I was thinking about this earlier today, and thought I'd post about it: 1982 was/is undoubtedly THE best year ever as far as summer movies go. A number of movies that can rightly be considered classics were released during that part of the year; enough, in fact, that I think it's just beyond question that this was THE best summer movie season ever.
Here's a rundown (using a rather loose definition of "summer," and using IMDB for the dates):
May 14: Conan the Barbarian
May 21: Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
May 21: The Road Warrior (this only sorta counts, since it'd already been released overseas)
May 28: Rocky III
June 4: Poltergeist
June 4: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
June 11: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
June 11: Grease 2
June 18: Annie
June 18: Firefox
June 25: Blade Runner
June 25: The Thing
July 2: The Secret of NIMH
July 9: Tron
July 16: A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy
July 23: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
July 23: The World According to Garp
July 30: Swamp Thing
August 13: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
August 13: Friday the 13th Part III
August 13: An Officer and a Gentleman
August 13: Pink Floyd: The Wall
August 20: The Beastmaster
I'm in astonishment over a few of those dates. For example: Poltergeist (which scared the piss out of me and still kinda does) and The Wrath of Khan came out on the same day, with E.T. opening only seven days later?!? Astonishing. Then, a few weeks later, Blade Runner and John Carpenter's The Thing came out on THE SAME DAY?!? That's . . . that's "wow," is what that is.
But I'm not sure that August 13 isn't even more impressive, in some ways. Those are all four movies that people are still watching today, for better or worse, and for four movies that last twenty-five-plus years to be released on the same day is just incredible.
Obviously, some of these movies are better than others, ranging from undeniably great to undeniably awful, but they've all got something to say for them. Several are simply minor films from extremely notable filmmakers; several are trashy late-night classics; all are at least semi-notable even today, and I don't think any summer since has seen such a high concentration of memorable films. Of course, I could be wrong, and if so, I want to know about it.
Discuss.
1982 -- best summer movie season EVER
Started by Bryant Burnette, Jun 21 2008 11:02 AM
69 replies to this topic
#1
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 21 June 2008 - 11:02 AM
#2
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 21 June 2008 - 11:27 AM
Déjà vu.
#3
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 21 June 2008 - 11:45 AM
Déjà vu.
Has this already been done?
#4
Mark Olivarez
-
- Members
-
- 30304 posts
Speechless
- Gender:Male
- Location:Deep In The Heart O' Texas
Posted 21 June 2008 - 04:44 PM
Yes but don't worry, 1982 is often mentioned as a great summer/year for film scores and movies.
#5
Stefancos
-
- Members
-
- 53408 posts
The Road Goes Ever On And On
- Gender:Male
- Location:Hoorn, The Netherlands, Europe, Planet Earth
Posted 21 June 2008 - 04:57 PM
It's Joe's pet subject.
#6
MrScratch
-
- Members
-
- 2448 posts
MrScratch
- Gender:Male
- Location:Baltimore, MD
Posted 21 June 2008 - 04:59 PM
1983 is also a very interesting, lots of sequels to big hits and all of them disappointing. Coming off of Empire Strikes Back and Superman II, I'd have been insanely disappointed by ROTJ and Superman III and their OSTs. 1983 was an all around terrible year at least for genre movies, two James Bond duds (Never Say Never being particularly awful), Psycho II, Twilight Zone.
It was, however, a good year for comedies: Christmas Story, Trading Places, Mr. Mom and National Lampoons Vacation.
1984 came back strong though, Temple of Doom, Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Star Trek III, Terminator, Last Starfighter and Karate Kid. That's a pretty good year at the box office too!
It was, however, a good year for comedies: Christmas Story, Trading Places, Mr. Mom and National Lampoons Vacation.
1984 came back strong though, Temple of Doom, Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Star Trek III, Terminator, Last Starfighter and Karate Kid. That's a pretty good year at the box office too!
"Imagine the universe beginning to ring and resound. It is no longer human voices. It is planets and suns revolving in their orbits..." ~ Gustav Mahler
#7
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 21 June 2008 - 05:12 PM
Twilight Zone: The Movie wasn't bad at all. 1983 also had Under Fire, Krull, and Terms of Endearment.
And don't forget 1982's Frances, featuring my favourite performance by Jessica Lange.
And don't forget 1982's Frances, featuring my favourite performance by Jessica Lange.
#8
MrScratch
-
- Members
-
- 2448 posts
MrScratch
- Gender:Male
- Location:Baltimore, MD
Posted 21 June 2008 - 05:29 PM
Twilight Zone: The Movie wasn't bad at all. 1983 also had Under Fire, Krull
Only the airplane sequence of Twilight Zone is any good. Never saw Under Fire and I just never got into Krull. Either way, these don't make up for the big stinkers and the expectations after their better predecessors. Also, I forgot Jaws 3D in my original post.
Terms of Endearment (and) Frances, featuring my favourite performance by Jessica Lange.
I'm not saying there weren't any good movies in 1983, just the popcorn type stuff.
"Imagine the universe beginning to ring and resound. It is no longer human voices. It is planets and suns revolving in their orbits..." ~ Gustav Mahler
#9
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 21 June 2008 - 05:34 PM
I rather liked Landis' prologue and time-warp chase segment, Spielberg's fluttery and ballet-like interpretation of "Kick the Can", and Dante's whimsically absurd but marvelous piece.
#10
king mark
-
- Members
-
- 24107 posts
Supreme Priestmaster of JWfan
- Gender:Male
- Location:The Ethereal Plain of Shadows
Posted 21 June 2008 - 05:43 PM
And don't forget 1982's Frances, featuring my favourite performance by Jessica Lange.
oh,yes,people were lining up for blocks to see it
#11
Marian Schedenig
-
- Members
-
- 18863 posts
Miss the Point
- Gender:Male
- Location:Vienna, Austria
Posted 21 June 2008 - 06:46 PM
Just like people are regularly lining up for blocks to buy a new Williams score, you mean?
Yes - 26 years ago.
Has this already been done?
Yes - 26 years ago.
#12
Williamsfan301
-
- Members
-
- 7673 posts
Veteran
- Gender:Male
- Location:Over there ---->
Posted 21 June 2008 - 07:09 PM
Ok, so lets take this summer as it's been so far...
What Happens in Vegas...
Iron Man
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The Strangers
Sex and the City
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
The Happening
Kung Fu Panda
The Incredible Hulk
Can I get 1982 back please? Cause, Lord knows, what this world needs is more comic book hero movies. Maybe, what, 4 movies on that list that were good so far...
Also, I was 6 in 1982, so I really don't remember much, other than having the crap scared out of me in E.T.
What Happens in Vegas...
Iron Man
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The Strangers
Sex and the City
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
The Happening
Kung Fu Panda
The Incredible Hulk
Can I get 1982 back please? Cause, Lord knows, what this world needs is more comic book hero movies. Maybe, what, 4 movies on that list that were good so far...
Also, I was 6 in 1982, so I really don't remember much, other than having the crap scared out of me in E.T.
"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause" - Padme Amidala
#13
Joey
-
- Members
-
- 22892 posts
I am the First of many
- Gender:Male
- Location:Not Arizona
Posted 21 June 2008 - 07:11 PM
It's Joe's pet subject.
well not quite but Bryant, I have argued many times here that 1982 is the greatest year for movies, not just summer wise, in general in all the years I've been alive.
There are those here who try to say some years in the 90's, 70's or 60's is better but they always fail in their arguments against me. But in terms of summer you are correct as well it was a fun summer for movies
OH God, Joe is posting again, someone hand me my pills!
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
#14
Romão
-
- Members
-
- 9061 posts
Benfiquista
- Gender:Male
- Location:Espinho, Portugal
Posted 21 June 2008 - 07:23 PM
So many great scores back then...
The Keyboard is mightier than the sword
#15
Joey
-
- Members
-
- 22892 posts
I am the First of many
- Gender:Male
- Location:Not Arizona
Posted 21 June 2008 - 07:29 PM
it should also be pointed out that Annie actually came out May 21, and that an Officer and a Gentleman came out 7-30, Sword and the Sorcerer was a summer movie even though it came out in last April, hell it was more fun than Conan by far.
Star Wars, Raiders, and Bambi all were rereleased that summer as well.
And Porky's hung around till summer too, it was released in march but it was the first HUGE movie of the year, awful as it was.
Star Wars, Raiders, and Bambi all were rereleased that summer as well.
And Porky's hung around till summer too, it was released in march but it was the first HUGE movie of the year, awful as it was.
OH God, Joe is posting again, someone hand me my pills!
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
#16
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 21 June 2008 - 07:54 PM
It's Joe's pet subject.
well not quite but Bryant, I have argued many times here that 1982 is the greatest year for movies, not just summer wise, in general in all the years I've been alive.
There are those here who try to say some years in the 90's, 70's or 60's is better but they always fail in their arguments against me. But in terms of summer you are correct as well it was a fun summer for movies
Careful you don't step in the bullpoo, people. Joe has bever succeeded at showing 1982 as the greatest year for movies. Maybe for geekdom, maybe for 80's purists, maybe for trash...but it was not a great year for movies as a whole. Many, many, many better years. Hell, 2007 was better (although not in the summer movies category).
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#17
John Crichton
-
- Members
-
- 16472 posts
The Doctor in America
- Gender:Male
- Location:West Texas
Posted 21 June 2008 - 08:52 PM
You ain't kidding. It always gets me how today's crappy movies like Transformers (and good movies with crap scores like Pirates of the Carribean) would have had kick arse scores if they had been made then.So many great scores back then...
The First Question. The Oldest Question in the Universe, hidden in plain sight...
#18
Guest_macrea_*
Guest_macrea_*
-
- Guests
Posted 21 June 2008 - 09:56 PM
It was the last truly great genre summer. Even when some of the films weren't great, they were at least interesting to go and see. PLUS: there were also reissues of Raiders (July), Star Wars (August), and Empire (November)! 1982 was also the year of three excellent comedies, Victor/Victoria, My Favorite Year, and Tootsie. Dramas were pretty impressive too: Gandhi, Missing, The Verdict, Sophie's Choice, etc. Definitely a great year all around. What a fantastic time to be a movie goer.
#19
Joey
-
- Members
-
- 22892 posts
I am the First of many
- Gender:Male
- Location:Not Arizona
Posted 21 June 2008 - 11:31 PM
sorry but you're being moronic Morlock, 2007 was not better, not even close, to say that is just stupid.It's Joe's pet subject.
well not quite but Bryant, I have argued many times here that 1982 is the greatest year for movies, not just summer wise, in general in all the years I've been alive.
There are those here who try to say some years in the 90's, 70's or 60's is better but they always fail in their arguments against me. But in terms of summer you are correct as well it was a fun summer for movies
Careful you don't step in the bullpoo, people. Joe has bever succeeded at showing 1982 as the greatest year for movies. Maybe for geekdom, maybe for 80's purists, maybe for trash...but it was not a great year for movies as a whole. Many, many, many better years. Hell, 2007 was better (although not in the summer movies category).
OH God, Joe is posting again, someone hand me my pills!
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
#20
Williamsfan301
-
- Members
-
- 7673 posts
Veteran
- Gender:Male
- Location:Over there ---->
Posted 22 June 2008 - 04:49 AM
There's one glaring flaw in this "1982" list....TRON...I mean, come on...it's TRON!
"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause" - Padme Amidala
#21
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 22 June 2008 - 04:53 AM
You haven't even seen the majority of the movies that make for 2007's greatness.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#22
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 22 June 2008 - 08:53 AM
There's one glaring flaw in this "1982" list....TRON...I mean, come on...it's TRON!
I own a copy, but I still haven't seen Tron. Still, it's considered to be something of a watershed for visual effects, so I think it belongs on any list of notable movies from 1982.
Whether it's worth a crap or not, I cannot yet say.
#23
Stefancos
-
- Members
-
- 53408 posts
The Road Goes Ever On And On
- Gender:Male
- Location:Hoorn, The Netherlands, Europe, Planet Earth
Posted 22 June 2008 - 10:31 AM
It is truly original!
#24
Mark Olivarez
-
- Members
-
- 30304 posts
Speechless
- Gender:Male
- Location:Deep In The Heart O' Texas
Posted 22 June 2008 - 08:18 PM
Tron is worth watching at least once.
#25
Joey
-
- Members
-
- 22892 posts
I am the First of many
- Gender:Male
- Location:Not Arizona
Posted 22 June 2008 - 09:13 PM
when a movie like No country for Old men wins best picture you know the year's not the greatest.You haven't even seen the majority of the movies that make for 2007's greatness.
OH God, Joe is posting again, someone hand me my pills!
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
#26
Mr. Breathmask
-
- Members
-
- 17542 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Enschede, The Netherlands
Posted 22 June 2008 - 10:59 PM
No Country for Old Men isn't a movie.
It's an experience.
It's an experience.
Vrrrroooooommmmm!
#27
Stefancos
-
- Members
-
- 53408 posts
The Road Goes Ever On And On
- Gender:Male
- Location:Hoorn, The Netherlands, Europe, Planet Earth
Posted 22 June 2008 - 11:04 PM
Indeed!
#28
John Crichton
-
- Members
-
- 16472 posts
The Doctor in America
- Gender:Male
- Location:West Texas
Posted 23 June 2008 - 12:57 AM
The same can be said for Tron.
The First Question. The Oldest Question in the Universe, hidden in plain sight...
#29
Lurker
-
- Members
- 0 posts
Lurker
- Gender:Not Telling
Posted 23 June 2008 - 02:53 AM
TRON might be worth staying awake through once.Tron is worth watching at least once.
Neil
#30
Koray Savas
-
- Members
-
- 27763 posts
Grandest Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Maryland
Posted 23 June 2008 - 03:03 AM
when a movie like No country for Old men wins best picture you know the year's not the greatest.You haven't even seen the majority of the movies that make for 2007's greatness.
Now that is a stupid statement.
3:10 To Yuma
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
The Bourne Ultimatum
Charlie Wilson's War
The Darjeeling Limited
Eastern Promises
Gone Baby Gone
Grindhouse
Hot Fuzz
The Hunting Party
I Am Legend
I'm Not There
In The Valley Of Elah
Juno
Knocked Up
Live Free Or Die Hard
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
Ocean's Thirteen
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End
Ratatouille
Reign Over Me
Rescue Dawn
Seraphim Falls
Shoot 'Em Up
Superbad
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
There Will Be Blood
Zodiac
Fantastic comedies, fantastic action, fantastic drama, fantastic entertainment... 2007 is one helluva year for movies.
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
#31
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 23 June 2008 - 05:48 AM
when a movie like No country for Old men wins best picture you know the year's not the greatest.You haven't even seen the majority of the movies that make for 2007's greatness.
Now that is a stupid statement.
3:10 To Yuma
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
The Bourne Ultimatum
Charlie Wilson's War
The Darjeeling Limited
Eastern Promises
Gone Baby Gone
Grindhouse
Hot Fuzz
The Hunting Party
I Am Legend
I'm Not There
In The Valley Of Elah
Juno
Knocked Up
Live Free Or Die Hard
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
Ocean's Thirteen
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End
Ratatouille
Reign Over Me
Rescue Dawn
Seraphim Falls
Shoot 'Em Up
Superbad
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Sweet
There Will Be Blood
Zodiac
Fantastic comedies, fantastic action, fantastic drama, fantastic entertainment... 2007 is one helluva year for movies.
I was with ya right up until I read the words Live Free or Die Hard.
#32
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 23 June 2008 - 05:50 AM
I was with ya right up until I read the words Live Free or Die Hard.
That's the only one in his list I've actually seen.
#33
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 23 June 2008 - 06:23 AM
Wait a minute -- I just re-examined that list and discovered that Shoot 'em Up is on it.
Hands down, that is one of the worst not-made-by-amateurs movies that I have ever seen. Painfully awful in every respect, and yet smug about how supposedly awesome it is. Dreck. The Pabst Blue Ribbon of movies.
Hands down, that is one of the worst not-made-by-amateurs movies that I have ever seen. Painfully awful in every respect, and yet smug about how supposedly awesome it is. Dreck. The Pabst Blue Ribbon of movies.
#34
Koray Savas
-
- Members
-
- 27763 posts
Grandest Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Maryland
Posted 23 June 2008 - 07:10 AM
Shoot 'Em Up is probably a terrible movie, if you think like the way I assume you are. It's supposed to be so over-the-top mindless action, and it achieves its goal. It was fun and entertaining, I had a great time and laughs at the cinema. I also really like Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti. The people that made this movie didn't care about story or characters, and neither should you (for this particular film, of course).
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
#35
Bryant Burnette
-
- Members
-
- 2343 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Tuscaloosa, AL
Posted 23 June 2008 - 08:11 AM
Shoot 'Em Up is probably a terrible movie, if you think like the way I assume you are. It's supposed to be so over-the-top mindless action, and it achieves its goal. It was fun and entertaining, I had a great time and laughs at the cinema. I also really like Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti. The people that made this movie didn't care about story or characters, and neither should you (for this particular film, of course).
Oh, no -- I "got" it. It still was one of the most miserable experiences I've ever had watching a movie. And bear in mind that I was clocked in, watching it for money. I thought seriously about turning it off and leaving work; in essence, I considered paying money for it to be over, and the only reason I didn't is due to my professionalism.
I know there was supposed to be no story or character; I was turned off by the fact that the movie is nothing but one joke after another, and that not one single time did I think the joke was funny. I love Owen and Giamatti as much as the next guy, but they were both awful in this movie; and giving an awful performance while trying to be intentionally awful is quite a negative accomplishment.
I'm told by somebody who hated it as much as me, but who is far braver, that the commentary track by the director is just as smugly self-satisfied (for no good reason) as is the film itself. Which makes sense, I guess. But I plan on never finding out firsthand.
If I want to see a fun, enjoyably over-the-top action movie that is essentially just a parody of action movies, then I'll go for the aforementioned Live Free or Die Hard. I think I'd rather watch Moulin Rouge again than Shoot 'em Up, and believe me when I tell you, I'll be a sad camper the day I'm forced to make that decision.
Glad you liked it, though.
#36
Alexcremers
-
- Members
-
- 16434 posts
Grand Master
Posted 23 June 2008 - 08:23 AM
I left the theater during Shoot 'Em Up. Its humor was lost on me. Even my buddy left the theater and he's the biggest Giamatti fan on this planet.
I didn't care for this movie at the time but now I think its world is quite special and original. I'd say, bring along TRON 2. And don't change the style of the graphics! Also, don't forget to bring back Wendy Carlos!
Alex
The same can be said for Tron.
I didn't care for this movie at the time but now I think its world is quite special and original. I'd say, bring along TRON 2. And don't change the style of the graphics! Also, don't forget to bring back Wendy Carlos!
Alex
Pictures, visual images, are far better to achieve that end than any words, particularly now, when the world has lost all mystery and magic and speech has become mere chatter, empty of meaning - Andrei Tarkovsky
#37
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 23 June 2008 - 03:14 PM
I had a great time with Shoot 'Em Up. An action film that acknowledges it's stupidity without condescending.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#38
Joey
-
- Members
-
- 22892 posts
I am the First of many
- Gender:Male
- Location:Not Arizona
Posted 23 June 2008 - 03:52 PM
your list only proves I'm right. Oceans' thirteen, I am Legend, Reign over me, Knocked up superbad, only a fool would believe 2007 is as good as 1982, course you're given a pass because you don't know about 1982, you're too young, still you're the kind that would think kobe is better than michaelwhen a movie like No country for Old men wins best picture you know the year's not the greatest.You haven't even seen the majority of the movies that make for 2007's greatness.
Now that is a stupid statement.
3:10 To Yuma
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
The Bourne Ultimatum
Charlie Wilson's War
The Darjeeling Limited
Eastern Promises
Gone Baby Gone
Grindhouse
Hot Fuzz
The Hunting Party
I Am Legend
I'm Not There
In The Valley Of Elah
Juno
Knocked Up
Live Free Or Die Hard
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
Ocean's Thirteen
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End
Ratatouille
Reign Over Me
Rescue Dawn
Seraphim Falls
Shoot 'Em Up
Superbad
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
There Will Be Blood
Zodiac
Fantastic comedies, fantastic action, fantastic drama, fantastic entertainment... 2007 is one helluva year for movies.
OH God, Joe is posting again, someone hand me my pills!
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
"You're not John Conner, I saw you die, said Kyle". "I was only injured, replied John". "No, your injuries were too severe, you died. Look at you, where are your injuries? You're, you're a Terminator." "Kyle, its still me, yes my body was beyond repair, but my essence is here." He points to his head. "No John". Kyle raised his pulse rifle and aimed it at John but before he could fire, John fired first. Knocked to the ground Kyle looked up at the Terminator in the form of the man he once idolized. All hope was lost. "If you kill me how will you ever be born?" "Thats a good question Kyle, all this time we've focus on Sarah, on John, when had we known the it was you we should have targeted all along." John pointed his rifle at Kyle's face. "The resistance is finished, the battle is won. We the machines are the victors, salvation is ours." Kyle never heard the second shot.
#39
Mark Olivarez
-
- Members
-
- 30304 posts
Speechless
- Gender:Male
- Location:Deep In The Heart O' Texas
Posted 23 June 2008 - 04:02 PM
Even I know Kobe's not better than Michael.
#40
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 23 June 2008 - 04:29 PM
Joe, you can keep nitpicking, but it rings false. We all disagree on some films. Leave off the ones you mentioned as being bad, and you've still got a great year. I've seen at least 4 masterpieces last year, which is probably as much as the previous 3 years combined. 2007 was a great year for movies.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
