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Post by dsbeadle on Jul 28, 2024 4:34:06 GMT
Hello again! Yours: Sharkey’s Machine (1981, Burt Reynolds) Saw this years ago and wasn't personally a fan. 5/10 Memento (2000, Chris Nolan) Agreed. I think Nolan has gone on to make some better films, but this was a hell of a film, especially considering he had only done Following prior. 8/10 Mine: Intimate Lighting (Ivan Passer, 1965) This is apparently considered one of the great films of the Czechoslovak New Wave... and I don't get why. It's a slice film, which I usually enjoy, but here I found it just a meandering mess. I didn't find any of the characters endearing or even interesting. The attempts at humor never particularly worked for me save for literally the final scene. It's one of those films that seems well loved that I just don't get. A shame as I tend to really like everything else I've seen from the Czechoslovak New Wave. 2/10 Tampopo (Jûzô Itami, 1985) I've seen several of Jūzō Itami's films now. I've at the very least enjoyed them all, and some I really loved, but this is easily his masterpiece. There is a main narrative thread here, about a group of people trying to help a woman set up a ramen shop, but the film breaks from this plot frequently to do random skits all on the subject of enjoying food. Yes, this entire film is a love letter to food. Ramen may be its favorite topic, but it loves it all. We get moments of people enjoying ramen, ordering at a fancy restaurant, eating different cultures' goods and discussing the proper way to eat them. We get last meals and even firsts. Yes, the entire thing is an almost two hour love letter to food. It's often quite comedic in how seriously it takes the topic of food, but it's a charming film from start to finish.Also, the opening scene with a yakuza addressing the audience of a movie theater should be played in front of every screening of every movie. 9/10 Law and Order (Nathan Juran, 1953) Fairly bland and forgettable western that is only really notable for starring future US president Ronald Regan. 4/10 Flesh and Fantasy (Julien Duvivier, 1943) Entertaining anthology film all focusing on ideas of premonition in some way. Best story is the second which focuses on Edward G. Robinson as a man who becomes afraid that he might kill someone after having his palm read at a party. Some very nice special effects in this segment which lets Robinson’s reflection talk to him as he debates himself internally. 7/10 Rushmore (Wes Anderson, 1998) This is the movie where it feels like Wes Anderson became Wes Anderson. Not my favorite of his films, but as someone who like his style, I really enjoy this. 8/10 The Quick and the Dead (Sam Raimi, 1995) The script to this movie isn't great, but damn if Sam Raimi doesn't make a hell of a film of this. The film looks stunning with his use of light, especially with the shadows of the gunfighters and sometimes with light coming through the holes in them after a shot. Raimi is still in Evil Dead mode here with his frantic camera movements and interesting shots. Visually it is a blast. As noted, script-wise it's not so great. The idea of the tournament is interesting, but aspects like the Kid wanting to get his father's respect in... well, a duel to the death, seem a bit ridiculous at times. The film is a bit of a who's who of 90s actors with a great cast. To no one's surprise, the standout is Gene Hackman who delivers every line as if he's committed to the character no matter how ridiculous aspects of the plot are. Overall, a fun watch. 7/10 Last Embrace (Jonathan Demme, 1979) Oh man, this one is bonkers. While it's clearly a love letter to Hitchcock, the plot of this movie goes all over the place. There are times you may feel like you need a graph of how we get from one point to the next... but you know what? That's not important here. What is important is paranoia. This may be the ultimate paranoia thriller. Our lead is a special agent, that's made clear early on, but frankly he acted erratic enough that I wondered for a bit if it was all in his head. It's a movie that constantly feels off (I don't mean that as a negative at all), you always feel something is wrong and you don't really know what's happening. Honestly, the seemingly random moments where plot points come together actually work because it feels like such a frantic rush, that sure, paranoid conspiracy works. Why the hell not? Anything's possible. I can't say that it's a perfectly plotted film because it sure as hell isn't, but I love the style it went for and I was entertained the entire time wondering where it would go next. 8/10 Any Given Sunday (Oliver Stone, 1999) This film was a huge surprise to me. I’ve mostly heard very middle ground things about it, and personally I’m not a big football fan at all (as in I actively dislike the game and go out of my way to not watch it). As such I went into this figuring it wasn’t going to be my thing, but what the hell, I like Oliver Stone and Pacino, I’ll give it a shot. Well, not only did I really like this one, I’ll go so far as to say that as of right now, this is my favorite Stone film. It’s almost three hours, but I found it perfectly paced, the cast all extremely strong and was riveted by it. It has some standard sports cliches, but damn if it wasn’t done to perfection. I’m genuinely shocked that this isn’t listed with Stone’s best films. The fact that a movie about my most hated sport won me over... well, that’s pretty shocking I would say. 9/10 Ninja Wars (Kôsei Saitô, 1982) Not going to lie, I had fun with this one. probably for all the wrong reasons though. Sure, some of the fights were cool, but mostly I enjoyed the over the top/ridiculous nature and special effects failure moments. This is most certainly not a great movie, with a borderline incoherent plot that feels like it's missing scenes (and that's watching the 100 minute cut rather than the 95 minute cut that IMDb says is out there). I cannot recommend this except to fans of bad 80s Japanese movies... for those of you out there, you could certainly do worse than this. 4/10 The Lure (Agnieszka Smoczynska, 2015) A very dark take on the Little Mermaid story, turning it into something of a fantasy musical with a few horror elements. I liked it overall, but never felt it lived up to what it could have been. it felt like it could have been bigger and bolder, and instead it got lost somewhere in the process. Still good, but not great. 6/10 Diamonds of the Night (Jan Nemec, 1964) This is a film that I'm very impressed with on a technical level. I respect the artistry and thus will not give it a terrible rating despite the fact that I hated watching it. It's 67 minutes of pure misery. Artistic misery, but nothing I want to ever experience again. 4/10 Training Day (Antoine Fuqua, 2001) Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke are both great in this crime drama taking place over one very long and unpleasant day for both of them. I don’t quite love it as much as many seem to, but it’s well worth a watch. 7/10 Morocco (Josef von Sternberg, 1930) I never really got the appeal of Marlene Dietrich until I watched this and Shanghai Express. I never thought she was a bad actress, but I didn’t get the star appeal. Well, seeing her walk out in a tuxedo and singing... yeah, I get it now. With that said, man I wished I liked this movie more. Cooper is surprisingly dull in this. I don’t know it’s due to him being bored or if he just was a poor choice in the role, but he’s nowhere near as charismatic as I generally expect him to be. Dull is actually a very good word for the film's plot as well. It never really held my attention and I found myself growing uninterested every time Marlene Dietrich wasn't on screen. This film is really only worth a watch for two reasons in my opinion... and those two reasons keep it at a pretty good score. The first is the excellent use of shadows in the night clubs and on the streets at night. Those scenes are beautifully filmed and a joy from a technical standpoint. The other reason is obvious; Marlene Dietrich who really shines in a role that really isn't that great, but with her work here, somehow it is. 6/10 Maniac Cop (William Lustig, 1988) Stupid slasher about... well, a manic cop. Bruce Campbell is in it though, so it is automatically at least a little better. There’s some fun to be had, but they explain the cop as if it’s a mystery movie, but one without clues. Would have been better if they had gone full mystery/horror or just said “supernatural cop” and ran with that only. 5/10 The Running Man (Paul Michael Glaser, 1987) A nice slice of 80s cheese, with Arnold giving classic one-liners after killing someone. "Subzero, now plain zero." It's so awful I can't help but love it. That said, there's actually something very close to an interesting commentary about television in it. It's lost under all the explosions and violence, but it almost made a point. Good fun. 6/10 Yooo Rushmore - not a fan really, middle of the pack for the director 4.5 The Quick and the Dead - Raimis crazy western , something feels off throughout, not enough extras maybe. Hackman is great of course 6/10 last Embrace - I’m a fan, the troubled production history that left some scenes unfilmed is noticeable at times but I love the vibe, the Hitchcock homages and Roy Scheider is great as always 7.5 Any Given Sunday - love this film, good expose on the corporate business of the sport 8/10 training Day - some good performances but something about this film doesn’t quite work. It almost overcomes its issues with the performances 6/10 Maniac Cop - it’s ok but Maniac cop 2 is awesome 6/10 The Running Man - seen this a lot of times, maybe one time too many as I put the score down on my most recent viewing 6.5
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Post by dsbeadle on Jul 28, 2024 4:35:10 GMT
Freebie and the Bean - 5/10 Sharkey’s Machine - 5/10 Everybody Wins - 1/10 Boring as hell. Deer Camp ‘86 - 3/10 Saw this two weeks ago. Disappointed. Memento - Needs to be rewatched. Single White Female - 5/10 - Mine: This is a record for me. Only two this week. Had a really busy week. Licence To Kill (1989) - 10/10
My favorite Bond film. Bloody Trip: The Equinox Killer (2024) - 2/10
Really lame slasher film. Licence To Kill (1989) - top 5 bond film for me 8/10
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Post by moviemouth on Jul 28, 2024 5:04:33 GMT
MINE
Supernatural (1933 Victor Halperin) - 6.5/10
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005 Marc Rothemund) - 9/10
Out to Sea (1997 Martha Coolidge) - 4.5/10
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 Shawn Levy) - 6/10
Cheyenne Autumn (1964 John Ford) - 5.5/10
Thelma (2024 Josh Margolin) - 6.5/10
Who Done It? (1942 Erle C. Kenton) - 7/10
Brother to Brother (2004 Rodney Evans) - 5.5/10
Vivacious Lady (1938 George Stevens) - 7.5/10
Young Woman and the Sea (2024 Joachim Rønning) - 5/10
The Man in the Iron Mask (1939 James Whale) - 5.5/10
TV Movie
The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993 Michael Ritchie) - 7/10
Film Awards
BEST PICTURE - Sophie Scholl: The Final Days BEST ACTOR - Anthony Mackie (Brother to Brother) BEST ACTRESS - Julia Jentsch (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Alexander Held (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Swoozie Kurtz (The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom) BEST DIRECTOR - Marc Rothemund (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Cheyenne Autumn BEST SCORE - Cheyenne Autumn
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Post by moviemouth on Jul 28, 2024 5:08:23 GMT
First Time Viewings:The Skeleton Twins (2014, Craig Johnson) - 7/10 6.5/10He Who Gets Slapped (1924, Victor Sjöström) - 7/10 8.5/10Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001, John Cameron Mitchell) - 7/10Fruitvale Station (2013, Ryan Coogler) - 7/10 6.5/10Brewster McCloud (1970, Robert Altman) - 7/10 5.5/10Repeat Viewings:American Gangster (2007, Ridley Scott) - 7.5/10 8/10Thelma & Louise (1991, Ridley Scott) - 7.5/10Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023, James Mangold) - 6.5/10Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008, Steven Spielberg) - 7/10Bad Lieutenant (1992, Abel Ferrara) - 7.5/10 6.5/10Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, Sergio Leone) - 10/10 8/10Movie Awards:BEST FILM: Once Upon a Time in the West He Who Gets SlappedBEST ACTOR: Harvey Keitel - Bad LieutenantBEST ACTRESS: Geena Davis - Thelma & LouiseBEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jason Robards Henry Fonda - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Carol Burnett - Noises Off... Octavia Spencer (Fruitvale Station)BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tonino Delli Colli - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SCORE: Ennio Morricone - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SCRIPT: Sergio Leone & Sergio Donati - Once Upon a Time in the West He Who Gets SlappedBEST DIRECTOR: Sergio Leone - Once Upon a Time in the West
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Post by dsbeadle on Jul 28, 2024 6:23:43 GMT
MINESupernatural (1933 Victor Halperin) - 6.5/10Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005 Marc Rothemund) - 9/10Out to Sea (1997 Martha Coolidge) - 4.5/10Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 Shawn Levy) - 6/10Cheyenne Autumn (1964 John Ford) - 5.5/10Thelma (2024 Josh Margolin) - 6.5/10Who Done It? (1942 Erle C. Kenton) - 7/10Brother to Brother (2004 Rodney Evans) - 5.5/10Vivacious Lady (1938 George Stevens) - 7.5/10Young Woman and the Sea (2024 Joachim Rønning) - 5/10The Man in the Iron Mask (1939 James Whale) - 5.5/10TV MovieThe Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993 Michael Ritchie) - 7/10Film Awards
BEST PICTURE - Sophie Scholl: The Final Days BEST ACTOR - Anthony Mackie (Brother to Brother) BEST ACTRESS - Julia Jentsch (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Alexander Held (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Swoozie Kurtz (The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom) BEST DIRECTOR - Marc Rothemund (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Cheyenne Autumn BEST SCORE - Cheyenne Autumn Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 Shawn Levy) - 6/10 Cheyenne Autumn (1964 John Ford) - been Su long I don’t remember well
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Post by jcush on Jul 28, 2024 6:32:38 GMT
MINESupernatural (1933 Victor Halperin) - 6.5/10Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005 Marc Rothemund) - 9/10Out to Sea (1997 Martha Coolidge) - 4.5/10Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 Shawn Levy) - 6/10Cheyenne Autumn (1964 John Ford) - 5.5/10Thelma (2024 Josh Margolin) - 6.5/10Who Done It? (1942 Erle C. Kenton) - 7/10Brother to Brother (2004 Rodney Evans) - 5.5/10Vivacious Lady (1938 George Stevens) - 7.5/10Young Woman and the Sea (2024 Joachim Rønning) - 5/10The Man in the Iron Mask (1939 James Whale) - 5.5/10TV MovieThe Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993 Michael Ritchie) - 7/10Film Awards
BEST PICTURE - Sophie Scholl: The Final Days BEST ACTOR - Anthony Mackie (Brother to Brother) BEST ACTRESS - Julia Jentsch (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Alexander Held (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Swoozie Kurtz (The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom) BEST DIRECTOR - Marc Rothemund (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Cheyenne Autumn BEST SCORE - Cheyenne Autumn Vivacious Lady - 7.5/10
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Post by theravenking on Jul 28, 2024 13:25:36 GMT
Welcome to the weekly watch thread hosted by me, post your weeks viewing, rate other peoples viewing, have conversations but be respectful. FIRST TIME VIEWINGFreebie and the Bean (1974, Richard Rush)This might be the original buddy cop film that surely influenced the 48 hours and lethal weapons of this sub-genre.
The story is a mess but it’s the least important part of the film. The joy is watching all the different situations and art pieces that allow James Caan and Alan Arkin to interact in a semi improvised manner.
The chemistry of these two leads is what holds this wild film together. 6.5-7/10Deadpool & Wolverine (2024, Sean Levy)CinemaSo this long gestating third Deadpool film had the selling of Fox to Disney to contend with, then a pandemic and an actors/directors strike. What we end up feels a bit compromised but it’s still fun enough. What I loved about the first film and to a slightly lesser extent the second also is the balancing act between the excess, parodic comedy and goofiness on one side and the heart to the story on the other that anchors it. This one doesn’t have a lot of heart and relies on the comedy to get it through and it still entertains but is not as good a film as the first two. What it is though os a love letter to the Fox era of X-Men films that also takes potshots at the state of the current mcu with some fun cameos. Id prefer a smaller more focused grittier film with some real emotional stakes but this was an okay send off that was at least very funny in its messiness. 6/10Sharkey’s Machine (1981, Burt Reynolds)This is a gritty cop film starring Burt Reynolds that starts like a Dirt Harry film. It doesn’t keep up its momentum and becomes kinda weaker as it goes along. 6/10Outcasts of the Island (1951, Carol Reed)A typically well crafted and attractive Carol Reed film. The characters are not too likable but it’s quite watchable still and doesn’t outstay its welcome. 6/10Everybody Wins (1990, Karel Reisz)I generally like these kind of neonoir films even the bad ones are watchable. This one sees Angela (Debra Winger) who hires/lures a P.I. (Nick Nolte) to prove a convicted teenager is innocent of his uncle's murder. This has a bad script, people seem like they are in different movies than one another throughout. Debra Winger is really bad and the love relationship is not believable. 4/10Deer Camp ‘86 (2024, L. Van Dyke Sinoutszen)Slasher in the woods film set in 1986 (although no one feels like they are from the 80’s). Its low budget and pulls from Friday the 13th, The Evil Dead and Predator. It’s just not very good though and the third act is weak. 4/10REPEAT VIEWINGMemento (2000, Chris Nolan)blu rayAm overdue rewatch of this low budget now noir that plays in reverse. Still holds up. 8/10Single White Female (1992, Barbet Schroeder)Solid 90s erotic thriller that was better crafted than I remembered. It starts to wear a little thin after a while though. 6/10WEEKLY FILM AWARDSBEST FILM: Memento BEST ACTOR: James Caan - Freebie & the Bean BEST ACTRESS: Bridgette Fonda - Single White Female BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Joey Pants - Memento BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Carrie Ann Moss - Memento BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Wally Pfister - Memento BEST SCORE: David Julyan - Memento BEST EDITING: Dody Dorn - Memento BEST WRITING: Chris Nolan - Memento BEST DIRECTOR: Chris Nolan - Memento Only one of yours:
Memento (2000, Chris Nolan) My second-favourite Nolan after The Prestige. It took me several viewings to realize what a depressing film this is with the protagonist being betrayed by everyone (including himself). 8.5/10
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Post by the knife on Jul 28, 2024 13:37:42 GMT
Morgan (Luke Scott, 2016) AI sci-fi horror drama w Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Giamatti, Michael Yare, Brian Cox 7/10
Split (M. Night Shyamalan, 2016) psychological horror thriller drama w James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, Brad William Henke 10/10
Marrowbone (Sergio G. Sánchez, 2017) horror drama w George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Mia Goth 7/10
A Cure for Wellness (Gore Verbinski, 2016) mystery horror w Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, Mia Goth 6/10
Night Teeth (Adam Randall, 2021) action horror w Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry, Raúl Castillo, Alfie Allen, Sydney Sweeney, Megan Fox 6/10
Daughters of Darkness (Harry Kümel, 1971) goth horror drama w Delphine Seyrig, John Karlen, Danielle Ouimet, Andrea Rau 8/10
An American Haunting (Courtney Solomon, 2005) folk horror w Donald Sutherland, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Sissy Spacek, James D'Arcy 5/10
Sting (Kiah Roache-Turner, 2024) horror w Alyla Browne, Ryan Corr 6/10
In a Violent Nature (Chris Nash, 2024) slasher horror 6/10
A Quiet Place: Day One (Michael Sarnoski, 2024) sci-fi horror w Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou 7/10
Laserblast (Michael Rae, 1978) sci-fi horror w Cheryl Smith, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowell 6/10
Lemora: A Child’s Tale of the Supernatural (Richard Blackburn, 1973) fantasy horror w Cheryl Smith 8/10
Massacre at Central High (René Daalder, 1976) horror thriller drama w Cheryl Smith, Robert Carradine, Kimberly Beck 7/10
The Blood on Satan’s Claw (Piers Haggard, 1971) folk horror w Linda Hayden, Tamara Ustinov 6/10
rewatches:
The Shining (Kubrick, 1980) 8/10 Prometheus (Scott, 2012) 7/10 Alien: Covenant (Scott, 2017) 7/10 The Birds (Hitchcock, 1963) 10/10
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Post by theravenking on Jul 28, 2024 13:39:18 GMT
Memento - One of my favorites. 9.5/10 Single White Female - I enjoyed it. 7/10 First Time Viewings:The Skeleton Twins (2014, Craig Johnson) - 7/10He Who Gets Slapped (1924, Victor Sjöström) - 7/10Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001, John Cameron Mitchell) - 7/10Fruitvale Station (2013, Ryan Coogler) - 7/10Brewster McCloud (1970, Robert Altman) - 7/10Noises Off... (1992, Peter Bogdanovich) - 7/10Repeat Viewings:American Gangster (2007, Ridley Scott) - 7.5/10Thelma & Louise (1991, Ridley Scott) - 7.5/10Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023, James Mangold) - 6.5/10Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008, Steven Spielberg) - 7/10Bad Lieutenant (1992, Abel Ferrara) - 7.5/10Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, Sergio Leone) - 10/10Movie Awards:BEST FILM: Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST ACTOR: Harvey Keitel - Bad LieutenantBEST ACTRESS: Geena Davis - Thelma & LouiseBEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jason Robards - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Carol Burnett - Noises Off...BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tonino Delli Colli - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SCORE: Ennio Morricone - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST SCRIPT: Sergio Leone & Sergio Donati - Once Upon a Time in the WestBEST DIRECTOR: Sergio Leone - Once Upon a Time in the WestNoises Off... (1992, Peter Bogdanovich) - A few years ago I had actually attended a performance of the stage play, so I decided to watch the movie, but with the live aspect lacking I didn't find it as enjoyable. - 6/10 American Gangster (2007, Ridley Scott) - 6/10 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008, Steven Spielberg) - I didn't think it was that bad, but I could've done without the UFO at the end. - 6/10 Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, Sergio Leone) - 9/10
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Post by theravenking on Jul 28, 2024 13:44:33 GMT
Hello again! Yours: Sharkey’s Machine (1981, Burt Reynolds) Saw this years ago and wasn't personally a fan. 5/10 Memento (2000, Chris Nolan) Agreed. I think Nolan has gone on to make some better films, but this was a hell of a film, especially considering he had only done Following prior. 8/10 Mine: Intimate Lighting (Ivan Passer, 1965) This is apparently considered one of the great films of the Czechoslovak New Wave... and I don't get why. It's a slice film, which I usually enjoy, but here I found it just a meandering mess. I didn't find any of the characters endearing or even interesting. The attempts at humor never particularly worked for me save for literally the final scene. It's one of those films that seems well loved that I just don't get. A shame as I tend to really like everything else I've seen from the Czechoslovak New Wave. 2/10 Tampopo (Jûzô Itami, 1985) I've seen several of Jūzō Itami's films now. I've at the very least enjoyed them all, and some I really loved, but this is easily his masterpiece. There is a main narrative thread here, about a group of people trying to help a woman set up a ramen shop, but the film breaks from this plot frequently to do random skits all on the subject of enjoying food. Yes, this entire film is a love letter to food. Ramen may be its favorite topic, but it loves it all. We get moments of people enjoying ramen, ordering at a fancy restaurant, eating different cultures' goods and discussing the proper way to eat them. We get last meals and even firsts. Yes, the entire thing is an almost two hour love letter to food. It's often quite comedic in how seriously it takes the topic of food, but it's a charming film from start to finish.Also, the opening scene with a yakuza addressing the audience of a movie theater should be played in front of every screening of every movie. 9/10 Law and Order (Nathan Juran, 1953) Fairly bland and forgettable western that is only really notable for starring future US president Ronald Regan. 4/10 Flesh and Fantasy (Julien Duvivier, 1943) Entertaining anthology film all focusing on ideas of premonition in some way. Best story is the second which focuses on Edward G. Robinson as a man who becomes afraid that he might kill someone after having his palm read at a party. Some very nice special effects in this segment which lets Robinson’s reflection talk to him as he debates himself internally. 7/10 Rushmore (Wes Anderson, 1998) This is the movie where it feels like Wes Anderson became Wes Anderson. Not my favorite of his films, but as someone who like his style, I really enjoy this. 8/10 The Quick and the Dead (Sam Raimi, 1995) The script to this movie isn't great, but damn if Sam Raimi doesn't make a hell of a film of this. The film looks stunning with his use of light, especially with the shadows of the gunfighters and sometimes with light coming through the holes in them after a shot. Raimi is still in Evil Dead mode here with his frantic camera movements and interesting shots. Visually it is a blast. As noted, script-wise it's not so great. The idea of the tournament is interesting, but aspects like the Kid wanting to get his father's respect in... well, a duel to the death, seem a bit ridiculous at times. The film is a bit of a who's who of 90s actors with a great cast. To no one's surprise, the standout is Gene Hackman who delivers every line as if he's committed to the character no matter how ridiculous aspects of the plot are. Overall, a fun watch. 7/10 Last Embrace (Jonathan Demme, 1979) Oh man, this one is bonkers. While it's clearly a love letter to Hitchcock, the plot of this movie goes all over the place. There are times you may feel like you need a graph of how we get from one point to the next... but you know what? That's not important here. What is important is paranoia. This may be the ultimate paranoia thriller. Our lead is a special agent, that's made clear early on, but frankly he acted erratic enough that I wondered for a bit if it was all in his head. It's a movie that constantly feels off (I don't mean that as a negative at all), you always feel something is wrong and you don't really know what's happening. Honestly, the seemingly random moments where plot points come together actually work because it feels like such a frantic rush, that sure, paranoid conspiracy works. Why the hell not? Anything's possible. I can't say that it's a perfectly plotted film because it sure as hell isn't, but I love the style it went for and I was entertained the entire time wondering where it would go next. 8/10 Any Given Sunday (Oliver Stone, 1999) This film was a huge surprise to me. I’ve mostly heard very middle ground things about it, and personally I’m not a big football fan at all (as in I actively dislike the game and go out of my way to not watch it). As such I went into this figuring it wasn’t going to be my thing, but what the hell, I like Oliver Stone and Pacino, I’ll give it a shot. Well, not only did I really like this one, I’ll go so far as to say that as of right now, this is my favorite Stone film. It’s almost three hours, but I found it perfectly paced, the cast all extremely strong and was riveted by it. It has some standard sports cliches, but damn if it wasn’t done to perfection. I’m genuinely shocked that this isn’t listed with Stone’s best films. The fact that a movie about my most hated sport won me over... well, that’s pretty shocking I would say. 9/10 Ninja Wars (Kôsei Saitô, 1982) Not going to lie, I had fun with this one. probably for all the wrong reasons though. Sure, some of the fights were cool, but mostly I enjoyed the over the top/ridiculous nature and special effects failure moments. This is most certainly not a great movie, with a borderline incoherent plot that feels like it's missing scenes (and that's watching the 100 minute cut rather than the 95 minute cut that IMDb says is out there). I cannot recommend this except to fans of bad 80s Japanese movies... for those of you out there, you could certainly do worse than this. 4/10 The Lure (Agnieszka Smoczynska, 2015) A very dark take on the Little Mermaid story, turning it into something of a fantasy musical with a few horror elements. I liked it overall, but never felt it lived up to what it could have been. it felt like it could have been bigger and bolder, and instead it got lost somewhere in the process. Still good, but not great. 6/10 Diamonds of the Night (Jan Nemec, 1964) This is a film that I'm very impressed with on a technical level. I respect the artistry and thus will not give it a terrible rating despite the fact that I hated watching it. It's 67 minutes of pure misery. Artistic misery, but nothing I want to ever experience again. 4/10 Training Day (Antoine Fuqua, 2001) Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke are both great in this crime drama taking place over one very long and unpleasant day for both of them. I don’t quite love it as much as many seem to, but it’s well worth a watch. 7/10 Morocco (Josef von Sternberg, 1930) I never really got the appeal of Marlene Dietrich until I watched this and Shanghai Express. I never thought she was a bad actress, but I didn’t get the star appeal. Well, seeing her walk out in a tuxedo and singing... yeah, I get it now. With that said, man I wished I liked this movie more. Cooper is surprisingly dull in this. I don’t know it’s due to him being bored or if he just was a poor choice in the role, but he’s nowhere near as charismatic as I generally expect him to be. Dull is actually a very good word for the film's plot as well. It never really held my attention and I found myself growing uninterested every time Marlene Dietrich wasn't on screen. This film is really only worth a watch for two reasons in my opinion... and those two reasons keep it at a pretty good score. The first is the excellent use of shadows in the night clubs and on the streets at night. Those scenes are beautifully filmed and a joy from a technical standpoint. The other reason is obvious; Marlene Dietrich who really shines in a role that really isn't that great, but with her work here, somehow it is. 6/10 Maniac Cop (William Lustig, 1988) Stupid slasher about... well, a manic cop. Bruce Campbell is in it though, so it is automatically at least a little better. There’s some fun to be had, but they explain the cop as if it’s a mystery movie, but one without clues. Would have been better if they had gone full mystery/horror or just said “supernatural cop” and ran with that only. 5/10 The Running Man (Paul Michael Glaser, 1987) A nice slice of 80s cheese, with Arnold giving classic one-liners after killing someone. "Subzero, now plain zero." It's so awful I can't help but love it. That said, there's actually something very close to an interesting commentary about television in it. It's lost under all the explosions and violence, but it almost made a point. Good fun. 6/10 The Quick and the Dead (Sam Raimi, 1995)
Agree, this is a bit ridiculous, but still fun and elevated by the great cast and Raimi's handling of the material. - 7/10
Last Embrace (Jonathan Demme, 1979) I wanted to like it, but while the story had potential I found the actual mechanics of the plot too far-fetched and illogical. 6/10 Training Day (Antoine Fuqua, 2001) Good leads, but I didn't think the movie was anything special. I've also heard that some real cops hated the film, calling it completely unrealistic. - 7/10
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Post by theravenking on Jul 28, 2024 13:46:29 GMT
First Time Viewing:
Ghost In The Shell (1995; Mamoru Oshii) – You can tell that this Japanese manga adaptation was one of the main inspirations for The Matrix with its cyberpunk world and philosophical questions of identity and the nature of reality. It’s just that I find The Matrix to be far more accessible and ultimately a superior movie, since Ghost seems really convoluted and to me at least lacked any relatable characters. 5/10
Love & Mercy (2014; Bill Pohlad) – Biopic of Beach Boy Brian Wilson, dealing with his life at the height of his fame in the 60s and his later struggle with depression and schizophrenia in the 80s. Well-acted and interesting, but I would’ve preferred more music and less drama. 6/10
TV
Crimes Of Passion (2013) – Swedish mystery series based on the works of popular crime writer Maria Lang (the Swedish Agatha Christie). It’s sadly a rather pedestrian affair lacking suspense or the titular passion. The two leads Tuva Novotny and Ola Rapace are not bad, but the whole thing has the appeal of an IKEA showroom with lifeless period sets and a bad handling of the source material. 5/10
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Post by Carl LaFong on Jul 28, 2024 16:52:16 GMT
None this week.
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Post by dsbeadle on Jul 28, 2024 20:40:29 GMT
Morgan (Luke Scott, 2016) AI sci-fi horror drama w Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Giamatti, Michael Yare, Brian Cox 7/10 Split (M. Night Shyamalan, 2016) psychological horror thriller drama w James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, Brad William Henke 10/10 Marrowbone (Sergio G. Sánchez, 2017) horror drama w George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Mia Goth 7/10 A Cure for Wellness (Gore Verbinski, 2016) mystery horror w Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, Mia Goth 6/10 Night Teeth (Adam Randall, 2021) action horror w Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry, Raúl Castillo, Alfie Allen, Sydney Sweeney, Megan Fox 6/10 Daughters of Darkness (Harry Kümel, 1971) goth horror drama w Delphine Seyrig, John Karlen, Danielle Ouimet, Andrea Rau 8/10 An American Haunting (Courtney Solomon, 2005) folk horror w Donald Sutherland, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Sissy Spacek, James D'Arcy 5/10 Sting (Kiah Roache-Turner, 2024) horror w Alyla Browne, Ryan Corr 6/10 In a Violent Nature (Chris Nash, 2024) slasher horror 6/10 A Quiet Place: Day One (Michael Sarnoski, 2024) sci-fi horror w Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou 7/10 Laserblast (Michael Rae, 1978) sci-fi horror w Cheryl Smith, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowell 6/10 Lemora: A Child’s Tale of the Supernatural (Richard Blackburn, 1973) fantasy horror w Cheryl Smith 8/10 Massacre at Central High (René Daalder, 1976) horror thriller drama w Cheryl Smith, Robert Carradine, Kimberly Beck 7/10 The Blood on Satan’s Claw (Piers Haggard, 1971) folk horror w Linda Hayden, Tamara Ustinov 6/10 rewatches:
The Shining (Kubrick, 1980) 8/10 Prometheus (Scott, 2012) 7/10 Alien: Covenant (Scott, 2017) 7/10 The Birds (Hitchcock, 1963) 10/10 Morgan - only seen once, fine for what it is 6.5 Split - yup I’m a big fan 8/10 The Shining (Kubrick, 1980) 8/10 Prometheus (Scott, 2012) 7/10 Alien: Covenant (Scott, 2017) 7/10 The Birds (Hitchcock, 1963) 8.5
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Post by dsbeadle on Jul 28, 2024 20:41:51 GMT
First Time Viewing: Ghost In The Shell (1995; Mamoru Oshii) – You can tell that this Japanese manga adaptation was one of the main inspirations for The Matrix with its cyberpunk world and philosophical questions of identity and the nature of reality. It’s just that I find The Matrix to be far more accessible and ultimately a superior movie, since Ghost seems really convoluted and to me at least lacked any relatable characters. 5/10 Love & Mercy (2014; Bill Pohlad) – Biopic of Beach Boy Brian Wilson, dealing with his life at the height of his fame in the 60s and his later struggle with depression and schizophrenia in the 80s. Well-acted and interesting, but I would’ve preferred more music and less drama. 6/10 TV Crimes Of Passion (2013) – Swedish mystery series based on the works of popular crime writer Maria Lang (the Swedish Agatha Christie). It’s sadly a rather pedestrian affair lacking suspense or the titular passion. The two leads Tuva Novotny and Ola Rapace are not bad, but the whole thing has the appeal of an IKEA showroom with lifeless period sets and a bad handling of the source material. 5/10 Ghost in the shell - saw most of this back in The day, it was ok love & Mercy - I enjoyed this one, interesting focus and structure 7.5
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Post by sdrew13163 on Jul 29, 2024 1:14:50 GMT
Deadpool and Wolverine - Just got out of the theater. I pretty much hated it. It’s neither funny nor all that entertaining. 4/10
Memento - One of my favorite movies. It’s a genius work of writing. 10/10
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My own viewings (first-time viewings with an asterisk):
Miami Vice (2006) - I still don’t love this, but I enjoyed it more the second time. When it’s on, it’s really on. 7/10
Deadpool 2 (2018)* - Really good first half; pretty bad second half. It’s at least pretty funny. 6/10
Southern Comfort (1981)* - After a rough start, it becomes a fantastic thriller. The final 20 minutes are superb. 8/10
Easy Rider (1969)* - It’s a decent time, but I just don’t like these types of meandering movies much. 6/10
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)* - Comments above. This one sucks. 4/10
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