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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: overthejordan on May 17, 2019, 11:40:50 PM

Title: Movie Thread
Post by: overthejordan on May 17, 2019, 11:40:50 PM
There have been several movie threads over the years, usually limited to new movies in a certain time frame. Can we, for the time being, have an ongoing, general movie thread, for new movies and old movies and general movie-related discussion?

I still haven't seen Tolkien or Meeting Gorbachev or Amazing Grace or The Biggest Little Farm. Those are all on my list for the beginning of summer. What else should I see soon?

What are your favorite summertime movies in general?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on May 18, 2019, 12:45:28 AM
I'm going to see Secret Lives of Pets 2 even if I can't convince my kid to go.

The Death of Stalin was one I missed in our theater, but was worth paying the money to see on Amazon Video, assuming a specific sense of humor.
Title: Cheese
Post by: cc_alan on May 18, 2019, 11:43:40 AM
Hey! I love movies about eating cheese. Did anyone see "Cheese Eater 3000" last week?

I am in the right place to post this incredibly serious question, right? It's not like there's an actual thread to put movie posts in, right?


[Note: thanks for the OT tester post, cc_alan!    -Para]
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: genericusername on May 19, 2019, 08:27:43 PM
I wanted to share two useful tidbits that I thought were interesting about trends in movies lately:

1. Some huge percentage of the top movies last year were from the Marvel Character Universe, likely from having been weaponized by the Disney cross promotion and marketing machine after Disney purchased them in 2009.

2. Part of the reason why these huge super hero blockbusters keep coming through is that they do better for global distribution, whereas romantic comedies, as a genre, tend to be more culture specific, and are thus less likely to do as well across multiple markets.

Personally not such a fan of the overblown super hero genre and would prefer more sci-fi (big budget, small budget, critical, all good, space opera even better), although I did like Black Panther when I randomly saw it because the movie I went to see was sold out.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 03, 2019, 05:46:25 PM
I think we may have lost a couple posts here from the server hiccups....

Anyway...

I had to sit through the 《Incredibles #2》a few months back, and discovered I didn't mind it as much as I'd expected...especially enjoyed Elastigirl's antics, and wondering how you get someone to model those for the graphic artists doing all that drawing.

My favorite is still "Triplets de Belleville" though...

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on June 04, 2019, 06:27:24 AM
"Ralph Wrecks the Internet" - in Spanish on the plane. Great movie! Really! Passes the Bechdel Test, too.

Also watched "What Men Want" and "Black KKKlansman" in Spanish. Great practice.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on June 04, 2019, 08:25:51 AM
I presume this thread can also serve for tv shows?

I've been watching "Gentleman Jack". It has lots of great clothes, but the central romance features such an insipid, tiresome young woman object of affections. I have no idea what Lister sees in her, besides her money. The coal sub-plot is much more fun, and I'm particularly enjoying the tension of a protagonist who is simultaneously a figure-head for sexual progressivism, and also a classist arsehole. Lister's traditional, gender-role-embracing sister is a lot more sympathetic to the plight of the working class.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 04, 2019, 01:36:52 PM
I lost a post or two and became a probationary member, I guess, but I did see an actual in-theater movie recently.  We see a movie in the theater maybe once or twice a year, if that, so now's as good a time as any.  This past weekend, partner and I went to see John Wick 3.  He had seen the first movie and recommended it to me, and we saw the second movie in the theater together.  It was a little funny to hear the two older ladies sitting in front of us at that showing commenting on previews that were violent.  I wondered what they thought John Wick 2 would be like! I'll just say that they had a lot of comments throughout.

In any case, if you are not comfortable with egregious violence, I would certainly suggest avoiding the series.  I think the storyline is interesting, and the action can be kind of fun.  I found myself a couple times during this movie covering my eyes with my arm and exclaiming at some of the violence (and I have seen and own the first 7 Saw movies).  I did expect the violence but was a little startled at times.  At other times, the action was very entertaining.  There is one scene in particular that I thought was done very well.  Overall, I would say this movie was probably better than the second but not as good as the first.  Some plot points did not make sense to either of us, but I also think I may have picked up on some of the mythology that I missed before.  Naturally, some dialogue and acting were laughable, even from some very well-respected actors.   If you can suspend disbelief about some of the logistical issues and mythology, you may enjoy it overall.   I did.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 07, 2019, 06:48:30 AM
I'm chuffed to read about John Wick 3 and to know that R rating is real so Blocky shouldn't get to come.  I, too, enjoyed the Saw movies, but they aren't Blocky-friendly.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 07, 2019, 12:44:07 PM
Quote from: polly_mer on June 07, 2019, 06:48:30 AM
I'm chuffed to read about John Wick 3 and to know that R rating is real so Blocky shouldn't get to come.  I, too, enjoyed the Saw movies, but they aren't Blocky-friendly.

I don't remember exactly how old Blocky is now (time flies!), but from my recollection I would agree... probably not a good movie to take him to.  Are you familiar with https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/)? They have movie, TV, and app reviews, and others.  For movies, they rate aspects like language, violence, sex, positive role models, and others on a 5-pt scale.  They describe what parents need to know about the movie (though it can give some of the movie away at times, which is annoying to me if I want to see the movie myself) and have ratings by parents and kids.  They also talk about how to discuss the movie with your kids, what the story is about, and whether it is any good.   I use that site a lot! I read the JW3 ratings, and I agree with their description.  There is a lot of almost campy violence that is not that bad in some ways (they refer to it as "over-the-top, video game" violence).  For most of that, it goes on so long at times that I found myself actually tuning it out.  But, there are some moments that are really specific and graphic (they give an example in the "What Parents Need to Know" section) that are more along the lines of Saw that I wouldn't really want my 15yo to watch.  She has seen Saw and a number of other movies that I didn't really support, and who knows what else she sees, but I would avoid if possible.  I hope that helps, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 07, 2019, 12:50:20 PM
Blocky is ten and we consult Common Sense Media frequently for video games.  I hadn't thought to look for JW3 because I saw JW1 and JW2 so I thought it unlikely that JW3 would somehow be wrong in their R rating.

I was just happy to see someone recommended JW3 as worth seeing because, with sequels, you're getting a crapshoot.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 07, 2019, 12:53:56 PM
Oh, okay.  Yes, I liked JW3 a lot.  My 23yo daughter and my spouse also did.  It was definitely entertaining and had some really well done scenes.  If you liked the first two, I think you will like that one as well. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 08, 2019, 08:23:25 PM
I saw Godzilla this afternoon.  It was loud.  I suppose that it was ok, but I wasnt all that impressed with the show today. 
IF you go, WAIT FOR THE END of the credits for an extended scene.

I saw previews for many retreads!  There is another Rambo movie in the works with Stalone.  Linda Hamilton (if I remember her name) will reprise the Sara Connors role in a retread of Terminator (with The Govinator!)

Im looking forward to the zombie move that starts next week.

The theater was crowded with Pets fans!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: bioteacher on June 08, 2019, 08:44:49 PM
How did Blocky become ten so SOON?  It's too fast!  (I say this with Bioson away at technical school and Bioette heading into grade 10 in the fall. Neither of them were given permission to grow up, either.

Hubby and I just watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tonight on netflix. We both thought it plodded along too slowly. We didn't like the ending, either. I expected it to continue a few more minutes.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 08, 2019, 08:58:57 PM
Quote from: bioteacher on June 08, 2019, 08:44:49 PM
How did Blocky become ten so SOON?  It's too fast!  (I say this with Bioson away at technical school and Bioette heading into grade 10 in the fall. Neither of them were given permission to grow up, either.

I remember Bioette being about six and adorable as we toured the zoo those many years ago.

In other events, Blocky has flat out refused to go with me to see The Secret Life of Pets 2.  I'm thinking of going tomorrow afternoon without him because I still want to see it (JW3 is not showing here yet).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: bioteacher on June 08, 2019, 09:29:46 PM
She just turned fifteen, has a purple stripe in her hair, and is still adorable on days the teenage drama doesn't overshadow it.

I affirm your choice to go see a movie by yourself. I regularly do it for shows my family doesn't have an interest in and find I enjoy them quite a bit. It's Blocky's loss.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 08, 2019, 11:25:01 PM
So, connoisseurs of all things movie....

If I were only to go see one film in the next 6 months (my average)....

......which one should it be?

(And why, if you wish--or not)


M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 09, 2019, 12:53:37 AM
Just saw Rocketman tonight — under some duress — and I sure didn't expect to come out of it singing its praises!  I thought it was inventive, witty, catchy, and very well done.  Enjoyable even to someone who is not a big Elton John fan.  It has some of the zany inventiveness of Ken Russell back in the day, but in a more heartwarming and congenial way.  What a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 09, 2019, 11:00:35 AM
Lots of choices on the horizon!  Next weekend (6/9/19) will open Shaft, Men In Black, and The Dead dont Die!
There are still plenty of other shows that I have not yet seen, but would like to, including Rocketman, The Secret Lives of Pets, and The Biggest Little Farm.

What shows are you looking to see this week?  What about this weekend?  This summer?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on June 09, 2019, 12:36:20 PM
Saw Booksmart Friday night.  It was delightful.  Very much an idealized Hollywood version of high school, but the characters and their relationships were sweet and well-done and great fun to watch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: chemigal on June 10, 2019, 04:54:56 AM
We finally saw Avengers Endgame yesterday.  I was not impressed and I LOVE terrible action movies.  I found it boring and it focused on the wrong parts of the story line.  Chem-husband fell asleep twice and had to be elbowed awake (he snores).  Looking forward to the new MIB.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 10, 2019, 06:00:39 AM
Quote from: chemigal on June 10, 2019, 04:54:56 AM
Looking forward to the new MIB.

Oooh, the new MIB.  Yes, I'm looking forward to that, too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 10, 2019, 06:33:29 AM
Mission in Burma?

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 10, 2019, 05:02:53 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 10, 2019, 06:33:29 AM
Mission in Burma?

M.

I'd go watch that, too, but this MIB is Men in Black.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 10, 2019, 06:16:19 PM
Tomorrow has a preview of The Dead Dont Die.  I have tickets!!

Wednesday has a preview of Men In Black!  I have tickets for that too!!

Im looking forward to seeing both of those before the weekend opening!

I am going to be gone this weekend to see my parents,  so this is a great chance to see it before everyone else gets to see it and tell me about how good or bad these shows are!!

If there are extended scenes, Ill let you know.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 11, 2019, 07:41:38 PM
I have returned from The Dead Dont Die.

I will say that it was 'campy' 

There are NO extended scenes
It isnt a horror movie. It isnt exactly a comedy.  From some of the laughs, there were a lot of 'inside' or topical jokes.  I enjoyed it, though.

I dont know if what follows qualifies as a 'spoiler' or not, so I moved it down some. 



It was an interesting film that knew it was a movie, so some of the dialog was about the movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 11, 2019, 07:44:29 PM
Thanks for the report, Clean.  I'm good with campy horror.  If The Dead Don't Die comes here, perhaps I'll go see it.  We're isolated enough that we tend to not get all the first-run movies.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on June 12, 2019, 08:34:44 AM
Quote from: sprout on June 09, 2019, 12:36:20 PM
Saw Booksmart Friday night.  It was delightful.  Very much an idealized Hollywood version of high school, but the characters and their relationships were sweet and well-done and great fun to watch.

We just saw this as well, and loved it.

I'm a huge fan of all things John Wick as well, so will see that one before our BIG movie this weekend (tis' summer, after all)...

The Dead Don't Die. I'm looking forward to it. I was a HUGE fan of Zombieland, and hope I don't get my hopes up too much. There is an excellent Australian show - Glitch which is worth seeing if you're a fan.

Also my favorite UK zombie movie of all times (although I love Shaun of the Dead of course)

Cockneys Versus Zombies

My other favorite movie although it's not Zombie specific (it's about aliens) is Attack the Block. If you haven't seen it, and don't mind a bit of gore, I highly recommend renting it on Amazon.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 12, 2019, 08:44:37 AM
Anything with just-plain human beings up lately?

M.
(Who hid under the theatre seat at the original showing of 《The Wizard of Oz》 when the green globe with the witch's face appeared hovering over the screen, at age 6 or so...)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on June 12, 2019, 08:48:02 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 12, 2019, 08:44:37 AM
Anything with just-plain human beings up lately?

M.
(Who hid under the theatre seat at the original showing of 《The Wizard of Oz》 when the green globe with the witch's face appeared hovering over the screen, at age 6 or so...)

LOL, I figured you'd like Attack the Block since it's set in Tower Hamlets in London. But Booksmart is about people :D. Attack the Block has Jodie Whitaker in it (the new Doctor) and John Boyega from the new Star Wars franchise in it.

Speaking of shows and movies, is anyone else as hooked on  Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's work as I am? I was obsessed with What we do in the Shadows the movie, and am enjoying the series more than I expected to (it doesn't hurt that it has Matt Berry from the IT crowd in it...which is how I found Attack the Block, btw, as it's by
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 12, 2019, 09:43:29 AM
Yes to Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi!  I adored What We Do In The Shadows ("Werewolves not swearwolves!"), as well as the Flight of the Conchords TV series.  Also the rock monster in Thor.  I'm trying to find a way to get access to the new TV series.

In other news, the new Men in Black movie got 1 out of 5 stars from the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/12/men-in-black-international-review-f-gary-gray-chris-hemsworth-liam-neeson-tessa-thompson
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on June 12, 2019, 01:19:53 PM
You can buy the new tv series on Amazon for a paltry fee (I assure you it's worth it!). We also got it on FX (are you in the US?) through our Directv subscription but I was so incensed at all the commercials that I'm spoiled. Now if I can just spoof NZ to get the Wellington Paranormal spinoff my life will be complete :D.

Speaking of which, it's not by them, but have you watched Strange Calls? I like that one, too.

And I saw that Guardian review (I'm a subscriber and that's the first thing I read in the morning). So disappointing, but maybe it's better than the review suggests.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 12, 2019, 08:46:39 PM
i saw Men In Black today.
I guessed some of the plot twists, but was surprised by others.

I had read the poor review, but I think that it was better than the review indicated.  If you liked MIB I and II, it was in the same vein. 

I didnt sit all the way through the credits, but the theater workers said that there were no extra scenes!  I hope that they werent just truing to move us along!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on June 13, 2019, 08:17:54 AM
I just checked and it does NOT, indeed, have a post-credits scene (I always want to know this sort of thing, and there are a couple of sites that will reveal whether a movie does or does not include that - just google "does x movie have post-credits scenes").
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 21, 2019, 09:11:12 AM
Toy Story is back.
Will you be watching Woody and Buzz (and Sporky) this weekend?

Will you go to the movies at all this weekend?  It is warming up, and theaters are usually air conditioned!!  (though I suppose that anywhere that AC is a plus, people will have AC at home).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 21, 2019, 01:13:24 PM
I got the latest copy of my BoxOffice subscription. It includes a calendar of sorts that indicates the releases of movies by the various distributors.  I have listed some titles that are in Wide Release for the next few months and then some other titles I found interesting (or stars I recognize) that release from September through December.
Which of these are of interest to you?  Have you seen the trailers yet? 

Here are some of the releases coming soon:

June
Ophelia (6/28) IFC Films staring Daisy Ridley and Naomi Watts
Yesterday (6/28) Universal staring Lilly James and Hirmesh Patel
Anabelle Comes Home (6/26) Warner Bros staring McKenna Grace and Madison Iseman

july

The Lion King (7/19) Disney staring Donald Glover and Beyonce
Stuber (7/12) Fox staring Daave Bautista and Kumail Nanjiani
Crawl (7/12) Paramount staring Kaya Scrodelario and Barry Pepper
Spiderman: Far From Home (7/2) Sony staring Tom Holland and Michael Keaton
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (7/26) Sony (Quenton Tarantino) Staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt
Brahms: The Boy II (7/26) STX Entertainment staring Katie Holmes

August
Fast and Furious Presents: Hobs and Saw (8/2) Uniersal  staring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham
Brittany Runs a Marathon (8/23) Amazon Sutdios staring Jullian Bell and michaela Watkins (com/dra)
47 meters Down: Uncaged (8/16) Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures   staring John Corbett and Nia Long
The Art of Racing in the Rain (8/9) Fox Staring Milo Ventimigilia and Amanda Seyfried
Ready or Not (8/23) Fox Searchlight straing Samara Weaving and Adam Brody
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ( 8/9) Lionsgate staring Zoe Colletti and Michael Garza
Angel has Fallen (8/23) Lionsgate staring Morgan Freeman and Gerard Butler
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (8/9) Paramount staring Isabela Moner and Eugenio Derbez
The Peanut Better Falcon (8/9) Roadside Attractions staring Shia LeBeouf and Dakota Johnson
My Spy (8/23) STX Entertainment staring Dave Bautista and Kristen Schaal
Whered you go Bernadette?  (8/9) United Artists Releasing staring Cate Blanchett and Billy CrudupThe Kitchen (8/9) Warner Bros staring Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish


Others I thought were interesting:
Maleficient: Mistress of Evil (10/18) Disney staring Angelina Jolie ad Elle Fanning
Frozen 2 (11/22) Disney staring Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (12/20) Disney Staring Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver
Downton Abbey (9/20) Focus Features staring Hugh Bonnerville and Laura Carmichael
Ford V Ferrari (11/15) Fox staring Matt Damon and Christian Bale
Spies in Disguise (12/25) Fox staring Wil SMih and Tom Holland
Rambo:Last Blood (9/20) Lionsgate staring Sylverter Stallone and Paz Vega
Midway (11/8) Lionsgate  staring Woody Harrelson and Patrick Wilson
Knives Out (11/27) Lionsgate staring Daniel Craig and Chris Evans
Gemini Man (10/11) Paramount Staring Will Smith and Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Terminator: Dark Fate (11/1) Paramount Staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton
Zombieland 2 : Double Tap (10/18) Sony staring Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (11/22) Sony Staring Tom Hanks
The Addams Family (10/11) United Artists Releasing staring Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron
It Chapter Two (9/6) Warner  bros  Staring James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain
Joker (10/4) Warner Bros staring Joaquin Phoenix
Superintelligence (12/20) Warner Bros staring Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 23, 2019, 05:50:42 PM
Thanks to an odd reference in a New Yorker article from a month ago, I just located the title of a French film I'd been pondering for awhile, but couldn't recall.

Whew!

It's <<L'Amour fou>> by J. Rivette....I could picture various scenes, etc. but couldn't recall the cineaste or the title...it's only been a couple decades since I saw it.

But very interesting and worth checking out if you have a place that shows films from other places.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 24, 2019, 06:02:05 AM
This weekend, we went to see The Secret Life of Pets 2 (good enough kid's movie, but predictable for adults) and Men in Black: International (good enough summer action movie).

The air conditioning in the theatre was turned up nice and high.  For MIB, there were 8 of us in the theatre so I was glad for my sweatshirt.

Interested poll: how many of your local theatres serve macaroni and cheese?  Ours just started and it was clearly from the same cheap box as the college student staple.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 25, 2019, 11:55:32 AM
I am looking forward to seeing the movie Yesterday.  It opens this weekend.

Anyone else making movie plans for this weekend?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on June 27, 2019, 06:54:04 AM
Yesterday looks interesting, as does the documentary Maiden, I may see one of these over the weekend or next week.

I'm also planning to see The Cure's 1978-2018 Anniversary concert film. It's playing one night in July at the local Alamo theater, as is Rock'n'Roll High School (1979).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 28, 2019, 04:19:05 PM
I saw Shaft yesterday afternoon. It only had one showing at my preferred theater and that was the last showing as something else was taking its place.

It was a $6 show, and I suppose it was worth $6.  It was ok.  It had a bit too much 'language' for me, I suppose.

This weekend I m hoping to see Yesterday.  If I dont finish my research assignment, though, Ill see it next week. Maybe on July 4 afternoon. 

The previews included Rambo: last blood, Ford Vs Ferrari, Hollywood town,   and a hurricane meets alligator movie Crawl.  Frankly, none of them look all that exciting to me at this point.  I may see the alligator movie on a rainy afternoon (by myself, as my girlfriend isnt likely to go with me). 

Will you watch any movies between now and July 4?  (Spiderman - 'next iteration ' will be out Monday I think to launch the July 4 festivities!  I expect that will be the big draw next week.)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: polly_mer on June 28, 2019, 05:31:57 PM
Quote from: clean on June 28, 2019, 04:19:05 PM
Will you watch any movies between now and July 4?  (Spiderman - 'next iteration ' will be out Monday I think to launch the July 4 festivities!  I expect that will be the big draw next week.)

Maybe.  Toy Story 4 is still here and I overheard Blocky talking to one of his friends.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on June 28, 2019, 09:21:53 PM
How can one possibly pass on Rambo, septuagenarian though he be, going out with a blaze of glory?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on June 28, 2019, 11:20:07 PM
We just saw Toy Story 4. I quite enjoyed it. If you think about the movies as the interaction of kid and toy individual and evolutionary life cycles, then you have the birth of a new toy (Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 1), the prime of kids and toys (Toy Story 2), the growing up and moving on of kids (Toy Story 3), and then Toy Story 4 is about the growing up and moving on of Toys, as well as the evolution of a new category of toy.

It's making me think very deep thoughts about religion and the role of a creator and what creations owe to their creators and what the relationship between creation and creator can be like if it's not all awe and worship. You could almost view it as an allegory about allowing people to participate or not in religion, as they like, although from that perspective Forky's conversion is forced and problematic.

It's also super feminist, and the villain has a terrific character arc.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on June 29, 2019, 09:06:56 AM
We're going to see Yesterday this evening. I'm really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: bioteacher on June 29, 2019, 01:16:15 PM
I will revise my aversion to Toy Story 4 and consider going. I loved the trilogy so much I am leery of watching it be destroyed in money grab sequels. I'm glad to hear it was good.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on June 29, 2019, 08:50:48 PM
Quote from: bioteacher on June 29, 2019, 01:16:15 PM
I will revise my aversion to Toy Story 4 and consider going. I loved the trilogy so much I am leery of watching it be destroyed in money grab sequels. I'm glad to hear it was good.

I watched Toy Story (the original) last night because I had never seen it - what a cute movie! I am revising my boycott of sequels to watch Toy Story 2 and if I like it, I might even watch 3... even 4.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on July 01, 2019, 02:42:48 AM
I thought Toy Story 4 was a lot of fun and in fact better than Toy Story 3. It took a little while to get going — I found Forky annoying — but at a certain point it really takes off.

The same is true of Yesterday.  There is a big climactic moment which I thought was too quick, and I have to say I was a lot less interested n the pedestrian love story than the whole intriguing world-without-key-icons concept.  But it was good mild fun.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: statsgeek on July 01, 2019, 06:13:52 AM
Pixar did it again!  StatSpouse and I really enjoyed Toy Story 4.  If you see it, stay all the way through the credits - until right before the screen goes dark and the lights come on. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on July 01, 2019, 06:38:35 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on July 01, 2019, 06:13:52 AM
Pixar did it again!  StatSpouse and I really enjoyed Toy Story 4.  If you see it, stay all the way through the credits - until right before the screen goes dark and the lights come on.

Do they have a blooper reel like at the end of Toy Story 2?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 01, 2019, 07:08:40 PM
Spider Man opens tonight at midnight in my neighborhood. 
It is sold out!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on July 02, 2019, 05:53:03 AM
We saw Yesterday this weekend and loved it.

I also saw Juliet, Naked on Amazon (it's included with Prime). HIGHLY recommend it - I love Chris O'Dowd (from the IT crowd) anyway, but everyone was excellent and it's a surprising gem of a movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on July 02, 2019, 10:22:56 PM
Saw the latest Annabelle this weekend.  It was fun, a couple of good scares, but nothing spectacular.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 10, 2019, 01:05:34 PM
This weekend (coincidentally?)  marks the opening of Crock.  (hurricane hits florida (im sure it is not too late to change the location advertising), Girl goes to check on father, father trapped by 'nest of gators'.... so this is sort of a cross between Jaws, The Meg, and maybe some lesser quality films.  I understand it has an 88 minute run time.... 'a sure sign of quality'.)

Also is SuperUber or somthing like that.  This sounds similar to the Queen Latifa movie where she had to take a cab to solve crimes.  It looks like this time it is Uber! 

Im going to Florida this week for my mom's birthday, so I wont be seeing any movies this weekend.  (though Im not sure that I m missing much this weekend!)

What about you?  What will you see?

Are you holding out for Next Week's THE LION KING? 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: magnemite on July 10, 2019, 02:04:48 PM
Went to see Spiderman far from home- was pleased, overall a good movie, and the two intra-credit scenes were also excellent.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on July 11, 2019, 08:03:36 AM
Might see The Art of Self Defense in the next week. The Farewell (limited release?) looks interesting too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on July 11, 2019, 01:42:03 PM

Has any one seen Stuber yet?  I am planning on going to see it tonight.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on August 16, 2019, 03:13:39 PM
Anyone planning to see a movie this weekend?

Im not sure what is even out anymore. I may see one this weekend, but no promises.

My girlfriend doesnt want to see anything before noon, and doesnt want to see anything that may be a horror movie.  SO I may skip out and see an early horrible movie! 

Good Boys doesnt look 'good' to me. I doubt that I am the target audience.
Somehow it looks like I missed the ones I wanted to see (like Yesterday).
My local favorite theater still has Lion King.  There are a few showtimes for Melissa McArthy's The Kitchen. Once upon a time in Hollywood is only at 10pm (past my bedtime). There are several showing of Dora and the Lost City of Gold, but I m not that target audience either!  The big screens I think are Good Boys, 47 Meters Down (a shark movie?) and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.  None of these are going to excite my girlfriend.

Oh, here is what the theater link says about "Good boys:  From the guys who brought you Superbad and Sausage Party."  Yea, she wont be excited to see that (and neither will I!)

So what are your recommendations?  What is playing at your cinema?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on August 18, 2019, 09:19:15 AM
Good Boys and Where'd You Go Bernadette are the new releases at my usual theater.  Don't think I'll get to see either of these.

This coming week I'm seeing Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut.  Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse is coming back for a few screenings - I missed this the first time around so I may try to get to that one too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: monarda on August 18, 2019, 09:34:48 AM
We saw the Tarantino movie yesterday. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.  I'm not one for violence, but I liked it. Much more than I thought I would. Especially if you appreciate how he twists outcomes of the true stories/situations on which his movies are loosely based.

I might recommend reading to remind yourself a little about Charles Manson before going to see this one, that way you'll get all of the references to real people in this movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Antiphon1 on August 18, 2019, 12:02:35 PM
We liked Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.  Husband found it sad in a metatheater kind of way - sort of the layers of falseness, pretense, insecurity, and general navel gazing one often finds in the business end of entertainment.  Tarantino specializes in fables about storytelling, so the rewriting of Sharon Tate's story didn't surprise us. 

We also caught Where'd You Go Bernadette?.  It's fun.  Kind of a frothy midlife crisis caper. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: 0susanna on August 20, 2019, 12:48:50 PM
If you like Bruce Springsteen, or even if you don't, Blinded by the Light is a treasure. See it and give yourself some hope before the semester drags you under.
I wouldn't mind seeing it twice.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on August 20, 2019, 01:41:09 PM
Quote from: monarda on August 18, 2019, 09:34:48 AM
We saw the Tarantino movie yesterday. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.  I'm not one for violence, but I liked it. Much more than I thought I would. Especially if you appreciate how he twists outcomes of the true stories/situations on which his movies are loosely based.

I might recommend reading to remind yourself a little about Charles Manson before going to see this one, that way you'll get all of the references to real people in this movie.

If you're interested in the real-life references, this is a quick review:  Once Upon...: A Character Guide (https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/the-true-story-of-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-characters.html)   Spoiler alert, of course.  You may want to wait until after seeing the movie to click the link.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on August 21, 2019, 07:29:09 PM
I'm a happy camper that the soundtrack for the upcoming "Downton Abbey" movie (US release Sept. 20th) is available for pre-order now.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: backatit on August 22, 2019, 06:03:35 AM
Quote from: 0susanna on August 20, 2019, 12:48:50 PM
If you like Bruce Springsteen, or even if you don't, Blinded by the Light is a treasure. See it and give yourself some hope before the semester drags you under.
I wouldn't mind seeing it twice.

Just saw it, and was in tears through the whole thing. My partner grew up in a small town in Thatcherite Britain, and it really hit home for us. Sometimes he forgets just how bad it was - the poll tax riots and scraping by on a student allowance of 100£ a month. OTOH, there was never any question of whether he could go to uni or not; my partner was homeless as a teen and he got a stipend because of it.

And yes, I'll definitely see it again. We have a good friend who has actually been to as many Springsteen concerts as he has - even traveling to the states to see him. It's an obsession, but I can think of worse ones :D.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on September 20, 2019, 09:53:45 AM
I'm planning to see Downton Abbey in the coming week. Ad Astra and the latest Rambo movie are also new this weekend.

From Clean's earlier list, Knives Out looks to be entertaining from what I saw in the preview. Little Women (December) and Pain and Glory (October) also look interesting. I just signed up for a season pass so I'm hoping to get to more movies this fall.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on September 20, 2019, 09:58:59 AM
Im so busy with 2 online classes, I havent had time to even think about a movie!! 
I was interested in thinking about seeing the movie where the lady runs a marathon.  (clearly I am not on top of the title!  )
I dont want to run a marathon (IF i have to be 26 miles away, Id drive!).  However, I d like to be inspired to get out of the house and walk more!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 20, 2019, 10:19:12 AM
We don't get out to movies that often, but I saw a good review for Ad Astra yesterday.  That might be an option.  I would be interested to hear opinions if anyone here sees it. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 20, 2019, 01:51:13 PM
I plan to see "Downton Abbey" too.  My copy of Downton Abbey: the Official Film Companion by Emma Marriott came yesterday.  Enjoyed it!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 20, 2019, 07:14:01 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on September 20, 2019, 01:51:13 PM
I plan to see "Downton Abbey" too.  My copy of Downton Abbey: the Official Film Companion by Emma Marriott came yesterday.  Enjoyed it!

I watched the first four seasons of the show and loved it for the most part but tailed off.  Initially, I think it was just supposed to be the first couple episodes, and that's it.  I thought they were great episodes with a good finish.  Then they rolled out season two, which was pretty good! But, eventually I just did not get into it as much, although there are many excellent characters.  I read a "refresher" after the final season (6?) today and would love to know if the movie does it justice! Please let us know what you think when you've seen it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on September 20, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
My sense with a couple of the "Made from BBC (or its Australian equivalent) TV Series" movies is that, unlike their holiday specials, which continue or expand a storyline they plan to develop further, the movies kill off a bunch of the antagonists so the show can't go on....or has to struggle to rebuild from the ground up.

The most obvious one, to me, was the Dr. Blakley series, in which several of the folks who provided dramatic, oppositional grist for the plot-mill, were killed off. But I think it's happened with others, too...so the excitement about a full-length film. Coming out might really be the death-knell for the TV series its based on.

But this theory would want more analysis of more shows for confirmation....and I can't put the viewing time in, at the moment!

Sigh...

M.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 21, 2019, 07:32:49 PM
There's the "Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears" movie next year:
https://blogs.weta.org/tellyvisions/2019/09/16/trailer-miss-fisher-crypt-tears-finally-here (https://blogs.weta.org/tellyvisions/2019/09/16/trailer-miss-fisher-crypt-tears-finally-here)
In February 2020, it will release first in Australia then a limited US and UK run afterwards.

I didn't see the "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" when it originally broadcasted on PBS. It was aired on a week night on our local PBS station. The new spin-off "Ms. Fisher's MODern Murder Mysteries" focuses on Peregrine Fisher following in her aunt's footsteps in 1960s Melbourne.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on September 21, 2019, 09:13:31 PM
Oh, my.

I really should NOT have read that!

The costumes, acting, and sweet, zany, insane plot lines will drag me in and not let me go.

I daren't .....

But good to know....I guess!

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on October 09, 2019, 12:52:50 PM
The Adams Family (a cartoon) opens this weekend. 
Anyone up for some pre-Halloween entertainment?

Im also interested in (I believe) Jexi- about a phone assistant gone rogue!

However, I have not seen a movie in months!  I suppose that it is good to be busy!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 09, 2019, 03:19:55 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on September 21, 2019, 07:32:49 PM
There's the "Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears" movie next year:
https://blogs.weta.org/tellyvisions/2019/09/16/trailer-miss-fisher-crypt-tears-finally-here (https://blogs.weta.org/tellyvisions/2019/09/16/trailer-miss-fisher-crypt-tears-finally-here)
In February 2020, it will release first in Australia then a limited US and UK run afterwards.

I didn't see the "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" when it originally broadcasted on PBS. It was aired on a week night on our local PBS station. The new spin-off "Ms. Fisher's MODern Murder Mysteries" focuses on Peregrine Fisher following in her aunt's footsteps in 1960s Melbourne.

So. Excited!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on October 09, 2019, 09:29:24 PM
Anyone actually see Rambo yet?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: statsgeek on October 10, 2019, 09:54:56 AM
See Judy.  Wow!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 10, 2019, 07:14:49 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 20, 2019, 07:14:01 PM
I watched the first four seasons of the show and loved it for the most part but tailed off.  Initially, I think it was just supposed to be the first couple episodes, and that's it.  I thought they were great episodes with a good finish.  Then they rolled out season two, which was pretty good! But, eventually I just did not get into it as much, although there are many excellent characters.  I read a "refresher" after the final season (6?) today and would love to know if the movie does it justice! Please let us know what you think when you've seen it.
Last Sunday, I saw the movie and enjoyed it.  The audience clapped as the credits rolled at the end. It was good to see where the Crawleys and their servants were in their lives a year after the 6th and final season.  The overhead shots of Highclere Castle were impressive on the big screen!

I've been to Highclere Castle, Alnwick Castle, Bampton, and Lacock so it was lovely seeing these places on screen.

John Lunn, who composed the soundtrack for the series, was back to score music for the movie. He has a bit role in the movie, playing piano in an illicit bar during Thomas's night out.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on November 01, 2019, 06:55:11 PM
AhNahld 'the Governator' is back on the big screen this weekend!
Anyone going to see the newest Terminator?


Will you catch one of the Halloween shows before the seasons change to Christmas?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on November 02, 2019, 12:03:39 PM
I don't think I'll get to Terminator this week, but probably will see JoJo Rabbit or Harriet. I'm looking forward to Knives Out in between now and Christmas. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on November 08, 2019, 09:34:30 AM
Zombieland left my preferred theater yesterday before I could see it. (there was a 515 showing yesterday, but I didn't even see the schedule until 530!)

Midway is on my wish list for now, as is The Teminator .

What are you wanting to see this week?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on November 08, 2019, 12:18:03 PM
Aiming for Jojo Rabbit and Greener Grass.  Boy, there are a lot of bad, depressing, shoot-em-up movies out there right now.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on November 08, 2019, 04:43:09 PM
We made it to Terminator.  My girlfriend wasnt interested in Midway 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: fourhats on November 09, 2019, 09:26:42 AM
I'm going to see Harriet tomorrow.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on November 09, 2019, 09:56:44 AM
Having seen the JoJoRabbit previews, I'm bothered about something that makes light (even with strong overtones) of Hitler.

I somehow miss there being any shred of humor in that historical situation, or any value in making up something about it.

Even exorcism by ridicule seems too good for it.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on November 09, 2019, 09:59:32 AM
A few weeks ago I saw Joker.  It was the 2nd visit to the local theater in 12 years.  I tend to be picky with movies.  We normally get the family friendly B movies.  This did not disappoint me.   I am glad to see it do well at the box office.  Hopefully Hollywood will learn some lessons from this.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on November 09, 2019, 10:03:42 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 09, 2019, 09:56:44 AM
Having seen the JoJoRabbit previews, I'm bothered about something that makes light (even with strong overtones) of Hitler.

I somehow miss there being any shred of humor in that historical situation, or any value in making up something about it.

Even exorcism by ridicule seems too good for it.

M.

What were your thoughts on The Producers from Mel Brooks? 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on November 09, 2019, 10:05:09 AM
I didn't see that, or see trailers for it, so I can't say.

What did you think of it?

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on November 09, 2019, 12:05:16 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 09, 2019, 10:05:09 AM
I didn't see that, or see trailers for it, so I can't say.

What did you think of it?

M.

I found it lame and not funny and I always liked his other movies.  I did not see the remake from 2006.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on November 21, 2019, 05:02:28 PM
I believe that this weekend marks the opening of Mr. Rogers AND Frozen II. 

Tonight's Frozen showing (first one anyway) is pretty much sold out.
The second show (is about 1/2)

Mr. Rogers is about 1/2 sold out for the 8 something show, but the 10 something show has plenty of seats.

Will you be watching either of these this weekend?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on November 21, 2019, 09:51:52 PM
Midway was very excellent, much better than the still very good 1976 original.  Also used real Japanese actors speaking Japanese with subtitles, a nice touch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 21, 2019, 09:56:30 PM
I saw Zombieland 2 recently.

Meh.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on November 22, 2019, 01:53:15 AM
I'm here to report on JoJo Rabbit.  It's not for everyone.  But we personally thought it was fabulous.  It is not like "The Producers" in any way.  It starts off as a sort of story of dark humor.  Not macabre, but surreal with some somber touches. Then it gets a little deeper.  Then it gets a little deeper.  Then you think, "I thought this movie was just a bit of odd fluff, but — oh my goodness, it's more than that, isn't it?  I've never seen anything like this." It's still not gory or anything like that.  It does it all by thought, not by visuals.  Then by the end, when the quotation by Rilke came up on the screen, we were blown away.  As we were coming out, my friend said, "Basically I think Taika Watiti is a genius."  Which was just what I was thinking.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on November 22, 2019, 06:07:26 AM
I'd like to get to Ford v Ferrari this week, but the Mr. Rogers movie is on my list too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: 0susanna on November 22, 2019, 08:30:48 AM
Quote from: fourhats on November 09, 2019, 09:26:42 AM
I'm going to see Harriet tomorrow.
Saw Harriet a couple weeks ago. It was excellent and I hope everyone sees it. It also made me think, "Hey, why isn't there a Frederick Douglass biopic?"
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: 0susanna on November 22, 2019, 08:39:22 AM
Quote from: clean on November 21, 2019, 05:02:28 PM
I believe that this weekend marks the opening of Mr. Rogers AND Frozen II. 

Tonight's Frozen showing (first one anyway) is pretty much sold out.
The second show (is about 1/2)

Mr. Rogers is about 1/2 sold out for the 8 something show, but the 10 something show has plenty of seats.

Will you be watching either of these this weekend?

I'll wait for the excitement to die down then catch a matinee of Frozen 2. Maybe.

The trailers for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhooddidn't excite me, at first. The documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor was SO good that I didn't see the need for a fictionalized version, even with Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys. However, Tom Junod, the reporter that Matthew Rhys's character is loosely based on, wrote a new article in the Atlantic that changed my mind. So I'll be seeing the movie this weekend, probably.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 22, 2019, 12:14:55 PM
I'm not sure I could stand to watch the Mr. Rogers movie in the theaters.  Although Tom Hanks seemed a little weird to me in the trailer, something not quite right, I was in tears eventually and don't feel like bringing a 12-pack of tissues to the theater.  I am very interested to hear any reviews and will look for the Atlantic article.  I had read one by that author about Mr. Rogers that was pretty fascinating and interestingly written but did not know that there was a new one!

The movies I have some interest in right now are 21 Bridges (which seems to have some poor critical reviews but good audience reviews) and Knives Out (which critics appear to like quite a bit but is not out yet).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on December 18, 2019, 07:46:35 AM
The newest Star Wars movie starts soon!  Are you planning to see it on opening weekend?

Will you see Cats  (the movie)?

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on December 18, 2019, 09:54:51 AM
I rarely get into the theater anymore -- the last time was for Blade Runner 2049 -- and so my movie watching is almost entirely Red Box DVDs or Netflix. I don't know if these count because they are Netflix streaming products:

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: bioteacher on December 18, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
Knives Out was delicious FUN. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Amazing cast, too. I'd like to see it again.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on December 19, 2019, 02:22:08 PM
Quote from: clean on December 18, 2019, 07:46:35 AM
The newest Star Wars movie starts soon!  Are you planning to see it on opening weekend?

Will you see Cats  (the movie)?

Do you know what can possibly be cuter than Yoda?

Baby Yoda.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 31, 2019, 11:01:17 AM
Quote from: bioteacher on December 18, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
Knives Out was delicious FUN. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Amazing cast, too. I'd like to see it again.

We finally saw it yesterday.  I guess I was expecting (my own fault) something more like Clue, kind of slapstick or screwball humor with a mystery going on, but it was really more of a straightforward mystery with humor and interesting characters going on.  We both really enjoyed it and talked about it quite a bit afterward.  There were a couple clues I picked up along the way that spouse didn't, but I also fell for some red herrings.  We'd definitely recommend it.

On a side note, I don't know if this has been discussed before (or should be), but I found a useful app for movie going that I thought I'd share in case it is of interest to others.  I was concerned that I might miss some of the movie to use the restroom (particularly because the movie was a mystery), so I looked to see if anyone had come up with an app to suggest when to do so.  I found RunPee, an app for iPhone or Android, and it is awesome.  They go and watch the movies several times and suggest good break times along with how long of a break you can afford at each time and a synopsis you can click on for each break time to see what you missed (especially important plot points).  It also describes what extras there are (e.g., are there after-credit elements, and are they worth sitting through?).  I didn't look closely at any of the pertinent movie info before seeing the movie to avoid spoilers but noted that the fourth break time was recommended, and some of the others were listed as emergency breaks.  So, if you have not seen a site or app like this and would like to know when is safe to leave the theater for snacks or what have you, check it out! It looks as though you get two free movies when you enter your email but then may have to pay some minimal amount for future movies.  I think it's probably worth it to me, though we only go to the movies once or twice a year.  There might be a free alternative somewhere.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on December 31, 2019, 02:48:29 PM

"Uncut Gems"!  Maybe I made a mistake by walking out of this one at about the half time point.  I definitely think Adam Sandler is better off in "cute person roles" and that he may have goofed by appearing in the role of a vulgar hoodlum type in this production though.  Do not take the kids to this one, for sure!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 31, 2019, 06:40:57 PM
Saw the new "Star Wars" movie in IMAX 3D on Christmas Day. I thought it was ok.  The ending was a lovely nod to "A New Hope" though.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on January 01, 2020, 02:53:14 AM
Well, I've seen a lot of movies recently.

Knives Out: Good clean fun, though I felt sorry for the Christopher Plummer character.
The Rise of Skywalker: About 5 movies packed into one. The plots went by breathlessly fast.  I appreciated an unexpected cameo.
Jumanji: The Next Level: A little hectic but some nice jokes.
Little Women: Everyone else in the whole universe likes this, but I was bothered by the unnecessary rejigging of the chronology and by the anachronisms.  And no way Amy seems 13 years old.  The Laura Dern character (Marmee) is especially well done.
Parasite: Do not go expecting a comedy of manners.  It is a horror comedy.  Everyone loved it but me.
The Lighthouse: Two testosterone-ridden men stuck in a lighthouse moodily together for six months.  Will they try to kill each other? Yes, they will.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Heartwarming in a faintly surreal way.
Jojo Rabbit: As I said previously, I thought this was genius, but you need to have a certain sensibility.
Uncut Gems: You could not pay me enough to see this movie.
Cats: Aren't you curious?  Can it be as bad as they say?  I believe it can.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: monarda on January 05, 2020, 02:05:57 PM
Quote from: bioteacher on December 18, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
Knives Out was delicious FUN. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Amazing cast, too. I'd like to see it again.

We liked it, too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on January 06, 2020, 08:20:59 AM
Knives Out is on our list for next week.

We saw the latest Star Wars movie.  I didn't dislike it, but I wish there had been more plot development and fewer big, splashy fighting scenes.  I just thought it was overdone. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on January 06, 2020, 02:57:13 PM
I saw Jamanji this afternoon.  I was a bit too late to see Star Wars.  Also, the ticket price for Star Wars is an extra $2 a ticket! 

I may have to make sure that I see it on Wednesday. The theater listings for the weekend are not settled yet, so IF I want to see it at my preferred theater, I may have to do it no later than Wednesday!

Knives out has long ago left my favorite theater. I havent looked to see where else it is playing.  I d like to see it in the theater, but Im not a huge fan of either of the other 2 theaters in my town.  My preferred theater (an Alamo Drafthouse) has comfy seats, good service, and they kick out noisy people or phone players!

the other places are not as nice. 

I gave up my AMC plus/preferred/prime (whatever)  membership. It used to be that my membership level had a dedicated line, but this theater did away with it, so Im in line behind everyone else and I had to be aware of not only my movie start time, but all of the other movie start times or be stuck in the popcorn line for 10 or more minutes if my movie was starting close to the start time of whatever the 'popular' show of the week was!

So Star Wars is next on my list. 
1917 isnt available at my primary theater, so I wont be seeing that one anytime soon! 
I dont know of any other movies Im particularly interested in seeing.   Frozen is still out, but Im not sure Im all that interested. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on January 06, 2020, 03:23:09 PM
I just checked Fandango.  Star Wars is not listed at any theater in my town on Friday.  SO I guess that I had better see it in the next few days!!  (IF I want to see it on a big screen!)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on January 29, 2020, 07:54:58 PM
Has anyone seen The Last Full Measure or 1917? I'm debating about which to see this weekend.

I finally saw Knives Out. I enjoyed it, especially seeing the coffee mug from the first few minutes again in the final scene.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: bopper on January 30, 2020, 10:55:05 AM
 I have seen 1917...it appears to be a single long cut as you follow the heroes on their journey.  It is getting awards and oscar buzz.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on February 17, 2020, 10:07:46 PM
Just watched William Friedkin's 12 Angry Men (1997) for the first time. What a great adaptation!


Gonna try to get to the cinema tomorrow or the day after and watch a couple new releases.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on February 20, 2020, 09:41:56 AM
Got a free movie ticket or three as a gift. I walked out on the first one I attended (previously described here). The second, "The Gentleman", prominently featured the contributions of Guy Ritchie.  He  has a lot of the preparation and production credits from it.  That may be because a lot of folks bailed on him. 

As I was determined not to allow myself to walk out of my "free movie", I sat through its entirety.  The travelogue aspects were great, the costumes were fantastic, and the featured women were gorgeous and sexy.  The rest of it, the scenario and violence in particular, were too real and the prevailing subject, the future of the marijuana industry and, possibly the consequences ensuing, were absolutely depressing as it projects legal expansion of, in my opinion, negative forces affecting our, naturally somewhat troubled, maturing youth.

NOTE: this week I viewed, on a media link of a major electronics manufacturer, an interview with a star from the professional sports world who made a point of the investment of many of today's sports figures into "legalized marijuana" sales, distribution, and manufacture ventures. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on February 20, 2020, 09:16:09 PM
Uncut Gems - The most stressful film I've seen in years. Man, was my BP ever high at the end of that. Sandler puts in a surprisingly good performance, and the directors did a great job ratcheting the tension up at the beginning and keeping it at that level throughout.

Jumanji: The Next Level - This sequel had no business being as good as it was, but it was great. A rip-roaring watch with some fantastic body-swap acting. It blew the six laugh test out of the water.

1917 - This is one of the most powerful films I've seen, and far and away the best war film (also, surprisingly, not especially violent!). It quite literally took my breath away, and it took me hours afterward to recover myself. A lot of that surely has to do with Roger Deakins's photography, which gave us an exquisite continuous-shot film. I felt like it gave me a peek into my grandparents' and great-grandparents' experiences in the world wars.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on February 26, 2020, 05:51:42 AM
Quote from: Economizer on February 20, 2020, 09:41:56 AM
Got a free movie ticket or three as a gift. I walked out on the first one I attended (previously described here). The second, "The Gentleman", prominently featured the contributions of Guy Ritchie.  He  has a lot of the preparation and production credits from it.  That may be because a lot of folks bailed on him. 

As I was determined not to allow myself to walk out of my "free movie", I sat through its entirety.  The travelogue aspects were great, the costumes were fantastic, and the featured women were gorgeous and sexy.  The rest of it, the scenario and violence in particular, were too real and the prevailing subject, the future of the marijuana industry and, possibly the consequences ensuing, were absolutely depressing as it projects legal expansion of, in my opinion, negative forces affecting our, naturally somewhat troubled, maturing youth.

NOTE: this week I viewed, on a media link of a major electronics manufacturer, an interview with a star from the professional sports world who made a point of the investment of many of today's sports figures into "legalized marijuana" sales, distribution, and manufacture ventures.

re above by me:  In the sports star's talk, he spoke of THC levels in non THC hemp products.  It turns out, according to him, that small percentages of THC (tetrahyderacanabinal, I think) are allowed in hemp products. That reminds me of alcohol content allowed in the near beer products of the Prohibition era also, used on U.S. Army posts.  A read: 50-60 year old book, " Marijuana, the new Prohibition)!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: paultuttle on February 26, 2020, 10:46:28 AM
Thanks for the reminder to check Fandango! I've just learned that yes, Frozen II is still available on the big screen in my area.

[hastily opens another window to search for Elsa gowns at nearby boutiques so I can contemplate doing a Rocky Horror -style Frozen gender-bending performance at an upcoming weekend matinee]

[unfortunately, the heels are the problem, as they always are for a tall man with big feet]



[wipes off your screen for you, virtually]
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on March 11, 2020, 11:14:00 AM
I viewed the novelist Jane Austin based work "EMMA".  My first thoughts were of the Actor Terry Thomas's quote in the character of J. Algernon Hawthorne in the classic movie "Its A Mad, Mad, Mad World": Why [are] Americans so obsessed with breasts.
How true that is of this American!

The movie itself is beautiful.  Perhaps the manner of the English tongue spoken was a bit hard to understand.  Saying that, the story is great, the scenery is at times breathtaking, and the costuming and choreography was delightful. It was a very pleasant change from other recent theater offerings.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on March 13, 2020, 04:42:14 PM
anyone going to a movie this weekend?

My favorite local place  (an Alamo Drafthouse) is now initiating a plan that automatically puts an empty chair between your parties. 

I dont know if there are any shows that i am interested in seeing.  Any recommendations?

I wanted to see "knives out" but now I see that it is for sale in Walmart (once the panic buying clears out the crowds - and shelves!- I may pick up a copy!!)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 13, 2020, 07:04:32 PM
We don't usually go to movies that often but would probably avoid them right now.  But we did preorder Knives Out and have that (and The Wire to binge, and other movies).  We met up with some friends from my old state (wrong side but same state) the other night, and one had some criticisms of Knives Out that I hadn't really thought about but were reasonably valid, although I agreed with his father that it was probably just a supercritical eye and not going with the flow of the movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on March 14, 2020, 05:02:08 AM
The Alama Drafthouse I have gone to is now closed due to the COVID-19 situation, so I guess I'll be exploring online streaming options for now. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: monarda on May 22, 2020, 03:17:51 PM
Reviving this thread- what movies are you watching on Netflix (or whatever other software you use?)

We watched "Last Tango in Halifax" and loved that. We need something new to watch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on May 22, 2020, 06:24:34 PM
I just put down an article by Anthony Lane in The New Yorker ("A Bug's Life," pp. 57-62) reviewing a wide range of disaster/epidemic/mad-scientist-loose-among-the-populace films, which I thought could have served as the syllabus of a course on the subject all by itself.

Maybe one of those would do?

;-->

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on May 22, 2020, 06:51:50 PM
Not a movie, but I just finished A Discovery of Witches, season 1, which was amazingly faithful to the book. Bought it from Amazon. Might have to subscribe to a streaming service when season 2 is released.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on May 23, 2020, 09:37:04 AM
The Invitation. The premise does involve some interesting elements (grief, etc) added on to the standar dinner-party-from-hell subgenre - but the movie then completely wastes them and becomes bog-standard fare, with behavior that makes zero psychological sense by several characters, including the leads. Not really worth watching.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on May 23, 2020, 07:08:23 PM
I watched "Queen Margot" on Kanopy. (Accessible from the library online) It's an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Alexandre Dumas. I haven't read the novel, however, I read and own the dual biography The Rival Queens by Nancy Goldstone.

Adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility (2008)

Quote from: Vkw10 on May 22, 2020, 06:51:50 PM
Not a movie, but I just finished A Discovery of Witches, season 1, which was amazingly faithful to the book. Bought it from Amazon. Might have to subscribe to a streaming service when season 2 is released.
Have you read the rest of the "All Souls" trilogy novels? I've seen copies of the trilogy at the library but haven't read them.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on May 24, 2020, 11:52:09 AM
ARE MANY STATES allowing new release theaters to open?  Will there be a logjam of new releases coming out at once?

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 24, 2020, 12:14:42 PM
Tonight we're watching This is Spinal Tap and Anvil: The Story of Anvil, because my partner has never had the pleasure.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on May 24, 2020, 12:39:35 PM
We've mostly been watching comedies lately due to some severe stress surrounding work (Pitch Perfect 1, 2; Better Off Dead; Groundhog Day).  Last night we watched Serenity, which my spouse had shared with me a few years ago.  We recently watched Firefly, so we rewatched the movie, and it definitely connected more for me after seeing the show. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 24, 2020, 02:12:20 PM
QuoteARE MANY STATES allowing new release theaters to open?  Will there be a logjam of new releases coming out at once?


I think that we are legal. I believe that one independent has opened somewhere in the county.

For the most part, the big ones have remained closed. I got a survey from Alamo Drafthouse a few weeks ago. It asked some questions about reopening ... like would we be willing to pay $10 a person in food purchases in addition to admissions?

At present, though, there are no releases to show, so no real reason to rush to reopen. 

I am not going to pay an additional $10 each in food purchases for each movie, and there are no movies to watch anyway.  I am in the high risk group and Im not sure that I want to watch a movie in a mask. 

Under what conditions would you consider returning to a movie?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on May 24, 2020, 02:36:41 PM
Quote from: clean on May 24, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

[. . .] 

Under what conditions would you consider returning to a movie?

Probably none. Haven't had a good theater experience since Despicable Me 2 (2013) and Inside Out (2015) -- nominally children's movies that the infants to pre-teens in the room were entranced by, and which contained enough adult material to keep the parents off their phones. I have no interest in comic book superhero special effects extravaganzas and inevitably a movie made for the big screen and for which I have high hopes, like Blade Runner 2049, lets me down. I can watch a movie in the comfort of my own home and not have to put up with jackasses talking with each other for far less money.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on May 24, 2020, 03:39:22 PM
QuoteUnder what conditions would you consider returning to a movie?

After a year has passed with a very low incidence of viral transmission.

Seriously.

Same for church, visits with friends, etc.

I like my life and I like living it.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on May 24, 2020, 03:56:39 PM
When cleaning between showings becomes routine.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on May 24, 2020, 04:05:21 PM
Quote from: clean on May 24, 2020, 02:12:20 PM
I got a survey from Alamo Drafthouse a few weeks ago. It asked some questions about reopening ... like would we be willing to pay $10 a person in food purchases in addition to admissions?

I received the same, I think. There were also questions about cleaning, distancing (keep empty seat between people), limited menu options. $ amount was higher for NYC area.

I'd consider going back if strict cleaning between screenings and extra space between customers were in place. It would involve a subway trip too though, so that's something else to think about.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on May 24, 2020, 08:15:32 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on May 23, 2020, 07:08:23 PM
Quote from: Vkw10 on May 22, 2020, 06:51:50 PM
Not a movie, but I just finished A Discovery of Witches, season 1, which was amazingly faithful to the book. Bought it from Amazon. Might have to subscribe to a streaming service when season 2 is released.
Have you read the rest of the "All Souls" trilogy novels? I've seen copies of the trilogy at the library but haven't read them.

Yes, I have. I bought the first as an audiobook, years ago, for a long car trip, then bought hard copies of each to read. The setting pulled me into the first book, a historian who happens to be a witch studying alchemy texts at the Bodleian? I couldn't resist a fantasy that starts in a library.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on May 24, 2020, 11:26:27 PM
Quote from: clean on May 24, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

Under what conditions would you consider returning to a movie?

Honestly, I'd go back to a movie theater before a restaurant.  If masks are required (and enforced) and movies are run at half capacity maximum.  I think it would be easier to institute cleaning between movie showings than between seatings at a restaurant.  And I can watch a movie in a mask, but I can't eat a meal masked up.  To be fair, my local theater upgraded to the big, wide lounger seats with big, wide aisles a few years ago, so there was already some space between patrons pre-covid.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on May 25, 2020, 07:50:10 AM
Quote from: spork on May 24, 2020, 02:36:41 PM
Quote from: clean on May 24, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

[. . .] 

Under what conditions would you consider returning to a movie?

Probably none. Haven't had a good theater experience since Despicable Me 2 (2013) and Inside Out (2015) -- nominally children's movies that the infants to pre-teens in the room were entranced by, and which contained enough adult material to keep the parents off their phones. I have no interest in comic book superhero special effects extravaganzas and inevitably a movie made for the big screen and for which I have high hopes, like Blade Runner 2049, lets me down. I can watch a movie in the comfort of my own home and not have to put up with jackasses talking with each other for far less money.

+1. Theoretically, it's hard to beat the big screen, but in practice I've had enough bad theater experiences, even with arthouse movies, that I'm not very keen on spending that money, and the inconvenience of heading to a theater at a prescribed time, for what may in practice be an inferior experience. Plus, it seems originality, creativity and high production values are primarily found in streaming services now anyway, with only a few recent-ish exceptions like Joker and The VVitch. I'm not keen on comic book extravaganzas, Disney and remakes/sprequels thereof, either, so that leaves basically zero incentive to return to regular theaters.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 12, 2020, 01:32:43 PM
SO is making air-popped popcorn in our ancient 70's popper. We're about to watch 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' (at home of course).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 12, 2020, 02:09:26 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 12, 2020, 01:32:43 PM
SO is making air-popped popcorn in our ancient 70's popper. We're about to watch 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' (at home of course).

That sounds fun!

We watched Mad Max: Fury Road last night.  I do not understand the draw of these movies and find them to be quite wacky.  I like violence as much as the next person, but there is not much of a plot to any of these movies.  I know there's a cool back story on the guy who made them, but how did this movie end up with a Best Picture Oscar nomination? Some of the stunts were definitely amazing but (like John Wick movies, which I do love) get to be too much, and I get bored and tune out, which seems a shame given how much work has gone into it.  It's hard to follow what's even happening after a while.  This episode seemed like a mix of the first and second movies plus an infusion of a lot of money.  There were also parts that were probably meant to be touching or sad but made me feel nothing, which is unusual and not a good sign.  On the plus side, once things got rolling (ha) the lead actors worked well together, and I would say it was a "fun" movie overall (but Best Picture nomination worthy? nooooooo).  I just ordered a bunch of Best Picture nominees and winners, and I hope they are better than Fury Road.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on July 12, 2020, 03:33:13 PM
Our local movie theatre, part of a very small family chain, is doing parking lot drive-in theatre this month, with car side delivery of pre-ordered food. We bought tickets for Star Wars series, which is playing in order of production. First show was last night, with pizza and beer delivered to car. It was fun, despite temperature in high nineties.

Movie was projected on canvas hung from building walls. Sound was played over radio, with instructions on tuning in through a phone apps.  Each car was assigned four parking spaces, with an empty space between assigned spaces and lawn chairs allowed in assigned spaces. Partner has loaded jugs of water and plant misting bottles in car for tonight, along with lawn chairs. He and nephew plan to sit outside, where they can join in on reciting the dialog tonight. I'm not fluent, so I'll stick to mimicking sound effects.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 12, 2020, 03:45:13 PM
Once I was at a large, large outdoor film showing of "Casablanca."

The number of people reciting the dialogue must have been audible across the river and on the other side of town.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 12, 2020, 03:47:12 PM
A drive-in movie sounds like fun, but the foolishness regarding the viral outbreak in my state is appalling. I think we'll stay home.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 12, 2020, 04:39:51 PM
I don't know if I have mentioned this here or to some family/friend, so I apologize if this is repeat content that you did not sign up for.  Youngest daughter has gone to the temporary drive in here at the local theater.  I forget what she saw.  She tried twice. The first time, she only got there 1.5 hours before the movie, and there were no spots left.  The second time, she got there hours before the movie and had success.  The sound was like what Vkw10 said, over a radio frequency or some such.  I guess here they tell you where to park, so unlike the movie theater you can't reserve a specific seat or spot ahead of time (can't buy tickets ahead of time) or pick one out when you get there from what's left.  They had the concession stands and restrooms open inside the theater, and she reported that people seemed to be following safety guidelines, though I'm not sure I trust her eye for that necessarily.  Doesn't really sound like much fun to me to be there for 4 or 5 hours versus having my own food, AC, bathroom, couch, breaks, etc., but at 16 I'm sure it's cool to do, and she's probably just happy to be out of the house.  I do think it's a neat idea if they can do it safely.

Have fun, Vkw10! I'm not fluent either, so I'd be in the special effects mimicry camp with you.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 12, 2020, 05:07:01 PM
Hmm. My fluency in 'Wookie' is rusty.

I'd better stick with the 18th c. for now.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mahagonny on July 12, 2020, 06:41:07 PM
1920, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Young John Barrymore. Excellent. It's interesting how silent movies would show you a text screen when needed, but often would just show people talking with the idea that you would figure out from their expressions and the situation what the conversation was. Even then, the good director kept things in the right tempo. The movie 'M'  (I guess a few years later) impressed me the same way. In spite of no talking, no closeups, etc. it had momentum and climax and didn't waste a minute. Of course where the actors were stage actors, they knew how to convey things from a distance.
Just enjoying stuff. Somebody reading this knows 1000 times as much about it as me!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on July 13, 2020, 03:52:23 AM
I loved "Mad Max: Fury Road." Lots of smart stuff going on there, and a lovely sense of steampunk mayhem. Just because something doesn't appeal to one person doesn't automatically mean it's a bad movie.

Our local independent cinema has a deal now where you can rent out the whole cinema. It has several screens — I mean several rooms, with one screen each — but the largest is quite large, maybe 60 seats, and you could invite many friends to come watch at a socially-distanced distance. The cinema will screen nearly any movie you want, from modern films to classics, and it comes with a large credit towards concessions, which includes wine.  This sounds like so much fun that I would be tempted to do it if my household were any bigger than two, and if we didn't already have a movie projector.  We're high risk so we're not going to invite friends to come and rent the cinema with us.  But it does sound really fun.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 13, 2020, 08:28:39 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on July 13, 2020, 03:52:23 AM
I loved "Mad Max: Fury Road." Lots of smart stuff going on there, and a lovely sense of steampunk mayhem. Just because something doesn't appeal to one person doesn't automatically mean it's a bad movie.

I absolutely agree.  I was just surprised that it was up for a Best Picture nomination.  It wasn't a bad movie, and there were interesting points to it.  The choreography was very well done.  Spouse loves it too.  Maybe it just didn't click as much with me.  I was wondering if I had missed something.  There are plenty of movies I love that others don't, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on July 13, 2020, 01:35:15 PM
We watched "The Post" streaming last night. It may be the most pro-feminist movie that Spielberg has ever done. There is a scene early on that literally made me scream. Kay Graham is getting ignored and man-splained all at the same time- which really is the point of the scene. Mr. Buster couldn't understand my frustration until I explained it to him. His response was "well, she didn't speak up". Apparently we need some supplementary spousal training.
     By the end she's much more . . .  let's call it assertive. Lots of subtle points being made about things other than abuse of government power. I was glad to see Spielberg still had some subtly left in him.
   And the line at the end by Graham that this should be the once in a generation crisis made us both laugh. The true last scene (recreating the Watergate break in) really shouldn't be needed.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on July 14, 2020, 01:59:41 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on July 13, 2020, 01:35:15 PM
We watched "The Post" streaming last night. It may be the most pro-feminist movie that Spielberg has ever done. There is a scene early on that literally made me scream. Kay Graham is getting ignored and man-splained all at the same time- which really is the point of the scene. Mr. Buster couldn't understand my frustration until I explained it to him. His response was "well, she didn't speak up". Apparently we need some supplementary spousal training.
     By the end she's much more . . .  let's call it assertive. Lots of subtle points being made about things other than abuse of government power. I was glad to see Spielberg still had some subtly left in him.
   And the line at the end by Graham that this should be the once in a generation crisis made us both laugh. The true last scene (recreating the Watergate break in) really shouldn't be needed.
I watched that movie on my overnight flight to London in 2018.  Also we have Katherine Graham's memoir and biographies about her on our shelves at the library.  There's also one titled Katherine Graham's Washington, a compilation about DC by well-known personalities who knew her and the city.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 20, 2020, 10:41:17 AM
We watched a couple movies over the weekend.  First up was La La Land, new to both of us.  We enjoyed it pretty well overall, but I'm not sure it will stick with me.  Next was Get Out, which we both thought was very cleverly done and certainly weird and creepy, though I would not categorize it as horror (more psychological thriller).  Both of the movies had some unexpected elements.  Finally, last and certainly least, was the 1984 version of Dune.  Husband had seen it many times (not at all recently) and loves the book.  We read the book last year or so, and I liked it quite a lot despite a few weaker characters and sequences.  The movie... atrocious acting and some really strange choices.  I can see why the director does not want to talk about it.  They seemed to leave out some important plot points as well.  But, I imagine it has to be difficult to make a book like that into a compact movie.  We also picked up the mini-series version from 2000, so I hope they expanded a bit in the right directions in that version.  I would definitely recommend Get Out, and I'd like to see both that one and La La Land again to pick up on points we might have missed the first time.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 20, 2020, 04:15:08 PM
I was looking forward to Greyhounds in the theater before it all went to hell.  It is available on Disney I think.  Has anyone seen it? Is it worth the subscription to see it?

I guess that Disney would come with other things as well, IF I had the time!  (like Hamilton and The Mandalorian).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on July 25, 2020, 02:57:26 AM
Does anyone have stay-at-home movie recommendations? We have access to Netflix, YouTube, and Red Box. We recently watched The Other Guys, which we both thought was very funny. I tried watching The Old Guard on my own, but it was so bad I only lasted 20 minutes.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: monarda on July 25, 2020, 09:55:08 AM
Quote from: spork on July 25, 2020, 02:57:26 AM
Does anyone have stay-at-home movie recommendations? We have access to Netflix, YouTube, and Red Box. We recently watched The Other Guys, which we both thought was very funny. I tried watching The Old Guard on my own, but it was so bad I only lasted 20 minutes.

Last couple of good things we watched:

Hamilton - ($7 on Disney plus for one month, does anyone have other suggestions for things to watch on Disney+ this month?)

13th

We watch a lot on PBS Passport. Our local theater troupe (American Player's Theater, APT) has been doing play readings on Zoom. Really quite good. So far we've seen three Chekov one act plays, Shakespeare's "As you Like it" and Shaw's "Arms and the Man"  Next up is Julius Caesar.

In the theater before the virus, we saw Knives Out, that should be on Netflix by now.




Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 25, 2020, 10:58:59 AM
The ones I've recently listed have been on DVD, but they may also be available for streaming.  I'll +1 to the recommendation for Knives Out, which we saw in the theater and then again on DVD more recently.

We watched Parasite last night and thought it was excellent.  In some ways it was similar to Get Out, in that there is an obvious surface message, but in both cases we felt that the directors also managed to build up an undercurrent throughout.  It was particularly powerful in Parasite, and there was a bit of trivia on IMDB about one of the final credits songs that just got me all over again. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on July 25, 2020, 11:20:00 PM
Quote from: spork on July 25, 2020, 02:57:26 AM
Does anyone have stay-at-home movie recommendations? We have access to Netflix, YouTube, and Red Box. We recently watched The Other Guys, which we both thought was very funny. I tried watching The Old Guard on my own, but it was so bad I only lasted 20 minutes.

Watched Eurovision on Netflix today and loved it.  But I also really liked The Old Guard, so you might not want to take my word.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on July 26, 2020, 06:33:35 AM
Quote from: sprout on July 25, 2020, 11:20:00 PM
Quote from: spork on July 25, 2020, 02:57:26 AM
Does anyone have stay-at-home movie recommendations? We have access to Netflix, YouTube, and Red Box. We recently watched The Other Guys, which we both thought was very funny. I tried watching The Old Guard on my own, but it was so bad I only lasted 20 minutes.

Watched Eurovision on Netflix today and loved it.  But I also really liked The Old Guard, so you might not want to take my word.

We ended up watching Ben Affleck's The Town. I thought it was engaging enough. The cast is great. My wife was fascinated by the Charlestown "crabs in a bucket" theme (she's not from the USA originally). For me it was "Eh. Used to be Irish mob and housing project white trash. Then it gentrified. Like Dorchester. Or Southie." It was fun trying to identify from the dialogue which of the bit players were local. Jeremy Renner is definitely not and could have used a better vocal coach. My wife kept asking me to mimic lines, and I can't do a proper Boston accent on command.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 26, 2020, 08:09:31 AM
"Mystik River" has some good examples.

You hafta have fokes frum Revieere.....

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 26, 2020, 11:37:03 AM
Hamilton

The music is great, the story is captivating, and the performance itself is amazing.  The plot is engaging in its own right, and works well as a refresher on US history as well as a commentary on the various faces of politics (back-room deals, power-hungry politicians, and a few principled individuals).  It was an inspired choice to use mostly Black actors and to tell the story through rap music, as this made everything feel relevant and fresh.  The play is also very hip-hop literate, so there are lots of little nuggets that fans of the genre will pick up on.  Some liberties were taken with the history, but they got the gist of it right. 

My only complaint is about is the length (about 2 hours and 45 minutes).  When you go to the theater at a price of ~$100 per ticket, I suppose you want and expect a 3 hour show, but that makes for a long film.  Some of the content about his family life could have been cut without losing anything of substance, but on the other hand the point is to give you the whole play from home, so i can't complain too much.

Overall, great watch! 

Grade: A

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 02, 2020, 03:21:57 PM
We watched a couple older movies this weekend that husband had seen but I hadn't.  First was Blue Chips, about college basketball dealings that go on as schools compete to recruit the students who will turn their programs around (or continue their success).  I miss college basketball a lot, so I enjoyed it for that reason (even though there really wasn't that much basketball, and it was mostly discrete action rather than any kind of coherent game play).  I was also glad that they focused on issues beyond the most obvious type of violations.  Nice to see some basketball stars, too! I'm not a big fan of Mary McDonnell, but she wasn't too bad in this.  The movie didn't get awesome ratings, but I enjoyed it.

Last night we watched Deep Impact.  I was surprised at how much that movie got at my emotions.  It is similar to other stories of a comet on approach with Earth (e.g., the novel Lucifer's Hammer).  Aside from one story arc that I think could have been largely cut out of the movie, the decisions, actions, and consequences were more realistic than I have seen or read before in these types of stories.  Morgan Freeman was very believable, and seeing Maximilian Schell reminded me to rewatch Judgment at Nuremburg, which he was fantastic in.  This was a surprisingly touching movie and (I think) well done despite lower ratings that I would have expected.  Oh, and quite contrary, this movie had my favorite Mary (McCormack).  Oh my gosh.  I just looked at her page on IMDB and was today years old when I learned that she is Will McCormack's sister.  Never even occurred to me.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on August 02, 2020, 07:42:08 PM
You are right.  Deep Impact was by far the best space object hurtling towards Earth disaster movie of 1997 (cf. 'Armageddon'), and much better than 1979's 'Meteor', which sadly helped essentially kill the great 70s disaster movie genre, still one of my all-time favorites.   Today's disaster flicks are either way way over the top, such as The Rock's 'San Andreas', or silly, like the funny but impossible to take seriously efforts the SyFy channel makes.  Bring back the star-studded seventies sagas, I say!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 03, 2020, 09:34:19 AM
Kay, if you have any suggestions along the lines of Deep Impact, please post them!

We watched Demolition Man last night.  It was definitely a bit cheesy, and Stallone's acting leaves a bit to be desired, but it didn't seem to take itself too seriously and was enjoyable overall.  Denis Leary was pretty much wasted in it (I mean I would have liked to see more of him, though he was fun to watch while he was in it).  Sandra Bullock's character was not too bad and provided some humor.  Wesley Snipes was a little wacky and over the top, but he played a good villain.  Again, there are other movies with a similar premise (having to unfreeze someone to go after a criminal), but it was fine enough for what it was trying to be.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on August 03, 2020, 07:10:03 PM
Great disaster films include:

The Towering Inferno (probably the best ever)
The Poseidon Adventure
Airport
Airport '75
Earthquake
Unstoppable (Denzel Washington runaway train flick)
Volcano
Dante's Peak (better of the two volcano movies)
Twister
Flood
Gray Lady Down (sub sinking, more Charlton Heston)
Black Sunday
Rollercoaster (psycho blackmails amusement parks)
Two Minute Warning
The Hindenburg
The Omega Man
The Andromeda Strain
Soylent Green

I could probably find more.  The precursor to this genre is probably B-movies from the 50s and 60s, and heck, Japanese monster movies are often pretty good, too.  Many of these are almost certainly viewable for free on the net, too.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on August 04, 2020, 06:32:51 AM
I agree with most of kaysixteen's recommendations and am looking forward to watching the few I haven't seen. They should be great distractions.

The Poseidon Adventure from 1972 is dangerous. I find "The Morning After" stuck in my head every time I watch it. I highly recommend having a playlist ready for after the movie, to reduce the risk.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 04, 2020, 09:00:10 AM
Thanks for all the recommendations! I've only seen Twister and part of Soylent Green when it was on TV one time.  I did read Andromeda Strain and thought that was a pretty clever story.

And thanks for the tip on the possible ear worm! Sounds intriguing.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on August 04, 2020, 10:15:44 PM
I am almost tempted to cancel cable and just go with what I can stream on the net, but I do want some local tv access, some stuff that cannot be streamed.  But my own listing efforts are probably motivating me to find some of these flicks online to stream now, nonetheless.  I really do love the 70s disaster flicks, and the B-movies from the 50s and 60s are not too far behind, as well.  They really do not make stuff like this any more.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 08, 2020, 04:35:48 PM
I sometimes wish we kept some of our streaming capabilities. 

Last night we watched Chappie, the third and final of a pack we had by Neill Blomkamp.  The other two were District 9, Elysium.  There is something really quirky about his movies, and they can have some very strange characters, but they often seem to have a lot of heart.  In some ways, it reminded me of Robocop, with the mechanization or partial mechanization of the police force (and the manipulators who try to use the technological advances for their own bad intentions).  I was also reminded a bit about all the GPT-3 news going around, and the fact that it and similar create based on their training sets.  The generated text can end up highlighting social and cultural disparities and biases.  Here, Chappie the AI learns from those who teach him, with funny, sad, and sometimes disastrous consequences.   I guess the movie wasn't very well received, but it had some good ideas, and I found it very touching at times.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on August 09, 2020, 10:09:50 AM
The Peanut Butter Falcon


Tom Sawyer-esque adventure story about a friendship between a social worker, a depressed fisherman, and a young man with down syndrome who wants to be a wrestler.  This is a light and well acted crowd pleaser, and I really enjoyed it.  My only major critique is that the female character (the social worker) is unbelievable and underdeveloped.

Grade: A-



The Swamp


HBO documentary about the congresspeople who want to "drain the swamp" by rejecting the corporate money that runs Washington.  It follows Rep. Matt Gaetz (Republican from Florida), but also includes interviews with other Democratic and Republican congresspeople.  The documentary does a good job explaining how fundraising works in the House, and it makes a good case for Congress being systemically corrupt.  It is also an interesting look at Gaetz, who oscillates between railing against corporate money and executive overreach, and defending any and all corruption and overreach from the Trump Administration.  Overall, it is worth a watch, but too all over the place to rank with the best political documentaries.  Also inferior to Get Me Roger Stone, which was made by some of the same people.

Grade: B

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 11, 2020, 08:37:48 AM
We watched 21 Bridges the other night.  We had seen the preview in the theater, and it looked pretty good, so I was excited to finally watch it.  It's about a police officer (the son of a slain police officer) who lives by a "code" and who is trying to capture a couple criminals involved in some cop killings.  There is some intrigue going on, and the story is pretty interesting with some good actors on board.  I just found it very different from what I expected from the preview, and rewatching the preview on IMDB, I don't think I was misremembering.  It seemed to me that the movie would focus more than it did on the 21 bridges in and out of Manhattan and how hard it would be to shut them down and close the island off to find these killers.  It really wasn't about that aspect much at all.  Still, we enjoyed the story, and there was a particular scene that really stuck out so me.  Overall, it was dark and suspenseful and a fun watch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on August 20, 2020, 08:40:45 AM
Inception

Classes start today, so I decided that I should do something fun on the last day of summer.  I wish that something had been a visit to a real movie theater, perhaps to see Tenet, the new Christopher Nolan movie, but it has been pushed back due to Coronavirus, so instead, I spent yesterday afternoon re-watching Inception (an older Nolan movie).  I last saw this movie in 2010, in the theater, and I was absolutely blown away... and I wasn't alone - the whole theater erupted in applause after it ended.  So I had fond memories, and I was a little nervous that it wouldn't be as great as I remember.

Well, good news: This movie still rocks!  It is a complex, yet digestible, sci fi blockbuster that works on every level.  It is one of the best heist movies ever made, has incredible music and visuals, great emotional content, and that's not even to speak of the more subtle rewards for obsessive viewers.  Watching it is such a pleasure, because the puzzle fits together so perfectly!  This movie even makes the most of Nolan's shortcomings as a director: Yes there is a lot of exposition, but Ariadne needs it as much as we do!  Yes the female characters are underdeveloped, but Mol is in Cobb's head anyway, so of course she isn't a fully flushed out character!  Sure, it is long and convoluted and the whole corporate espionage thing is a mcguffin, but... ok well I don't care it is still great!

Grade: A+ (I love this movie)

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 22, 2020, 11:17:06 AM
Inception's a good one! I only saw it once, and many years ago, but I'd like to watch that one again.

We finally watched Hacksaw Ridge last night.  My FIL gave it to us a couple years ago, probably soon after it came out on DVD, but we hadn't gotten around to it.  It's a true story (though they changed a few details in the movie... some make sense for the pacing, but others I'm not sure why they did), and a very interesting one at that.  It's the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who enlists at the time of WWII to become a combat medic.  He is a Seventh-day Adventist and refuses to even touch a gun, which doesn't go over very well with his training unit, but his goal is to become a combat medic and save lives, and he eventually earns the Medal of Honor without ever firing a shot (apparently the first CO to do so).  All that info is included in the basic movie summary, so I don't think there are any spoilers there, but I won't go more into how things develop.  I thought it was very engrossing overall, and though Andrew Garfield as Doss was a little hard to get used to at first, I thought he did a great job.  Vince Vaughn also plays a very good role and more humorously than I would have expected.  There were so many brave people involved.  It's tough to watch at times but is such a neat story.   Although the movie is centered around Okinawa, his full Medal of Honor citation shows how much he contributed well beyond that.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: writingprof on August 22, 2020, 01:05:25 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on August 20, 2020, 08:40:45 AM
Inception

Classes start today, so I decided that I should do something fun on the last day of summer.  I wish that something had been a visit to a real movie theater, perhaps to see Tenet, the new Christopher Nolan movie, but it has been pushed back due to Coronavirus, so instead, I spent yesterday afternoon re-watching Inception (an older Nolan movie).  I last saw this movie in 2010, in the theater, and I was absolutely blown away... and I wasn't alone - the whole theater erupted in applause after it ended.  So I had fond memories, and I was a little nervous that it wouldn't be as great as I remember.

Well, good news: This movie still rocks!  It is a complex, yet digestible, sci fi blockbuster that works on every level.  It is one of the best heist movies ever made, has incredible music and visuals, great emotional content, and that's not even to speak of the more subtle rewards for obsessive viewers.  Watching it is such a pleasure, because the puzzle fits together so perfectly!  This movie even makes the most of Nolan's shortcomings as a director: Yes there is a lot of exposition, but Ariadne needs it as much as we do!  Yes the female characters are underdeveloped, but Mol is in Cobb's head anyway, so of course she isn't a fully flushed out character!  Sure, it is long and convoluted and the whole corporate espionage thing is a mcguffin, but... ok well I don't care it is still great!

Grade: A+ (I love this movie)

My understanding is that Inception actually has a nationwide re-release in theaters to celebrate its tenth anniversary. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on August 22, 2020, 01:59:05 PM
One of the theaters opened last week with 15 cent tickets and $5 large popcorn.
Im not sure how many attended.

My preferred theater is Alamo Drafthouse. I think that my local one is set to open by the end of the month.  I wont be there, though. Im not sure that there are any shows Im particulalry eager to see, even without adding the phrase, "what are willing to die to see in the theater?"

Are YOU thinking of going to a theater in the next few weeks? 
What conditions have you set before you would be wiling to see a flick?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on August 22, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
We're having a bike-to-the-movies outdoor theatre showing here.  You bike to the spot, and they seat you on a big lawn in pre-marked socially-distanced spots on the grass.  You can pre-order food from several restaurants, or buy popcorn on the spot. They're showing an Oscar-nominated animated film. It sold out right away, so I can't report back on the experience.

You can also rent the whole of our arts cinema, invite ten people of your choice (to be seated socially distanced if they're not already members of the same pod), and ask them to screen the film of your choice — they promise they can get almost any film. They also cater the event, and have a full kitchen (not just popcorn). I believe it costs something like $250. I would do it, for instance for my oncoming landmark birthday, just to help keep them in business, except that I am in full lockdown and am not going to chance it just for a fun movie experience.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on August 22, 2020, 05:58:39 PM
My favorite theatre is renting several screens for socially distanced group gaming sessions. Partner and several friends rented a screen for five hours, took their gaming consoles, and had a blast. The theatre has in seat delivery from the kitchen, so they would have happily stayed all day and night if bookings weren't limited to five hours. Partner called for a ride home, since the theatre also has an excellent bar.

The theatre is showing some relatively new movies now, but they're also doing a fair number of anniversary showings for short runs. I enjoyed Best Little Whorehouse in Texas recently, with just a dozen people in the theatre, but with the students back in town I won't go out for a movie again.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on August 22, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Online Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth in Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

I sampled a few scenes from the 2005 version, and they're ok, but...the earlier one won.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on August 23, 2020, 01:32:24 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 22, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Online Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth in Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

I sampled a few scenes from the 2005 version, and they're ok, but...the earlier one won.

M.
I enjoyed both versions. A&E showed the 1995 version sometime in the 2000s so I got to see it. Fast forward to now, I found the soundtrack on Youtube! 
I checked out and watched the 2005 version from the library and own the soundtrack CD.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on August 23, 2020, 06:07:55 PM
I actually saw the K.Knightly version first, when it first appeared. There were indeed good moments in it, but it just seemed like Ehle worked more a being the character.

I'm also so smitten with the earlier (Romola G.) "Emma" that I daren't see the new one. I think I'd just get mad, having noted things I already don't like in the advances.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on August 24, 2020, 03:21:44 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 23, 2020, 06:07:55 PM
I'm also so smitten with the earlier (Romola G.) "Emma" that I daren't see the new one. I think I'd just get mad, having noted things I already don't like in the advances.

M.
I watched that version of Emma (2009) when it broadcasted PBS's "Masterpiece."  There are two older versions, both from 1996. Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale starred in the movie and TV adaptations, respectively.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 24, 2020, 05:48:09 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on August 24, 2020, 03:21:44 PM
Quote from: mamselle on August 23, 2020, 06:07:55 PM
I'm also so smitten with the earlier (Romola G.) "Emma" that I daren't see the new one. I think I'd just get mad, having noted things I already don't like in the advances.

M.
I watched that version of Emma (2009) when it broadcasted PBS's "Masterpiece."  There are two older versions, both from 1996. Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale starred in the movie and TV adaptations, respectively.

Beckinsale Emma is far and away my favourite.



We saw Bombshell and Anita last night. Bombshell is a surprisingly well-done and effective film, and a great lesson on sexual harassment. Anita was passable qua documentary, but pretty interesting for its content (which I didn't know in any detail), and for its insight into Hill's (exceptional) character and fortitude.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on August 24, 2020, 05:49:48 PM
anyone here actually see a movie in an actual theater since the pandemic exploded in March?  Indeed, are such theatres in your area open?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on August 25, 2020, 10:17:39 AM
Quote from: kaysixteen on August 24, 2020, 05:49:48 PM
anyone here actually see a movie in an actual theater since the pandemic exploded in March?  Indeed, are such theatres in your area open?

Ours just reopened, to some degree.  Nothing I want to see is playing, though.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 31, 2020, 09:36:12 PM
Saw Yes, God, Yes tonight. It was a great coming-of-age film.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 07, 2020, 07:35:43 PM
We saw Get Duked! last night. It was fantastic. The night before, we watched That Sinking Feeling, which was... ok.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on September 09, 2020, 02:19:47 AM
Watched the first half of Patriots Day (2016) and so far it's been far better than I expected in terms of pacing and acting. Jimmy O. Yang has a brilliant scene as Dun Yeng when he's carjacked and kidnapped. I would have preferred a United 93-style film but Hollywood has to have its star vehicles; this one isn't as nearly as bad as it could have been.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: engineer_adrift on September 09, 2020, 11:56:33 AM
The spouse and I watched Made in Italy in our home theater last night.  It was pretty good ( especially if you like panoramic shots of Tuscany)! A widowed painter (Liam Neeson) and his son (Michael Richardson) repair an estranged relationship as they contemplate the sale of their long abandoned villa in Tuscany.  It is a bit poignant in that Liam is Michael's father in real life, and that Natasha Richardson (spouse/mother) died in 2009. 

We liked it. 

EA
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 27, 2020, 08:24:12 PM
Saw The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill And Came Down A Mountain tonight, and it was great. Just like Waking Ned Devine or La Grande Séduction.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on September 27, 2020, 08:41:30 PM
Saw Kajilionaire last night. Pretty large seating area with just me and another weirdo about 15 rows up from me [thank goodness]. It was truly an art film with numerous deep meanings that I, personally, by far, did not "get". If there was a clear message it was probably that folks should get out of Los Angeles and move somewhere safe. John Lithgow was pretty good in his role.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on September 28, 2020, 03:20:38 PM
Father of the Bride III (ish)?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/how-to-watch-father-of-the-bride-3-new-mini-movie-with-steve-martin-and-other-original-cast/ar-BB19qH4R?li=BBnbfcL

Has anyone seen this 'movie' yet?  I couldnt really follow how I can see it.  IS it available on NetFlix, or was it a 'performance' at one time (and has htat time passed)?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on September 28, 2020, 03:55:26 PM
Father of the Bride III is a 20 minute skit on You Tube. It's a fundraiser for world central kitchen. It's cute enough, but enough time has passed that I would have appreciated name cards for the characters that were babies in Part II.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on September 28, 2020, 04:52:41 PM
Mr. Larimar and I and the cats are re-watching The Lord of the Rings. Just started The Two Towers tonight. I love those films. I love the books even more. Hard to believe the movie of Fellowship is closing in on 20 years old!

And yes, the cats are watching with us.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 28, 2020, 06:49:59 PM
Quote from: Larimar on September 28, 2020, 04:52:41 PM
Mr. Larimar and I and the cats are re-watching The Lord of the Rings. Just started The Two Towers tonight. I love those films. I love the books even more. Hard to believe the movie of Fellowship is closing in on 20 years old!

And yes, the cats are watching with us.
Wow, that long! I was in college at the time. Theatrical or extended versions? I've seen both.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on September 29, 2020, 05:15:14 AM
Extended versions. :)


Larimar
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Morden on September 29, 2020, 09:02:18 AM
QuoteAnd yes, the cats are watching with us.
Can you tell what parts they are interested in?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on October 01, 2020, 05:13:45 AM
I'm not sure. They might favor the action scenes and the panoramas when the camera is moving really fast because there's a lot of motion on the screen for them to watch.

Either that or they're fascinated by deep timeless themes of the story and the dynamic character arcs that show edifying truths about the human (and elf, dwarf, hobbit, Ent, and Istari) spirit!


Larimar
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 04, 2020, 06:10:26 PM
We saw the original Ghostbusters on Friday, and the 2016 remake on Saturday. The remake is way, way better. The original is boring and stupid and entirely devoid of a storyworld. It's a sketch with special effects and bad jokes that weren't especially good even back then. The remake is consistently funny, not very boring (apart from the fighting at the end), and features a relatively rich story world complete with rationales for events and half-decently sketched characters.

I want to re-watch Alien, which is one of my absolute favs. (Probably tied with John Carpenter's The Thing, which I also want to re-watch.) We'll see if my partner's in the mood for it tonight.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on October 05, 2020, 01:31:11 AM
My department played 'Call my bluff' and then we watched Arrival* with students as a sort of 'support morale for the poor kids stuck in isolation' event. We screenshared over Zoom and had a live chat going at the same time. It worked surprisingly well once the screensharer figured out how to share the sound properly. That is such a good movie! We made noises at the end about starting a departmental SF movie club/reading group thing, and I hope that it will actually happen. It might. There is a core of very friendly, social people in my department, and, oddly, I enjoy being on Zoom calls with them.

The next movie will probably be Stargate. I watched that when I was 10 (or so) and remember loving it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on October 18, 2020, 07:39:12 PM
I am not a big fan of Liam Neeson but I really enjoyed HONEST THIEF. Smartly, the product seemed to be economically shot, but had a lot of action with just enough pathos. Critics I've read complain it's a remake of other story lines. They seem to be looking for THE NEXT BIG THING. This movie is an entertaining effort that will make money. A wise choice.

While tough enough, what kept me on the edge of my seat was my trying to get a good angle to view the female lead's cleavage. If you want violence, try reading one of our day's action/mysteries! It's a very good flick.

Oh, nobody much at the show, no senior prices, snacks still priced high, and ticket prices look to be up about 175%. If you gotta, you gotta. The threatened motion picture theater folks need money NOW!


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on October 18, 2020, 07:51:03 PM
Quote from: Economizer on October 18, 2020, 07:39:12 PM
I am not a big fan of Liam Neeson but I really enjoyed HONEST THIEF. Smartly, the product seemed to be economically shot, but had a lot of action with just enough pathos. Critics I've read complain it's a remake of other story lines. They seem to be looking for THE NEXT BIG THING. This movie is an entertaining effort that will make money. A wise choice.

While tough enough, what kept me on the edge of my seat was my trying to get a good angle to view the female lead's cleavage. If you want violence, try reading one of our day's action/mysteries! It's a very good flick.

Oh, nobody much at the show, no senior prices, snacks still priced high, and ticket prices look to be up about 175%. If you gotta, you gotta. The threatened motion picture theater folks need money NOW!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on October 19, 2020, 06:13:32 AM
The wifey and I watched Moneyball for the first time on Netflix. I'm a big fan of Michael Lewis's books, and I thought this was a reasonably good adaptation. We both liked the movie even though my wife has zero understanding of baseball jargon. But we thought it would have been much improved if it had a 90 minute instead of 120+ minute running time. The baseball montages were overkill. Filmmakers: just tell the damn story. Stop assuming we're stupid and need historical context.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 19, 2020, 07:42:53 AM
We recently saw The Addams Family and The Addams Family Values. They're ok, although the second is certainly not for an audience of children.

Also Alien, about which nothing need be said, since it's awesome.

Also Miss Austen Regrets, which was a fun sort of biopic. It certainly filled the Austen-style period drama void, and it was well acted.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 19, 2020, 08:42:20 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on October 19, 2020, 07:42:53 AM
Also Miss Austen Regrets, which was a fun sort of biopic. It certainly filled the Austen-style period drama void, and it was well acted
I remember watching that on "Masterpiece Theater" as part of a Jane Austen anniversary special.
I have a collector's edition of the Sense & Sensibility and Persuasion on DVD. (Both from 2008)  The 2nd disc of Sense & Sensibility has "Miss Austen Regrets."
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on October 19, 2020, 10:27:10 AM
Quote from: spork on October 19, 2020, 06:13:32 AM
The wifey and I watched Moneyball for the first time on Netflix. I'm a big fan of Michael Lewis's books, and I thought this was a reasonably good adaptation. We both liked the movie even though my wife has zero understanding of baseball jargon. But we thought it would have been much improved if it had a 90 minute instead of 120+ minute running time. The baseball montages were overkill. Filmmakers: just tell the damn story. Stop assuming we're stupid and need historical context.

Funny - spouse and I watched this a few nights ago!  I really enjoyed it, and didn't mind the running time at all. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on October 23, 2020, 06:00:48 AM
Watched the first half of The Trial of the Chicago 7 last night. Highly entertaining, except for Sasha Baron Cohen's terrible attempt at a Worcester accent. I'm surprised Sorkin and his team didn't just tell him to forget it. Frank Langella is awesome as Judge Hoffman.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: monarda on October 31, 2020, 09:10:08 AM
Quote from: spork on October 23, 2020, 06:00:48 AM
Watched the first half of The Trial of the Chicago 7 last night. Highly entertaining, except for Sasha Baron Cohen's terrible attempt at a Worcester accent. I'm surprised Sorkin and his team didn't just tell him to forget it. Frank Langella is awesome as Judge Hoffman.

We watched that the other day and quite enjoyed it.

Yesterday we saw Jimmy Carter, Rock and Roll President. It was just what we needed with all the election fatigue. Available om Amazon and iTunes. Released in September.

Also, because of the passing of James The amazing Randi, We watched an Honest Liar That one was on PBS Passport, American Experience, I think.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on December 04, 2020, 11:26:05 AM
We finished watching The Trial of the Chicago 7 some time ago. Second half was as entertaining as the first. Two thumbs up.

Last night I watched Fury. The tank combat scenes are quite well done. Sets and cast looked grimy and damaged throughout, which added to the realism. Not as many maudlin male bonding patriotism scenes as I was dreading, which was good. It's not a film for children though given the numerous scenes of people being killed.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on December 13, 2020, 03:02:49 PM
Watched Steve Jobs on Netflix. Wow, what a fantastic movie. Aaron Sorkin and Danny Boyle did a really good job creating it, and the cast is amazing.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: writingprof on December 13, 2020, 03:19:41 PM
Just watched Babe for the dozenth time.  Am I alone in tearing up a bit when Babe talks the sheep through the obstacle course at the end?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 14, 2020, 07:03:06 PM
Quote from: writingprof on December 13, 2020, 03:19:41 PM
Just watched Babe for the dozenth time.  Am I alone in tearing up a bit when Babe talks the sheep through the obstacle course at the end?
There was a sequel "Babe: Pig in the City" in 1998. Babe and Mrs. Hoggett have to go to the city to save the farm.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on December 15, 2020, 03:22:00 AM
I thought "Babe: Pig in the City" was dreadful.  Some movies should leave sequels well enough alone. Yes, I'm also talking to you, "Zoolander II."  One exception is the sequel to "Paddington."
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on December 19, 2020, 03:48:57 AM
Watched Ava on Netflix. A sufficiently entertaining popcorn movie. Major A-list cast. It was fun watching John Malkovich and Geena Davis demonstrate their chops in B-movie roles. Note to Jessica Chastain: you need a running coach. A highly-athletic character doesn't run like you do.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on January 16, 2021, 11:33:51 AM
Watched Captain Phillips on IMDB, based on the real-life seizure of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates and the rescue of its captain. I really liked it. Pacing was pretty fast. No needless back story. The four Somalis in supporting roles did an incredible job as first-time actors. The only thing that I didn't much like was the accent that Tom Hanks was trying to speak in. Maybe it was supposed to have been Vermontian, but he sounded to me like a Kennedy from Hyannis.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 01, 2021, 04:06:28 PM
We watched October Sky last night, based on a true story of a high school kid in a coal mining town getting inspired to try to build rockets.  Like most movies of that genre, I found it to be a little eye-rollingly sweet at times, but it was an enjoyable tale pretty well told.  Neat story, which I won't spoil.

Watching a TV series that seems to pay homages to sci-fi shows and movies, I was reminded of Nice Girls Don't Explode, a movie I probably saw at least 10 times as a teen, which my husband had apparently never heard of (and he is the one who has seen all the movies).   I was wondering if anyone else remembers that one, a romcom with a cast including Barbara Hershey and Wallace Shawn, about a mother who tries to keep her daughter away from boys through somewhat nefarious means?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on February 02, 2021, 06:48:32 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on February 01, 2021, 04:06:28 PM
We watched October Sky last night

[. . . ]

I liked that movie, especially the end credits, which showed that in real life all the boys "got out." I come from a similar place, though not as bad as a WV coal mine town, where most people stayed put.

Watched 1922 on Netflix last night. Really good adaptation of a Stephen King novella. Don't watch it if you have a rat phobia. It is not for young children.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on February 08, 2021, 12:26:54 AM
Just stayed up far too late to re-watch this for something like the fourth or fifth time...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUUckdKNlVg

"L'Auberge espagnole" (en francais)

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 10, 2021, 08:39:14 AM
Quote from: spork on February 02, 2021, 06:48:32 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on February 01, 2021, 04:06:28 PM
We watched October Sky last night

[. . . ]

I liked that movie, especially the end credits, which showed that in real life all the boys "got out." I come from a similar place, though not as bad as a WV coal mine town, where most people stayed put.

That's often one of my favorite parts of those types of movies, true for that one as well.

We watched Solaris (the one with George Clooney) last night.  Husband had seen it long ago before we read the book together, and he had liked it a lot.  I wasn't as much of a fan.  I'm not sure if it's because we had read the book before I watched the movie, but although I thought it was creepy and interesting, they didn't really go much into some of the aspects that made the book really intriguing.  I am thankful that they didn't delve into the really long and detailed features of Solaris that make up way too much of a short book.  And it's nice to have a reasonably short movie, but I think they could have added a few minutes to go more into Solaris itself.  They omitted a number of plot points from the book that would have given more insight into what was going on as well as raising more questions.  Some of Clooney's actions in the movie didn't seem to make very much sense without the background, and I thought the ending in particular was a little strange without context.  The movie focused too much on him and his relationship rather than the other characters and what was happening with them.  I looked at the summary for the earlier version of the movie, and it looks as though it stays more in line with the book.  Maybe we'll check that one out at some point.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on February 12, 2021, 06:57:19 AM
The Little Things

Neo-noir crime thriller staring Denzel Washington and Rami Malek as obsessive cops tracking a serial killer, and Jared Leto as a creepy suspect. This movie did not get good reviews and I see why: The first hour is slow and Malek's character is poorly developed (and Malek himself is miscast). Leto doesn't appear until about an hour in, but as soon as he does the movie improves dramatically. He and Denzel are both great and the last act really worked for me. Overall, I walked away from this satisfied, but I the movie has major flaws.

B
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on March 23, 2021, 11:48:42 AM
I just saw The Booksellers documentary about NYC rare book dealers with lots of time given to Fran Lebowitz as a collector and reader.    It was pretty good, speaking as an admitted bibliomane  bibliophile.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 23, 2021, 12:18:24 PM
We watched 28 Days Later... the other night.  It was more interesting than I thought it would be, and I ended up musing about it quite a bit.  Although it is sort of a zombie-type thriller (a widespread contagion), it was different than so many films of a similar nature.  For one thing, there is very little backstory on any of the characters, yet I still felt a connection to them.  The movie also seems to rely more on a vignette style rather than trying to explain or explore the goings-on at large.  A lot is left open to questions, but just enough to be intriguing and still make sense as a whole.  Some parts reminded me of other movies or TV shows.  When the main character wakes up in the hospital at the start of the movie, it reminded me of the beginning of The Walking Dead, although apparently it's more of an homage to The Day of the Triffids (which I haven't seen).  A later scene reminded me a lot of The Crow, just in the feelings it inspired and the style.  Definitely a disturbing movie at times, but lots to think about.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 23, 2021, 03:01:26 PM
We watched Mank, an Academy Award nominee, which is on Netflix. Oh dear oh dear. It is beautifully shot: gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, lovely soundtrack. The plot is more boring than you can imagine. There's a whole sub-plot about Upton Sinclair (never seen) and the threat of socialism, which the characters are eternally worried about, which is all talk and no stakes, that is, you hear them jawing about how much it matters to them, but you don't hear or feel anything about why it matters to them. The rest of it is mostly the title character not writing the screenplay for "Citizen Kane." Since we know it gets written in the end, there's not much suspense. And if it didn't get written in the end, we wouldn't care. All of the characters are two-dimensional, if that, and all of them have the exact same fast-paced snappy mordant dialogue, as if they were all written by the same screenwriter, who had only one way of writing... The actual screenplay for Mank was written by the director's late father some twenty years ago, and sadly, there's a reason it wasn't made into a film earlier. Some people call it a homage to his dad; others call it a vanity project. I seriously considered taking a nap in the middle. (And at 2 hours and 20 minutes, there's plenty of time for a nap.)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 23, 2021, 07:25:11 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on March 23, 2021, 03:01:26 PM
We watched Mank, an Academy Award nominee, which is on Netflix. Oh dear oh dear. It is beautifully shot: gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, lovely soundtrack. The plot is more boring than you can imagine. There's a whole sub-plot about Upton Sinclair (never seen) and the threat of socialism, which the characters are eternally worried about, which is all talk and no stakes, that is, you hear them jawing about how much it matters to them, but you don't hear or feel anything about why it matters to them. The rest of it is mostly the title character not writing the screenplay for "Citizen Kane." Since we know it gets written in the end, there's not much suspense. And if it didn't get written in the end, we wouldn't care. All of the characters are two-dimensional, if that, and all of them have the exact same fast-paced snappy mordant dialogue, as if they were all written by the same screenwriter, who had only one way of writing... The actual screenplay for Mank was written by the director's late father some twenty years ago, and sadly, there's a reason it wasn't made into a film earlier. Some people call it a homage to his dad; others call it a vanity project. I seriously considered taking a nap in the middle. (And at 2 hours and 20 minutes, there's plenty of time for a nap.)

I watched this the other day. I liked it more than you did, but I nevertheless agree with much of your critique. I wonder if the nominations are because the Academy loves movies about Hollywood or because they feel like Fincher is owed.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 23, 2021, 08:03:01 PM
Mank

David Fincher movie about the writing of Citizen Kane. This movie is a few things: A love letter to old Hollywood, an ode to writers (and an attack on the directors who take all the credit), and a critique of capitalism and its more cynical proponents. It doesn't hit the bullseye on any of these three elements, but bits and pieces of each work well enough. This one probably won't work for you if you aren't a fan of Hollywood or of Citizen Kane, but there are some rewards for those of us who have a love for both.

B+



The White Tiger

Dark comedy about a low-caste Indian peasant who finds success as an entrepreneur, but only after a dark journey of betrayal and murder. This reminded me of Parasite, in that it is a class critique that has universal themes but offers special insight into the country where it is set (India here, Korea in Parasite). The class analysis isn't quite as sharp as Parasite, however, and there is a narration gimmick that never quite worked for me. Still, I greatly enjoyed it overall and it stayed with me for several days after. A great watch.

A



Nomadland

A beautiful movie, anchored by a perfect lead performance, about a woman who lives in her van and travels around working odd jobs. Over the course of one year, she finds community, becomes one with nature, and comes to terms with loss. It is a little slow at times, but never boring. Great film.

A

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on March 24, 2021, 02:17:26 AM
I've fallen into the hole of Call My Agent, a French series about an acting agency (i.e., office of people who represent actors as agents), as they try to get jobs for their clients, put out fires when the clients behave badly or run afoul of paparazzi, and also try to put their own lives--personal and professional and the awkward interactions between the two--in order. Very mordant humour; lots of fun looking at the fixes they get themselves into. Somehow it does a great job threading that line between humor of embarassment without actually making things so awkward that you get embarrassed. Most of the time when characters get themselves in an awkward situation I'm just laughing, because what on earth did they expect would happen when they made such a dumb decision? Or I think, 'nice try, but that was never likely to work out the way you wanted.'

It's a really great example of one of my favorite genres: 'people who have jobs doing their jobs'. I find workplace drama so much more interesting than personal-life drama.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on March 24, 2021, 05:11:59 AM
My husband and I recently watched Hillbilly Elegy.  I had expected to hate it, but I did not.  Neither of us have read the book, and I have no idea how closely the story mirrors real life experiences—but the acting was very good, and the plot was absorbing. 

I agree with Hegemony about Mank.  I thought that, apart from the artfully done cinematography, it was an extremely boring movie.  My husband liked it better than I did, though.

Ergative, thanks for the Call My Agent recommendation!  I'm casting about for a new series, having finished season 7 of Seaside Hotel (Danish).  I've been watching The Paris Murders (Profilage) and like it, although sometimes the plots are a little predictable.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 24, 2021, 08:56:34 AM
Quote from: cathwen on March 24, 2021, 05:11:59 AM
My husband and I recently watched Hillbilly Elegy.  I had expected to hate it, but I did not.  Neither of us have read the book, and I have no idea how closely the story mirrors real life experiences—but the acting was very good, and the plot was absorbing. 


I have to disagree with you here. IMO this film was melodramatic and cheesy, with production values like a TV movie. The actor who plays Vance gives a blah performance and now I'm struggling to even remember what he looks like. Adams is fine, but her character doesn't have any redeeming qualities so it was impossible for me to sympathize with her or to become invested in her arc. Close is way over the top, but I guess she's doing what she can with the material - she may win an Oscar, I guess because the Academy can't believe she hasn't won one yet, but she doesn't deserve it for this movie.

I did read the book and I did enjoy it, although the policy conclusions that Vance draws don't really line up with the story that he tells. However, none of the political commentary is in the film (which is probably for the best, since there is already a lot going on in the movie).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on March 24, 2021, 09:25:34 AM
Saw Nomadland the other night. While it is filmed beautifully, I found it to be too much of a fairy tale. It hinted at many larger societal issues, but decided to just brush them aside for another view of a vista. There's no way the Amazon workers are just strolling down the warehouse aisle and waving at each other. It's much more high paced and stressful than that.  When David is hospitalized- who pays for that? The lack of any of the downsides to the lifestyle- no issues of crime, no mental illness, only the gentlest mentions of poverty and lack of basic sanitation. It all really bothered me.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on March 24, 2021, 09:47:21 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on March 24, 2021, 09:25:34 AM
Saw Nomadland the other night. While it is filmed beautifully, I found it to be too much of a fairy tale. It hinted at many larger societal issues, but decided to just brush them aside for another view of a vista. There's no way the Amazon workers are just strolling down the warehouse aisle and waving at each other. It's much more high paced and stressful than that.  When David is hospitalized- who pays for that? The lack of any of the downsides to the lifestyle- no issues of crime, no mental illness, only the gentlest mentions of poverty and lack of basic sanitation. It all really bothered me.

Sounds annoying. Kind of like #vanlife. According to Vogue, the latest adherents are Wyatt Russell (son of Kurt and Goldie) and wife Meredith Hagner.

No words.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on April 19, 2021, 02:38:30 PM
Coming Christmas 2021: the "Downton Abbey" sequel
https://tellyvisions.org/2021/04/19/downton-abbey-2-announced-arriving-christmas-2021 (https://tellyvisions.org/2021/04/19/downton-abbey-2-announced-arriving-christmas-2021)
Actors Jim Carter and Hugh Bonneville have talked about seeing & reading the script for the sequel at one time or another.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on April 19, 2021, 04:41:39 PM
Yes, I think I saw a Graham Norton sequence when one of them mentioned it.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on April 30, 2021, 05:45:47 PM
Watched the documentary Knock Down the House on Netflix earlier this week. I liked it a lot -- good depiction of grass roots politics in the USA.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on May 02, 2021, 01:47:54 AM
Saw "Nomadland." If you've seen the trailer, imagine what you think the rest of the movie will be like. It was exactly like that. It was lyrical and melancholy, and stayed constant in tone.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on May 02, 2021, 09:14:58 AM
Lucy the Human Chimp

Lucy was taken in by a human couple (psychologists, running a sort of experiment to see how Lucy would turn out if nurtured in a human environment) and raised as their daughter. Everything went fine until she hit sexual maturity and began destroying their house and scaring off their human friends and family. So the couple decided to integrate her into the wild by taking her, along with her caretaker, to a site in the Gambia that helps captive chimps transition to nature. The film is mostly an interview with the caretaker, Janice Carter, who moved with Lucy and other Chimps into the Gambian jungle, where she lived with them for several years.

This is very interesting subject matter, but the journey is a little slow, some of the reenactments are cringeworthy, and there isn't much on the ethics of the initial experiment or the choice to integrate Lucy (who had never been around another chimpanzee) into the wild. Despite these frustrating aspects I enjoyed it overall and was captivated.

B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on May 02, 2021, 11:19:50 AM
Shadow and Bone

What fun! Really nice visual world-building, and I thought the character interpretations (of the characters from Six of Crows, the only book in this universe I've read) were well done. I enjoyed every minute.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on May 02, 2021, 01:57:55 PM
We just watched The Courier on Amazon last night.  The plot revolves around an English businessman recruited by the  British (MI6) to obtain secret documents on Soviet missile development that eventually led to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  It was gripping the entire way through—both my husband and I were in our early teens when this happened, so we remember it fairly well (although of course, we had no idea of what was going on behind the scenes; probably few did).  Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Brosnahan star. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on May 13, 2021, 10:05:14 AM
Recently watched two semi-old movies on Netflix:

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: statsgeek on May 15, 2021, 05:54:43 AM
We actually went to a movie theatre and saw Raya and the Last Dragon.  So much better than the previews led me to believe.  Disney needs a new preview team; the number of good movies I'd have missed if I didn't go see them "because it'd Disney, can't be too bad" is growing. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on May 22, 2021, 01:35:14 PM
We started watching the 1975 adaptation of North and South starring Captain Picard as Mr Thornton. Bless him, he's trying so hard to do a 'Northern' accent and failing so badly at it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 05, 2021, 10:37:00 AM
We've been watching more TV series at night but decided to watch a movie last night.  Husband had suggested A Knight's Tale with Heath Ledger.  It was a little dopey at times but pretty sweet and enjoyable.  A fun movie with a good cast.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 05, 2021, 10:46:45 AM
Quote from: ergative on May 22, 2021, 01:35:14 PM
We started watching the 1975 adaptation of North and South starring Captain Picard as Mr Thornton. Bless him, he's trying so hard to do a 'Northern' accent and failing so badly at it.

I think I read that book, nit long ago, very interesting.

But isn't he (I assume you mean Sir Patrick?) from the North himself? I thought I saw that somewhere...now I'll have to look it up!

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on June 05, 2021, 02:34:59 PM
Quote from: mamselle on June 05, 2021, 10:46:45 AM
Quote from: ergative on May 22, 2021, 01:35:14 PM
We started watching the 1975 adaptation of North and South starring Captain Picard as Mr Thornton. Bless him, he's trying so hard to do a 'Northern' accent and failing so badly at it.

I think I read that book, nit long ago, very interesting.

But isn't he (I assume you mean Sir Patrick?) from the North himself? I thought I saw that somewhere...now I'll have to look it up!

M.

His Wikipedia page says Mirfield, which is in Yorkshire, so I guess so. But I must say, his acquired Shakespearen ACTORE diction is fighting pretty hard to stay put in North & South. I wonder, then, if maybe he's not failing to do the accent, but his director is failing to let him do the accent, instead trying to satisfy audience ear-expectations of the 1970s?

I'm not from that part of the world myself, so I can't be too snooty about it. But I'll still maintain that, whoever made the decision on his accent in that show, it fails to convince my American ears. His mother's accent is much more convincing--which is funny, because according to her IMDB profile she's London born and died. (By the way, Mrs Thornton from that adaptation is really superb! She stole every scene she was in.)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on June 10, 2021, 09:46:03 AM
Anyone else gone back to the movie theaters yet?  I've seen two since getting fully-vaccinated.  Solo so far, since spouse doesn't like horror movies.  Still a couple of weeks to go before anything he wants to see is out.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 10, 2021, 04:11:13 PM
What did you see?

What are you waiting to come out?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on June 10, 2021, 04:26:22 PM
I've been back once so far to the Alamo Drafthouse near me to see a new Japanese anime film.  "Buffer seating" is in place so there are two empty seats between parties, and mask wearing is required when not eating or drinking. There are a few new movies but also a series of older ones, including a whole set of Harrison Ford movies. Would love to see Raiders of the Lost Ark again on the big screen, but that sold out really quickly! Old favorites to tempt people back in to the theater maybe?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on June 13, 2021, 05:43:16 AM
The wifey and I watched Breaking News in Yuba County, a 2021 release that is already available from Red Box. This is a really fun black comedy/crime caper movie in which the characters are basically all conniving self-centered idiots. The great cast includes Allison Janney, Juliette Lewis, Wanda Sykes, and Matthew Modine. Awkwafina is a pre-eminent scene stealer.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on June 14, 2021, 08:16:34 PM
Quote from: sprout on June 10, 2021, 09:46:03 AM
Anyone else gone back to the movie theaters yet?  I've seen two since getting fully-vaccinated.  Solo so far, since spouse doesn't like horror movies.  Still a couple of weeks to go before anything he wants to see is out.

I saw a movie in the theater several weeks ago with my wife. We were vaccinated and wore our masks. We both survived.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on June 14, 2021, 09:07:58 PM
Soul

This film is about a jazz teacher and musician who dies just as he is about to realize his jazz dreams. This leads him to an afterlife of sorts, where his soul tries to get back into his body for another run at musical glory.

This movie is from the director of Inside Out, which is one of my favorite movies, and it hits some of the same emotional beats, but never quite reaches the highs of that film. Still, it is a good watch, with great music and animation. All that said, the film makes a choice at the very end that, in my opinion, is at odds with the thesis of the film, and this really didn't sit well with me.

B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 15, 2021, 03:57:39 AM
The rest of the household saw "In the Heights" today. They said it was good but a bit too long.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on June 18, 2021, 06:20:10 PM
My wife and I watched Nomadland on DVD. I thought it would have been much improved if it had been thirty minutes shorter. My wife, who is not from the USA, liked the film but asked me what it was about. My answer: the end of America.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on June 22, 2021, 01:13:06 PM
I just saw The Price of Everything, a documentary about the high priced contemporary art market.  It confirmed what I already suspected.  Some people have too much money to throw around.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on June 23, 2021, 07:16:48 AM
THE HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD.
Good cast, beautiful scenery, enticing title. This was evidently, business profs will have to help me figure out why, a project backed by a person or organization that needed to get rid of a lot of money. That's all I've got to say about it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 27, 2021, 10:27:23 AM
We finally got around to watching Nobody (with Bob Odenkirk).  My husband had been looking forward to it, as I guess it's by the same writer as John Wick.  We both totally loved it.  The whole movie was pretty good, but the last third or so was excellent.  It has the righteous anger and creative violence of the John Wick movies (but not as extreme or ubiquitous) along with some very hilarious parts.  If you do not like violence, do not watch this movie.  But if you liked John Wick, you will probably also like this movie, maybe even more so.  I wasn't sure what Bob Odenkirk would be like in that type of role given that I think of him as more of a comedic actor, but I thought he was great.  Christopher Lloyd definitely stole some parts of the movie.  It was very entertaining, and I already want to watch it again.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on June 27, 2021, 12:17:03 PM
We tried watching Good on Paper on Netflix, gave up after the first ten minutes. I give Iliza Shlesinger (a stand-up comic) credit for trying to broaden her repertoire into film writing and acting, but the production team really failed her. It's a terrible movie.

We then watched Legally Blonde, which each of us had already seen three or four times since it was released two decades ago. Still a winner in our book.

I am halfway through Lawless. Enjoying it so far even though I can guess where the plot is going (conflict caused by the younger brother's weak character, the good bad guys will get their revenge against the bad good guys at the end). Good cast. Like the setting. Wife couldn't understand the attempted accents so the subtitles were on for the bit that she watched (the film is too violent for her tastes).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on June 29, 2021, 12:20:30 PM
Quote from: spork on June 27, 2021, 12:17:03 PM
We then watched Legally Blonde, which each of us had already seen three or four times since it was released two decades ago. Still a winner in our book.
I've seen the 2003 sequel and the spin off "Legally Blondes" (2009) made for TV.  Oh, there's a "Legally Blonde 3" set for release next year!  Reese Witherspoon will reprise her role as Elle Woods.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 06, 2021, 11:09:57 AM
We managed to fit in two movies this weekend: 2012 and Radioactive.  I had seen the former before, but my husband hadn't, so we watched it over the course of Friday on and off while eating a bunch of BBQ.  It focuses on an apocalypse resulting from changes to the earth with lots of natural disasters and destruction.  At something like 2:40, it is very long and feels it.  Although it's exciting, it's almost too much.  Seeing it in the theater probably was good bang for the buck, but it gets easy to get desensitized and tune out after a while.  It doesn't help that the main character (John Cusack) and his storyline are not very interesting, nor are the main characters very likeable. 

Radioactive is the story of Marie Curie's discoveries that eventually led to her Nobel Prizes, as well as her family life.  I had read a review that I think hits the target, in that the movie feels artistically ambitious but disjointed with all the skipping around in time.  I would have liked to know more about the science behind her discoveries and what they led to.  Several outcomes from the discovery of radioactivity are shown in the future, but I don't think the movie does a good job of explaining how her discoveries led to those events or even much about the events themselves, so I guess you would have to know more about the scientific background (although maybe then it would be too heavy handed).  Rosamund Pike did a very good job, I thought, though Curie did not seem very likeable in general.  It's clear that being a woman and a scientist (and Polish in France) didn't make things easy at the time, and it's certainly an interesting story, but we didn't think it was very well executed.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 07, 2021, 09:28:45 AM
A Quiet Place 2

Great theater movie, with great use of sound (of course). It does have some holes, if you think too much about it, but the ride is so engaging that I didn't stop to reflect on how silly some of it was until it was over.

B+


The Sound of Metal

A rock musician and former addict loses his hearing, which forces him on a difficult personal and professional journey to find his peace. I love the concept (what if you lost the sense that gives you your livelihood and your passion?) and Riz Ahmed gives a great performance. My critique is that the movie flies through the main character's arc, so we don't really get a feel for why he changes. Still, there is a lot to like here.

A-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on July 07, 2021, 06:23:03 PM
Saw Summer of Soul in the theater - a documentary of the Harlem Cultural Festival series that took place in 1969.  Some great performances, including Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Sly and the Family Stone, as well as commentary from the time and from today. I believe it's on Hulu as well.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on July 08, 2021, 01:33:22 PM
Watched Michael Bay's 13 Hours. Zzzz. As an IMDB reviewer put it, "this movie is about 80% drama, 20% fact and 100% boring as hell." I wish Hollywood would stop ruining historical events.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 11, 2021, 12:17:55 PM
We watched I am Mother with Hilary Swank and Rose Byrne and others.  It's a post-apocalyptic story about a young girl raised by a robot mother.  I don't want to give too much away, because it is a suspenseful tale and one that I didn't feel as though I understood completely.  Part of the reason is because the story has a lot going on, but I also apparently ordered the German version by mistake.  Fortunately, there is an English language option (but no English subtitles) with the actual actors (not dubbed, though I guess you could expect that since they are not German, as far as I know).  But there were some in-movie captions that were in German that we couldn't parse.  I just read a Wikipedia article about it, which confirmed my suspicion that some of the information shared in those captions was important for our understanding.  We both enjoyed it and thought it was well done, in any case.  Lots to think about.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 21, 2021, 03:45:18 PM
Tenet

First, let's be clear that Christopher Nolan is the most important mainstream director working today. He is the only person in this era of remakes, sequels, and "extended universes" making blank check concept blockbusters. And there is a lot to like about Tenet: The action is incredible, the concept is neat, the performances are very good, and there are some astonishing individual scenes (and the soundtrack slaps). Unfortunately, the sum of those parts is an overstuffed, incoherent, and emotionally empty film. I still must recommend Tenet for all of the good things about it, but overall it doesn't work.

B-

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on August 10, 2021, 06:36:37 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on July 21, 2021, 03:45:18 PM
Tenet

First, let's be clear that Christopher Nolan is the most important mainstream director working today. He is the only person in this era of remakes, sequels, and "extended universes" making blank check concept blockbusters. And there is a lot to like about Tenet: The action is incredible, the concept is neat, the performances are very good, and there are some astonishing individual scenes (and the soundtrack slaps). Unfortunately, the sum of those parts is an overstuffed, incoherent, and emotionally empty film. I still must recommend Tenet for all of the good things about it, but overall it doesn't work.

B-

You may enjoy Catherynne Valente's take on the film. (https://www.patreon.com/posts/whats-matter-you-48104548)

This rando youtuber (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t23ZEKqGHzs) also agrees with you, I think.

Really, I've been enjoying the Tenet discourse so much I feel no need to watch the film itself.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on August 10, 2021, 09:25:37 AM
Bohemian Rhapsody

Biopic about the legendary group, with particular focus on Freddie Mercury. Audiences loved this film but critics did not, and I see why on both counts: The movie is fun, feel good, and fast paced, hitting all the key Queen songs and moments, while taking little time to develop characters or delve into complex matters. It also offers a shallow take on Mercury's personal life and illness. While I can understand why critics were not enthralled with Bohemian Rhapsody, I enjoyed it and I think the artistic choices to short-shift character development and Mercury's battle with AIDS were the right ones, given the standard biopic format. By the end, I had a good sense for Mercury's genius and for what made Queen's music special, and I had a good time with the music.

Grade: B+


Promising Young Woman

A novel twist on the "rape and revenge" genre, which follows Carey Mulligan's Cassie as she terrorizes the men and women that wronged her friend. The film is dark and quite funny, with a great central performance and lots of twists and turns that kept me engaged. The ending is very satisfying, although It does not entirely makes sense - better not to overthink it.

Grade: A-


Freaky

Remake of Freaky Friday, with the twist being that the switch is between an awkward teen girl and a middle-aged male serial killer. As these sorts of movies go, this one is pretty good, and Vince Vaughn gives it his all and delivers a nice performance. But there is nothing particularly new here and it didn't entirely hold my attention.

Grade: B


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 10, 2021, 02:59:04 PM
We rewatched Nobody with Bob Odenkirk two weeks ago and found it just as entertaining as the first time.

A couple days ago, we watched Moonlight with Mahershala Ali.  I wasn't quite sure what to think about it at the time, so I've been thinking a lot about it since.  It was certainly an excellent and beautiful movie and very heartbreaking at times, a story told in three parts about a young boy/man growing up in a harsh life in Miami and struggling with his sexuality.  I felt that I had not really grasped everything about the story, so I read and watched a couple analyses and have a somewhat better understanding of the symbolism and some of the other complexities.  I'd certainly have to (and want to) watch it again.  Some of the director's choices interested me, such as not having the three actors playing the main character (Chiron) meet each other during production, and the same for the three actors playing his friend Kevin so that they would each develop their own ideas for their personas.  The actors were very good.  I'm guessing that I'll keep thinking about it for a long while.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on September 05, 2021, 01:18:01 PM
This is an older movie I just discovered online after reading up on the late British comic, Victoria Woods: Housewife, 49.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afduf9L7N-w

Set in WWII, truly moving, excellent actors, based on a real-life diary.

M. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 05, 2021, 01:35:11 PM
My husband convinced me to watch Bowfinger, a comedy from 1999 starring Steve Martin as the title character.  The gist is that Bowfinger, a filmmaker desperate to find any success at this point in an unsuccessful career, finds a script and decides to try to make a movie starring major movie star Kit Ramsey (played by Eddie Murphy).  The budget is slim, so he decides to make the movie without Kit actually knowing he's in the movie.  The rest of the cast and production crew is understandably ragtag, and the actors also do not know that Kit does not know he's in the movie.  It's plenty screwball (madcap?), but once it gets going it is pretty hilarious.  The situations and personality issues all come together very well.  Steve Martin did not stray far from his usual type of character, but Eddie Murphy and Christine Baranksi were pretty great.  I thought it was a clever premise well executed.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 24, 2021, 10:48:00 AM
The Suicide Squad

This standalone sequel to the widely hated 2016 movie of the same name (minus "The") follows a squad of criminals assembled to go on suicide missions on behalf of the US government. The characters are interesting and, although the first half drags, the third act is strong. Unexpectedly, the film is also a pretty sharp commentary on US imperialism.

B+


The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Animated film distributed by Netflix that follows the dysfunctional Mitchell family (typical nuclear family, plus dog) as they go on a road trip to drop the angsty, artistic daughter off at college. While they are on the road, a machine uprising commences, leaving it up to the Mitchells to save humanity. This is a lot of fun, heartwarming, and the social commentary on our relationships with technology is sharp.

A


Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

This is Marvel's ​Asia-centric movie. Overall it is fun and the actors are great, but the character development is weak and the third act didn't really work for me. I do want to see more of these characters in the future though and it was refreshing to see a superhero film with Asian characters and that engages effectively with Chinese culture.

B+


Disconnected

This movie follows three interconnected stories about Internet upending people's lives. As is always the case with these kinds of films, some of the stories work better than others and imo the movie would have been stronger if they just dropped one of the three, which is only tangentially related to the other two and was not very interesting. The movie is also incredibly melodramatic with endless slow motion scenes and tons of crying and yelling. That said, the crises that these people face ring true, the performances are good, and the score is great.

B
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on September 24, 2021, 01:53:29 PM
I saw "Shang-Chi." It was a lot better than "Black Widow," but to my mind that's not actually saying much. It was best in the light-hearted parts. Near the end there's an apocalyptic battle between two mythical beasts that bored me practically to tears. So much CGI, so much lack of suspense. The fight scenes on the scaffolding were a whole lot better, and overall it had some nice surprises.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 05, 2021, 10:44:03 AM
We watched Draft Day (Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and others) last night.  I don't watch the NFL, though I do watch college football.  Still, there's something so intriguing about the draft and all the deals that take place to trade picks.  In the weeks leading up to my dissertation defense, I was so stressed that I couldn't listen to music or anything else in the car, only the draft analysis which I happened to stumble upon on sports talk radio.  I thought it was fascinating, hearing about all the strategizing going on.  In any case, I don't think you need to be a football fan to enjoy the movie.  It is certainly a bit predictable, but it's a cute story and funny and suspenseful enough.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 12:15:58 PM
Mother

South Korean thriller from Bong Joon-ho (director of Parasite) about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to prove that her mentally challenged son was wrongly convicted of murder. The film starts slow, but it becomes extremely captivating once it gets going. There are lots of twists, turns, and misdirects that all worked on me and the ending is absolutely devastating. This is really brilliant and I highly recommend, but keep in mind that the first hour is slow and so you have to stick with it.

Grade: A


Daniel Isn't Real

Thriller about a college student with an imaginary friend that brings out the worst in him. Through most of the movie it is unclear whether the young man has Schizophrenia or is being haunted by a demon, and the film works best when that is left ambiguous - it falters a bit once the cat is out of the bag. But overall, it is scary and disturbing, with a good cast (including Arnold Schwarzenegger's kid, who gives a pretty darn good performance).

Grade: B+

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: downer on October 14, 2021, 12:24:17 PM
I recommend The Alpinist. https://youtu.be/SRpVyzagXLQ
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 12:15:58 PM
Mother

South Korean thriller from Bong Joon-ho (director of Parasite) about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to prove that her mentally challenged son was wrongly convicted of murder. The film starts slow, but it becomes extremely captivating once it gets going. There are lots of twists, turns, and misdirects that all worked on me and the ending is absolutely devastating. This is really brilliant and I highly recommend, but keep in mind that the first hour is slow and so you have to stick with it.

Grade: A

Thanks! Definitely putting this on the list, and thanks for the tip about the first hour.  We thought Parasite was one of the best movies in years and enjoyed Snowpiercer as well (though that one seems to polarize people for some reason).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 02:33:13 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 12:15:58 PM
Mother

South Korean thriller from Bong Joon-ho (director of Parasite) about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to prove that her mentally challenged son was wrongly convicted of murder. The film starts slow, but it becomes extremely captivating once it gets going. There are lots of twists, turns, and misdirects that all worked on me and the ending is absolutely devastating. This is really brilliant and I highly recommend, but keep in mind that the first hour is slow and so you have to stick with it.

Grade: A

Thanks! Definitely putting this on the list, and thanks for the tip about the first hour.  We thought Parasite was one of the best movies in years and enjoyed Snowpiercer as well (though that one seems to polarize people for some reason).

Glad to share! Let me know how you like it.

I'm also looking forward to watching Memories of Murder, another Boon Joon-ho movie, which is on Hulu (as is Mother).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 03:24:49 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 02:33:13 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 12:15:58 PM
Mother

South Korean thriller from Bong Joon-ho (director of Parasite) about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to prove that her mentally challenged son was wrongly convicted of murder. The film starts slow, but it becomes extremely captivating once it gets going. There are lots of twists, turns, and misdirects that all worked on me and the ending is absolutely devastating. This is really brilliant and I highly recommend, but keep in mind that the first hour is slow and so you have to stick with it.

Grade: A

Thanks! Definitely putting this on the list, and thanks for the tip about the first hour.  We thought Parasite was one of the best movies in years and enjoyed Snowpiercer as well (though that one seems to polarize people for some reason).

Glad to share! Let me know how you like it.

I'm also looking forward to watching Memories of Murder, another Boon Joon-ho movie, which is on Hulu (as is Mother).

Will do! We watch on DVD or Blu-ray, and I see that there is a three-pack of his movies available on Amazon (Mother, The Host, Barking Dogs Never Bite), so I might pick that up and check those others out as well.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 05:38:33 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 03:24:49 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 02:33:13 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 14, 2021, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 14, 2021, 12:15:58 PM
Mother

South Korean thriller from Bong Joon-ho (director of Parasite) about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to prove that her mentally challenged son was wrongly convicted of murder. The film starts slow, but it becomes extremely captivating once it gets going. There are lots of twists, turns, and misdirects that all worked on me and the ending is absolutely devastating. This is really brilliant and I highly recommend, but keep in mind that the first hour is slow and so you have to stick with it.

Grade: A

Thanks! Definitely putting this on the list, and thanks for the tip about the first hour.  We thought Parasite was one of the best movies in years and enjoyed Snowpiercer as well (though that one seems to polarize people for some reason).

Glad to share! Let me know how you like it.

I'm also looking forward to watching Memories of Murder, another Boon Joon-ho movie, which is on Hulu (as is Mother).

Will do! We watch on DVD or Blu-ray, and I see that there is a three-pack of his movies available on Amazon (Mother, The Host, Barking Dogs Never Bite), so I might pick that up and check those others out as well.

The Host is good, although not the caliber of Parasite or Mother (imo). I haven't seen Barking Dogs Never Bite, but it gets good reviews and is about an academic, so I've added it to my to-watch list.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 17, 2021, 12:01:04 PM
We watched Greenland last night (with Gerard Butler).  It was okay, nothing too special.  The story focuses on a comet that has lots of fragments that may or may not hit the earth.  It is very predictable overall, and there are plenty of obvious foreshadowing events.  We thought that the way they portrayed the logistical nightmare of preparing for possible impact was one of the better aspects of the movie.  It must be very stressful to have to try to function in such an environment.  I do wish they had avoided some of the usual tropes of those types of movies.  It was reasonably entertaining, though, and Scott Glenn was an asset with too little screen time.  It sounds as though a sequel may be in the works, but I wouldn't run right out to see it.  We gave it around a 6.5 out of 10, which seems to agree with the IMDB average pretty well.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 26, 2021, 08:43:40 AM
Censor (2021, streaming on Hulu)

Horror movie/thriller about a film censor, Enid, working in England during the video nasty era (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_nasty). Enid has a personal tragedy in her background and she becomes convinced that one of the movies she's working on holds clues. This leads her on a violent journey to save her family, and her country, from low budget slasher movies. This is an odd movie and probably not for everyone. That said, I did enjoy it. The setting is interesting, the drama is tense (although not scary), and there is interesting commentary on the effects that violent media have on society that can be interpreted in a couple of different ways.

Grade: A-


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 31, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
We chose a couple movies to watch soon (Mother, Us, Book of Eli).  My husband has wanted to rewatch Book of Eli for a while and suggested we get it out of the way first, as its ratings were a good bit lower on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB (I hadn't seen it before).  It's a post-apocalyptic tale of a "walker" (Denzel Washington) trying to head west to complete an important mission.  He has to deal with the expected outlaws and scarce resources along the way, but completing the mission could determine the future of society.  The movie really surprised me in many ways.  Some things are left unexplained, but I really loved it and thought the ending was pretty great.  I may be biased, because I do love Denzel, but I guess to each his or her own as far as reviews go.  It sort of reminded me of a mix of The Equalizer and Mad Max.  It's definitely bleak and took a bit to get into, but I'd watch it again without question.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 31, 2021, 05:58:59 PM
On Kanopy: "Princess Kaiulani" (2009)


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on November 01, 2021, 10:17:23 AM
Watched Last Night in Soho over the weekend.  It was quite well done and very stylish.  It's not perfect, but it was beautiful to watch and it had some unexpected twists and turns.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 06, 2021, 11:57:42 AM
Sun_Worshipper, we finally got to watch Mother last night.  It was definitely a captivating and intense film.  I agree that it takes a while to get rolling.  There is so much introduced that it was a little hard for me to follow at times, and I read up about it a lot (but not enough) today.  There are a bunch of scenes from earlier in the movie that I have questions about now that know the ending.  Definitely a lot to think about there.  I have to doubt that those little threads weren't intended to mean anything, but I'm still trying to figure some of them out.  Part of the problem is that I can't even coherently come up with the questions at times or wrap my head around all the moving parts to do so! We both thought it was very well done.  I thought it was interesting that Bong Joon-Ho wrote the mother role with that particular actress in mind due to the roles she had long played.  I thought she was great before, but that puts another light on it.  The ending was certainly heartbreaking.  I'm so glad you recommended it!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on November 06, 2021, 09:42:57 PM
Ancient, I know, but I just found the Maigret/Rupert Davies series:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPoX-lBW2zk

I can see I'm going to have to ration myself very carefully....

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on November 07, 2021, 08:24:47 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on November 06, 2021, 11:57:42 AM
Sun_Worshipper, we finally got to watch Mother last night.  It was definitely a captivating and intense film.  I agree that it takes a while to get rolling.  There is so much introduced that it was a little hard for me to follow at times, and I read up about it a lot (but not enough) today.  There are a bunch of scenes from earlier in the movie that I have questions about now that know the ending.  Definitely a lot to think about there.  I have to doubt that those little threads weren't intended to mean anything, but I'm still trying to figure some of them out.  Part of the problem is that I can't even coherently come up with the questions at times or wrap my head around all the moving parts to do so! We both thought it was very well done.  I thought it was interesting that Bong Joon-Ho wrote the mother role with that particular actress in mind due to the roles she had long played.  I thought she was great before, but that puts another light on it.  The ending was certainly heartbreaking.  I'm so glad you recommended it!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on November 14, 2021, 08:29:02 AM
Pig

Nicholas Cage and Alex Wolff star in this movie about a truffle hunter who goes on a mission to recover his kidnapped pig. This was an odd one and there are a few plot elements that didn't quite add up to me, but great performances and a good commentary on how people deal with loss. I think the weirdness of it prevented me from getting emotionally involved, but my wife was very moved, so I guess ymmv.

A-


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 10:46:12 AM
Sun_Worshiper (spelled it right this time! sorry about last time), my husband has been talking about wanting to see that movie.  Thanks for the review!

We watched The Day After Tomorrow last night (Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid).  I had seen it once a long time ago, and my husband has seen it a few times.  It's a disaster movie about the effects of climate change and is fairly entertaining but also pretty corny at times.  The usual posturing from government officials who don't want to listen to the truth in time to act can get old in these kinds of movies (even if it might ring true). 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on November 14, 2021, 11:18:24 AM
Ghostbusters Afterlife (If I remember the title correctly) opens on Thursday. 
I have not been in a theater since Covid restrictions started.  there are several shows that I would have liked to see on the big screen, but in addition to the covid problems the movie companies are not keeping the shows in the theater long (enough). 

Yesterday I checked the prices at my local Alamo Drafthouse (my preferred chain) and I noted that the price for Ghostbusters will be $9 for every time selection,  a person!  THe local AMC is less than $5 for a noon Saturday show. 

Im not sure what all that means... I probably wont go to any movies at least through the end of the year, but at least I am starting to think about it now.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on November 14, 2021, 05:05:59 PM
Alamo Drafthouse has recently opened a new location in downtown Manhattan.  Over 10 theaters, but some are quite small, just 3 or 4 rows. I've ventured to a few movies - not too many other people in the same theater, so I've felt comfortable so far, though would hesitate if the theater were more packed. With proof of vaccination now required for entry, they seem to be moving away from the "buffer" seating that had at least one empty seat between parties.

Have seen recently The French Dispatch, The Beta Test, and Last Night in Soho at Alamo. Ticket price here is $14-$18 for regular matinee/evening showings - $9 sounds pretty good!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on November 14, 2021, 06:50:56 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 10:46:12 AM
Sun_Worshiper (spelled it right this time! sorry about last time), my husband has been talking about wanting to see that movie.  Thanks for the review!


Seems like we have similar taste! I hope you enjoy this one. I think it will stay with with me.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on November 15, 2021, 07:07:37 PM
The extended trailer for "Downton Abbey: a New Era" dropped:
https://tellyvisions.org/2021/11/15/downton-abbey-new-era-full-length-trailer-reveals-new-twist (https://tellyvisions.org/2021/11/15/downton-abbey-new-era-full-length-trailer-reveals-new-twist)
The official poster is included. The official movie companion book will release in March 2022.

Violet's announcement seems like a reference to 6th and final season--she decamped to southern France after a major row over the village hospital.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 28, 2021, 01:00:21 PM
We watched the Psych movie (the first one) last night because we had it on hand and it was pretty short (about an hour and a half).  We love the show, and it was amusing and quite funny at times, but we both felt as though they were trying a little too hard in general and to include as many of the more well known characters as possible.  But, it was still nice to see the gang again!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Economizer on November 30, 2021, 10:12:48 AM
Any words on  GUCCI?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 05, 2021, 07:29:36 PM
"A Christmas Past" on Kanopy
A collection of 9 short, black & white Christmas movies from 1901-25.
Most were original movies. There were adaptations of A Christmas Carol and "The Night Before Christmas."
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on December 05, 2021, 09:49:08 PM
We watched "A Castle for Christmas" on Netflix. Brooke Shields, with too much makeup, and Cary Elwes. Apparently it is Netflix's number 1 movie globally right now.

It has one very nice joke in it.

It took some time before I realized that several of the most implausible scenes were meant to be comic.

There is much supposed hilarity about how quaint and incomprehensible Scottish accents are, and everyone has the broadest possible Scottish accent, including the upper-crust duke. The only song sung in Scotland is apparently "Loch Lomond." Also, if you go into a Scottish pub, everyone is instantly your BFF and will arrange your love life for you.

The point is made conspicuously that Scotland has black people and gay people. Well, that's a relief!

The rest of it will likely nauseate anyone who is actually familiar with Scotland. The kind of nausea produced by a sudden ghastly influx of too much sugar. It is about as authentic to anything Scottish, or 17th-century (the supposed date of the supposed castle), or real life, as a Lego Indiana Jones set is to actual archaeology.

The plot was constructed by a treacle-fueled romcom AI, and would fully power the "Hitchhiker's Guide" Improbability Drive. Several blockheaded arguments are inserted just to keep the principal characters from getting together too soon and ending the movie. Every plot point can be seen in flashing neon lights half an hour in advance, while neither of the protagonists has the slightest notion it's coming. There are several nonsensical plot contradictions that no one in the story notices.

Cary Elwes looks delectable, at one point he has a scene in a bathtub, and in general he does his best. It's not his fault that he and Brooke Shields have zero chemistry. I would have preferred if he had embarked on an affair with literally almost anyone else in the movie, including the 80-year-old knitter, the hunky be-kilted castle assistant, or the scruffy dog.

It has approximately $900,000 of Christmas decorations in it.

We enjoyed it, but not for the right reasons.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 06, 2021, 08:23:29 AM
Hegemony, you had me at Cary Elwes.  We were just talking about him last night.  The rest of the movie sounds entertaining for the wrong reasons as you mentioned, but I might be willing to watch it just for him. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 06, 2021, 08:30:59 AM
Candyman (2021, Amazon Prime rental)

This direct (if distant) sequel to the 1992 original follows a promising young artist who becomes consumed with the Candyman legend, leading to much slashing. The film continues the tradition of the first by offering (heavy handed) social commentary about race* and gentrification. Despite the lack of subtlety, the social commentary is interesting and there are some scary and disturbing moments. That said, the last 20 minutes or so are really weak: It feels like the filmmakers didn't know how to end the movie so they threw something together. Overall, Candyman is a good watch, but I can't strongly recommend it.

*Candyman is the ghost of a black man who was murdered by a white mob in the 1800s for having a relationship with a white woman.

Grade: B-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 06, 2021, 01:34:56 PM
Thanks for the review, hegemony!  I get my regular dose of Scottish accents listening to the biweekly"Scran" podcast hosted by the Food & Drink staff writers of the "Scotsman" newspaper.  :)

I've been to Loch Lomond--just stunning to see in person.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on December 06, 2021, 03:52:12 PM
My voice teacher's older sister was raised in Glasgow.

The family moved to Edinburgh when my teacher was born, and the difference in their accents was recognizable.

I've gotten rusty at it, but I used to be able to tell the difference just by hearing a sentence or two.

There are different Scots accents in the Highlands, on the islands, and along the Northern England/Yorkshire borders, as well.

There's no one Scots accent....I wonder which one they picked?

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on December 08, 2021, 04:03:03 PM
I just saw GhostBusters! 
It was my first movie since January 2020 (almost 2 full years!!)

It was a good show and it was easy to social distance as there were less then 10 of us in the theater. 

IF you see it, stay for the end!  There is an extended scene!

I may see Gucci soon, but as with Ghost Busters, I want to wait until it is in the low attendance phase. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on December 11, 2021, 01:21:27 AM
Quote from: mamselle on December 06, 2021, 03:52:12 PM
There's no one Scots accent....I wonder which one they picked?


There are ten or twelve different Scottish accents within the span of every quarter of an hour of the film, and none of them authentic. A brief look at the cast list seems to confirm that not a single person in the cast was actually Scottish, and a good many of the supposed Scottish people were played by American actors, with all the authenticity you might expect.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 12, 2021, 08:16:04 AM
We talked about watching either the Sesame Street Christmas special or The Princess Bride (probably because of the Cary Elwes mention here) but somehow ended up going in the opposite direction with Bad Santa.  I had never seen it.  My husband told me about 43 times beforehand that it was f'ed up and wrong, and it was.  Pretty funny, though not the funniest movie I have ever seen.  I was surprised that there were some sweet parts of it and also that Lauren Graham was in it! I wouldn't rush to see it again, but it was entertaining.  I guess it was one of John Ritter's final movies, and his part was pretty good. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 12, 2021, 07:10:46 PM
"Fire Over England" (1937)
This black & white movie stars Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Flora Robson. The movie is set ahead of the impending Spanish Armada.
It's not available on DVD so I was delighted to see it available on Kanopy. Based on the novel by A.E.W. Mason (Alfred Edward Wooley).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 19, 2021, 02:21:46 PM
We watched Die Hard last night.  I don't think I've seen it since I was a teenager.  It's a bit obvious and repetitive but still enjoyable, and it counts as a Christmas movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Harlow2 on December 19, 2021, 06:37:19 PM
Happened on this and found it fascinating: Truly Texas Mexican in which cooking becomes the door into the indigenous history of sout Texas/ Mexico. On prime
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 21, 2021, 08:01:11 AM
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Amazon, rental for $3.99)

Quentin Tarantino's latest, about a fading actor, his stunt double, and the Sharon Tate murders. While I won't deny his talent, I'm not the biggest QT fan. His movies are too long and self indulgent and the references to old Hollywood movies that he leans into have become gimmicky. However, this movie really worked for me: The acting is very good, it is well paced and lively (I was never bored or restless), and the Hollywood references fit here than they do in his other films. I have heard that QT plans to retire soon, after having put together one of the all time great movie catalogues; this would be a great high note to go out on.

Grade: A


The Power of the Dog (Netflix)

Western about an angry and abusive rancher and his relationship with an effeminate boy that enters his family through marriage. This is a very slow burn, but the long journey is worth taking for the third act. Great performances all around, as well, and Cumberbatch will surely win some awards for his work here.

Grade: A-


Nobody (Southwest in-flight entertainment)

Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman, from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) stars as a seemingly mild mannered family man who gets pushed around at work and at home. However, under the surface he is a former secret agent and a killing machine. Once unforeseeable events bring out his true self, the movie turns into a hyperviolent killathon. The action is mostly well done, there are a few laughs, and Odenkirk is very good, but don't go in expecting anything that will stimulate your brain.

Grade: B



Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on December 23, 2021, 02:09:11 PM
I ve been binging on Only Murders in the Building.

I thought my parents would enjoy it, but initially they were turned off by some limited offensive language.

As I binged, my mom got more interested and she says that she will now have to go back and watch the ones she missed.

It is a pretty good show to binge! 

Planned to watch Dont Look Up today, but when I got into Netflix, it isnt yet ready.  I think that it drops tomorrow.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on December 23, 2021, 11:25:44 PM
I watched Paolo Sorrentino's new movie, "The Hand of God," which is on Netflix. It's that Sorrentino combination of the absurd and the sublime. Somewhat unreformed in its treatment of women and the disabled. But also sublime at times. Somewhat disturbing, especially in that it's autobiographical and the tragedy in the movie really did happen. I won't say more so as to avoid spoilers.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on December 25, 2021, 10:41:56 AM
I saw Dont Look Up last night.  Unfortunately, I found it very believable!!  I could definitely see the movie's depiction of the government reaction being the one selected!  The public's politicization of the 'facts' was also too scary.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 28, 2021, 09:01:11 AM
Don't Look Up (Netflix)

A couple of academic astronomers discover a planet killing comet with nearly-100% certainty of hitting and destroying Earth in ~6 months. They warn the US government and then the public. But, despite unimpeachable scientific evidence, the issue gets hopelessly politicized. Sound familiar? The film is an allegory to the politicization of climate change, but it could just as easily be applied to coronavirus or any other threat facing the world. I don't want to make it sound too serious, as this is a very silly satirical comedy, but it is also brutally on-point in its depictions of politicians, media, billionaires, and the public. On the critical side, it is sanctimonious and not at all subtle and there is an after credit scene that should certainly have been cut.

Overall, this is not at the level of Wag the Dog or Dr. Strangelove, but it is a lot of fun and a good commentary on America's idiocracy.

Grade: A-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on December 28, 2021, 03:44:08 PM
Actually, the review I read suggested that the after-credit scene was included on purpose, because the ending needed it.

But I haven't seen the film, and probably won't...

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 28, 2021, 03:52:09 PM
Quote from: mamselle on December 28, 2021, 03:44:08 PM
Actually, the review I read suggested that the after-credit scene was included on purpose, because the ending needed it.

But I haven't seen the film, and probably won't...

M.

There are two scenes: One mid-credits and another after. The mid-credit scene is good, the latter should have been cut.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 30, 2021, 03:28:58 PM
We watched The Holiday (Winslet, Diaz, Law, Black) a few nights ago.  I think it was a pretty popular movie at one time, but the basic story is that Winslet (in England) and Diaz (in California) sign up for a house-swapping site so that they can each get away from their normal lives during the holidays.  Obviously, hijinx ensue.  I'd seen it a few times before, and my husband had seen it once.  It's a cute movie with some distracting mugging going on (mostly by Winslet and Diaz).  My favorite part is a more minor story arc about one of the California neighbors.  It gets me every time.  There is certainly some contrived rom-com dumbassery going on at times, but there are some really sweet parts as well, and it's generally funny overall. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on December 30, 2021, 05:55:14 PM
Sounds like an American version of Maeve Binchy's Tara Road, which I re-read several times.

But I haven't seen it, so I could be wrong....

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 31, 2021, 09:24:05 AM
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020, Netflix)

Engrossing courtroom drama about the 1968 Chicago riots and the subsequent trial of the Chicago 7 - a group of Vietnam war activists accused of sparking the riots. The film is pretty by-the-numbers, but it is effective and the performances are very good (especially Sacha Baron Cohen). Needless to say, lots of liberties are taken with the real story to enhance the drama. There is also an effort to create a radical vs. moderate left dynamic, but it is pretty superficial in the film and never really goes anywhere.

Overall, this is an enjoyable movie, but nothing special.

B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 31, 2021, 09:35:05 AM
Quote from: mamselle on December 30, 2021, 05:55:14 PM
Sounds like an American version of Maeve Binchy's Tara Road, which I re-read several times.

But I haven't seen it, so I could be wrong....

M.

Mamselle, I remembered reading something about the similarity in the movie trivia on IMDB.  Here's what it says:

Quote
Despite similarities in plot, this film is not based on the book Tara Road by Maeve Binchy, which was adapted into a film in 2005 starring Andie MacDowell and Olivia Williams (Tara Road (2005)).

The Holiday came out in 2006, so it's curiously coincidental timing, at least.  But now I am interested to check out Tara Road.  I remember Binchy being a pretty popular author back around that time, though I never read any of her books.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on December 31, 2021, 02:20:09 PM
I have read nearly everything she wrote; her later pieces were less intense in some ways, but I always enjoyed her storytelling style and characterizations.

I'd say her strongest were, besides "Tara Road," "Light a Penny Candle," and "Echoes" although one could pick up anything of hers and find it satisfying.

I should probably mosey over to the "Books" thread, this being the "Movies" thread, after all...

Come to think of it, "Circle of Friends" was made into a film, too. (And they may have done something combined with the trilogy around "Scarlet Feather.")

Her work to me seemed almost like a documentary of Ireland's coming-of-age, itself, as a country.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on December 31, 2021, 08:07:21 PM
"The Secret Garden" (1993) on Kanopy
Based on the popular children's novel by France H. Burnett, first published in 1911.  I own a paperback edition with illustrations by Tasha Tudor and has a special anniversary decal on the cover.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on January 01, 2022, 08:13:40 AM
I watched Tomorrow War last night. 
It was certainly entertaining. 

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on January 01, 2022, 07:28:24 PM
"The Bishop's Wife" (1947) on Kanopy
An angel (Cary Grant) helps a discouraged Episcopal bishop and his wife with fundraising for a new cathedral at Christmas time. I saw a small portion of the movie in grade school.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on January 03, 2022, 08:08:33 PM
I took my brother's family to the latest Spider-Man movie and to  The King's Man while visiting over the holidays. The Spider-Man movie was comprehensible despite my unfamiliarity with the characters, which makes it the best superhero movie I've seen in a decade. The teenagers considered it very good, particularly for the way it wove in references to previous Spider-Man movies.

The King's Man was my niece's choice, as she was intrigued by the WWI setting. It's a prequel to Kingsman, which I enjoyed about five years ago. The original was partially a spoof of the spy movie genre, with some comic elements to relieve the sometimes gory action scenes. The prequel was okay, but lacked the spoofing charm of the original.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: downer on January 09, 2022, 02:52:42 PM
I watched MASS recently. It felt like it had been adapted from a play, which normally is not a good sign. But it was amazing. Deeply serious in a good way.
Trailer here: https://youtu.be/oU56Ns1nXsE
The actors were astonishing: Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney and Ann Dowd.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on January 09, 2022, 07:43:39 PM
Recently saw Belfast, Licorice Pizza, and The Tragedy of MacBeth in the (sparsely populated) theater.  Previews have included the 2022 version of Death on the Nile, with Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. Looks to be interesting!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 09, 2022, 08:28:12 PM
The Night House (2021; Amazon Prime rental)

Atmospheric horror film about a woman (Rebecca Hall) who starts uncovering strange secrets about her husband after his suicide. The film is a little slow to get going, but it is pretty effective once it does. Hall is very good and the soundtrack is great. That said, the twist is not that original and there are no scares. 

Grade: B


Lansky (2021; Amazon Prime)

Biopic of Meyer Lansky, the Jewish gangster who ran with Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano, staring Harvey Keitel as an aged Lansky recalling his story for a down-on-his-luck writer. Keitel is very good, but the movie is disappointing. There is no character development, no thrills, and the whole thing is very generic.

Grade: C


The Dark and the Wicked (2020; Amazon Prime rental)

Another atmospheric horror movie - this one about siblings who return to their parent's farm to take care of their dying dad. This one starts a little slow, then gets very tense, violent, and nasty. Not a perfect movie, but I liked it well enough. Not for the squeamish though.

Grade: A-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on January 09, 2022, 09:35:01 PM
Quote from: saffie on January 09, 2022, 07:43:39 PM
Recently saw Belfast, Licorice Pizza, and The Tragedy of MacBeth in the (sparsely populated) theater.  Previews have included the 2022 version of Death on the Nile, with Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. Looks to be interesting!

Look out, rant (unreasonable, I know)...

How in the world can Branagh think he can take on Poirot after Suchard? (For that matter, KB's Wallander was dreadful, too....)

And Bumbercatch is cute, but Jeremy Brett was the only Sherlock for me, sorry.

Hubris, all of it.....grumble, grumble... [/rant]

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 10, 2022, 09:51:53 AM
Quote from: saffie on January 09, 2022, 07:43:39 PM
Recently saw Belfast, Licorice Pizza, and The Tragedy of MacBeth in the (sparsely populated) theater.  Previews have included the 2022 version of Death on the Nile, with Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. Looks to be interesting!

We've been eyeing the Macbeth movie.  It seems to have received fairly good reviews.  What did you think of it?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 17, 2022, 09:38:18 AM
I spent a fair amount of time reading the IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes ratings for a bunch of movies we have that we hadn't watched yet (1917, A Private War, Darkest Hour, Whiplash, etc.) and narrowing them down.  Then the mail arrived with Dune (2021), so that was all out the window.  Dune is one of my husband's favorite books, so of course we had to watch the movie! I had seen the 1984 version (yikes) and was hoping this one was better, especially since we like this director (Villeneuve).  I think we both wanted more out of it.  Some of the aspects almost seemed like homages to the 1984 version.  There were a number of really good scenes from the book that were either left out or compressed.  There was way too much melodrama (though maybe not quite as much as the 1984 version).  Even having read the book and seen the 1984 movie, I felt a little lost at times.  I wonder how easily the plot would be understood by someone who hadn't? I thought they did a good job kind of explaining the overall political issues, but there was not much description of what was happening at specific points in time, or anything about the mentats.  There also wasn't much chance to get to know some of the main characters.  Even at 2.5 hours, only some of the book was covered, so I guess I'll have to see what happens with the sequel at some point.  We still have the 2000 miniseries to watch (my husband has seen it before).  Anyway, this was a disappointment, especially with all the build up.  The cinematography and special effects were very good, but maybe there's some sort of curse that prevents the existence of a good adaptation.  Unfortunately, that seems true for many beloved books.  Luckily, next weekend's movie is my choice!!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on January 17, 2022, 10:37:42 AM
Just discovered an old series of Dorothy Sayers' Harriet Vane works:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHsZqNCOzCw

is one, Gaudy Night and Strong Poison have also show up in their entirety....

Like I need more distractions right now...!!!!

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on January 17, 2022, 11:00:13 AM
Oh no!  I don't need distractions, either, but Gaudy Night is one of my favorite of the Dorothy Sayers novels!  There is no way I cannot watch this!  : )
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Langue_doc on January 17, 2022, 11:40:45 AM
Quote from: cathwen on January 17, 2022, 11:00:13 AM
Oh no!  I don't need distractions, either, but Gaudy Night is one of my favorite of the Dorothy Sayers novels!  There is no way I cannot watch this!  : )

I remember seeing them on PBS years ago. The novels, in boxed sets, can be downloaded through your Amazon Prime account.

Just rewatched Titanic, the old one with Barbara Stanwyck. It's one of the classics, as far as I'm concerned, and far superior to the later version.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: apl68 on January 19, 2022, 07:07:11 AM
Vickie Baum's Grand Hotel is best remembered for its 1932 MGM screen adaptation.  It pioneered the concept of the all-star cast with Lionel and John Barrymore, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Wallace Beery.  It also boasts fantastic art-deco sets, and a lot of fine camera work.  It's the movie where Garbo's character famously said "I want to be alone."

After running across a copy of the original novel, I decided to get the movie on DVD to compare the two.  The movie tones down certain aspects of the book quite a bit--popular fiction could get away with a lot more in those days than Hollywood could.  For most of its running time the movie is a good example of a pragmatic adaptation that does a lot of condensing and rearranging, while remaining fundamentally true to the story and characterizations.

Then they greatly alter the climax.  In the book a flawed but largely sympathetic character finds himself confronted in a darkened room by a man who threatens to shoot him, reacts by beaning the assailant with the handiest heavy object, then is horrified when the lights come on to see that he has accidentally killed a man who was unarmed and bluffing.  In the movie the character savagely beats to death a man who clearly posed him no real threat.  The DVD commentary provides no insight into why they so egregiously altered Baum's original characterization by turning the character into an outright villain.  And they had done so well at respecting the source material up to that point!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on January 19, 2022, 05:08:05 PM
Speaking of book-to-film transitions, I liked what there was of Gaudy Night (spread the watching of the 3 episodes over a couple of days) but....oh, dear.

Several sub-plots were omitted, and the ending...no "Placetne, Magistra"???

What were they thinking???

(Actually, the male lead went on record as having been dissatisfied with the omissions as well...)

But the screen work and other aspects were satisfying. Several of the comments noted that had a fourth episode been done they could have included most of the omissions; the earlier version (haven't found it yet) was apparently better in that regard.

Sigh...

I'll still watch the others, though.

M. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on January 22, 2022, 07:25:24 PM
"West Side Story" (1961) on Kanopy
The movie is available for this month only. I first saw this movie in junior high so it was good to see it again.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on January 22, 2022, 09:02:52 PM
Found the earlier (Ian Carmichael) D. Sayers threads on YT, watched "Cloud of Witnesses" and "Murder Must Advertise" over the past few nights.

Carmichael's OK, he has more vitality, but almost too much; Petherington has the more dimensional neurasthenic vulnerability I find makes the character more interesting and believable in the books.

No Miss Vane, so far, in the older ones I've seen; I liked EP's co-star, so I am reluctant to audition someone else in her role...mais, on va voir.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 23, 2022, 08:14:30 AM
We watched 1917 last night, a WWI story about British soldiers trying to get through German-occupied territory to get an urgent message to another group of their own comrades.  It was highly rated, and I think it earned the accolades.  As one reviewer noted, the entire movie is fairly intense, and we were pretty much on the edge of our seats throughout.  I'm not sure it's a movie I'd be jumping to watch again soon, but the story and the technical aspects of shooting the movie were interesting.  I guess I wish there were a little more background about where this incident fit into the war, where they were in the overall scheme of things, etc.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 13, 2022, 02:46:56 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on November 15, 2021, 07:07:37 PM
The extended trailer for "Downton Abbey: a New Era" dropped:
https://tellyvisions.org/2021/11/15/downton-abbey-new-era-full-length-trailer-reveals-new-twist (https://tellyvisions.org/2021/11/15/downton-abbey-new-era-full-length-trailer-reveals-new-twist)
The official poster is included. The official movie companion book will release in March 2022.

Violet's announcement seems like a reference to 6th and final season--she decamped to southern France after a major row over the village hospital.

We finally finished the series and watched the 2019 movie last night, so thanks for having posted this early on! I just checked it out and can't wait for the new movie.  Looks quite intriguing. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on February 13, 2022, 03:37:32 PM
SuperBowl Movie Commercials are back!

A Sandra Bullock movie
Jurassic Something

Both look great (as any preview should make it look!)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on February 13, 2022, 05:23:26 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on January 10, 2022, 09:51:53 AM
Quote from: saffie on January 09, 2022, 07:43:39 PM
Recently saw Belfast, Licorice Pizza, and The Tragedy of MacBeth in the (sparsely populated) theater.  Previews have included the 2022 version of Death on the Nile, with Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. Looks to be interesting!

We've been eyeing the Macbeth movie.  It seems to have received fairly good reviews.  What did you think of it?

I thought the performances were well done -- I see Denzel Washington was just nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as MacBeth. Kathryn Hunter was excellent as the three witches. The black and white film and sparse sets make for a desolate, spooky atmosphere.

Belle, a Japanese animated film was enjoyable. The characters escape their real world stress in an online social media game world, but the two worlds eventually collide. Shades of Beauty and the Beast.

Death on the Nile was entertaining and had a good ensemble cast. Branagh seems to want to show Poirot's sensitive side, including background on why he grew the mustache.

Parallel Mothers had some interesting plot twists, with a great performance from Penelope Cruz as one of the mothers. Also ties in the repercussions of the Spanish civil war still being felt by families in the country. Dealing with loss, secrets, and a reckoning with the truth on multiple fronts.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 21, 2022, 02:30:17 PM
Thanks for the Macbeth info, Saffie! We will keep an eye out for more about Death on the Nile, as well.

For Christmas, I got my husband the Skywalker Saga, so 9 Star Wars movies.  We had planned to watch them I-IX since we had initially seen some of them in the order in which they came out (IV-VI, I-III).  I think I saw part of III but hadn't seen any of the later ones in this saga (I did see Rogue One).  We decided to just skip to VII (The Force Awakens), which he had seen when it first came out, so we could just watch the final three.  I thought it was pretty entertaining in the usual Star Wars sort of way.  One problem I have is that not only am I not a huge SW fan (it's okay, just not something I jump to go see), but I can't remember the details about who/which groups is/are good or bad.  I mean I know the original folks are good (Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie), or at least they were at some point.  But who is First Order (which I forgot the name of since last night and had to look up), or Empire, or Jedis, or which planet is which, or who flies which ships (I couldn't even remember who flies the Millennium Falcon and which side it's on!) or what the ships or ship types are called, I have no idea.  So I wasn't sure whether the new-to-me stuff in the movie was stuff I was supposed to know (and should ask my husband, which he is very gracious about), or if it was something new in this movie.  Like am I supposed to know who that guy is? Or at least guess who he works for because of his outfit or what planet he's on? If I'm supposed to know from previous movies, I figure I better ask because it might be important to the movie's plot in some way.  I might just go read up more on the earlier movies before we watch the next one.  Or maybe now I'm pretty up to date? When we were kids, my brother and I liked the movies quite a lot and had the Ewok castle and a bunch of ships.  I should probably know every ship in the SW and Star Trek franchises, as some of my husband's many such adorn our Christmas tree each year.  But it is so hard to keep track of!  I'm the same with Harry Potter too, though.  Well, I'm sure there are couple million fan sites that explain everything.   The movie was good, though, even to an uninformed viewer. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Anselm on February 22, 2022, 01:51:09 PM
Has anyone seen Over the Edge from 1979?  I saw it on cable TV in the early 80's and could not think of the title for the longest time.  I finally found the title and then found out that it was low budget, in theaters for just two weeks and then went on to become a cult classic.  They used teenagers who were mostly inexperienced at acting and were actual teenagers.   Nowadays they get a 30 year old to play a sophomore.  This was Matt Dillon's first movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 27, 2022, 11:52:16 AM
We watched Hereditary last night, a very creepy horror/drama starring Toni Collette.  I think the reviews that I read afterward are correct that it's best not to say too much about it, as a lot of the dread comes from not being sure exactly what's going on with all the unsettling (sometimes horrifying) events.  Still, I can't say I feel less dread now that I have a better sense of the goings on.  I haven't really watched a horror movie in a while, except for Get Out, and this movie has been compared to that type of horror.  Another reviewer noted that it was the first movie in a long time that made him want to turn around and look behind him to make sure nothing was there, and that is exactly what I was trying to fight off while watching (though I did give in once just to check).  I am extremely glad that I was able to shut my mind up about it in the middle of the night, because I think I would have been up for a long while.  I will also agree with a reviewer who noted that the movie is not nearly as gory or violent as it might be remembered to have been after the fact.  It just seems to have that effect of being really brutal in ways that linger.  Not a favorite genre of mine anymore, but I think it was pretty successful at what it was trying to do. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on February 27, 2022, 04:07:00 PM
I seem to be unusual in that I didn't like Hereditary at all. It reminded me of cheesy horror movies of the 1970s, and I found it hard to take seriously.

For my money, the most effective horror movies of recent years are It Follows and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Both imaginative and full of surprises. However, certainly a lot of people found Hereditary effective.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 27, 2022, 04:42:02 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on February 27, 2022, 04:07:00 PM
I seem to be unusual in that I didn't like Hereditary at all. It reminded me of cheesy horror movies of the 1970s, and I found it hard to take seriously.

For my money, the most effective horror movies of recent years are It Follows and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Both imaginative and full of surprises. However, certainly a lot of people found Hereditary effective.

I can definitely see that.  I wasn't thrilled about the root story, but I think I also just haven't seen a horror movie in so long and have such a perilously overactive imagination that it worked on me.  I think part of that success was that there was a combination of jump scares, startling events, shocking stuff, creepy stuff, psycho stuff, etc.  Honestly, the daughter alone was disturbing and frightening enough for me.  I will have to check out the ones you mentioned! I think I have 10 Cloverfield Lane on our list already, actually.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 06, 2022, 02:39:52 PM
We watched A Quiet Place (Blunt, Krasinski) last night.  It's a post-apocalyptic story of a family living with creatures that basically kill anything that makes a sound, so they have to stay quiet at all times.  Obviously, this can be difficult to do even in normal circumstances, and they have to deal with some more unusual circumstances as well.  I expected it to be scarier but actually felt sad during quite a lot of it.  It was very intense at times and offers a different take on horror.  It was pretty well thought out, but I think it's one that you have to kind of take at face value, or you will have a few questions.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 19, 2022, 06:09:00 PM
Turning Red (2022, streaming on Disney)

Coming of age movie about a Chinese girl in Toronto who turns into a red panda when her emotions get the best of her. This was a refreshing movie in many ways and overall worked for me, but it isn't quite up there with the best of the genre (e.g. Inside Out).

Grade: A-


Come True (2020, streaming on Hulu)

A troubled girl enters a secretive sleep study and things turn dark from there. If you can get past the initial slowness, this is a fun ride with a few very good twists and it is fun to dissect after viewing.

Grade: B+


Halloween Kills (2021, streaming on HBO)

Myers is a killing machine with no humanity, as he should be (the character is a "force of nature," according to the director of the original Halloween), but otherwise this movie is terrible.

Grade: C-


Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022, streaming on Netflix)

Some proper gore and a decent performance from the final girl, but otherwise garbage.

Grade: D-


Collateral (2004, steaming on HBO)

Michael Mann directs Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx as assassin and cab driver. This is fun, with good performances, but there are some head scratching decisions by main characters that seem to exist just to move the plot forward.

Grade: B+


The Godfather (1971, available on Amazon to rent)

Epic gangster movie about the Corleone family. I had seen this one in my teens, but watched it again recently because it is the 50th anniversary. I was worried it would feel to slow or out of date, but this movie slaps in every way - great performances, good pacing, great music, etc. It grabbed me from the opening scene ("I believe in America") and I was captivated till the end.

Grade: A+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 19, 2022, 06:09:38 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on March 06, 2022, 02:39:52 PM
We watched A Quiet Place (Blunt, Krasinski) last night.  It's a post-apocalyptic story of a family living with creatures that basically kill anything that makes a sound, so they have to stay quiet at all times.  Obviously, this can be difficult to do even in normal circumstances, and they have to deal with some more unusual circumstances as well.  I expected it to be scarier but actually felt sad during quite a lot of it.  It was very intense at times and offers a different take on horror.  It was pretty well thought out, but I think it's one that you have to kind of take at face value, or you will have a few questions.

Agree - this movie is great, as long as you don't think about it too much
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Vkw10 on May 04, 2022, 03:10:26 PM
I saw Everything Everywhere All At Once today. One minute I was laughing, the next I was totally confused, for two hours. The acting was good and the movie was well-executed, but multiverse movies with serious philosophical themes, comedy, and action are too taxing on my feeble constitution this late in the semester.

I'm debating between Guns of Navarone or Kind Hearts and Coronets to recover my equilibrium tonight.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 04, 2022, 04:25:44 PM
lots of BlockBusters are on the Horizon

top Gun  something, out soon
jurassic World something is out now!
Buzz Lightyear  next month

anyone planning to break Covid Quarantine and go?  (will you wear a mask, or trust in the anti viral properties of popcorn? 

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 04, 2022, 06:13:31 PM
I rechecked....

Jurassic World opens next month, but TICKETS are on sale now!!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on May 05, 2022, 03:22:40 PM
Went to see Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them: the Secrets of Dumbledore last week, the first time I've been to a movie theater in ages. I wore a mask. The movie was enjoyable but had plot holes and left some things unexplained that I suspect were in deleted scenes. I'll be very glad when masks are no longer needed even for those of us who are immunocompromised.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 29, 2022, 08:44:04 AM
Top Gun is open.   I looked for yesterday too late, but the 11ish am show still had some decent seats, but the rest of the day was very busy.  Already for today most seats are gone.  Tomorrow is already 100% sold out (tomorrow being Memorial Day).


I may go see Bob's Burgers though. I admit that I record it each week and watch it at my leisure.  So I may visit the theater to see this one.

Im eager to see Jurassic World soon, but I doubt that I will be able to see it anytime soon!  Even before Covid, I was not a big fan of sitting in a crowded theater! 


What about you?  Going to see anything soon?  Anything on your wish list?  Are you feeling safe enough to go?

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 29, 2022, 09:02:21 AM
We haven't been to a movie theatre in years, even before COVID.

Recently, we re-watched A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, thought not quite on May 25th.  Do you know where your towel is?


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on May 29, 2022, 09:09:13 PM
Wow. Just ran across this: "Lost Empires" with L. Olivier, a very young Colin Firth, and an amazing ensemble cast in between.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQJLR_ylsgc

... is the first of 7 installments, each 1:30-1:45 hrs long.

The blurb says, "The 1986 Granada television adaptation of J. B. Priestley's novel about the world of the British music hall. Starring Colin Firth, John Castle, Laurence Olivier, and Beatie Edney."

I'll have to ration myself.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on May 29, 2022, 10:31:17 PM
Wow, Mamselle, that looks like quite a find! I clicked over to catch a glimpse and found myself watching a full half of the first episode.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on May 30, 2022, 04:53:30 AM
Yes, I'm having to hold tight on the reins to keep from watching it straight through....

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on May 30, 2022, 06:37:56 PM
Old (2021, streaming on HBO Max)

M Night Shyamalan's body horror about a group of people that visit a beach and grow old very fast. This is my favorite M Night movie in many years, as the concept is solid and the execution is interesting and properly grotesque. But, as usual, he can't quite stick the landing. In this movie, unlike some of his others, the twist itself is pretty cool and if he had just left it at that I'd have left quite satisfied. Instead, there are still more twists - one after another - and it really takes the fun out of it.

Overall, this is solid, but it could have been much better with just a little discipline from M Night (a director who is not known for having discipline).

Grade: B-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 01, 2022, 11:28:27 AM
I GOT TICKETS!!

I have three 3D tickets for the Jurassic World Dominion movie on opening day!  (June 9, 5 pm local time)

We are taking my brother in law with us. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on June 01, 2022, 07:47:44 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 29, 2022, 09:09:13 PM
Wow. Just ran across this: "Lost Empires" with L. Olivier, a very young Colin Firth, and an amazing ensemble cast in between.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQJLR_ylsgc

... is the first of 7 installments, each 1:30-1:45 hrs long.

The blurb says, "The 1986 Granada television adaptation of J. B. Priestley's novel about the world of the British music hall. Starring Colin Firth, John Castle, Laurence Olivier, and Beatie Edney."

I'll have to ration myself.

M.
I remember seeing this title in Acorn TV Shop catalog but it's no longer available from them. It was on "Masterpiece Theater" back in the day.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 14, 2022, 10:25:50 AM
On the not-so-sophisticated side of things, we watched High School Musical a bit ago.  For those who have not been initiated, it's much like Grease, with a boy and girl from different worlds meeting during a school break and then (spoiler alert!) ending up at school together.  Will they try something different and flow together to achieve a particular goal associated with the (spoiler alert!) high school musical? My husband had not seen it, as it was more my popular in my daughter's time than my stepkids' time.  I have a fondness for it.  My daughter claims that HSM2 is better, but I disagree.  Anyway, it is what it is, but I like the soundtrack and will watch it again sometime.  I think my husband is hooked as well.

So then my husband introduced me to Paint Your Wagon over the weekend, and that was definitely a trip.  It's a 1969 musical comedy about the gold rush starring Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood, which should be enough to give one pause.  Strange to see Eastwood as a romantic figure, and a singing one at that.  It is a cute movie, and the soundtrack is Lerner and Loewe, so some catchy songs as well.  Interestingly, there is actually an intermission on the DVD that goes on for a while! I fast forwarded through it, but according to IMDB it is 4:20, so good time for a snack or other break.  I wish I had known, because we had just taken our break before that.  Anyway, it's an enjoyable movie full of shenanigans. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 14, 2022, 01:29:06 PM
I saw 'Paint your Wagon' at a drive-in movie place when I was a camp counselor-in-training (so, a senior in HS), with a bunch of others, on our night out. Someone had a station wagon and we piled in and sat on the roof like everyone else.

I still remember "Wandering Star" (we were all singing along by then).

And we wrote out camp song (each year, the counselors-in-training contributed a song to the camp) to "I talk to the trees," and I still think we came up with beautiful lyrics.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 14, 2022, 01:53:38 PM
"They Call the Wind Maria" is a great song, though the best version is done by the Smothers Brothers. (Seriously.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHNdxtcfC5g
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 14, 2022, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on June 14, 2022, 01:53:38 PM
"They Call the Wind Maria" is a great song, though the best version is done by the Smothers Brothers. (Seriously.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHNdxtcfC5g

Wow! I was as surprised (or more so?) by that performance as by the one in the movie! That is beautiful.  I will share it with my husband.  He's been trying to get me to watch the movie for years, but I'm not sure he has heard this version.  The IMDB trivia for the movie stated that Mariah Carey was named for that song.

Mamselle, it's neat that you got to see it at the drive-in! I read that Wand'rin' Star was a big hit.  It's not my favorite of the songs or the one that sticks in my head most (which is probably I'm On My Way, maybe because it bookends the movie, but it's catchy!).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on June 14, 2022, 03:41:09 PM
I used to play and sing "Mariah" for strolling gigs (accordion/vocal).

People would join in on the chorus.

It was cool.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on June 15, 2022, 12:51:26 PM
Apparently Paint Your Wagon entered into that ultimate pantheon of pop-culture references: The Simpsons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_g7_KJP_o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_g7_KJP_o)

Lee Marvin. Dreamy and doing splits.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 15, 2022, 01:01:33 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on June 15, 2022, 12:51:26 PM
Apparently Paint Your Wagon entered into that ultimate pantheon of pop-culture references: The Simpsons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_g7_KJP_o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_g7_KJP_o)

Lee Marvin. Dreamy and doing splits.

That's great! Regarding the drunkenness, I also read in the IMDB trivia that actors would typically drink tea or water when liquor was called for in a movie, Lee Marvin insisted on being supplied with real alcohol and was drunk most of the time on set. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 16, 2022, 01:57:29 AM
I just rewatched Galaxy Quest. Man, I love that movie so much.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ergative on June 16, 2022, 06:07:52 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on June 16, 2022, 01:57:29 AM
I just rewatched Galaxy Quest. Man, I love that movie so much.

Perfect movie, no notes.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 16, 2022, 07:45:02 AM
Quote from: ergative on June 16, 2022, 06:07:52 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on June 16, 2022, 01:57:29 AM
I just rewatched Galaxy Quest. Man, I love that movie so much.

Perfect movie, no notes.

That's another one my husband introduced me to.  Now I want to watch it again! Thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 20, 2022, 01:37:54 AM
I'm here to report on "The Outfit," which is currently free on Peacock and available on other services. It's a twisty sort of thriller with Mark Rylance (who is superb) and various others. The trouble with Mark Rylance being so good is that he makes the other actors look a bit inept — which they were. Until along comes Simon Russell Beale, and he was superb too. The movie has some nice surprises; it's very much in the mode of a noir film of the '50s. Not one for the ages — the depth isn't there — but it did the job of keeping me entertained for an evening.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on June 20, 2022, 08:42:30 AM
I highly recommend "Faults."  I believe I found it on Prime.  It is very much in the vein of the Coen Brother's "Blood Simple" or "Fargo," but a bit darker, although it certainly has a great many dark humor moments.  New noir is what I would call this.  It deserves a bit of a trigger warning because it deals with some disturbing stuff but not in a gratuitous manner.  Every time I thought I'd figured out the next plot twist I was completely wrong. 

Also, "The Battery" from 2012 is the most brilliant low-budget zombie film I have ever seen.  I cannot figure out why it wasn't a major hit.

"Raccoon Valley" was purportedly made for $175, so there are some laptop generated special effects, but it might be worth the worth the watch to see a relatively good ultra-low-budget movie.  It is actually really scary.

And finally, from the vault, "Palookaville" from 1995.  This was one of the funniest movies I've ever seen but no one seems to have heard of it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on June 20, 2022, 07:25:43 PM
"Finding Babel" (2015) on Kanopy
In this documentary about the life of Isaac Babel, his grandson Andrei follows in his late grandfather's footsteps and visits the locations described in Babel's writings.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: statsgeek on June 22, 2022, 04:48:38 AM
Over a week later and I'm still trying to process Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.  Not usually my thing (StatSpouse wanted to see it, so....).  Completely bizarre.  But, somehow, it's still with me. 

What did others think? 

On another note - see Top Gun.  See it in the theatre. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 22, 2022, 08:37:49 AM
Quote from: statsgeek on June 22, 2022, 04:48:38 AM
Over a week later and I'm still trying to process Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.  Not usually my thing (StatSpouse wanted to see it, so....).  Completely bizarre.  But, somehow, it's still with me. 

What did others think? 


I really want to see this one based on all the reviews I've read.  My youngest (18) saw it and was completely blown away.  I think it might be a favorite of all time now.  It sounds like it's pretty complicated but is pulled off well.  Do you think so?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on June 22, 2022, 05:07:51 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on June 22, 2022, 04:48:38 AM
Over a week later and I'm still trying to process Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.  Not usually my thing (StatSpouse wanted to see it, so....).  Completely bizarre.  But, somehow, it's still with me. 

What did others think? 

As I think I said earlier, I was among the few who were underwhelmed. But I read a lot of mind-bending scifi, so the plot was not as extraordinary to me as maybe to more mainstream viewers. I mean, it was fine. But I myself wouldn't have made a lot of fuss about it. However, others may be seeing something I'm missing.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: RatGuy on June 28, 2022, 07:07:23 PM
What would your examples be of movies which are representative of a particular genre or category? Not necessarily the best or your favorite, but the one that fulfills your criteria for a particular genre/type/style? For example, which movie is the most representative of "Heist Movies," or "Films Adapted from Classic Television Series," or "Mysteries with Detective Haunted By Tragic Pasts?"

I got thinking about this question because some friends were discussing "what makes a good 80s action movie?" And they wouldn't accept my answer of "Con Air" because it was released in the late 90s, even though by their metrics is checked all the "80s action movie" criteria. To a college freshmen, would it seem any different stylistically, tonally, or textually from "Die Hard" or "Rambo?"

(I will say that part of that discussion focused on the ways other genres bled into the idea of "action," with both "Predator" and "RoboCop" being standouts. Personally I classify the original "Terminator" as a horror movie rather than an action movie, but you see how we got in the weeds of this particular discussion).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: fishbrains on July 01, 2022, 04:01:03 PM
Is "dark comedy" an actual genre (not a big film buff here)? I watched I, Tonya last week on a plane, and laughed through the entire film. Then I sat there trying not to cry on the plane for 2 hours as I thought about all the people I've known who were remarkably and singularly talented, but for whom life just didn't work out for reasons pretty much beyond their control. [sigh]

But oh, my. When little Tonya walked in wearing her fur coat, I about pooped myself from laughing so hard.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 01, 2022, 04:22:38 PM
I haven't watched it and don't plan to.

No-one should profit or gain from the infamous notoriety of such a horrible, cruel, mean stunt.

I thought Kerrigan won on all levels by making such a resilient comeback.

(Having been a member of my school's figure skating club, I'm afraid I take it all rather seriously).

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: fishbrains on July 01, 2022, 05:08:37 PM
Quote from: mamselle on July 01, 2022, 04:22:38 PM
No-one should profit or gain from the infamous notoriety of such a horrible, cruel, mean stunt.

You're gonna miss quite a few good movies with this criteria, but to each their own.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 01, 2022, 05:39:03 PM
I probably miss a lot of good movies for many different reasons.

I only see a film or two a year....I've never been a huge fan.

But that one hit particularly close to home.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 01, 2022, 07:01:59 PM
I just watched Werewolves Within

It was not particularly a horror movie, as a comedy of sorts.  It is a worthy 'who done it' as you are not sure who is the werewolf (or even IF there is one!)

So sort of a mystery/comedy/horror show. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on July 06, 2022, 09:47:42 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 01, 2022, 04:22:38 PM
I haven't watched it and don't plan to.

No-one should profit or gain from the infamous notoriety of such a horrible, cruel, mean stunt.

I thought Kerrigan won on all levels by making such a resilient comeback.

(Having been a member of my school's figure skating club, I'm afraid I take it all rather seriously).

M.

I get where you're coming from, but the movie is definitely not a whitewashing job on Tanya Harding. It's more an exploration of everything that came together to make the situation what it was. I found it well done and thought-provoking. Not trying to persuade you to see it, but just saying that it did not strike me in any way as profiteering off or making light of tragedy.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on July 06, 2022, 10:24:22 AM
OK, thanks.

Maybe it was just some lurid publicity I saw at the time, then.

Appreciate the invitation to re-set.

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 06, 2022, 10:52:07 AM
Quote from: RatGuy on June 28, 2022, 07:07:23 PM
What would your examples be of movies which are representative of a particular genre or category? Not necessarily the best or your favorite, but the one that fulfills your criteria for a particular genre/type/style? For example, which movie is the most representative of "Heist Movies," or "Films Adapted from Classic Television Series," or "Mysteries with Detective Haunted By Tragic Pasts?"

I got thinking about this question because some friends were discussing "what makes a good 80s action movie?" And they wouldn't accept my answer of "Con Air" because it was released in the late 90s, even though by their metrics is checked all the "80s action movie" criteria. To a college freshmen, would it seem any different stylistically, tonally, or textually from "Die Hard" or "Rambo?"

(I will say that part of that discussion focused on the ways other genres bled into the idea of "action," with both "Predator" and "RoboCop" being standouts. Personally I classify the original "Terminator" as a horror movie rather than an action movie, but you see how we got in the weeds of this particular discussion).

Inception, and the Oceans movies come to mind as recent heist movies that exemplify the norms of the genre.

Quote from: fishbrains on July 01, 2022, 04:01:03 PM
Is "dark comedy" an actual genre (not a big film buff here)? I watched I, Tonya last week on a plane, and laughed through the entire film. Then I sat there trying not to cry on the plane for 2 hours as I thought about all the people I've known who were remarkably and singularly talented, but for whom life just didn't work out for reasons pretty much beyond their control. [sigh]

But oh, my. When little Tonya walked in wearing her fur coat, I about pooped myself from laughing so hard.

Very good and funny movie, although I can see how it is not to everyone's taste.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 06, 2022, 11:37:05 AM
We watched The Godfather parts 1 and 2 over the weekend.  I had read the Puzo book years ago and listened to it on audio recently, and we had both previously seen these movies.  I think I mentioned on the reading thread that I had really enjoyed the book and that listening to the audiobook gave me a lot of new insights and made me appreciate the story more.  I know I am in the minority of thinking that the movies were just okay.  I'm not sure which I prefer to the other.  They had some great scenes; however, I think the book was far better.  It only covers the first movie and the Vito-in-his-youth part of the second, but it gave (IMO!) a much better set up for how things played out at the end, both in terms of building up various relationships between people and also laying the plot and strategy out better.  Of course, at 3 hours for the first and 3.5 for the second, I am somewhat thankful that they didn't expand more on some of this, but I think other parts could have been trimmed down a lot to make room for what I think was the most interesting part of the book.  There are also some characters who are either given much less time in the movie than the book or are not really mentioned at all.  Maybe the strangest example of this is Vito's first and long-time consigliere prior to Tom.  That character (Genco) was cut from the first movie but appears in the second in earlier times, though as far as I can tell they never explicitly said who he was, or at least that he ended up having that role of consigliere.  I know there are other versions of the movies, so maybe those include more of these kinds of scenes and back story.  I probably don't need to see either of these movies again for a while, as I do not think they are quite as good as others seem to think (and, again, the book is way better!), but I would be interested to see The Godfather Saga, which combines the first two movies chronologically and also has other footage.  As for the third movie, I've seen it, my husband hasn't, and I am not chomping at the bit to rewatch that one.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on July 07, 2022, 03:45:16 PM
The 3rd "The Godfather" installment was re-released for its 30th anniversary in late 2020. Francis Ford Coppola made some edits for the re-release.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 17, 2022, 12:26:46 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on June 22, 2022, 04:48:38 AM
Over a week later and I'm still trying to process Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.  Not usually my thing (StatSpouse wanted to see it, so....).  Completely bizarre.  But, somehow, it's still with me. 

What did others think? 

Okay, we watched this last night.  Wow! I will need to see it again.  There was so much going on! It reminds me of Kung Fu Hustle, which we enjoyed a lot.  This movie certainly had some very memorable scenes.  I laughed (mostly due to one of the main plot devices... I almost spit out my drink at one point), I cried (quite a bit).  There's a lot to think about! Definitely bizarre. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Antiphon1 on July 17, 2022, 04:54:42 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on July 17, 2022, 12:26:46 PM
Quote from: statsgeek on June 22, 2022, 04:48:38 AM
Over a week later and I'm still trying to process Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.  Not usually my thing (StatSpouse wanted to see it, so....).  Completely bizarre.  But, somehow, it's still with me. 

What did others think? 

Okay, we watched this last night.  Wow! I will need to see it again.  There was so much going on! It reminds me of Kung Fu Hustle, which we enjoyed a lot.  This movie certainly had some very memorable scenes.  I laughed (mostly due to one of the main plot devices... I almost spit out my drink at one point), I cried (quite a bit).  There's a lot to think about! Definitely bizarre.

We watched it a week or so ago.  Given the cast, director and writers, you'd think it would be awesome.  Hubby and I decided it might be the 2020s version of PeeWee's Playhouse.  Better viewed while chemically altered. 

And before you ask, yes.  Yes, I did some baked PeeWee viewing way back in the day.  Don't know what that says about the small children who watched it, though. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: fishbrains on July 19, 2022, 12:30:23 PM
Okay, finally watched The Wolf of Wall Street. Flat-out boring, and very long. It's not like I hated the characters, I just had zero interest in them or what they did. Even when they took off their clothes. I'm not sure what I was supposed to get out of the movie other than we should legalize Quaaludes.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on July 19, 2022, 04:52:25 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 19, 2022, 12:30:23 PM
Okay, finally watched The Wolf of Wall Street. Flat-out boring, and very long. It's not like I hated the characters, I just had zero interest in them or what they did. Even when they took off their clothes. I'm not sure what I was supposed to get out of the movie other than we should legalize Quaaludes.

You might like Margin Call (2011). Excellent cast playing deliberately unsympathetic characters. The movie is all dialogue.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 19, 2022, 05:30:56 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 19, 2022, 12:30:23 PM
Okay, finally watched The Wolf of Wall Street. Flat-out boring, and very long. It's not like I hated the characters, I just had zero interest in them or what they did. Even when they took off their clothes. I'm not sure what I was supposed to get out of the movie other than we should legalize Quaaludes.

I have to agree, even as a fan of Scorsese and others involved in this film. It is long and repetitive, with awful characters that are impossible to get invested in. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on August 05, 2022, 01:38:37 PM
FINALLY saw Top Gun Maverick!  In a Theater to boot!
I had intended to see it weeks ago, but then I had to fly to Florida because my dad was sent to the ER and the hospital for 5 days.  Then I started 2 online classes AND tested COVID positive for 3 full weeks (and foolish me, I took that as a reason that I had to stay home!!   I now wonder, after all the others I have heard from why this is now optional?)

Anyway, I recommend it!  I recommend it in a BIG Screen format!  (If you can do it in one of those D BOX seats (if those are still around) or maybe later on one of those face things that the kids (my brother's family) has (to play some Star Wars game on.)

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: saffie on August 05, 2022, 02:30:57 PM
Trying to catch more movies before the fall semester starts.  I did see Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen.  Also seen recently, Official Competition, a satire on the film industry (in Spanish, with English subtitles), and Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, a sweet "feel-good" movie based on the book. Both entertaining, but very different.

Bullet Train seems to be the big movie opening this weekend, may go see it next week when the theater isn't crowded.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 04, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
We watched Star Wars episode VIII last night, so just one more to go, thank goodness! I am very grateful for the YouTube channel I came across that does brief recaps to help me remember episode VII.  Despite watching that one just a few months ago, I could barely remember it.  Episode VIII was better IMO, though it did seem overly long and melodramatic.  There was one particularly cool part.  I think we will try to watch the final movie next weekend after some recovery time.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 11, 2022, 02:37:08 PM
We watched Star Wars episode IX last night as planned.  It was entertaining, and there were some touching parts, but meh.  A lot of what was going to result from a particular event was easy to figure out, so some of the drama was lost IMO.  Like the other movies in the final trilogy, it felt to me like they were really trying to bank on nostalgia.  (Despite?) being someone who grew up with the original movies and had Star Wars everything everywhere as a kid, I didn't look forward to those parts.  They felt manipulative.  There was one scene in particular at the end that just seemed really out there and a little creepy, but apparently it is explained in a companion book?! I guess they're okay for normal people going to movies to just wonder if a particular character is a big yuck or not.  In any case, my husband is a bigger fan of the whole shebang, though not a megafan.  I think we both felt about the same about each movie of the final trilogy, unfortunately. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 17, 2022, 09:35:48 AM
We had planned to watch Pig last night, since my husband has been looking forward to it, but he was feeling a little down and was more interested in something a bit lighter.  That is how we ended up watching Teen Beach Movie, which I guess must be from the same people as High School Musical.  It has all the same elements.  The story centers on a teenage couple in Hawaii who just love to surf and are happy together.  Unfortunately, the young lady had made an agreement to spend the "serious" part of high school at a fancy school back east.  She has to get on a plane and leave this life behind imminently, but not before surfing that one last big set of waves! Something happens while out on the stormy sea, and the couple suddenly find themselves in a beach movie that happens to be a favorite of the young man, set in 1962.  Hilarity ensues, and there is a lot of singing and dancing.  Honestly, it was a cute movie, and we enjoyed it once it got going.  This kind of thing has certainly been done before, but I thought they handled it pretty cleverly anyway.   There's a lot worthy of some eye rolling, but they really play into that aspect.  There is a part 2, apparently, so I'm sure we will watch that eventually.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 17, 2022, 02:13:32 PM
During our Staff Day yesterday, I went to a documentary screening about DC's go-go music and its influence in the city. Lots of laughs, cheers, applause, and commentary throughout from us attendees! :D
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 25, 2022, 07:40:59 PM
Went on "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" courtesy of Kanopy.  Great lines and plenty of laughs!

Since the movie is leaving Kanopy this month, I'm glad I came across it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on September 25, 2022, 09:03:23 PM
I am so looking forward to "Catherine, Called Birdy." It looks like a rousing, well-written adventure, and the presence of the inimitable, scene-stealing Andrew Scott doesn't hurt. Out in theatres Sept. 23 as of Sept. 23, coming to Amazon Prime on October 7.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8tdJa3yiFM
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 25, 2022, 09:43:04 PM
Elvis

Baz Luhrmann's biopic, focusing on the exploitation of "the King" by his longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker. On the up side, the actor who plays Elvis is wonderful, the movie showcases Elvis' brilliance well, and it is very engaging by the end. In terms of critiques, it takes a while to get going and Tom Hanks turns in a very odd performance that is, let's just say, not his best. These issues notwithstanding, I think this movie got Elvis right and I quite enjoyed it. I also think it handled the racial dimension of Elvis' story very well, without stopping to give the audience a lecture.

Grade: A-



Everything, Everywhere All at Once

Action comedy about a family that faces animosity towards one another and financial ruin. I could try to explain the plot further, but it is really better to go in knowing as little as possible. What I will say is that this movie is very much in the Being John Malkovich vein. It is also very funny at times. On the critical side, it is convoluted and perhaps a bit too clever for its own good. But overall it is a lot of fun.

Grade: B+



The Black Phone

Horror movie about a kid who is kidnapped and imprisoned in Ethan Hawk's basement, and has to find his way out, with help from earlier kidnapping victims that call him on the titular black phone. This is a pretty effective horror film and it also has a lot to say about victims and abuse (it is not subtle in its commentary). The performances are also quite good, with Hawk being downright terrifying at times.

Grade: A-

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on September 26, 2022, 12:55:45 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on September 25, 2022, 09:03:23 PM
I am so looking forward to "Catherine, Called Birdy." It looks like a rousing, well-written adventure, and the presence of the inimitable, scene-stealing Andrew Scott doesn't hurt. Out in theatres Sept. 23 as of Sept. 23, coming to Amazon Prime on October 7.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8tdJa3yiFM

I found a re-re-read this book a dozen times over the years. It's beautifully done; hope the film bears that out!

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on September 26, 2022, 10:17:09 AM
Somewhere in a box at home, I have the original 1994 paperback edition I bought from a Scholastic book fair at my K-8 school.
Here's an example of the cover:
https://www.abebooks.com/Catherine-Called-Birdy-Karen-Cushman-Harpercollins/31210999218/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade0to10-_-product_id=COM9780064496834USED-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnKMu8_SKc1q1rPpJXFinLWhHD2FnHwOcXzIVZusliI2AAtLxZjKsCRoCoo8QAvD_BwE (https://www.abebooks.com/Catherine-Called-Birdy-Karen-Cushman-Harpercollins/31210999218/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade0to10-_-product_id=COM9780064496834USED-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnKMu8_SKc1q1rPpJXFinLWhHD2FnHwOcXzIVZusliI2AAtLxZjKsCRoCoo8QAvD_BwE)
It was also used for the audiobook jacket.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mamselle on September 26, 2022, 10:36:05 AM
Yep, that's the one...

Love that cover....her expression is priceless!

M.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 30, 2022, 08:27:22 AM
We watched Green Book last night.  I liked it more than I thought I would.  I'm sure it's probably familiar to most folks here, but it's the story of a blue collar, rough around the edges Italian White guy (Viggo Mortenson) who's hired to drive a well educated (three doctorates!) Black piano virtuoso Dr. Shirley (Mahershala Ali) on his concert tour through part of the midwest and then the deep South.  A big part of the job is making sure Dr. Shirley gets from concert to concert safely, navigating where he can stay via a "green book" travel guide for Black people.  The movie is very heavy-handed and obvious in what it does show about race relations.  Some of the big challenges seem either not to exist or to be dealt with very quickly, and I wish they delved a little more into aspects like Dr. Shirley's relationship with the other (White) members of his musical trio.  Despite this, and despite what I've read since about Dr. Shirley's family contesting some of the story, I did enjoy the movie very much (particularly the music).  I'm not a huge Mortenson fan (he's fine, but I'm just not as gaga over him as some are), but I thought he did a great job here, in so far as he just blended right into his character, and I ended up forgetting he was even in the movie.  Ali was excellent as usual, conveying the pride and pain and all the push and pull of his character very well. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 30, 2022, 08:47:30 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 30, 2022, 08:27:22 AM
We watched Green Book last night.  I liked it more than I thought I would.  I'm sure it's probably familiar to most folks here, but it's the story of a blue collar, rough around the edges Italian White guy (Viggo Mortenson) who's hired to drive a well educated (three doctorates!) Black piano virtuoso Dr. Shirley (Mahershala Ali) on his concert tour through part of the midwest and then the deep South.  A big part of the job is making sure Dr. Shirley gets from concert to concert safely, navigating where he can stay via a "green book" travel guide for Black people.  The movie is very heavy-handed and obvious in what it does show about race relations.  Some of the big challenges seem either not to exist or to be dealt with very quickly, and I wish they delved a little more into aspects like Dr. Shirley's relationship with the other (White) members of his musical trio.  Despite this, and despite what I've read since about Dr. Shirley's family contesting some of the story, I did enjoy the movie very much (particularly the music).  I'm not a huge Mortenson fan (he's fine, but I'm just not as gaga over him as some are), but I thought he did a great job here, in so far as he just blended right into his character, and I ended up forgetting he was even in the movie.  Ali was excellent as usual, conveying the pride and pain and all the push and pull of his character very well.

I had a similar reaction after watching on an airplane. It is shmaltzy and predictable and the treatment of race is, as you say, heavy-handed and obvious (and I get why Spike Lee hated it), but it is also a fun and enjoyable watch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 02, 2022, 07:51:59 PM
"Lady Jane" (1986) on Kanopy
Well done movie about Lady Jane Grey, dramatic license aside.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 09, 2022, 11:20:04 AM
We finally got around to watching Pig last night (about a man's search for his stolen pig).  A few tissues were required.  I thought it was a very good movie, and it was certainly different in a lot of ways than other movies I've seen.  Something was nagging me afterward, and I think I have figured out that there was some kind of disconnect for me in the layers of emotion.  The story was superficially very sad at times, and I felt a deeper sadness at times, but it's almost like there was some middle layer that was missing and wasn't connecting the two, or that it was slightly out of alignment or something.  Like I knew I was supposed to feel sad, and I did, but I wasn't exactly sure what I was reacting to.  Anyway, this is a very bad description of my reaction to a movie that seemed as though it deserved higher ratings than it received on some platforms (although I wonder if others had a similar feeling about it that made them rate it lower than they would have otherwise).  It got a 97%/84% on Rotten Tomatoes but only a 6.9 on IMDB, for example.  Nicolas Cage played his role convincingly, and I would not have recognized his costar Alex Wolff as the son from Hereditary had the name not stuck out.  There were some plot points that I certainly would not have expected, and not all is explained by the end.  Is it one of those movies that I just have to think about more or let settle more? Or is it one that is meant to be unsettling? It's a difficult movie to sum up, but I would recommend it. 

Last weekend was apparently the time for dark fairy tales.  We rewatched Pan's Labyrinth (devastating and always captivating).  We also watched for the first time a recording of the original Broadway cast in Into the Woods.  I had always heard great things about it growing up and wasn't disappointed.  The songs are memorable and lyrics are clever, and the cast (including Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason) is wonderfully talented.  I just wish there were subtitles available so that I could catch it all.  Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf were probably two of my favorites, though I'm not sure that the Wolf could make it past the appropriateness police these days.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on October 09, 2022, 02:01:45 PM
Ab_grp, where did you find the recording of Into the Woods?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 09, 2022, 02:51:22 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on October 09, 2022, 02:01:45 PM
Ab_grp, where did you find the recording of Into the Woods?

I got it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Into-Woods-Sondheim-Bernadette-Peters/dp/B00NC9TT8A/
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on October 09, 2022, 11:25:05 PM
Thanks, ab_grp.

Well, we watched Catherine Called Birdy. Some very good performances, but the movie had a rough time maintaining the tone. Some witty lines and comic episodes mixed in with some scenes of a different nature (grueling childbirth, infant death, etc.). A bit meandering, and I thought the choice of modern music was a wrong choice. The reviews discuss the fact that it ends differently from the book, and parts of the ending were a little questionable. Still, some wit and style. Overall I'd give it a B or B-.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 15, 2022, 08:57:13 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 09, 2022, 11:20:04 AM
We finally got around to watching Pig last night (about a man's search for his stolen pig).  A few tissues were required.  I thought it was a very good movie, and it was certainly different in a lot of ways than other movies I've seen.  Something was nagging me afterward, and I think I have figured out that there was some kind of disconnect for me in the layers of emotion.  The story was superficially very sad at times, and I felt a deeper sadness at times, but it's almost like there was some middle layer that was missing and wasn't connecting the two, or that it was slightly out of alignment or something.  Like I knew I was supposed to feel sad, and I did, but I wasn't exactly sure what I was reacting to.  Anyway, this is a very bad description of my reaction to a movie that seemed as though it deserved higher ratings than it received on some platforms (although I wonder if others had a similar feeling about it that made them rate it lower than they would have otherwise).  It got a 97%/84% on Rotten Tomatoes but only a 6.9 on IMDB, for example.  Nicolas Cage played his role convincingly, and I would not have recognized his costar Alex Wolff as the son from Hereditary had the name not stuck out.  There were some plot points that I certainly would not have expected, and not all is explained by the end.  Is it one of those movies that I just have to think about more or let settle more? Or is it one that is meant to be unsettling? It's a difficult movie to sum up, but I would recommend it. 


Weird movie, but great.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on October 15, 2022, 07:49:17 PM
My wife wanted to watch Starship Troopers for some reason. OK, so they have faster-than-light travel but not cellphones, drones, guided missiles, autonomous vehicles or any kind of AI or even friggin' tanks. I just couldn't take it seriously.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 15, 2022, 07:59:56 PM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 15, 2022, 07:49:17 PM
My wife wanted to watch Starship Troopers for some reason. OK, so they have faster-than-light travel but not cellphones, drones, guided missiles, autonomous vehicles or any kind of AI or even friggin' tanks. I just couldn't take it seriously.

The movie is dumb fun on its face, but also a pretty sharp critique of fascism. Good double feature with Robocop (similarly ultra-violent and subversive by the same director).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on October 16, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 15, 2022, 07:59:56 PM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 15, 2022, 07:49:17 PM
My wife wanted to watch Starship Troopers for some reason. OK, so they have faster-than-light travel but not cellphones, drones, guided missiles, autonomous vehicles or any kind of AI or even friggin' tanks. I just couldn't take it seriously.

The movie is dumb fun on its face, but also a pretty sharp critique of fascism. Good double feature with Robocop (similarly ultra-violent and subversive by the same director).

If anything, it seemed to me to advocate for authoritarian rule - the government shown is authoritarian but is insistingly portrayed as mostly benevolent and competent - everyone who serves is a volunteer, people get promoted largely on demonstrated actual competence and, most unrealistically, the top guy quits when his plan fails instead of blaming it on underlings or on the people (as Fascists always did) or persisting with failed policies (cf. Russia, China). Also (and this is to me perhaps the most crucial point), humanity faced a genuine existential threat, so talk about the necessity of sacrificing some for the overall war doesn't ring hollow.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 16, 2022, 09:00:25 AM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 16, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 15, 2022, 07:59:56 PM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 15, 2022, 07:49:17 PM
My wife wanted to watch Starship Troopers for some reason. OK, so they have faster-than-light travel but not cellphones, drones, guided missiles, autonomous vehicles or any kind of AI or even friggin' tanks. I just couldn't take it seriously.

The movie is dumb fun on its face, but also a pretty sharp critique of fascism. Good double feature with Robocop (similarly ultra-violent and subversive by the same director).

If anything, it seemed to me to advocate for authoritarian rule - the government shown is authoritarian but is insistingly portrayed as mostly benevolent and competent - everyone who serves is a volunteer, people get promoted largely on demonstrated actual competence and, most unrealistically, the top guy quits when his plan fails instead of blaming it on underlings or on the people (as Fascists always did) or persisting with failed policies (cf. Russia, China). Also (and this is to me perhaps the most crucial point), humanity faced a genuine existential threat, so talk about the necessity of sacrificing some for the overall war doesn't ring hollow.

Read about this film and you'll see that the director, Paul Verhoeven, intended it as a commentary on, and criticism of, fascism. The criticism may not have come through effectively, but it is the intent.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on October 16, 2022, 10:20:00 AM
He's in good company - same thing happened to Milton with Paradise Lost - Lucifer comes across relatively sympathetically, even though that wasn't the intent. In both cases it's probably a matter of expectations - Lucifer is supposed to be the sum of all evil, so anything bad he does is just par for the course, but when he starts going on about the consent of the governed and freedom, you sit up and take notice. Likewise, this is a global military dictatorship at a time of genuine existential emergency - the leadership not being depraved puts it light years ahead of, say, Argentina's last military dictatorship; remember a chunk of the movie supposedly happens in Buenos Aires for some reason (it was a pretty good government by Argentine standards).

On the other hand, a lot of movies (and books and so on) and their intended message for me fall under "jerkass has a point" or "strawman has a point" - while on the topic of movies, the one with Robin Williams as an adult Peter Pan is a prime example for me - yeah, he wasn't Father of the Year material, and ought to have been nicer to his kids and not make promises he couldn't keep - but when his wife and Wendy criticize him, I mentally answered that his job was a family of four's sole source of income and therefore critically important to them, objectively more so than any single baseball game, and nobody makes any constructive suggestions of how to get other sources of income (like his wife getting a job) or how to spend less (trips to London for a family of four tend to be pricey). Also, with Wendy accusing him of being a "pirate" I have to wonder how she makes a living - she's retired in a big house in friggin' London so it seems more than a bit rich for her to criticize others for being in business.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: jimbogumbo on October 16, 2022, 07:44:39 PM
Just finished the Kurt Vonnegut biographic documentary on Hulu. It was fantastic!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 17, 2022, 07:29:50 PM
"Spaceballs" (1987) on Kanopy
A comedic mashup!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: jimbogumbo on October 17, 2022, 07:34:57 PM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 16, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 15, 2022, 07:59:56 PM
Quote from: Stockmann on October 15, 2022, 07:49:17 PM
My wife wanted to watch Starship Troopers for some reason. OK, so they have faster-than-light travel but not cellphones, drones, guided missiles, autonomous vehicles or any kind of AI or even friggin' tanks. I just couldn't take it seriously.

The movie is dumb fun on its face, but also a pretty sharp critique of fascism. Good double feature with Robocop (similarly ultra-violent and subversive by the same director).

If anything, it seemed to me to advocate for authoritarian rule - the government shown is authoritarian but is insistingly portrayed as mostly benevolent and competent - everyone who serves is a volunteer, people get promoted largely on demonstrated actual competence and, most unrealistically, the top guy quits when his plan fails instead of blaming it on underlings or on the people (as Fascists always did) or persisting with failed policies (cf. Russia, China). Also (and this is to me perhaps the most crucial point), humanity faced a genuine existential threat, so talk about the necessity of sacrificing some for the overall war doesn't ring hollow.

Don't know how much it's emphasized in the movie, but a big point in the book is that you can't vote unless you volunteered for government service and served a term honorably. Doesn't have to be military-any civil service job suffices.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on November 10, 2022, 09:53:27 PM
Just watched "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story," which is on the Roku Channel. What an enjoyable movie. So many sly little jokes — especially good if you've watched any musician biopics, but also just inventive, funny, and good-hearted generally. Daniel Radcliffe does well. Just what I needed in these fraught times.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 31, 2022, 08:54:05 AM
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022, Netflix)

Very enjoyable, if somewhat convoluted, murder mystery, bringing back only Daniel Craig's character from the first film to solve a new case. Glass Onion is not quite as sharp as its predecessor, but the performances are great and there is some sharp commentary on the ultra rich. I would welcome more Knives Out mysteries in the future.

Grade: A-


Emily the Criminal (2022, Netflix)

A debt-ridden millennial turns to petty crime out of desperation. It goes well for a while, but soon enough the dangers of the criminal life emerge. This was fine, with good performances, snappy pacing, and an interesting enough script. I doubt it will stay with me though.

Grade: B


Hustle (2022, Netflix)

A scout for the Philadelphia 76rs (Adam Sandler) discovers an unknown basketball phenom in Spain and tries to get him in shape for the NBA draft. This is a bit generic and the characters are not well developed enough, but it is  watchable and has lots of Easter eggs for basketball fans.

Grade: B


The Nanny (2022, Amazon)

Horror/thriller about a nanny from Africa who babysits for an obnoxious rich couple while simultaneously slipping into insanity. This movie is going for Get Out style social commentary, but with a more solemn and serious tone, and it succeeds in that regard. But it is not scary or thrilling.

I also think that horror movies have driven the "rich whites bad, poor minorities good" theme into the ground over the last few years. Don't get me wrong, I like social commentary in horror and I don't mind that theme, but with every movie trying to replicate the Get Out formula it is becoming a little too predictable at this point. It sort of reminds me of how every crime movie had to have slick dialogue and a nonlinear timeline for a few years after Pulp Fiction.

Grade: B



Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 31, 2022, 09:41:56 AM
I have been looking forward to seeing Glass Onion so am glad if it is worth it.

We haven't seen any new movies lately but rewatched several during our recent trip that I will reiterate my love for: Silence of the Lambs, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Nobody.  (ETA: and Clue)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on December 31, 2022, 09:58:33 AM
Has anyone seen Kimi? I stumbled onto an online trailer and some reviews that made it sound intriguing - they compared it to Rear Window, which I liked, and the trailer also made me think of The Pelican Brief, which I also like (the book is better, but the movie is good). My one concern is that Kimi is rated R and I wonder how violent etc. it is. I'm not into that stuff.

Larimar
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: jimbogumbo on December 31, 2022, 11:45:09 AM
Quote from: Larimar on December 31, 2022, 09:58:33 AM
Has anyone seen Kimi? I stumbled onto an online trailer and some reviews that made it sound intriguing - they compared it to Rear Window, which I liked, and the trailer also made me think of The Pelican Brief, which I also like (the book is better, but the movie is good). My one concern is that Kimi is rated R and I wonder how violent etc. it is. I'm not into that stuff.

Larimar

Just read a review. Sounds like you would not like it. FWIW I just Googled is Kimi violent and got a description as the first hit.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on December 31, 2022, 01:04:29 PM
Thank you, Jimbogumbo. I followed your lead and googled the question, and probably saw the same description that you did. Yeah, I think I'm going to cancel my library hold on Kimi. I appreciate the warning.

Larimar
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 11, 2023, 03:36:48 PM
We have watched two new (to us) movies recently.  First was The Banshees of Inisherin, which I had somehow heard was a comedy.  It was not.  It was very funny at times, but it's a very dark tale of the end of a friendship on a small Irish island.  The phrase "that escalated quickly" comes to mind when I think of this movie.  I had heard that Colin Farrell did a wonderful job with his role, and I agree.  Brendan Gleeson is also great, as always.  The feel of the movie reminds me a lot of Calvary.  I'd certainly recommend it pretty highly, but it's not for the faint of heart and is also quite depressing.

Last night we watched El Camino, having watched Breaking Bad a while back and having finished Better Call Saul recently.  It was reasonably entertaining, but I realized that what was nagging me after was that I didn't feel as though I had watched a movie.  It kind of felt like I just watched a long TV show episode, and not a particularly exciting one.  I am not sure how it was also intended to be able to function as a standalone movie.  There didn't seem to be much explanation of how events got to be what they were.   From the standpoint of a fan of the show, I thought it was nice to have some closure on Jesse's story, but the focus was not at all what I had expected (following him into his future) but was more of the immediate aftermath with some flashbacks and very little of anything beyond that.  It wasn't bad, but it really left almost no impression, and that's kind of a strange feeling after spending two hours.  In the trivia, it was mentioned both that another idea was to make just a 15-20 minute minimovie, which I think would have been fine, and that the movie as made was originally three hours! Geez.  I am thankful that they made the edits they did, I guess.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 21, 2023, 08:00:41 AM
We watched Nomadland last night.  As others here have mentioned, it's a beautifully shot movie.  I also thought that it felt longer than it actually was.  And I agree that it seemed to avoid some of the rougher aspects of the nomadic life.  The content wasn't as interesting to me as the movie-making was, I guess.  The IMDB trivia noted that some of the nomads did not know that Frances McDormand was an actress.  From what I read this morning, I guess the real-life nomads just thought they would be acting as nomads in a small film about the life? McDormand is a reliably great actress, but knowing that she fit in so well impresses me even more.  I think the trivia said she even lived in the van for a while.  As a statement on the tyranny of the almighty dollar, I think there were some good ideas but no real payoff.  My husband and I both thought it was a good movie, not great.  We were glad to have watched it but don't feel a need to rewatch in the future.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on March 11, 2023, 04:55:09 PM
I havent been to a theater more than 2 times since COVID.  This week, I may make up for some of that!   IT is Spring Break, and Id like to see:
Avatar.  I missed it, but it is still at one of the multi plexes nearby.

There is a new Adam Driver movie with dinosaurs that looks like fun!

After that I will have to see if I am willing to see another one.  Maybe Shazam later in the week or the Antman and Wasp movie.

Anyone else have any desires to see any (relatively) new releases?

What are you looking forward to seeing on the Big Screen?



(And for the record, the last movie I saw was Top Gun.... it was in the last days at the multiplex before going where movies go when they are out of theaters). 
I dont remember what I saw before that, but maybe it was GhostBusters Afterlife. 

Maybe someday I will be able/willing to go more often... but prices have gone up!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 12, 2023, 04:03:57 AM
We watched The Banshees of Inisherin at last. It's really an allegory of the Irish revolution. Two former best friends who come to be at odds and then destroy themselves in the conflict. As one of the characters said, "It was easier when we all just hated the English." It was certainly epic, on a small scale, and definitely depressing, but beautifully filmed.

We also watched some of the Oscar nominees for best short animation. My Year of Dicks (about a 15-year-old girl's quest to lose her virginity) was full of realistic teenage bad decisions — funny but painful. An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It was not as deep/quirky as I wanted. Both are available free online.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 13, 2023, 11:23:29 AM
We watched Strictly Ballroom last night (first time for my husband, second for me, but it's been a while).  I only had a vague recollection that I really liked that movie, and I was right.  Fortunately, my husband agreed.  We both enjoyed it wholeheartedly.  For those who haven't seen it, it's about a young man who has been ballroom dancing since he was 6 and comes from a ballroom dancing family but who wants to dance his own way, not "strictly ballroom." This sets the ballroom dance world on its head and havoc ensues.  It kind of reminds me in some ways of Dirty Dancing and Kung Fu Hustle.  It's very funny at times, whimsical, and exciting.  I was recently talking with a friend who is heavily involved in a film club and had rewatched Baz Luhrmann's "Red Curtain Trilogy," which includes this movie (along with Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!.  I had no idea that it was even his movie, but I can see it now.  I just googled the trilogy, and it appears that he calls it that because of the filmmaking style, not because the stories go together in any way (which is good, because I was really scratching my head at that one...).  Anyway, it's a very enjoyable movie, and I'm glad I rewatched it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 14, 2023, 05:27:58 PM
I thought that Strictly Ballroom would be the zaniest movie we'd watch for a while (though lovably so), but then I met Mamma Mia! last night.  It is probably well known that it is an Abba-fueled, crazy tale about a young lady who invites three men to her wedding who each may be her father.  Her mother had apparently had a fun summer about her own age + 9 months ago, and of course many hijinks ensue.  Although I'm not a huge Abba fan (I know and like a few songs, but they all sound similar to me), it sounded like the type of story that would be right up my alley.  It had a lot of potential, and I know it did very well internationally, but it was just a bit too much.  And, again, after Strictly Ballroom, that is quite a statement.  It was too much that didn't come together well and didn't end up feeling fun.  My husband is a much more avid Abba fan and has similar movie tastes to mine but also thought it missed the mark.  It wasn't terrible, but no one was particularly likeable, though the three dads were probably the best of it (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard).  I usually think Meryl Streep is great, and she was really adorable at the start of the movie, but even she became a bit much.  The sequel came with this one, but we probably won't be jumping to watch that anytime soon.  We will probably still watch it at some point.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: nebo113 on March 15, 2023, 09:13:57 AM
Watched Syndoche, New York.  Reminded me of the many times we went to the local (and only) art theater in Columbia, SC, in the late '60s and early '70s to gush over the pretentiously awful Fellini, Bergman, Antonioni "films", none of which we could even begin to grasp (nobody could), but we were wanna be pointy headed intelecshuls so had to gush about ....whatever.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on March 15, 2023, 09:23:56 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 15, 2023, 09:13:57 AM
Watched Syndoche, New York.  Reminded me of the many times we went to the local (and only) art theater in Columbia, SC, in the late '60s and early '70s to gush over the pretentiously awful Fellini, Bergman, Antonioni "films", none of which we could even begin to grasp (nobody could), but we were wanna be pointy headed intelecshuls so had to gush about ....whatever.

This reminds me of an experience my husband had when he was in boot camp in South Carolina.  A Bergman film, The Passion of Anna, was playing in town, and he convinced a group of fellow trainees to go see it.  It was...not what they expected.  And they never let him forget it!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on March 15, 2023, 06:14:44 PM
Saw 68 today. 

I wont recommend it, though. 

Tomorrow I am considering either Shazam or Cocaine Bear!  (leaning toward the latter). 

Will check in tomorrow with the verdict! 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: nebo113 on March 16, 2023, 05:45:11 AM
Quote from: cathwen on March 15, 2023, 09:23:56 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 15, 2023, 09:13:57 AM
Watched Syndoche, New York.  Reminded me of the many times we went to the local (and only) art theater in Columbia, SC, in the late '60s and early '70s to gush over the pretentiously awful Fellini, Bergman, Antonioni "films", none of which we could even begin to grasp (nobody could), but we were wanna be pointy headed intelecshuls so had to gush about ....whatever.

This reminds me of an experience my husband had when he was in boot camp in South Carolina.  A Bergman film, The Passion of Anna, was playing in town, and he convinced a group of fellow trainees to go see it.  It was...not what they expected.  And they never let him forget it!

Oh lordy!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 16, 2023, 08:46:59 AM
Quote from: clean on March 15, 2023, 06:14:44 PM
Tomorrow I am considering either Shazam or Cocaine Bear!  (leaning toward the latter). 

Will check in tomorrow with the verdict!

Cocaine Bear seems as though it would be an entertaining short film, but I am skeptical that it has enough for a full movie.  Please let us know if you go see it! My friend enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on March 16, 2023, 03:12:27 PM
Cocaine Bear was better than 68! 
It was entertaining!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 22, 2023, 07:51:36 PM
The Whale (2022, Amazon)

Brendon Fraser plays a deeply damaged, morbidly obese man who is on the verge of death. As his health worsens, he tries to rebuild his relationship with his estranged daughter and to come to peace with the death of his partner. Fraser won an Oscar for his performance and it is quite good, as are the other performances. The movie itself is very watchable and I did care about the characters, but there is no subtlety at all and it is quite graphic, bordering on disgusting (the movie has been critiqued for the way it portrays obesity). Overall, I liked this, but I see why it has divided critics and audiences.

Grade: B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: nebo113 on March 28, 2023, 05:25:35 AM
I was reading an interview with Brooke Shields, which led me to re watching Pretty Baby.  Given the subject matter, it's actually pretty tame.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on March 28, 2023, 07:50:39 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 28, 2023, 05:25:35 AM
I was reading an interview with Brooke Shields, which led me to re watching Pretty Baby.  Given the subject matter, it's actually pretty tame.

The inconsistent accents in the movie drove me bats.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: onthefringe on March 28, 2023, 09:47:12 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 16, 2023, 05:45:11 AM
Quote from: cathwen on March 15, 2023, 09:23:56 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 15, 2023, 09:13:57 AM
Watched Syndoche, New York.  Reminded me of the many times we went to the local (and only) art theater in Columbia, SC, in the late '60s and early '70s to gush over the pretentiously awful Fellini, Bergman, Antonioni "films", none of which we could even begin to grasp (nobody could), but we were wanna be pointy headed intelecshuls so had to gush about ....whatever.

This reminds me of an experience my husband had when he was in boot camp in South Carolina.  A Bergman film, The Passion of Anna, was playing in town, and he convinced a group of fellow trainees to go see it.  It was...not what they expected.  And they never let him forget it!

Oh lordy!

This reminds me of when a group of (male) highschool friends went to see Blue Velvet apparently convinced it would be some kind of soft-core porn based on the movie poster. Boy were they surprised.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: nebo113 on March 30, 2023, 05:18:48 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on March 28, 2023, 07:50:39 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on March 28, 2023, 05:25:35 AM
I was reading an interview with Brooke Shields, which led me to re watching Pretty Baby.  Given the subject matter, it's actually pretty tame.

The inconsistent accents in the movie drove me bats.

Worst suthn accents of all time were Steel Magnolias.  Grating!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 05, 2023, 09:14:22 AM
I looked back through the thread and just saw a mention of this movie opening in theaters, but no reviews.  So, we watched Bullet Train last night.  It was one of the most enjoyable movies I have seen in ages.  The action centers on a Japanese bullet train carrying several assassins all with various goals that may or may not be intertwined.  Brad Pitt was probably the most well known actor, but I think he was outshined by some of the supporting actors.  The feel sort of reminded me of a cross between Guy Ritchie, Quentin Tarantino, and Rian Johnson.  The actual director, David Leitch, is not one whose name I know off the top of my head, but I can definitely see the connection to other movies that he has acted in, directed, or produced, including Deadpool 2, John Wick 1-4, NobodyBullet Train was action-filled and hilarious at times, and it was easy to get invested in some of the characters.  It was fun from start to finish (and beyond).  We'd definitely watch this one again.  I'm really surprised I hadn't heard more about this one (I really hadn't heard much of anything about it), so I'm glad my husband mentioned it as a possibility recently!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on April 05, 2023, 11:55:19 PM
I saw Bullet Train a while ago. By the end it was pushing the bounds even of movie believability, but I agree that along the way it was novel and entertaining.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ciao_yall on April 08, 2023, 04:24:47 PM
I watched Everything Everywhere All At Once. Kind of a trip, but now I feel very up on the cultural zeitgeist.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 18, 2023, 10:11:43 AM
I don't think I saw any mentions of The Menu (Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, ...) here.  We watched it last night, and I really had no idea what it was about in advance.  It was much darker than I thought it would be! I don't want to give too much away.  As the IMDB synopsis indicates, the story involves a small group of diners who are ferried to an island for an extravagant dinner at an elite and pricey restaurant with a chef who has some issues.  There are plenty of similarities between this restaurant and some real-world restaurants with chefs with egos and who have been accused of poor treatment of staff and so forth.  The movie was pretty intriguing from the start, partially because I did not know where it was going, and it kept my attention throughout as it went in a lot of directions that I didn't expect.  From some of the audience reviews, it seems that some felt it held promise but did not deliver.  I disagree with that.  It pretty much ran the gamut from funny to sad to shocking to horrifying and included some interesting little details that I'm still thinking about.  I don't think it was a perfect movie in any sense, but I'd watch it again sometime in the future.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on April 18, 2023, 03:09:20 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on April 18, 2023, 10:11:43 AM
I don't think I saw any mentions of The Menu (Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, ...) here.  We watched it last night, and I really had no idea what it was about in advance.  It was much darker than I thought it would be! I don't want to give too much away.  As the IMDB synopsis indicates, the story involves a small group of diners who are ferried to an island for an extravagant dinner at an elite and pricey restaurant with a chef who has some issues.  There are plenty of similarities between this restaurant and some real-world restaurants with chefs with egos and who have been accused of poor treatment of staff and so forth.  The movie was pretty intriguing from the start, partially because I did not know where it was going, and it kept my attention throughout as it went in a lot of directions that I didn't expect.  From some of the audience reviews, it seems that some felt it held promise but did not deliver.  I disagree with that.  It pretty much ran the gamut from funny to sad to shocking to horrifying and included some interesting little details that I'm still thinking about.  I don't think it was a perfect movie in any sense, but I'd watch it again sometime in the future.

I agree with this assessment and, like you, I enjoyed the film overall. I also got a kick out of the commentary on the pretentiousness of high end foodie culture.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 18, 2023, 03:24:37 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on April 18, 2023, 03:09:20 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on April 18, 2023, 10:11:43 AM
I don't think I saw any mentions of The Menu (Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, ...) here.  We watched it last night, and I really had no idea what it was about in advance.  It was much darker than I thought it would be! I don't want to give too much away.  As the IMDB synopsis indicates, the story involves a small group of diners who are ferried to an island for an extravagant dinner at an elite and pricey restaurant with a chef who has some issues.  There are plenty of similarities between this restaurant and some real-world restaurants with chefs with egos and who have been accused of poor treatment of staff and so forth.  The movie was pretty intriguing from the start, partially because I did not know where it was going, and it kept my attention throughout as it went in a lot of directions that I didn't expect.  From some of the audience reviews, it seems that some felt it held promise but did not deliver.  I disagree with that.  It pretty much ran the gamut from funny to sad to shocking to horrifying and included some interesting little details that I'm still thinking about.  I don't think it was a perfect movie in any sense, but I'd watch it again sometime in the future.

I agree with this assessment and, like you, I enjoyed the film overall. I also got a kick out of the commentary on the pretentiousness of high end foodie culture.

Yes! The commentary in general and as it interacted with the plot! Good stuff.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on April 18, 2023, 04:31:03 PM
Oh yes, I watched The Menu too. At a certain point I thought it went over the top.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on April 19, 2023, 02:30:48 AM
This discussion has reminded me of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover, which I saw in a theater while in college. Great movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: statsgeek on April 19, 2023, 07:03:43 AM
Excited to see an advance screening of Are You There G-d, It's Me Margaret this evening.  Not only am I a huge Judy Blume fan, it was partially filmed in a location I know well and I may know some folks in the background shots! 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 24, 2023, 05:01:06 PM
We've watched a couple more movies to report on.

The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared: I had read the book and also listened to the audiobook.  There is some discussion of it on the reading thread, but the title is self-explanatory.  He goes off on somewhat of an adventure, and in the course of the book and movie lots of past adventures of his are woven in.  Some have likened it conceptually to Forrest Gump.    The movie was adorable and did its best within the time limit to include as much of the story as possible, but of course much was left out.  There are characters who never appeared and others who I wish had been included more, and some story lines had been changed.  Much of the movie is in languages other than English, and although the subtitles were fine (and we are used to watching everything with subtitles regardless of language), at times I wondered if there were some more comical nuances we were missing.  In other words, it seemed that the actors were saying something in a funny way, but we couldn't really tell because the order of words in the different languages is different, so the emphasis differed between the word being said and the subtitled word (e.g., the last word in the sentence might differ there).  I'm not sure I explained that well.  Good job by the actors, and the whole thing was cute as ever.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal...): This was another strange movie, and one that I am not sure I ever felt like I got my head around.  Basically, Nicolas Cage plays a fictionalized version of himself.  He is running out of money and reluctantly takes a $$$ job to celebritize at a birthday party in Spain for an olive grower.  Meanwhile, nefarious deeds are afoot, some a government spy agency is involved, and it's also all very meta.  I will say that I wanted to like it more than I did.  I had a strange sensation several times of feeling like my laughter was cut short? Certain parts were very funny, but they seemed to end too quickly to really pay off, or something.  There was good commentary on the movie-making business sprinkled here and there, and Cage and Pascal were fun to watch together.  But I feel like it just didn't come together for me as much as some other zany movies have.  I'd watch it again (maybe pick up some details I missed?), but I wouldn't rush to do so.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 29, 2023, 05:12:26 PM
We watched Encanto (Disney) the other night.  The story focuses on a magical house and family (blessed with magic as a miracle).  Each family member has their own unique "gift" that they receive from the house on their 5th birthday.  Or, that's the way it's supposed to go.  Things are not always as magic as they seem.  I guess that I'm not the primary target audience as an adult, but I thought it was pretty cute overall.  I was a little surprised at how much emotion it dredged up.  One thing I noticed was that most Disney movies have a clear villain who's easy to root against.  In this one, it's so much family dysfunction that's the really bad stuff.  Unfortunately, I'm sure it probably resonates with many adults besides me.  If it happened to be on or someone I was with wanted to watch it I might watch it again, but I'd probably not put it on my re-watch list otherwise.  The animation and music are very good, but I am still so mad at one of the characters! I was grousing about this character to my husband while we were out on a walk today, and after a bit of a rant I realized and mentioned to him that anyone overhearing would probably never guess that the subject of my diatribe was an animated character in a Disney movie that I watched several nights ago!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on April 30, 2023, 04:56:08 AM
I liked Encanto too. The music was fun, and the Colombian dancing was cool. I also liked how deeply they delved into the characters - some of them, anyway. And the scene in which little Antonio is playing with the animals was adorable. If I were in Mirabel's place, however, I might have wanted to say to them all, "I am clearly not valued or wanted here. I'm leaving!"

Just out of curiosity, which character were you mad at, ab_grp? (You don't have to answer if you don't want to.)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on April 30, 2023, 08:48:26 AM
Quote from: Larimar on April 30, 2023, 04:56:08 AM
I liked Encanto too. The music was fun, and the Colombian dancing was cool. I also liked how deeply they delved into the characters - some of them, anyway. And the scene in which little Antonio is playing with the animals was adorable. If I were in Mirabel's place, however, I might have wanted to say to them all, "I am clearly not valued or wanted here. I'm leaving!"

Just out of curiosity, which character were you mad at, ab_grp? (You don't have to answer if you don't want to.)

I was afraid it was kind of a spoiler, but being Disney not really, so it was abuela Alma.  Argh I hated that woman! Watching how Mirabel was treated and finding out how the other kids felt as well... ugh.  I know they tried to give an explanation for that toward the end, but I did not really find it satisfying.  There were something like 166 pieces of trivia about the movie in IMDB (which is a heck of a lot compared to other movies) that talked about so much symbolism and little details I missed.  One thing that just got to me was the idea that the other kids' doors all have them as grown up in their roles supporting the family and village because Alma led them to their doors and that's what she expected from them, but Antonio's has him as a happy little kid because Mirabel is the one who accompanied him.  I don't know if that's true, or maybe the doors change as characters age, so Antonio's would as well as time went on, but it made sense to me.  I really enjoyed learning more about some of the characters too! And the music and dancing were so fun.  But I was really shocked at how badly Mirabel was treated.  I would have been fine if Alma peaced out at the end and the others got to have their happy lives with whatever magic was or was not there.   Maybe casita could have eaten her or something.  ;-) I'm sure my reaction to her was probably a bit strong.  I am not sure what it was that really raises my hackles about her.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on May 02, 2023, 10:52:56 AM
Yeah, how Mirabel was treated both by Abuela Alma and some of the townspeople at the beginning of the film I thought was pretty shabby too. That's why I said if I were in Mirabel's place I might have left. There was also how everyone treated Tio Bruno and pushed him into going into hiding. Casita was on Mirabel's and Bruno's side though, encouraging Mirabel and sheltering Bruno; at least I think so. In any case, I was glad for the movie's happy ending. I wasn't surprised that it had one though.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on May 03, 2023, 01:22:46 PM
Now that you mention it, Mirabel leaving probably would have made the most Disney sense.  Rather than let the treatment drag on (IMO), show a few examples, and let her head off on her own journey.  Maybe with Bruno! Or run into him out in the world! And they can still come back and save Casita.  I agree Casita was on Mirabel's and Bruno's side and was suggesting that it eat Abuela Alma.  Ha! I guess I'm okay with her somewhat redeeming herself, but I wasn't really rooting for a happy ending for her.

We ventured into Disney territory again last night with Brave since we had recently run across that tale elsewhere.  Now, this one I thought was cute.  It still had family drama, but it wasn't as terrible IMO, and there were lots of happy and funny parts.  It probably followed a more typical Disney formula.  This story focuses on Merida, a princess who doesn't really want to princess or to be forced into marriage to unite clans and just wants to be out and about enjoying her archery.  Mom does not agree with this, and this difference of opinion increases the rift between them that kicks the story into action.  I thought the story was sweet and was drawn in by the action as well.  I don't think the music, dancing, and other background beauty really compare to Encanto, but I enjoyed this movie more. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on May 03, 2023, 02:51:12 PM
I liked Brave too. The song "Touch the Sky" is lovely. Merida is an interesting character, and I wish I had long red vibrant hair like hers! I also liked that Queen Elinor wasn't portrayed as entirely wrong in what she wanted for Merida, and from her. She was coming from an experienced adult's perspective. However, she had forgotten the joy of life and the freedom and energy of youth. Merida for her part didn't understand the big picture, the reasons why the family had their expectations of her. Both characters had that space to grow through the story, and that's intelligent character writing. One tiny visual touch that I appreciated as saying that Elinor had learned from her daughter as well as Merida from her mother was at the very end of the film, when the two were riding their horses together. Queen Elinor had her hair down, long and loose, instead of the tight braid she'd had before.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on May 03, 2023, 04:37:15 PM
That's a great description and observation! You have elucidated my thoughts better than I have about what I liked better about this movie: that they both had space to grow through the story.  They both changed (and they both learned more about each other and to appreciate each other) in a way that felt much more organic and believable, and I felt good rooting for both of them in this journey.  It was a sweet story! And I agree... love that hair! 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on May 04, 2023, 05:50:02 AM
Thanks!

I'm looking forward to the Little Mermaid remake.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 06, 2023, 04:09:18 PM
I had hoped to see Renfield this weekend. I have been too busy to do it before now. It premiered 4/18 I believe.  Well, just 2 (maybe 3) weeks later it is gone!  I did see that I could rent it on tv though! 
It looks like the big bet is for Guardians of the Galaxy, with multiple screens devoted to it.  I just checked the showings and the local Alamo is open for 9 am showtimes!  That is pretty early for a movie theater to be open on Sunday! 

Anyone planning to see Guardians this weekend or soon?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on May 09, 2023, 05:21:50 PM
Watched Top Gun two nights ago (last seen decades ago) and Top Gun: Maverick last night.  Both are entertaining, but I was pretty blown away by the new one.  I saw a few folks here recommend seeing it on the big screen (or better), and I can't really imagine doing so.  My feet were sweating watching it on our TV! I was so enthralled and on the edge of my seat.  A friend mentioned that her movie club Best Picture Oscar vote resulted in a tie between this one and Everything, Everywhere....  I'm not sure I'd go that far.  Action-wise, it is pretty incredible.  Even more incredible was reading afterward that the actual actors actually did the flying?! These are not pilots who acted in the movie but actors who learned to pilot F-18s.  I had read that Tom Cruise did a lot of his own flying and stunts, but he is a bit out there and seems to have plenty of time and money to invest in these pursuits.  I am really surprised and impressed that the other actors did this.  It was also pretty interesting to read about the camera work.  Lots of thought went into all of this.  The human dynamic storyline is fairly thin, and Fightertown, USA still has an excess of machismo, but I really enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would.  It was funny and touching and just exciting to watch.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on May 10, 2023, 09:21:15 AM
The P51 Mustang in the picture was owned (and flown) by Tom Cruise, so he is a pilot. 
(not related to the Top Gun movies but John Travolta is also a pilot and owns (according to the always reliable internet) six planes, including a Boeing 707 and a 727). 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on May 10, 2023, 02:43:55 PM
Whenever I hear the song "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins, I think of the original "Top Gun" movie. I remember watching it at my uncle's house as a kid. 

"Top Gun: Maverick" won the Academy Award in one of the sound categories.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 09, 2023, 02:40:56 PM
We've seen a couple other movies lately, though I don't have too much to say about them. 

Guardians of the Galaxy 1 and 2 were both very fun and required more tissues than I would have expected.  I'd seen the first one before, but it had been quite a while.  I have seen quite a few Marvel movies but don't really care about the universe so wasn't totally sure who everyone was outside the main group, but I don't think it mattered much.  It probably enhances the experience somewhat if you do care about the universe and can catch on to all the easter eggs, like most movies with various homages. 

Ad Astra was better than I had expected, in that I had heard that it was veeeerrry slow.  I don't think it was any slower paced than plenty of movies I personally enjoy.  While there was a thoughtful feeling to it, I guess I am not completely sure what the point was, if there was one.  Maybe it was just meant to be an interesting story without layers.  Maybe I missed them.  My husband is the one who has been badgering me (not really) to watch it, so I figured we might as well get it over with.  He liked it a lot until a particular point that was not too far into the movie, so I don't think that's a great sales pitch for it, but from the reviews it seems that people either love it or don't.  On a side note, there is some meme I had seen a while back, seemingly everywhere, that my mind attached to this movie for some reason but that apparently has nothing to do with it (the "always has been" meme with the astronauts).  Maybe I saw a version of it with Brad Pitt? I have no idea.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on June 11, 2023, 05:20:41 PM
Nope (2022)

Jordan Peele's latest horror film, about a family of horse ranchers that come across a UFO over their property. This seems to be regarded as Peele's weakest movie, after Get Out and Us, and although I agree that it has the weakest story and pacing, for my money this has the most interesting theme and the most disturbing imagery.

Grade: A-



Something in the Dirt (2022)

The latest horror film from Lovecraft inspired directing duo Aaron Morehead and Justin Benson. This is not quite in the same league as their best work (The Endless or Spring), but it is still quite good and a must-see for anyone who follows their work. If I had taken the time to give my review right after I watched this, I'd probably have given it a higher score, but a month or so later it hasn't stayed with me like The Endless.

Grade: B+



3000 Years of Longing (2022)

Fantasy/romance staring Tilda Swinton as a lonely academic who accidently summons a genie and is granted three wishes. As she contemplates how to proceed with her wishes, or whether to do so at all, the genie tells her about his 3000 years of loneliness - which she, of course, can relate to. This was a very watchable film with some great visuals and nice performances by Swinton and Idris Elba, but if you ask me what it is about or why the characters do what they do, then I'd be at a loss.

Grade: B



To Leslie (2022)

This film follows a seemingly hopeless alcoholic, who once won the lottery, as she unwillingly moves back to her home town. This is probably the most chilling depiction I've seen of extreme alcoholism and the lead actress (Andrea Riseborough) deserves a lot of credit - she did receive an academy award nomination, which is an interesting story of its own. I'm not sure I totally buy the narrative, but I'm glad it ended the way it did.

Grade: A-



Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 24, 2023, 08:14:32 AM
We have Nope but haven't watched it (same with Us), though we did see and enjoy Get Out.

Last night we watched Midsommar.  I had been thinking about that movie lately and realized it's about that time of year.  According to one article, it is celebrated on the Friday in a particular period of June, which would have been yesterday, so we decided to watch it then.  What a whack movie.  It's by the same folks who did Hereditary and was thankfully not as completely frightening as that one was, but it's definitely got a lot of yikes about it.  They're very good at building dread.  The story is about a group of 20-somethings (I guess) who go to one of their hometowns in Sweden where there is an annual midsommar festival.  This year is a particularly big deal because they really do it up every 90 years.  This being a movie with some horror aspects, of course some of the rituals are a bit much for the out-of-towners.  Probably the most unbelievable parts involve the characters who are supposedly writing PhD theses and how that all transpires.  I definitely did not catch on to all that was happening during the movie, so reading the IMDB trivia helped clear some things up after the fact.  Very creepy movie.  I think we both thought it was pretty good, though maybe not great.  You do have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief (beyond the supposed PhD work).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 28, 2023, 02:45:58 PM
The night after our Midsommar viewing, we watched John Wick: Chapter 4.  We both enjoyed it and thought it fit in well with the rest of the series, but although there are some really wowie zowie reviews on IMDB (best action movie ever!! 10/10), I agree that "there is such a thing as too much."  I thought that during the previous film as well.  The fight scenes are elaborate and extremely well choreographed, but they just go on and on and on to the point where it's hard to even pay attention.  And then the movie can go on and on and, well, it is nearly 3 hours long.  One interesting bit of trivia is that John Wick only utters 380 words in that time, so you can guess what's happening during most of it.  There is content that adds to the overall plot arc of the series, but I have started to lose track of who is allied with whom, who that guy is, why that guy is mad, etc.  There are some aspects that are very true to my previous impressions, and there are some great scenes, but I said to my husband that I started feeling unsure about whether I was still rooting for John or was now rooting for his adversaries just so that the movie would end more quickly.  Longest 3 minutes in history, I thought at one point.  Sort of like encountering a crossword that is very cunning and cleverly constructed but is just a bitch to solve.  Not that it's hard, but it's just not enjoyable! From what I read in some of the trivia, I think the fight guys saw particular architecture and had an idea that they fell in love with too much.  Overall, it was entertaining but just didn't know when to stop.  Apparently it was initially 225 minutes.  Nearly 4 hours? Good grief.  Thank goodness they cut it down to what they finally served up.  It's fun, but I think a lot of fans will have to prepare for how long it ends up feeling.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on June 28, 2023, 06:24:12 PM
I loved Midsommar. I saw it right after traveling to Sweden and Denmark over a summer, so the references to summer festivals and Northern European folklore resonated with me, as did the critique of anthropology.

Hereditary was cool too, but I remember having to google it after to clarify what happened - which I feel shouldn't be necessary.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on June 29, 2023, 07:43:50 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on June 28, 2023, 06:24:12 PMI loved Midsommar. I saw it right after traveling to Sweden and Denmark over a summer, so the references to summer festivals and Northern European folklore resonated with me, as did the critique of anthropology.

Hereditary was cool too, but I remember having to google it after to clarify what happened - which I feel shouldn't be necessary.

Both of those movies have stuck with me.  I wish I didn't keep thinking about them in the middle of the night (especially Hereditary)! I think I needed help from trivia with both of them, because I missed some pretty interesting stuff initially.  That would have been pretty neat timing to have been in that region during that time period! I would be glad to have seen it after traveling, for sure. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on June 29, 2023, 02:59:02 PM
A final (with Harrison Ford anyway, at least I hope!) Indiana Jones movie is out soon. 
Barbie is already out.
Anyone seeing something on the Big Screen as we near the July 4 break?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on June 29, 2023, 05:15:12 PM
Barbie doesn't come out until July 21. Same weekend as Oppenheimer. I have friends planning the double feature. Its being referred to as the Barbenheimer.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on June 29, 2023, 07:11:07 PM
Watch The Wolf Hour. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4im2NCE7WUQ)

It is very badly marketed in the "horror" and "suspense" genres, when it is really a very good psychological drama without the melodrama.  It is also about New York City in the 1970s and the social and racial strains between people.  It is noir and brilliant, one of those films that gets either a one or two star rating from philistines or a ten star rating from intelligent viewers. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 01, 2023, 04:47:47 PM
I saw that my local theater had a link to Buy Tickets for Barbie.  As I wasnt really interested in seeing it (as a first choice), I didnt look much farther.

Haunted Mansion is on the horizon now too!  I would see that one, though! 

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 02, 2023, 10:43:30 AM
Our movie watching this weekend:

Carnage (Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly, Jodie Foster) I had never heard of this one (as far as I know) before seeing it on some Buzzfeed list recently.  It's based on a play and is set almost entirely in an apartment over the course of a few hours.  The listed actors play two couples, one of whom owns the apartment (Foster, Reilly), and the other whose son has injured the other couple's son (Winslet, Waltz).  The parents are getting together to have a civilized discussion about how to proceed with these young teens following the incident.  As you may guess from the title, the discussion "escalates quickly" with old and new resentments making themselves more and more evident.  It's directed by Roman Polanski, and I wonder if that's why I hadn't heard about it, even though it's been around since 2011 and has won some awards.  Maybe it didn't get much press.  Maybe I don't run in the right movie circles, since it definitely has more a of an artsy, dialogue-focused feel.  We both really enjoyed it.  I thought that the tensions were built very authentically.  It's also a pretty short movie, just 1 hr 20 mins. 

Omega Man (Charlton Heston) This one is based on a book by Richard Matheson, and there have been several other adaptation (including a movie with the same name as the original book, I Am Legend with Will Smith).  It is mostly focused on Heston's character who is alone after some calamity has occurred and who has to deal with some adversaries in a post-apocalyptic world.  I thought this movie was a bit confusing, especially after seeing I Am Legend, which seemed a bit more straightforward or better at providing background.  I had no idea who these adversaries were or what had happened for what felt to me like too long.  I am also a little surprised at the descriptions of the movie as heart-pounding or violent.  There's something fun about the movie in a so-bad-it's-good kind of way.  The dialogue is absurd, and the action and acting leave something to be desired.  I'm sure that for it's time it was something special, but it's difficult to take seriously, especially with all the one liners and zingers.  I wouldn't rate it very highly, but I'd probably watch it again if I were in the right mood. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 09, 2023, 12:15:35 PM
This weekend's movies:

Camp Rock: a fun little movie starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers.  Sometimes we just need a short and thinking-free bit of entertainment to wind down on Friday.  Lovato (Mitchie) wants desperately to go to Camp Rock, where there are a lot of musically talented people (or children of musically talented people).  Unfortunately, her parents are mere normal people and can't afford to send her.  Then her mother gets the opportunity to do the catering for the camp, so Mitchie can go! Joe Jonas plays a member of a popular musical trio (shock) who has to do some penance by teaching at this camp.  Of course this leads to some secrets, class issues, and a teenage love affair that no one will see coming. (/s on that last part)

Us: We finally watched this one last night.  Jordan Peele has a way of making things creepy.  Even having a fair idea of some of the twistier parts, I was a bit freaked while things played out.  The less said the better, and I definitely benefited again somewhat from reading the IMDB trivia afterward.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on July 09, 2023, 07:30:35 PM
"Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" (1991) on Kanopy
The Wyld Stallions ride again in this sequel! Bill and Ted are eager to enter a local band competition and find themselves playing against the Grim Reaper.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: kaysixteen on July 10, 2023, 07:20:58 PM
Anyone see the new Indiana Jones flick yet?  Worth going to?
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on July 11, 2023, 08:22:26 AM
I watched several movies on a long flight yesterday:

The Unforgiven (1992)

Clint Eastwood's Oscar winning western about a retired outlaw who takes one last job to kill a couple of cowboys that assaulted a prostitute. This was a slow burn - a little too slow for an airplane watch, but by the end I was quite invested in the story and the characters. The performances are all good and there is no glorification here of the outlaw lifestyle or of gunslinging.

Grade: B+


Her (2013)

I remember making fun of this movie's concept (a man falls in love with his cell phone) when this came out, but now it feels all too real against the backdrop of fast-advancing AI and our attachment to our phones. So, I stand corrected in my earlier cynicism: This was a great watch, carried by a fascinating and (now) believable concept and excellent performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson.

Grade: A


The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Here is the description from Google: "On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Pádraic is devastated when his buddy Colm suddenly puts an end to their lifelong friendship." I don't want to say another word about the plot, because it is better to go in knowing as little as possible. This is a very funny, thought-provoking, and at times shocking little film, with great performances and a brilliant screenplay. One of my favorite movies of 2022.

Grade: A


Kimi (2022)

If you've seen Rear Window, or any of the movies and tv programs that adapted it, then you know how this movie will play out, but it is snappy (around 90 minutes) and tense and the lead actress (Zoë Kravitz) is quite good.

Grade: B


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 16, 2023, 11:03:05 AM
Weekend watchings:

High School Musical 2: School's out, and everyone we were introduced to in HSM1 gets a job a country club.  Sweet! Of course it can't be that simple, because the country club belongs to the parents of Sharpay and Ryan, and Sharpay has designs on winning the club talent show.  She also has designs on Troy, even though he and Gabriella are clearly involved.  Meanwhile, Troy feels torn between his Wildcat basketball team pals and his shot at a basketball scholarship to the elite University of Albuquerque.  I prefer HSM1, but it was still good Friday entertainment.

Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway: I had seen the movie version but was never fortunate enough to see the original cast live on Broadway.  This version got very good reviews, so we gave it a try.  I thought it was outstanding.  We saw a filmed staging of Into the Woods a few months ago, and that was a great opportunity, but it was very much like watching from the audience.  The production quality here was much higher, with much clearer sound, subtitles available, and varying camera angles including some from the stage.  I think the latter made it a lot easier to see some of the details that might be missed from the audience.  I thought the cast was spectacular and was surprised to see some reviews stating that they were lackluster.  I guess the original cast was just so phenomenal that no one can compare.  There are a few actors from the original cast in this version, and original cast members join in at the end, so that was neat.  The cover of the disc calls this the final performance, but apparently it is a mix of several performances at the end of the run.  That was disappointing to some, but I just really enjoyed it and am glad it exists.  Several boxes of tissues were required due to all the death and life going on.  Oh, another nice feature: 10-minute intermission with countdown timer!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on July 16, 2023, 12:32:42 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on July 11, 2023, 08:22:26 AM[. . . ]

Her (2013)

[. . .]

I liked this movie a lot but was always curious why viewers/critics ignored the plot line about the AI becoming sentient and shuffling off its mortal coil.

Recently watched via streaming:

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

Funny, goofy. Liked it. Young cast that hit it big in Hollywood.

Grade: A- 

All four Hunger Games movies

Uniformly terrible. Hackneyed dialogue. Wooden acting. Formulaic. Foolish and ignorant depictions of guerrilla tactics. Seemed designed to check the box for the preteen/junior high girl demographic like Titanic. The series is an education in just how dumb Hollywood blockbusters can be. I kept watching because it's like a slo-mo (installments 3 and 4 especially) train wreck. So bad it verges on camp.

Grade: D
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on July 17, 2023, 02:49:19 PM
I see there's a Gladiator 2 (https://collider.com/gladiator-2-release-date-cast-filming/) next year.
I've seen and enjoyed the theatrical and extended versions of "Gladiator" and thought it was self-contained.
Quote from: spork on July 16, 2023, 12:32:42 PMAll four Hunger Games movies

Uniformly terrible. Hackneyed dialogue. Wooden acting. Formulaic. Foolish and ignorant depictions of guerrilla tactics. Seemed designed to check the box for the preteen/junior high girl demographic like Titanic. The series is an education in just how dumb Hollywood blockbusters can be. I kept watching because it's like a slo-mo (installments 3 and 4 especially) train wreck. So bad it verges on camp.

Grade: D
The Hunger Games series are getting attention again because of the forthcoming adaptation of the prequel novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)
The page count for the 3rd novel, Mockingjay, is 400.  I know Harry Potter & the Deathly Hollows was split in 2 parts because the story lines in the novel.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on July 18, 2023, 01:31:15 PM
I thought the Hunger Games movies were good, especially the earlier ones.

I did see "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." I'd give it a B-. They did not make good use of the wonderful Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She gets a fair amount of screen time, but it's unclear whether we're supposed to like her character, and her character is not all that interesting. About 95% of the movie seemed like action sequences, all of them highly unbelievable. When they're that unbelievable, there's no tension. The movie could easily have been cut by a third, which would not have left out anything worth watching. Every scene went on too long.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on July 23, 2023, 10:44:23 AM
Weekend watchings:

Teen Beach 2: This sequel also pokes fun at the beach movie-musical genre, but I don't think it does it as successfully.  Both movies concern a teen guy and gal in current times and a bunch of teens from 1962 who are characters in a beach movie with a surprisingly porny name.  Worlds cross and etc.  There's cute music and dancing, and some of the actors really get into it, but I didn't really understand how particular events made sense in this one.  Anyway, fun for a Friday, which is all we ask.

Little Miss Sunshine: Great cast, some absolute hilarity, and serious individual and familial drama collide as an extended family with some major issues tries to get the daughter, an improbable beauty contestant, to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant.  A road trip from Albuquerque, NM to Redondo Beach, CA in a suboptimal VW bus brings about some wacky and introspective times.  I saw this movie in the theaters a long time ago, and I still love it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on July 27, 2023, 12:23:13 PM
Haunted Mansion opens today.  We are going to the 3 pm showing!! 

Though My Bride saw the preview and said that it would be ok if we didnt go.

Im looking forward to the diversion!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 07, 2023, 04:25:34 PM
Weekend watchings:

Friday, we had our own little version of Barbenheimer (sort of) with Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (Lovato et al.) and episode 2 of The Last of Us.  I'll save the TV reviews for that thread once we're done with this season.  As for the movie, everyone is back at Camp Rock for another season, but now there's another, similar camp across the lake! And it's run by a frenemy of Camp Rock's owner! You know there has to be a musical showdown.  It is as ridiculous as the first one but has better music (one song in particular is really cute).  The secondary and tertiary Jonas Brothers had larger roles.  There seemed to be a bit less emphasis on the friendship theme.  Still, fun for a Friday.

Saturday was Her (Phoenix et al.) and episode 3 of The Last of Us.  These also ended up inspiring very different feelings.  In my opinion, the movie was more horrific.  It centers on a lonely guy who works at a company writing beautiful letters for other people (so that they don't have to do it themselves, I guess?) who buys an AI operating system that becomes a friend and more.  This takes place in some time or space in which humans do this kind of thing, so it's not just him.  I know it has good ratings and was even nominated for an Oscar, and I think it's got some interesting ideas about human connections and so forth, but I personally found it really icky and off-putting.  I've seen disturbing movies before, but there was just something about this one.  My husband liked it and thinks that the viewer is supposed to feel uncomfortable (success!).  I am hoping putting some time and distance between me and the movie might lead to some awakening that will lead me at least in the direction of a better view of it, but we are where we are.  I guess it was interesting to watch once, but I don't currently see myself clamoring to watch it again or even doing so under duress.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on August 09, 2023, 06:54:13 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 07, 2023, 04:25:34 PMSaturday was Her (Phoenix et al.) and episode 3 of The Last of Us.  These also ended up inspiring very different feelings.  In my opinion, the movie was more horrific.  It centers on a lonely guy who works at a company writing beautiful letters for other people (so that they don't have to do it themselves, I guess?) who buys an AI operating system that becomes a friend and more.  This takes place in some time or space in which humans do this kind of thing, so it's not just him.  I know it has good ratings and was even nominated for an Oscar, and I think it's got some interesting ideas about human connections and so forth, but I personally found it really icky and off-putting.  I've seen disturbing movies before, but there was just something about this one.  My husband liked it and thinks that the viewer is supposed to feel uncomfortable (success!).  I am hoping putting some time and distance between me and the movie might lead to some awakening that will lead me at least in the direction of a better view of it, but we are where we are.  I guess it was interesting to watch once, but I don't currently see myself clamoring to watch it again or even doing so under duress.

I watched Her recently and I mostly agree with your assessment, although I liked the movie more than you seem to have. The main character is creepy and the whole thing is unsettling. That said, its predictions are looking pretty accurate, given the advancements in AI lately (including various AI girl/boyfriend apps).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on August 10, 2023, 05:00:43 PM
I saw Barbie the other night. A number of good jokes, though I thought it was a little longer than it needed to be, and I suspect that if you inspect the plot closely, it doesn't all hold up logically. But it was a pleasant evening out.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on August 12, 2023, 08:40:14 AM
Da 5 Bloods (2020)

This film follows four black Vietnam War veterans as they return to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City in their old age in search of lost treasure. Thematically it is a commentary on black Americans fighting a pointless and horrible war for a country that oppresses them, while the plot is sort of in the vein of a heist movie. The commentary worked better than the plot for me, partly because the film is all over the place tonally: sometimes it is a comedy, at other points a tragedy, then an ultra-violent B-movie. It should also be said that the actors are absolutely fantastic and the commentary is incredibly heavy handed.

In the end, I enjoyed this and would recommend it, but I was also frustrated by it because all the pieces are here for a truly terrific movie, but this is just pretty good.

Grade: B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 13, 2023, 10:31:58 AM
Regarding Her, I didn't like the OS personality but realized after the fact that I do give the movie some marks for not making her some perfect thing of wonder.  She's manipulative and deceitful, and I guess some of that could be attributed to immaturity as she's learning.  I am trying to avoid saying too much about how things turn out, but there are definitely aspects of how things go that I think are both clever and realistic.

Also, Sun_Worshiper, it's so disappointing when a movie seems to have the bones to be really great but doesn't make it happen!

Weekend watchings:
High School Musical 3: This wraps up our live-action movies of that genre.  I don't have Jump In or the other related movies and am not sure we'll be picking them up anytime soon (though I have seen that one).  Eldest was at the right age for all of these movies, which is why I am familiar with them.  Why I enjoy them myself is another question, I guess.  Anyway, I put this one after the first one (HSM1>3>2).  Eldest says 1>2>3.  We saw this one in the theater together.  The kids are graduating and possibly going their separate ways.  Where will they go? What will they major in? Will the couples stay together? Most important of all, will Troy choose basketball, let alone the vaunted U of Albuquerque, which we all know is a basketball powerhouse AND his father's alma mater AND his best friend Chad's choice of school?! Lots of drama to sort out in this brief two hours.  The choreography is better than the music in this one, but there are some pretty funny scenes from newcomers.  Not sure what we will do for Friday night movies now.

Friday (Ice Cube): I exclaimed that "we watched Friday on Friday!" and then realized that it was actually Saturday.  Dang.  Neither of us had seen this one, but it was part of a very fancy 25-movie collection we picked up during Amazon's Prime Days sale.  I am not sure how to sum this one up.  It has a particular vibe that I find enjoyable to watch.  It's Friday, and Craig has been fired from his job, so there's not much to do other than hang out with his perennially-high friend Smokey and attend to a few things for his parents.  And try to hook up with the lovely Debbie, whose sister Felisha (of "bye, Felisha" fame) is something else.  Of course there's trouble lurking in the neighborhood, and when Smokey ends up owing money to a big bad guy you know it's going down.  This movie has some wacky characters and is pretty funny but takes a very quick turn to the not-so-funny.  We enjoyed it.  I wouldn't put it on my list of top movies, but I'd definitely watch it again.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 20, 2023, 10:09:30 AM
Our weekend watchings are both from the aforementioned 25 pack.

Dumb and Dumber (Carrey, Daniels)- I had never seen this and felt like it would be a good Friday night post-vaccination stupor movie.  It did its job.  I can't see how it could be on any reasonably short list of funniest movies of all time, but it was pretty amusing and did have some very funny scenes.  The movie follows buddies Lloyd and Harry, who have stumbled into a bad situation due to good intentions, across the country in various crazy modes of transportation and with various interesting passengers.

Invictus (Freeman, Damon)- This one focuses on Nelson Mandela's early efforts as president to unite South Africa after apartheid.  He thinks that uniting behind the national rugby team (whose colors and emblem are divisive) will help in that regard.  Seems like he's right.  It's a feel-good movie without anything too shocking or unpredictable, but it's nice to have something to cheer for.  I just wish I understood the inscrutable game of rugby at all.  These movies can feel pretty heavy handed, but it seemed as if there were a couple potentially touching aspects that they really didn't play up at all.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: cathwen on August 20, 2023, 01:00:39 PM
My husband and I saw Oppenheimer last weekend. It was...okay, but way too long. Parts of it were gripping, others not so much.

I wanted to see the film because both my parents had worked on the Manhattan Project, not knowing what it was, such was the secrecy and compartmentalization. My father was an electrical engineer, my mother an executive secretary. When I asked my parents about their work, Dad never said much about it (I imagine it involved designing electrical systems), and Mother (who of course had to take dictation and type up secret documents for her boss) never revealed anything, even years later, except that "it involved uranium," which was no secret by that time. When the announcement of the bombing came over the radio, Mother said she felt physically ill. The film did show similar reactions among some people.

So I wish that it had devoted some time to the many, many "little people," such as my parents, who were part of the endeavor. (And I just complained that it was too long!)
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on August 23, 2023, 07:29:20 AM
Thanks for the Oppenheimer review, cathwen! I have been a bit daunted by the length, though there are certainly plenty of long movies that I have ended up enjoying quite a lot.  Just hard to commit! We will definitely see it at some point (not on the big screen).  And that is so interesting about your parents.  I think there were many either involved with the project in some capacity or affected by the bomb testing (or bombing, of course) whose stories have not really been told, but maybe that will change given the outcry surrounding the film's release.  We visited the Trinity site on an open day, and I imagine that the downwinders might get their stories out in the near future.  Maybe the project support stories will also come to light. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: secundem_artem on August 23, 2023, 04:35:55 PM
Heart of Stone on Netflix.  I only got about half way through and turned it off.  Just one more reason to dislike Gal Gadot.  She seems to play every role with some kind of smirk on her face.

She is in the pantheon of actors I truly dislike - her, Will Farrell, Gwyneth Paltrow and her steam cleaned vajayjay, Rob Scheider, Shia LaBeouf, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Rogen and the cloud of weed that surrounds him, James Franco, Russell Brand, a few others I can't be arsed to remember at this time.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 04, 2023, 06:17:26 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on August 10, 2023, 05:00:43 PMI saw Barbie the other night. A number of good jokes, though I thought it was a little longer than it needed to be, and I suspect that if you inspect the plot closely, it doesn't all hold up logically. But it was a pleasant evening out.

I watched this today. It is fun and funny, with great performances and set designs. It also has some solid social commentary, even if it lacks nuance, is quite heavy handed, and is somewhat undermined by the fact that the film is ultimately a two hour toy commercial.

B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: RatGuy on September 05, 2023, 06:08:35 AM
I think I'm the only one in my friend group who is excited about Haunting in Venice. I'll visit the theater for that one.

And I'm sad that Force of Nature got delayed, because I thought The Dry was one of the best mysteries I'd seen in a while.

Finally, I saw Talk to Me and while I'm not sure I "liked it," I did think it was good and it's stuck with me.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on September 05, 2023, 11:46:08 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on September 04, 2023, 06:17:26 PMIt also has some solid social commentary, even if it lacks nuance, is quite heavy handed, and is somewhat undermined by the fact that the film is ultimately a two hour toy commercial.

As someone on the internet noted, the studio is so buoyed by the success of Barbie that it's planning many more movies tied in to toys, where what the movie's success actually signals is that there is a market for more movies about women.

On that theme, I watched Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret with friends. It was liked more by the people who did not live through that era (it's set in 1970). It was unnaturally cheerful and wholesome for the adolescent experience of the era, in my view. All the pre-teen girls shiny and eager to grow up and get their periods, whereas the girls I knew were dreading the whole palaver. But essentially it's a movie intended to be heartwarming, however unrealistic that may be. Some well-done moments, however, especially the drama of buying Tampax at the store. The young actress playing the 11-year-old main character, Abby Ryder Fortson, was great.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 10, 2023, 04:17:23 PM
Recently we have watched Crazy Rich Asians (good, and I had no idea that was Awkwafina, but she was pretty funny), The Hangover (better the first time I saw it but probably due to the surprise aspect... still funny), The Darkest Hour (good biopic about Churchill around the time of Dunkirk), True Lies (still hilarious and a fun action movie), and A Private War (good biopic about war journalist Marie Colvin).  We also watched Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, but I am refraining from rating them until we watch the third and fourth entries in that series.  I was eager after the first one, but the second was not very good.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 11, 2023, 08:45:09 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 10, 2023, 04:17:23 PMWe also watched Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, but I am refraining from rating them until we watch the third and fourth entries in that series.  I was eager after the first one, but the second was not very good.

First one is great, others not so much
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 11, 2023, 09:23:08 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on September 11, 2023, 08:45:09 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 10, 2023, 04:17:23 PMWe also watched Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, but I am refraining from rating them until we watch the third and fourth entries in that series.  I was eager after the first one, but the second was not very good.

First one is great, others not so much

Thanks for the heads up! We had planned to watch one per week to try to keep the thread, but that went out the window after the second one.  We won't rush to use a precious weekend night slot on the others any time soon.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on September 18, 2023, 09:58:16 AM
We watched Ocean's Eleven (Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Cheadle, Gould, Scott Caan, Casey Affleck, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, et al.) and Definitely, Maybe (Ryan Reynolds, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz, Isla Fisher) this past weekend.  We'd each seen both before.  The first is a Vegas heist movie and remake of Ocean's 11 (starring the Rat Pack).  It didn't have quite the same feel that I thought it had the first time, like the kind of energy of Bullet Train, but it was fun anyway.  I think I saw the second one on the series a while back, but I don't really remember it.  I just ordered a cheap pack that has the original (1960s movie) and the second and third (twelve and thirteen) in it.

The latter involves a soon-to-be single dad telling his daughter the story of how he met her mother, and because several women star in this story it is left to the end to disclose which is actually the girl's mother.  There are plenty of things not to like about the characters, but I guess it's probably more realistic that they're not completely likeable.  I think it's a cute story overall and left me a bit teary-eyed at times (again).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 01, 2023, 05:23:03 PM
Recent movies were Office Space (still pretty funny), Men of Honor (seen it before and again was invested by the end; very interesting, mostly true story of the first African-American US Navy master diver), Little Shop of Horrors (didn't remember if I had seen it, but it was pretty cute and had a fun soundtrack), and Guy Ritchie's The Covenant.  The last one is the only one new to us and the only recent movie.  It's not a true story but probably has some truthful elements, about the native interpreters in Afghanistan who helped the US military locate the Taliban and who really got the short end of the stick in return.  Here's the Rotten Tomato description (tomatometer 83%, audience score 98%):

QuoteGuy Ritchie's The Covenant follows US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed goes to Herculean lengths to save Kinley's life. When Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he must repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down first.

We both thought it was very good.  I appreciate that Ritchie states that he tried not to make it saccharine, and I think that effort paid off.  Once the main action begins, it's pretty edge of the seat stuff.  I am also not a big military weapon fan, but I was pretty awed by one of the aircraft.  Regardless, I would recommend the movie for the story and acting. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on October 01, 2023, 08:43:23 PM
We watched A Haunting in Venice. Beautiful cinematography, a plot that got too complicated. Supposedly based on a book by Agatha Christie (the movie's detective is Hercule Poirot, played by Kenneth Brannagh), but the plot is distorted beyond all recognition. I'd give it a B-.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on October 08, 2023, 11:02:57 AM
We also just watched a Branagh movie.  But first, Spaceballs.  Still funny, or punny, I guess.  My brother and I must have watched that a thousand times when we were kids.  I still remember most of the lines.  Can't remember anything that matters in life, but that kind of thing sticks.

Last night was Tenet.  I am not sure what to say about it because I think I will have to watch it a couple more times to get any kind of grasp on what the hell was going on there.  We had to take a break because we were both just staring wide-eyed at the screen trying to pay attention to everything for too long.  Wowie.  I don't want to give away the main plot device (not that I think I understand it myself or could explain it).  Here's the blurb on IMDB:

QuoteArmed with only one word, Tenet, and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

I just read the trivia and am pretty blown away by the fact that nearly everything in the film was practical effects, rather than CGI or something.  The actors themselves did everything as it is shown, and that is completely astonishing.  I'm not just talking car chase scenes.  Whether the story makes sense, I don't know, but the movie itself is really impressive, nicely shot, and just interesting as heck to watch.  At the start, since it's a Christopher Nolan film, my husband said that it would likely be a mindf*ck.  Well, that was an understatement! I really felt like I needed a facial massage or something after frowning so hard while trying to concentrate.  I had not read anything about the movie beforehand, but I'm not sure it would have helped.  I was not surprised to read afterward that lead actor is Denzel's son.  There's something about the way he spoke now and again, I guess.  And I was pretty impressed with Robert Pattinson, having only seen him in Twilight (once, a long time ago).  I thought that movie was pretty bad.  He did a good job here.  Is the movie really as clever as it seems? Or is just trying to seem like it be being completely overwhelming? I don't know yet, but it was pretty cool from a moviemaking point of view, and we were definitely engaged.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: fishbrains on October 11, 2023, 07:52:19 AM
We watch The Truman Show when we talk about Plato's cave, and I'm often struck by how well the movie holds up over twenty years later. The science fiction/futuristic element of the movie has become somewhat more profound now that cameras are everywhere and everyone has their own camera on them at all times.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 11, 2023, 11:08:02 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 08, 2023, 11:02:57 AMWe also just watched a Branagh movie.  But first, Spaceballs.  Still funny, or punny, I guess.  My brother and I must have watched that a thousand times when we were kids.  I still remember most of the lines.  Can't remember anything that matters in life, but that kind of thing sticks.

Last night was Tenet.  I am not sure what to say about it because I think I will have to watch it a couple more times to get any kind of grasp on what the hell was going on there.  We had to take a break because we were both just staring wide-eyed at the screen trying to pay attention to everything for too long.  Wowie.  I don't want to give away the main plot device (not that I think I understand it myself or could explain it).  Here's the blurb on IMDB:

QuoteArmed with only one word, Tenet, and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

I just read the trivia and am pretty blown away by the fact that nearly everything in the film was practical effects, rather than CGI or something.  The actors themselves did everything as it is shown, and that is completely astonishing.  I'm not just talking car chase scenes.  Whether the story makes sense, I don't know, but the movie itself is really impressive, nicely shot, and just interesting as heck to watch.  At the start, since it's a Christopher Nolan film, my husband said that it would likely be a mindf*ck.  Well, that was an understatement! I really felt like I needed a facial massage or something after frowning so hard while trying to concentrate.  I had not read anything about the movie beforehand, but I'm not sure it would have helped.  I was not surprised to read afterward that lead actor is Denzel's son.  There's something about the way he spoke now and again, I guess.  And I was pretty impressed with Robert Pattinson, having only seen him in Twilight (once, a long time ago).  I thought that movie was pretty bad.  He did a good job here.  Is the movie really as clever as it seems? Or is just trying to seem like it be being completely overwhelming? I don't know yet, but it was pretty cool from a moviemaking point of view, and we were definitely engaged.

I remember thinking I was so smart during the first hour of Tenet, because everyone else didn't get it but I did... until about 1 hour and 15 minutes in when it totally lost me. Great practical effects though.

Quote from: fishbrains on October 11, 2023, 07:52:19 AMWe watch The Truman Show when we talk about Plato's cave, and I'm often struck by how well the movie holds up over twenty years later. The science fiction/futuristic element of the movie has become somewhat more profound now that cameras are everywhere and everyone has their own camera on them at all times.

Yes, good movie that holds up quite well given our reality tv obsessed world.

Ed TV is another one from that era that deserves a re-watch, for the same reasons.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 12, 2023, 01:18:23 PM
I've been on a horror movie kick and have been fortunate enough to catch a few good ones. I won't say too much about the plots to avoid spoilers:

Bones and All (2022, Amazon Prime)

Badlands-esque road movie about a couple of cannibals trying to find themselves in this crazy world. This one is really carried by the lead performances and the atmosphere it creates. There are also some genuinely disgusting moments that even made me wince. It is a little too slow and goes on a little too long (my wife was bored throughout), but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Grade: B+


No One Gets Out Alive (2021, Netflix)

A Mexican undocumented immigrant finds herself living in a rundown boarding house where disturbing things start to happen. This one is creepy and definitely is the strongest in terms of social commentary. But there are a few ridiculous moments that took me out of it.

Grade: B


Talk to Me (2022, Amazon Prime - rental)

A group of teenagers learn how to communicate with the spirit world and become addicted to the thrill of it. All fun and games, until things go left. This is my favorite of the bunch. Scary, well paced, and quite jarring at times.

Grade: A

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: secundem_artem on October 12, 2023, 01:21:28 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 12, 2023, 01:18:23 PMI've been on a horror movie kick and have been fortunate enough to catch a few good ones. I won't say too much about the plots to avoid spoilers:

Bones and All (2022, Amazon Prime)

Badlands-esque road movie about a couple of cannibals trying to find themselves in this crazy world. This one is really carried by the lead performances and the atmosphere it creates. There are also some genuinely disgusting moments that even made me wince. It is a little too slow and goes on a little too long (my wife was bored throughout), but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Grade: B+


No One Gets Out Alive (2021, Netflix)

A Mexican undocumented immigrant finds herself living in a rundown boarding house where disturbing things start to happen. This one is creepy and definitely is the strongest in terms of social commentary. But there are a few ridiculous moments that took me out of it.

Grade: B


Talk to Me (2022, Amazon Prime - rental)

A group of teenagers learn how to communicate with the spirit world and become addicted to the thrill of it. All fun and games, until things go left. This is my favorite of the bunch. Scary, well paced, and quite jarring at times.

Grade: A



I watched Ring once by accident.  Beyond that, I've never understood the appeal of horror (or Will Farrell) movies.  Real life is stressful enough without looking to have the merde scared out of me on purpose.  Can anybody explain the appeal?  It's lost on me.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 12, 2023, 01:29:56 PM
Quote from: secundem_artem on October 12, 2023, 01:21:28 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on October 12, 2023, 01:18:23 PMI've been on a horror movie kick and have been fortunate enough to catch a few good ones. I won't say too much about the plots to avoid spoilers:

Bones and All (2022, Amazon Prime)

Badlands-esque road movie about a couple of cannibals trying to find themselves in this crazy world. This one is really carried by the lead performances and the atmosphere it creates. There are also some genuinely disgusting moments that even made me wince. It is a little too slow and goes on a little too long (my wife was bored throughout), but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Grade: B+


No One Gets Out Alive (2021, Netflix)

A Mexican undocumented immigrant finds herself living in a rundown boarding house where disturbing things start to happen. This one is creepy and definitely is the strongest in terms of social commentary. But there are a few ridiculous moments that took me out of it.

Grade: B


Talk to Me (2022, Amazon Prime - rental)

A group of teenagers learn how to communicate with the spirit world and become addicted to the thrill of it. All fun and games, until things go left. This is my favorite of the bunch. Scary, well paced, and quite jarring at times.

Grade: A



I watched Ring once by accident.  Beyond that, I've never understood the appeal of horror (or Will Farrell) movies.  Real life is stressful enough without looking to have the merde scared out of me on purpose.  Can anybody explain the appeal?  It's lost on me.

To each their own. I guess they're not for everyone. But being scared or disgusted (in a safe space) are emotions that some people love - no so different from the thrill of a roller coaster.

Not to mention that horror movies have the best social commentary.

I can't defend Will Farrell though.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on October 16, 2023, 09:15:48 PM
Watched "Hold the Dark." A thriller bordering on horror, it was genuinely both disturbing and intriguing. I was also impressed by the layers of implications - I've got to admit I missed nearly all of them, though several hinge on blink-and-you-missed-it moments. Various other things I think remain deliberately unexplained or ambiguous. Without spoilers: A writer who has written about his experiences with wolves arrives in a remote Alaskan town, in response to a letter from a local woman requesting his help to hunt down the wolves who she says took her son and another local child, while she is alone as her husband is at war. Pretty much nothing is what it seems though, and everything is darker and more disturbing than it seems at first - all against the backdrop of a wilderness that alternates between brutally amoral and outright evil and a winter darkness that is as much spiritual as physical.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 01, 2023, 05:10:47 PM
I think I'm 3 weeks behind on movies.  We watched Mission: Impossible, which I hadn't seen before and which was better than I had expected.  My husband likened it a bit to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.  We had picked up a 6-movie collection from the M:I series, and I have read that the second one is not as intriguing.  I know I watched one of them while donating platelets at some point, but I don't know which one.  We also watched What About Bob?, which was pretty amusing throughout.  I haven't seen that one in a while and was worried that it wouldn't have held up over time.  There was a third Friday movie that I cannot think of right now.

For Saturdays, we did "horror" movies for the lead up to Halloween.  I guess all three qualify.  The first two were It, It Chapter Two.  It's always surprising to me when a Stephen King book has a good movie adaptation.  I was definitely more scared while reading the book and recall way back when sitting right in the middle of my bed so that I could keep my head on a swivel.  I thought the performances were pretty good, and young Beverly, Eddie, and Ben were particularly good actors.  It's funny how much the young cast reminded me of the cast in Stand By Me, especially Finn Wolfhard/Corey Feldman and Jaeden Martell/Wil Wheaton (and maybe Jeremy Ray Taylor/Jerry O'Connell).  Chapter Two felt too long but was more touching than I had expected. 

Then last weekend we watched Nope.  I was more into the characters in this one than in Get Out or Us.  We enjoyed the movie and found it suspenseful, but I think Us was the scariest of the three.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 01, 2023, 05:19:54 PM
Please watch The Wolf Hour.

An unforgivably underrated and misunderstood movie.

The title makes it sound like a cheesy horror flick, but it is not at all.

The movie needs intelligent people who can think in complex ways about characters and situations. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 02, 2023, 07:53:00 AM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 01, 2023, 05:19:54 PMPlease watch The Wolf Hour.

An unforgivably underrated and misunderstood movie.

The title makes it sound like a cheesy horror flick, but it is not at all.

The movie needs intelligent people who can think in complex ways about characters and situations. 

I looked this one up when you mentioned it before, and boy... not great ratings or reviews! But if you really think it is worth watching, we will give it a try (though I'm guessing others here are more likely the intelligent viewers that you're looking for).  It wouldn't be the first time my preferences ran counter to those of the majority.

Last night I mentioned to my husband that I had posted here about the last couple movies we watched and that I couldn't remember the other Friday night movie.  He racked his brains and also couldn't come up with anything.  He seemed to recall that we also couldn't remember the name of the movie the day after we had watched it.  Anyway, we went to the cabinet, and it was Maverick (Gibson, Foster).  I really liked that movie when I saw it in the theater and enjoyed it again this time, so I'm not sure why it completely escaped us several times.  It's fairly silly but a fun adventure.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 02, 2023, 09:39:45 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on November 02, 2023, 07:53:00 AM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 01, 2023, 05:19:54 PMPlease watch The Wolf Hour.

An unforgivably underrated and misunderstood movie.

The title makes it sound like a cheesy horror flick, but it is not at all.

The movie needs intelligent people who can think in complex ways about characters and situations. 

I looked this one up when you mentioned it before, and boy... not great ratings or reviews! But if you really think it is worth watching, we will give it a try (though I'm guessing others here are more likely the intelligent viewers that you're looking for).  It wouldn't be the first time my preferences ran counter to those of the majority.

Yeah, I noted that the reviews were either one star or five star.  Some people get it.  And I suspect most of the one star reviews came from people doing essentially what I was doing and looking for a cheesy horror flick to entertain them, and the movie starts out that way.  The Wolf Hour has a lot more drama and intelligence than that, however.  I got my wife, who is a film professor, to watch it with me and she got on the train with me too.

I hope you like it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: FishProf on November 02, 2023, 11:44:11 AM
In trying to catch up to the firehose of Marvel Cinematic Universe, MrsFishProf and I watched "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania".  That was a weird, fun ride.  I know enough about the comics to see some Easter eggs and get  clues to what is coming, so I really enjoyed that.  MFP also thought it was a fun ride.

Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on November 02, 2023, 12:52:27 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 01, 2023, 05:19:54 PMPlease watch The Wolf Hour.

An unforgivably underrated and misunderstood movie.

The title makes it sound like a cheesy horror flick, but it is not at all.

The movie needs intelligent people who can think in complex ways about characters and situations. 

I'm adding this to my list. Will drop my thoughts once I get around to watching it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 02, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on November 02, 2023, 12:52:27 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 01, 2023, 05:19:54 PMPlease watch The Wolf Hour.

An unforgivably underrated and misunderstood movie.

The title makes it sound like a cheesy horror flick, but it is not at all.

The movie needs intelligent people who can think in complex ways about characters and situations. 

I'm adding this to my list. Will drop my thoughts once I get around to watching it.

Rock on!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 07, 2023, 09:48:07 AM
This past weekend was Mission: Impossible 2 (Cruise) and Dan in Real Life (Carell).  MI2... I will say there was one scene that I liked quite a lot.  But overall, the director's choices just seemed a bit much.  I think it's neat that a lot of the installments have different directors, and I expect the movies to feel different because of that.  But I definitely preferred Brian De Palma's style in the first one to John Woo's in this one.  It was so melodramatic! Good grief.  I didn't find it nearly as engaging.  That is the end of John Woo for the series, so we may watch the third one next weekend.

Dan in Real Life is one I had never heard of but that my husband suggested.  It's a dramedy about a widower with teenage daughters who goes to a big family vacation getaway at a cabin and ends up falling in love with someone after he never thought that would happen again.  Unfortunately, it's his brother's girlfriend.  This is the blurb on IMDB, so I am not spoiling anything.  Obviously, some amusement and shenanigans result.  It was a cute movie with some good laughs, but I didn't really like any of the characters and wasn't rooting for them as much as I would have expected to.  It's got a good ensemble cast, though! I would watch it again if it were on TV.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 12, 2023, 02:06:00 PM
Friday night was This is Where I Leave You (Bateman et al.).  The story largely takes place at the home of Bateman's character's mother after his father has passed away.  All the (adult) children gather after hearing that their father's last wish was for them to sit shiva.  This allows them all to find out out miserable they and their siblings are, and hijinks ensue.  It's pretty entertaining at times, and I think the cast is very good.  In addition to the lead, Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Adam Driver, Dax Shepard, Timothy Olyphant, and many others contribute. 

Last night was The Italian Job (remake with Wahlberg et al.).  I remember liking this one a lot when I first saw it, and it has held up well.  It's a fun action tale without much filler centered on a group of thieves and their work.  In addition to the lead, there's Jason Statham, Edward Norton, Mos Def, Seth Green, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, and others, comprising another good cast.  It has a similar feel to Ocean's Eleven in a lot of ways.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on November 20, 2023, 02:26:52 PM
This past weekend was Mission: Impossible III and Do the Right Thing.  MI had JJ Abrams as director this time, and I feel like the Alias similarities are there.  I would say it's more straightforward action than the previous two.  The ending seemed a bit unbelievable, but I guess that's to be expected.  I'd rank them 1>3>2 so far. 

We decided to watch the latter movie because there are so many cultural references to it, and we'd never seen it.  For others who haven't, it takes place on a very hot day in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of NYC, which has plenty of characters living there and a couple shops owned by people of other ethnicities that seem to be a point of contention for various reasons.  The main issue is a pizzeria that has been there for many years and is owned by an Italian family who lives in a nicer neighborhood.  There is much racial tension, and the final straw is broken this day.  The movie clearly had a message or two to get across (with some attention to different ways of handling these kinds of tensions and events), and I think it was very good overall.  There were certainly some people who seemed a bit more villainous or who committed more clearly villainous acts, but there weren't any saints.  On a side note, I thought it was interesting that the street scenes often had a musical quality to them, sometimes feeling a little old-timey or like they're a part of West Side Story.  I was wondering when whatever was going to happen was going to happen, but the final half hour was action central.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 20, 2023, 03:49:01 PM
Do the Right Thing is one of the most original and brilliant films of the 20th century.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 08, 2023, 04:32:33 PM
Since we're about to go into another weekend of movies, I figured I'd better update on the past two.  Two weeks ago (actually Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving since we had guests that weekend), we watched 42nd Street and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.  Last weekend was Singin' In the Rain and Boyz in the Hood.  We enjoyed all of the above for different reasons (of course).  The musicals were just fun, and I had no idea that 42nd Street basically helped to save the movie musical genre.  I also didn't know until watching Singin' In the Rain (for the second time, though I couldn't remember any of it) that Gene Kelly was such a miserable person to work with.  His main male co-star, Donald O'Conner, was really amazing to watch, having a vaudeville background.  The "Make 'em Laugh" number is so physical.  Apparently he ended up on bed rest for several days and then had to reshoot it because they messed up the original filming? And he smoked 4 packs a day at the time.  Also interesting that Debbie Reynolds had not taken dance lessons before this movie and went through quite a lot at a young age while filming this.  I was having bad flashbacks during the extended dance sequence with Cyd Charisse, as it reminded me too much of the end of An American in Paris, which was apparently held in higher esteem.  I think my favorite numbers in this one were "Moses Supposes" and "Good Morning."

I think Ghost Protocol might be my favorite of the MI movies so far (maybe tied with the first one).  It had yet another director, Brad Bird, and also seemed to be a much more straightforward action movie with a good pace and fun effects.  Boyz in the Hood is a star-studded tragedy that's really hard to watch.  It's so well acted, but you just know how things are going to go down, and a lot of what is going to unfold is telegraphed.  But I guess maybe that's the point.  They know what's going to happen, as it's how it always happens there.  The cycle of violence continues.  No matter how many times it's pointed out, the players don't seem to be able to step away from the game, and of course it's often those who are not involved who get killed along the way. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 11, 2023, 05:24:53 PM
Okay, we have watched The Wolf Hour! I went back to look at what Wahoo said about it, and I guess we are somewhere in the middle.  I definitely would not give it a 1, but I wouldn't give it a 10.  I think I'm probably around a 6.5 or 7 with it, though I am still not sure I fully "get it" and am still thinking about what transpired.  I can't understand reviewers being bored by it or even leaving midway through.  And I agree that it's a psychological thriller or drama, not a horror movie.  I thought Naomi Watts was great in it and portrayed a pretty interesting character with probably a different perspective than most during this particular time.  I don't want to say too much about it in case Sun_Worshiper still has it in the queue.  I'd really like to hear Wahoo's more detailed take on it as well!

The next night was Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, which I originally agreed to under duress but which I really enjoyed.  I am not a D&D person (did play in elementary school, though!), but luckily you don't have to be.  It's very fun throughout and hilarious at times.  If there were another movie released with this cast and group of characters, I'd watch it, and we'll probably buy this one (we watched on Prime, where it's currently free!). 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on December 11, 2023, 05:40:57 PM
We watched Leave the World Behind (Julia Roberts, Mahershaba Ali, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon). It just came out on Netflix. I haven't read the book, but the word is that the book is much better than the movie. The deal is that a wealthy and not entirely likeable couple go to a vacation house and while they're there the world implodes mysteriously. Reportedly in the book the mystery of the apocalypse is at the right level of mysteriousness, but in the movie it becomes kind of ludicrous. Hundreds of deer staring at them mystically and so on. Julia Roberts does her best and Mahershaba Ali is good as always, but some of the other performances are lacking. But mainly it goes on way too long and just becomes tiresome and exasperating.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 11, 2023, 09:35:33 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on December 11, 2023, 05:40:57 PMWe watched Leave the World Behind (Julia Roberts, Mahershaba Ali, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon). It just came out on Netflix. I haven't read the book, but the word is that the book is much better than the movie. The deal is that a wealthy and not entirely likeable couple go to a vacation house and while they're there the world implodes mysteriously. Reportedly in the book the mystery of the apocalypse is at the right level of mysteriousness, but in the movie it becomes kind of ludicrous. Hundreds of deer staring at them mystically and so on. Julia Roberts does her best and Mahershaba Ali is good as always, but some of the other performances are lacking. But mainly it goes on way too long and just becomes tiresome and exasperating.

I agree that it is a bit slow, but I liked it nevertheless. It has stayed with me over the last few days as well. I'd give it a B+
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on December 12, 2023, 01:53:48 PM
Watched Leave the World Behind last night. It would have been better if the musical score had not been so over the top foreboding. It was like being hit with the proverbial CHE clue-bat that bad things were happening! I did rather enjoy Julia Roberts playing someone rather unlikeable.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: spork on December 17, 2023, 10:29:33 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on December 11, 2023, 05:40:57 PMWe watched Leave the World Behind (Julia Roberts, Mahershaba Ali, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon). It just came out on Netflix. I haven't read the book, but the word is that the book is much better than the movie. The deal is that a wealthy and not entirely likeable couple go to a vacation house and while they're there the world implodes mysteriously. Reportedly in the book the mystery of the apocalypse is at the right level of mysteriousness, but in the movie it becomes kind of ludicrous. Hundreds of deer staring at them mystically and so on. Julia Roberts does her best and Mahershaba Ali is good as always, but some of the other performances are lacking. But mainly it goes on way too long and just becomes tiresome and exasperating.

This is one of the few times I liked the movie better than the novel from which it was adapted, even though the movie is ~ 30 minutes too long. Maybe it's because I prefer visual to textual depictions of American self-absorption and cluelessness.

Side note: on the the piece of paper that Clay brings back, the second word is misspelled. But maybe that's part of the disinformation strategy.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 17, 2023, 12:03:34 PM
I am intrigued by this movie you all are discussing and am putting it on the list.

We watched Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and Ocean's Thirteen this weekend as a last hurrah before some holiday stressors.  This MI was our favorite so far.  I think that other than #2, they just keep getting better.  It was legit funny at times and had plenty of action and the typical stunts galore.  I liked how the whole thing came together at the end.  As for the latter movie, those zero of you who wait with bated breath for each weekend's movie reviews might have noticed that we skipped 12.  Usually we wouldn't do that, but my husband and the reviews indicated that it wasn't such a great entry (I have seen it but as usual have forgotten it), so we just moved on to 13 since there wasn't necessary material.  I like these movies, but even more than in the first one there is too much going on.  Too many people, too many little schemes to follow, too many scheme names that sound like people's names.  It's better to pull back and just let things flow and not worry too much about the details in order to enjoy it.

After Christmas and guest, we will probably watch some holiday favorites (e.g., Love Actually, Elf, The Holiday, The Ref, some Muppet and animated specials) and then get back to some older movies, musicals, and "serious" films.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 17, 2023, 03:12:45 PM
Winter's Bone (2010; streaming on Amazon Prime)

Somewhere in the Ozarks, a meth dealer in trouble with the law puts his house up as bond and then proceeds to disappear. Only problem is that his family - two daughters and son, plus mentally ill wife - are still living there and are otherwise utterly poor. The eldest daughter, who is effectively the matriarch of the family, searches for him through the local criminal network in hopes of convincing him to show up for court.

This was Jennifer Lawrence's breakout performance and it is easy to see why: she is onscreen for almost the entire runtime and seems fully committed to the role. The rest of the cast is quite good also, with most being lesser known character actors, but Lawrence carries the film. The portrayals of poverty and hopelessness in rural America are quite convincing and the relationships among the integrated criminal/family network are interesting. It should also be said that there is not a lot of plot and the pace is pretty slow, so it did.

Grade: A-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on December 17, 2023, 08:29:10 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 11, 2023, 05:24:53 PMOkay, we have watched The Wolf Hour! I went back to look at what Wahoo said about it, and I guess we are somewhere in the middle.  I definitely would not give it a 1, but I wouldn't give it a 10.  I think I'm probably around a 6.5 or 7 with it, though I am still not sure I fully "get it" and am still thinking about what transpired.  I can't understand reviewers being bored by it or even leaving midway through.  And I agree that it's a psychological thriller or drama, not a horror movie.  I thought Naomi Watts was great in it and portrayed a pretty interesting character with probably a different perspective than most during this particular time.  I don't want to say too much about it in case Sun_Worshiper still has it in the queue.  I'd really like to hear Wahoo's more detailed take on it as well!

So glad you watched it.  I've been checking this thread. 

Structurally it is very interesting.  If you parse the plot points you'd find the traditional three-act structure, but the ordering of events is deliberately disorienting at first watch (the turning point in the character's life seems like a throw away scene) which is fresh air to those of us who watch lots of movies and get tired of the same'ol hackneyed formula.

It is a movie with deceptive complexity about race relations----you have to think about character motivations, and the characters are complex, another breath of fresh air.  We aren't left with some sentimental 'we're-all-the-same-under-the-skin' unrealistic ideal of New York City in the 1970s; the movie challenges us to think of these characters as real people living in a very unfair world with a nod to family dysfunction and the scars of mental illness.  Nevertheless, like Spike Lee's movies, there is a crucial moment when our black and white characters reach an imperfect human connection, even if it is not a beautiful, silly, sacarine moment like we are used to seeing---again, it is complex.

And this is also part of The Wolf Hour: it is a movie about that infamous period in New York's history in which the city teetered on chaos and race relations were particularly violent.  It belongs with movies of the '70s New York dystopia such as Midnight Cowboy, Taxi Driver, Rosemary's Baby, and The Summer of Sam----all classics which are often misunderstood.

Most interestingly, given the subject matter and the evocation of the era, is that The Wolf Hour is actually a redemption story perched right on the verge of New York's reclamation.  The main character heals herself imperfectly as the city is beginning to heal itself imperfectly; you have to pay attention to the symbolism, which is a little heavy-handed (which is part of its melodrama) to get this.

Finally, The Wolf Hour simply has great performances and nice technical filmmaking in a really good story.  Naomi Watts gets most of her traction from the horror genre, which is part of why I thought this was a horror film when I clicked on it, but here she gets to actually act.  She does a good Steppenwolf worthy performance.  And the film is very atmospheric; their production designer, lighting crew, and director of photography knew their stuff.

Anyway, I could dish for a while about this film.  Thanks for taking the suggestion.   
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 18, 2023, 08:32:48 AM
Sun_Worshiper, I was impressed with Winter's Bone and with Jennifer Lawrence's performance in it when I first saw it pre-Hunger Games, and it held up years later.  Especially given that it was her first major role! Tough material, and she handled it and portrayed the bleakness and complexity very well.


Thanks, Wahoo! That is quite an analysis and a very interesting read.  Lots to think about! Maybe it's a small point, but I was wondering about the two interview scenes and whether they are meant to be a parallel, and what that means if so.  It seems as though they are, but I am not sure that I have figured out exactly what they were implying.  Or, I might be reading too much into that aspect.  And I was focused more on the irony (?) of her finally making her move at what must have been one of the worst times to do so, and why.  I think I fail to see beneath the surface and to understand the context a lot of times when I watch movies, so I always appreciate hearing other interpretations and background info.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on December 18, 2023, 09:52:54 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 18, 2023, 08:32:48 AMSun_Worshiper, I was impressed with Winter's Bone and with Jennifer Lawrence's performance in it when I first saw it pre-Hunger Games, and it held up years later.  Especially given that it was her first major role! Tough material, and she handled it and portrayed the bleakness and complexity very well.


Thanks, Wahoo! That is quite an analysis and a very interesting read.  Lots to think about! Maybe it's a small point, but I was wondering about the two interview scenes and whether they are meant to be a parallel, and what that means if so.  It seems as though they are, but I am not sure that I have figured out exactly what they were implying.  Or, I might be reading too much into that aspect.  And I was focused more on the irony (?) of her finally making her move at what must have been one of the worst times to do so, and why.  I think I fail to see beneath the surface and to understand the context a lot of times when I watch movies, so I always appreciate hearing other interpretations and background info.

I think the interview scenes were partly just expository----we learn that June was once a prominent author in the first interview, and then we find out that she has returned to prominence in her second interview.  The form an envelope for the plot.  But they are also a sign of the times----one used to see just those sort of static interview formats with a slightly arrogant, punctilious host, usually an older white male (think Charlie Rose before the scandal), on TV all the time.  And they serve to show how June is willing to milk her family's psychological problems as fodder for her novels: she is a creation of the Confessional moment in literature, rightly or wrongly.

And sure, the script has a lot of irony in it.  It's a good script in that June is given all sorts of timelines to keep from literally going insane----she's out of money (she gives her last $50 to Freddie), her agent is no longer taking her calls, her agoraphobia is crippling her, her family have given up on her, and she is facing homelessness and ruination unless she gets her manuscript out into the world.  Her move coincides with the infamous NYC blackout of '77 and its riots.  When June mistakes one African-American man for Freddie and runs to his aid (you got that June, despite her good-nature and real humanity, cannot tell one black man from another during a moment of crisis) she is forced out of her apartment...and this saves her life.  The things holding her down are broken.  That's several levels of irony right there.

You know, I have never seen Winter's Bone.  Gotta see it, I guess.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: FishProf on December 18, 2023, 09:58:20 AM
We added the Ryan Reynolds/Will Ferrell take on 'A Christmas Carol' Spirited to our holiday moving lineup this year and it was a fun, if occasionally raunchy, romp.  A fun take on the whole redemption at Christmas time trope.  I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the season and doesn't take it all too seriously.

We also love the Muppets version, if that gives any of you a calibration mark.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: RatGuy on December 18, 2023, 12:17:27 PM
I have a date tonight — she asked me to make her my favorite meal and then she's going to show me her favorite movie: "Big Fish."
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on December 18, 2023, 03:34:26 PM
Quote from: RatGuy on December 18, 2023, 12:17:27 PMI have a date tonight — she asked me to make her my favorite meal and then she's going to show me her favorite movie: "Big Fish."

I like this movie a lot - just thinking about it makes me want to call my dad just to say I love him. Hope you enjoy it!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on December 20, 2023, 04:06:21 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on December 18, 2023, 09:52:54 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 18, 2023, 08:32:48 AMSun_Worshiper, I was impressed with Winter's Bone and with Jennifer Lawrence's performance in it when I first saw it pre-Hunger Games, and it held up years later.  Especially given that it was her first major role! Tough material, and she handled it and portrayed the bleakness and complexity very well.


Thanks, Wahoo! That is quite an analysis and a very interesting read.  Lots to think about! Maybe it's a small point, but I was wondering about the two interview scenes and whether they are meant to be a parallel, and what that means if so.  It seems as though they are, but I am not sure that I have figured out exactly what they were implying.  Or, I might be reading too much into that aspect.  And I was focused more on the irony (?) of her finally making her move at what must have been one of the worst times to do so, and why.  I think I fail to see beneath the surface and to understand the context a lot of times when I watch movies, so I always appreciate hearing other interpretations and background info.

I think the interview scenes were partly just expository----we learn that June was once a prominent author in the first interview, and then we find out that she has returned to prominence in her second interview.  The form an envelope for the plot.  But they are also a sign of the times----one used to see just those sort of static interview formats with a slightly arrogant, punctilious host, usually an older white male (think Charlie Rose before the scandal), on TV all the time.  And they serve to show how June is willing to milk her family's psychological problems as fodder for her novels: she is a creation of the Confessional moment in literature, rightly or wrongly.

And sure, the script has a lot of irony in it.  It's a good script in that June is given all sorts of timelines to keep from literally going insane----she's out of money (she gives her last $50 to Freddie), her agent is no longer taking her calls, her agoraphobia is crippling her, her family have given up on her, and she is facing homelessness and ruination unless she gets her manuscript out into the world.  Her move coincides with the infamous NYC blackout of '77 and its riots.  When June mistakes one African-American man for Freddie and runs to his aid (you got that June, despite her good-nature and real humanity, cannot tell one black man from another during a moment of crisis) she is forced out of her apartment...and this saves her life.  The things holding her down are broken.  That's several levels of irony right there.

You know, I have never seen Winter's Bone.  Gotta see it, I guess.

Those are good points about the roles of the interviews.  I was probably thinking too hard about the idea that in the first book she makes her dad the basis for the character, and that has consequences for him.  In the new book, it seems likely that she is the basis for the character, and she is questioned about it but just smiles.  I wasn't sure how to interpret the smile.  As in yes she was the character, but now she isn't? Or maybe she never really was.  I think the latter occurred to me as an improbable possibility because a reviewer said there was some sort of twist?! I was a little surprised that some reviewers couldn't sympathize with her plight.  I could definitely see how she could have grown more and more isolated over time.  Guess I should read up more on what was going on at that time in the city.

I have watched two other movies that I forgot to mention here, I guess because I watched them by myself on and off over a couple days.  The better one was Exmas, in which a woman has broken off her engagement to a workaholic guy, and the guy's family still really likes her.  Since he will be working and can't come for Christmas, they decide to invite her and not tell him, and then he decides to surprise them and shows up.  Hilarity ensues.  Well, it was muted hilarity, but I enjoyed the movie and thought they stuck the landing well (something I don't often find in these kinds of movies).  I'm glad I watched it when it came out and wasn't influenced by the mediocre ratings and reviews.  I would recommend it if you are looking for something fun. 

One I would not recommend is Are You Here, which somehow has a cast of very good comedic actors and is labeled a comedy (and drama, to be fair) but was not at all funny.  I could tell there were scenes that were supposed to be funny, but I did not laugh once.  And I did not like the characters.  This one is about a "man-child" (per IMDB) and his bestie, an immature cretin who is somehow gainfully employed.  Man-child's dad dies, and of course he gets more than his uptight sister, and bestie is trying to hold man-child together, and then there's the really young and lovely granola step-mom who is hated by some of the aforementioned and sexually attractive to the rest of them.  This cast features Owen Wilson, Zach Galafianakis, and Amy Poehler, and they were wasted in it, in my opinion.  I feel like the movie was trying to do or be too many things.  There was some focus on issues of mental health, but it was all just a mess.  This one also had miserable ratings and reviews, and I should have listened! But I thought it would just be an amusing comedy if nothing else.  No.  Just goes to show you can't tell. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on December 20, 2023, 04:59:45 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 20, 2023, 04:06:21 PMThose are good points about the roles of the interviews.  I was probably thinking too hard about the idea that in the first book she makes her dad the basis for the character, and that has consequences for him.  In the new book, it seems likely that she is the basis for the character, and she is questioned about it but just smiles.  I wasn't sure how to interpret the smile.  As in yes she was the character, but now she isn't? Or maybe she never really was.  I think the latter occurred to me as an improbable possibility because a reviewer said there was some sort of twist?! I was a little surprised that some reviewers couldn't sympathize with her plight.  I could definitely see how she could have grown more and more isolated over time.  Guess I should read up more on what was going on at that time in the city.

That is an excellent reading of the interview clips in The Wolf Hour.  And this is why I think it is such an excellent piece of film literature----it takes a lot of close observation and unpacking, and there is a ton of meaning packed into the tight film formula.  Glad you watched it.

We haven't even mentioned the metaphysical possibility that the city itself was the one pressing her door buzzer and frightening her into action----a weird and meaningful notion.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 05, 2024, 04:25:12 PM
Wahoo, thanks again for recommending the movie, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on it! Definitely interesting possibilities!

First, a question that I also posted over on TV thread:
QuoteDoes anyone watch [movies] on Amazon Prime? We have been having trouble with a delay or non-sync between audio and visual, and googling has not led to any solutions that worked.  When we watch on our computers or tablet, no problem.  When we watch on our main Toshiba TV (which is about 7 yrs old) or our little Fire TV (which is an Amazon product!), whether we watch through Roku, a multiformat player, or directly, no luck.  If we pause the show and return to it, it re-syncs, but that is kind of a pain to do throughout.  I have tried casting to the TV, and so has my husband, but it keeps saying something about only purchased material can be casted (so not the free stuff?), which seems odd.  Next we will try plugging the actual ethernet cable directly to the Fire TV (doesn't seem to do anything with the Toshiba), but I use that as a secondary monitor and don't really want to have to keep moving it back and forth (first-world problems).  I figure we must be missing something obvious, because everyone can't be just watching on their computers, and I don't see as much complaining as I would expect to see.  I am going to cross-post this over to the movies thread but thought I would check here as well.  Thanks for any ideas!

Now, reviews.  While my husband was off, we watched movies every night.  Mission Impossible: Fallout was one of the better ones, but we agreed that the previous one (Rogue Nation) was still the best so far.  The Muppet Christmas Carol is a classic, the role of a lifetime for Michael Caine.  My husband hadn't seen it, and I hadn't seen it in a while.  Love Actually is always a favorite around Christmas.  Notting Hill has also been a while for both of us, and it was less rom-com and more well-done rom-dram than we recalled.  Julia Roberts's character is awful, though.  For NYE we had a doubleheader of Casablanca (way more intriguing and resonated more than last time, and my husband had not seen it!) and The Holiday, another favorite for this time of the year.  Oh yes, and Molly's Game, which was a really fast-paced and exciting movie, based on a true story of a former competitive skier who ended up running some major $$$ poker games filled with celebs and so forth, got in trouble, etc.  I really enjoyed it.  And I forgot How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, which I thought had a fun premise: she writes a how-to column for Composure magazine, a totally made-up mag focused on beauty and fashion, and she ends up writing about this very topic.  However, there are forces working against her.  It's a fun movie, not too heavy.  She does a good job of trying to drive him away.  I had seen it before.  So, some new, some old.  Tonight is Vantage Point, which neither of us have seen (I think).
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on January 06, 2024, 06:10:00 AM
We had a Christmas-period bonanza as well. We watched:

A Christmas Story — I know some parts are dated, but it's one of those movies where you just greet each scene as an old friend.
Elf — My first time seeing it. I thought it was variable — some parts clever, some tedious. Interestingly, the (now grown up) kid from A Christmas Story is one of the elves.
Love Actually — This just gets better each time. As someone on social media remarked, if you follow it up with Die Hard, Alan Rickman gets his comeuppance for his bad behavior in Love Actually.
A Christmas Prince — This was our choice for ultra-cheesy Christmas fare, and it was even cheesier than we had reckoned. The female lead was utterly unconvincing. It was nice to see Alice Krieg, though. Researching the whole thing, I discovered that it was the latest entry in the genre of "Ruritanian romance," which led us to rewatch...
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) — a better swashbuckler has never been made. Ronald Colman! David Niven! Douglas Fairbanks Jr.! Swashes! Buckles!
The Hollywood Revue of 1929 — mostly a novelty, though there's a spectacular bit from Buster Keaton.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One — I wish they'd quit putting in plot points that require a recall of the previous movies. I do not recall the previous movies, nor do I care.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — I love this movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 07, 2024, 12:24:09 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on January 06, 2024, 06:10:00 AMLove Actually — This just gets better each time. As someone on social media remarked, if you follow it up with Die Hard, Alan Rickman gets his comeuppance for his bad behavior in Love Actually.

Might have to try this next time! Can't stand his character (understatement of the year).

This weekend was Vantage Point and The Lost City.  The first is an action movie about the assassination attempt on the President of the US during a meeting of world leaders in Spain.  It's told from several points of view.  It didn't take me long to catch onto what was really going on, so I'm not sure if I had seen this one (I get it and Eagle Eye mixed up... not sure which I had seen and which my grad school friend had seen, but I remember talking about them) or if it is just not super difficult to figure out.  In any case, I still thought it was pretty good for an action thriller.  There was one plot point that I was unclear about and isn't mentioned in the goofs section on IMDB, so maybe it was explained and my husband and I both missed it.  We also picked up Eagle Eye and will watch that at some point.

We managed to get The Lost City (free on Amazon Prime) to stream without sync issues on my newer Amazon Fire TV that I use as an external monitor for my laptop.  I think the secret was plugging the ethernet cable in directly, but that is not sustainable (and I need my monitor back at some point).  The movie wasn't bad, just a typical rom-com/action movie.  I thought the trailer looked promising, but it never felt very exciting.  I guess to some extent it's a la Romancing the Stone or Raiders of the Lost Ark but without the charisma.  Part of it is that I just didn't feel a romantic connection between the leads (Bullock, Tatum).  I think they could have done better to build up the characters' individual backgrounds and their shared background, and I think there are pretty easy ways to do that.  It wasn't terrible, and there were some funny moments, but it just could have done better with what it had. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 07, 2024, 03:31:30 PM
I Saw the Devil (2010, streaming on Amazon Prime)

I'm home alone this weekend, classes start Monday, and the weather outside is frightful, so what better to do then relax with a quite movie? I Saw the Devil looks interesting, so I fire it up at around 10pm last night. By around 10:10pm, I am reminded that Korean cinema is just different when it comes to utterly repugnant on-screen violence. But - global citizen, film connoisseur, and glutton for savagery that I am - I stick with it to the bitter, awful, disgusting end.

This is an excellent film that I will never watch again. I do not know a single person that I can recommend it to. But maybe some of you are as depraved as me, so...

Are you in the mood for a beautifully filmed, thematically rich, and highly visceral film? Can you stomach graphic violence that puts the Saw and Hostel movies to shame? If you answered "Yes" to both of these questions, then this is the movie for you! If you answered "No" to the second question, then stay as far away from this film as possible!

Grade: A


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 07, 2024, 06:14:37 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on January 07, 2024, 03:31:30 PMI Saw the Devil (2010, streaming on Amazon Prime)

I'm home alone this weekend, classes start Monday, and the weather outside is frightful, so what better to do then relax with a quite movie? I Saw the Devil looks interesting, so I fire it up at around 10pm last night. By around 10:10pm, I am reminded that Korean cinema is just different when it comes to utterly repugnant on-screen violence. But - global citizen, film connoisseur, and glutton for savagery that I am - I stick with it to the bitter, awful, disgusting end.

This is an excellent film that I will never watch again. I do not know a single person that I can recommend it to. But maybe some of you are as depraved as me, so...

Are you in the mood for a beautifully filmed, thematically rich, and highly visceral film? Can you stomach graphic violence that puts the Saw and Hostel movies to shame? If you answered "Yes" to both of these questions, then this is the movie for you! If you answered "No" to the second question, then stay as far away from this film as possible!

Grade: A




Sometimes I can't take the hyperreal violence stuff...but, dang it, this is intriguing...almost a dare...
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 07, 2024, 06:15:32 PM
Sun_Worshiper, thanks for checking it out for us and for the honest review! I will put it on my list of possibilities but would probably have to watch alone.  Just reading the IMDB details... interesting! "In fact this movie is so violent and dark the Korean film board had to make the director recut the film and remove some of the violence."  Did you even see the full version? ;-) The ratings are pretty high for a lot of the reviews, but those are self-selected, so you never know.

ETA: Agreed with Wahoo.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 07, 2024, 07:09:18 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on January 07, 2024, 06:15:32 PMSun_Worshiper, thanks for checking it out for us and for the honest review! I will put it on my list of possibilities but would probably have to watch alone.  Just reading the IMDB details... interesting! "In fact this movie is so violent and dark the Korean film board had to make the director recut the film and remove some of the violence."  Did you even see the full version? ;-) The ratings are pretty high for a lot of the reviews, but those are self-selected, so you never know.

ETA: Agreed with Wahoo.

I don't know if I saw the full version, but if this is the edited cut then I can't even imagine what they took out.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 07, 2024, 07:57:02 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on January 07, 2024, 06:14:37 PM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on January 07, 2024, 03:31:30 PMI Saw the Devil (2010, streaming on Amazon Prime)

I'm home alone this weekend, classes start Monday, and the weather outside is frightful, so what better to do then relax with a quite movie? I Saw the Devil looks interesting, so I fire it up at around 10pm last night. By around 10:10pm, I am reminded that Korean cinema is just different when it comes to utterly repugnant on-screen violence. But - global citizen, film connoisseur, and glutton for savagery that I am - I stick with it to the bitter, awful, disgusting end.

This is an excellent film that I will never watch again. I do not know a single person that I can recommend it to. But maybe some of you are as depraved as me, so...

Are you in the mood for a beautifully filmed, thematically rich, and highly visceral film? Can you stomach graphic violence that puts the Saw and Hostel movies to shame? If you answered "Yes" to both of these questions, then this is the movie for you! If you answered "No" to the second question, then stay as far away from this film as possible!

Grade: A




Sometimes I can't take the hyperreal violence stuff...but, dang it, this is intriguing...almost a dare...

If you do happen to watch it, let us know what you think.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 15, 2024, 04:00:27 PM
We watched a good variety of movies this weekend.  All were new to both of us.  Friday's was The In-Laws (1979 with Alan Arkin and Peter Falk).  Kevin Pollak mentioned how funny this movie was in his autobiography (which was very funny itself).  Arkin plays a dentist (not very mild-mannered, even at the best of times) whose daughter is marrying Falk's son.  The wedding is coming up, and Arkin's family have not met Falk yet, as he is always away on business.  The fathers end up going on a little adventure together.  I can't really describe the movie without giving much away, except to say I think it's what would be described as madcap or zany.  I think some of IMDB's tags for it are buddy comedy and farce.  Definitely an odd movie, but we enjoyed it.

Saturday's was A Star is Born (1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason).  It felt like a very long movie, even with the intermission that we fast forwarded through.  IMDB says it's 2h34, but google says 3h2, and I believe the latter.  Anyway, it follows the rise of one star and fall of another, and it was very sad at times.  I hadn't realized that Garland had addiction problems in real life and actually died at a young age from them (she's not the one in the film who has those issues).  It was kind of funny that I kept making comments throughout when I thought Garland looked like Liza Minelli, especially her eyes at certain times, or the way she spoke, or when her hair was styled a particular way.  After, my husband asked if Garland had any children.  I said yes Liza Minelli is one of them! That's why I kept remarking on the similarities (I hadn't seen her in much other than The Wizard of Oz).  Maybe he just thought I was obsessed with Liza Minelli all of a sudden.  I guess we both learned some Garland trivia.

Last night was Prospect (Sophie Thatcher, Jay Duplass, Pedro Pascal).  I'm not sure what to think of this one.  It's not much of a story, more of a short sequence of events that occurs, and there's not really any closure.  It focuses on people who prospect for gems on a some moon somewhere.  They have to deal with getting to and from the moon (space travel issues), plus the moon's environment (toxic), plus others who have their own priorities (also toxic).  It's hard to get too invested in any of the characters because it's mostly action, and they don't really explain almost anything about who anyone is or why they are acting the way they do.  On the one hand, it's kind of nice to just be plunked down in some alien environment and have to go along with the story without a lot of gratuitous detail and backstory.  It's just alien! It's sci-fi.  This is what their lives are like.  But then I wonder if they just didn't flesh out the story enough.  I don't know.  It was reasonably good, but I am not sure we will rush to watch it again soon.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 15, 2024, 04:14:50 PM
The Tomorrow Man (2019, Amazon Prime)

An older man who is obsessively preparing for the collapse of civilization meets an older woman with her own issues and they strike up a romance. This is a sweet, lighthearted film with nice performances and a few laughs along the way. Nothing special, but not a bad way to spend 90 minutes.

Grade: B
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 21, 2024, 12:10:31 PM
This weekend was finally Barbenheimer for old people.  We thought both were very well done with very good performances.  We watched Barbie on Friday.  They really went with it full tilt, and I think that can make or break a movie like that.  I did not really expect to need a tissue or that it would be so visually interesting that I could hardly look away from it! Definitely want some of her outfits!  It was a fun, funny, and enjoyable Friday movie.

Oppenheimer was last night.  I was dreading it a bit because of the length and subject matter (dense), but it was so intensely told and quite captivating.  I hate to say that I wish it were a bit longer, because there were so many interesting scientists and exchanges going on, but I guess I will just have to do a lot of background reading.  I looked into nuclear physics a bit today, but it's not sticking too well.  I hadn't realized it was a Christopher Nolan film, and true to form there are some aspects that can be interpreted in various ways (including some kind of shocking events that are shown quickly and then never brought up again?!).  He tells the story from a couple viewpoints, using color or black and white, and I guess that's important in figuring out what actually happened in some cases.  My husband knows much more about the physics and history, so he knew more about what was going on.  I wish I had seen it before we visited the Trinity site.  I don't think they're doing the April open house this year, supposedly for budgetary reasons, but I wonder about the timing.  Anyway, more reading to do! I'm guessing a lot more people are looking up how to enrich uranium these days, so hopefully that's not as much of a red flag.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on January 21, 2024, 02:59:59 PM
If you liked Oppenheimer, then I highly suggest reading both American Prometheus and Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens. The first is the source biogrpahy for Oppenheimer the movie. It covers a lot of the tangential relationships and the more interesting aspects of the Oppenheimer's upbringing and education. It's a very well written biography.
    The second is a biography of Frank Oppenheimer, the younger brother. He had  an equally interesting but less well known career including working on the Manhattan Project with his brother. The highlight that lovers of popular science will appreciate is his founding the the Exploratorium in San Francisco. You can thank him (or not!) for the entire movement of interactive displays in science museums as a result. This one is ultimately more uplifting that American Prometheus, as you might guess.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 21, 2024, 03:24:14 PM
Thanks for the recommendations, mythbuster! My husband has American Prometheus (he's currently listening to it) and The Making of the Atomic Bomb (which he said was outstanding), but we don't have the one about Frank.  And thanks especially for mentioning that one, because I had meant to look him up.  I didn't get a good sense from the movie about his role or background.  I'll look into that book.  That's neat about the Exploratorium and interactive science displays!
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: RatGuy on January 22, 2024, 08:31:34 AM
Has anyone seen Poor Things? That's the latest to hit the local theater.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on January 22, 2024, 10:03:34 AM
Quote from: RatGuy on January 22, 2024, 08:31:34 AMHas anyone seen Poor Things? That's the latest to hit the local theater.

Haven't seen it yet, but it is supposed to be great.

Have you seen The Lobster or The Favourite? Both weird (and great) films from the same director.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Larimar on January 27, 2024, 05:40:51 AM
Saw two interesting movies recently. Polite Society takes place in India and is about a girl who wants to become a movie stuntwoman. She uses the action-heroine skills she is cultivating through martial arts training in order to rescue her older sister from an arranged marriage to a charismatic, smooth, looks-good-on-paper guy, who with his mother actually has an over-the-top evil agenda. There's a few rather icky moments, but the family loyalty and don't-give-up-on-your-dreams messages are nice, and there's a cool dance scene with beautiful costumes and cool music.

The other movie is Pawn Sacrifice, a based-on-a-true-story film with Tobey Maguire as chess prodigy Bobby Fischer, battling mental illness as he tries to become world chess champion by beating Soviet grandmaster Boris Spassky during the Cold War. Their game 6 was described as the greatest game of chess ever played. Like the play Proof, the movie looked at the link between genius and madness. Fischer's sister wanted his managers to take him to a doctor after he sent her some seriously weird letters, but they didn't want to because they were afraid treatment would destroy Fischer's chess brilliance, and it was important to the country in the Cold War atmosphere that Fischer win. When Mr. Larimar asked me what I thought of the movie when we finished it, I said, "Interesting and tragic." It made me wonder what would have happened to Fischer if he were playing today.

Larimar
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on January 27, 2024, 10:02:45 AM
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1967) on Kanopy
I had seen a few minutes of this movie adaptation of the Broadway musical on TV years ago and stumbled across it on Kanopy last week. Fun watch!
I also saw this musical performed on stage in my senior year of college. It was a student production and the public was welcome to attend.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on January 28, 2024, 12:05:38 PM
We watched two sports movies this weekend, both free on Prime.  Friday was Air, a recent movie about Nike's attempts to get Michael Jordan as a spokesperson.  From what I've read, there's a lot of truth to the story, though it may have been embellished a bit, and some of the people involved had larger or smaller roles than what was shown on screen.  It was a pretty fast-paced and interesting story about how they decided on him, took a major risk, and tried to build the brand around him.  It was also interesting to think about Nike being third, after Adidas and Converse, having started primarily as a running shoe company with a basketball division on the brink of being disbanded.  The amounts of $ are pretty staggering.

Also fast-paced was last night's Rollerball, the original 1975 version.  We had thought about watching it because two of the characters in Daisy Jones and the Six (set during that time period) went to see it several times in quick succession.  They were kind of knuckleheads, so who knows why that made the movie appealing.  Still, it was free, so we gave it a try.  If I hadn't read the IMDB synopsis, I'm not sure I would have understood the universe in which it was set.  Basically, this is some futuristic tale in which there aren't really nations anymore, just several corporations (each in charge of something different like energy, food, ...) working in conjunction to keep things moving smoothly and keep the individuals in their places.  They do this through several means, including this game of rollerball, which is pretty brutal (injuries are common, and deaths are not uncommon).  James Caan is the star of the Houston team (defending champs), but the corporations are trying to force him out and make him retire.  It's a very intense movie.  Sometimes I felt as though I were on drugs (and may have needed to take more).  It's really not explained very well but is quite action-packed, and I enjoyed it and found it interesting to contemplate their world.  The set and feel kind of reminded me of Soylent Green at times. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on February 04, 2024, 01:24:05 AM
We watched The Holdovers tonight. Very well done. The choice of music was inspired throughout. It's incredible that the actor playing the private-school student actually was a private-school student at the school where they filmed the movie, and where they held auditions. His performance was fine enough that you'd think he'd been in movies for years. The evocation of 1971 was also very well done, and evoked a lot of rueful nostalgia.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 04, 2024, 11:05:26 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on February 04, 2024, 01:24:05 AMWe watched The Holdovers tonight. Very well done. The choice of music was inspired throughout. It's incredible that the actor playing the private-school student actually was a private-school student at the school where they filmed the movie, and where they held auditions. His performance was fine enough that you'd think he'd been in movies for years. The evocation of 1971 was also very well done, and evoked a lot of rueful nostalgia.

I'd seen a bunch of news about the movie but no personal reviews, so thanks! Will check this one out.

We watched Hairspray (2007) on Fridayand Thief last night.  I had seen that version of Hairspray before and thought it was really fun with some good music and dancing.  My husband enjoyed it as well.  I see that there are very mixed reviews on IMDB.  Some absolutely love it, some absolutely hate it.  The latter appear to be folks who had seen the earlier film version (apparently not a musical) and/or thought Travolta was terrible in it.  Some thought Walken was also terrible in it! I thought they were pretty adorable.  To each his own, I guess.  I would like to see the earlier version at some point.

I had not heard of Thief until James Caan passed away and a friend of mine (screenwriter who has some really interesting insights on movies) said that this was his favorite of Caan's roles.  I picked it up then but just got around to watching it last night.  I was surprised to see that was a year and a half ago.  Anyway, the story is about a thief (shocker!) who decides to pull off one last score that will set him up for the life he has wanted.  We both thought it was a pretty intense (though not as much as the Caan movie we saw last weekend) and good action movie and character study.  I also enjoyed thinking about the symbolism and learning trivia about some of the actors.  I don't want to give too much away.  It's Michael Mann's directorial debut, so if you like his movies and have not seen this one, check it out.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on February 04, 2024, 02:43:24 PM
Quote from: Hegemony on February 04, 2024, 01:24:05 AMWe watched The Holdovers tonight. Very well done. The choice of music was inspired throughout. It's incredible that the actor playing the private-school student actually was a private-school student at the school where they filmed the movie, and where they held auditions. His performance was fine enough that you'd think he'd been in movies for years. The evocation of 1971 was also very well done, and evoked a lot of rueful nostalgia.

Great movie. I enjoyed it also.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 11, 2024, 03:18:05 PM
We ordered The Holdovers and hope to watch it soon!

Friday was The Cowboy Way, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Woody Harrelson (and a couple other famous people).  I had seen it a long time ago, and it came up in my feed somewhere, so why not.  It's about two NM cowboys who have to travel to NYC to help a friend out, and plenty of hijinks ensue along the way.  Maybe it's a dumb movie, but I just kind of like the pair of them together.  I don't think it pretends to be a "film" in any way.  It was fun for a Friday.

Last night was Bohemian Rhapsody.  After reading the 200+ trivia items on IMDB, I see that it's not completely historically accurate.  I assume that was due to the perspectives of the folks who authorized it (Brian May and Roger Taylor, mostly, from what I've read) and to some artistic license to make the story flow more compellingly.  I thought the story was told very well and that Rami Malek was pretty amazing as Freddie.  It ended up being a multiple-tissue movie but had some funny and exciting points along the way.  I remember Live Aid though had no idea who Queen was at the time and am not sure I even saw them perform.  My only memory is trying to convince my mom that I should be allowed to stay up and watch my favorite performer! I randomly chose Bob Dylan out of the late-night lineup for that role and then pronounced his last name as "Die-lan" and unsurprisingly was sent to bed on time.  I'm actually not a fan of his to this day, so no big loss, I guess (maybe I would have been? thanks, Mom!).  Still, it was quite a long list of talented performers, and I wish I had picked a name I could pronounce so that I could have watched more of the show (though I'm still not sure it would have worked).  Anyway, we both thought it was an excellent movie. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on February 11, 2024, 05:33:10 PM
I watched Live Aid as it happened, and it was fine, but not a lifelong treasured memory or anything. I mainly remembered the engaged couple who gave their savings for a down payment on a house to Live Aid instead.

Last night we watched "Anatomy of a Fall," which is one of the nominees for the Oscar this year. I won't say it's one of the "contenders," because there's no way it will win. We were unexpectedly bored. None of the characters is likable, and I didn't really care what the verdict was. It's the same dilemma as "My Cousin Rachel" (Did she do it, or didn't she?), but less involving. Good performances and all, but slow.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 18, 2024, 10:40:43 AM
We watched Ricochet (Denzel) and The Holdovers (Giamatti) this weekend.  Ricochet is about a police officer (Denzel) who nails a bad guy (Lithgow), and the latter vows revenge and puts his plan into action some time later after Denzel becomes an ADA.  This was another movie Kevin Pollak mentioned in his book, and I had skipped the spoilers so had the opportunity to go back and listen to that part after watching.  Nothing that exciting, just some detail about plot points and how they unfolded on set.  Anyway, this movie is wild.  The directing felt very melodramatic at times.  Between Ice-T, Jesse The Body Ventura, and some really crazy happenings, it was quite a ride.  The revenge plot makes almost no sense but is still fun to watch play out.

As Hegemony and Sun_Worshiper said, The Holdovers was great.  I also can't believe the main teen actor didn't have a wealth of prior acting experience! One thing I liked a lot was that nothing particularly obvious happened.  I mean that in so many movies you can just see a romantic pairing or some bad decision consequence coming a mile away, but they really stayed away from so much of that and developed the characters as individuals who are maybe more similar to each other than they had expected.  I might have liked to have learned more about the characters, but I also think it's to the movie's credit not to go into a whole long thing for each of them but just kind of put the gestalt out there.  The movie also just felt nice, if that makes any sense.  I enjoyed my time while watching.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on February 19, 2024, 12:06:27 AM
We finally watched Oppenheimer. I had been dreading it a bit, but it was everything ab_grp said earlier in this thread. Suspenseful and interesting all the way through. Really superb dialogue. Beautifully shot. If it wins the Oscar, I won't be angry.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: clean on February 21, 2024, 12:11:53 PM
Another Ghostbusters is on the horizon.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
It looks like it takes up from the end of Afterlife and continues with the new crowd and the surviving members of the original. 
In March. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Stockmann on February 23, 2024, 11:37:36 AM
I have a love-hate relationship with the horror genre (most of it's crap, I'll readily admit) and for some reason pretty much all memorable movies I've watched lately seem to be horror or horror-adjacent. Two in no particular order:

-The Girl With All The Gifts. One of the few zombie genre movies that I find actually disturbing - actually, the only one apart from 28 Days Later. It takes aim at issues such as what does it really mean to be human and who has the right to do what in order to live. Definitely recommend.

-M3gan. The basic idea has been done before (think Chucky meets Bladerunner, with clear Black Mirror influence and references to multiple movies), the final third or so is standard issue, painting-by-numbers Hollywood, none of the acting is more than adequate - yet it contains some rather spot-on social commentary. A traumatized, orphaned child gets food and so on but other than immediate material needs the adults are all are barely going through the motions (and the parents don't seem to have been much better). The grandparents, once they lose the "contest" of custody, forget about her altogether, the aunt who "wins" uses her as a guinea pig to advance her own career and is too busy to deal with even actual physical dangers, and the therapist/social worker doesn't bat an eyelid. M3gan (a robot) herself is "raised" in pretty much the same way - she knows nothing about the world other than what she learns through an orphaned child (herself seemingly raised by screens) and through wholly unfiltered internet access with zero adult guidance. The only parenting shown apart from absentee parenting is permissive, enabling parenting of a bully who is unsubtly implied to be a sexual predator.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on February 23, 2024, 01:21:23 PM
Chiming in to say I loved The Girl with All the Gifts, the novel, even more than the movie.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 25, 2024, 12:13:55 PM
I mentioned The Girl with All the Gifts to my husband thanks to your recommendations, and apparently he already watched it without me! I think he must have asked if I would want to watch it, but I guess it didn't sound like a top choice for me, so I said go ahead.  He liked it very much and is interested in watching it again, though. 

This weekend was Shrek, The Prestige.  Neither of us had seen Shrek in years, and it was still pretty cute and funny.  The Prestige was one I kept hearing about, but neither of us had watched that one before.  I think that since it came out at the same time as The Illusionist, and neither of us are really into magic, we had both just avoided both movies.  In case you have not seen it, this one has Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians and is a pretty dark story of obsession and revenge.  As they explain right off the bat, the prestige is the third part of the magic trick that provides resolution.  I loved this movie.  I just thought it was really well set up and executed and left me with a lot to think about.  I had read that you need to watch it several times, and I think that's probably true.  There were a few things listed in the trivia that I had missed, and I want to go back and see how those are actually introduced.  I also found out after that it's a Christopher Nolan film, and now the amount of artistry and intrigue makes more sense.  Maybe I heard about it recently on one of the podcast episodes talking about Oppenheimer and other Nolan films.  In any case, I'm really glad we watched it and look forward to doing so again sometime.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: FishProf on February 25, 2024, 02:22:55 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on February 25, 2024, 12:13:55 PMThis weekend was Shrek, The Prestige.

These DreamWorks sequels are getting out of hand....
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on February 25, 2024, 03:35:52 PM
Quote from: FishProf on February 25, 2024, 02:22:55 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on February 25, 2024, 12:13:55 PMThis weekend was Shrek, The Prestige.

These DreamWorks sequels are getting out of hand....
Ha! That movie would be something to behold.  I don't doubt that it might happen someday.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on February 25, 2024, 08:56:06 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on February 25, 2024, 12:13:55 PMI mentioned The Girl with All the Gifts to my husband thanks to your recommendations, and apparently he already watched it without me! I think he must have asked if I would want to watch it, but I guess it didn't sound like a top choice for me, so I said go ahead.  He liked it very much and is interested in watching it again, though. 

This weekend was Shrek, The Prestige.  Neither of us had seen Shrek in years, and it was still pretty cute and funny.  The Prestige was one I kept hearing about, but neither of us had watched that one before.  I think that since it came out at the same time as The Illusionist, and neither of us are really into magic, we had both just avoided both movies.  In case you have not seen it, this one has Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians and is a pretty dark story of obsession and revenge.  As they explain right off the bat, the prestige is the third part of the magic trick that provides resolution.  I loved this movie.  I just thought it was really well set up and executed and left me with a lot to think about.  I had read that you need to watch it several times, and I think that's probably true.  There were a few things listed in the trivia that I had missed, and I want to go back and see how those are actually introduced.  I also found out after that it's a Christopher Nolan film, and now the amount of artistry and intrigue makes more sense.  Maybe I heard about it recently on one of the podcast episodes talking about Oppenheimer and other Nolan films.  In any case, I'm really glad we watched it and look forward to doing so again sometime.

I love the Prestige. As much as I ride for Inception, if I had to choose I'd probably say Prestige is Nolan's best film.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 03, 2024, 09:46:32 AM
RRR (2022, Netflix)

Clocking in at just over three hours, this movie from the biggest stars of Tollywood (yes, you read that right) is simultaneously a musical, an ultra-violent action film, a historical epic, and a romantic comedy. It is a totally ridiculous and over the top blockbuster, and yet entirely sincere, never stopping to wink at the camera or deliver a snarky one-liner. It is the most entertaining and sensational film I can remember watching. I only wish that I had seen it in the theater - preferably a theater in India.

Grade: A


May December (2023, Netflix)

This comedy/psychological thriller/meta commentary on method acting is a lot of fun, if you can get past the subject matter. And the three lead performances are all top notch - after making a bunch of forgettable Thor movies, Natalie Portman decided to remind us that she is the most talented actor in American film.

Grade: A
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 03, 2024, 10:49:42 AM
We watched a couple Amazon Prime movies this weekend.  My husband had sent a list of the movies coming out in March, which made me wonder what was already on Prime and available for viewing.  We have run out of DVD movies that we're very amped up to watch.  Anyway!

Red (2010): Bruce Willis is a retired black ops agent and finds himself up against some trouble, so he rounds up some of the old gang (starting with Morgan Freeman) to do battle.  It seemed to start off a little slowly but is a pretty fun movie.

Margin Call (2011): Zachary Quinto works as a risk analyst at a Wall Street firm and ends up finding an issue that could lead to big trouble for the firm and for all of Wall Street (and many Americans).  Hint: it has to do with mortgage-backed securities.  Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and others all play roles in addressing this issue over the course of a day or so.  It's a tense situation, and I think the acting is pretty good.  Despite having read about this issue a thousand times, I still tend to lose my grasp of it.  I wish they would explain a little bit more about how it all worked and what the immediate implications were.  The Big Short went into a lot more detail that is not needed here, but some refresher on leveraging and the timing involved would have been helpful.  Still, a good business thriller, if there is such a genre.

Train to Busan (2016).  It's Gong Yoo's little girl's birthday, and he needs to take her to visit her mother in Busan.  They go by train.  The train becomes a train full of zombies.  Apparently, there has been a national outbreak of zombieism.  By this description, it's hard to see how the film can go on for nearly two hours.  However, it's about much more than zombies.  Korean directors do not seem to pull punches, and I really appreciate that.  I read something about a plan to remake this as a train to New York, and I really hope they don't.  It was a very intense horror movie and also emotional.  We were planning to watch the season 1 Broadchurch finale after.  I was almost looking forward to that show as lighter fare, if that tells you anything.  Anyway, this was a very good movie, and it was also part of my devious plan to get my husband to agree to take advantage of watching more foreign films this month on Prime (including I Saw the Devil!).  He really wanted to watch this one, so I think we're a go.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: hmaria1609 on March 03, 2024, 07:40:32 PM
"Golda" (2023) on Kanopy
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 04, 2024, 01:18:14 AM
Just to note that The Prestige was originally a novel by Christopher Priest. I was staying with him for a bit while he was writing it, and he showed us clips of the various current famous stage magicians and showed us how they did their illusions. Not always at all how you would expect.

Also to note that I thought Margin Call was great.

The other night we watched Past Lives, which is a fairly obscure film even though it was nominated for an Oscar this year. It's not bad — a quiet movie in every respect — but I found the script, well, precious. Predictable and self-consciously literary and referential. I said, "Because of that one reference early on, the very last scene is going to be [a certain thing]" — and sure enough, I was right on the money. Of this year's Oscar nominees, it was better than Anatomy of a Fall, but far short of Oppenheimer and The Holdovers. Maybe on the same level as Maestro. I haven't yet seen Killers of the Flower Moon (though I read the book, which was slow), and Barbie is kind of in a different dimension.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 04, 2024, 08:41:14 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on March 04, 2024, 01:18:14 AMJust to note that The Prestige was originally a novel by Christopher Priest. I was staying with him for a bit while he was writing it, and he showed us clips of the various current famous stage magicians and showed us how they did their illusions. Not always at all how you would expect.

Wow! That must have been pretty neat.  I had looked at the audiobook but hadn't picked it up.  Have you read it? And thanks for the Past Lives review.  I was sorry to hear about Anatomy of a Fall because the premise sounded pretty good. 
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 04, 2024, 02:01:01 PM
Yes, I've read The Prestige. It's good, but if you've seen the movie you know the ultimate thing revealed at the end. He learned a massive amount about magic and the magic business to write it.

In my Oscar-nominee quest, I'm about to embark on Poor Things. I know The Zone of Interest must be very worthy, but my capacity for grueling accounts of history has already been exceeded this year.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: sprout on March 07, 2024, 01:02:40 PM
Watched Ordinary People (1980) the other night.  Not entirely surprising for a movie that won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor, but it was very good.  Actors acted the heck out of it.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 10, 2024, 02:40:39 PM
We watched two good movies this weekend, continuing our quest to watch as many free movies on Prime as we can while they're available.  First was The Great Escape (1963), a mostly true story about WWII Allied prisoners of war trying to escape from a German prison camp.  I was a bit daunted by the topic and the nearly three-hour runtime, but I ended up loving it.  My husband had suggested we watch this one because of my fondness for movies in which I can really root for some of the characters and/or against others.  I also appreciated the tone of the movie.  It felt much like Hogan's Heroes, which I found out later was "loosely inspired by" this movie.  It had a very light feel most of the time with an undercurrent of dread.  There was some humor to it, but it was not slapstick.  Hard to describe! Lots of famous actors in this one. 

Last night was Hot Fuzz (2007).  I guess this is the second in somewhat of a trilogy, the first being Shaun of the Dead, which had some of the same actors and same director? I never saw that one, but my husband had seen both.  But I got the sense that there isn't really overlap in the stories.  This was a kind of wacky tale that I really enjoyed.  It was full of buddy cop movie tropes in a very intentional way.  Simon Pegg plays a very competent London police officer who gets moved to some out of the way village because he is outshining everyone too much.  Once he arrives, it seems like the village suddenly has a lot more crime going on.  It's very funny in a way that kind of builds through the movie, and the village mystery is intriguing.  I will try to watch the other two movies in the trilogy at some point. 

Tonight we have the Oscars.  I am curious to see which film takes Best Picture.  My guess would be Oppenheimer.  I have only seen three of the nominees (that one, Barbie, The Holdovers).  I know that a bunch of us have seen various subsets of nominees and was wondering which one people wanted would win and which one they think would win.  A friend of mine has seen all 10 and thinks Oppenheimer has the "whole package."  I was hoping to talk to my big movie buff friend this afternoon but won't get a chance to.  I know she had some catching up on movies to do.  Any thoughts? If no one sees this beforehand, then post-awards thoughts about the outcome are also welcome.  I think this is the first year in a while that I have seen even one of the nominees, let alone three (before the awards)!

Quote from: Hegemony on March 04, 2024, 02:01:01 PMIn my Oscar-nominee quest, I'm about to embark on Poor Things. I know The Zone of Interest must be very worthy, but my capacity for grueling accounts of history has already been exceeded this year.
Did you get a chance to watch it? I am really torn on whether to watch that one based on what I've seen and read.  As for Zone of Interest, one of the podcasts I listened to about the nominees seemed to think that it was quite different from other movies on the same topic (in a good way).  I have heard almost nothing about that movie, though.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 10, 2024, 03:06:43 PM
American Fiction (2023)

A black writer frustrated with the way African Americans are portrayed in the media decides to do something about it - which gets predictably out of control - all while his already strained family life falls apart further. I enjoyed this film a lot. It is very funny, with sharp social commentary that is not too heavy handed, and the characters are all interesting and likeable. The dramatic elements are not entirely flushed out and whatever points it is trying to make get jumbled a bit at the end, but I was smiling and laughing the whole time.

Grade: A-
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 10, 2024, 09:35:13 PM
I am satisfied that Oppenheimer won. A bit sad about Lily Gladstone and that Ken's song didn't take the prize, but the performance of it was certainly epic. A good choice of Da'Vine Joy Randoph for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.

It was probably the best Oscars show I've ever seen, it terms of jokes, pacing, performances, and the whole package. The award for Best Costume Design was hilariously done. The only problem was the In Memoriam section, in which the photos and names were hard to see or simply not shown. Someone should get fired for that one. For the rest, I give it all plaudits. And by and large I think the right people won.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: mythbuster on March 12, 2024, 07:30:43 AM
That rendition of I'm Just Ken was fabulous. Up there with other great Oscar performances like Blame Canada! and Gaga and Bradley's duet of Shallow.
   The awards went generally as most predicted. Like Hegemony, I would have liked Lily Gladstone over Emma, but both are great performers. I have Poor Things in my Hulu queue. I don't really like The Favorites , I'm guessing this will be even more odd- along the lines of The Lobster.
   I have not seen Oppenheimer (but I have read the book) and now am wishing for the old days when the winning movies would return to theaters to catch folks like me.
   Finally, I was also really pleased with how well dressed everyone was. So much of fashion lately has either gone super casual, or John Cena level revealing (loved that bit!). So it was great to see some people done up well.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: secundem_artem on March 12, 2024, 08:27:09 AM
I watched Poor Things last night streaming on Hulu.  Imagine the Frankenstein story re-told as the creature coming back as an extremely horny toddler with Down's Syndrome.  Said toddler proceeds to gain self-awareness by fvcking her way across Europe.  The dialogue came across as if Shakespeare was writing it to be played by Yoda.


Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Hegemony on March 13, 2024, 01:42:59 AM
Mythbuster, you can watch Oppenheimer on Amazon Prime or on YouTube for $5.99. Worth doing.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on March 17, 2024, 09:30:45 AM
Poor Things (2023)

A reimagining of the Frankenstein story, with a little Stepford Wives mixed in. This is a strange, audacious, and beautiful looking film anchored by an amazing performance from Emma Stone and some jaw dropping practical visual effects. It alternates between being hilarious and cringy, and I was actually quite moved by it at times. If you can see it in a theater, then do, but absolutely, under no circumstances, should you see it with your parents or with your children - you're welcome.

Grade: A
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 17, 2024, 10:19:49 AM
We took a chance on some Prime movies based on their reviews this weekend.  First up was Chained (2012), about a serial killer cab driver who holds a kid prisoner for years.  The kid has been "raised" in this environment, so will he become like his captor or escape? Vincent D'Onofrio plays the creepy serial killer very well, as you might imagine.  I put this on the list because the reviews mentioned that it was a different take on this kind of movie and that it had an interesting twist.  I would say the movie was difficult to watch.  Although the violence against women was not as graphic as it could surely have been, it was pretty horrifying.  I think they did a good job of building up that feeling of the years of this horror in that house and also the effects on the prisoner kid.  The twist was definitely not one I saw coming.  I read that the movie changed quite a bit from the initial script, so I wonder if it would have had more impact told differently.  Still, it was fine for a Friday night movie.  Would I recommend it? No, there are tons of movies out there that are better.  But I wouldn't recommend against it (unless this kind of theme disturbs you!!).

Last night was Ricky Stanicky (2024), which I had read the description of and had immediately written off.  Reviews said that it was better and different than expected, and we needed something funny after the previous night's fling with evil, so why not.  The story is about three guys who have been friends forever and who, since a particular childhood incident, have been using an imaginary fourth friend (Ricky Stanicky) as their excuse for everything.  They blame things on him, they use him as an excuse to be out of town, etc.  Things eventually blow up for them.  The IMDB description doesn't say more than that, so I'll leave it there.  John Cena was really enjoyable to watch in it, and the movie had some hilarious lines.  We laughed out loud way more often than I would have predicted.  It definitely wasn't great, but it was great fun.
Title: Re: Movie Thread
Post by: ab_grp on March 24, 2024, 11:31:42 AM
We stuck with Prime movies again this weekend.  First up was The Warriors (1979), which my husband had loved as a kid and I had never seen.  Apparently it's a bit of a cult favorite.  The protagonists of a sort are the Warriors gang out of Coney Island.  They must send nine unarmed ambassadors to a major meeting in the Bronx of reps of all the gangs of NYC to discuss putting their bad feelings aside and taking over the city.  Unfortunately, big trouble arises at the meeting, and the Warriors become hunted by police and the other gangs and have to try to make their way back home.  It's was a good Friday movie, and I got pretty well wrapped up in it.  There are plenty of absurdities throughout, but there are also plenty of aspects that have been copied in movies or other cultural references. 

Last night was Friday Night Lights (2004).  I introduced my husband to the TV series, but he has since watched the movie and listened to the book, so he suggested this.  There's some overlap between this based-on-a-true-story film and the series, but it's mostly that some characters or plotlines in the series are mishmashes of those in the film.  Both are centered on a TX high school football team and their coach.  Connie Britton plays the coach's wife in both, but they are different characters, and her role in the movie is way, way smaller.  They don't go into that relationship at all, and it's a central part of the series.  The daughter is also a nearly non-existent role, as opposed to fan anti-favorite Julie Taylor in the series.  Brad Leland (Buddy Garrity in the series) is also in sort of a similar role here.  In some ways this movie felt way too short, but it was jam-packed with football action and dealt with the relationships in a much more superficial way.  It was more interesting in the sense that the characters are based on real people (which I had forgotten until they did that thing at the end where they tell you what happened with each of them).  According to the trivia, there is some poetic license taken with some events and characters.  I'm glad I saw the series first.  Still, I enjoyed the movie.  It was a little difficult to conceive of Billy Bob Thornton in the counterpart role to Kyle Chandler, but he pulled it off as well as he needed to given that they barely grazed the surface of his character.  The series just goes much more deeply into the relationship dynamics and the people.