|
Post by claudius on Aug 26, 2023 9:18:03 GMT
“Whose hand was I holding?!”
|
|
|
Post by Chalice_Of_Evil on Aug 26, 2023 13:47:23 GMT
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016). There is no beginning, there is no end, there is only the coming... I still remember seeing the first Underworld in the theatre and enjoying it very much, though I didn't see any of the subsequent films at the cinema, only on DVD. I re-watched them in preparation for seeing this film and, as it stands, the original's still the best, with Evolution and Rise of the Lycans vying for second and third place, alternating between the two depending on my mood, while Awakening remains my least favourite. I'm afraid Blood Wars isn't much better. Whilst the fourth film felt like it was just non-stop gory action with little to no story, this film seems to have the opposite problem. Gorehounds needn't fear, there's still some quality violence (most of which the Lycans seem to wind up on the receiving end of, like being split in half and having their spines ripped out). The main problem is the vampire politics are brought to the forefront. The other problem? Super sexy latex-clad vampire Death Dealer, Selene, feels as though she's no longer the focus of her own franchise (though at least she gets some memorable lines/moments). Let's be honest, most people come to see Kate Beckinsale rocking the black latex catsuit like nobody else can. So it remains a mystery as to why the writers appear to be slowly phasing out her character. Please note filmmakers: These films wouldn't be worth continuing without Ms. Beckinsale. Some tend to dismiss her acting ability, but she's what's held this franchise together. So it's disappointing her character is absent for what feels like long stretches. Blood Wars begins like Awakening did, with Kate's/Selene's voice-over (now with added echoing repeating what she's already said!) and clips from the previous films...though, really, if you haven't seen the others, why're you even here? Theo James's David character from Awakening has a much more expanded role this time (now fully replacing Scott Speedman's Michael as the franchise's male lead. Yes, Michael's dead. Barring some future "We only SAID he was dead/were only pretending!" reveal pulled out of the writers' arses, the Smurf is no more). Whether you're a fan of David or not will likely contribute to your enjoyment of the film, as he seems to take over the movie from Selene for significant portions. I'll miss the Selene/Michael relationship, but am not opposed to David's character helping Selene, though it might rub some the wrong way how his backstory/ancestry's delved into so deeply it almost feels like *he's* the film's main star. Those who paid attention to the first films will appreciate references to a certain character who had minimal screen time, yet plays an important part in this film's storyline, while everyone else will be left wondering, "Who?". The blood of Selene and her daughter, Eve (who's referenced aplenty but only appears in the film's closing seconds), also proves important, as there's much exchanging of said blood between different characters. Other than Selene and David, the only significant returning character is Charles Dance's Thomas. Whilst not as memorable as Bill Nighy's Viktor, an actor of his caliber lends some weight/credibility to proceedings. His relationship with his son and heretofore untold connection with a past long-dead character is given prominence. Playing well off Dance is Lara Pulver, sporting constantly changing hairstyles as Semira. They do what they can with the material they're given. Semira's character also provides a cautionary tale in why you shouldn't treat your henchman/lover like crap, as we see play out between her and Bradley James' Varga. Outlander's Tobias Menzies, as Lycan Marius, isn't given anywhere near the complexity of his character from that series, as here he's mainly just another complication in an already rather convoluted story. Nor is his relationship with vampire, Alexia, given much depth...though at least Daisy Head is quite striking, so you don't forget her character. Also memorable on account of their physical appearance are the Nordic Coven, the best of which is Lena (resembling a vampire Daenerys Targaryen). She kicks major arse with a sword and shield (apparently the Nordic Coven *do* bring swords to gun fights), plus also possesses a "teleport" ability of sorts. For a newcomer, Clementine Nicholson fares better with what little she's given compared to others who're given more. She also plays an important part in Selene's physical transformation (including her picking up that handy teleportation ability) to becoming 'more' than she already is...which is just as well, as poor Selene's put through the wringer this time around. It pained me seeing our heroine beaten up/knocked down more than ever, but allowed for a triumphant return, stronger/faster/better than ever...and now with white blonde highlights in her jet black hair. The last couple of films' over-reliance on CGI versus the practical effects for the Lycans of the earlier films is to the movies' detriment, as the CGI creatures just aren't as impressive (and in the case of the Marius man-wolf creature, rather laughable/dredging up bad memories of the Scorpion King from The Mummy Returns...though not quite THAT bad). Note for future movies: Refrain from going half/half, either human or full beast is the way to go. Clearly this isn't intended as the franchise's final film, but assuming another one does indeed happen, that probably *should* be the last. The earlier Underworld films weren't exactly 'high art', but they felt like they had more substance to them than these last two. Given how much time was devoted to Eve previously, it's strange she's mainly absent here (perhaps she'll play a more significant role in the next movie?). I feel the franchise lost something after delving more into the world of men, but at least this one LOOKS more like an Underworld film than Awakening did (though the music/score's sadly lacking Wedard's 'Leidenschaft'). Say what you will about Len Wiseman, but I feel these later films' direction have suffered from his absence. My main hope for the next movie? That the filmmakers remember who this franchise's star is and give Beckinsale/Selene the attention/importance/prominence she deserves. The Invisible Man (2020).
|
|
spiderwort
Junior Member
@spiderwort
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 9,340
|
Post by spiderwort on Aug 26, 2023 15:47:18 GMT
First viewings: Baby Face (1933):A racy melodrama made before the Production Code, which actually led to the adoption of the Code in 1934. There were to be no more films allowed about a woman who, abused by men since childhood, used her feminine wiles to sleep her way to the top. A great performance by Barbara Stanwyck, one of her best, with solid support by George Brent. Strongly recommended, and a must-see for Stanwyck fans. A Page of Madness (1926):A silent Japanese film in which a man takes a job as a janitor at a mental asylum in order to be near his wife, who suffers genuine mental anguish. There are no subtitles, and because the film’s style occasionally puts us in the position of seeing the world through the eyes of the madmen, it’s often hard to tell what is is real. Nevertheless, it’s a vibrant, unsettling work with great emotional power, artfully directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. Highly recommended. Re-watches: La Passion de Jeanne D’Arc (1927):A masterpiece based upon the transcripts of the Joan’s trial, brilliantly directed by Carl Theodore Dryer, with an amazing performance by Maria Falconetti. One of the world’s great films that everyone should see. The Dark Corner (1946):A superb film noir in every possible way, with terrific direction by Henry Hathaway, wonderful performances by all the cast, especially Lucille Ball in a stand-out straight role, and great cinematography by Joseph MacDonald. Highly recommended. Top Hat (1935):Top of the line Astaire/Rogers film with great songs and dancing. Nominated for 4 Oscars, including best picture. Highly recommended.
|
|
|
Post by Old Aussie on Aug 26, 2023 21:07:48 GMT
|
|
|
Post by wmcclain on Aug 26, 2023 21:34:45 GMT
|
|
|
Post by wmcclain on Aug 26, 2023 21:52:55 GMT
“Whose hand was I holding?!” She: "Anyone up at the house?" He: "No one you'd care to meet".
|
|
|
Post by Rufus-T on Aug 27, 2023 3:48:12 GMT
|
|
|
Post by claudius on Aug 27, 2023 10:24:32 GMT
THE BALLOONATIC (1923) 100TH ANNIVERSARY this year. Buster Keaton’s penultimate silent film short. Saw the ending on the American Movie Classics Centennial marathon in October 1995. YouTube
PORCO ROSSO (1992) Hayao Miyazaki’s Period Anime about an aviator with the face of a pig. First read about it in 2001, then got the DVD in 2005. Cinemark theatrical presentation of the English Dubbed version.
And the OP quote comes from: THE HAUNTING (1963) 60TH ANNIVERSARY Haunted house horror film based on Shirley Jackson’s novel. Starring Julie Harris, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn and Claire Bloom. First read about it from Everson’s CLASSICS OF THE HORROR FILM, then saw the film in the summer of 1998. Amazon Prime.
THE LOVE NEST (1923) 100TH ANNIVERSARY this year. Buster Keaton’s last silent short. Saw a little of it on the American Movie Classics Keaton Centennial marathon on October 1995. With the exception of DAYDREAMS I have seen Keaton’s solo shorts on their Centennial years. YouTube
YUGIOH (998) “Complete! The Ultimate Gameland!” Japanese with No Subtitles. YouTube.
THE PILGRIM (1923) 100TH ANNIVERSARY this year. Chaplin’s last short and his last costarring Edna Purviance is a remake of sorts of THE ADVENTURER. First saw this in its THE CHAPLIN REVUE (1959) incarnation (with the song “I’m Bound for Texas”) as a rental in 1990. With the exception of SUNNYSIDE and A DAYS PLEASURE I have seen the Mutuals and First National shorts on their Centennial years. YouTube.
THE SECRET GARDEN (1993) 30YH ANNIVERSARY this month. Warner DVD.
GLORIOUS TECHNICOLOR (1998) Documentary on the creation of color in film. Warner BluRay.
Saw Parts of; MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN (2023) “Zero Day Part Two”
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938) Warner BluRay.
WELCOME TO SHERWOOD (2003) Warner BluRay.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES OUT OF THE SHADOWS (2016) Netflix.
|
|
|
Post by mstreepsucks on Aug 28, 2023 0:37:43 GMT
Pink panther strikes again.
I don't know if it's better or worse than Revenge of the pink panther.
I also don't know if it's better or worse than return of the Pink panther, because I haven't seen that one.
Actually I only watched half of this film so far. There was one scene that was kinda dark.
Is there a scene in the second half that is dark also, I hope so obviously.
Last week I watched the first half of revenge of the pink panther. There was one scene that was dark but in a different way.
Is there a scene in the second half of it that is dark also, I reckon I hope so.
I need to see return of the pink panther.
|
|
|
Post by marianne48 on Aug 28, 2023 16:46:45 GMT
Pink panther strikes again. I don't know if it's better or worse than Revenge of the pink panther. I also don't know if it's better or worse than return of the Pink panther, because I haven't seen that one. Actually I only watched half of this film so far. There was one scene that was kinda dark. Is there a scene in the second half that is dark also, I hope so obviously. Last week I watched the first half of revenge of the pink panther. There was one scene that was dark but in a different way. Is there a scene in the second half of it that is dark also, I reckon I hope so. I need to see return of the pink panther. Strikes Again is probably the best in the series. You might not want to bother with any of the subsequent movies, since they're pretty tired.
|
|