What Is The Last Film You Watched? (Older Films)

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

The Terminal

A bitter-sweet romantic film in the best possible way.

Combining the grim reality of bureaucracy, with a sense of almost hopeless optimism.

Tom Hanks stars as Victor, a man who due to a incredible set of circumstances find himself trapped in an airport terminal with no way to go either back home, or into NY.

Hanks is a perfect choice for the role, his talent as an actor and his innate likeability means you effortlessly bond with Victor, even though for the first half of the film he barely speaks English. Hanks conveys a lot with gestures, expressions and sounds. Movies like this only work if you care for the characters.

It's weird that for much of his early career, up until into the 90's, he was mostly known for loud-mouth, obnoxious comedy roles.

Victor finds love, of a sort. In the form of a statuesque stewardess played by Catherine Zeta Jones. An actress I was never that fond of, but who nails her role here.

She spend her life flying from one place to another, never settling, and regretting her choices. But unable to commit to a change.

The romance between her and Victor is a sort of fairy tail tale love that never resolves completely, always staying somewhat out of reach.

Fairy tales need an evil witch, or creepy ogre.

Stanly Tucci provides one with his role as Frank Dixon. Running his airport strictly by the book, and develops a personal obsession with Victor. A man who doesn't fit in the system, but can't get rid of. Tucci's measured performance as an efficient administrator makes Dixon a little more then the standard villain.

The film is well shot. More natural looking then most of the Spielberg/Kaminski films. The terminal feels real, not a set build for a movie. It's a living, breathing place.

Spielberg's direction feels deliberately restrained here. He avoids visual extravaganza, or fancy editing and trusts in Hanks ability to carry the film.

John Williams provides a lovely score, with a sprightly theme for Victor's antics in the terminal, and a simple, elegant love theme. Amongst the underscore I was impressed by the opening cue. Portraying Victor's building sense of panic and isolation.

This is a feel good movie, so all's well that ends well. Even if the logic of it would not make sense in real life.

Any other ending, anything more plausible or realistic would feel out of place though.

[Quintus 6,494]

It's a pleasant 3 starer, easy to veg out to.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Having dealt with rules and regulations regarding Visa for a few year this film had a somewhat personal note for me.

Also liked how they used real brands in the movie without it feeling like product placement.

[A24 5,155]

The first time I thought it was too nice, too sweet and too mellow. I was ill the second time I watched it and then nice, sweet and mellow were exactly what the doctor ordered.

Alex

[Sandor 918]

Looking at Spielberg's output of let's say the last 15 years, The Terminal is arguably the movie I enjoyed most and felt the most focussed. I know it shouldn't for some reason, but it did. It also features a brilliant musical signature theme by Williams which is used to great effect throughout the film.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Yeah it's a real earworm, but in a good way.

[Jay 46,241]

What's Your Number? (2011)

Typically awful modern "romantic comedy" movie, completely predictable and full of cliches. Only worth watching if you are a big Anna Faris fan, as she is not only in every single scene, but also strips down to her undies a handful of times. Even cameos from Chris Pratt, Martin Freeman (!), Zachary Quinto, Joel McHale, Andy Samberg, Thomas Lennon, and Aziz Ansari can't save this one

[Jay 46,241]

Django Unchained

Which scene had the Goldsmith music? I've never heard Under Fire before

I actually own the FSM CD of the score, just haven't had time to listen to it yet. Couldn't even tell you what the movie's about or who's in it

[chuck 155]

Here's that scene if anyone's interested...

[Brónach 1,330]

I feel like I haven't seen a film in ages.

[King Mark 3,975]

I went to see Arnold in The Last Stand

I don't know why .

[Jay 46,241]

Bad movie?

[Quintus 6,494]

It's supposed to be good fun!

[publicist 4,650]

It's bumpy and not 'good' in any way shape or form, but it's not bad, actually. Watchable.

[King Mark 3,975]

it didn't totally suck

[crocodile 9,724]

I might go and see Lincoln tonight. Is it worth 8 quid?

Karol

[JoeinAR 1,957]

I might go and see Lincoln tonight. Is it worth 8 quid?

Karol

I have no idea what a quid is. I paid 6 bucks to see it. totally worth it, but Lincoln has always been a facinating person to me. As you being a non American I have no idea how you might respond since it's not part of your history.

[crocodile 9,724]

I'm mostly allergic to films with my own history (I mean, my people's), which is almost always done in an annoying fashion.

As long as the film doesn't overwhelm me with too much of a hagiography, I'm fine. I could use a solid parliament procedural. With solid production design and performances.

A quid = pound, which is an equivalent of 1.5804 dollars (as of today)

Karol

[publicist 4,650]

I might go and see Lincoln tonight. Is it worth 8 quid?

Karol

I might say that it is a good movie (great opening scene) with the old Spielberg problem when he's making ADULT entertainment: too preachy, too many melodramatic tricks which are not really needed and are always a clear reminder that he knows that he's doing 'worthy', leaden Oscar style.

In a nutshell: for every scene with Day-Lewis and David Strathairn there is a scene with Day-Lewis and Sally Field.

[Incanus 5,890]

Karol I would suggest you to see the film for Daniel Day-Lewis' performance if for nothing else.

[crocodile 9,724]

Have you seen it, Inky?

Karol

[Brónach 1,330]

I'm skipping it at the theater.

[crocodile 9,724]

Why? Is it dubbed?

Karol

[Incanus 5,890]

Have you seen it, Inky?

Karol

Yes I saw it and I was quite impressed with it despite the occasional feeling of stuffiness that you can expect but I didn't find that the mood was too solemn or hagiographic for the most part. If anything there was genuine humanity in Lincoln's character with flaws and all (not that they delve too deep into his faults here but that certainly was not in the focus anyway).There is a bit didactic feel from the onset as we are told in exposition what the political situation is and what needs to happen but once that plot gets underway the movie sucked me in. I was surprised how engaged I was in this passing of the amendment, especially when I knew the results. It is also not a biopic as such, more of a study of Lincoln's life during a few pivotal months of his life.

As I said Daniel Day-Lewis is once again just phenomenal with a terrific supporting cast at his side.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

I'm mostly allergic to films with my own history (I mean, my people's), which is almost always done in an annoying fashion.

As long as the film doesn't overwhelm me with too much of a hagiography, I'm fine. I could use a solid parliament procedural. With solid production design and performances.

A quid = pound, which is an equivalent of 1.5804 dollars (as of today)

Karol

our congress in 1865 and parliament proceedures do not intersect. lets just say Ian Malcomn would find it up his alley.

Day's Lincoln is one of cinema's great performances. I have to think all the way back to Hopkin's in Lambs to remember a male performance that strikes so many cords.

[Brónach 1,330]

Why? Is it dubbed?

No I could see it in English but I'm short of money.

I have to admit that although I had decided that I should see Spileberg's films at the cinema this one hasn't managed to woo me and make me think that I-just-need-to-see-this-now at all.

[mrbellamy 8,234]

I might go and see Lincoln tonight. Is it worth 8 quid?

Karol

I might say that it is a good movie (great opening scene) with the old Spielberg problem when he's making ADULT entertainment: too preachy, too many melodramatic tricks which are not really needed and are always a clear reminder that he knows that he's doing 'worthy', leaden Oscar style.

Interesting you bring up the opening scene as an exception, since I actually thought that was the most hagiographic thing in the movie.

[publicist 4,650]

It sure was, but it worked for me. It was only later that the creaky melodramatics meddled with the laid-back observant style of the politics.

[russds 8]

Just stumbled upon Tangled around Christmas time. Totally overlooked it while at the theaters. But wow, i was blown away by how good it is. Kind of a mesh between Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast and Titanic. It's a great throw back to classic Disney (fairy tale, magic, princesses, etc.), very well done, with lots of modern polish. The songs where good (Menken), and I actually thought they were very well placed, and carefully planned out to lead the story rather than just have a song here or there. The story and pace of the movie were what grabbed me first. The beautiful animation and character development are what drew me to watch it a 2nd, 3rd time. One down side, I thought though, was the score (aside from the musical numbers). Especially during heavy dialogue scenes. It really shows what a master JW or Danny Eflman are when it comes to these subtle dialogue heavy scenes. The Menken score is almost drowned out, very 'background' during these scenes (i'm thinking campfire as one of them), and he didn't seem to weave the themes in to the score very often. I wonder sometimes how the movie would have been with Menken songs, and JW score...or even JW score and songs! ....interesting. Just a thought, please no bashing.

[Matt C 605]

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

It's trashy fun. Doesn't take itself seriously, some serious eye candy (especially the lead actors), and a quick pace keep it from wearing out its welcome. The 3D version has some nice depth and obvious 3D sight gags, but it's not a must-see in 3D. It plays just as well in regular 2D, so you won't have to bother with the glasses if you have the choice.

It's not a thinking man's movie, so keep your expectations low. And yes, the Bond girls (Jansson and Arterton) do duke it out.... several times. I was disappointed with Atli Orvarsson's score... dipping into Elfman territory at times but mostly another tired MV/RC score. Seriously, I'm tired of electric guitars representing the bad guys.

[Xander Harris 9,673]

I watched a little movie you might have heard of. "The Empire Strikes Back", Chapter V or something like that. I think I heard it was directed by the guy who made the new Star Trek. It was okay. Nothing to write home about. That tall furry guy and the effeminate robot were pretty annoying. The ending resolves nothing and was a big let down. I guess we have to watch the next one to find out what happens to Indiana Jones and the battle between Starkiller, the rebels and Doctor Vador. I assume we will also see the princess marry either Starkiller or the black guy if Indiana Jones suffocates in that tin foil. I was also confused why Vador and that Wizard of Oz head were talking about the son of Starkiller when apparently Vador is Starkiller's Father. Does the Wizard not know that?

[BloodBoal 8,711]

[Xander Harris 9,673]

I couldn't understand what the backwards-talking Muppet who sounds like Grover was saying. Why couldn't Uncle Ben just appear to Starkiller when he was in trouble since he was a ghost? Can he only appear on certain planets?

[BloodBoal 8,711]

[Brónach 1,330]

Endor should have been Kashyyyk anyway.

[Jilal 681]

Endor doesn't quite fit in the mood of the film and the trilogy. It's Lucas' first big mistake regarding the films, IMO. That said I think RotJ is an excellent end for the trilogy, with excellent underscore as well.

[Xander Harris 9,673]

I kinda know what you're saying, although I like the Endor scenes. Jedi being the first Star Wars that I watched may have something to do with that. I'll go even further. Look at Star Wars. We've seen desert before, there's nothing really out of this world about it. But aside from the terrain, everything we saw was alien, complete with creatures, buildings, vehicles and a wild west space town. Same thing with Hoth. The Endor scenes just look like woods in California with the cast in L.L.Bean outfits. I expect John Rambo to appear with Brian Dennehy and Han to shoot a deer or something. For some reason, it doesn't work as well. Maybe if they'd shot those scenes differently or dressed it up a bit. Dagobah was all a set, right? But it comes off like a genuine environment. Like the other Star Wars and Empire scenes, you can't place it anywhere on Earth, even if they were actually filmed in Earth environments. You get lost in it. Endor, not as much.

[Brónach 1,330]

The planet where they kill the blue chick in ROTS had weird CGI plants and that but again that film doesn't look all right.

[Xander Harris 9,673]

The planet where they kill the blue chick in ROTS had weird CGI plants and that but again that film doesn't look all right.

That's because Episodes II and III look like Pixar movies.

[Richard P 5,302]

Saw 2 films today - Les Miserables (scheduled) and Life of Pi (unscheduled - my brother got bored)

Loved the former, which I saw mainly because I know the story, having seen the Liam Neeson adaptation, and was curious at how a pure musical version would work. Most performances were stunning with great singing, and visually very impressive. It felt like a stage adaptation, but with the director taking advantage of being able to do closeups and swing the camera around. Hugely enjoyable.

I liked the latter, but it took ages to get going. Once it did get into gear (basically once they're on the ship), it just all struck me as a little unremarkable. Entertaining? Most of the time yes. Oscar-worth story/characters? Not really.

[Brónach 1,330]

The planet where they kill the blue chick in ROTS had weird CGI plants and that but again that film doesn't look all right.

That's because Episodes II and III look like Pixar movies.

Pixar movies look all right.

[King Mark 3,975]

Argo, which is admittedly a very good movie

It has a real shot at Best Picture I think

[Matt C 605]

I enjoyed Argo and appreciate the effort Affleck put into it (especially maintaining the suspense)... but I feel the movie is a bit overrated. It deserves the plaudits heaped on it, but I think this speaks to people who grew up watching the Iran hostage crisis unfolding in 1979 than to younger folks like myself who were born years after that incident and caper went down.

And Ben Affleck doesn't need to cast himself in every film he directs now, it's getting distracting. But if that guarantees better moviemaking on his part, then he can do it with every new movie he makes.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

we saw Warm Bodies. It's a nice minor film in the zombie genre.

[KK 3,313]

Zero Dark Thirty

This movie was made by someone who clearly knew what they were doing. The premise is incredibly intriguing, and seeing all those events over the course of 10 years was fascinating, and even frightening. The characters help make the story a personal one, especially with Jessica Chastain in the lead. But what I especially appreciated was the direction, especially for the last scene. Kathryn Bigelow should have gotten a nomination for Best Director, huge snub!

Zero Dark Thirty basically takes all the best parts of Argo and blows it out of the water. It's also a lot better than The Hurt Locker and its certainly one of the best films of the last year. It's a shame that this film won't go home with many Oscars (simply because that's how politics work), but the feats of this picture are those to marvel at. Colour me impressed.

I enjoyed Argo and appreciate the effort Affleck put into it (especially maintaining the suspense)... but I feel the movie is a bit overrated. It deserves the plaudits heaped on it, but I think this speaks to people who grew up watching the Iran hostage crisis unfolding in 1979 than to younger folks like myself who were born years after that incident and caper went down.

Good movie, but like you said, I feel its a bit overrated. And I certainly don't think it deserves Best Picture!

[Matt C 605]

Argo is still drawing in the older folks during the weekends... that speaks volumes about its target demographic (we haven't dropped the movie since it came out). Even though I'm not the biggest fan of it (or Lincoln for that matter), it shows that there is a hungry audience who will go see adult-themed movies that are good.

I'm impressed at the staying power it has. I haven't seen a movie stay in theaters this long since... well, The Blind Side.

[King Mark 3,975]

hmm, yes. the theater I went to was packed, and that surprised me.

I had to sit in the front row

[publicist 4,650]

Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty basically takes all the best parts of Argo and blows it out of the water. It's also a lot better than The Hurt Locker and its certainly one of the best films of the last year. It's a shame that this film won't go home with many Oscars (simply because that's how politics work), but the feats of this picture are those to marvel at. Colour me impressed.

Apples and cocoanuts. ARGO's raison d'être is a facetious commentary/reflection on Hollywood/showbiz'es role in international politics, the iranian hostage crisis being only the coat hanger - it could have been about a grocery store robbery and still work the same way. ZDT, on the other hand, is basically HOMELAND made fit for a 2-hour movie (it was closer to three, i think). As such, its topical nature will date it rather sooner than later.

That's not so much a criticism, only an observation. Affleck's smartness, in this case, was to free his screenplay of topicality (who would have cared for a 30-year old incident, anyway?).

[Quintus 6,494]

You can't openly draw those comparisons in a dismissive, smarmy fashion (which you did) and then attempt to qualify your observations with "that's not a criticism"; because such empty disclaimers are simply untruthful and therefore pointless. Make your mind up, pub! And that's besides the fact that casual allegory is increasingly easy (and trendy) to attribute to pretty much anything these days and often crudely so, as demonstrated.

[publicist 4,650]

I can and i will.