of the aspects that made it more realistic.For sure. I didn't mean that was a bad thing, just an observation of his character.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

God, I love that movie. I'm glad you finally saw it, €.

From my perspective, Mr. Grey was not the only character who had trouble understanding himself-- or mistaking one person for something they weren't. The movie was filled with confusion on all parts. Lee couldn't figure out how to take care of herself, or how to express herself sexually (initially.) Her father couldn't figure out how to function without alcohol. Lee's boyfriend understood himself, but was very much confused about who Lee was.

All of the characters were quite fascinating to me. And, actually, I enjoyed that dancing line between fantasy and reality. And I very much enjoyed watching two people who were so interestingly, deeply suited to each other grow beyond their limitations to accept that.

I guess I like a lot of movies about things that people don't do. Don't say. Don't realize. At least until the end of the movie; perhaps not even then. Secretary, Junebug, Little Miss Sunshine. These are a few of my favorite things.

[Not Afraid]

I loved it. I love the complexity and the oddity, the resolve and acceptance. I didn't have an issue with the fantasy/reality blurring - I usually find I don't unless it is CGI and slaps me on the face, then I hate it. I thought both Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader were fantastic! Their characters were so fully formed and well expressed. I really had no expectations going into it other than a possibily I would feel turned off by the kink. But, it actually was quite a sexy film and didn't hit my level of fear and disgust I usually have with violent S&M. Wonderful film!


Maybe we'll continue the Gyllenhaal/Sex theme tonight with Brokeback.

[katiesue]

Ok everyone else gets to watch all these cool intellectual movies and I'm stuck watching a double feature of Click and Bratz - Passion 4 Fashion Diamondz :rolleyes:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ok everyone else gets to watch all these cool intellectual movies and I'm stuck watching a double feature of Click and Bratz - Passion 4 Fashion Diamondz :rolleyes:Who's paying for the electricity around there? Show some dominance! (But not in a James Spader way)

[Alex]

Yes, becaues, no matter how satisfying the dominance, having someone pee in your office chair is kind of gross.

[RStar]

I saw Man of the Year (http://www.manoftheyearmovie.net/) last night.

It was an okay movie. Different than I expected, a few good one liners, but nothing too funny or moving.

The OC Register gave it a "D", but I would have given it a "B-". Pretty good plot, but not very well executed. I felt that they reigned in Robin Williams too much. But part of that is because he was playing a comedian trying to play it straight.

[tracilicious]

We watched Garden State again last night. I love that movie. So many parts are really lame, but the good parts are so good. Great soundtrack too. And Zach Braff. Who could ask for more?

[Gemini Cricket]

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Best movie title ever.
:)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

A coworker recommended Noises Off (http://imdb.com/title/tt0105017/) and we Netflixed it. Amazing cast, wonderfully balletic dance of onstage/offstage antics, everyone was great. Pretty funny, though not incredibly so, but still highly amusing. I found myself turning away in embarrassment. I would freak out if I were on stage trying to handle all these problems.

[Gemini Cricket]

'Noises Off' stresses me out. Seriously. I love the play and I think the film's okay, but it seriously stresses me out. It's like watching an actor's nightmare on film. I'd love to play the stage manager/crew guy one day.
:)

[Prudence]

there's a one act play called "The Actor's Nightmare". Very funny. But not a movie (that I'm aware of).

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I love "The Actor's Nightmare"! It's often performed with "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You" since both are really one act plays. If you have a chance to read, or even better see, either/both, I highly recommend doing so. Christopher Durang is a tremendously funny writer and I think his Cathodic perspective will resonate especially well with you GC.

[Gemini Cricket]

I've seen "Actor's Nightmare" done at Chapman University. I love it.

I have not seen "SMIEIAFY" but I've heard great things about it. It's a must for me. I know it.
:)

[flippyshark]

All these great plays come up all of a sudden!

There is a movie based on Sister Mary ... but it's very "opened out" from the play. (I think it was made for HBO.)

I'll be attending a live performance of Noises Off this weekend. The WDW cast member theater group is putting it on. (They're called S.T.A.G.E. - That stands for "Society for Theater Arts, Growth and Expression," as awkward an acronym as you could ever hope for. I was once Vice President of said organization.)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

There is a movie based on Sister Mary ... but it's very "opened out" from the play. (I think it was made for HBO.)You are correct! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0250739/) (well, Showtime, but I still give you full points ;) )

I saw it a few years ago. I don't think I would have cast Diane Keaton as Sr. Mary and I think the pacing could use some improvement, but it's still worth seeing.

[Prudence]

I've never seen Sr. Mary. The Actor's Nightmare I saw performed by our high school drama class, and thus the Catholic reference would not have been considered suitable. Nightmare was so funny, though, that I still can visualize now, 15 years later, the high school actor performing it. I *still* have nightmares that it's dance recital time and I don't remember our dance. Or having been to rehersal. Or anything. And frantically trying to get people to teaching it to me in the wings before we take the stage. And of course I'm always in the front row of dancers.

[Strangler Lewis]

We ordered "The Dudesons" on cable last night. It's basically "Jackass" in Finland with four Finns sharing a house and abusing themselves and each other in unimaginable ways while laughing hysterically. My wife, who descends on one side from a long line of Finnish alcoholics, was appalled but pointed out that the boys were all very pleasant fellows. Also notable is that the four speak impeccable English, as do the strippers that show up occasionally.

[RStar]

I saw The Prestige last night. Great movie! A little slow in places, they could have cut 15 minutes out and made it much better. There were twists and creepy parts that made a bit of a thriller. A very injoyable movie!

Four snaps from me!

:snap: :snap: :snap: :snap:

[Gemini Cricket]

"Freaks"
What a great film.
Love it.
:)

[RStar]

"Freaks"
What a great film.
Love it.
:)
You would.

:eek:


Just kidding!


You can slap me Sunday if you're going to be there. :D

[€uroMeinke]

Gabba Gabba We Accept You We Accept You One of Us One of Us

[Snowflake]

Normally I'm not a Kevin Costner fan, I find him very dull.

I just saw for the first time, big bleeding chunks, albeit not in widescreen Dances With Wolves. I missed this in the theaters way back when it won best picture and a bunch of other awards.

Nice to see a film that has some cinematic sweep to it. What I've seen I've liked a lot and I'd love to see it on the big screen. So, it along with the bonus materials dvd has been added to my Netflix queue.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Dances was great on the big screen. We had it at my theatre.

I saw "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" last night. It was very funny, great lines, great concept but the exicution of the film was horrible. In better director hands it could've been so much better. Kilmer was a scream, wish he'd do better films now-a-days.

6 Bornieo's out of 10

[Snowflake]

I'm in a quandry, what's it going to be tonight? Two new DVDs arrived. Cars or The Little Mermaid?

Since I've seen Cars, I guess it will be the Little Mermaid which I've never seen. I will watch the new Mater short, though.

[MouseWife]

Ooo...you've never seen Little Mermaid? My youngest son hadn't and we had such a thrill watching it again after so many years.

Anyone see 'American Haunting'? {and forgive me for not reading back...}

[Snowflake]

Ooo...you've never seen Little Mermaid? My youngest son hadn't and we had such a thrill watching it again after so many years.

Anyone see 'American Haunting'? {and forgive me for not reading back...}

Nope! I'm a Little Mermaid virgin!

So, a Coit Tower pizza on the way from North Beach Pizza and some fuzzy water, my cat is comfy on her spot snoring away and I will soon be watching The Little Mermaid. :D

[Ghoulish Delight]

Nope! I'm a Little Mermaid virgin!

So, a Coit Tower pizza on the way from North Beach Pizza and some fuzzy water,Knowing the history and rumors of Coit Tower...I hesitate to ask what's on that.

[€uroMeinke]

Saw the Third Man again last night, what a great film, I just love the cinematography in it, so many homages to Caligari and German Expressionist cinema - loved it. I hope Lisa can catch it soon herself.

[Gemini Cricket]

Saw the Third Man again last night, what a great film, I just love the cinematography in it, so many homages to Caligari and German Expressionist cinema - loved it. I hope Lisa can catch it soon herself.
Great film. That one wins Best Zither in a Motion Picture.
:)

[Snowflake]

Ugh, for some reason I can't edit the previous post, nor can I seem to delete it...

Knowing the history and rumors of Coit Tower...I hesitate to ask what's on that.

What history and rumors are you referring to?

Lillie Hitchcock Coit, philanthropist and admirer of the fire fighters at the 1906 earthquake fire, left funds to The City for beautification of San Francisco.

Those funds were used for the construction of the 210 ft. tall art deco Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill. The tower’s design is reminiscent of a fire hose nozzle and was quite controversial. The Golden Gate Bridge is another San Francisco landmark with an art deco design.

source (http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFNbrhds/Coit_Tower.html)

And a nice article on Lillian (http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/h-coit.html) from 1939

The Coit Tower - pizza variety has pepperoni, sausage, salami and mushrooms. Excellent crust, not too thick, but enough with a good chewy texture. I'm partial to their Verdi Pizza as well (fresh spinach, pesto, onions and feta cheese no red sauce)

Oh, and I loved The Little Mermaid! :snap:

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Little Mermaid's one of my all time fav's of the "new" Disney. I've seen it a billion times. Saw it in the theatre dozens of times. Saw it twice at El Cap. Love it!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Lillie Hitchcock Coit, philanthropist and admirer of the fire fighters The stories I've always heard was the she was a very avid "admirer" of fire fighters and that the tower was reminiscent of their "fire hoses".

The Coit Tower - pizza variety has pepperoni, sausage, salamiYup, sounds about right...

[Not Afraid]

Maybe today I won't sleep through The Third Man.

[Snowflake]

The stories I've always heard was the she was a very avid "admirer" of fire fighters and that the tower was reminiscent of their "fire hoses".

Yup, sounds about right...

Ha!

She was, but in purely platonic fashion, as far as I know! Firemen, hubba hubba...

[Snowflake]

Maybe today I won't sleep through The Third Man.

Great movie! Best charactr entrance ever, you'll love it, it involves a cat

[Not Afraid]

I must've fallen asleep before the cat. I remember a dog or 2.

I blame my husband for my falling asleep. He's so comfortable to cuddle with.

[Snowflake]

I must've fallen asleep before the cat. I remember a dog or 2.

I blame my husband for my falling asleep. He's so comfortable to cuddle with.

Nothing wrong with that! But, do try to catch the movie, it's a great film. I love Carol Reed !

[Gemini Cricket]

"Flushed Away"
I thought it was pretty good.
Worth a Netflix rent in the future...
Ian McKellan was fun and Jean Reno steals the show.
:)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

The Prestige.

If I hadn't read the book, I might have loved the movie. Instead, I loved the book and thought the movie was pretty okay, coulda been better. Performances were stellar. And I liked some of the additions, changes. Overall, I'll stick with the read.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So, I rented GOLD RUSH, since I haven't seen it.

I was pretty dissapointed in the whole DVD release. It wasn't the original version but one that was fixed up with sound, music and an overdub by Chaplin that was pretty cheesy. I would have much rather have seen the original version with the cards rather than having the naration. It very distracting.

I give this "version" 4 Bornieo's out of 10

[Snowflake]

This has been floating around for the last few years, but here it rears its ugly and totally unecessary head once again....UGH. So few things are perfect and I consider this film to be one of them.

Hopefully the newly revised and modernized script will be sufficient to remove it from the original screen adaptation. Of course , this has to get through all the production hoops first before it gets in front of the cameras.

HD Reporter



Picturehouse finds room for remake of 'Women'
By Gregg Goldstein

Nov 9, 2006
Picturehouse has acquired all North American rights to the long-gestating remake of "The Women" from writer-director Diane English, with Meg Ryan in talks to star.

Budgeted in the $18 million range, the project is slated to begin production in March in New York and Connecticut for release during next year's holiday season or spring 2008. The Jagged Films/Inferno Distribution feature will be produced by Jagged's Victoria Pearman and Mick Jagger, Inferno's Bill Johnson and English. Inferno's Jim Seibel is serving as an exec producer.

" 'The Women' is a very exciting project for our company," Jagger said. "It's a very funny and incisive script."

English described George Cukor's original 1939 film adaptation of Clare Boothe Luce's all-female comedy as "a poison pen letter to society women." She added, "My version is more of a love letter."

In the new version, Ryan, repped by CAA, would play a contemporary Martha Stewart-style TV personality who, as in the original, discovers that her husband is cheating on her. Picturehouse president Bob Berney said he plans to market the film as a broad comedy with a wide release, adding, "I laughed out loud reading this script."

Anne Hathaway, Lisa Kudrow and Candice Bergen are among the other actresses being mentioned.

The project has been in the works since 1995, when Ryan and Julia Roberts independently asked New Line Cinema about doing a remake. The studio hired English, creator of CBS' "Murphy Brown," to pen a new screenplay for the duo, but they then moved on to other projects.

Directors such as James Brooks and Oliver Parker also were involved at various points. "(New Line co-chairman and co-CEO) Bob Shaye finally suggested that I direct about three years ago, which I always secretly hoped he'd do," English said.

In January, English bought back the rights to her screenplay along with certain remake rights for a price in the low-seven figures. Pearman, Jagger and Johnson then officially came aboard. In moving to Picturehouse, the project remains within the New Line family as Picturehouse is jointly owned by New Line and HBO.

"I've spent the better part of a decade trying to convince Hollywood that an all-female cast is a good bet," English said. "The timing on this couldn't be better, and I'm thrilled that Bob Berney and Bill Johnson recognize that."

ICM is packaging and raising financing for the project. Inferno also has been financing the film through its hedge fund facility and sales of foreign rights at the recently wrapped AFM.

The deal was brokered by Sara Rose, Picturehouse' s senior vp acquisitions, and Carolyn Blackwood, executive vp business affairs and co-productions at New Line. ICM brokered the deal with Inferno on behalf of Jagged and English.

[Gemini Cricket]

Remake of 'The Women'? Nooooooooooooo!



Saw 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' last night. I liked it. I laughed a lot.
:)

[innerSpaceman]

I'm pretty excited about next week's release of Casino Royale - which, by all accounts, successfully returns Bond to the early Fleming/Connery mold.

This week, however, I'm hung up on a different film Royale.




Anyone ever see the Japanese cult film Battle Royale? I finally got around to renting it this week, and now I can't seem to get it out of my mind.

The premise is weird enough, but you add in typical Nipponese sensibilities, and you have one bizarro bit of filmmaking.

A Japanese middle school class is kidnapped by a disgruntled former teacher and some quasi-military outfit to participate in a sadistic survival test on a deserted Pacific island.

The kids are all fitted with permanent metal collars, loaded with GPS locators, pulse monitors, microphones ... and an explosive devise. They are given a backpack with a map of the island, a flashlight, some bread and water, and a single, random weapon which could be anything from an AK-47 to an axe to a slingshot.

They have to kill each other off, leaving only one man standing, within three days - or all the collar-bombs will go off. They must keep moving - - every hour, one of the "zones" the island is divided up into is declared a Danger Zone ... and anyone located there will have their head explode.

Every four hours, there is an announcement over the Islandwide P.A. system listing the four upcoming Danger Zones and the identities of those killed in the preceding period.


In addition to the school kids, two other "ringers" are involved in the game - older boys, high school or college age - one of whom turns out to be a good guy who helps our heros, and the other a homocidal maniac.

The kids are released one-at-a-time to the wilds of the island, and from there it's a gory Lord of the Flies sociological experiment - - Japanese style.


Pathos, horror, humor, oddballness, and lots of blood - but done in a vaguely comical style. Why are the Nipponese so weird????

[Snowflake]

I'm pretty excited about next week's release of Casino Royale - which, by all accounts, successfully returns Bond to the early Fleming/Connery mold.

Count me in as well!
This is the first Bond film based on a Flemming novel in eons. Don't get me wrong, that awful mess from 1967, the spoof Casino Royale is one of my guilty pleasures. But, like iSm, I'm eagerly awaiting this new Bond film. Plus, it still has Judy Dench in it :D

[Alex]

Early word that I'm hearing on Casino Royale is that is a mess. The verdict is split from there on whether it is a fun mess or just a mess.

As for Battle Royale I don't see anything particularly Japanese in its weirdness. I think we have produced equally odd things in this country and others (Shaun of the Dead is more overtly comedic but I think touches on several similar nerves and combines styles similarly).

The socio-economic mileau which drives the movie's initial setup is uniquely Japanese, but it is a country that has gone through some significant cultural and economic upheavals over the last century, but beyond that I don't see much uniquely Japanese in its execution.

I tried to read the manga on which the movie is based but didn't care for the artwork and eventually drifted away.

[tracilicious]

Saw Lars Von Triers' Medea last week. Didn't really care for it. I loved Dancer in the Dark, but I just didn't feel connected to any of the characters in Medea. It was just a uniquely directed movie about crappy people doing crappy things to each other.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Borat! LMFAO.

8 Bornieo's out of 10!

[Snowflake]

Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies was on TCM and I caught it tonight. What a grave and shattering piece of anime this was. Very moving film, I wept.

[Alex]

I must admit I laughed a lot during Borat. But like iSm I am uncomfortable at people getting punked and made to look like fools. So I was pleasantly suprised that very few of the real people encounters resulted in them coming off looking like idiots. Yes, there was the racist guy and drunk frat boys making themselves look like fools.

But overall I think people responded to Borat within reason and generally with suprising patience. The southern society dinner had to be pushed pretty damn far (he called a prostitute over to dinner) before they kicked him out and based on the sudden turn of attitude between one cut and another I wonder if they realized they were being scammed or he did something provocative not shown.

But the funniest stuff was in the staged portions of the movie, or so I thought. I assumed that the opening and closing in the "Kazakh village" were scripted and staged but now I see that the Romanian village where they filmed it are claiming that they were tricked into acting like idiots and paid very little.

So, yes, it is a very, very funny movie. But I feel like a dirtbag for it.

I'm assuming that Pamela Anderson at least was in on the part that involved her.

[Gemini Cricket]

"Casino Royale"
I liked it. It attempts to make Bond more believable.
Daniel Craig is hot. Hot hot hot.
:)

[wendybeth]

Eric and I are planning on seeing Borat with some other equally disturbed friends. From the advance press, I feel quite sure we'll like it.:D

I loathe 'reality tv' and all those punked-type shows, but for some reason this movie appeals to me. Maybe it was seeing Borat wrestle with Harry Smith.

[innerSpaceman]

Ooooh, how did you see a pre-release of CR, GC?


I'm really glad they've returned to the hot Bonds. Sorry, but Brosnon and Moore did nothing for me. James Bond needs to be smouldering.


:cheers: Basically, I need to be stirred ... not skaken.

[Gemini Cricket]

I got the hook up from nirvanaman. A big mahalo to him.

It's not your conventional Bond. It's different. You'll see. But I was never a big fan of the hokey nature of Bond anyway... Daniel Craig's body is smokin'!

Some of the film is cheesy, but I liked it. Not a big fan of Brosnan and Moore either...


Edit to add: "Reinvention". That's the word I was looking for to describe it.
:)

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I saw MAN OF THE YEAR last night. Robin Williams as the president elect. I enjoyed the film. It wasn't the movie you were lead to belive it was in the previews, I think that was a turn-off. I thought it was a neat idea, great dialoge by Williams. All the acting was great and it was very funny. The downside was it was missing somthing. I think another "pass" at the writing stage would have been needed. Maybe the structure was weird. It was enjoyable. 7 1/2 Bornieo's out of 10

THANK YOU FOR SMOKING. I heard this was a pretty good film and I thought it was just ok. Funny, interesting look at that whole side of that world. Well done. Acting was good. Just not a great movie for me. 5 Bornieo's out of 10

CRASH. Somehow I missed it in the theatres. Knew I wanted to see it because of its Best Picture win. I really loved it. Great acting. Well done all around. A group of stories that was interesting and kept my attention. It was melodramatic or preachy with the whole "race" issue. It was a complelling story about people - not explosions, car chases and four-minute soliloquies. Just about things people do and go thru. 9 Bornieo's out of 10

[Ghoulish Delight]

I saw MAN OF THE YEAR last night. Robin Williams as the president elect. I enjoyed the film. It wasn't the movie you were lead to belive it was in the previews, I think that was a turn-off. I thought it was a neat idea, great dialoge by Williams. All the acting was great and it was very funny. The downside was it was missing somthing. I think another "pass" at the writing stage would have been needed. Maybe the structure was weird. It was enjoyable. 7 1/2 Bornieo's out of 10I've heard that there have been 2 opposing reactions to the movie, depending on what you expected/what you like. People are either saying, "I liked the parts where Robin Williams was being Robin Williams, but then it gets all politcal. Not enough Robin Williams," or, "Eh, it started out with Robin Williams being Robin Williams which I could have done without. Then it gets all political, which I dug, but with so much time wasted on Robin Williams, there wasn't enough political stuff."

[Gemini Cricket]

CRASH. Somehow I missed it in the theatres. Knew I wanted to see it because of its Best Picture win. I really loved it. Great acting. Well done all around. A group of stories that was interesting and kept my attention. It was melodramatic or preachy with the whole "race" issue. It was a complelling story about people - not explosions, car chases and four-minute soliloquies. Just about things people do and go thru. 9 Bornieo's out of 10
I disagree. (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=53462&postcount=5)
;)

[Not Afraid]

I really liked the Bond film. Here's my caveat: I don't see a lot of action films, I LOVE Bond, I don't expect a tight story and plausible sequences, and I know all of the Bond films and his history to appreciate the little references.

Daniel Craig is a different sort of Bond. He's beefy, and muscled - almost too much so - but he's rough around the edges. He pulls off the suave but his athletic scenes are great and over the top.

There are few gadgets - but, remember, this is supposed to be EARLY Bond, just after his promotion. He gets much more emotionally involved that any other Bond except in OHMSS (the only film where he gets married). I can see how Bond developed from this point into the Bond we all know and love.

But, it definitely has a different feel to it. It's not as silly-gadgetey as all the rest and it is a lot more serious. If someone had told me that prior to the film, I wouldn't have thought I would have liked it. But, I really did.

Bond is one of life's great escapes and this film didn't disappoint. However, I can see why others don't or won't like it.

Thanks to NM for taking us along on this ride.


Edit: I do NOT like the Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) song but I LOVE the Dave Arnold takes on the Bond theme.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm off to see it in a couple of hours. I like how we have Judi Dench as "M" - continuing her role, but have Craig as Bond just acquiring Double Oh status and having his first mission as such, in the present day. This goes along with the way I've groked having so many different actors in the role, and yet each remaining pretty much the same age as a sexy ladies man over a span of 40 years.

I think of them each as new agents acquiring the name and number when the last Bond retires (or exits more permanently). I just can't go along with the notion that Bond is ageless, and has these periodic face changes and strong personality shifts.

This one pretty much departs from that retardedness by having this be Bond's first mission. It gels with my notion of the series, and I appreciate that fact going in.

Review to follow. (Perhaps at 4 o'clock this morning!)


.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Argh! Am I crazy if I ask for seperate threads for brand-new movies? It's like we have a whole forum for nothing.

[innerSpaceman]

I wholeheartedly agree, CP.

If I can figure out how, I'm gonna move the CR posts to a new thread in the Beatnik forum ... and enforce an old-movies-only policy in this thread.

[tracilicious]

It's like we have a whole forum for nothing.

Yep. It's called Games & Word Play. :D

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

This week I saw:
Kronk's New Groove - An ok straight to video movie that was like an animated series that they decided to pull togeather as a movie. It was ok. Nothing like the Emperors New Grove, which was a scream. 5 Bornieo's out of 10

American Dreamz - I liked this one but didnt love it. It had such an odd tone to it and the humor was there but most of it I didn't feel like laughing at, even though it was funny. It was well done and worth renting, IMHO. 6 Bornieo's out of 10

Junebug - I've heard rumblings about this film in this thread so I rented it last night. I thougth it was a good film. I think the beginning was a bit slow and I think under another director it would have been better. Some of the direction was just too jaring IMHO. The acting was great. It was good to see the lead actor, whom I liked in Laural Canyon (Great movie) and the actress who was in Army of Darkness, of all things. There was a bit of predictability in it, but what movie doesn't have that now-a-days. I was very satified after watching it. 8 bornieo's out of 10

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Casablanca & Maltese Falcon - Big (not huge) screen. Love it! Those movies never get old. Was excellent to see on a larger screen. Some interesting audience reactions to Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Larre's roles in Falcon. SOme odd giggles in Casablanca too. It was something to see with an audience for sure.

[Gemini Cricket]

I would love to see both of those films with an audience on a big-ish screen. Awesome.
:)