Last Seen 70s/80s Movie

[roshiq]

Rise of the Footsoilders
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1395/footsoilders2na3.png

A low budget British gangster movie that follows the rise of Carlton Leach from one of the most feared generals of the football terraces to becoming a member of a notorious gang of criminals who rampaged their way through London and Essex in the late eighties and early nineties. The story concludes with three members of his firm being brutally murdered in the infamous shot-gun slaying at Rettenden.

A pretty violent & gory gangster flick that you shouldn't like to miss.

>>: B

Once Upon a time in the West

..nothing left to say about this cult classic.

>>: A-

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

>>: B-

[alkytrio666]

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

Powerful, shocking, harrowing, and historic.

The Mist (2007)

Wow! The King/Darabont team have done it again. I had huge expectations, being such a huge fan of the original King novella, and these exceeded those. Easily one of the best horror films of the last ten years.

[Amalthea_unicorn]

Muppet Christmas Carol 8/10

[Disease]

Coogan's Bluff

I liked this, Clint was so cool. And the psychidelic aspect aswell.

6.5/10

[Posher778]

SalVage (again)- 8/10

It's getting to be one of my favorite horror movies. I love the confusion aspect, and how it flows with the greatest ease. The ending is phenomenal as well. Highly recommended.

[Kane_Hodder]

Eraserhead.
Surreal, strange and fascinating.

[Geddy]

-The Good The Bad And The Ugly.
-Snatch.
-First Blood.
-Trainspotting.
-Stalker.
-The Breakfast Club.

[alkytrio666]

yeah i like fistful better, im one of the few. i think it builds great atmosphere. some scenes in FAFDM felt a little overly dramatic. dont get me wrong, i love all 3 though.
After I saw Yojimbo, a little of the magic got sucked from A Fistful of Dollars for me. Still an excellent, excellent picture, but I feel that For a Few Dollars More is a little more original.

[hellfire1]

Airheads
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Spanglish

[fortunato]

the girl next door (2007)
john carpenter's the thing
the proposition

and

american psycho

[GorePhobia]

Jet Li's Unleashed on TNT

[The Mothman]

After I saw Yojimbo, a little of the magic got sucked from A Fistful of Dollars for me. Still an excellent, excellent picture, but I feel that For a Few Dollars More is a little more original.

havnt seen Yojimbo yet. maybe thats why i like it so much...

[The Mothman]

Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels

i hadnt seen this one yet, and im damn glad i caught it. this is the first thing i have seen by Guy Ritchie, and ill definetly be checking out some more of his stuff now, the guy has some really innovative direction skills.

[hellfire1]

Dazed and Confused

[Marya Zaleska]

Lake Placid

Bats


http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff213/buckybeau/GrannyRelaxingWithHerPipe-5.jpg

Countess Marya

[alkytrio666]

Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels

i hadnt seen this one yet, and im damn glad i caught it. this is the first thing i have seen by Guy Ritchie, and ill definetly be checking out some more of his stuff now, the guy has some really innovative direction skills.
Snatch is a masterpiece. The finale will send chills down your spine.

[Disease]

young guns

It had been a while since I had seen this, I didn't remember that cheesy 80's western score being there before...


7/10

[paws the great]

Skinwalkers - 3/10

[Geddy]

Apocalypse Now.

[The Mothman]

Darkness Falls
terrible. bad blind buy.

Pumpkinhead
great creature effects, but i wasnt too huge of a fan of the movie itself.

[The Vault of Horror]

Dawn of the Dead '04. Fourth time I've seen it.

[Disease]

300

I liked it a lot, I wasn't sure that I would before hand. IT looked amazing, greaqt battle scenes and some creepy villans... I wish this had of been made when I was 8, I would have watched it over and over again.


7.5/10

[Yellow Jacket]

The Mist

Great creatures, nice special effects, some good acting, and great direction by Frank Darabont. Two problems hurt the film: 1. It was, at times, too slow. I didn't mind it too much since I was into the dialogue. 2. The mix of being both a serious horror film about people trapped and in danger for their lives and the mix of it being a B-movie didn't work out so well. Sure, the creatures looked great, and were pretty freaky. But, it was hard to take the film seriously from that standpoint. I was, more and less, hoping that the creatures would stay in the background. I wanted to have the feeling that you had to use your imagination, instead of just flat out seeing the creatures in the mist. The novella was better, but that comes as no surprise. Still some fun to be had with this movie, if you give it a chance.

3.5/5

[punk666]

See No Evil.

[paws the great]

Next - 6/10

[Freak]

Troy 5/10

..

[novakru]

Spiderman3- s'ok, a little LONG. Not as bad as I thought it would be though.

Evan Almighty- Jesus Lord, please stop them from making these drivel movies I have to suffer through with my kids...movies can be entertaining for kids and adults at the SAME time, I have FAITH in that concept...really I do...Amen

[fortunato]

the proposition

so good.

[bwind22]

Superbad

This was pretty funny. It wasn't the greatest comedy in decades or anything like I had been led to believe but it definately has it's it's moments. My main rgipe with it was that a lot of the dialogue sounded very unnatural. Everything involving McLovin was pure comedy gold though.

B




I Know Who Killed Me

Wow. I didn't realize that movies this bad got made. This was utterly terrible, and no tin the cheesy enjoyable way either. Very bad acting, ridiculous plot that didn't even attempt to remain logical, overly artsy direction... This was an all around stinker. The only reason I'm not giving it an F is because there were a few cool scenes of gore in there, but they are few and far between.

D






Skinwalkers

This movie sucked too. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't seen a Stephen King film I enjoyed since the Misery and Pet Sematary days. There really wasn't any much gore (which is never a good sign for a werewolf movie) but there was plenty of pistol action between warring clans of werewolves (Also not a good sign.)

I found this story to be rather boring and the characters to be extremely uninteresting. The acting was fine, but the film was a waste of time.

D+






Bug

This was either a very cool movie about a crazy man that successfully gets someone else to believe in his paranoid delusions... OR... It's a very stupid movie about some sort of weird invisible bug that drives a few people crazy. The main problem is that I couldn't tell which because it gets so confusing near the end that it's nearly impossible to figure out.

If I knew for sure that the first scenario stated above was what happened, this would probably make the B Honor Roll, but considering the film was too confusing to even figure out what happened, it'll have to settle for a...

C







Shrek The Third

I found this to be kind of boring and unfunny. Physical comedy in animated films just does absolutely nothing for me except make me yawn. A lot like the first and second films in this franchise, it just seemed to be lacking something. They all have their moments but not anywhere near consistently enough to merit all the praise they receive.

It's alright. The little ones will probably like it.

C-

[roshiq]

30 days of Night

almost 2 hours of Crap! only good thing was the days ran fast.

>>: C-



Lucio Fulci's The New York Ripper

http://services.windowsmedia.com/dvdcover/cov150/drt000/t035/t03543hwlhy.jpg

>>: B

[Amalthea_unicorn]

Meet the Parents 8/10

Narnia (2005) 10/10

A Christmas Adventure 9/10

Oliver & Company 10/10

[newb]

Pirates: At Worlds End...I actually liked this one better on second viewing at home.

SuperBad----pretty good....not as funny as it was hyped to be...but not a bad watch.

[alkytrio666]

A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

[hammerfan]

1408......

[jenna26]

Animal House
A Nightmare on Elm Street parts 3, 4 and 5

[Yellow Jacket]

Airheads

I am so glad I found this movie for $5 bucks the other day at Wal-Mart. I watched it months ago and loved it, but haven't been able to find it. Now I own it. Anyway, the movie had me laughing throughout. Brendan Fraser was actually good in this movie (never was a big fan of his), Adam Sandler is funnier here than when he's in the main role, and Steve Buscemi kicked ass as always. Michael McKean was also a nice touch. The best of the bunch was definitely Judd Nelson. Michael Richards wasn't used well here, as his character was stupid and had no place in this film (except to make the call to the police). Overall, this film is great comedy that has been overlooked. If you can pick a copy up, buy it.

4.5/5

[Posher778]

Live Free Or Die Hard- 8/10 My fave so far.... original being like... .001% lower.

Pulp Fiction- 10/10 Gotta love it.

[joshaube]

I also had a taste of Quentin Tarantino ('s writing) tonight. True Romance. I'm thinking of watching Shock Treatment next. Got a new HDTV and just hooked up my old surround speakers to it (they are so old, it's pure static for an hour before it calms down and actually outputs sound)... so yeah, next movie in an hour.

[Yellow Jacket]

Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey

Not as good as the first, but still very funny and quotable.

"Dude, you can see down her shirt."

"Dude, that's your mom." *looks at Ted's Mom "Whoa, you can."

4.5/5

[The Mothman]

Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me
this is what a david lynch movie should be like
bizzare, surreal, completely abstract, and sometimes downright scary.
i loved it.

id like to see david lynch direct a straight up scary as hell horror movie. he has it in him. some scenes in this movie made me jump out of my seat.

[alkytrio666]

City Lights (1931)

One of the most beautiful of all motion pictures.

[joshaube]

I got a bit of, Ooo Shock Treatment. Made me jump like a real live wire. So look out Mister, don't you blow your last resistor for a vista that'll mystify ya!

[fortunato]

Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me
this is what a david lynch movie should be like
bizzare, surreal, completely abstract, and sometimes downright scary.
i loved it.

id like to see david lynch direct a straight up scary as hell horror movie. he has it in him. some scenes in this movie made me jump out of my seat.

great movie.
have you seen inland empire? it has two of the most terrifying scenes i've ever witnessed. i felt as if i needed to leave the room watching it. ugh, it's a three and a half hour long fevered nightmare.
if he directed a straight horror movie, it would be without a doubt the most miserably horrifying movie ever made.
i wish he'd do it, but i don't think he'd be into that.

anyway, i just got done watching the thing for probably the millionth time. such a great effing movie.

[roshiq]

Dragon wars

>>: D+

[The Mothman]

great movie.
have you seen inland empire? it has two of the most terrifying scenes i've ever witnessed. i felt as if i needed to leave the room watching it. ugh, it's a three and a half hour long fevered nightmare.
if he directed a straight horror movie, it would be without a doubt the most miserably horrifying movie ever made.
i wish he'd do it, but i don't think he'd be into that.

anyway, i just got done watching the thing for probably the millionth time. such a great effing movie.

no, im only and hour into Inland empire, i need to finish it. im watching Mulholland Drive right now, there's been a terrifying scene in there, the guy's face that came behind the wall. i cant wait to finish both.
mulholland drive is also pretty hilarious. it has the worst hit attempt i have ever seen in it.

[hammerfan]

The Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

[Kane_Hodder]

El Topo. Very bizarre and surreal film indeed.

[Sharkchild]

August Rush. Very much a fantasy and very cheesy, but I liked it anyway!

[Freak]

Running Scared 7/10


Escape from New York 4/10

This film didn't live up to the hype that was built around it.It was good but far from what I expected.

[_____V_____]

Escape from New York 4/10

This film didn't live up to the hype that was built around it.It was good but far from what I expected.

I hope you are talking about the remake, and not the original.:eek:

But then, the remake isnt even released so...yes I am surprised.

[Yellow Jacket]

Russkies

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZWPFDQT9L._SS500_.jpg

A photocopy of Stand by Me and The Goonies, but too random to be entertaining or dramatic.

1/5

[Angra]

"The mist" 6-7/10


Damn... what an ending!! :eek:



Like many other King adaptions with long running time, this one had way too much dialogue and too little action. But when something finally happens (you have to wait about an hour) it sure gets exciting.

The big difference between The mist and other king movies such as Storm of The Century, The Langoliers and The Stand is, that this one actually had the budget to back up a good and gloomy story.

[fortunato]

magnolia
...

[X¤MurderDoll¤X]

Scrooged

that time again

[Roderick Usher]

Superbad

yep... that was pretty close to the truth...and funny

8/10

[neverending]

I just watched Silent Hill.

What a silly movie.

[Disease]

The Thing


7.7/10

[Geddy]

Platoon With Oliver Stone Commentary.

[alkytrio666]

Platoon With Oliver Stone Commentary.

I've heard this commentary is really good.

[hammerfan]

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

[The Mothman]

Mulholland Dr
i loved it. got completely bizarre at the end.

[Roderick Usher]

Superbad

Really funny

7.5/10

[Angra]

"Freakshow" (2007) 1/10


Dreadful

[Nikkif8]

I watched 1408 a couple weeks ago, it was alright about a 6/10.

Shooter 7/10 All I can say is good for Mark W. - hate those damn .gov bastards

Knocked up -I thought it was hilarious 8.5/10

I am almost embarrassed to say I was so hungover and bored I watched Bringn Down the House w/Steve Martin and frickn Queen Latifah but it was actually pretty funny and entertaining. Plus the Dad from American Pie was in and he is great 6.5/10

[fortunato]

dr. strangelove

one of the best movies, ever so:

10/10

[Posher778]

The Vanishing- It was a little boring, but it was interesting. First time i've seen it in about 4 years. Imo, the ending isn't nearly as amazing as it's cracked up to be.

6/10

Deep Red- I had never seen it, i enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. 7/10

[joshaube]

magnolia
...

What did you think? I'm watching it tonight, it's one of my favourites.

[fortunato]

What did you think? I'm watching it tonight, it's one of my favourites.

oh i love it. it's one of my favorites too.

[AUSTIN316426808]

Road Trip..

[Yellow Jacket]

Junior

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VBRQ7VGVL._SS500_.jpg

This is one of those comedies that wasn't really funny, but it was good. It's hard to explain these comedies. When somebody hears a comedy isn't funny, they automatically think that it means that the movie is bad. Not neccesarily. Sometimes, the comedy is just a feel-good movie, and I don't mean romantic. In a way, it's a drama without all of the over-the-top emotions. I guess this is how we got the sub-genre of dramedy. Junior is a dramedy. And a good one at that. I wasn't expecting much. Mainly just cheap jokes at the expense of a man being pregnant. But, that was not the case. Junior is a sweet film that digs up the feelings of a lonely man, who, at first being against the idea, actually wants a baby. The pregnancy wasn't actually supposed to leave up to the birth. But, when Dr. Alex Hesse (Schwarzennager) goes behind Dr. Larry Arbogast (DeVito)'s back, the pregnancy continues. The best thing about Junior is that it doesn't go over the top in either the comedy or drama. It was real emotion, that never goes into Hollywood motion. Yes, there are cliches. But, every movie has them. Junior isn't great, but it's sweet and funny enough to watch.

4/5

[punk666]

Village Of The Damned

The Fog (original)

[roshiq]

The Ungodly


>>: B+

[Angra]

The Vanishing- It was a little boring, but it was interesting. First time i've seen it in about 4 years. Imo, the ending isn't nearly as amazing as it's cracked up to be.






Maybe because you knew the ending already, hmm? :rolleyes:

[Roderick Usher]

Just got back from the cinema where Edgar Wright was showing Flash Gordon and Danger: Diabolik The audience ROARED with cheers and applause throughout both films.

Timothy Dalton was on hand to discus his role as Prince Barrin and Joe Dante introduced Danger: Diabolik. Eli Roth & Zoe Bell (really cute in person) were in attendance as well.

Great night at the cinema

[Posher778]

Maybe because you knew the ending already, hmm? :rolleyes:

Plus the back of the dvd hypes it like there's no freakin' tomorrow.

[hammerfan]

Pitch Black

[alkytrio666]

Plus the back of the dvd hypes it like there's no freakin' tomorrow.



Was it the original or the fucking shitty American remake with Kiefer.

[Disease]

Feed


My anticapation for this film was meet head on... Yes it was grotesque, hard to watch at times, some nice cameos from David Field and Jack Thompson.. And origanal to the extent that it is not an enjoyable subject matter. In a way, I liked it.

6/10

[novakru]

Meet The Robinson's- my kids give it two thumbs up...I fell asleep, so I'll take there word for it.

[Angra]

Was it the original or the fucking shitty American remake with Kiefer.


Must be the American one.

[Dante'sInferno]

Star Wars episode IV

[paws the great]

I Know Who Killed Me - 5/10

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin - 8/10

[Posher778]

Was it the original or the fucking shitty American remake with Kiefer.

It was the original. I enjoy the movie it's just... I don't know. It feels like one of those films that everyone sees once just to say that they've seen it.. Now that I think back a little bit, i'd give it a 7/10 instead of 6...

[GorePhobia]

The Mist

8/10

Awesome stuff.

[joshaube]

I've been slowly going through my DVD collection and watching those films that I have not yet seen (or haven't seen in a while and can no longer recall the exact events...) Here's the list, any recommendations on what stands out as being the best?

28 Days Later
Boogie Nights
Blow
Blazing Saddles
Cabin Fever
Changing Lanes
Dallas 362
Fear
Foolproof
From Hell
The Graduate
The Hebrew Hammer
I Am Sam
Mars Attacks!
Night Watch
One Night at McCool's
Predator
Revenge of the Nerds 3, 4
Rush Hour 1, 2
Scarecrows
Sonny
Stardom
The Sweetest Thing
Swimfan
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Teenage Caveman
Thirteen
Titanic
Tough Enough
Universal Soldier 1, 2, 3
Vanilla Sky
Wonderland

I think I'll go with The Graduate right now.

[hellfire1]

The Basketball Diaries

Really underrated. Shame too. DiCaprio gives a great performance.

[AUSTIN316426808]

Invincible


@joshaube- I'd say Blazing Saddles is your next best after The Graduate.

[alkytrio666]

I think I'll go with The Graduate right now.

Good choice! You won't be dissapointed.

[fortunato]

@joshaube- I'd say Blazing Saddles is your next best after The Graduate.

Good choice! You won't be dissapointed.

both are true.


Boogie Nights


another great one.

[fortunato]

oh, and i just watched the driller killer

it's a fun, weird, almost arthouse-like slasher movie by abel ferrara (bad lieutenant, body snatchers). it's definitely a lot of fun, and certainly worth a watch.

[VampiricClown]

Blazing Saddles

[alkytrio666]

Blazing Saddles is easily my favorite comedy of all time...and, to boot, one of my favorite films in general. Pure farce brilliance.

[nightmare_of _death]

1408:Unrated

[Despare]

I've seen a lot of movies lately but really... almost all of them have been Christmas flicks. Except for Behind the Mask/Leslie Vernon.

[hammerfan]

Prince of Darkness

[The Mothman]

Inland Empire.
wasnt a fan. Alkytrio was right, the digital film thing is kinda ugly, and it was too long, and didnt keep my attention.

[Disease]

Blazing Saddles is easily my favorite comedy of all time...and, to boot, one of my favorite films in general. Pure farce brilliance.


You know, I don't think it's very funny...

[phantomstranger]

"Escape From New York" (1981)


one of my all time favorite Sci-Fi action movies

[VampiricClown]

1408

Review coming soon.

[alkytrio666]

Straw Dogs (1971)

Electrifying. One of the most important films of the 1970s, but very difficult to watch. Most of you have already heard me kiss his ass countless times, but it's worth kissing again: There is no actor I like to watch more than Dustin Hoffman.

[Yellow Jacket]

Dr. Giggles

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515XGKTWR8L._SS500_.jpg

A well-shot, but quality lacking, slasher film about a crazed son of a doctor who was stoned for killing seven people. There were some nice kills, but Dr. Giggles' one-liners became excrutiatingly painful, that it was almost unbearable. Also, I was hoping of something along the lines of The Dentist (a far superior movie), about a respected Doctor who slowly goes insane, eventually snapping on those around him. But, I didn't get it. Oh well. Some nice kills and good-looking movie, but unbearable at times.

2.5/5

EdTV

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NNWEHZE2L._SS500_.jpg

A comedy version of The Truman Show, but far superior. It's not all comedy, which I like. There is a lot of drama mixed in there as well. A nice balance of laughs and tears. The reason I feel this is superior to The Truman Show is because Show focused more on a man's realization of being filmed and watched. It's a great thriller (I feel it's a thriller in my mind), and a great performance by Jim Carrey. But, what makes EdTV better is that the main character, Ed (played magnificently by Matthew McCoughnahey), agrees to do this 24-hour tv show, but soon starts to regret it. The ones around him are being hurt and embarrased live on tv, and he can't get out thanks to his contract. He tries his best to get away from it, but it isn't possible. There are some great laughs in here, but the drama really shows. I won't lie, I had a few tears in my eyes. I just found it so sad, and I really felt bad for Ed, which is a good thing. I just view this film as a great, overlooked dramedy. If you haven't seen this yet, go get yourself a copy. You won't regret it!

5/5

[fortunato]

Straw Dogs (1971)

Electrifying. One of the most important films of the 1970s, but very difficult to watch. Most of you have already heard me kiss his ass countless times, but it's worth kissing again: There is no actor I like to watch more than Dustin Hoffman.

goodness gracious, one of my all-time favorites. it's so unbelievably intense. it just pulls you in and makes you forget you're even watching a movie.
good choice!

bug
this was second time watching it, and was just as impressed as the first time.
a word of caution, however: DO NOT watch it with friedkin's commentary. it's pretty wretched. all he does is describe what's happening on screen. it's completely aggravating.

[alkytrio666]

The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)

It's certainly a very long picture, but it's also a very rousing one, and still rings true as a grand tribute to our beloved war veterans.

[fortunato]

the great mouse detective

i watched this one with my little cousin, but i forgot how fun it is.

[AUSTIN316426808]

The Italian Job

[joshaube]

The Deaths of Ian Stone
I wanted to like it, I really did. It started off pretty good, too. But unfortunately, it kept getting worse and worse. In the last quarter, it not only got boring, but cheesy as well. Shame. Had an interesting concept...

[Angra]

"3o days of night" 7-8/10


Very violent and without a hint of humor.

I liked it.

[paws the great]

Lord of Illusion - 7/10

[missmacabre]

Run Lola Run :)

[ChronoGrl]

Run Lola Run :)

SO so so so good.

...


I recently saw Paprika (http://imdb.com/title/tt0851578/), which has now become possibly my favorite anime movie.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m.jpg

The theme is, essentially, the ability to enter dreams through a new scientific invention... And then the dreams begin to interlace with reality... Nothing new, but the animation is stunning and the writing is fantastic... Definitely whimsical, melancholic, dark, and refreshing at the same time. I definitely recommend.

A/A+

[Disease]

Napolean Dynamite

7/10

[joshaube]

Run Lola Run is great. Just finished Stardom. Interestingly done. It begins like your average movie. The characters are filmed, seemingly unaware of the camera. 5 minutes later, you are zoomed into what essentially is the lens of a video camera. From there forth, the film consists entirely of television-like filmed material. Interviews, documentary segments, talkshows, advertisements, etc. 5 minutes from the end, you are zoomed out of the lens, and the finale is delivered like the introduction. It's only then you truly realize what the zooming in of the lens meant. The material within the middle all relates to the life of this one woman. It's interesting how, through these superficial bite-sized television segments, just how much characterization can occur. You get a sense of herself, her life, her family, her friends... it's really well done. Much like The Whalestoe Letters (the novel, if you've read it) which consists entirely of letters written by a single women; begging the question... are the characters portrayed real? Are they as written? Or are we only seeing a biased image? In this sense the film was excellent. The concept and delivery. Content-wise, it was alright. Nothing overly special, but it was a nice Canadian flick.

[Angra]

"Wrong turn 2" 7/10


Slightly better than the first for 1 reason only. Henry Rollins. He owned this movie.
The rest of the cast looked like they were in a different/worse horror movie.

[joshaube]

Resident Evil: Extinction. In the process, half-way through. My god, this is quite bad. I think it merits a spot on the worst list. I refuse to believe that they went with the "an-ally-is-infected-but-doesn't-tell-anyone-until-it-is-too-late" scenario AGAIN!!! SERIOUSLY. That just blows me away. And I love how the lead walks around the desert, alone, all dramatically. She hops off of her bike, and strikes a pose. Or struts along in the sand. I feel embarrassed to watch this, I really do. And that crow scene? OH MY GOD... I really... I just don't know. Who wrote this? It's of an elementary level. NO ONE can suspend their disbelief this much. It's almost as bad as the government gathering teenagers to detect signals, or robots having lips in this past summer's Transformers.

PS. Unlike most, I didn't loathe the first two installments.
From what I recall, anyway. My taste has changed dramatically.
The first had a certain atmosphere.
The second had some good action.
The third... is just shit. So far, anyway.

EDIIIT.

Okay, I just pissed myself laughing. Was this movie suppose to come with 3D glasses? The scene in which the scientist injects himself with 32 tons of antidote and becomes some hideous creature, and ATTACKS the screen with poorly CGI'd tentacles... COME ON. That was just, hahahahaha!!!

[ChronoGrl]

"Wrong turn 2" 7/10


Slightly better than the first for 1 reason only. Henry Rollins. He owned this movie.
The rest of the cast looked like they were in a different/worse horror movie.

You know, I haven't seen either of these films... But they seem to be getting some attention around here... I'll have to check them out.

Resident Evil: Extinction. In the process, half-way through. My god, this is quite bad. I think it merits a spot on the worst list. I refuse to believe that they went with the "an-ally-is-infected-but-doesn't-tell-anyone-until-it-is-too-late" scenario AGAIN!!! SERIOUSLY. That just blows me away. And I love how the lead walks around the desert, alone, all dramatically. She hops off of her bike, and strikes a pose. Or struts along in the sand. I feel embarrassed to watch this, I really do. And that crow scene? OH MY GOD... I really... I just don't know. Who wrote this? It's of an elementary level. NO ONE can suspend their disbelief this much.

Hmmm. I actually didn't think that this movie wasn't that bad. I mean, it wasn't amazing, but I thought that it served well as a decent action/horror flic. Now, I hadn't seen either of the first two movies, so I'm not sure if that would affect my viewing of the third. However, I thought that the post-apocalyptic themes were handled really well, as well as the bad ass Mila (though I can agree that she was DEFINITELY posing a bit)... The crow scene I actually thought was fairly well done... I liked the concept of the animals feeding on the infected corpses and then becoming infected themselves... The scene obviously borrowed a page from The Birds, but I thought that the scene did siege very VERY well.

...

But, I agree, I am SO sick and tired of people trying to hide bites in zombie films... They're going to find you out. KILL YOURSELF NOW.

...

I just watched the movie Little Monsters (http://imdb.com/title/tt0097758/) - free On Demand!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-2.jpg

I used to watch it all the time when I was younger... I find the sets of the "underworld" as well as the cheesey costumes to be FANTASTIC... But I am NOT sure that it's stood the test of time.

But, still. The nostalgia.

B-/B

[Angra]

You know, I haven't seen either of these films... But they seem to be getting some attention around here... I'll have to check them out.





If you're a gore fan u should definitely give them a view.

[joshaube]

Maybe my opinion will change by the end, who knows. I did just catch the massive zombie raid scene, and it was pretty well done action-wise. Still... eh... btw, did this movie get a major budget cut? It looks fairly... cheap(er).

LITTLE MONSTERS!!! Loved that flick. Rented it every weekend at this old, old VHS rental place nearby. It was open for a few months, and then shut down. I was sad. That and The Wizard. Some of my favourite childhood flicks.

[Angra]

Maybe my opinion will change by the end, who knows.

.


You wont.

That movie just sucks all the way through.

[alkytrio666]

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The best movie of the year, and one of the best movies in many years. Surely filmmaking can't get much better than this nowadays. Or, actually, ever.

Into The Wild (2007)

This was very, very good. It had a few sections where it really dragged, but the cinematography was magnificent and the acting strong.

Also, these two films contained two of the best endings I've seen all year.

[joshaube]

The ending was alright. The fight wasn't as climactic as I had hoped. But I enjoyed the multiple Alice zoom-out scene. The effects got a tad better toward the end, as well. But still... meh. It just wasn't all that good. This was the first film in a while where I didn't exactly pay full attention - thus the reasoning of my posting here half-way through.

Alky, you have me really wanting to see both No Country for Old Men and Gone Baby Gone.

[alkytrio666]

The ending was alright. The fight wasn't as climactic as I had hoped. But I enjoyed the multiple Alice zoom-out scene. The effects got a tad better toward the end, as well. But still... meh. It just wasn't all that good. This was the first film in a while where I didn't exactly pay full attention - thus the reasoning of my posting here half-way through.

Alky, you have me really wanting to see both No Country for Old Men and Gone Baby Gone.
Take my word for it! They really are the two best films of the year, and I say that with sincerity.

[ChronoGrl]

Okay, I just pissed myself laughing. Was this movie suppose to come with 3D glasses? The scene in which the scientist injects himself with 32 tons of antidote and becomes some hideous creature, and ATTACKS the screen with poorly CGI'd tentacles... COME ON. That was just, hahahahaha!!!

bwahahahaha... Yes, that part was very, VERY bad (omitted because I was worried it would be a ~spoiler~)... During that part, my boyfriend (HUGE fan of the films and who had dragged me there) turned, and, as though in an effort to justify, said, "It is precedented."

...

hahaha

LITTLE MONSTERS!!! Loved that flick. Rented it every weekend at this old, old VHS rental place nearby. It was open for a few months, and then shut down. I was sad. That and The Wizard. Some of my favourite childhood flicks.

I thought my small group of odd childhood friends and I were the only ones who had seen this film... I LOVED it as a child... My boyfriend just now watched it for the first time. He wasn't that impressed. Should've seen it at age 10.

And The Wizard... Ohhhhhhh, yes. I LOVED that film. I remember being SO excited for Mario 3 to come out.

Flight of the Navigator was huge for me, too. I wanted that little alien that he got to take home with him.

[hellfire1]

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Love Little Monsters. One of my favorites growing up, and still is (nostalgia, as you say).

[alkytrio666]

Shane (1953)

One of the defining classics of the American western.

[fortunato]

I thought my small group of odd childhood friends and I were the only ones who had seen this film... I LOVED it as a child...


no way, i used to watch that all the time too.
last year i found the dvd for like 5 bucks so i bought it and watched it, and yes, was a little bit disappointed. but it's still, like you said, nostalgic and fun.

[GorePhobia]

Little Monsters is an amazing movie. My favorite growing up also.

Howie Mandel is the shiznit!

[Geddy]

Superbad...

[ChronoGrl]

Little Monsters is an amazing movie. My favorite growing up also.

Howie Mandel is the shiznit!

Howie Mandel is spectacular in that film... "NEED EM NEED EM GOT EM NEED EM GOT EM NEED EM NEED EM"

Turns out he's, like totally OCD in real life... He refuses to use public restrooms and has one of those fancy Japanese toilets in his house.

[GorePhobia]

Yup when he meets people he has to "give them pound" instead of shake hands.

[VampiricClown]

Buried Alive (2007)

[Angra]

"Ratatouille" 5/10

Like many other cartoon movies, this one didn't manage to keep my attention.

It was well made, but the story just wasn't very exciting, wasn't very funny, and the young garbage boy annoyed the hell out of me.

[The Mothman]

"Ratatouille" 5/10

Like many other cartoon movies, this one didn't manage to keep my attention.

It was well made, but the story just wasn't very exciting, wasn't very funny, and the young garbage boy annoyed the hell out of me.

alright, sorry, ive gotta ask..
is that Van Damme in your sig?

[Angra]

alright, sorry, ive gotta ask..
is that Van Damme in your sig?




yea....................

[chaibill]

Dog Solders loved it 10 /10

[jenna26]

Freak Out ~ mostly terrible, and so often misses the mark, but some of it of it was actually pretty funny.

Evil Bong ~ this movie could have been so much stupid fun, but alas.....no....though Bill Moseley showing up for like two seconds was an amusing surprise.

Little Miss Sunshine ~ I really enjoyed this one, very good cast, and at times it was very funny.

[joshaube]

Some spoilers...

PS. I'm one of the few who don't hold the original Halloween on as high of a pedestal as most. It's a (very) good film, yeah, but I don't think it's the be-all-and-end-all. I much prefer Black Christmas. Yes, I said it. It hurts when people give Halloween the credit for being the "first slasher" when Black Christmas actually deserves that title.

Halloween (2007). I really, really, really wanted to like this film. I am one of the few who like Rob Zombie's directorial style. However, this film was a mess. It was as if they crammed an original movie into a remake of the first film.

It would have been far superior if they made an original movie from the backstory, to the time he escapes. And then a second film, a retelling of the first. Even at 2 hours, the film seemed short. Too much trying to be told, in too short of a time period.

I'd really like to see a full-blown backstory film, much like Zombie did here, only tightened up. I really dug how Myers created all of those masks, and hung them on the walls of his cell. I liked his family situation, although the father was a tad overdone. I was really pissed when Myers killed the janitor who has looked after him.

In the "second" part of the film, the retelling of the original, I found myself really liking the new Laurie. Not in connection with the old Laurie, of course, they aren't anything alike. If they were to be compared, it's a complete bastardization. But as a new, separate, character I enjoyed her. The addition of the two kids who were being babysat was possibly the best change Zombie made. I don't know why, but I loved them.

I can also admit that I really, really, really liked the ending. That russian roulette scene. Excellent way to end it.

I kind of hated the new Loomis, as well. And I think Laurie's friends should have been fleshed out a little more. They were just introduced, and then killed off. It was lame.

So... in the end... it was worth watching, in my opinion. It's just... not even close to being as high-quality as I had hoped. It's an uneven, messy re-imagining that should have had another year or two in the reworking-stages. I think the problem people have with it is: they either hate Zombie's work (white trash, brutal, dirty, sexually raw... gritty...) or they compare this with the original Halloween. I don't think the two should be connected. Yes, this version is a complete bastardization if you consider it a remake of the first. It changes everything, and completely disregards John Carpenter's characters and series of events. It's sort of a spit in the face. But I didn't really see it as "Oh, they remade Halloween." I just picked it up and said "Oh, a new Rob Zombie flick..." And I enjoyed it, to a certain degree.

Revenge of the Nerds III: Most hate it. It was made for TV. I thought it was better then the second film.

[Posher778]

From Dusk Til' Dawn- 9/10

This movie is just..... the epitomy of awesome.

[illdojo]

American Gangster - 8/10

Great Film...Ridley Rocks!!!! A fine vision into the life of Frank Lucas. Scott gives us a relevant and real-life look into the narcotics business top-to-bottom and across the board. Denzel, Crowe, and Brolin were brillant. Definitely lived up to the hype.

[phantomstranger]

Army Of Darkness


one of the greats

[hellfire1]

Blood Diamond

[cactus]

Minority Report (2002)

Terror Train (1980)

3:10 To Yuma (1957)

The Ninth Gate (1999)

[joshaube]

Rush Hour. I'll watch the second installment tomorrow, after my last exam (thank the good lord.) I have a ton left to watch... so I'll try and pile through that all tomorrow night.

Is Blazing Saddles a... sequel... or connection... or a tie-in? It starts off very abruptly as if we are suppose to know these characters from another place. I... uh... can admit to having seen absolutely NO westerns... so... if they are blatant parodies and thats the point, um, maybe this isn't for me?

[VampiricClown]

Rush Hour. I'll watch the second installment tomorrow, after my last exam (thank the good lord.) I have a ton left to watch... so I'll try and pile through that all tomorrow night.

Is Blazing Saddles a... sequel... or connection... or a tie-in? It starts off very abruptly as if we are suppose to know these characters from another place. I... uh... can admit to having seen absolutely NO westerns... so... if they are blatant parodies and thats the point, um, maybe this isn't for me?

From what I can gather, Blazing Saddles is pretty much just a spoof of all of the old westerns. It's not really connected to anything.

[alkytrio666]

Is Blazing Saddles a... sequel... or connection... or a tie-in? It starts off very abruptly as if we are suppose to know these characters from another place. I... uh... can admit to having seen absolutely NO westerns... so... if they are blatant parodies and thats the point, um, maybe this isn't for me?


Nope, it's a one and only. If you don't like westerns, this humor probably won't appeal to you- it's like the Scary Movie of westerns...except it's smart...and, well, funny.

My suggestion: Watch a bunch of classic westerns (The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Once Upon A Time in the West, Shane, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and then watch this.

[VampiricClown]

Nope, it's a one and only. If you don't like westerns, this humor probably won't appeal to you- it's like the Scary Movie of westerns...except it's smart...and, well, funny.

My suggestion: Watch a bunch of classic westerns (The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Once Upon A Time in the West, Shane, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and then watch this.

I'd add El Dorado and Rio Bravo to that list.

[roshiq]

Inland Empire
...:confused: :confused: :confused:

>>: D

The Girl Next Door (2007)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6994/girlnextdoor1rg8.jpg

After losing her parents in a car accident, Meg..a teenage girl & her little sister Susan came to live with her aunt Ruth's family. But Ruth was an insane lady who decides to discipline the girls under sadistic torture. Moreover, she encourages her three young sons & their neighborhood friends to share & join in her game of brutal punishments.. specially with Meg who kept tied-up in a basement and abused by the boys in all way. Except David who lives next door and developed a friendship with the girl, was very unease about this sinister events but quite helpless to do anything.

Overall... yes, this is indeed a HORROR movie that based on a true story.

>>: B+

[BLAdams]

Pirates of the Caribbean- At worlds End

AWESOME movie but then again I enjoyed the first 2 so I just had to see the last one.

[fortunato]

rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

classic. yukon cornelius is really funny.

[Angra]

The Girl Next Door (2007)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6994/girlnextdoor1rg8.jpg

After losing her parents in a car accident, Meg..a teenage girl & her little sister Susan came to live with her aunt Ruth's family. But Ruth was an insane lady who decides to discipline the girls under sadistic torture. Moreover, she encourages her three young sons & their neighborhood friends to share & join in her game of brutal punishments.. specially with Meg who kept tied-up in a basement and abused by the boys in all way. Except David who lives next door and developed a friendship with the girl, was very unease about this sinister events but quite helpless to do anything.

Overall... yes, this is indeed a HORROR movie that based on a true story.

>>: B+



Sounds like a real feel-good movie

[X¤MurderDoll¤X]

Resident Evil: Extinction

I like how it was much more enjoyable than Land of the Dead. Time for Romero to retire.

[hammerfan]

We Are Marshall
Storm of the Century

[joshaube]

Rush Hour 2. I have absolutely no idea what to watch next.

[jenna26]

Two favorites....
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Casablanca

[Kincaid]

Saw Thh Golden Compass on Saturday.

Good, but muddled. Too much happened too fast and the whole thing felt rushed...

That said, great visuals and finally a Nicole Kidman performance that didn't make me want to tear my eyes out and my ears off...

Also, Dakota Blue Richards was extremely charismatic for a kid so young. Definitely a young actress to watch out for in the next few years...

[VampiricClown]

Death Proof

Not bad, but not what I expected.

[VampiricClown]

Planet Terror

All I can say at the moment is:

Wow.

[joshaube]

Foolproof. Nice little Canadian action / heist thriller. Has touches of comedy, and surprisingly... a nice little twist near the end. I was pleased with it, nothing great, but a solid watch.

[VampiricClown]

Pumpkinhead 3: Ashes To Ashes

Not a terrible movie...I've seen worse. But as far as being a Pumpkinhead sequel, it was a disaster. I didn't find the second one as bad as everyone else, but this one I agree with.

[Angra]

"3:10 to yuma" 6-7/10

Damn, how did they come up with such an unconvincing story??

Good acting though. Bale is always a pleasure to watch, even though this was one of the worst movies he's ever been in.

[Posher778]

Aliens- 10/10

[fortunato]

blue velvet
7.5/10

[joshaube]

I love Blue Velvet. Actually, I love most of what David Lynch is involved with.

The Sweetest Thing. Love it, much like I love Charlie's Angels. I don't care what anyone says. Sometimes you just need a movie that makes you smile. This is one of those, along with the aforementioned, The Stepford Wives and John Tucker Must Die. There are a ton of others. While they aren't the best things committed to film, so what... it entertains me. It cheers me up. Sometimes that's what films are meant to do.

[alkytrio666]

Cabaret (1972)

[alkytrio666]

I love Blue Velvet. Actually, I love most of what David Lynch is involved with.

The Sweetest Thing. Love it, much like I love Charlie's Angels. I don't care what anyone says. Sometimes you just need a movie that makes you smile. This is one of those, along with the aforementioned, The Stepford Wives and John Tucker Must Die. There are a ton of others. While they aren't the best things committed to film, so what... it entertains me. It cheers me up. Sometimes that's what films are meant to do.
Have you seen the original Stepford Wives? It'll make you wanna kill the remake.

[roshiq]

Return to House on Haunted Hill

Worthless return.

>>: C-


Have you seen the original Stepford Wives? It'll make you wanna kill the remake.

I haven't seen the remake but original Stepford Wives was a very nice movie. Bryan Forbes beautifully portrayed the twisted ending.

[AUSTIN316426808]

Anchorman.

[Geddy]

The Breakfast Club.

[joshaube]

Have you seen the original Stepford Wives? It'll make you wanna kill the remake.

I saw a few parts of it when it aired on Mpix a few years ago. I heard that it was far better, but also far more serious / eerie (is this true?). The thing I enjoy about the remake is the quirkiness, the silliness... just how... camp the whole thing is.

[Amalthea_unicorn]

The Jungle Book 8/10

Open Season 10/10

Bad Education 8/10

Madagascar 10/10

[joshaube]

Wow, considering you give 10's to nearly everything child-related, then you must've REALLY hated The Jungle Book. That's equivalent to a 2/10 on a normal scale.

[alkytrio666]

I saw a few parts of it when it aired on Mpix a few years ago. I heard that it was far better, but also far more serious / eerie (is this true?). The thing I enjoy about the remake is the quirkiness, the silliness... just how... camp the whole thing is.
Yeah, they're completely different. Think along the lines of Rosemary's Baby. Actually, both books were written by the same author.

Anyway, highly recommended. It's a bonified horror movie.

[alkytrio666]

Wow, considering you give 10's to nearly everything child-related, then you must've REALLY hated The Jungle Book. That's equivalent to a 2/10 on a normal scale.
I know; the funny thing is, I would consider The Jungle Book to be one of the only perfect Disney movies.

[Phalanx]

Watched Superbad.
Started out really funny, I thought, but the last third of the movie just dragged IMO. It was fun, but I wouldn't buy it.

[Angra]

"Eastern promises" 5/10

[alkytrio666]

"Eastern promises" 5/10

Really? Reasons?
I wanted to see this.

[fortunato]

I love Blue Velvet. Actually, I love most of what David Lynch is involved with.

yeah, i feel pretty much the same way.
how did you feel about inland empire?

[Angra]

Really? Reasons?
I wanted to see this.


I just expected a movie about something as rare as the russian mafia to be a little more like The Godfather. But instead i got to see a rather simple story about some lady getting "kind" of involved with a russian upcoming gangster because of a baby... Disappointing, dull in parts and never exciting.

[alkytrio666]

I just expected a movie about something as rare as the russian mafia to be a little more like The Godfather. But instead i got to see a rather simple story about some lady getting "kind" of involved with a russian upcoming gangster because of a baby... Disappointing, dull in parts and never exciting.
Hmm, my expectations were similar. Damn.

[Angra]

"Hatchet" 7/10



HA HA HA HA HA

What an ending!! :p


First Wrong Turn 2 and now this one. Man, i'm on a gore role. :D

[illdojo]

Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End - 3/10

What a mess. This movie was way too long, and very boring. Not even CGI and Depp could save this disaster.

[VampiricClown]

Pumpkinhead 4: Blood Feud

[paws the great]

Silip - 6/10

[Kincaid]

Planet Terror

All I can say at the moment is:

Wow.

Loved this movie, too... However, you didn't seem to like Death Proof as much? Interesting, I thought Death Proof was far superior if less drenched in eye candy...

[alkytrio666]

Loved this movie, too... However, you didn't seem to like Death Proof as much? Interesting, I thought Death Proof was far superior if less drenched in eye candy...
For me, Death Proof just wasn't as fun as Planet Terror. PT was total escapist fare in every sense of the word. DP was good, but it was too focused on being a Tarantino flick.

[alkytrio666]

Les quatre cents coups (The 400 Blows) (1959)

Sheer brilliance. Never before has a filmmaker so accurately portrayed the troubles of childhood in such an understandable way.

[fortunato]

bergman's cries and whispers

good gracious. one of the most haunting films ever made. it stays with you.
which is to say: it's a freakin' masterpiece.

alky, i have a feeling you're a fan of this one. yes?

[Posher778]

Alien Resurrection- 3/10

Forget any rating I ever gave this.... after watching it back to back with Aliens.... I'll never watch this movie again unless i'm drunk or dead. That KILLED the saga.

[VampiricClown]

For me, Death Proof just wasn't as fun as Planet Terror. PT was total escapist fare in every sense of the word. DP was good, but it was too focused on being a Tarantino flick.

I agree with Alky on this.

[alkytrio666]

bergman's cries and whispers

good gracious. one of the most haunting films ever made. it stays with you.
which is to say: it's a freakin' masterpiece.

alky, i have a feeling you're a fan of this one. yes?
Oh hell yeah, I am. Thick as hell, eh? Bergman rocks.

[Roderick Usher]

Infamous

I enjoyed this one a little bit more than Capote. Toby Jones' portrayal of Truman Capote was far more believable and nuanced than Phillip Seymour Hoffman's (which is saying something.)

The supporting cast is fantastic, especially Danial Craig as Perry Smith. He plays Perry like he is portrayed in the book - a wannabe intellectual with a damaged soul. The relationship between Capote and Smith bristles with sexual energy.

Sandra Bullock is the best she has ever been as Harper Lee and the cast of NYC socialites includes Sigourney Weaver, Peter Bogdonovich, Hope Davis and the lovely Isabella Rosalini.

Having come from Garden City, Kansas, this subject matter has always been close to the heart. My parents knew the Clutter family and always thought of Capote as "that nosey little fagot" who had no business making those killers look like real people. I grew up hating the man out of familial prejudice, but have since learned to love his work of brilliance In Cold Blood and this film plays closer to the book and shows Capote's process in a way that satisfied me even more than in Capote.

9/10

[alkytrio666]

A Night at the Opera (1935)

Hysterical. One of the Marx Brothers' very best films.

[newb]

Infamous

I enjoyed this one a little bit more than Capote. Toby Jones' portrayal of Truman Capote was far more believable and nuanced than Phillip Seymour Hoffman's (which is saying something.)

The supporting cast is fantastic, especially Danial Craig as Perry Smith. He plays Perry like he is portrayed in the book - a wannabe intellectual with a damaged soul. The relationship between Capote and Smith bristles with sexual energy.

Sandra Bullock is the best she has ever been as Harper Lee and the cast of NYC socialites includes Sigourney Weaver, Peter Bogdonovich, Hope Davis and the lovely Isabella Rosalini.

Having come from Garden City, Kansas, this subject matter has always been close to the heart. My parents knew the Clutter family and always thought of Capote as "that nosey little fagot" who had no business making those killers look like real people. I grew up hating the man out of familial prejudice, but have since learned to love his work of brilliance In Cold Blood and this film plays closer to the book and shows Capote's process in a way that satisfied me even more than in Capote.

9/10



What a coiwinkidink.......I just watched "Capote" last night and "Infamous" last week and i'm gonna have to agree with you 100%.

I think if this one came out first, Toby Jones would have got the Oscar nod.

[The Mothman]

Monster

generally unpleasent.

[X¤MurderDoll¤X]

Deathproof

I think that car chase with Zoe on the front of the car was one of the most thrilling scenes I've ever seen in a movie. Liked planet terror better, but I think deathproof is in the same ballpark.

[Yellow Jacket]

Bad Taste

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51p-WIgaTUL._SS500_.jpg

Fun, but not as fun as I expected. A lot of gore in this film, which is a plus. Problem is that at times I just zoned out. I don't know what it was, but Bad Taste just couldn't keep my attention the whole time. Maybe it was the characters, I'm not sure. When I was zoned in, I was having a pretty good time. Like I said, there's a lot of gore in here, and it's in inventive ways. And the alien invaders looked great (once they dropped their human disguises). If you have 90 minutes to kill, check Bad Taste out. It's not great, but it s fun. I just wish Peter Jackson would do more films like this and Dead Alive.

3.5/5

[joshaube]

yeah, i feel pretty much the same way.
how did you feel about inland empire?

Inland Empire.

The runtime is what scares a lot of potential viewers. Clocking in at 180m... 12 minutes longer than Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End (which felt fucking endless)... it is quite iffy. That's not even factoring in the seperate feature-length extra on the DVD which includes further scenes and experiences from Inland Empire.

Once you sit down to watch the film, if you have a genuine interest in seeing it, the runtime feels a mere fraction of what it really is. That's partially a theme in this film. Lynch really plays around with the timeline, and the concept of time itself. So I wouldn't worry about that. The runtime actually works in it's favour (I thought.) You'll loose track of time quite easily.

Another off-putting aspect of Inland Empire would be the visuals. As you probably know, Lynch went from film to digital (and is apparently never going back.) Eek. Yes, the film looks ugly. If you've seen Lynch's portfolio of prior films, you know that what he shoots is often breathtaking (the colours pop, as the back cover of Mulholland Dr says... "Like a whore's lipgloss.) Not so much here. Characters and objects fade away into sets, and the sets themselves fade into shadows. Sometimes it's hard to even make out what's on-screen. The image is soft and undefined, and the colours are muted; often toned with blacks and blues. And yeah, it's handheld. It's ugly, to be honest. Not that it's a bad thing. Lynch knows how to work digital. Some of what he does in this film is simply not possible when using film. While it looks like the camera quality of your average low-budget movie, David Lynch's cinematography is not lost. Perhaps, it's enhanced. I don't think a shot was wasted; nothing is improperly framed. Honestly, I enjoyed it. It's such a distinct look, and it makes the film all the more eerie*.

* In my opinion, this is David Lynch's most fearful film yet. It's full of such a specific atmosphere; the entire thing is creepy. Think Lost Highway... the scene where you see the camera going through the house, or the scene with the man who tells the main character to call his house. It's that type of atmosphere.It's loaded with his typical weirdness. Watch it nearing midnight, in the pitch black, alone. Don't pause the film, don't look away. Just sit there, and let it wash over you.

Highly recommended if you a fan of Lynch.
As a reviewer on IMDb states: "Mulholland Dr. on acid."
Or more specifically, I's say... "A mixing pot of everything Lynch has done, with a touch of LSD."

[fortunato]

Oh hell yeah, I am. Thick as hell, eh? Bergman rocks.

very much, yes.

Infamous

I enjoyed this one a little bit more than Capote. Toby Jones' portrayal of Truman Capote was far more believable and nuanced than Phillip Seymour Hoffman's (which is saying something.)

The supporting cast is fantastic, especially Danial Craig as Perry Smith. He plays Perry like he is portrayed in the book - a wannabe intellectual with a damaged soul. The relationship between Capote and Smith bristles with sexual energy.

Sandra Bullock is the best she has ever been as Harper Lee and the cast of NYC socialites includes Sigourney Weaver, Peter Bogdonovich, Hope Davis and the lovely Isabella Rosalini.

Having come from Garden City, Kansas, this subject matter has always been close to the heart. My parents knew the Clutter family and always thought of Capote as "that nosey little fagot" who had no business making those killers look like real people. I grew up hating the man out of familial prejudice, but have since learned to love his work of brilliance In Cold Blood and this film plays closer to the book and shows Capote's process in a way that satisfied me even more than in Capote.

9/10

i definitely agree here as well. infamous was just more captivating than capote, in pretty much every way.

great review of inland empire, joshaube.



i just watched the original stepford wives, which is awesome.

[Angra]

"The girl next door" 6/10


Damn, Dolly you've got some fucked up 2007 favorites. :eek:


And now about the movie.

I didn't find this story as cruel and disturbing as i feared for one main reason. I didn't believe it.

There was just so many things in this movie that wasn't explained, Like:

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

What was the moms problem towards the girl/girls? What was all her hatred rooted in?
Howcome she had such a twisted view on everything?
What was her childrens problem towards the girl?
Why did they happily go along with their mothers torture?
Why didn't the cop do shit the first time he droped by? He just left right away.
Why did the neighbourhood kids all enjoy watching the girl get tortured? Without a single kid telling.

END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS


Well, that was just some of the questions i could think of.

All in all an unpleasant view, but not convincing enough for the viewer to forget that it's JUST a movie...

[nightmare_of _death]

Pan's Labyrinth

[The Mothman]

Inland Empire.

. Think Lost Highway... the scene where you see the camera going through the house, or the scene with the man who tells the main character to call his house. It's that type of atmosphere.It's loaded with his typical weirdness.

I'd say those scenes in Lost Highway were 10 X more terrifying than anything i saw in Inland Empire.
im just not too huge a fan of the film. it really couldnt keep my attention.

[ChronoGrl]

Pan's Labyrinth

What did you think?

Personally, I found it... horribly horribly overrated.

...

I've been watching a few movies the past couple of days...

...

I saw the original Die Hard (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/) for the FIRST TIME.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-5.jpg

Wow. Good action movie. Bruce Willis' first real action role, AND Allan Rickman's first MAJOR roll.

Not to mention, it's a Buddy C. Jackson film. (BUDDYSEIGEACTION).

And he does it all... Barefoot.

...

DAMN.

A/A+

...

NEXT on my movie-watching list...

Captivity (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374563/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-6.jpg

Bad torture porn. Terrible writing. REALLY weak Big Bad.

WOW.

D-

...

And, finally, last night it was...

After Hours (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-7.jpg

One of Scorsese's earlier works (post Taxi Driver but pre Goodfellas), this is an odd, absurdist take of 80s Soho art/punk culture as well as New York isolationism, alienation, and subculture.

Strange little Dantesque journey. Definitely worth a looksee if you're seeking something a little... different.

B+/A-

[alkytrio666]

After Hours (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-7.jpg

One of Scorsese's earlier works (post Taxi Driver but pre Goodfellas), this is an odd, absurdist take of 80s Soho art/punk culture as well as New York isolationism, alienation, and subculture.

Strange little Dantesque journey. Definitely worth a looksee if you're seeking something a little... different.

B+/A-

Not one of his early works, really...but still a great movie.

[alkytrio666]

Night Nurse (1931)

Decent crime story involving a bootlegger with a heart of gold, a nurse (Barbara Stanwyck) with a driving conscience, and a really mean caretaker (a young Clark Gable).

It was a nice little pre-code flick.

[ChronoGrl]

Not one of his early works, really...but still a great movie.

Yeah, I realized that after hitting "Submit"... :confused: Damn forum-ing tipsy.

It was a nice little pre-code flick.

Haven't seen the film... Anything stick out as particularly being pre-code (besides the release date, of course)? As in, was it riddled with 1930s innuendo and the like? I'm amused/interested in what was considered "innuendo" and "risque" over the course of time in pop culture.

[alkytrio666]

Yeah, I realized that after hitting "Submit"... :confused: Damn forum-ing tipsy.



Haven't seen the film... Anything stick out as particularly being pre-code (besides the release date, of course)? As in, was it riddled with 1930s innuendo and the like? I'm amused/interested in what was considered "innuendo" and "risque" over the course of time in pop culture.
Cool! I'm very intruiged in pre-code film myself.

Yes, definately. The movie is littered with scenes in which Stanwyck is shown taking her stockings off in an obviously seductive way...and it's always very provocative. Interestingly enough, there is one scene in which Stanwyck and another nurse strip down down their underwear, and end up sleeping in the same bed. Throughout the movie, Barbara is constantly hit on by numerous men, but is never interested. It's a stretch, but the constant clues could add up to a possible discreet-but-still-there gay theme.

Also, Gable hits numerous women, and knocks one out cold. Plus, a drunk man attempts to assault (and most definately had rape on the mind) when Cable gives him a good whop as well.

If you're interested in seeing a great example of true pre-code film, check out Baby Face (1933), also with Barbara Stanwyck, which is available in a nice set (but expensive...consider a rental) called TCM Archives- Forbidden Hollywood Collection, Vol. 1. It's a fantastic film about female power and a woman who will stop at nothing to get to the head of her business...even if it means sleeping her way to the top!

[roshiq]

Road to Perdition

>>: B+

[X¤MurderDoll¤X]

"The girl next door" 6/10


Damn, Dolly you've got some fucked up 2007 favorites. :eek:


And now about the movie.

I didn't find this story as cruel and disturbing as i feared for one main reason. I didn't believe it.

There was just so many things in this movie that wasn't explained, Like:

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

What was the moms problem towards the girl/girls? What was all her hatred rooted in?
Howcome she had such a twisted view on everything?
What was her childrens problem towards the girl?
Why did they happily go along with their mothers torture?
Why didn't the cop do shit the first time he droped by? He just left right away.
Why did the neighbourhood kids all enjoy watching the girl get tortured? Without a single kid telling.

END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS


Well, that was just some of the questions i could think of.

All in all an unpleasant view, but not convincing enough for the viewer to forget that it's JUST a movie...

The movie wasn't really a favorite, it was one of the best though I think. Angra?! None of those are questions that the movie failed to answer. Do you have any idea of what people are capable of doing if an authority figure is present? What easier minds to poison than a childs? Would you have told your parents? What did the cop see the first time he dropped by? Nothing, why would he do anything. Ruth's past isn't explained, but you can figure it out. It's based on a true story by the way, in case you didn't know so that should throw the unbelievable part out because the events were basically the same.

All in all I wouldn't watch it again and it wasn't a fave, it was disturbingly real
and definitely one of the best films made for 07 though.

[roshiq]

All in all I wouldn't watch it again and it wasn't a fave, it was disturbingly real
and definitely one of the best films made for 07 though.

Agree.

It's a true HORROR movie.

[Angra]

The movie wasn't really a favorite, it was one of the best though I think. Angra?! None of those are questions that the movie failed to answer. Do you have any idea of what people are capable of doing if an authority figure is present? What easier minds to poison than a childs? Would you have told your parents? What did the cop see the first time he dropped by? Nothing, why would he do anything. Ruth's past isn't explained, but you can figure it out. It's based on a true story by the way, in case you didn't know so that should throw the unbelievable part out because the events were basically the same.
.



..... I feel sick..


By the way, i noticed another movie has been made this year about the same case. "An American Crime". It's got good ratings.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/

That version is probably easier to digest.

[hammerfan]

The Sum of All Fears

[The Mothman]

It's based on a true story by the way, in case you didn't know so that should throw the unbelievable part out because the events were basically the same.


its actually based on a book by Jack Ketchum, who made probably the most violent book in existance, Off Season.
true story? im not sure its possible, but its definetly based of the book.

[Angra]

its actually based on a book by Jack Ketchum, who made probably the most violent book in existance, Off Season.
true story? im not sure its possible, but its definetly based of the book.

The book is based on a true story.

It says so on Amazon.

[VampiricClown]

It says so on Amazon.

It must be true.

Don't forget the big emphasis on the word "based" in that sentence. It could have the same peoples names and it would then be "based".

Doll Graveyard

[Angra]

It must be true.

Don't forget the big emphasis on the word "based" in that sentence. It could have the same peoples names and it would then be "based".

Doll Graveyard


What are u saying?

You don't believe it?


Well, i read on IMDB that the only made-up thing in the movie was the rape scene.

[Angra]

"Superbad" 5-6/10

I wasn't amused.... Death to the blabbering fat kid.

[Disease]

"Superbad" 5-6/10

I wasn't amused.... Death to the blabbering fat kid.

I figure it will be shit... Everyone says it's funny, but I have that gut feeling that if I watch it I will hate myself for it later.

[jenna26]

its actually based on a book by Jack Ketchum, who made probably the most violent book in existance, Off Season.

I just picked Off Season up a couple of weeks ago, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
As far as The Girl Next Door goes....from what I have heard, I am not sure if I want to see it, or read it. I'm sure its well done, just maybe TOO well done for me. I know my limits. :o

[Angra]

I figure it will be shit... Everyone says it's funny, but I have that gut feeling that if I watch it I will hate myself for it later.


I don't know... To each his own.

It is described on IMDB as the funniest Teen Comedy since the first American Pie. I didn't like the first American Pie...

Maybe i'm just too old for teen movies. Maybe they just suck. :D

[Angra]

I just picked Off Season up a couple of weeks ago, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
As far as The Girl Next Door goes....from what I have heard, I am not sure if I want to see it, or read it. I'm sure its well done, just maybe TOO well done for me. I know my limits. :o


I know how u feel.

But beeing a horror movie nut i just couldn't resist when it was mentioned as one of the best movies of 2007.

[jenna26]

I know how u feel.

But beeing a horror movie nut i just couldn't resist when it was mentioned as one of the best movies of 2007.

Oh I understand, there's a pretty good chance I will end up watching it eventually out curiousity, I'm just trying to decide how much I will regret it afterward.....:rolleyes: I have almost added it to my Netflix queue a couple of times, but always stop myself....yes, apparently I'm a wimp. It just sounds like one I would suffer through, and that's just not why I watch movies.

[Angra]

Oh I understand, there's a pretty good chance I will end up watching it eventually out curiousity, I'm just trying to decide how much I will regret it afterward.....:rolleyes: I have almost added it to my Netflix queue a couple of times, but always stop myself....yes, apparently I'm a wimp. It just sounds like one I would suffer through, and that's just not why I watch movies.


Well, it's certainly one of those movies that sticks with you for a while.

But it isn't gross, like gore gross. Just extremely cruel.

[ChronoGrl]

Cool! I'm very intruiged in pre-code film myself.

Yes, definately. The movie is littered with scenes in which Stanwyck is shown taking her stockings off in an obviously seductive way...and it's always very provocative. Interestingly enough, there is one scene in which Stanwyck and another nurse strip down down their underwear, and end up sleeping in the same bed. Throughout the movie, Barbara is constantly hit on by numerous men, but is never interested. It's a stretch, but the constant clues could add up to a possible discreet-but-still-there gay theme.

Also, Gable hits numerous women, and knocks one out cold. Plus, a drunk man attempts to assault (and most definately had rape on the mind) when Cable gives him a good whop as well.

If you're interested in seeing a great example of true pre-code film, check out Baby Face (1933), also with Barbara Stanwyck, which is available in a nice set (but expensive...consider a rental) called TCM Archives- Forbidden Hollywood Collection, Vol. 1. It's a fantastic film about female power and a woman who will stop at nothing to get to the head of her business...even if it means sleeping her way to the top!

Awesome... I just find it fascinating that we have movies that have always tried to "push the envelope" and be risque above and beyond...

And then there are the movies that just... were before the code, but that was back in the 30s, when we had a SERIOUSLY different "code" or ethics and conduct, so it's interesting to look back at those pre-code films.

I'll definitely have to check them out... The Netflix queue is a little clogged with horror and Christmas, but I'll add them on there. Thanks. :)

...

Today I tried to watch...

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (http://imdb.com/title/tt0404032/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-8.jpg

Honestly, the concept of a priest being brought to trial based on what appears to be a negligent homicide, while he and the family claims that the girl was possessed by demons is an interesting concept. I have seen documentaries about real-life exorcisms that discuss the children, their issues (in most cases, the girls were suffering from PTSD due to molestation), and the Church's course of action (there are still countries and groups that feel that this is appropriate conduct).

HOWEVER.

The movie was BORING. The story is told within the frame of the case being brought to trial, so all in flashbacks and hearsay reports. I'd imagine that PART of the point was to construct and examine the concept of the unreliable narrator, but I simply was not impressed.

I felt as though I was watching something between Criminal Minda and X-Files. A bad repeat on Saturday afternoon.

C/C+

[jenna26]

Well, it's certainly one of those movies that sticks with you for a while.

But it isn't gross, like gore gross. Just extremely cruel.

I'm sure it is. And I don't mind gore at all. Its the subject matter that would bother me, like with everyone, some things just get to me more than others....and this movie is full of what would REALLY get to me. And I realize thats the point, but still.....

[missmacabre]

Century Hotel
A series of vignettes taking place in different decades all in the same hotel room. Some of the stories were well written but some were really out there. It's a Canadian film, so it was nice to see familiar actors (mostly from sci-fi shows) but that's about it.

[X¤MurderDoll¤X]

its actually based on a book by Jack Ketchum, who made probably the most violent book in existance, Off Season.
true story? im not sure its possible, but its definetly based of the book.

well obviously itt was based on the book :rolleyes:

the book was based on real events

[Yellow Jacket]

I watched Santa's Slay again last night. That is such a fun movie. And you can tell they're not taking themselves seriously, which is a good thing. If they were, all of the cheesy fun wouldn't be there. If you haven't seen this yet, and are in the mood for a quick, fun film, pick this up. Just remember, it's supposed to be corny.

4/5

[ChronoGrl]

The more I hear about Santa's Slay, the more I realize that I HAVE to see it.

...

I just watched Kalifornia (http://imdb.com/title/tt0107302/).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/10m-9.jpg

So I've been curious about this movie for a while. I mean, it's one of Brad Pitt's firsts, and it has Juliet Lewis (I LOVE her) and David Duchovny.

Oddly enough, I was pursuing On Demand and it came up under FEAR.NET movies. So I thought, "Hey, it MUST be a horror movie. Now I HAVE to see it."

But, uhm... BESIDES the amazing cast, the incredible characters (honestly the characters were incredible and well-played all around)... The dialogue and direction were really solid.

BUT

While the plot was REALLY good, the latter half of the movie and the ending was just long, boring, and wandering... I REALLY liked the film at first... But toward the end, not so much. :-/

C+

[Yellow Jacket]

The more I hear about Santa's Slay, the more I realize that I HAVE to see it.

Yes, you have to see it. It's fun as hell (weird, because I was always told hell was painful). You'll like it.

[nightmare_of _death]

What did you think?

Personally, I found it... horribly horribly overrated.







I thought it was ok. It wasnt at all what I thought it wold be. I really wish they would of put more of her in the labyrinth.
The seen with the pale male was cool though

[joshaube]

I thought it was ok. It wasnt at all what I thought it wold be. I really wish they would of put more of her in the labyrinth.
The seen with the pale male was cool though

I loved Pan's Labyrinth, the entire thing was so beautiful. I did expect more fantasy scenes, but what I got was enough. I am not into the whole historical / war genre, but I can genuinely say that I enjoyed even those themed scenes in Pan's Labyrinth. The General was just too good. The ending is what really got me, though.

[ChronoGrl]

Oh, the movie was most certainly beautiful, chilling gothic... I just found it incredibly uneven. There was the obvious subtext of war (backdrop and subplot of 1944 besieged Spain), but I felt as though Guillermo del Toro just didn't know... what he wanted to... do.

The film was uneven and couldn't decide whether or not it wanted to be commentary/war epic or escapist fantasy dark adventure.

Everything involving fantasy was amazing. AMAZING. I cannot fault him that.

Anything NOT involving fantasy - Was uninspired, cliched, and poorly-constructed tripe that just seemed to serve the purpose of attempting to create "a greater meaning."

Dark gothic fantasies DON'T have to have a "greater meaning." He should have allowed the audience to revel in it just as his childish lead. If there had been more of that, I would have been happy - THRILLED.

But, honestly, the end was fairly predictable and too little too late.

[jenna26]

I loved Pan's Labyrinth, the entire thing was so beautiful. I did expect more fantasy scenes, but what I got was enough. I am not into the whole historical / war genre, but I can genuinely say that I enjoyed even those themed scenes in Pan's Labyrinth. The General was just too good. The ending is what really got me, though.

I agree, I loved everything about the film. In fact, it immediately became a favorite of mine, along with Devil'S Backbone. Both are absolutely wonderful films, in my opinion.

[joshaube]

I just found it incredibly uneven. There was the obvious subtext of war (backdrop and subplot of 1944 besieged Spain), but I felt as though Guillermo del Toro just didn't know... what he wanted to... do.

I do see where your coming from, and many share your opinion. My concept of what the film was trying to do is merely speculation; that is what the film allows. Nothing is truly explained.

Pan's Labyrinth's point, I thought, was the story of Ofelia. She was trying to cope with the current state of her life through escapist methods. She came to face what was going on in real life through her imagination; through the fairy tale. The biggest question is whether or not this fantasy existed. Is the film itself a fantasy, or is it more the story of adolescence. In my opinion, what occurred in this film (the fawn, her trials...) were not real. They were simply her imagination, stories she told herself, stories she created. They were presented to us as if they were occurring; as if they were real. Because Ofelia wanted to believe they were real, perhaps she even did. Everything she experiences in the fantasy world is directly related to the events occurring in the real world. She is merely using this covering in order to make what is happening easier for her to accept.

I believe people came in to this film expecting two things. A period film, or a fantasy film (like Narnia or something... that type of fantasy film. We are expected to believe that the fantasy is real.) A fairy tale, straight and simple (I hope you know what I mean...) It certainly was promoted with a fantastical lean. What they got was neither, not concretely, but a mixture of the two. And that's what the movie's point was.

It allows the viewer a war film, and a fantasy film, but if you focus on either, you're missing the point. The focus is Ofelia. The point is, that the real world is happening, and the fantasy world is her trying to cope with it. Guillermo uses the two worlds to get the message across. So I don't think it was uneven. He did what he wanted to do, use contrast and connection and a central chracter to get a messages across. Along the way, he did throw in a social commentary and his own ideas of Spain. That's just a personal touch.

I hope you understood this. It sounds right in my head, but I can't hammer it out. How I see the film, that is. So... this is the best I can do... :p

[Yellow Jacket]

I too loved Pan's Labryinth. I'll admit, I expected more fantasy scenes. But, the story itself made up for it. Yet another reason why I love Guillermo Del Toro. I can't wait for Hellboy 2.

[hellfire1]

Vampires

...

[ChronoGrl]

I do see where your coming from, and many share your opinion. My concept of what the film was trying to do is merely speculation; that is what the film allows. Nothing is truly explained.

Pan's Labyrinth's point, I thought, was the story of Ofelia. She was trying to cope with the current state of her life through escapist methods. She came to face what was going on in real life through her imagination; through the fairy tale. The biggest question is whether or not this fantasy existed. Is the film itself a fantasy, or is it more the story of adolescence. In my opinion, what occurred in this film (the fawn, her trials...) were not real. They were simply her imagination, stories she told herself, stories she created. They were presented to us as if they were occurring; as if they were real. Because Ofelia wanted to believe they were real, perhaps she even did. Everything she experiences in the fantasy world is directly related to the events occurring in the real world. She is merely using this covering in order to make what is happening easier for her to accept.

I believe people came in to this film expecting two things. A period film, or a fantasy film (like Narnia or something... that type of fantasy film. We are expected to believe that the fantasy is real.) A fairy tale, straight and simple (I hope you know what I mean...) It certainly was promoted with a fantastical lean. What they got was neither, not concretely, but a mixture of the two. And that's what the movie's point was.

It allows the viewer a war film, and a fantasy film, but if you focus on either, you're missing the point. The focus is Ofelia. The point is, that the real world is happening, and the fantasy world is her trying to cope with it. Guillermo uses the two worlds to get the message across. So I don't think it was uneven. He did what he wanted to do, use contrast and connection and a central chracter to get a messages across. Along the way, he did throw in a social commentary and his own ideas of Spain. That's just a personal touch.

I hope you understood this. It sounds right in my head, but I can't hammer it out. How I see the film, that is. So... this is the best I can do... :p

Thanks Josh... Definitely clear (and it's good to see someone who rants just as much as I do). :)

Oh, yeah, I definitely get "it"... I definitely get the point of the film, which is mostly why I was so irritated after leaving the theater. The movie is about Ofelia... But it just doesn't... work. I really thought that Guillermo got a little lost and tried to do WAY too much. Honestly, I felt as though Ofelia got a little lost during the war subtext.

For me, it wasn't as simple as, "I was looking for more fantasy scenes." I didn't expect the movie to be just a simple, pretty fantasy movie (just to make that clear - most people who hear my criticism think that I'm complaining, "I wanted another Mirrormask!" but it's not as black and white as that). I expected it to be dark, mature, moody and thought-provoking through using the medium of of imperfect and scary imaginings... Being whimsical, but dark and mature at the same time... But what came above and beyond the fantasy in the film, well, just wasn't interesting for me, and I thought distracted from what was supposed to be the main focus.

I like the concept of escapism through dark fantasy (and that the fantasy itself is dark, grotesque, and scary, a pure reflection of the world that she is trying to escape, but just simply can't release entirely)... I mean, the concept of a little girl's escapist fantasies are just as dark and scary as reality... Is brilliant! But, again, I thought that there was a bit too much of the "reality." SO much, in fact, that I found myself asking, "What is the point?" The non-Ofelia-centric scenes were just... boring. I thought that Guillermo was really beating a dead horse (life is violent, unfair, and totally sucks... and, thusly inspired, so are fantasies - How tragic! :eek: ).

Even though I found the movie overrated, honestly I can see why people liked the film - it's not without merit (INCREDIBLY well-directed and now I HAVE to see more of his films), but it just didn't come together for me.

[Roderick Usher]

Pan's Labyrinth is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. I believe it is the work of a master at the height of his craft. Every element is thought out to the most minute detail. I dream of being able to make a film this stunningly perfect.

The reality scenes are more horrific by far than the fantasy scenes and Capitan Vidal is a villain of the highest order.

A little girl who doesn't quite feel a part of her own family - because her real family is searching for her

A Mother who will do anything to keep her family alive - including take protection from a monster

A Master of control who faces a little girl who step into a world he cannot even conceive of

A guide to the other world who deceives in order to test

Ultimately it is about sacrifice and faith with an almost Brazil-like finale

[paws the great]

Mystic River - 6/10

[joshaube]

Haha, yes, I love to rant. I get caught up sometimes. I often write three times as much as I post, and go back and keep editing it down. That's why nearly all of my posts have the 'last edited' tag at the bottom.

Okay, I see where you are coming from more clearly. I really did think it was a case of, as you put it, wanting more Mirrormask. I thought you had missed the fact that it was not suppose to be a pure fantasy film. I misjudged you.

Note what Roderick has posted above. He makes a good point. The film is very intricate. Not only do you have Ofelia attempting to escape her real-life situation through a fantasy, but her real-life setting itself mirrors that of a fantasy. You have all of the players. Both are equally as dark. Ofelia is central in her fantasy, while she is nearly excluded from the "fantasy" taking place in the real world.

I noticed you used the word 'cliche' in an above post, referencing these real-life scenes. That's what a fantasy always is, cliche, in one sense or another. Isn't everything, if just a tad?

I can see where you are coming from, for sure. Sometimes it does feel as though they are elongating the real-life scenes a tad too much. Taking what seems like it should have been a small addition, and creating a wonderful story that expands far beyond the intended runtime. Noting Roderick, I realize that the film is perhaps not as Ofelia-centric as I had believed. The General becomes another important character, playing out his own 'fantasy.'

I watched Brazil earlier this year, and I would say, I much prefer the ending of Pan's Labyrinth.

[fortunato]

Pan's Labyrinth is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.

i have to agree with rod here. i left that theater stunned. it's such a thick film, in pretty much every way. i found myself thinking about it long after i'd watched it, about the connections and relationships between each character, and the purpose of those things. at the beginning of the film, the characters don't seem all that different from each other. i mean, you see that they are definitely different people, but you'd never suspect the captain is a heartless monster, the mother is desperate and miserable, ofelia is actually the princess of another world, etc. it's just all so epic and important, and i definitely felt that walking out of the theater.

[joshaube]

Oh, I forgot to mention...
Night Watch (Nachnoi Dozor)

A foreign film that did not seem so foreign. And not quite a film, either. Episodic would best describe it, but I am aware that this is a trilogy. Day Watch is released, and Dusk Watch (if they are going with that title?) is being made either at this time, or in the near future. Oh, and all three are based on novels, but I heard reports that the novel material was all used by the end of the second film? Can't confirm this being true, who knows.

The whole thing... and it's mythology, really confused me. I found myself paying really close attention in the beginning. I had to re-watch some parts to make sense of what was going on. It wasn't described that well. But, nearing the end, everything sort of starts to make sense. You get an idea of how things work, and I'm sure it will be expanded on in the upcoming features.

It sort of takes the really overdone, overcliched light-vs-dark theme (actually, it doesn't SORT OF, it does that exactly...) and mixes in shapeshifters and "vampires." Probably a host of other mythos as we continue.

I actually expected this to be intelligent. To have a deeper meaning, a psychological aspect. To have some amount depth. But... it was actually, really, really hollow. I wonder how the literature compares, because this does not seem like literary material.

Then again, as it is tricky being a trilogy that is so connected - like a mini-series - perhaps the big ol' revelations will come nearing the end of the third installment. In some massive twist, or explosion of intricacy that we had missed when watching the two films prior. Something that connects everything.

Oh, and that "twist" was so, so, sooo easy to predict.

It was decent, don't get me wrong. Worth a watch. I liked how they set-up the ending, with the choosing of sides. The mini-revelation of how the events we had witnessed forced him to chose that specific side, and what was done to ensure it.

The ending had a real "tune in next week to find out!" feel. It has me looking forward to the second installment, which is what it should've done. So I guess, it succeeded?

B- ish.

[Geddy]

First Blood...

[Phalanx]

Hostel..decided to see for the first time after never really being interested to.
Started watching, got bored, stopped.
Didn't think much of it at all.

[hammerfan]

Underworld

[ChronoGrl]

Haha, yes, I love to rant. I get caught up sometimes. I often write three times as much as I post, and go back and keep editing it down. That's why nearly all of my posts have the 'last edited' tag at the bottom.

Okay, I see where you are coming from more clearly. I really did think it was a case of, as you put it, wanting more Mirrormask. I thought you had missed the fact that it was not suppose to be a pure fantasy film. I misjudged you.

Note what Roderick has posted above. He makes a good point. The film is very intricate. Not only do you have Ofelia attempting to escape her real-life situation through a fantasy, but her real-life setting itself mirrors that of a fantasy. You have all of the players. Both are equally as dark. Ofelia is central in her fantasy, while she is nearly excluded from the "fantasy" taking place in the real world.

I noticed you used the word 'cliche' in an above post, referencing these real-life scenes. That's what a fantasy always is, cliche, in one sense or another. Isn't everything, if just a tad?

I can see where you are coming from, for sure. Sometimes it does feel as though they are elongating the real-life scenes a tad too much. Taking what seems like it should have been a small addition, and creating a wonderful story that expands far beyond the intended runtime. Noting Roderick, I realize that the film is perhaps not as Ofelia-centric as I had believed. The General becomes another important character, playing out his own 'fantasy.'

I watched Brazil earlier this year, and I would say, I much prefer the ending of Pan's Labyrinth.

It's so refreshing to have movie discussions... I wish my friends were as passionate. :)

What's tricky about this conversation at the point that it's come to is that, ultimately, I agree with both of you. I really do.


Pan's Labyrinth is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.

I agree. Absolutely stunning. No arguing there. Every single scene was beautiful, be it fantasy or "reality."

The reality scenes are more horrific by far than the fantasy scenes and Capitan Vidal is a villain of the highest order.

Yes, it's true. He's a villain in real life and in fact, he is larger-than-life (I used the word "cliche" because he is that cliche villain "of the highest order"). That he is the villain in reality I found interesting because he is more a greater threat than any of the villains that she has in her fantasies. Also, being set against a 1940s beseiged Spain, you are going to get a different kind of elevated horror - civil unrest as well as familial strife. But, still, I would argue that the reasons why her fantasies are so dark is because her reality is so incredibly dark.

A little girl who doesn't quite feel a part of her own family - because her real family is searching for her

Uhm, yes, the first part of that statement is fairly obvious, though I'm not sure what you mean by the second part of that statement... By "real family" are you talking about within her fantasy?

A Mother who will do anything to keep her family alive - including take protection from a monster

Yup. Another cliched character out of fantasy. Beautifully tragic.

A Master of control who faces a little girl who step into a world he cannot even conceive of

Yup...

A guide to the other world who deceives in order to test

Oh, yes, I LOVED this character as an element to her fantasy. I thought that he was brilliant and well-done.

Ultimately it is about sacrifice and faith with an almost Brazil-like finale

Yes, and yes. I actually liked the ending a lot and thought that it was the only way that the movie could end.



...

I think that the issue with the current discussion is that you guys might think that I'm disagreeing with you or that there was something in the movie that I intrinsically missed or don't appreciate.

Quite the contrary - All of the points that you guys bring up, as per the structure of the film as well as the merits of the direction, I understand purpose, plot, and means.

But it just didn't work for me.

It's funny because I often have these kind of discussions with the few people I know who actually LOVE movies. When I say that I don't like something, the assumption on their part is that, obviously there was something incredibly mindblowingly integral and important that I must have MISSED! No. The truth is, I'm a huge movie-dork. I am. And I close-watch, close-read, close-analyze film to the point that it drives my friends crazy.

I get the structures and archetypes that Pan's Labyrinth is creating, playing on, and revelling in.

But, ultimately, I found it uneven, disappointing, and boring at times. And while I could assume meaning, there were still times when I was asking, "What's the point, here?" not so much that I missed it, but that I thought that I wasn't a fan with how he structured the "reality." I can see why. It's a directorial choice. But I don't have to like it.


.......................

Edit:

Josh, I just noticed that you weren't a big fan of Night Watch... It's funny because I saw your post before reading it and was like, "Crap, I don't like THAT film either," but then I read it and agree with you whole-heartedly.

The whole thing... and it's mythology, really confused me. I found myself paying really close attention in the beginning. I had to re-watch some parts to make sense of what was going on. It wasn't described that well. But, nearing the end, everything sort of starts to make sense. You get an idea of how things work, and I'm sure it will be expanded on in the upcoming features.

Honestly, that part totally lost me... I thought it was interesting! And fascinating!!! But I wasn't sure exactly how that wound up tying into the film (which bothered me while watching it).

...

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

ha

[joshaube]

I agree that this discussion is fun. I am glad that no one became the typical forum troll, and started a havoc. It was nice having an actual discussion, with actual points - solid points.

None of my friends IRL are that into movies. They chat while in theatres, and if at home, they tend to do other things - letting the movie act as background noise. It really gets to me. I remember seeing the third X-Men film with a few friends, and afterwards, trying to discuss the subtexts within the film's main plotline. All I got was a "HUH?" and a response similar to: "It was about mutants... what were you watching?"

And that plotline in X-Men 3 was about as obvious as a metaphor gets.

I admit at first, I was sort of trying to poke at you and say "Are you sure you understand?" and made an attempt to persuade you to change your mind. I'm notorious for trying to persuade people into following my own opinion. But I understand now that it was not a case of not understanding anything, it was merely a matter of you not liking it; plain and simple. You understood everything (better then most who LOVE the film), and you were able to see the good in the film, you just didn't like it as much as a few others. That's understandable.

I hope there's more of these friendly discussions in the future; they're better then the "I didn't like this film." "Your retarded!" "I hate this forum..." "THEN LEAVE!!!" banter that occasionally occurs here.

---

After some hefty Christmas shopping tonight, I'm heading out to see I Am Legend with one of the less movie-numb friends I have.

[GorePhobia]

Can't wait to see I Am Legend. Not just for the movie itself but for the amazing The Dark Knight trailer attached to it.

[ChronoGrl]

I agree that this discussion is fun. I am glad that no one became the typical forum troll, and started a havoc. It was nice having an actual discussion, with actual points - solid points.

None of my friends IRL are that into movies. They chat while in theatres, and if at home, they tend to do other things - letting the movie act as background noise. It really gets to me. I remember seeing the third X-Men film with a few friends, and afterwards, trying to discuss the subtexts within the film's main plotline. All I got was a "HUH?" and a response similar to: "It was about mutants... what were you watching?"

And that plotline in X-Men 3 was about as obvious as a metaphor gets.

I admit at first, I was sort of trying to poke at you and say "Are you sure you understand?" and made an attempt to persuade you to change your mind. I'm notorious for trying to persuade people into following my own opinion. But I understand now that it was not a case of not understanding anything, it was merely a matter of you not liking it; plain and simple. You understood everything (better then most who LOVE the film), and you were able to see the good in the film, you just didn't like it as much as a few others. That's understandable.

I hope there's more of these friendly discussions in the future; they're better then the "I didn't like this film." "Your retarded!" "I hate this forum..." "THEN LEAVE!!!" banter that occasionally occurs here.

---

After some hefty Christmas shopping tonight, I'm heading out to see I Am Legend with one of the less movie-numb friends I have.

Oh, man, I think you just made my day... :)

Yeah, the Pan's Labyrinth discussion is definitely worth merit... Honestly, two of my close friends LOVED it and refused to listen to my reasons for NOT liking it (which frustrates me because I put a LOT of thought into my movie opinions - as corny as it sounds). I hate being written off as "Just a snob," when, really there are REASONS I feel the way I feel... Probably the same for you, Josh, Rod, and other people around here who think a LOT and analyze movies.

It's funny because the Pan's Labyrinth discussion reminds me of a discussion I had with a friend of mine on 28 Days Later... He LOVED the movie and thought that I was incredibly DAFT for not liking it.

So we went point by point, hashing out every single PRO and every single CON of the movie, and we agreed on ALL of its strengths and weaknesses... It just so happened that HE thought that the strengths outweighed the weaknesses, while I thought the opposite.

I think it's the same situation here - I feel as though the weaknesses of Pan's Labyrinth outweigh the strengths... And some of the directorial choices that have been seen as strengths, I see as weaknesses...

But at least we all agree on the main points of the film... :)

...

I can totally sympathize with the friends who talk through movies or don't even bother to watch them at home... It drives me CRAZY, especially if it's a movie that I feel passionately about.

I saw the second Matrix movie with two groups of friends: With the first group of friends, we took a couple of hours to discuss the philosophy of the movie (ignoring ITS weaknesses) and what we hoped to see in the third.

The SECOND group of friends - I TRIED to get them to talk, but they were just like, "Heh. Fighting scenes."

It was a sad, sobering experience. :(

I know that the second Matrix movie isn't everyone's favorite, but there were a lot of themes in there that were worth discussion...

anyway...

[hellfire1]

Oh, man, I think you just made my day... :)

Yeah, the Pan's Labyrinth discussion is definitely worth merit... Honestly, two of my close friends LOVED it and refused to listen to my reasons for NOT liking it (which frustrates me because I put a LOT of thought into my movie opinions - as corny as it sounds). I hate being written off as "Just a snob," when, really there are REASONS I feel the way I feel... Probably the same for you, Josh, Rod, and other people around here who think a LOT and analyze movies.
...


Or you just get called "difficult", like I do, most recently for not liking Zombie's Halloween. :rolleyes: Ah well...

From dusk till Dawn

[ChronoGrl]

Or you just get called "difficult", like I do, most recently for not liking Zombie's Halloween. :rolleyes: Ah well...

From dusk till Dawn

"Difficult"?! I heard that that movie was terrible! Haven't seen it myself though...

Plus... The original is so incredibly amazing... Why would someone want to remake it in the first place?!

We're not "difficult." We're refined. :p