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Post by masterofallgoons on Jan 6, 2021 13:21:02 GMT
My brother recently re-watched all five Die Hard movies in sequence, and while talking about them with him I felt like watching the fifth installment again, the only one of the series that I haven’t watched multiple times and the only one that I remember disliking. So that’s what I did last night. I remembered the basics of the plot: John McClane goes to Russia to help his son who got in trouble there, ignoring that he is a CIA agent involved in an operation that involves double-crossing and triple-crossing and quadruple-crossing. They cause a lot of destruction in Moscow, and then head to Chernobyl for the final confrontation with the bad guys. What I didn’t remember was just HOW BAD the whole thing was. The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense, the action is way over the top, and what is supposed to be humorous banter doesn’t work either. If demolition derbies are your thing, you might enjoy the first half hour. If not, there is nothing of value here. If and when I ever do a Die Hard marathon, I will certainly stop at #4. I'd honestly forgotten that that one even existed. I don't think I ever saw more than a few mins of it. Did he even have a son before? I remember his daughter in the 4th, which I don't imagine I'll ever rewatch either. |
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jan 6, 2021 13:24:59 GMT
My brother recently re-watched all five Die Hard movies in sequence, and while talking about them with him I felt like watching the fifth installment again, the only one of the series that I haven’t watched multiple times and the only one that I remember disliking. So that’s what I did last night. I remembered the basics of the plot: John McClane goes to Russia to help his son who got in trouble there, ignoring that he is a CIA agent involved in an operation that involves double-crossing and triple-crossing and quadruple-crossing. They cause a lot of destruction in Moscow, and then head to Chernobyl for the final confrontation with the bad guys. What I didn’t remember was just HOW BAD the whole thing was. The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense, the action is way over the top, and what is supposed to be humorous banter doesn’t work either. If demolition derbies are your thing, you might enjoy the first half hour. If not, there is nothing of value here. If and when I ever do a Die Hard marathon, I will certainly stop at #4. I'd honestly forgotten that that one even existed. I don't think I ever saw more than a few mins of it. Did he even have a son before? I remember his daughter in the 4th, which I don't imagine I'll ever rewatch either. I think that in the first one it is mentioned that he had a son and a daughter, but don’t quote me on it.
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Post by screamingtreefrogs on Jan 6, 2021 13:35:51 GMT
Summer School (1987 - Mark Harmon) is finishing up on IFC right now
What a great underappreciated movie. After Christmas - I just want Spring to get here. This is perfect
Tremendous 80s cheese. I may get an 80s themed marathon going today. Weird Science, - pretty much anything involving Anthony Michael Hall
Kingpin is up next on IFC.....
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Post by masterofallgoons on Jan 6, 2021 13:46:41 GMT
Summer School (1987 - Mark Harmon) is finishing up on IFC right now What a great underappreciated movie. After Christmas - I just want Spring to get here. This is perfect Tremendous 80s cheese. I may get an 80s themed marathon going today. Weird Science, - pretty much anything involving Anthony Michael Hall Kingpin is up next on IFC..... I love winter. Bring on The Thing, The Shining, Misery, The Revenant, The Hateful Eight, A Simple Plan, Knives Out, 30 Days of Night, Wind Chill, Dead End, Fargo, etc. etc. I even had fun watching that stupid Liam Neeson movie where he's a snow plow driver that has to kill a bunch of people out of revenge for some reason. Perfect don't-need-to-pay-much-attention returning flight viewing experience. |
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Post by Rey Kahuka on Jan 6, 2021 14:45:46 GMT
My brother recently re-watched all five Die Hard movies in sequence, and while talking about them with him I felt like watching the fifth installment again, the only one of the series that I haven’t watched multiple times and the only one that I remember disliking. So that’s what I did last night. I remembered the basics of the plot: John McClane goes to Russia to help his son who got in trouble there, ignoring that he is a CIA agent involved in an operation that involves double-crossing and triple-crossing and quadruple-crossing. They cause a lot of destruction in Moscow, and then head to Chernobyl for the final confrontation with the bad guys. What I didn’t remember was just HOW BAD the whole thing was. The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense, the action is way over the top, and what is supposed to be humorous banter doesn’t work either. If demolition derbies are your thing, you might enjoy the first half hour. If not, there is nothing of value here. If and when I ever do a Die Hard marathon, I will certainly stop at #4. The worst part about it (and it was all terrible) was how Willis mailed in his performance. The original trilogy was great because he felt like an everyman thrown into an impossible situation. He always got the hell beat out of him but found a way to persevere and ultimately triumph. In 5, it felt like McClane knew he was indestructible and was mildly annoyed that this was happening again. He falls off an overpass onto the hood of a car and keeps running, only pausing a moment in frustration. He jumps off a building without hesitation, as if he knows he'll survive the fall. It's nuts. The movie works better as a sequel to Unbreakable than it does Die Hard. Die Hard is yet another franchise that didn't need to be resurrected. The original trilogy is great, the rest never happened as far as I'm concerned. I actually rewatched Die Hard on Christmas (it was on, and I still don't consider it a Christmas movie but it isn't a debate I'm passionate about) and holy shit does it still hold up. It's over 30 years old, and if it came out today it would still be one of the best action movies of all time. The writing is incredible, from the plot to the dialog to the action set pieces, all of it. Every side character, no matter how minor, has a personality and contributes to the story. Willis made John McClane an iconic action hero, and Rickman's Hans Gruber is still ranked among the best Hollywood villains of all time. Die Hard will forever remain a top 5 action movie; it's in the running for best ever and I don't see anyone pushing it out of the top tier.
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Post by klawrencio79 on Jan 6, 2021 15:35:20 GMT
My brother recently re-watched all five Die Hard movies in sequence, and while talking about them with him I felt like watching the fifth installment again, the only one of the series that I haven’t watched multiple times and the only one that I remember disliking. So that’s what I did last night. I remembered the basics of the plot: John McClane goes to Russia to help his son who got in trouble there, ignoring that he is a CIA agent involved in an operation that involves double-crossing and triple-crossing and quadruple-crossing. They cause a lot of destruction in Moscow, and then head to Chernobyl for the final confrontation with the bad guys. What I didn’t remember was just HOW BAD the whole thing was. The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense, the action is way over the top, and what is supposed to be humorous banter doesn’t work either. If demolition derbies are your thing, you might enjoy the first half hour. If not, there is nothing of value here. If and when I ever do a Die Hard marathon, I will certainly stop at #4. The worst part about it (and it was all terrible) was how Willis mailed in his performance. The original trilogy was great because he felt like an everyman thrown into an impossible situation. He always got the hell beat out of him but found a way to persevere and ultimately triumph. In 5, it felt like McClane knew he was indestructible and was mildly annoyed that this was happening again. He falls off an overpass onto the hood of a car and keeps running, only pausing a moment in frustration. He jumps off a building without hesitation, as if he knows he'll survive the fall. It's nuts. The movie works better as a sequel to Unbreakable than it does Die Hard. Die Hard is yet another franchise that didn't need to be resurrected. The original trilogy is great, the rest never happened as far as I'm concerned. I actually rewatched Die Hard on Christmas (it was on, and I still don't consider it a Christmas movie but it isn't a debate I'm passionate about) and holy shit does it still hold up. It's over 30 years old, and if it came out today it would still be one of the best action movies of all time. The writing is incredible, from the plot to the dialog to the action set pieces, all of it. Every side character, no matter how minor, has a personality and contributes to the story. Willis made John McClane an iconic action hero, and Rickman's Hans Gruber is still ranked among the best Hollywood villains of all time. Die Hard will forever remain a top 5 action movie; it's in the running for best ever and I don't see anyone pushing it out of the top tier. Agree with all of this, the last one is a total failure for the reasons you laid out. Willis has gone down this weird direct-to-video route in the past few years, not unlike what Steven Seagal does. There's a b-movie with zero production value, and they shoot 2-3 scenes featuring their "star" who is completely mailing in a performance in a few days and presto, instant marketing. It's funny, if you watch these movies, and I have, Willis' scenes really have no bearing on the story or plot at all. In any event, don't look now but they did announce a new Die Hard entry, tentatively named McClane. Oh boy!
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Post by Rey Kahuka on Jan 6, 2021 15:50:21 GMT
The worst part about it (and it was all terrible) was how Willis mailed in his performance. The original trilogy was great because he felt like an everyman thrown into an impossible situation. He always got the hell beat out of him but found a way to persevere and ultimately triumph. In 5, it felt like McClane knew he was indestructible and was mildly annoyed that this was happening again. He falls off an overpass onto the hood of a car and keeps running, only pausing a moment in frustration. He jumps off a building without hesitation, as if he knows he'll survive the fall. It's nuts. The movie works better as a sequel to Unbreakable than it does Die Hard. Die Hard is yet another franchise that didn't need to be resurrected. The original trilogy is great, the rest never happened as far as I'm concerned. I actually rewatched Die Hard on Christmas (it was on, and I still don't consider it a Christmas movie but it isn't a debate I'm passionate about) and holy shit does it still hold up. It's over 30 years old, and if it came out today it would still be one of the best action movies of all time. The writing is incredible, from the plot to the dialog to the action set pieces, all of it. Every side character, no matter how minor, has a personality and contributes to the story. Willis made John McClane an iconic action hero, and Rickman's Hans Gruber is still ranked among the best Hollywood villains of all time. Die Hard will forever remain a top 5 action movie; it's in the running for best ever and I don't see anyone pushing it out of the top tier. Agree with all of this, the last one is a total failure for the reasons you laid out. Willis has gone down this weird direct-to-video route in the past few years, not unlike what Steven Seagal does. There's a b-movie with zero production value, and they shoot 2-3 scenes featuring their "star" who is completely mailing in a performance in a few days and presto, instant marketing. It's funny, if you watch these movies, and I have, Willis' scenes really have no bearing on the story or plot at all. In any event, don't look now but they did announce a new Die Hard entry, tentatively named McClane. Oh boy! If they insist on making terrible Die Hard sequels, can they please just title it Old Habits Die Hard? Is that so much to ask? I also heard they're making another Lethal Weapon. Murtaugh was going to retire in the first one!! That was 1987!! What are they going to do, solve crimes at the retirement home? Stop. Please stop, I'm begging you.
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Post by masterofallgoons on Jan 6, 2021 15:59:22 GMT
Agree with all of this, the last one is a total failure for the reasons you laid out. Willis has gone down this weird direct-to-video route in the past few years, not unlike what Steven Seagal does. There's a b-movie with zero production value, and they shoot 2-3 scenes featuring their "star" who is completely mailing in a performance in a few days and presto, instant marketing. It's funny, if you watch these movies, and I have, Willis' scenes really have no bearing on the story or plot at all. In any event, don't look now but they did announce a new Die Hard entry, tentatively named McClane. Oh boy! If they insist on making terrible Die Hard sequels, can they please just title it Old Habits Die Hard? Is that so much to ask? I also heard they're making another Lethal Weapon. Murtaugh was going to retire in the first one!! That was 1987!! What are they going to do, solve crimes at the retirement home? Stop. Please stop, I'm begging you. Solid title idea. |
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Post by klawrencio79 on Jan 6, 2021 16:26:34 GMT
Agree with all of this, the last one is a total failure for the reasons you laid out. Willis has gone down this weird direct-to-video route in the past few years, not unlike what Steven Seagal does. There's a b-movie with zero production value, and they shoot 2-3 scenes featuring their "star" who is completely mailing in a performance in a few days and presto, instant marketing. It's funny, if you watch these movies, and I have, Willis' scenes really have no bearing on the story or plot at all. In any event, don't look now but they did announce a new Die Hard entry, tentatively named McClane. Oh boy! If they insist on making terrible Die Hard sequels, can they please just title it Old Habits Die Hard? Is that so much to ask? I also heard they're making another Lethal Weapon. Murtaugh was going to retire in the first one!! That was 1987!! What are they going to do, solve crimes at the retirement home? Stop. Please stop, I'm begging you. EDIT: I can't seem to find one that I can post here. Oh well, I ruined it.
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Post by tristramshandy on Jan 6, 2021 16:37:36 GMT
I don't feel like I should be in this thread anymore but . . .
Watched Spotlight (2015) for the second time last night. For it being five years old, it doesn't feel like the type of movie that could win Best Picture any more. It makes me sad for the changes in twenty years time with journalism too. I don't remember having that feeling five years ago (although there's no reason that I couldn't have), but it hit me this time. Definitely a sign that I'm getting old.
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jan 7, 2021 18:36:39 GMT
My two cents - spoilers below.
Completely agree
The scenes with Johnny are priceless though.
He carries the show IMO - and Daniel is such an unlikable character - a real know it all holier than though doucher
I wish in Season 4 Johnny would end up banging Daniel's wife. She falls in love with him and Johnny moves in.
Danielson falls into deep depression and becomes an alcoholic drinking Coors Banquet 24/7 while Johnny lives happily ever after with Daniel's family
Would be the ultimate revenge for Johnny. Daniel stole Ali? Well how does this feel
Daniel becomes so lonely he digs up Mr. Miyagi's corpse and takes it back to his new creepy studio/efficiency apartment so he has a buddy to talk to
Something dark and interesting like this
You should move to Hollywood and try your chance as a screenwriter! 
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Post by screamingtreefrogs on Jan 8, 2021 16:48:05 GMT
Donnie Brasco
This is how you make a Mob Movie
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Post by masterofallgoons on Jan 8, 2021 17:04:59 GMT
Donnie Brasco This is how you make a Mob Movie Haven't listened to it yet, but I occasionally listen to a podcast called Based on True Story, which is exactly what it sounds like; comparing and fact checking movies against the true history of the story. The most recent episode was about Donnie Brasco and the real Joe Pistone is on as a guest along with actor Leo Rossi (Budd in the original Halloween 2). Apparently the two of them have a new podcast together. |
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Post by tristramshandy on Jan 8, 2021 17:08:02 GMT
Just got HBO Max yesterday. I'm a huge documentaries fan, and there are a bunch that I've never been able to see through other outlets, but I started with this one (one of the many weird events that has happened in San Diego).
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Post by masterofallgoons on Jan 8, 2021 17:16:49 GMT
Just got HBO Max yesterday. I'm a huge documentaries fan, and there are a bunch that I've never been able to see through other outlets, but I started with this one (one of the many weird events that has happened in San Diego). Looking forward to that one. For a while I was on a kick of watching a bunch of documentaries about cults, but this story that I vaguely remembered from childhood didn't seem to have a documentary of any quality that I was able to find. But this one looks like it'll do the job now. How was it? |
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Post by screamingtreefrogs on Jan 8, 2021 17:18:45 GMT
Just got HBO Max yesterday. I'm a huge documentaries fan, and there are a bunch that I've never been able to see through other outlets, but I started with this one (one of the many weird events that has happened in San Diego). Truly scary there's so many weak minded mentally ill people that can be so easily manipulated by another mentally ill psychopath and follow that lunatic until the bitter end
But enough about Trump followers!
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Post by tristramshandy on Jan 8, 2021 17:21:09 GMT
Just got HBO Max yesterday. I'm a huge documentaries fan, and there are a bunch that I've never been able to see through other outlets, but I started with this one (one of the many weird events that has happened in San Diego). Looking forward to that one. For a while I was on a kick of watching a bunch of documentaries about cults, but this story that I vaguely remembered from childhood didn't seem to have a documentary of any quality that I was able to find. But this one looks like it'll do the job now. How was it? Got through part 1 (of 4). Definitely intrigued me to go further. I didn't realize how long they were on the national radar. Walter Cronkite was doing stories on them back in 1975!
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Post by tristramshandy on Jan 8, 2021 17:25:32 GMT
Just got HBO Max yesterday. I'm a huge documentaries fan, and there are a bunch that I've never been able to see through other outlets, but I started with this one (one of the many weird events that has happened in San Diego). Truly scary there's so many weak minded mentally ill people that can be so easily manipulated by another mentally ill psychopath and follow that lunatic until the bitter end
But enough about Trump followers!
One of the lines of narrative in the documentary is about how the people in this cult (and cults in general, although Jonestown/Branch Dividians seems to prove otherwise) were educated and successful. They go through some of the followers and what their jobs were. Not to say you can't have damaged/gullible engineers, software producers, etc, but they weren't flunkies.
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Post by screamingtreefrogs on Jan 8, 2021 17:28:10 GMT
Truly scary there's so many weak minded mentally ill people that can be so easily manipulated by another mentally ill psychopath and follow that lunatic until the bitter end
But enough about Trump followers!
One of the lines of narrative in the documentary is about how the people in this cult (and cults in general, although Jonestown/Branch Dividians seems to prove otherwise) were educated and successful. They go through some of the followers and what their jobs were. Not to say you can't have damaged/gullible engineers, software producers, etc, but they weren't flunkies. Members of cults are typically outsiders
They've been shunned by society and are looking for love and attention
A place to fit
So they seek refuge in group thinking - like Qanon
It makes them feel loved and a part of something - and it fills a void with their loneliness
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jan 8, 2021 20:58:59 GMT
Donnie Brasco This is how you make a Mob Movie Is that the one where the infiltrated guy beats up the waiter in the Japanese restaurant who insists on him removing his shoes (which he can't do because he's wearing a wire around his ankles) and then justifies it to his mob companions by saying that the Japs killed his father and he was not going to take his shoes off for no stinking Jap?
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