What films are you watching?

[St Landrew]

To Kill A Mockingbird is currently on ITV1.

 

Where is Atticus Finch of Maycomb, now his time has come..?

 

I've seen it many times before and can almost run it through in my mind. Excellent film, for those that haven't seen it.

[miserableoldgit]

To Kill A Mockingbird is currently on ITV1.

 

Where is Atticus Finch of Maycomb, now his time has come..?

 

I've seen it many times before and can almost run it through in my mind. Excellent film, for those that haven't seen it.

I absolutely love this film! Definitely in my top 3.

[jeff leopard]

Star Trek

Eye-candy which promises much but ultimately left me empty and slightly nauseous. Young JT is too brash and flippant to be likable, and its full of very expensive cgi which looks quite nice, but it’s never remotely believable. There’s a great line of dialogue early on when young Kirk is told, ‘Your father was the captain of a starship for 12 minutes and he saved 8,000 lives including yours, I dare you to do better’. But that was the only moment that got me vaguely excited. It was a pleasure to see Nimoy in action, but I would rather hear him singing this. 5/10

 

Taken

A poor (and racist) man’s Bourne, and a slightly less annoying and paedophilic version of Man on Fire. The message seems to be aimed squarely at American parents, ‘if you let your kids leave the country, don’t be surprised when they get kidnapped by filthy Eastern European immigrants and sold on to even filthier and thoroughly evil Arabs’. Liam Nielson is great though as the awkward and clingy father who gets to kill his way across Paris in order to rescue his daughter who is following U2 on tour (yes, I know she deserves to die), and for the first hour or so I was willing to suspend my disbelief and its all good fun. But as it goes on it all becomes very predictable and by the end I was passed caring. USA! USA! USA! DON'T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE AND KICK YOUR ASS! 6/10

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

As you are reading this thread I assume you must have an interest in cinema and hence you have almost certainly already seen this famous film . So you may well ask what is the point of revisiting 'The Birds' ? Well all I can say is that this movie represents one of the greatest directors in the history of film making at (perhaps) the very height of his creative powers , and familiarity does breed contempt . So I hope a brief look at some of the fascinating back-story behind this glorious film may still be of interest .

 

Hitch'ock- Between 1958 and 1963 Sir Alfred Hitch'ock would direct four films : 'Vertigo' , 'North by Northwest' , 'Psycho' and 'The Birds' . To have produced any one of these timeless masterpieces would be the pinnacle of most (any) only directors career I would suggest , to have done all four in only six years is a truly remarkable achievement by any reckoning .

 

Tippi Hedren - A former fashion model , she came to the attention of AH after appearing in a series of popular TV adverts of the day - 'The Birds' would be her first movie . Considering the complete assurance and easy competence of her performance this in itself is quite noteworthy . Tippi's friendly relationship with Hitch wouldn't last as AH later tried to control her career in a not altogether healthy manner .

 

Cameo - Hitch can be seen leaving the pet shop with his dogs early in the film .

 

Editing - Watch any Hitch's films especially the restaurant scene in 'Birds' - a masterclass in the crucial importance of the editing process and the key to his success in many ways .

 

Rod Taylor - A fairly typical leading man you may say but interestingly the role of 'Mitch Brenner' was originally envisioned for ex Psycho star (and rather less handsome) Martin Balsom would you believe . This film along with 'The Time Machine' would be the highlights of this Aussie actor's career .

 

Special Effects - The problem with using the Matt 'Blue Screen' technology the day was that the process would leave a tell-tell blue halo effect around the imposed images . This problem was overcome courtesy of a new (and very effective) 'Sodium Lighting' technology invented by Disney . A substantial number of shots used in this film are actually composites of multiple different images matted together - all done long before CGI made this relatively easy and commonplace .

 

Veronica Cartwright - Playing the 11 year old sister of Mitch Brenner she survives her various encounters with the birds here - she would be rather less fortunate however 16 years later when she came to a very nasty end playing 'Lambert' in Ridley Scott's Sci-fi/horror crossover 'Alien' .

 

The Attic Bedroom Scene - Tippi Hedren had been promised that this difficult scene would be filmed using mechanical birds - it seems this was always a lie . In reality she spent a grueling 5 days having real birds quite literally throw at her - an experience so traumatic that it put her in hospital suffering from nervous exhaustion .

 

Locations - AH much preferred to film in the controlled environment of a studio and kept location shooting to a minimum . Some background footage of the real Bodega Bay was used , often combined with the Universal back-lot (you'll never spot the difference) and seamless background painting by the brilliant Matt artist Albert Whitlock . You would not believe how much of this film is just painted glass .

 

The Car - 'Melanie Daniels' silver convertible is a very rare LHD Aston Martin DB2 - one of only a handful in the states at that time and worth a small fortune now .

 

That Infamous Ending - AH had a problem devising a good ending for this movie , at one time it was planned to follow the car as they drove through the now ruined Bodega Bay and out onto the coast road - where birds would attack the occupants of the car through the 'soft top' roof before they complete their escape . It was even suggested that they drive to San Francisco's 'Golden Gate' bridge and find it covered with a vast army of birds ! Ultimately they filmed none of this , and I must say the film is all the better for it . Many truly great films (like Birds & 2001) leave something unexplained for the imagination of the audience to work on - 'The Birds' is a prime example of this .

 

 

To any youngster reading this who hasn't discovered Hitch yet you really must see his works . To view them for the first time ! - how I envy you .

Edited 16 February, 2010 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE

[Seany S]

Watched some good stuff over the weekend.

 

The Class - Realistically shot French movie about an inner city school, very nicely done, some terrific acting from the kids, but ultimately a bit too boring for my liking

 

Zodiac - masterful David Fincher period piece about the Zodiac Killer in late 60s - early 70s Frisco/Bay Area. Apart from a slightly limp performance from Jake Gyllenhaal (who plays the writer of the book about the unsolved Zodiac murders upon which the film is based), the movie is a slow burning procedural with nice turns from Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. The two scenes with potential suspects, one at his place of work and the other in a decidedly creepy house toward the end, are standouts.

 

Castle Of Cagliostro - superb 1979 Miyazaki movie, based around legendary Manga gentleman thief Lupin III and his fag smoking sidekick Jigen. Some cracking car chases, including a terrific burn-up between a Fiat 500-a-like, a 2CV and a car load of gangsters, a load of great action sequences (one rooftop chase is particularly excellent) and all-around Studio Ghibli goodness meant me and my 4 year old were riveted yesterday morning for a glorious couple of hours. Made me chuckle that David "Solid Snake" Hayter voiced Lupin!

 

Reign Over Me - I am a big fan of Adam Sandler when he takes on more serious roles (Punch Drunk Love, Funny People). The guy is more than just a comedy goof who can only play angry, gross out fare. Reign Over Me sees him play Charlie, a depressed loner who we learn lost his family in the September 11 attacks. He forms a fragile relationship with former college buddy Johnson (a cracking Don Cheadle) who tries to help him come to terms with his loss - be it through encouraging him to see a therapist, indulging his love of playing Shadow Of The Collossus, 70s vinyl and spinning around on his motorised scooter. A strange, slightly uneven affair, but one I enjoyed if only to see another side to Sandler, who genuinely intrigues me as an actor. Oh, and in it he looks the spitting image of a young Bob Dylan.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

It's in the trees........

 

For any fans of atmospheric old black & white horror hokum out there this really is great fun . Our American hero 'Dr John Holden' (Dana Andrews) arrives in England to attended a conference on paranormal activity only to find a British colleague of his has just been savagely killed in mysterious circumstances . Holden is a confirmed (almost pig-headed) skeptic about all supernatural phenomena but while investigating the death (with the obligatory love interest in tow) he comes across the wonderfully creepy 'Dr Julian Karswell' (Niall MacGinnis) and even his rock hard sense of rational certainty stars to come under challenge .

 

It turns out that Dr Karswell is a Satan worshiper who through his life long study of obscure ancient manuscripts can summon a hellish 'Fire Demon' to dispose of his enemies - all he has to do his pass his unsuspecting opponent a parchment with strange runic writing on it and 4 days later the fearsome 'Baal' himself will turn up to do the dirty deed .

 

Can Dr Holden overcome his own skepticism and discover a way to escape the hex ? ..... Well I'll allow you discover that for yourself but the climax of this fine film (set on the Southampton - Clapham railway line) is truly memorable .

 

Trivia - Look out for a young Brian Wilde (Mr Barrowclough from 'Porridge') playing the catatonic 'Rand Hobart' .

[jeff leopard]

A mangy, blood covered fox looks up from eating its own stomach, it fixes you with its black beady eyes and bellows, ‘CHAOS REIGNS!’

 

Either you’ve just suffered a massive break-down or your watching Antichrist (or possibly both), the infamous Art-house horror film from Lars Von Trier, the man who gave us the Dogma neo-realist movement, Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves and Dogville. His films are always challenging and interesting, they often look very beautiful and stay with you long after they have finished. Part of me loves how unremittingly bleak his films are and how brave he is. But part of me hates him, there’s something too clinical about his work, it can feel like propaganda as he shamelessly pushes all your emotional buttons, like a bored teenager, leaving you feeling like Alex in Clockwork Orange, seeing just how much tragedy and pain you can be subjected to.

 

There are parts of the film that worked brilliantly, after a very slow start there is an unforgettable fairy tale section in which everything comes together perfectly, the game of cat and mouse between the two grieving parents (the only characters in the film) works well, changing from husband and wife, to shrink and patient, to torturee and torturer. And yes, the talking fox, penetrative sex, rusty scissors & female castration and male masturbation & blood ejaculation are all good for laughs, but overall it’s just too hand-wringingly bleak to engage with.

 

Plus, Antichrist is belligerent enough to allude to The Shining and Inland Empire, and whilst Lars is a good director, he ain’t no Kubrick or Lynch. Maybe if he’d stop hating his audience quite so much, he’d one day become a true great.

 

(And he’s about to remake Taxi Driver apparently, with Scorsese’s and De Niro’s blessing)

 

6/10

[percy windham]

And he’s about to remake Taxi Driver apparently, with Scorsese’s and De Niro’s blessing

 

Apparently its also going to star De Niro again.

[Nexstar]

8 Mile - Saw this on ITV last night and thought it was a pretty good drama to watch, representing Eminem's early days of trying to break into the rapping business. Would recommend it 7.75/10

[jeff leopard]

Apparently its also going to star De Niro again.

 

:smt066

 

Have you heard if Paul Schrader going to write the screenplay? It’s only fair that he should as Taxi Driver was pretty much the story of his youth. He wrote and directed an unofficial sequel to Taxi Driver, called Light Sleeper, with William Defoe as the Travis character who, ten years on, has gone up in the world and become a high-class drug mule, now being driven around New York to deliver hard drugs to the rich and famous in the dead of night, turning a blind eye to everything he sees. And slowly going insane…

 

Actually, Lars Von Trier will most likely write the screenplay as he only seems to direct his own stuff. Should be interesting (at least).

[St Landrew]

It's in the trees........

 

For any fans of atmospheric old black & white horror hokum out there this really is great fun . Our American hero 'Dr John Holden' (Dana Andrews) arrives in England to attended a conference on paranormal activity only to find a British colleague of his has just been savagely killed in mysterious circumstances . Holden is a confirmed (almost pig-headed) skeptic about all supernatural phenomena but while investigating the death (with the obligatory love interest in tow) he comes across the wonderfully creepy 'Dr Julian Karswell' (Niall MacGinnis) and even his rock hard sense of rational certainty stars to come under challenge .

 

It turns out that Dr Karswell is a Satan worshiper who through his life long study of obscure ancient manuscripts can summon a hellish 'Fire Demon' to dispose of his enemies - all he has to do his pass his unsuspecting opponent a parchment with strange runic writing on it and 4 days later the fearsome 'Baal' himself will turn up to do the dirty deed .

 

Can Dr Holden overcome his own skepticism and discover a way to escape the hex ? ..... Well I'll allow you discover that for yourself but the climax of this fine film (set on the Southampton - Clapham railway line) is truly memorable .

 

Trivia - Look out for a young Brian Wilde (Mr Barrowclough from 'Porridge') playing the catatonic 'Rand Hobart' .

 

I've watched it dozens of times. Super 'B' feature film, that has all the core elements in place. Yes, I've noticed Brian Wilde before. If you remember 'Trigger' from Only Fools and Horses, his real father plays the chemist who says to Holden, I can't find anything on this card... I've never worked out which station they get off at in the final scene.

 

The only single disappointment is the Demon itself, and the makers even made a pretty good fist of that too, given the tiny budget. Of course, the smoke in the woods is superb. All the cast act their heads off, and Niall MacGinnis was never better. Brilliant bedtime film.

 

Trailer

[percy windham]

:smt066

 

Have you heard if Paul Schrader going to write the screenplay? It’s only fair that he should as Taxi Driver was pretty much the story of his youth. He wrote and directed an unofficial sequel to Taxi Driver, called Light Sleeper, with William Defoe as the Travis character who, ten years on, has gone up in the world and become a high-class drug mule, now being driven around New York to deliver hard drugs to the rich and famous in the dead of night, turning a blind eye to everything he sees. And slowly going insane…

 

Actually, Lars Von Trier will most likely write the screenplay as he only seems to direct his own stuff. Should be interesting (at least).

 

 

I have never heard of this film, but having looked it up, it also seems it frequently pays homage to Bresson's Pickpocket, which is one of my favouritist films ever ever. Def one for me to check out I finks.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I've watched it dozens of times. Super 'B' feature film, that has all the core elements in place. Yes, I've noticed Brian Wilde before. If you remember 'Trigger' from Only Fools and Horses, his real father plays the chemist who says to Holden, I can't find anything on this card... I've never worked out which station they get off at in the final scene.

 

The only single disappointment is the Demon itself, and the makers even made a pretty good fist of that too, given the tiny budget. Of course, the smoke in the woods is superb. All the cast act their heads off, and Niall MacGinnis was never better. Brilliant bedtime film.

 

Trailer

 

I never spotted the 'Trigger' connection , I'll get my DVD out again and see if I can see any family likeness . You do now hold the title of 'SWF Movie Trivia King'. I too looked closely and there's just no indication which train station the climax takes place in - in my imagination it's Basingstoke or Winchester .

 

I must have been 10 or 12 years old when I first saw 'Night of the Demon' and - dodgy effects or not - it was extremely effective in scaring the living daylights out of me at that impressionable age , especially the scene where Holden is alone in the wood outside Lufford Hall . Oh to be young again .

 

Thinking back on it now , no other horror film ( except possibly that old Peter Cushing chiller 'The Skull' ) has ever scared me more .

[Seany S]

Night Of The Demon sounds excellent, will be after a copy of that.

 

I love old horror films. The 1960's Haunting is my favourite, but I also love Dead Of Night, a brilliant Ealing portmanteau style movie, with some genuinely creepy bits.

 

I also have a soft spot for Hammer classic "Dr Terror's House Of Horror" which was the first of their own portmanteau features, and includes Alan "Fluff" Freeman being pwnd by a man eating vine, and the almost Mighty Boosh-esque tale of Roy Castle stealing a song from a voodoo priest and facing the consequences. Oh, and Donald Sutherland gets spooked by a hilariously crap vampire bat thingy. Many a late night spent watching that film as a kid.

 

I love the anthology horror films, Creepshow 1 & 2, Cat's Eye, Tales From The Darkside, Grim Prairie Tales....you name them, I have seen 'em!

[Seany S]

p.s. Dr Terror was Amicus, not Hammer. They did loads of anthology films, such as The House That Dripped Blood and Torture Garden - classics one and all.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Night Of The Demon sounds excellent, will be after a copy of that.

 

I love old horror films. The 1960's Haunting is my favourite, but I also love Dead Of Night, a brilliant Ealing portmanteau style movie, with some genuinely creepy bits.

 

I also have a soft spot for Hammer classic "Dr Terror's House Of Horror" which was the first of their own portmanteau features, and includes Alan "Fluff" Freeman being pwnd by a man eating vine, and the almost Mighty Boosh-esque tale of Roy Castle stealing a song from a voodoo priest and facing the consequences. Oh, and Donald Sutherland gets spooked by a hilariously crap vampire bat thingy. Many a late night spent watching that film as a kid.

 

I love the anthology horror films, Creepshow 1 & 2, Cat's Eye, Tales From The Darkside, Grim Prairie Tales....you name them, I have seen 'em!

 

You've a good eye for classic Horror movies , both 'Dead of Night' and the original 'The Haunting' (not that awful remake) are little gems and personal favorites of mine . With almost all its chills implied rather than actually shown 'The Haunting' must be the polar opposite of contemporary horror - and all the better for it many would say .

 

If you've not seen it already do check out Amicus's 'The Skull' as well as 'Night of the Demons' - great movies both if you like that sort of thing .

[St Landrew]

And make sure your Night of the Demon is NotD, and not Curse of the Demon. CotD was NotD, but edited for the U.S. market and with a title change to reflect the two versions. It is significantly less edgy than the original cut.

[St Landrew]

I never spotted the 'Trigger' connection , I'll get my DVD out again and see if I can see any family likeness . You do now hold the title of 'SWF Movie Trivia King'. I too looked closely and there's just no indication which train station the climax takes place in - in my imagination it's Basingstoke or Winchester .

 

 

I'll accept that title. Trigger was played by Roger Lloyd-Pack, and his father [the chemist in NotD] was Charles Lloyd-Pack.

 

I've always thought of the station as being Basinstoke or Winchester too. Not sure, but I think it is meant to be Winchester. Must have another look.

Edited 18 February, 2010 by St Landrew

[Sheaf Saint]

A Single Man

 

Went to see it with my GF the other night. Wasn't expecting great things but she wanted to see it so I went with an open mind.

 

It's all centred around a day in the life of an English College Professor, living and working in LA in the early 1960s, who is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of his partner and contemplating suicide.

 

A decent enough performance from Colin Firth in the lead role, though I could not escape the fact that with his glasses on he looked the spitting image of Michael Douglas in Falling Down at times. Some of the narrative (from Firth in character) resonated with me on certain levels, and considering the premise of the film it never really felt overly sentimental, but overall I never quite warmed to the character and I think that you would need to in order to appreciate the film fully.

 

It is directed by Tom Ford who is more famous as a fashion designer than a film-maker, and this kind of shows as there are plenty of moments where he tried to get a little too artisitc with the camera work which didn't really add anything to the film and felt just like they had been included for the sake of it. Having said that, it does look great at times as well.

 

There are some nice moments in the film, and the chemistry between Firth and some of the other characters works well, especially with Julianne Moore as his semi-alcoholic divorcee friend who moved from London with him, but on the whole I never really connected with any of the characters and that, for me anyway, is the most important aspect of any drama.

 

6/10

[Sheaf Saint]

Just watched Eden Lake...

 

:shock::smt104:smt103:vom::smt089:smt100:smt087:-(:shock:

 

Need to find some comedy to watch now just to balance things up a bit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good film though - 8/10

[John Boy Saint]

I saw District 9 the other night, enjoyed it so much I had to watch it again: like Films from years ago the ending does make you think on when its finished.

 

Will there be a follow up in 3 years time?

[jeff leopard]

I have never heard of Light Sleeper, but having looked it up, it also seems it frequently pays homage to Bresson's Pickpocket, which is one of my favouritist films ever ever. Def one for me to check out I finks.

 

Will do.

 

Schrader definately loves his Bresson. I watched Diary of a Country Priest when I was writing an essay on Taxi Driver as it was a big influence. Both are all about young men not having sex, they can't get any kind of spiritual or physical release so they stop eating and slowly go crazy as a loon. Not everyone's idea of entertainment but for some reason it does it for me

 

The new Taxi Driver film does sound pretty unlikely as Scorsese/Schrader (and usually De Niro) have used this exact template time and time again - King of Comedy, Raging Bull, Last Temptation of Christ, Bringing Out the Dead, all of which are great.

 

I'm starting to get excited about Shutter Island, but part of me wishes Scorsese could make a 90 min film occasionaly.

[saint_bert]

Watched Halloween 2 remake last night

 

Garbage,slasher shizzle

 

None of the scare factor of the original and the original sequel.

 

3/10-Just for the chokeslam/head stamp kill

[dubai_phil]

Flicking through the channels tonight and found my all time favourite movie.

 

The perfect end to a perfect day with the Skates demise...

 

Probably the only film I have watched where the ONLY thing a remake could do better is to update the music.

 

Kelly's Heroes.

 

Enough Said

 

Always with the negative waves Moriarity.

 

Perfect

[LVSaint]

Frost/Nixon 4/5 - Fascinating duel between the two and the portrayals are top notch. Want to rent the actual interviews now.

 

Inglorious Basterds 4/5 - Nuts and utterly fun. Not sure we needed Pitt (or his squad) TBF.

 

Funny Games (original) 2/5 - Unfortunately saw the American remake first which is a blow by blow copy, so much of the suspense and shockvalue (and the whole sordid plot) wasted. An effective but nasty little film.

[jeff leopard]

I watched Up last night and enjoyed it greatly, yet another top notch Pixar film with silliness a plenty and yet some real emotional meat on its bones which will have all but the coldest souls sobbing like children.

 

It also reminded me of another film released last year which gained infamy for its intense emotional nature, Antichrist :smt103

 

Both films start with an emotionally wrenching musical montage which end in the death of a loved one. The protagonists become isolated from society in grief and decide they must disappear into the wilderness to face their fears and guilt head-on or die trying. Within this wild, scary environment they meet talking animals. And both films have shocking, bloody moments.

 

They would make a great double-bill.

 

I also watched Zombieland which is great fun in an ultra-violent Shaun of the Dead style. Lots of visual flare and humour, a great performance from Woody Harrelson and a top cameo from the king of "dead"-pan homour, but ultimately a bit too light and fluffy to be a real Zombie classic.

[Dog]

Romper Stomper 2 ~ Asian massacre

[Block 5]

Precious

Also, the new Miyazaki film - called Ponyo - looks completely ace. Can't wait til that comes out!!!!!!

 

I took the kids to see Ponyo last weekend.

 

It is absolutely gorgeous.

If you're a fan of Miyazaki then you will love Ponyo.

 

The usual ingredients are all there; an amazingly imaginative storyline (although not as imaginative as other Miyazaki films such as 'My Neighbour Totoro' or 'Spirited Away'), lush drawing that takes your breath away, lovable characters and a stunning musical score that oozes atmosphere.

 

As with all Miyazaki's films, Ponyo will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

I took 5 kids aged from 5 to 13 and they all loved it as much as me.

 

Highly recommended.

[miserableoldgit]

Just watched a low budget British horror/action film called "Outpost". Really enjoyed it. A few bits of explicit violence, but quite atmospheric. A group of mercenaries go on a mission to a disused bunker in a war torn, modern day Eastern Europe. There they encounter zombies/ghosts of Nazi super-troopers who are the result of SS experiments during WW11. Well worth a look.

[IamLeGod]

Finally got round to watching Harry Brown the other day. What a film. Michael Caine just continues to get better and better. Without doubt up there amongst the greatest British actors of all time.

 

Also been watching lots of Woody Allen's films of late. Whilst he is admittedly rather hot and cold, when he gets it right he is brilliant. Annie Hall, Manhattan, Everything You Wanted to Know about Sex...., and Hannah and Her Sisters (also starring Michael Caine) are all classics! Amazing to see how many references to his films are still made in modern tv shows and films

[LVSaint]

 

I also watched Zombieland which is great fun in an ultra-violent Shaun of the Dead style. Lots of visual flare and humour, a great performance from Woody Harrelson and a top cameo from the king of "dead"-pan homour, but ultimately a bit too light and fluffy to be a real Zombie classic.

 

Agreed. Started off with great promise but tailed off midway through and got lazy towards the end.

[jeff leopard]

Agreed. Started off with great promise but tailed off midway through and got lazy towards the end.

 

Yeah, the zombies in a theme-park idea was fun for a while but just got flogged to (un)death. Far too silly for its own good.

 

The opening credits were brilliant though.

[Johnny Shearer]

The Firm

 

Off the bat this is miles better than Awaydays (although I only managed 5 mins of that).

 

Based on an 80s show (as the blurb says) nonetheless its a light hearted look back at life in the 80s in regards to firms associated with clubs. Was hoping that it was more serious though (in the I.D. mode).

 

Basic story of the 'yoof' getting mixed up in the firm and going on their own journey throughout the film.

 

However if the researchers did their research then I am shocked that Elise/Sergio tops and tracksuits cost £80 back in the day. I wouldn't pay that now!

 

Cracking soundtrack and the Justine girl is absolutely awesome (fit!) in an 80s way too!

[Rory]

Inglorious Basterds -- 2/5

Taken -- 3/5

[manji]

Inglorious Basterds -- 2/5

Taken -- 3/5

Just watched Basterds its OK but nothing special.

[LVSaint]

The Cove 1/1

 

Eye opening, powerful and staggering expose on the inhumane mass slaughter of dolphins in Taijii, Japan. Flipper is funneled into 'the cove' where a select few are picked out for export (at high cost) to aquatic circuses worldwide, the rest are machetted (1000's per day) and sold on for meat (containing exquisitely high levels of mercury, oblivious to those that consume it....mostly Japanese school kids). Extremely watchable and painfully hard hitting.

 

Hope it snags best documentary at the Oscars tomorrow night to highlight what these ****ers are doing.

 

Rant over. :mad:

[LVSaint]

I took the kids to see Ponyo last weekend.

 

It is absolutely gorgeous.

If you're a fan of Miyazaki then you will love Ponyo.

 

The usual ingredients are all there; an amazingly imaginative storyline (although not as imaginative as other Miyazaki films such as 'My Neighbour Totoro' or 'Spirited Away'), lush drawing that takes your breath away, lovable characters and a stunning musical score that oozes atmosphere.

 

As with all Miyazaki's films, Ponyo will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

I took 5 kids aged from 5 to 13 and they all loved it as much as me.

 

Highly recommended.

 

+1. I love Miyazaki's world.

[St Landrew]

Me, Myself and Irene

 

It's amazing what low expectations will do for you. I came into this film while strumming, and then flicking through some channels [bollix, just remembered I forgot the Solar System programme on BBC2], and was slightly stunned by a gorgeous smile from Renée Zellweger. This isn't that bad a film. Perhaps, I'll edit this post if it goes dramatically up or downhill by the end. As I said, low expectations. Back to strumming.

[St Landrew]

Wrong Turn

 

I should have gone to bed. But I tried my luck with another low expectation film, and Wrong Turn is turning out to be a lot better than I expected. It's a straight and simple horror film and is all the better for it. As I strayed into this right at the beginning, I can tell you a little bit about the scenario. Set in, and around the woods of West Virginia, various unrelated people get stuck in their cars by having to access a particular back road, because of a road block on the main highway. The cars come to grief from a stretched wire across the backroad. Several set off for help and end up encountering cannibals, who are disfigured from generations of inbreeding. What follows is a chase through the forest, with some quite graphic and suspenseful scenes. Not bad at all. Those low expectations are paying dividends.

[IamLeGod]

Finally saw The Departed the other day.

 

Have to say I didn't get the hype. Team America has ruined Matt Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamon for me, I will never be able to take him seriously again.

 

Felt the film and plotline were pointless, and left me as a viewer feeling it was all rather futile.

Edited 8 March, 2010 by IamLeGod

[jeff leopard]

Finally saw The Departed the other day.

 

Have to say I didn't get the hype. Team America has ruined Matt Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamon for me, I will never be able to take him seriously again.

 

Felt the film and plotline were pointless, and left me as a viewer feeling it was all rather futile.

 

It’s my least favourite Scorsese film, and just waaaay to bloated. The film it’s based on, Infernal Affairs, does a better job in what feels a fraction of the time.

 

Regarding Matt Damon, it’s funny how he went from Ben Affleck’s plebby mate to an A list action star, on the way over-coming the team America thing which could have ended his career. The reason he’s done this is because the Bourne films absolutely rock, the best ‘action’ films in years (which make the latest Bond films look very ordinary). The Green Zone should be something to get very excited about too.

 

I saw Iron Man again over the weekend, and it still looks good. It’s interesting to have an American film that expresses so much guilt about what they’ve done in Afghanistan, and to admit that when America goes storming into a situation things usually get worse. None of this stops the film from being great fun though, even if it does run out of ideas about half an hour before it ends.

[saint_stevo]

Wrong Turn

 

I should have gone to bed. But I tried my luck with another low expectation film, and Wrong Turn is turning out to be a lot better than I expected. It's a straight and simple horror film and is all the better for it. As I strayed into this right at the beginning, I can tell you a little bit about the scenario. Set in, and around the woods of West Virginia, various unrelated people get stuck in their cars by having to access a particular back road, because of a road block on the main highway. The cars come to grief from a stretched wire across the backroad. Several set off for help and end up encountering cannibals, who are disfigured from generations of inbreeding. What follows is a chase through the forest, with some quite graphic and suspenseful scenes. Not bad at all. Those low expectations are paying dividends.

 

Watched 'Wrong Turn 3' the other night, best of a load of crap on Virgin's Box office. We thought.

 

Truly awful. 0.37/10

[Redbul]

This was on at some ungodly hour last night so I watched it whilst waiting for the Oscars to get going. Wish I hadn't. It was a predictable B movie slasher.

 

Basically, a bunch of early 20s Americans go on holiday to Mexico where they meet a German tourist who suggests they go and visit this Mayan temple with this German blokes Greek mate where another mate is doing an archeological dig. They get to the dig where they are set upon by a group of villagers who kill the Greek nipper and refuse to let the others leave. So they climb to the top of the temple and that's where the fun starts. Zombies? No. Vampires? No. Mad animal attacks? No. A creeping vine with flowers that imitate cell phones attacks them. Plenty of blood and gore if that floats your boat but a bit of a limp story line (I suppose it is a departure from the vampire/zombie storylines so popular at the moment) so only watch this if there really is nothing else on.

 

4/10....and that's being generous.

[St Landrew]

Watched 'Wrong Turn 3' the other night, best of a load of crap on Virgin's Box office. We thought.

 

Truly awful. 0.37/10

 

That'll teach you to watch a sequel.

 

Watched K19-The Widowmaker this evening on Film 4. It was one of those films which you have to stick with, as it takes a fair while to hook you. It bombed at the box-office, and I can see why. Yet, it was a pretty fair film, which would have had little interest if it hadn't been quite closely based on a real event, which happened in 1961. The K19 was a nuclear submarine where people were killed during manufacture, and later, during an incident where the coolant failed, the nuclear core went into meltdown, with several nuclear missiles and torpedos on board. If members of the crew hadn't sacrificed themselves to repair the leak, it is possible a nuclear exchange could have taken place between the major powers. Such was the level of anxiety at the time.

[Hamilton Saint]

Recently watched My Life In Ruins starring Nia Vardalos. It's billed as a "romantic comedy" and considered a sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding (which was not a bad, little, independent film).

 

Unfortunately, this film is - to quote one of my least favourite personalities - "the pits of the world". Being a Grecophile, I watched it primarily for the Greek scenery. Imagine my disgust when I discovered that, apart from scenes in Athens, Olympia and Delphi, most of the film was shot in Spain!

 

Avoid.

[IamLeGod]

+1. I love Miyazaki's world.

 

I'm quite interested to catch up on some of Miyazaki's work. Saw Spirited Away a while back and absolutely fell in love with it.

 

The animation was stunning, and along with the characters truly charming. Also found the storyline interesting and compelling.

 

The praise this film received was certainly well deserved. Can you or anyone else recommend any other Miyazaki movies?

[miserableoldgit]

That'll teach you to watch a sequel.

 

Watched K19-The Widowmaker this evening on Film 4. It was one of those films which you have to stick with, as it takes a fair while to hook you. It bombed at the box-office, and I can see why. Yet, it was a pretty fair film, which would have had little interest if it hadn't been quite closely based on a real event, which happened in 1961. The K19 was a nuclear submarine where people were killed during manufacture, and later, during an incident where the coolant failed, the nuclear core went into meltdown, with several nuclear missiles and torpedos on board. If members of the crew hadn't sacrificed themselves to repair the leak, it is possible a nuclear exchange could have taken place between the major powers. Such was the level of anxiety at the time.

Kathryne Bigelow!!

[Suhari]

Kathryne Bigelow!!

 

(Fe)Male Gigalow?

 

Watch K-19 too; decent film. Harrison Ford's accent was very dodgy though.

[Thedelldays]

saw alice ine wonder land at the weekend

 

tis Good

[LVSaint]

I'm quite interested to catch up on some of Miyazaki's work. Saw Spirited Away a while back and absolutely fell in love with it.

 

The animation was stunning, and along with the characters truly charming. Also found the storyline interesting and compelling.

 

The praise this film received was certainly well deserved. Can you or anyone else recommend any other Miyazaki movies?

 

I need to catch up too. Spirited Away was the first I'd seen and is still my fave. Howl's Moving Castle also excellent and of course now Ponyo.

 

Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky and Totoro are on my radar (or anime-dar)