What do you look for in a movie?

[_____V_____]

Seriously.

I have been reading up on some threads in Modern Horror, and it amazes me to see the number of quality MUST-SEE movies which people even own in their DVD collections, yet haven't watched them yet. I can understand lack of time from a busy daily schedule, but what about when you actually DO get some time?

Which brings me to the topic. When you rummage through your collection, or rentals, your choices are driven by what? Obviously most of us are looking for entertaining flicks...but exactly what makes you actually WATCH a movie?

Critically appreciated?

Notable stars/director?

Atmospheric? Fast-moving? Powerful dialogues and script?

There must be a reason driving the priority of watching a movie over the others.

Some, like Alky, Return, Fortunato...give critically appreciated and powerful flicks more priority. Of course, there are some exceptions - The Dark Knight being one. But generally, most of the flicks watched by them are appreciated by critics and audiences alike, and they go by reactions or hype of others' opinions, whom they value, also.

Some, like Urge, Elvis, Vod, myself, Despare...give a chance to pretty much every type of flick there is. We look for good in the bad ones too, and enjoy even half-decent movies out there. It has to be a really, really bad flick to make us bash it, otherwise generally, all flicks are okay by us. (in case of Urge, even Uwe Boll's!)

Some of us, like Rayne, Flayed...enjoy bad flicks too. There is something pretty entertaining in a cheesily bad flick, which is actually good and enjoyable.

Then there are the hopeless ones, which make us really mad to have wasted one and half hours over them. To be honest, I have yet to meet someone who has actually enjoyed a particular movie which is a hopeless mess of ideas and execution - The Village, House of the Dead anyone?

Let me give you an example to make myself more clear.

Mr. X, who owns a huge DVD collection, is rummaging through to watch 3-4 movies on a weekend holiday. He is alone by himself, and wants to spend some time in front of the TV with his beer and chips.

He looks through his collection -

The Godfather...hmm, nope...I m not in the mood for it tonight.
The Descent...okay, maybe, if I dont find something better.
Aliens...thats one kickass experience, okay let's get that out for a spin.
Raging Bull...good movie, but am I in the mood? Nah...maybe next week...
Forrest Gump...well, its a decent movie, but nope...
There's Something About Mary...okay, let's get that out to finish things off with a laugh...
Finding Nemo...ahh not tonight...
Austin Powers...not two comedies in one night...no way...
28 Days Later...would go well with Aliens, okay out you come...
First Blood...why not? Maybe I ll pop it in before Aliens, to get in the mood...

So basically, it all comes down to the mood of Mr X, as he sets himself for the viewing experience.

What about you? Is it predominantly and basically the mood for the evening (or the morning, or night) OR is there something else, which drives your choices of selection?

And, if it really IS the mood, how come you haven't seen the ones which are imperative to be seen already?

[neverending]

I hardly ever watch movies I've already seen anymore. I used to quite frequently, but I don't have as much time as I used to, so when I sit down to pay attention to a movie I want something I've never seen before. There are just too many films I haven't seen.

When looking for something to watch, I look for an interesting sounding story or idea coupled with actors/directors I like. I want to see something that will hold my interest, so I need a well written script and good actors that bring the script to life.

I also watch a fair amount of indie films because I enjoy discovering new talent I wasn't aware of before.

I'm mainly focused on drama these days as well. Mindless action for action's sake never did appeal to me. I will watch a bad movie if I think it has potential for amusement.

[jenna26]

Yeah, it all depends on my mood.

Sometimes, I just don't want to think too much. I want to watch a movie that will just allow me to turn my brain off. Other times, I want to watch something that makes me think, makes me cry, makes me laugh....etc. I can't even really explain it any better than that.

I watch more horror than anything though, really, that's just usually what I am in the mood for. When I watch films I usually just want to have fun (cheesy, bad horror or horror comedies) or I want to be "scared" (though scared is probably technically the wrong word, since I am not REALLY scared, though I am ridiculously easy, even now, to make jump) in a safe way.

Most of the ones I have not gotten around to, the must watch ones, are just because I want to be in a mood where I will give it the appreciation it deserves. My mood can often KILL a movie for me. If I watch any kind of movie in the wrong mood, I may hate it. The only movie I can think of, that I can just pop in, no matter what my mood and enjoy? Evil Dead 2. Its why its my favorite movie.

So, basically I read the back, if the storyline seems to fit my mood for that night, I pop it in. I am sometimes wrong...LOL....;) Sometimes, I think about what I have heard here or elsewhere, and if it seems like it might fit, I go for it. But then there are some movies that I KNOW will fit that mood, sometimes I just want something familiar.

[Vodstok]

A nice rack. Cute face, cute butt. But mostly the hooters.

Oh, Movie? sorry, I dont swing that way.

[GorePhobia]

When it comes to me it does all come down to mood. I don't really enjoy watching a movie alone and nine times out of ten I am alone so that is what really sets it off for me. If I had someone like my brother, mother, nephew, a girl hanging out to cuddle then I am ALWAYS in the mood to watch a flick but sometimes I just look at the DVDs when I am alone and say to myself, "I've already seen these and I just want to see the reactions of someone else who hasn't seen it or hasn't seen it in a long while."

[Vodstok]

You cuddle with your mother, brother and nephew? Dude...

[_____V_____]

I hardly ever watch movies I've already seen anymore. I used to quite frequently, but I don't have as much time as I used to, so when I sit down to pay attention to a movie I want something I've never seen before. There are just too many films I haven't seen.

When looking for something to watch, I look for an interesting sounding story or idea coupled with actors/directors I like. I want to see something that will hold my interest, so I need a well written script and good actors that bring the script to life.

I also watch a fair amount of indie films because I enjoy discovering new talent I wasn't aware of before.

I'm mainly focused on drama these days as well. Mindless action for action's sake never did appeal to me. I will watch a bad movie if I think it has potential for amusement.

And lately, you have been watching some very good modern movies too, which is commendable because you are making an effort to come out of your shell and appreciate modern movies too. I am glad you are giving them a chance, and spending some quality time too.

Focusing on drama these days? Is it like a trend or a mindset for you, NE? Like maybe, watched 1 war movie, so I ll watch 3-4 more? or like 1-2 horror flicks interspersed between a comedy run isnt bad at all?



Yeah, it all depends on my mood.

Sometimes, I just don't want to think too much. I want to watch a movie that will just allow me to turn my brain off. Other times, I want to watch something that makes me think, makes me cry, makes me laugh....etc. I can't even really explain it any better than that.

I watch more horror than anything though, really, that's just usually what I am in the mood for. When I watch films I usually just want to have fun (cheesy, bad horror or horror comedies) or I want to be "scared" (though scared is probably technically the wrong word, since I am not REALLY scared) in a safe way.

Most of the ones I have not gotten around to, the must watch ones, are just because I want to be in a mood where I will give it the appreciation it deserves. My mood can often KILL a movie for me. If I watch any kind of movie in the wrong mood, I may hate it. The only movie I can think of, that I can just pop in, no matter what my mood and enjoy? Evil Dead 2. Its why its my favorite movie.

So, basically I read the back, if the storyline seems to fit my mood for that night, I pop it in. I am sometimes wrong...LOL....;) Sometimes, I think about what I have heard here or elsewhere, and if it seems like it might fit, I go for it. But then there are some movies that I KNOW will fit that mood, sometimes I just want something familiar.

Ergo, a re-run of an old favorite.

I am sure most of us do that a lot, too. You are one of the most diverse movie watchers I know of, Jenna. And I know you give bad (or cheesy, as you call em) movies a chance too. Its good to appreciate all sorts of flicks but, yes, basically your mood and tone governs it all.

What about your bad mood though? Can a movie actually rectify the situation and make you feel better, if you are feeling low/angry/pissed off?

[GorePhobia]

You cuddle with your mother, brother and nephew? Dude...

I guess I should reword that.

I meant if I was watching a movie with my mom, brother, nephew or even a cute girl that was there to cuddle with me.

:)

Wise ass.

:D

[Vodstok]

I guess I should reword that.

I meant if I was watching a movie with my mom, brother, nephew or even a cute girl that was there to cuddle with me.

:)

Wise ass.

:D
I knew what you meant. Pervert :D

[GorePhobia]

I knew what you meant. Pervert :D

I know you knew what I meant!

:)

Anyways carry on.

[jenna26]

Ergo, a re-run of an old favorite.

I am sure most of us do that a lot, too. You are one of the most diverse movie watchers I know of, Jenna. And I know you give bad (or cheesy, as you call em) movies a chance too. Its good to appreciate all sorts of flicks but, yes, basically your mood and tone governs it all.

What about your bad mood though? Can a movie actually rectify the situation and make you feel better, if you are feeling low/angry/pissed off?

I will give just about anything a chance, most know I am not crazy about the more recent deluge of remakes, but I still give them a look and sometimes I even like them...;) I actually really enjoy low budget efforts, I see a lot of creativity there, as well as the bigger budget efforts.

If I watch the right comedy, or even yes, "feel good" movie, it really does help my bad mood. Books can as well. But usually, depending on what caused the bad mood.....;) its easy for me to get back in my bad mood after the movie is over. If it is just about being down for some reason, I know I can put Evil Dead 2 in, or Animal House in, or Young Frankenstein in and feel better. Movies and books are how I unwind, and are a pretty big part of my life. I am a total book and movie geek and I am happy with that....:)

[urgeok2]

what determines my selection for an evenings viewing ?

1) mood. that decides the genre
2) am i tired ? if so - something full of action
3) is my kid still up ? that determines content
4) what can i get to easily. i have movies blocking movies.. sometimes ijust grab what i can see
5) what is in my backlog ..... i probably have 3000 movies i havent seen yet



what do i look for in a movie ?

- origionality
- solid performances
- tight editing
- a story thaty doesnt insult my intelligence
- fun
- cool effective effects



i find myself watching movies over again before i get to the ones i gavent seen yet more often than not.

it's not so bad though - introducing movies to my kid for the 1st time - and having him enjoy them is the next best thing to seeing a movie for the 1st time yourself.

[newb]

Obviously mood is a major factor. Direction and acting are big as well. A well directed movie could be ruined by a bad performance and vice-a-versa...you can have great acting in badly directed or edited movie.

I tend to steer clear of tear-jerkers....I want my movie watching experience to be kind of fun. Sure I love a good drama now and then....just nothing like a
"Terms of Endearment" please......we get enough of that in real life.

[_____V_____]

what determines my selection for an evenings viewing ?

1) mood. that decides the genre
2) am i tired ? if so - something full of action
3) is my kid still up ? that determines content
4) what can i get to easily. i have movies blocking movies.. sometimes i just grab what i can see
5) what is in my backlog ..... i probably have 3000 movies i havent seen yet


what do i look for in a movie ?

- origionality
- solid performances
- tight editing
- a story thaty doesnt insult my intelligence
- fun
- cool effective effects


i find myself watching movies over again before i get to the ones i havent seen yet more often than not.

it's not so bad though - introducing movies to my kid for the 1st time - and having him enjoy them is the next best thing to seeing a movie for the 1st time yourself.


Very well put, Urge.

But would you rather watch the same movie twice or grab ahold of one you havent seen yet and give it a spin?

What about re-runs? Which movie have you watched the maximum number of times, and why? Does a movie grab the same attention from you in the 3rd viewing, as it did the 2nd time?



Obviously mood is a major factor. Direction and acting are big as well. A well directed movie could be ruined by a bad performance and vice-a-versa...you can have great acting in badly directed or edited movie.

I tend to steer clear of tear-jerkers....I want my movie watching experience to be kind of fun. Sure I love a good drama now and then....just nothing like a
"Terms of Endearment" please......we get enough of that in real life.


Very true. Obviously the bright spots in a movie are usually dulled out by either damp performances, or a poor script, or unresponsive direction. Very rarely do all facets of a movie come together and create a brilliant experience, IMO.

And no mushy-wushy stuff? What if you had a sudden urge to watch something touching? Like say, Forrest Gump, or maybe The Green Mile? I bet you do have those occasional fits of warm-hearted goosepimples, which make your hairs stand. :p

[newb]

And no mushy-wushy stuff? What if you had a sudden urge to watch something touching? Like say, Forrest Gump, or maybe The Green Mile? I bet you do have those occasional fits of warm-hearted goosepimples, which make your hairs stand. :p

Then I'll throw on The Goonies

that damn Sloth gets me every time......the big lug:(

[Vodstok]

Then I'll throw on The Goonies

that damn Sloth gets me every time......the big lug:(
Poor newb... Its that you identify with him, don't you?



NEWB, LOVE, BEER!

Buweiser! millLER LIGHT!

[newb]

Poor newb... Its that you identify with him, don't you?



NEWB, LOVE, BEER!

Buweiser! millLER LIGHT!

Miller Light is NOT beer.

[Vodstok]

Miller Light is NOT beer.
Well, yeah, Light beer isnt beer.

Except Sam Adams Light.

[urgeok2]

But would you rather watch the same movie twice or grab ahold of one you havent seen yet and give it a spin?

What about re-runs? Which movie have you watched the maximum number of times, and why? Does a movie grab the same attention from you in the 3rd viewing, as it did the 2nd time?




well, like i said - most of the time i'm watching with my family so i see a lot of films i've already seen to show my son.

most times that would be my choice rather than take a chance of something new - i dont know if it's appropriate yet - or if it's crap (we see almost every movie that comes out - and is family friendly)

for re-runs ... some movies get better with each viewing ... some wear thin.

I can watch The Holy Grail over and over, Napoleon dynamite, jay and silent bob strike back - and still laugh at the same parts each time .. but thats kind of rare.

i think this is something you can only do with a comedy ... where shock and suprise isnt part of the desired effect.


all this being said - sometimes technology changes the rules as well....

i've been experiencing movies in HD DVD recently - and they're mostly movies i've seen before - but with the benefit of superb sound and picture quality.

sometimes it's like seeing a brand new movie - sometimes no big difference.

[urgeok2]

Miller Light is NOT beer.

no big brewery beer is real beer ... it's shitty tasting pop.

[AUSTIN316426808]

Unless there's something obvious(A recommendation, something I've been waiting to see, Eastwood, Kevin Smith ect.), I tend to be a bit indecisive about what to watch. So alot of the time it's the first thing I go over and say ''why not'' to.

[_____V_____]

Unless there's something obvious (A recommendation, something I've been waiting to see, Eastwood, Kevin Smith ect.), I tend to be a bit indecisive about what to watch. So a lot of the time it's the first thing I go over and say ''why not'' to.

Almost the same as me. I can completely dig that.

And more often that not I end up enjoying my selection. In the end, it turns out to be not bad decision at all.

[Papillon Noir]

I can watch dark films anytime, be it horror, thriller, black comedies or film noir. I like dark stories, especially with plot twists. Films that are a little bizarre and artistic (Lynch is a good example), I would also through into this category.

Plot is very important though, I can't get through a film if it doesn't have a substantial plot or character development. I spent way too much of my youth watching bad movies on late-night cable and there are just so many great films out there that I don't want to waste time on the bad ones anymore. I will watch a movie if I like the trailer though, but I will stay away if the reviews are really bad.

I'm also a fan of foreign films and other obscure films. I get some sort of weird satisfaction watching something that the mainstream knows nothing about.

Sometimes mood does affect what I watch and I also really love comedies too. Most of these movies are from the 80's when I grew up and some of the movies that have come out in recent years as well. There are a few old ones that grace my collection though, Some Like It Hot is a good example.

I do like to collect DVDs as well though I try to limit my collection to things that I will view many times and ultimately end up memorizing most of the movie lines, which I repeat when viewing the film again much to my husbands annoyance. :p

Dramas and Chick Flicks are definitely my least favorite genres. I tend to stay away from these movies because I tend to find them boring and uninteresting.


Movies and books are how I unwind, and are a pretty big part of my life. I am a total book and movie geek and I am happy with that....:)

As do I. I am an only child and had to learn how to entertain myself growing up, so I would immerse myself in a good movie/book.

[roshiq]

Mostly preferred Horrors which are critically appreciated and highly recommended by HDC members (I maintain a separate xl sheet for that;) ). And very often I go for movies with notable stars/directors also. But as it's a quite hard task to find good horrors locally so sometime I have no option other than grab & watch some B Horrors with an open mind:rolleyes:.

When luckily I get couple of quality horror films with me then I prefer to mix them up with some dramas & comedies or whatever with my movie schedules.

There is a funny/weird thing I like to add here. After bought a dvd (online or locally ) of a highly acclaimed horror film for which I have been waiting for a long time, I like to keep it for a while before give it a watch, there is a strange feeling inside me that tells me to not to see it immediately or in a hurry. There may be nothing special left for me for a long time, so I wait till another good movie add to my collection and then I choose a special day or in a night before some holidays to enjoy it Alone.

[Roderick Usher]

I want to be taken out of my reality. I want to see things that I wouldn't see in my day-to-day life. I want an adventure - be it comedic, tragic, thrilling, scary or just plain fun.

Give me spectacle and spleandor... just make me care.

There is nothing more pointless than a huge set-piece invovling characters that I couldn't give two shits about. Make me care, make me feel and I'll love you for it.

I'm an easy critic. I want to love everything I see. I want films to be good, so I tend to overlook flaws in plot or logic as long as the characters feel real, the pacing works and the film doesn't violate it's own rules

Pacing really is one of the most important elements. When it's perfect you don't even notice it. When it's off the whole film suffers.

Give me a good film, please! Thrill me!

[nightcreature33]

The number one aspect...I look for first and foremost in a movie is story and then lighting and camera work. There are many aspects that have to become one coherent whole in order to achieve a good movie, such as the acting, location, production design/value, sound, and editing. If these are all done well then you got yourself a good movie...

[La Chat Noire]

I try if I can to seek out movies that are more atypical, or not predictable I guess. Occasionally I'll be in the mood for standard happy ending romantic comedy, but those moments are rare. Happy endings always feel cheesy and fake. I think sometimes that's why I like horror so much, to an extent. Even when the victim survives, it's never really a happy ending because you know the victim will spend the rest of their life having to deal.

[The Flayed One]

For the last year my movie watching trends have been mediocre at best. I find myself watching mostly stuff I've already seen.

Why?

I think I've stated this in another thread, but I have a very hard time watching movies with other people around. I like my atmosphere suited perfectly to me, and with roommates that's nearly impossible. If I watch movies in my bedroom I usually just fall asleep. I'm working on turning my garage into a man cave, so after that I'll be able to watch movies more frequently. If I get disturbed once during a movie, a lot of the times I just get flustered and quit paying attention.

A little childish, I know, but (and it'll be a race to see who makes a joke out of this statement first) there are somethings a man just needs to have his privacy to enjoy.

So I watch a lot of movies that I've already seen because it doesn't piss me off if I get distracted during them.

[pinkfloyd45769]

I usually try to find movies that you guys recommend or speak highly of.If i'm going out to get a movie i usually browse on here for titles.My mood never really makes me chose to watch or not to watch a movie.Its more like i'm on a mission to find the movies mentioned here and not much though iis in it other than that.I do find myself watching movies over and over,Spiderman is one that i view quite often.I like all genres,even the mushy stuff.I guess in the end its mostly you guys that decide what i'm going to watch.

[sfear]

Mood of course, but what determines the mood? Could be the director, the book it was based of, not so often the actor unless its Nicole Kidman or some such. Even the composer. I'll watch almost anything with a score by Bernard Herrmann or Ennio Morricone. But to go backwards for a moment, one thing that makes me NOT want to watch a movie is if I have, say an R rated version in my collection and an unrated director's cut suddenly hits the stands. This makes the original not just an edited version but a censored one. Cinematic slaughter kills it for me.

[fortunato]

Some, like Alky, Return, Fortunato...give critically appreciated and powerful flicks more priority.

Which brings me to the topic. When you rummage through your collection, or rentals, your choices are driven by what? Obviously most of us are looking for entertaining flicks...but exactly what makes you actually WATCH a movie?

well, first off let me say that i will certainly give virtually any film a chance, regardless of how good or bad it's perceived to be. i love a lot of flicks of all different sorts.
that being said, you're right that i do tend to put more "critically acclaimed and powerful flicks" towards the top of my queue, although that's mostly incidental, as the people and sources from which i trust recommendations, coupled with my own curiosity/research generally tend to generate films like that.
mostly, i agree a lot with what rod was saying. i just want to be entertained, regardless of how it's done. whether it's style over substance, substance over style, great direction, great performances, etc., or a combination of anything and/or everything else, i just try to watch something as objectively as i can. i fairly easily am sucked into a film, so i generally find myself in my own world until it's over (regardless of whether i even liked it or not), and try to wait until it's over to make a judgement.

so, anyway, to answer your question:

when i'm going through my collection, as most others have said, it depends on several factors. mostly mood, and if/when i've seen it last. i do generally choose to watch things i either haven't seen ever, or haven't seen in quite some time. every once in a while, of course, i'll feel like picking an old favorite. although, kind of like what neverending was saying, if i find myself getting into a trend, i'll actively try to change it up some (unless i really really like the trend i'm in:D ).

but again, if i come across something i know of that has received a lot of interesting acclaim and/or infamy, i tend to be drawn more to those sorts of films. i also like to choose films that have been cited and recognized as examples of milestones in cinema, if nothing else, out of curiosity and to educate myself.

also:

I can watch The Holy Grail over and over, Napoleon dynamite,

i'm glad you still love napoleon dynamite.
i too have always thought it was hysterical. sure, it got hyped way too fast, got crap because of it, and it got old hearing it quoted constantly.
but especially now, after the hype has ended, i still think it's great comedy.

Then I'll throw on The Goonies

that damn Sloth gets me every time......the big lug:(

haha, me too, newb.
me too. :o

[_____V_____]

Dramas and Chick Flicks are definitely my least favorite genres. I tend to stay away from these movies because I tend to find them boring and uninteresting.

On the contrary, I think dramas and chick flicks can be pretty fast and entertaining too. Depends on which kind of movie though. Plenty of Merchant/Ivory productions can make you feel sleepy...same goes for some other makers out there.


There is a funny/weird thing I like to add here. After bought a dvd (online or locally ) of a highly acclaimed horror film for which I have been waiting for a long time, I like to keep it for a while before give it a watch, there is a strange feeling inside me that tells me to not to see it immediately or in a hurry. There may be nothing special left for me for a long time, so I wait till another good movie add to my collection and then I choose a special day or in a night before some holidays to enjoy it Alone.

That is actually very interesting, Roshiq. You make a special movie even more special by watching it on a chosen occasion. Somehow it DOES add to the flavor of the movie, though even for a little bit.


I want to be taken out of my reality. I want to see things that I wouldn't see in my day-to-day life. I want an adventure - be it comedic, tragic, thrilling, scary or just plain fun.

Give me spectacle and spleandor... just make me care.

I'm an easy critic. I want to love everything I see. I want films to be good, so I tend to overlook flaws in plot or logic as long as the characters feel real, the pacing works and the film doesn't violate it's own rules.

Escape from reality? It is the mindless journey of many of us who go through the daily grind, and want nothing more than a couple hours of sheer entertainment. And yes, if THAT is grounded in reality, all the more appeal, too.


I think I've stated this in another thread, but I have a very hard time watching movies with other people around. I like my atmosphere suited perfectly to me, and with roommates that's nearly impossible. If I watch movies in my bedroom I usually just fall asleep. I'm working on turning my garage into a man cave, so after that I'll be able to watch movies more frequently. If I get disturbed once during a movie, a lot of the times I just get flustered and quit paying attention.

A little childish, I know, but (and it'll be a race to see who makes a joke out of this statement first) there are somethings a man just needs to have his privacy to enjoy.

Not childish at all. I dont think anyone can watch movies with other people around, specially strangers. A theater experience is quite different, mind you all. When watching a DVD or TV movie, you do feel self-conscious with plenty of eyes all around you.

I can see where you are coming from, Flayed. Totally. It sometimes dictates the type and manner of the movie which we choose to watch.


I usually try to find movies that you guys recommend or speak highly of.If i'm going out to get a movie i usually browse on here for titles.My mood never really makes me chose to watch or not to watch a movie.Its more like i'm on a mission to find the movies mentioned here and not much though iis in it other than that.I do find myself watching movies over and over,Spiderman is one that i view quite often.I like all genres,even the mushy stuff.I guess in the end its mostly you guys that decide what i'm going to watch.

Governed by other people's choices? Usually movie-watching habits and choices are different for different people, Mags, but if you feel that you are on the same wavelength as another HDC member in movie-watching habits and conclusions, then why not? Its always a good idea, and a good benchmark, to follow.


Mood of course, but what determines the mood? Could be the director, the book it was based of, not so often the actor unless its Nicole Kidman or some such. Even the composer. I'll watch almost anything with a score by Bernard Herrmann or Ennio Morricone. But to go backwards for a moment, one thing that makes me NOT want to watch a movie is if I have, say an R rated version in my collection and an unrated director's cut suddenly hits the stands. This makes the original not just an edited version but a censored one. Cinematic slaughter kills it for me.


Ah, the wonders of censorship.

I myself have stayed away from as many R versions as I could, because eventually an Unrated version is out before you know it. A R version is actually laughable, but many a time the ONLY choice you could have. A fine example I could quote would be Fulci's The Beyond. Its FINALLY getting an Unrated release, thanks to Grindhouse Releasing.


well, first off let me say that i will certainly give virtually any film a chance, regardless of how good or bad it's perceived to be. i love a lot of flicks of all different sorts.

that being said, you're right that i do tend to put more "critically acclaimed and powerful flicks" towards the top of my queue, although that's mostly incidental, as the people and sources from which i trust recommendations, coupled with my own curiosity/research generally tend to generate films like that.

mostly, i agree a lot with what rod was saying. i just want to be entertained, regardless of how it's done. whether it's style over substance, substance over style, great direction, great performances, etc., or a combination of anything and/or everything else, i just try to watch something as objectively as i can.


And you love them too, J. I know that you prefer to watch a movie more on a recommendation than own gut instinct, sometimes when its recommended by someone you value a lot. Gut instinct CAN sometimes prove false, indeed, but more often than not, you do find a cinema GEM lying somewhere and which opens a whole new segment for you.

I remember 3-4 years back, many had no idea Santa Sangre existed. It was my careless remark in a VHS thread in Modern Horror which made some older members dig it out, and today Jodorowsky is enjoying a lot of attention between plenty of genre lovers. The man finally got the recognition he should have...at least when he carved out El Topo, and The Holy Mountain too.

The Unsung, Underappreciated, Other Top 100 is a glaring example. As is Begotten.

[Doc Faustus]

To feel a specific thing that I couldn't feel from another movie and to discover new stories. I don't need to make an effort to deconstruct and take notes and the insights are rewarding. So, I'm feeling, I'm thinking and I'm discovering and appreciating or scorning what went into somebody's vision or lack thereof.

[alkytrio666]

It all depends on my mood, but I mostly stick to critically appreciated or historically important films. At this point in the game, I'm punching my way through the crowd in film studies, and in a couple years hope to be in L.A. banging on some doors, trying to get a job in the business.

For this reason, I need to pick and choose my films carefully. It isn't that I don't have fun while watching movies (last night I watched a Troma flick, a Fulci giallo, and a low-budget action romp), but I really want to expand my reaches to movies more in the range of what I want to achieve.

I consider myself pretty diverse. I mean, I'm a member of a horror forum, but I've seen just about every notable American film from the early 1900s to the present, and hundreds of classic foreign films.

Basically, I strive for diversity. I bet there isn't a lot of people who will watch Nashville, Class of Nuke 'Em High, The Gold Rush, Une femme est une femme, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Un chien andalou, and Singin' in the Rain within the period that I do- that was last week's playlist.

[urgeok2]

my plan is to eventually see every movie ever made.

i'm definately well on the way.

[_____V_____]

my plan is to eventually see every movie ever made.

i'm definately well on the way.


With a DVD vault bigger than Fort Knox, I bet you are. :D

[neverending]

my plan is to eventually see every movie ever made.

i'm definately well on the way.

When you get to London After Midnight, let me know.

[urgeok2]

When you get to London After Midnight, let me know.


every movie made - thats available ......

[Vodstok]

every movie made - thats available ......
Does that include every genre and rating? i think your wife might object to a large body of that...

But maybe not.

[urgeok2]

Does that include every genre and rating? i think your wife might object to a large body of that...

But maybe not.


no - it doesnt include those !

(she wouldnt mind - she just thinks they're funny)

[Papillon Noir]

Basically, I strive for diversity. I bet there isn't a lot of people who will watch Nashville, Class of Nuke 'Em High, The Gold Rush, Une femme est une femme, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Un chien andalou, and Singin' in the Rain within the period that I do- that was last week's playlist.

You're such a film student. :p

From someone who has a Bachelor's in Film, you really do develop a varied taste in film from all genres and time periods because you have a great interest and/or are exposed to more of it than the average person.

[fortunato]

And you love them too, J. I know that you prefer to watch a movie more on a recommendation than own gut instinct, sometimes when its recommended by someone you value a lot. Gut instinct CAN sometimes prove false, indeed, but more often than not, you do find a cinema GEM lying somewhere and which opens a whole new segment for you.

I remember 3-4 years back, many had no idea Santa Sangre existed. It was my careless remark in a VHS thread in Modern Horror which made some older members dig it out, and today Jodorowsky is enjoying a lot of attention between plenty of genre lovers. The man finally got the recognition he should have...at least when he carved out El Topo, and The Holy Mountain too.

The Unsung, Underappreciated, Other Top 100 is a glaring example. As is Begotten.

yeah, that's definitely true, too.
i'd say 3-4 times out of 10 i'll watch something on a recommendation rather than just some gut feeling. truthfully, i have often thought of trying harder to just pick movies based on that feeling. haha, i haven't really started to yet, but i really should.

it is very cool to see some underappreciated, forgotten gem come up to the surface after so long, especially if it's something you just decided to watch on a hunch, and it turns out to be this wonderful discovery.

[alkytrio666]

You're such a film student. :p

From someone who has a Bachelor's in Film, you really do develop a varied taste in film from all genres and time periods because you have a great interest and/or are exposed to more of it than the average person.
Hey, I never knew that about you! No wonder you're so informed- where did you study?

[Leprucky Cougar]

You're such a film student. :p

From someone who has a Bachelor's in Film, you really do develop a varied taste in film from all genres and time periods because you have a great interest and/or are exposed to more of it than the average person.

Man, don't worry about that comment. I was intrigued by it. Finally, some intellecual discourse about cinema! :p No offense to any that don't. I was just impressed. I'm not a film student persay--but I am a Screenwriting one. Some comparitive analysis on films facilitates my ability to produce "meaty" stuff. :D That's why I always took Creative writing (my maj) as well as Theater Arts together. They are interconnected....on many levels. Rather similar to my response to this, in the other thread this was posted in.