| Author |
Message |
    
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 712
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 12:42 pm: | 
|
I've never thought of Poltergeist as anything but a Spielberg film. And I could never figure out why Hooper received directing credit. It must have been a "union" thing.
Years ago I saw a short behind-the-scenes documentary on some cable channel. (Is it on the SE?) I'll never forget the look of total humiliation on Hooper's face as he stood on the set while Spielberg directed the actors. |
Oh yeah? (Thezookieman)
Movie Star
Username: Thezookieman
Post Number: 5353
Registered: 06-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 02:13 pm: |
|
Can someone please tell the guys behind movie commercials to please please please stop quoting Larry King as if he is a credible judge of excellence in the cinema?
Standing in the shadow of the One True City...
|
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8774
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 08:08 pm: |
|
Sometimes King is one of the few public 'names' who've had anything nice to say about the movie...either they go with his quote, or redesign the poster to eliminate all that extra space for reviews.
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3972
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 10:08 pm: |
|
Michael Clayton: Lovely homage to 70's thrillers like All The President's Men marks an impressive directorial debut from ace screenwriter Tony Gilroy (the Bourne trilogy) and gives star George Clooney (terrific) a chance to stretch his acting muscles without resorting to a De Niro, method actor beer gut to announce he's "ACT-ing!" Tom Wilkinson is dependably great as a litigator who suffers a Network-style emotional and mental breakdown, and Sydney Pollack and Tilda Swinton both provide able support. The little opening prologue I could have done without, as the splintered chronology adds absolutely nothing to the narrative except moving up an explosion for the easilly bored members of the audience. Not quite a great movie, but a smart, adult thriller nonetheless. B+
Wolfman's got nards!
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3975
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 19, 2007 - 11:02 pm: |
|
Planet Terror: Extended Cut: Robert Rodriguez's splatterific, Gore Guignol zombie flick, now shorn of it's association Death Proof, still stands up as a hugely entertaining genre pic, with plenty of laughs to make the buckets of viscera go down as easy as JT's barbecue platters. There's about 15 minutes of additional footage added back into this new DVD cut, which helps flesh out supporting characters and set up certain gags better even if it doesn't add as much as the additional footage in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof (the missing reel remains MIA, and damn Rodriguez to hell for teasing us with a Rose McGowen sex scene and not delivering the whole thing.  ). While I'm still miffed that the true double feature aspect of Grindhouse cannot be replicated (with those wonderful fake trailers not on either individual film's DVD), Planet Terror stands on it's own as a terrific bit of horror/comedy that Rodriguez's fans will eat up. A-
Wolfman's got nards!
|
kiwiboy (Lighthouse_boy)
Movie Star
Username: Lighthouse_boy
Post Number: 3254
Registered: 06-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 20, 2007 - 03:30 pm: |
|
Gone Baby Gone. Ben Affleck's directorial debut slams one down the line for stand up triple. A story about child abduction is not a happy one and can be down right hard to watch but the cast is so good and, I have not read the book, so I found the storyline riveting. Grade: B+
back to New Zealand in December
|
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 713
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 01:12 am: |
|
Gone Baby Gone: I'd say he hit a homerun. A rich, interesting cast of characters, along with a gritty authenticity and moral ambiquity elevate it above the standard detective mystery.
The Affleck brothers serve each other well in this outstanding directorial debut. Ben has redeemed himself after years of mediocrity in front of the camera. He chose an excellent supporting cast, with Amy Ryan a standout.
I've seen Casey give two excellent performances in a row, and I am now convinced he is a major film actor. He is this film's anchor and is more than up to the task. I hope he's given more opportunities to showcase his talent.
About four stars... |
Oh yeah? (Thezookieman)
Movie Star
Username: Thezookieman
Post Number: 5362
Registered: 06-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 04:41 pm: |
|
Now I guess that means that Casey is a shoo-in to play James T. Kirk in the new Star Trek film 
Standing in the shadow of the One True City...
|
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8782
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 08:14 pm: |
|
According to this and several other sources zook, J. J. Abrams and Co. have already case Chris Pine as Kirk.
For Capt. James T., you need larger than life, hamminess, bluster, and swagger. Whatever Pine's [sic] virtues in that regard, I can't see Affleck fils delivering something like that.
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3981
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 10:12 pm: |
|
Here's a thought...maybe they should let Star Trek DIE.
-The Omen (1976): B+
-Damien: Omen II (1978): B-
-The Final Conflict: Omen III (1981): C-
-Omen IV: The Awakening (1991): D-
-The Omen (2006): B-
And you're doing it for nothing!Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 715
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 12:23 am: |
|
Latest Star Trek casting news: Karl Urban As Dr. Leonard McCoy? That's an interesting choice! |
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3984
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 10:28 pm: |
|
Mr. Brooks: Ludicrous, wildly overwritten serial killer film features Kevin Costner (yeah, hire the blandest, least-threatening actor in Hollywood as a serial killer...) as the bow-tied head honcho of a box factory(!) who's also a closet killer goaded on by an inner voice given physical form by William Hurt (at least the movie doesn't try to do that lame old trick of only revealing that Hurt is a figment of Costner's imagination as a "twist" ending...they let you know right off the bat). But after murdering his lastest pair of victims, he's photographed in the act by a witness (Dane Cook) who, instead of turning Mr. Brooks in, blackmails him...not for money, but to take him along on his next killing spree! Did I mention that Brooks' daughter is also a killer ("She's got what I got"), or that the detective assigned to the case (Demi Moore) is suffering from a nasty divorce and being stalked by a totally unreleated killer? Confused yet? Mr. Brooks is clumsy, overwrought, boring, badly miscast, unintentionally funny, and incredibly inept. This roast turkey is easilly the worst movie I've seen this year. D
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
AdamL (Adaml)
Cinematographer
Username: Adaml
Post Number: 2214
Registered: 08-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 05:51 am: |
|
I liked it! |
I need it for my art (Reelwoman)
Cinematographer
Username: Reelwoman
Post Number: 2576
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 08:29 am: |
|
We watched The Corpse Bride again yesterday as a family, kicking off our Halloween Movie Fright Fest. I actually get goosebumps watching Tim Burton's work, he's that good.
"As a math atheist, I should be excused from this."
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3985
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 11:26 am: |
|
I love Corpse Bride, and I'm looking forward to seeing The Nightmare Before Christmas In 3D soon.
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3991
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:15 pm: |
|
Gone Baby Gone: Extremely impressive directing debut for Ben Affleck, and more proof that baby bro Casey has finally "arrived", this crackerjack thriller is every bit as fine a piece of "Boston Noir" as Clint Eastwood's Mystic River minus the often hard-to-swallow plot coincidences that marred that film. I was completely engrossed by this film, and am still mulled over the ethical ramifications of Casey Affleck's final decision. A very, very good film. A-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Guynoir (Guynoir)
Cinematographer
Username: Guynoir
Post Number: 1529
Registered: 02-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 02:15 am: |
|
I'm hardly Costner's biggest fan, but there are actors out there who are even blander (Orlando Bloom) and less-threatening (Paul Walker) than he is. |
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3994
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:17 am: |
|
House Of 1,000 Corpses: Wow...every bit as bad as I've heard. What a piece of sh!t. D
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Kathy (Kk1024)
Cinematographer
Username: Kk1024
Post Number: 1902
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 03:20 pm: |
|
A Mighty Heart - Angelina as Mariane Pearle. This movie has quite a flew problems. All suspense is neutralized because we know Daniel Pearle's fate. The lighting of the film was terribly distracting. They seemed to be going for a documentary style and drained it of much emotion and drama. Angelina's performance has been praised. I am neutral on it.} |
C.J. (Thief)
Movie Star
Username: Thief
Post Number: 3488
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 04:00 pm: |
|
I'm curious about House of 1000 Corpses, but only because I've read that the sequel Devil's Rejects is pretty good.
JUST MARRIED! -- If you see me posting, my wife must be working.
|
Kathy (Kk1024)
Cinematographer
Username: Kk1024
Post Number: 1903
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 05:12 pm: |
|
I was never a Costner fan, but saw Mr. Brooks on vacation. It's a throwaway movie. I thought Demi's horribleness distracted from Costner's blandness. |
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 3997
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 10:25 pm: |
|
C.J.:
quote:I'm curious about House of 1000 Corpses, but only because I've read that the sequel Devil's Rejects is pretty good.
And the hell of it is, it is...
-The Devil's Rejects: Surprisingly well-crafted (if nasty) follow-up to the atrocious House Of 1,000 Corpses has it's three most charismatic villians (Sid Haig, Sheri Moon Zombie, Bill Mosely) going on the lam after their ramshackle house-of-horrors domicile is raided by the police, with a grudge-carrying sherriff (William Forsythe) hot on their trail. A sicko variation on Bonnie & Clyde and countless other road thrillers (The Hitcher, ect.), Rejects is certainly unpleasant and excessive, but Rob Zombie's skill behind the camera had improved exponentially from the inept House, and there's a certain cathartic kick in seeing the film's trio of sadistic baddies brought down and forced to experience the very tortures they brought upon their dozens of victims. Plus, the film has a great soundtrack and is studded with cool 70's cult actors (Ken Foree, Michael Berryman) as well as the late Matthew McGrory (Big Fish) in his last film role. I can't say I really "liked" this film, but I can't deny the skill with which is was made. B-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8794
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 09:41 am: |
|
Stardust
Here we go again with heroic fable/fantasy/mythology run through the Cuisinart. There wasn't a single unfamiliar element here, although there was enough creative energy and engaging humour to make it all work...well, mostly.
The biggest problem I had with this movie, apart from its obvious-from-the-get-go story trajectory, was its alternately strange and sublime casting choices. Newcomer Cox as the kid hero was just right, but Danes as the fallen star was kind of a head-scratcher, since she's neither an ethereal nor romantic screen presence. Pfeiffer and De Niro fared scarcely better; both were amusing but generally felt out of place. As for the other star cameos, fun enough I guess, but uninspired. In almost every scene these marquee names out on a lark just reminded me that I was watching a movie. Although entertained by their antics, I rarely felt involved by their quest. Nevertheless, an amiable diversion. It wasn't The Princess Bride, or in Terry Gilliam's league, yet still okay.
After Danny Boyle's Sunshine and now Matthew Vaughn's work here, what is it with these edgey indie Brits suddenly chasing after effects-laden mainstream sci-fantasy fare? Neither did a bad job, but nothing genre-redefining either...you have to wonder "Why did they even bother?"
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4001
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 10:13 pm: |
|
What's Halloween without at least one Tim Burton movie (or, better yet, two)...?
-The Nightmare Before Christmas In 3D: The second year of the nifty new three-dimensional reissue of Burton's charming, stop-motion dark fable (brought to dazzling life by director Henry Selick and his talented crew of animators) is every bit as fun, Burton's ghouls and goblins now popping off the screen to add to the film's mix of merriment and the macabre. Plus, Danny Elfan's terrific song score sounds great in the new, enveloping 5.1 surround mix. A feast for the eyes, ears...and, of course, imagination. Still one of my favorite animated films of all time. A+
-Corpse Bride: It took Burton (and co-director Tim Johnson, a Nightmare animator) long enough to return to the stop-motion universe, but it worth the wait, an enchanting, even more technically stupendous tale of a romantic triangle that bridges the worlds of the living (Johnny Depp's prim, nervous Victor Van Dort, initially rejecting his intended betrothal to Emily Watson's sweetly shy Victoria Everglott) and the dead (Helena Bonham Carter's perversely sexy Emily, a jilted, deceased bride who accepts Victor's unintended proposal of marriage and whisks him away to her madly colorful netherworld digs). Full of exceptionally detailed architecture, witty voice work by a supporting cast brimming with a bevvy of Burton veterans (Christopher Lee, Albert Finney, Michael Gough), and another tuneful Danny Elfman score (sporting one of his loveliest main themes, frequently played by solo piano). A real charmer that earns some surprising emotion in it's concluding moments. A-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
AdamL (Adaml)
Cinematographer
Username: Adaml
Post Number: 2215
Registered: 08-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 07:33 am: |
|
Kathy,
Moore was horrible but was saddled with a completely ridiculous character that could have been written out of the story completely and the film had been better for it. That was my main criticism but the rest of the movie worked for me, particularly the sparring between Costner and Hurt. |
kiwiboy (Lighthouse_boy)
Movie Star
Username: Lighthouse_boy
Post Number: 3256
Registered: 06-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 11:51 am: |
|
Dan in Real Life. A nice, harmless film.
back to New Zealand in December
|
Kathy (Kk1024)
Cinematographer
Username: Kk1024
Post Number: 1904
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 12:12 pm: |
|
Adam,
I agree with you and I actually liked the Hurt/Costner interaction also.
Evening - What I question is why so many wonderful actresses signed up for this film? I hated the screenplay and would probably have hated the book it was based on. It wasn't up to standard Danielle Steele calibre.
I can see why this film had limited distribution. It was a Lifetime film-equivalent without sufficient character development. We don't care enough about any of the characters to overcome the sappy plot. Also some of the arty things came off as more silly than arty. Deathbed Vanessa Redgrave chasing a CGI bug while her daughters were discussing Nina's (played by Toni Collette) unexpected pregnancy was particularly annoying.
C- |
Alex Dr_Evil (Drevil)
Cinematographer
Username: Drevil
Post Number: 1785
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 01:52 pm: |
|
I agree that House of 1000 Corpses was awful, but it showed hints that Zombie is a talented director. He ended up doing a pretty good job with this year's remake of Halloween. Never saw The Devil's Rejects, though. |
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 718
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 02:20 pm: |
|
Dan in Real Life: The title is misleading. I can't say the movie is all that realistic. Despite this, I actually enjoyed this little movie. Your enjoyment, however, would probably depend upon how much you like Steve Carell. He is quite good at garnering sympathy for foolish characters by imbuing them with a childlike vulnerability. Incidentally, Amy Ryan was given very little to do in this film. Three stars. |
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 719
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 02:39 pm: |
|
The Devil's Rejects was pretty good, actually. But you must have an affinity for the exploitation flicks of the 70's to really appreciate it. I even ordered a copy from Amazon recently (on sale now!). I figured since they have an ad here a plug would be okay.... |
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8805
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 03:09 pm: |
|
Always curious about what Todd Haynes was up to with Far From Heaven, I finally saw the source of his homage, Douglas Sirk's All That Heaven Allows. Prior to this, I'd only seen clips of Sirk movies, plus about a third of Magnificent Obsession...enough to give them a polite pass as not my thing.
Oddly enough, I kinda sorta liked this one...or maybe I was just in the mood for a vintage Technicolor studio wallow. What struck me most, was how sad all these people were...not so much over what they were doing, but what they weren't. Evem in their romantic moments, no sense of that island of peace and contentment...no joy. Every simple moment seemed burdened by this unseen pall of despair. I suppose a lot of this goes with the turf for romantic mellers, but rarely in a mainstream 50s American movie have I felt such glumness and utter hopelessness - as if in Sirk's world view every choice is inevitably doomed by compromise, so all you ever get to do is choose your particular brand of cursed misery.
I think Haynes was smart to take a run at this style in a post-modern film because that was what the original Sirk version felt like...despite its glossy 50s sheen, it played more 90s than 50s...eerily post-modern in tone if not in subject. I mean, at the height of post-war America's infatuation with the newfound television medium, could there be a more pathetic sight than watching Jane Wyman staring stunned silent into her beaten reflection off the tube, while her kids rejoice in this gift as a symbol of their impending abandonment? Geezzz...was even Bergman ever this stark or cruel?
Ordinary text, bleak subtext. Surprisingly tough stuff.
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
KidLawless (Kidlawless)
Cinematographer
Username: Kidlawless
Post Number: 1227
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 08:32 pm: |
|
Things We Lost in the Fire: Benico del Toro gives an excellent performance as the former-lawyer-turned-junkie who moves in the garage of his best friend's widow after said friend is killed in a random act of violence. I was neutral aboutHalle Berry's performance-I kept thinking back to Monster's Ball-but liked the story which incorporated themes of loneliness, addicition, hope and redemption. I hope del Toro is remembered come Oscar time. Overall: B
When the going goes weird, the weird turn pro.
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4003
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 10:32 pm: |
|
-The Hills Have Eyes (1977): Scuzzy, low-budget Wes Craven shocker about a group of squabbling family members (including Dee Wallace) who, after their camper breaks down in the middle of the desert, are besieged by a group of nasty, inbred maniacs (the hulking, bug-eyed Michael Berryman the most memorable of the bunch) looking to turn the group into a buffet spread. Ugly, and the performances are fairly rank, but there's certainly effective moments studded throughout, and Craven knows how to tighten the screws with a pro's skill. B
-The Descent: Last year's best horror movie, Neil Marshall's clautrophobic freak-out about a gaggle of spelunking Brit femmes who are attacked by a swarm of blind, milky-pale bat-men while lost in a maze of underground caverns offers up compelling characters, expertly-paced frights, plently of gore, a haunting prologue that hangs over the remaining proceedings like a ominous pall, and, in it's original British cut (which I just watched for the first time), an extended ending that ranks with John Carpenter's The Thing for it's chilly bleakness. Horror fans couldn't ask for much better. A-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
C.J. (Thief)
Movie Star
Username: Thief
Post Number: 3490
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 02:05 pm: |
|
I looooooved The Descent.
Anyway, I saw Cellular with Kim Basinger. Serviceable thriller despite the awful performances from Basinger herself, and Chris Evans. William H. Macy and Jason Statham are barely adequate in roles that require little of them. Still, the film ends up being entertaining enough for a night watch. Grade: C+
JUST MARRIED! -- If you see me posting, my wife must be working.
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4006
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 04:35 pm: |
|
I didn't think Basinger or Evans were awful. The former performed her scream queen duties with convincing gusto, and the latter had a nice everydude appeal. Cellular was quite enjoyable all around. I'd give it a solid B.
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4007
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 10:27 pm: |
|
In The Mouth Of Madness (1995): An insurance fraud investigator (Sam Neill) is assigned to track down an MIA novelist, Sutter Cane (Jurgen Prochnow), who's latest book seems to be driving his fans into even bigger a frenzy than usual. Soon arriving in the town of Hobb's End (not on any map), Neill finds out that the locals are quite the unusual and disturbing bunch. A cinematic tip of the hat to Stephen King and especially H.P. Lovecraft, In The Mouth Of Madness starts off promisingly, and Neill is fine as the increasingly frazzled protagonist, but director John Carpenter's film, despite some eerie, effective moments and the requisite gore, peters out as it goes along, limping to a confusing, pretentious ending that basically negates the entire movie! While one of Carpenter's better post-80's films, it's no patch on his late-70's/early-80's classics. B-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Kathy (Kk1024)
Cinematographer
Username: Kk1024
Post Number: 1905
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 08:14 pm: |
|
Michael Clayton I really liked this one. I think this was by far George Clooney's best work to date. I also liked the plot, which is more rare than my liking a film anymore. This is a character driven film with solid performances all around. A- |
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4009
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 10:33 pm: |
|
Lust, Caution: Gorgeous, engrossing WWII melodrama about a group of idealistic young Chinese theater students who, embroiled with patriotic fervor, target a Japanese traitor named Mr. Yee (the suave Tony Leung) circa 1938, attempting to place young actress Wong Chia Chi (the ravishing newcomer Tang Wei) into his life under the guise of wealthy sophiticate Mrs. Mak. in an attempt to lure him out into a public place in order to be assassinated. Wong is so dedicated to her role that she freely gives away her virginity to one of her conspiritors in order to better be prepared for Mr. Yee's all-but-certain sexual advances. But then the combination of Mr. Yee and his wife (Joan Chen) unexpectedly retuning to Shanghai and the group's scheme being found out by one of Mr. Yee's associates (leading to a gruesomely protracted murder setpiece that recalls Alfred Hitchcock's Torn Curtain) causes Wong to flee, the group's plans shattered by fate and bad timing. Three years later, Wong, having relocated to Shanghai to pursue her studies, suddenly finds herself given a second chance to make Mr. Yee's aquaintance, and falls back into her role as Mrs. Mak. Soon, the two become embroiled in a torrid affair (the film's much ballyhooed NC-17 rated is well deserved during the startlingly expicit and intimate love scenes), and Wong begins to find her loyalties torn in two different directions. Director Ang Lee's film plays like one of Hitchcock's 40's thrillers (Notorious, in particular) slowed down to a languid, 2 1/2+ hour pace. But the film's epic running time seems to fly by, thanks to the excellence of the two leads, Lee's slow, meticulous plot construction, and the frequently gorgeous production values (Rodrigo Preito's photography and Alexandre Desplat's music will get much AFFA love). I'm baffled as to why the film has received such a soft reception from critics, as I was completely engrossed throughout, and even moved by the end. Another winner from the ever-versatile Lee. A-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
C.J. (Thief)
Movie Star
Username: Thief
Post Number: 3491
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 12:28 am: |
|
quote:I didn't think Basinger or Evans were awful. The former performed her scream queen duties with convincing gusto, and the latter had a nice everydude appeal. Cellular was quite enjoyable all around. I'd give it a solid B.
Diff'rent strokes, I guess. IMO, Basinger's performance was completely unreal and unnatural, while Evans is clearly channeling Paul Walker's "style". Heck, even Jason Statham, who should be more than comfortable handling tough/bad guy roles, looked kinda lost in it.
JUST MARRIED! -- If you see me posting, my wife must be working.
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4011
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 11:28 am: |
|
Monster House: Charming animated feature channels mid-80's Amblin/Spielberg productions as a trio of suburban kids find themselves having to deal with the scary house next door...which has been swallowing the various toys of the neighrborhood kids unlucky enough to land on it's lawn for years and now is hungry for the living! This Goonies/Poltergeist crossbreed offers terrific animation (this is easilly the best use of motion capture in a CG feature to date, even if the facial animation lacks the subtle detail of the best Pixar productions), fine voice work, and a near-perfect blend of family-friendly frights and all-ages humor ("That must be it's uvula!" ~ "So, it's a girl house!"). I liked this one even better the second time. Just an all-around fun Reagan-era throwback. A-
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
C.J. (Thief)
Movie Star
Username: Thief
Post Number: 3492
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2007 - 12:31 am: |
|
I loved Monster House. Excellent film.
...and I also loved 28 Weeks Later, which I just saw. More thoughts later.
JUST MARRIED! -- If you see me posting, my wife must be working.
|
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8821
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 06:09 pm: |
|
The Darjeeling Limited
Somehow I posted my impressions on the "Coming Attractions" board by mistake.
You don't have to be a Wes Anderson fan to like this one...but it helps.
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4018
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 10:12 pm: |
|
Well, Wes Anderson movies bug me for some reason (all that forced whimsy and those "deadpan" wide-angle lenses...bah), so I'll likely wait for DVD. Not even the siren call of Natalie Portman nudity could entice me to see Darjeeling (ooooh, "wacky" title!).
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Son Of... (Docscribe)
Studio Mogul
Username: Docscribe
Post Number: 8822
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 01:06 am: |
|
What is so "wacky" about "Darjeeling"? That's the region of India where they were fercrissake!! Or do you think someone just made up that name to market fine teas? I mean, "d'uhhhh."
Of all the cinema homages, especially in recent years, this was the only loving tip (or one of the few) to the former state of Bengal, and the Bengali, that Satyjit Ray's work so hauntingly and beautifully depicted during the 50s. Of course, in the foreground, this movie was not specifically about that, except via counterpoint, but that locale definitely gave the film a 'look' and 'feel different than anything currently clogging the arteries of movie goers. All those wonderful background details filling out Anderson's frame gave this film texture - for example, you just can't watch those trainboard sequences without your eyes roving over all the unusual (for us) throwback period details in the location surfaces. The colour palatte and shapes were different too...it was just so lovingly put together on film, and this particular location did, indeed, have a significant purpose in terms of the story.
The only thing really wrong with any of it was Anderson's decision to start the ball rolling with Schwartzman's occasionally amusing but mostly time-frittering Hotel Chevalier short with Portman. I suppose it set the comedic tone, but all of that could have been summed up in a couple of lines. So when I see this again on DVD, I'll skip right over all of that. In your case Monty, do just the opposite: borrow or download it for the Portman skinny bits...everything you're likely to enjoy occurs within the first 15 minutes.
"And then his siggy just went *POOF*"
|
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 720
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 01:38 am: |
|
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead: Holy crap! Sidney (Lumet), I know that no one does desperate characters better than you, but where did this unrelentingly bleak vision of an American family come from? Suffice it to say it's a dark depiction of the mother of all dysfunctional families, hidden behind a thin veneer of respectability. Tough stuff, extremely well made and acted. Three and one-half stars.
American Gangster: A good movie, which does not cover any ground not already visited by several of Ridley Scott's contemporaries. I'm afraid Scorsese has cornered the market on the modern gangster film. Three stars.
Lars and the Real Girl: A pitch-perfect, surprisingly sweet little film that respects it's characters. Never lurid or sentimental, it's about how love is expressed in a small community for one of their own who is desperately in need. Excellent performances throughout. Gosling shines. Three and one-half stars.
Saw IV: You need to have seen and taken notes of at least the third installment to fully appreciate the plot twists in this outing. Otherwise, standing alone, it's not worth the effort. Two stars.
.. |
C.J. (Thief)
Movie Star
Username: Thief
Post Number: 3493
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 04:34 pm: |
|
1408 A somewhat nice effort that left me ho-hum as far as creepiness and thought-provokingness go. The film is not bad, but it fails to shine in any category. Lots of opportunities to do something nice here were left unattended. Meh. Probably a C.
JUST MARRIED! -- If you see me posting, my wife must be working.
|
James (James)
Production Assistant
Username: James
Post Number: 306
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 04:35 pm: |
|
American Gangster, a very pedestrian at best movie. As Nicola stated it does cover any new ground. My other problem (among many others) with the movie was that there was nothing into the story of the characters. Denzel Washington was rehashing some recycled good with previous performances here so it was nothing special with him and Russell Crowe did look invested with a good performance. It least Crowe seemed to try to give his character a little arc compared to Denzel.
It was almost 3 hours of pretty much nothing! Could that trophy wife of Denzel's be any more bland? Could Carla Gugino be any more snooze inducing?
Honestly I was left very non-plused buy American Gangster. Biggest Disappointment of the year from me.
Grade: C. |
Nicola_D (Nicola_d)
Key Grip
Username: Nicola_d
Post Number: 721
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 09:39 pm: |
|
James:
Re: Denzel's performance: I have to agree.
Actually, I think he was miscast. He never fully inhabited the character IMO. Not for a moment did I believe his character came from a background of extreme poverty. And I did think that Crowe did a better job, although he does on occasion resort to distracting ticks...
Still, I thought it was entertaining and it held my interest throughout the entire @ three hours.
.. |
Kathy (Kk1024)
Cinematographer
Username: Kk1024
Post Number: 1907
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 10:58 pm: |
|
It held my interest also, but I agree with you both. Betcha Denzel gets a Best Actor nod, too. |
Monterey Jack (Monty)
Movie Star
Username: Monty
Post Number: 4022
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:10 pm: |
|
Gearing up for the imminent release of No Country For Old Men by going through the entire back catalogue of Coen Bros. movies in order. You know...for kids!
-Blood Simple (1984): Galvanizingly nasty noir update rightfully put the Coens on the map with their blood-chilling look at a cuckolded bar owner (Dan Hedaya), his unfaithful wife (future Mrs. Joel Coen Frances McDormand), her dimwitted lover (John Getz) and the private investigator/hired gun (M. Emmett Walsh) who tries to double-cross and murder the lot of them. Probably the least "wacky" film in the Coen canon, it coasts along on one nasty twist after another (with a particularly squirmy sequence involving a live burial), the excellent performance of the four leads, and the gorgeously sleek look of Barry Sonnenfeld's inventive cinematography. One of the most impressive directorial debuts of the past 25 years. A
-Raising Arizona (1987): A lunatic 180 from the tight, merciless plotting of Blood Simple, this live-action cartoon features a pitch-perfect Nicolas Cage as H.I. McDunnough, a petty career criminal who pitches woo at a comely police officer named Edwina (a wonderful Holly Hunter) and settles down with her, resolving to mend his ways and fly the straight and narrow. But when "Ed" finds out she's barren, they two conspire to kidnap one of the "Arizone Quints", five babies born to furniture magnate Nathan Arizona (an apopleptic Trey Wilson), on the grounds that he and his wife "have more than they can handle". Did I mention the pair of escaped convicts (William Forsythe and Coen regular John Goodman) who drop in on H.I. to pay a visit, or the mythical bounty hunter Leonard Smalls (Randall "Tex" Cobb) on the trail of young Nathan Jr.? This one features some of the funniest sequences the Coens have ever concocted (including a wild, extended foot chase sparked off by the memorable line "I'm a-takin' there here Huggies, and, ah, whaever cash ya got."), with wildly kinetic camerawork courtesy of the redoubtable Barry Sonnenfeld and a hilarious, banjo and yodelling-flavored score by Carter Burwell. That said, for all it's broad-as-a-barn-door goofball humor, it also ends on one of the most curiously moving note of any Coen movie, with a surprisingly haunting epilogue (even if they pierce the mood at the very end with a typical deadpan gag). This one never fails to make me laugh heartilly (I think I literally strained my voice laughing watching it tonight). "Son, you got a panty on your head." A
And you're doing it for nothing! Killing me's not going to bring back your goddamn honey!
|
Discussion Archives 
