Spinal Tap.:cool:

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Again. Just to have the recent benchmark of sci-fi fresh in my mind when I go to see Avatar tomorrow.

Yeah, that's pretty much how I felt. Definitely not as potent as the book, and it just comes off a lot goofier in the movie.

AVATAR

I went into the theater really wanting to like this film, I really did.

And I wasn't disappointed. This was one of my best Cinema experiences ever. I watched it in 3D, and I suggest you do the same. Cameron did a brilliant job of creating the forest moon of Pandora. The forests themselves were so inventive I couldn't begin to fathom how he came up with some of the things, and the life on the planet was, while not quite as original, still breathtaking. That is of course excluding the Na'vi who were incredibly inventively made.

The storyline kept moving along as a decent pace, and whilst it slowed around the half way line, it quickly picked up pace in a wonderful yet devastating scene. And scenes like this were not rare. Throughout the entire picture I found myself feeling for the characters in a way that is not common for me. Whilst I did not get choked up I was so immersed in the scenes that some of them did get me inside. And this was because of the message it had. It was very relevant to events going on on Earth. I usually get annoyed when I feel a film is preaching to me, especially about the environment. But not this film. The execution is spot on, and it truly does make you think about certain current events.

On top of the incredible creativity and perfect execution, the characterization is brilliant for the most part and the acting is truly without fault. They were, as I said, so convincing in the parts they played that when certain scenes came crashing down I felt for these characters. The CGI is breathtaking, incredibly ambitious and totally believable. Sigourney Weaver in particular impressed me, even more so than usual. Her character is easily one of the best she's played in a long time. And Sam Worthington truly takes on the role of Jake Sully.

The score, whilst at times a bit old fashioned Sci Fi, complements the film greatly and the 3D effect takes the whole thing literally to a new dimension. If I were to pick a fault with this film it would be that certain parts weren't so original. Whilst they worked perfectly, I saw elements of the force in there. However, with so many inventive Sci Fi films it's natural that there would be similarities.

I can't stress enough how much you should see this film. Don't wait for it to come out on DVD if you want to get the full experience. And don't settle for 2D. Don't settle for a bad seat in the theater and don't get up to go to the toilet half way through. You will regret it. Whilst nothing could, you don't want to risk anything spoiling this flick for you.

On my top ten films list.

5 stars, 4 thumbs up, ten out of ten. In short, top marks.

I'm surprised so many people liked Avatar, I didn't and despite all of the reviews, still don't have any interest in seeing it whatsoever. Normally when a non-Bay Blockbuster comes out I'm immediately "Hmmm. I'll check it out." at least, but... Meh.

AVATAR 3D
I can't believe anyone could dislike this film.

I saw it with my ex and my kids and they LOVED it, almost 3 hours long and my 3 year sat mesmerized ..except for 2 potty breaks.

It was the best movie I have ever seen in my LIFETIME ...and I'm old.

I cried, I laughed, my jaw literally dropped a dozen times at the visuals.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend this film in 2D, 3D, whatthefuckeverD..just SEE IT!!!

That guy is awesome, he should just legally change his name to Crazy Legs.

Ink (2009)

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Nice indie fantasy with a pretty impressive & interesting plot but falls bit slow in the last half. Worth a watch.

>>: B-


Gamer (2009)

Bit messy overall.

>>: C-

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Wow...this has totally swept me off my feet.

Wonderful plot and script, neat and pacy direction, near-perfect characters and flawless cinematography, and some of the most gorgeous and exquisite CGI you will ever get to see in a movie in your entire life.

Watch it. Preferably in IMAX if you can. You wont find a better Christmas gift than Avatar for your family this year.

The Messengers (2007). A decent ghost story at best. i would expect more from the Pang Brothers, but they probably had to conform to American standards of blasé horror film-making. The scares were typical, and most of the film was pretty mundane. Most impressive was Kristen Stewart's acting. At 16 or 17, she did a pretty good job in this lead role, especially for a non teen scream flick. The children that played the toddler Ben were also enjoyable to watch. Dylan McDermott was painfully out of place in his role; casting, what were you thinking? Overall it was just ok. Late.
derek

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Pretty solid version of the M.R James story - originally shown as part of the ITV Playhouse series..It was directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark (the guy responsible for most of the Ghost Story for Christmas films...

It has a nice little twist in the end too...

Nothing. I saw fucking nothing.

The Hangover (Unrated) - 9/10
Hilarious. Funniest slapstick/buddy movie I've seen in a while. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the F word and toilet humor.

Went to see Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) on the big screen tonight at this cool old theatre close-by. It was a bigtime favorite of mine as a kid, so it was really great to see it in the theatre again for the first time since it came out.

The Devil's Ground aka The Cycle (2008)

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>>: C

The Deep End (2001). Pretty effective mystery drama that really serves to exemplify the difficulties of families discussing difficult issues. The relationship between mother and son, through the central event, slowly builds to one of open acceptance. The acting was strong, the direction fine, and the cinematography made wonderful use of the location.. This was a strong story with an interesting focus on the weakness of language for difficult and emotional subjects. Ashe.
derek

The Hangover
Bad Influence
One Eyed Monster
Four Christmases

Now that is a true Christmas film. Love it! Always have. With that and the Patrick Stewart version who needs to see the Jim Carey one?

Hanger ....... Wow, this was a crazy film. Maybe not for everybody but definatly for me. Thanks for the rec Elvis. Cant wait to see gutterballs.

The Bridge - A documentary about people who have/have tried to kill themselves by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Really upsetting.

The Black Dahlia – I liked the book a good deal, but this was a baaaaad movie. Clunky, over-long, and Josh Hartnett is feature-free.

Sam

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" 2-3/10

Just come to realize Kevin James isn't funny outside of Queens..

Black Cobra - a cheesy blaxploitation rip off of Stallone's Cobra starring Fred Williamson. A couple decent shootouts.

Crippled Masters - pretty cool kung fu movie starring a guy with no arms and a guy with no legs!

Simon Says


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Decided to check this out based on a surprisingly good review in Rue Morgue Magazine. I didn't realize, however, that the glowing review was purely from a fanboy perspective. Essentially, if you're a fan of 80s horror and want to see an homage to a T (as opposed to an ironic homage/parody that you see in My Bloody Valentine 3D), watch this film. For me, however, it just didn't do it. Not even Crispin Glover could save it.

Just unwatchable.

.5/5.

...

Asylum


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After the unsatisfying Simon Says, we decided to peruse Netflix instant and finally watch this film that had been sitting in the queue for quite some time. Quite frankly, I'm a HUGE sucker for movies having to do with old asylums, twisted science, and the like, but this was more of a co-ed pop horror film looking to catch the Scream audience. All characters are caricatures and there wasn't a whole lot of old-timey asylum torture, which is usually what gets me going. Sarah Roemer is a refreshingly hot scream queen, however. It was good to see her out of a cheerleader movie and back into horror.

Regardless of its faults, I still watched it at least.

2/5.


...


Dead Air


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Since this movie was brought up during a discussion of Pontypool, I figured that I'd check it out. I like Bill Mosely and I was honestly curious in terms of two REALLY similar infection movies coming out at the same time.

I have to say, though, I was disappointed. Whereas Pontypool was definitely creepy, suspenseful, and even delightfully gory at times, Dead Air seemed to be just that; air devoid of anything, including tension, suspense, or horror. Also, the "reason" was absolutely lame and contrived.

To tell you the truth, I fell asleep. I didn't even finish this movie. And have no desire to go back to it.

1/5.


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Surveillance


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It's not quite a surprise that Lynch's latest Production enterprise is one of the more tense movies that I have seen in a long, long time. Written and directed by his daughter, Jennifer Lynch, Surveillance has all the makes of an intense murder mystery/thriller as you, the audience member, are walked through the events that eventually lead up to the crimes that are being solved. But, of course, it's not your everyday murder mystery.

Definitely more linear and less absurd than Lynch's usual fare, Surveillance is a brilliant character piece that definitely had me on the edge of my seat at times... No, not in a scared way, but in a cringing sort of way... A good cringing sort of way. The reveal is a little hokey, but the end is so well constructed that you forgive it almost immediately.

I would say that this is a must-see for genre fans.

4.5/5.


...


Up


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First off, I have a few grievances to air:

Why, Pixar, WHY do you orchestrate your advertising in such a way as to REPEL me from your feature films? Cars had me believe that it was nothing but redneck drag-racing fare and here with Up I couldn't understand WHY a grumpy old man and a cherubic rube would cause me to run out to the theater... This is the second time that I have had no desire to see a Pixar film at the movies that I honestly wished I had!

Up was amazing! It was funny without being pandering. It was tear-jerking without being manipulative. And it was absolutely STUNNING without a flaw. Easily one of my Top 3 Films of 2009, Up has a little for everyone... From cartoonish antics that made me giggle to whimsical fantasies that made me smile and sigh, to genuine characters who made me cry... It's been a while since I've felt so sad/happy/inspired by a single film, and Up did just that. It's fun, adventurous, and absolutely charming. HIGHLY recommend it.

5/5.

He's got a pretty good stand-up routine.

Went to see Avatar again last night with my wife.

I am actually REALLY excited to see this movie.

HOWEVER

The boyfriend wants to go see it with me AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY. :mad:

I've complained about going to the movies with his family. His father and brother talk the whole time. And his brother is one of the most unpleasant, angry, cynical people that I've met in my life (and this is coming from ME).

So I REALLY WANT TO SEE IT... But the desire is bitter sweet, unfortunately. :(

Anyway. Glad that you enjoyed it X2!

It is an unforgettable experience. You wouldn't want to get distracted when the film is in full swing. Hopefully he changes his mind. You are gonna get blown away, Chrono...just remember not to be over-critical. :)

Christ I hate ppl like that with a passion..

Must check out surveillance..

My rating 2.5/5...liked it:D
...
Seems I have seen it but can't remember anything about it!:confused:
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Ditto.:)
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Bit disappointed with the ending.:o
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Completely agree with this one. The first ten to fifteen minutes were easily the most emotionally impact portion of the entire film. Carl is such a lovable character, that we feel for him from the very beginning. You feel the joy that he feels, and when his wife passes away, you feel his loss. By the end of the whole sequence, it turns into one of those rare celluloid moments that stays in heart forever.

A brilliant animated feature (top notch in every department) with a heart & soul that shares an adventure truly for all ages.

Breathless (1960). This infamous Godard flick, shot on a shoestring with a handheld, is all about style. Revolutionary in some of the techniques used, this is a quirky flick that is probably best appreciated by serious film buff and students. "To become mortal, and then die."

Happiness (1998). What a collection of awful characters. Everytime i thought one to be the most despicable, another would rise to the occassion. This disturbingly great flick is comprised of a beautifully complicated story whose many characters are interwoven around three sisters. Everyone here has cyclopean problems, but as the characters are believeable, their difficulties seem painfully real as well. i love the title, as no one is happy here, and even those that should be happy complain that the source of what should be making them happy actually is the source of their dismay. The cast is terrific, with veterans and strong newcomers alike. A must see for all of those able to deal with very strong content matter. Ashe.
d

Happiness is one of my fave films..

nat lampoons christmas vacation

Black Cobra 2 - Started off really strong. REALLY strong. the first fifteen minutes were complete with a totally badass soundtrack, a chase scene, and an exploding head. after that it seemed to just lose is mojo and went quickly downhill into boredom land.

Inglourious Basterds

Of course there are many scenes of great, drawn out dialogue as one would expect from Tarantino. Quite a few long, tracking shots that were beautifully done. Some great photography and set design. I thought the acting was great from everyone involved. Overall I think it's a great movie from a technical standpoint. BUT... From a non-technical standpoint I wasn't too impressed. The movie drags and drags and drags. It's really about an hour too long. I really felt that Tarantino wasn't sure what kind of movie he wanted to make. A serious war movie? A slapstick comedy? A balls-out action film? I found it to be so disjointed in those regards that it became a chore to watch. Add in the 2.5 hour runtime and I'm seriously glad that I watched it at home and not in the theater. At least I could pause it from time to time so that I could take a break from it. It had it's moments, but they were so far from one another that the movie just became tedious to finish.

3/5

Spot on...

A Christmas Story

The Grinch - [live action one ]

Sunset Blvd. on the big screen.