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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 5, 2024 3:29:26 GMT
Hello, good folks of FG. The weekly film discussion thread is back. The topic under discussion is made clear in the title. Made-for-TV, direct-to-video, streaming, TV series/episodes, documentaries, short films can also be listed. The minimum requirement is that a numerical rating out of 5 or 10 be provided - whichever the poster wishes to choose - and it'll be even more helpful if he/she also writes a few thoughts regarding his/her experience with the feature/documentary/short/TV series' season. This will help in starting discussions, which is one of the main intentions of this thread. I also request all those who reply here to go through the whole thread once and see if you can see some common topic to discuss with other posters. All first viewings for me in the last week :
8/10
Trailer :
I liked it. It was fine.
7/10
Trailer :
The first two acts of this film are terrific. Bogdanovich wants to make a statement here about the gulf between the outdated horror in contemporary cinema and the far more potent horror in real life. The pacing is well done and the cinematography (László Kovács) is outstanding.
Boris Karloff as the aging, disillusioned actor is, of course, great but the surprise is Tim O'Kelly as the psychotic sniper. It's a great performance, too, about a clean-cut young man from the suburbs snapping inside and deciding to go on a killing spree. No reason is ever given behind his actions, which is in fact realistic as the reasoning behind most of the real-life psychotic killers' actions don't make sense.
However, it was the third act at the drive-in, which was supposed to be the high point of the film, that did not resonate with me, somehow. It felt rushed after the deliberate but steady pace of the first two acts.
Still, this is recommended for being Boris Karloff's final role worthy of note.
7/10
Trailer :
My, this one was a bad film. Where to begin?
How about a colony of pirates in the Caribbean sea, that has survived unnoticed since the 17th century, despite attacking boats every few days, leaving no survivors and making no visible effort at stealth or discretion?
How about Michael Caine in the "I-have-no-fucks-to-give" mode of acting throughout, with his constant vacant unblinking stare bugging the hell out of me?
What the heck was up with that kung fu fight scene that popped up out of nowhere during a serious scene?
Or how about initially the pirate attacks on boats are treated as horrific incidents but later on they are treated as good old-fashioned fun scored with jaunty adventure themes (by Ennio Morricone, no less)?
3/10
Trailer :
Sigourney Weaver's performance is terrific. She completely sells this highly intelligent woman obsessed with serial killers reduced to a nervous, hard-drinking, pill-popping wreck.
The other USP of the film is the concept of a copycat killer.
However, there are several negatives, too.
I don't think much of Holly Hunter in this role. Her strange enunciation puts me off. I don't know if it is her accent or a genuine speech impediment. Then again, I used to think Sean Connery had an impediment, too, which is why he pronounced his "s"s and "sh"s. Later I came to know it is just his Scottish accent. Everyone says it, so it must be true - even though Ewan McGregor, who is also Scottish, talks nothing like that.
The serial killer is little runt played by a bad actor who goes for the obvious psycho expressions 101 playbook.
I did not buy the investigation aspect, either. Most of the time what the protagonists found out was something the audience was already privy to. Hence the killer was always ahead of the investigators. In The Silence of the Lambs, we actually see the deductive and investigative process of Clarice Starling and her roommate friend. Which is why Starling is able to find the Buffalo Bill's house without him expecting her. This one just doesn't compare to something like it.
6/10
Trailer :
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Post by moviemouth on Feb 5, 2024 4:45:56 GMT
Listed from best to worst. All of Us Strangers (2023 Andrew Haigh) - 9/10A gay screenwriter (Andrew Scott) drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor (Paul Mescal) as he then discovers his parents (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before.  City of Life and Death (2009 Chuan Lu) - 8/10In 1937, Japan occupied Nanjing, the Chinese capital. There was a battle and subsequent atrocities against the inhabitants, especially those who took refuge in the International Security Zone.  Frieda (1947 Basil Dearden) - 8/10A Royal Air Force pilot (David Farrar) who was shot down during World War II returns home to his English village with his new German bride (Mai Zetterling), whom his family has a hard time accepting. Also starring Glynis Johns and Flora Robson.  Walk in the Shadow (1962 Basil Dearden) - 7.5/10When John Harris's (Michael Craig) daughter is badly injured in an boating accident, the hospital tells him that she will need an urgent blood transfusion. Due to his religious beliefs Harris refuses permission, and the child dies. When the inquest clears Harris of all blame, the doctor (Patrick McGoohan) in charge of the case tries to get the police to press manslaughter charges against Harris. Also starring Janet Munro.  Tomorrow (1972 Joseph Anthony) - 7/10A lonely farmer (Robert Duvall) takes in a distressed pregnant woman (Olga Bellin) and looks after her and tries to persuade her to marry him.  Chop Shop (2007 Ramin Bahrani) - 7/10Alejandro, a resourceful street orphan on the verge of adolescence, lives and works in an auto-body repair shop in a sprawling junkyard on the outskirts of Queens, New York. In this chaotic world of adults, Alejandro struggles to make a better life for himself and his sixteen-year-old sister.  How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022 Daniel Goldhaber) - 6.5/10A group of environmental activists plot to destroy an oil pipeline.  Orion and the Dark (2024 Sean Charmatz) - 6/10A boy (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, happy anthropomorphized version of what he is afraid of...the dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser).  The Mechanic (1972 Michael Winner) - 5.5/10An aging hitman (Charles Bronson) befriends a young man (Jan-Michael Vincent) whom he takes on as a protege.  The Mechanic (2011 Simon West) - 5/10
Remake of The Mechanic (1972). Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn and Donald Sutherland.  The Bricklayer (2023 Renny Harlin) - 4.5/10An ex-CIA agent (Aaron Eckhart) is reactivated when an extortionist (Clifton Collins Jr.) targets the agency.  The Beekeeper (2024 David Ayer) - 3.5/10One man's (Jason Statham) brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers." Also starring Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Phylicia Rashad and Minnie Driver.  Best of the WeekPICTURE - All of Us Strangers ACTOR - Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) ACTRESS - Mai Zetterling (Frieda) SUPPORTING ACTOR - Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers) SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Olga Bellin (Tomorrow) DIRECTOR - Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers) CINEMATOGRAPHY - City of Life and Death SCORE - Orion and the Dark |
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Post by jcush on Feb 5, 2024 6:31:49 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - One of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10
Barry Lyndon - Another one of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10
Targets - I liked it throughout. 7.5/10
Copycat - Yes, that's just Holly Hunter's accent. I thought she and Weaver were both really good here and I found the story engaging. 7/10
First Time Viewings:
Design for Living (1933, Ernst Lubitsch) - 7/10
The Mexican (2001, Gore Verbinski) - 7/10
Napoleon (2023, Ridley Scott) - 6/10
Eight Hours of Terror (1957, Seijun Suzuki) - 7/10
Panic in the Streets (1950, Elia Kazan) - 7/10
Station West (1948, Sidney Lanfield) - 7/10
The Lusty Men (1952, Nicholas Ray) - 7/10
The Furies (1950, Anthony Mann) - 7/10
Southland Tales (2006, Richard Kelly) - 5.5/10
Six Days Seven Nights (1998, Ivan Reitman) - 6.5/10
Repeat Viewings:
Platoon (1986, Oliver Stone) - 7/10
Sicario (2015, Denis Villeneuve) - 8.5/10
Dune (1984, David Lynch) - 5.5/10
Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis) - 8/10
Requiem for a Dream (2000, Darren Aronofsky) - 8.5/10
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Post by FridayOnElmStreet on Feb 5, 2024 9:09:01 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - 7/10
Copycat - 6/10
Mine:
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) - 7/10
Entertaining Marvel film with a great look and fantastic visuals. However it had a fair amount of depressing moments and sad scenes. I admit I kinda teard up a little bit. Odd since the first two were more uplifting. Still has enough fun to enjoy though.
Saw X (2023) - 9/10
Excellent horror film that oddly makes me have compassion for a sadistic villain. One of the best in he series.
Day of the Dead (1985) - 10/10
One of my favorite horror films.
S.M.A.R.T. Chase (2017) - 4/10
Orlando Bloom stars in this action/chase film. Its just OK. Better to see a Fast and Furious film instead.
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Post by theravenking on Feb 5, 2024 10:43:30 GMT
First Time Viewing:
Greta (2018; Neil Jordan) – Glossy mainstream thriller with a capable cast which suffers from its ludicrous premise wanting us to believe that two fit young women could be scared by a lady in her sixties. As good as Isabelle Huppert is, she’s definitely no Michael Myers.
4.5/10
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021; Navot Papushado) – It’s just another overstylized, R-rated action comedy, but I enjoyed it very much even though it does run out of steam in the third act.
7/10
The Ice Storm (1997; Ang Lee) – A great cast struggles to breathe life into a shallow dramedy which tries to say something profound about life in 70s America, but ends up being far too (politically) heavy-handed and not nearly entertaining or emotionally involving enough. Christina Ricci is fantastic though, easily awards-worthy I would say.
5.5/10
Magic, Magic (2014; Sebastian Silva) – Confusing mystery-thriller about some unlikable young people taking a trip into Chile’s wilderness.
3.5/10
Super (2010; James Gunn) – A bit like the cheap Troma counterpart to Kick-Ass this cringeworthy superhero-comedy desperately tries to be edgy and offensive which makes it a bit of a chore to get through.
3.5/10
Thelma (2017; Joachim Trier) – Intense Norwegian movie about a shy young woman with destructive telekinetic powers, which I actually thought might’ve worked better as a straight drama, since some of the horror stuff tended to get in the way of the plot. It’s also not the relationship story I expected, with Thelma’s love interest getting very little screen time, but more of a religious family drama. Kind of weird and uneven.
5.5/10
They Live (1988; John Carpenter) – I’m not sure why it took me so long to watch this. The plot sounded a bit “meh” I guess, but it turned out to be huge fun with the social commentary having lost none of its bite.
7.5/10
Two Evil Eyes (1991; George A. Romero & Dario Argento) – Two E. A. Poe stories get a modern update. The first by Romero is like an average Tales from the Crypt episode, the second by Argento features disgusting violence against a cat and is therefore unwatchable.
4.5/10
Underwater (2020; William Eubank) – It’s Alien underwater as a deep-sea drilling crew fall prey to Lovecraftian monsters. It’s is undone by flat characters and a family friendly rating, but Kristen Stewart gives it her best effort, keeping things “afloat”.
6/10
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Post by theravenking on Feb 5, 2024 10:46:52 GMT
Hello, good folks of FG. The weekly film discussion thread is back. The topic under discussion is made clear in the title. Made-for-TV, direct-to-video, streaming, TV series/episodes, documentaries, short films can also be listed. The minimum requirement is that a numerical rating out of 5 or 10 be provided - whichever the poster wishes to choose - and it'll be even more helpful if he/she also writes a few thoughts regarding his/her experience with the feature/documentary/short/TV series' season. This will help in starting discussions, which is one of the main intentions of this thread. I also request all those who reply here to go through the whole thread once and see if you can see some common topic to discuss with other posters. All first viewings for me in the last week :
8/10
Trailer :
7/10
Trailer :
The first two acts of this film are terrific. Bogdanovich wants to make a statement here about the gulf between the outdated horror in contemporary cinema and the far more potent horror in real life. The pacing is well done and the cinematography (László Kovács) is outstanding.
Boris Karloff as the aging, disillusioned actor is, of course, great but the surprise is Tim O'Kelly as the psychotic sniper. It's a great performance, too, about a clean-cut young man from the suburbs snapping inside and deciding to go on a killing spree. No reason is ever given behind his actions, which is in fact realistic as the reasoning behind most of the real-life psychotic killers' actions don't make sense.
However, it was the third act at the drive-in, which was supposed to be the high point of the film, that did not resonate with me, somehow. It felt rushed after the deliberate but steady pace of the first two acts.
Still, this is recommended for being Boris Karloff's final role worthy of note.
7/10
Trailer :
My, this one was a bad film. Where to begin?
How about a colony of pirates in the Caribbean sea, that has survived unnoticed since the 17th century, despite attacking boats every few days, leaving no survivors and making no visible effort at stealth or discretion?
How about Michael Caine in the "I-have-no-fucks-to-give" mode of acting throughout, with his constant vacant unblinking stare bugging the hell out of me?
What the heck was up with that kung fu fight scene that popped up out of nowhere during a serious scene?
Or how about initially the pirate attacks on boats are treated as horrific incidents but later on they are treated as good old-fashioned fun scored with jaunty adventure themes (by Ennio Morricone, no less)?
3/10
Trailer :
Sigourney Weaver's performance is terrific. She completely sells this highly intelligent woman obsessed with serial killers reduced to a nervous, hard-drinking, pill-popping wreck.
The other USP of the film is the concept of a copycat killer.
However, there are several negatives, too.
I don't think much of Holly Hunter in this role. Her strange enunciation puts me off. I don't know if it is her accent or a genuine speech impediment. Then again, I used to think Sean Connery had an impediment, too, which is why he pronounced his "s"s and "sh"s. Later I came to know it is just his Scottish accent. Everyone says it, so it must be true - even though Ewan McGregor, who is also Scottish, talks nothing like that.
The serial killer is little runt played by a bad actor who goes for the obvious psycho expressions 101 playbook.
I did not buy the investigation aspect, either. Most of the time what the protagonists found out was something the audience was already privy to. Hence the killer was always ahead of the investigators. In The Silence of the Lambs, we actually see the deductive and investigative process of Clarice Starling and her roommate friend. Which is why Starling is able to find the Buffalo Bill's house without him expecting her. This one just doesn't compare to something like it.
6/10
Trailer :
Full Metal Jacket (1987, Stanley Kubrick) :
I always thought this was less an anti-war but more of an anti-authority movie.
8/10
Copycat (1995, Jon Amiel) :
I only watched this, because someone told me it was superior to Fincher's Se7en. Personally I found it rather average wasting its capable cast.
5/10
Targets (1968, Peter Bogdanovich) is on my watchlist.
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Post by James on Feb 5, 2024 13:02:23 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - 8/10
Barry Lyndon - 7.5/10
First Time Viewings:
Nimona (2023, Nick Bruno & Troy Quane) - 8/10
Maestro (2023, Bradley Cooper) - 7/10
Society of the Snow (2023, J. A. Bayona) - 7/10
Repeat Viewings:
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964, Stanley Kubrick) - 8/10
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Post by Roberto on Feb 5, 2024 16:54:32 GMT
Just discovered this thread series. Not sure how I missed it.
All first time viewings:
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)This was amazing. An absolute thrill ride from beginning to end. Great action sequences. I don't understand why they felt the need to add in this new woman to the crew though, instead of just using Rebecca Ferguson or bringing back Paula Patton. The french girl villain was really cool. One issue I had is I thought the villain and the "entity" should have gotten more screen time, as the "entity" especially feels like it should have been more of a looming threat throughout the film, yet it's presence is absent for a lot of it. I also think the "who has the key now" gimmick gets a bit repetitive after a while too. While the final climax was great, I found the denouement and set up for part 2 a bit underwhelming. I really expected something big to happen as the movie closed, to hype the next movie much like what the Deathly Hallows part 1 did for example, but we don't really get anything. I expected the movie to have IMAX sequences as well, so it was a bit disappointing to see there weren't, but at least this one seems better shot as it looks much better and is more consistent throughout.
8/10
Paper Towns (2015)
I enjoyed this one up until the end. It has one of the dumbest endings I have seen in a while. It's one of those endings that renders the entire film pointless.
3/10
M3gan (2022)
Very enjoyable and funny. Good voice acting for the doll. Ending was a bit simple, but still pretty satisfying. The movie is very similar to Child's Play (2019) which I think was a bit better.
6.5/10
Above Suspicion (2019)
Very bland and uninteresting movie. Good performance by Emilia Clarke, but it's wasted on a movie this forgettable. Richard from Boardwalk Empire is in it too. I didn't know it was him until after the movie. Based on a true story, which as interesting as it may be, is not one that I think has enough story in it worth making a movie about, even if it had been better written/made.
2/10
A Good Woman Is Hard to Find (2019)
I really enjoyed this movie. Very well made with great buildup and suspense. Amazing powerful performance from Sarah Bolger. It's got a cool soundtrack too and the movie is quite well shot. Ending felt a bit too simple, but it was very satisfying nonetheless. Maybe lacks a little something which stops it from being a classic, but I would def watch this again. Overall just a really solid movie that deserves to be more well known.
7.5/10
Bokeh (2017)
Very interesting premise, and it starts out promising enough with the characters reacting to the situation in the various ways you would naturally imagine, but then it never seems to pick a trajectory to take the story forward, resulting in the rest of the movie being pointless meandering that leads to a big fat nothing. I know there's only so much you can do with a small budget indie movie like this, but if you don't have the money to do anything other than have characters aimlessly wandering around, maybe not pick a premise with such a big scope? Not that it may have mattered anyway with such a bland script. The performances are good but that's about it. A pointless movie with absolutely nothing of worth to say or think about once the credits roll.
2/10
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
It starts out a bit meh but after a short while it really gets going. It's not a particularly original movie, with much of what we see having been done before in better movies, but it does what it does quite well. The hospital scene however was incredibly well done and probably the highlight of the movie. A very unique and funny way of doing a fight scene. The movie is quite visually stunning. Great use of lighting, costumes and overall style. That aspect is more unique for sure, and one of the movies strongest qualities. Karen Gillan looks awesome in this and kicks ass. It's got some stupid scenes and some stuff that doesn't make sense, but overall it's a really enjoyable movie. Apparently a sequel is in the works so I'd definitely like to see that.
6/10 |
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Post by Roberto on Feb 5, 2024 17:46:19 GMT
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Post by jcush on Feb 5, 2024 19:20:02 GMT
Just discovered this thread series. Not sure how I missed it.
All first time viewings:
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)This was amazing. An absolute thrill ride from beginning to end. Great action sequences. I don't understand why they felt the need to add in this new woman to the crew though, instead of just using Rebecca Ferguson or bringing back Paula Patton. The french girl villain was really cool. One issue I had is I thought the villain and the "entity" should have gotten more screen time, as the "entity" especially feels like it should have been more of a looming threat throughout the film, yet it's presence is absent for a lot of it. I also think the "who has the key now" gimmick gets a bit repetitive after a while too. While the final climax was great, I found the denouement and set up for part 2 a bit underwhelming. I really expected something big to happen as the movie closed, to hype the next movie much like what the Deathly Hallows part 1 did for example, but we don't really get anything. I expected the movie to have IMAX sequences as well, so it was a bit disappointing to see there weren't, but at least this one seems better shot as it looks much better and is more consistent throughout.
8/10
Paper Towns (2015)
I enjoyed this one up until the end. It has one of the dumbest endings I have seen in a while. It's one of those endings that renders the entire film pointless.
3/10
M3gan (2022)
Very enjoyable and funny. Good voice acting for the doll. Ending was a bit simple, but still pretty satisfying. The movie is very similar to Child's Play (2019) which I think was a bit better.
6.5/10
Above Suspicion (2019)
Very bland and uninteresting movie. Good performance by Emilia Clarke, but it's wasted on a movie this forgettable. Richard from Boardwalk Empire is in it too. I didn't know it was him until after the movie. Based on a true story, which as interesting as it may be, is not one that I think has enough story in it worth making a movie about, even if it had been better written/made.
2/10
A Good Woman Is Hard to Find (2019)
I really enjoyed this movie. Very well made with great buildup and suspense. Amazing powerful performance from Sarah Bolger. It's got a cool soundtrack too and the movie is quite well shot. Ending felt a bit too simple, but it was very satisfying nonetheless. Maybe lacks a little something which stops it from being a classic, but I would def watch this again. Overall just a really solid movie that deserves to be more well known.
7.5/10
Bokeh (2017)
Very interesting premise, and it starts out promising enough with the characters reacting to the situation in the various ways you would naturally imagine, but then it never seems to pick a trajectory to take the story forward, resulting in the rest of the movie being pointless meandering that leads to a big fat nothing. I know there's only so much you can do with a small budget indie movie like this, but if you don't have the money to do anything other than have characters aimlessly wandering around, maybe not pick a premise with such a big scope? Not that it may have mattered anyway with such a bland script. The performances are good but that's about it. A pointless movie with absolutely nothing of worth to say or think about once the credits roll.
2/10
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
It starts out a bit meh but after a short while it really gets going. It's not a particularly original movie, with much of what we see having been done before in better movies, but it does what it does quite well. The hospital scene however was incredibly well done and probably the highlight of the movie. A very unique and funny way of doing a fight scene. The movie is quite visually stunning. Great use of lighting, costumes and overall style. That aspect is more unique for sure, and one of the movies strongest qualities. Karen Gillan looks awesome in this and kicks ass. It's got some stupid scenes and some stuff that doesn't make sense, but overall it's a really enjoyable movie. Apparently a sequel is in the works so I'd definitely like to see that.
6/10 Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One - I really liked Hayley Atwell's character, so no complaints from me there. As for the movie, I thought it was a lot of fine. Toss up between this and Fallout for my favorite of the series so far. 8/10 Paper Towns - 6.5/10 M3GAN - Had its moments, but overall I didn't care for it much. 5.5/10 |
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 7, 2024 6:22:16 GMT
Listed from best to worst. All of Us Strangers (2023 Andrew Haigh) - 9/10A gay screenwriter (Andrew Scott) drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor (Paul Mescal) as he then discovers his parents (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. City of Life and Death (2009 Chuan Lu) - 8/10In 1937, Japan occupied Nanjing, the Chinese capital. There was a battle and subsequent atrocities against the inhabitants, especially those who took refuge in the International Security Zone. Frieda (1947 Basil Dearden) - 8/10A Royal Air Force pilot (David Farrar) who was shot down during World War II returns home to his English village with his new German bride (Mai Zetterling), whom his family has a hard time accepting. Also starring Glynis Johns and Flora Robson. Walk in the Shadow (1962 Basil Dearden) - 7.5/10When John Harris's (Michael Craig) daughter is badly injured in an boating accident, the hospital tells him that she will need an urgent blood transfusion. Due to his religious beliefs Harris refuses permission, and the child dies. When the inquest clears Harris of all blame, the doctor (Patrick McGoohan) in charge of the case tries to get the police to press manslaughter charges against Harris. Also starring Janet Munro. Tomorrow (1972 Joseph Anthony) - 7/10A lonely farmer (Robert Duvall) takes in a distressed pregnant woman (Olga Bellin) and looks after her and tries to persuade her to marry him. Chop Shop (2007 Ramin Bahrani) - 7/10Alejandro, a resourceful street orphan on the verge of adolescence, lives and works in an auto-body repair shop in a sprawling junkyard on the outskirts of Queens, New York. In this chaotic world of adults, Alejandro struggles to make a better life for himself and his sixteen-year-old sister. How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022 Daniel Goldhaber) - 6.5/10A group of environmental activists plot to destroy an oil pipeline. Orion and the Dark (2024 Sean Charmatz) - 6/10A boy (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, happy anthropomorphized version of what he is afraid of...the dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). The Mechanic (1972 Michael Winner) - 5.5/10An aging hitman (Charles Bronson) befriends a young man (Jan-Michael Vincent) whom he takes on as a protege. The Mechanic (2011 Simon West) - 5/10
Remake of The Mechanic (1972). Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn and Donald Sutherland. The Bricklayer (2023 Renny Harlin) - 4.5/10An ex-CIA agent (Aaron Eckhart) is reactivated when an extortionist (Clifton Collins Jr.) targets the agency. The Beekeeper (2024 David Ayer) - 3.5/10One man's (Jason Statham) brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers." Also starring Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Phylicia Rashad and Minnie Driver. Best of the WeekPICTURE - All of Us Strangers ACTOR - Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) ACTRESS - Mai Zetterling (Frieda) SUPPORTING ACTOR - Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers) SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Olga Bellin (Tomorrow) DIRECTOR - Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers) CINEMATOGRAPHY - City of Life and Death SCORE - Orion and the Dark I have not any of these titles yet. In fact I did not even know about many of them, though the Basil Dearden titles certainly look interesting.
I am looking forward to watching the Charles Bronson version of The Mechanic. Could you expound on why you did not think it was more than passable? Also, if you can share any thoughts on my OP, please do share.
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 7, 2024 6:31:26 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - One of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10 Barry Lyndon - Another one of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10 Targets - I liked it throughout. 7.5/10 Copycat - Yes, that's just Holly Hunter's accent. I thought she and Weaver were both really good here and I found the story engaging. 7/10 First Time Viewings:Design for Living (1933, Ernst Lubitsch) - 7/10The Mexican (2001, Gore Verbinski) - 7/10Napoleon (2023, Ridley Scott) - 6/10Eight Hours of Terror (1957, Seijun Suzuki) - 7/10Panic in the Streets (1950, Elia Kazan) - 7/10Station West (1948, Sidney Lanfield) - 7/10The Lusty Men (1952, Nicholas Ray) - 7/10The Furies (1950, Anthony Mann) - 7/10Southland Tales (2006, Richard Kelly) - 5.5/10Six Days Seven Nights (1998, Ivan Reitman) - 6.5/10Repeat Viewings:Platoon (1986, Oliver Stone) - 7/10Sicario (2015, Denis Villeneuve) - 8.5/10Dune (1984, David Lynch) - 5.5/10Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis) - 8/10Requiem for a Dream (2000, Darren Aronofsky) - 8.5/10Panic in the Streets: I made a point of watching it in 2020 during the first lockdown. It's brilliantly suspenseful and the use of real locations adds a lot to the film. I do think the ending is a little too happy, though - don't they still have to mop up the epidemic which is still spreading?
Southland Tales: I remember watching Donnie Darko and this back-to-back and while the former bored me to sleep, the latter I managed to find somewhat okay. I am aware that the general consensus is the opposite.
Platoon: I need to revisit it but I remember thinking it was somewhat overrated. The film lost a substantial chunk of my attention when one main character was killed. I was more affected by Born on the Fourth of July.
Dune: I don't think it is objectively a good film but I still find it to be an earnest and fascinating attempt to bring a huge novel to the screen. I love the Lynchian touches to Herbert's world such as the design of the Guild navigators as well as the Harkonnen clan.
Groundhog Day: It's strange; I saw the film less than five years ago, liked it and appreciated Bill Murray's acting - but don't really remember anything that has stuck in my conscious for long. I guess the film simply fell down one of those innumerable memory holes in my mind.
Requiem for a Dream: A masterpiece that I sorely need to revisit and also read Hubert Selby's novel beforehand if possible.
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 7, 2024 6:33:03 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - 7/10 Copycat - 6/10 Mine: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) - 7/10
Entertaining Marvel film with a great look and fantastic visuals. However it had a fair amount of depressing moments and sad scenes. I admit I kinda teard up a little bit. Odd since the first two were more uplifting. Still has enough fun to enjoy though. Saw X (2023) - 9/10
Excellent horror film that oddly makes me have compassion for a sadistic villain. One of the best in he series. Day of the Dead (1985) - 10/10
One of my favorite horror films. S.M.A.R.T. Chase (2017) - 4/10
Orlando Bloom stars in this action/chase film. Its just OK. Better to see a Fast and Furious film instead. : It's a good film. Romero tries to do something more than simply a retread of his previous films and Tom Savini's zombie designs are outstanding. The mediocre acting puts me off, though. |
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Post by jcush on Feb 7, 2024 6:40:46 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - One of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10 Barry Lyndon - Another one of my absolute favorites. 9.5/10 Targets - I liked it throughout. 7.5/10 Copycat - Yes, that's just Holly Hunter's accent. I thought she and Weaver were both really good here and I found the story engaging. 7/10 First Time Viewings:Design for Living (1933, Ernst Lubitsch) - 7/10The Mexican (2001, Gore Verbinski) - 7/10Napoleon (2023, Ridley Scott) - 6/10Eight Hours of Terror (1957, Seijun Suzuki) - 7/10Panic in the Streets (1950, Elia Kazan) - 7/10Station West (1948, Sidney Lanfield) - 7/10The Lusty Men (1952, Nicholas Ray) - 7/10The Furies (1950, Anthony Mann) - 7/10Southland Tales (2006, Richard Kelly) - 5.5/10Six Days Seven Nights (1998, Ivan Reitman) - 6.5/10Repeat Viewings:Platoon (1986, Oliver Stone) - 7/10Sicario (2015, Denis Villeneuve) - 8.5/10Dune (1984, David Lynch) - 5.5/10Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis) - 8/10Requiem for a Dream (2000, Darren Aronofsky) - 8.5/10Panic in the Streets: I made a point of watching it in 2020 during the first lockdown. It's brilliantly suspenseful and the use of real locations adds a lot to the film. I do think the ending is a little too happy, though - don't they still have to mop up the epidemic which is still spreading?
Southland Tales: I remember watching Donnie Darko and this back-to-back and while the former bored me to sleep, the latter I managed to find somewhat okay. I am aware that the general consensus is the opposite.
Platoon: I need to revisit it but I remember thinking it was somewhat overrated. The film lost a substantial chunk of my attention when one main character was killed. I was more affected by Born on the Fourth of July.
Dune: I don't think it is objectively a good film but I still find it to be an earnest and fascinating attempt to bring a huge novel to the screen. I love the Lynchian touches to Herbert's world such as the design of the Guild navigators as well as the Harkonnen clan.
Groundhog Day: It's strange; I saw the film less than five years ago, liked it and appreciated Bill Murray's acting - but don't really remember anything that has stuck in my conscious for long. I guess the film simply fell down one of those innumerable memory holes in my mind.
Requiem for a Dream: A masterpiece that I sorely need to revisit and also read Hubert Selby's novel beforehand if possible.
I didn't really care for Platoon the first time I saw it, but I liked it the second time (this was my third viewing). Like you, I prefer Born on the Fourth of July though and Platoon is easily my least favorite of what I call the Big 4 Vietnam War films (Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket being the other 3). |
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 7, 2024 6:47:00 GMT
First Time Viewing: Greta (2018; Neil Jordan) – Glossy mainstream thriller with a capable cast which suffers from its ludicrous premise wanting us to believe that two fit young women could be scared by a lady in her sixties. As good as Isabelle Huppert is, she’s definitely no Michael Myers. 4.5/10 Gunpowder Milkshake (2021; Navot Papushado) – It’s just another overstylized, R-rated action comedy, but I enjoyed it very much even though it does run out of steam in the third act. 7/10 The Ice Storm (1997; Ang Lee) – A great cast struggles to breathe life into a shallow dramedy which tries to say something profound about life in 70s America, but ends up being far too (politically) heavy-handed and not nearly entertaining or emotionally involving enough. Christina Ricci is fantastic though, easily awards-worthy I would say. 5.5/10 Magic, Magic (2014; Sebastian Silva) – Confusing mystery-thriller about some unlikable young people taking a trip into Chile’s wilderness. 3.5/10 Super (2010; James Gunn) – A bit like the cheap Troma counterpart to Kick-Ass this cringeworthy superhero-comedy desperately tries to be edgy and offensive which makes it a bit of a chore to get through. 3.5/10 Thelma (2017; Joachim Trier) – Intense Norwegian movie about a shy young woman with destructive telekinetic powers, which I actually thought might’ve worked better as a straight drama, since some of the horror stuff tended to get in the way of the plot. It’s also not the relationship story I expected, with Thelma’s love interest getting very little screen time, but more of a religious family drama. Kind of weird and uneven. 5.5/10 They Live (1988; John Carpenter) – I’m not sure why it took me so long to watch this. The plot sounded a bit “meh” I guess, but it turned out to be huge fun with the social commentary having lost none of its bite. 7.5/10 Two Evil Eyes (1991; George A. Romero & Dario Argento) – Two E. A. Poe stories get a modern update. The first by Romero is like an average Tales from the Crypt episode, the second by Argento features disgusting violence against a cat and is therefore unwatchable. 4.5/10
Underwater (2020; William Eubank) – It’s Alien underwater as a deep-sea drilling crew fall prey to Lovecraftian monsters. It’s is undone by flat characters and a family friendly rating, but Kristen Stewart gives it her best effort, keeping things “afloat”. 6/10 They Live: I found it to be plain average -- but it has been many years.
Two Evil Eyes: Romero's story is boring but Argento's story is awesome with Harvey Keitel delivering one of his best performances before his comeback in 1992.
The Ice Storm is in my watchlist.
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 7, 2024 7:08:56 GMT
Full Metal Jacket - 8/10 Barry Lyndon - 7.5/10 First Time Viewings: Nimona (2023, Nick Bruno & Troy Quane) - 8/10Maestro (2023, Bradley Cooper) - 7/10Society of the Snow (2023, J. A. Bayona) - 7/10Repeat Viewings: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964, Stanley Kubrick) - 8/10 is uproariously funny and one of the best films I have ever watched. |
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Post by moviemouth on Feb 7, 2024 7:35:34 GMT
Listed from best to worst. All of Us Strangers (2023 Andrew Haigh) - 9/10A gay screenwriter (Andrew Scott) drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor (Paul Mescal) as he then discovers his parents (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. City of Life and Death (2009 Chuan Lu) - 8/10In 1937, Japan occupied Nanjing, the Chinese capital. There was a battle and subsequent atrocities against the inhabitants, especially those who took refuge in the International Security Zone. Frieda (1947 Basil Dearden) - 8/10A Royal Air Force pilot (David Farrar) who was shot down during World War II returns home to his English village with his new German bride (Mai Zetterling), whom his family has a hard time accepting. Also starring Glynis Johns and Flora Robson. Walk in the Shadow (1962 Basil Dearden) - 7.5/10When John Harris's (Michael Craig) daughter is badly injured in an boating accident, the hospital tells him that she will need an urgent blood transfusion. Due to his religious beliefs Harris refuses permission, and the child dies. When the inquest clears Harris of all blame, the doctor (Patrick McGoohan) in charge of the case tries to get the police to press manslaughter charges against Harris. Also starring Janet Munro. Tomorrow (1972 Joseph Anthony) - 7/10A lonely farmer (Robert Duvall) takes in a distressed pregnant woman (Olga Bellin) and looks after her and tries to persuade her to marry him. Chop Shop (2007 Ramin Bahrani) - 7/10Alejandro, a resourceful street orphan on the verge of adolescence, lives and works in an auto-body repair shop in a sprawling junkyard on the outskirts of Queens, New York. In this chaotic world of adults, Alejandro struggles to make a better life for himself and his sixteen-year-old sister. How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022 Daniel Goldhaber) - 6.5/10A group of environmental activists plot to destroy an oil pipeline. Orion and the Dark (2024 Sean Charmatz) - 6/10A boy (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, happy anthropomorphized version of what he is afraid of...the dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). The Mechanic (1972 Michael Winner) - 5.5/10An aging hitman (Charles Bronson) befriends a young man (Jan-Michael Vincent) whom he takes on as a protege. The Mechanic (2011 Simon West) - 5/10
Remake of The Mechanic (1972). Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn and Donald Sutherland. The Bricklayer (2023 Renny Harlin) - 4.5/10An ex-CIA agent (Aaron Eckhart) is reactivated when an extortionist (Clifton Collins Jr.) targets the agency. The Beekeeper (2024 David Ayer) - 3.5/10One man's (Jason Statham) brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers." Also starring Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Phylicia Rashad and Minnie Driver. Best of the WeekPICTURE - All of Us Strangers ACTOR - Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) ACTRESS - Mai Zetterling (Frieda) SUPPORTING ACTOR - Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers) SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Olga Bellin (Tomorrow) DIRECTOR - Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers) CINEMATOGRAPHY - City of Life and Death SCORE - Orion and the Dark I have not any of these titles yet. In fact I did not even know about many of them, though the Basil Dearden titles certainly look interesting.
I am looking forward to watching the Charles Bronson version of The Mechanic. Could you expound on why you did not think it was more than passable? Also, if you can share any thoughts on my OP, please do share.
The Mechanic has a good script, but rather bland directing and acting. The action scenes are also not very thrilling. The movie is a bit of a slog to get through. The cast looks like the are on the verge of falling asleep half the time. Full Metal Jacket - 10/10 Barry Lyndon - 7.5/10 Targets - 7/10 Copycat - 7/10 |
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 8, 2024 2:50:19 GMT
Just discovered this thread series. Not sure how I missed it.
All first time viewings:
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)This was amazing. An absolute thrill ride from beginning to end. Great action sequences. I don't understand why they felt the need to add in this new woman to the crew though, instead of just using Rebecca Ferguson or bringing back Paula Patton. The french girl villain was really cool. One issue I had is I thought the villain and the "entity" should have gotten more screen time, as the "entity" especially feels like it should have been more of a looming threat throughout the film, yet it's presence is absent for a lot of it. I also think the "who has the key now" gimmick gets a bit repetitive after a while too. While the final climax was great, I found the denouement and set up for part 2 a bit underwhelming. I really expected something big to happen as the movie closed, to hype the next movie much like what the Deathly Hallows part 1 did for example, but we don't really get anything. I expected the movie to have IMAX sequences as well, so it was a bit disappointing to see there weren't, but at least this one seems better shot as it looks much better and is more consistent throughout.
8/10
Paper Towns (2015)
I enjoyed this one up until the end. It has one of the dumbest endings I have seen in a while. It's one of those endings that renders the entire film pointless.
3/10
M3gan (2022)
Very enjoyable and funny. Good voice acting for the doll. Ending was a bit simple, but still pretty satisfying. The movie is very similar to Child's Play (2019) which I think was a bit better.
6.5/10
Above Suspicion (2019)
Very bland and uninteresting movie. Good performance by Emilia Clarke, but it's wasted on a movie this forgettable. Richard from Boardwalk Empire is in it too. I didn't know it was him until after the movie. Based on a true story, which as interesting as it may be, is not one that I think has enough story in it worth making a movie about, even if it had been better written/made.
2/10
A Good Woman Is Hard to Find (2019)
I really enjoyed this movie. Very well made with great buildup and suspense. Amazing powerful performance from Sarah Bolger. It's got a cool soundtrack too and the movie is quite well shot. Ending felt a bit too simple, but it was very satisfying nonetheless. Maybe lacks a little something which stops it from being a classic, but I would def watch this again. Overall just a really solid movie that deserves to be more well known.
7.5/10
Bokeh (2017)
Very interesting premise, and it starts out promising enough with the characters reacting to the situation in the various ways you would naturally imagine, but then it never seems to pick a trajectory to take the story forward, resulting in the rest of the movie being pointless meandering that leads to a big fat nothing. I know there's only so much you can do with a small budget indie movie like this, but if you don't have the money to do anything other than have characters aimlessly wandering around, maybe not pick a premise with such a big scope? Not that it may have mattered anyway with such a bland script. The performances are good but that's about it. A pointless movie with absolutely nothing of worth to say or think about once the credits roll.
2/10
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
It starts out a bit meh but after a short while it really gets going. It's not a particularly original movie, with much of what we see having been done before in better movies, but it does what it does quite well. The hospital scene however was incredibly well done and probably the highlight of the movie. A very unique and funny way of doing a fight scene. The movie is quite visually stunning. Great use of lighting, costumes and overall style. That aspect is more unique for sure, and one of the movies strongest qualities. Karen Gillan looks awesome in this and kicks ass. It's got some stupid scenes and some stuff that doesn't make sense, but overall it's a really enjoyable movie. Apparently a sequel is in the works so I'd definitely like to see that.
6/10 I haven't seen any of those yet. |
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Post by Hurdy Gurdy Man on Feb 8, 2024 2:51:58 GMT
Charles Bronson's usual expression does give that impression. |
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