What Is The Last Film You Watched?

[Charlie Brigden 7]

it's rightly regarded by Brits as the greatest comedy sitcom of all time

But it isn't.

But what is?

[Marian Schedenig 8,211]

Coupling, of course.

I know what makes the Schedenig tick: French and Saunders. Am I right or am I right?

Never seen that, actually.

[Quintus 5,399]

Geez, I should have put a wink there....

My bad. I'm tired and I'm not feeling very well this afternoon. Smiley-less is definitely better.

England has Fawlty Towers. The US has Sanford & Son.

Looks like a Steptoe and Son rip-off

[Morlock 11]

I will never watch this again. I was so glad it was over because it really does everything I hate. And to think I went into this movie expecting nothing. Well, I got even less than that. Movies that have changed my mind over time are Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Magnolia, Solyaris ... Shutter Island isn't going to be one of them.

BTW, I didn't think those movies were dreadful, I just thought they were merely okay when I first saw them, but there was something about them that compelled me to watch them again. The thought of watching Shutter Island again makes me feel a little ill.

Again, I totally sympathise. I liked practically nothing. Unappealing in almost every way. I was prompted to see it again because the opportunity arose (my father wanted to see a movie, and he rarely does), and I told myself I might get some passing pleasure if I ignored the story. But, again, the second time around it is a totally different movie. It is not a genre movie, not a twist movie, not a really a story movie. And if it is, it is an entirely different story. Every single character is entirely different. I understand being so utterly turned off by this film. But I don't think it is a movie that can by any stretch be judged accurately the first time.

I must see Eyes Wide Shut again. I really liked it the first and only time I saw it, but I can only recall being on the same wave-length, mood-wise.

[A24 4,348]

But I don't think it is a movie that can by any stretch be judged accurately the first time.

What do you mean, it's not a story/twist movie? Most people love it. They love the story and discuss the twist. If it's not what everybody thinks it is, then what is it? A mood piece? Maybe the second time you were unconsciously looking through your father's eyes?

Every single character is entirely different.

Isn't that normal considering the twist in the story?

[Morlock 11]

What do you mean, it's not a story/twist movie? Most people love it. They love the story and discuss the twist. If it's not what everybody thinks it is, then what is it? A mood piece? Maybe the second time you were unconsciously looking through your father's eyes?

My father saw the twist and kind of enjoyed the film, but really wanted to see it again. As an event, it's a twist movie. But I think it is not very good as a twist movie. All those who loved it the first time for the twist were seeing a very different movie, and a second time will only connect the dots. But it is not a twist movie because the rest of the film is very, very, good. And it can't possibly be judged as a story the first time around, because the story is different the second time around.

And I guess in a great deal of twist movie all the characters are different...but in every single scene? Every single scene the motivations are different? I don't think that can be said for many other films. I'm not saying that that is what makes the film good- merely that it is really that different. Bad storytelling, weak twists, terrible writing and utterly, depressingly bored direction turned into a very real and very valid movie, that, in a way, connects Scorsese with his earlier work.

[A24 4,348]

For the record, I just remembered two more movies that got a higher rating from me upon revisiting: Open Water (Yes, yes, yes!) and The Prestige.

[Quintus 5,399]

Still haven't seen The Prestige, but Open Water got under my skin upon my one and only viewing.

[A24 4,348]

Still haven't seen The Prestige, but Open Water got under my skin upon my one and only viewing.

I thought Open Water was going to be more suspenseful or frightening.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Quantum of Solace

Second time I'd seen it. It certainly helped that I watched Casino Royale a few days ago, but aside from some OTT editing, it was great. Love Craig, he's magnificent, and Judi Dench is a great foil for him. Some great sequences (the Tosca scene is amazing), a really good hard score, lovely cinematography and a suitably slimy villain. The only things I wasn't really fond of were the aforementioned occasionally schizophrenic editing, the place name title cards, and the main title sequence. It just seemed a little too much like it was trying hard to break out of the Bond mould, which is fair enough but they just stick out. And the title sequence, while having interesting ideas and beautiful colours, still seems like it was overseen by Michael Bay.

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

It certainly makes me desire another Bond movie with Daniel Craig...

[King Mark 3,631]

I don't really care about Daniel Craig. He was ok but the only true bond is Sean Connery

[Datameister 2,044]

The Rock. Meh...fun ride, I suppose, with nearly every Zimmer trick in the book.

[QMM 4]

Sneakers

Still excellent. I cannot wait for Alden Robinson's long-awaited next movie, and I would also support an expanded release of the score if it's ever released.

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

The young lady with the...uzi. Is she single?

[Quintus 5,399]

Just watched The Mist a second time. Didn't like it much when I saw it a couple of years ago, but you know, on second thoughts methinks that flaws aside; it's a gem. It'll be regarded as a bit of a classic in years to come, just wait and see. Brilliant performances, deliciously creepy special effects and an almost believable "what if" premise which genuinely terrifies the imagination, The Mist is a terrific little genre movie.

I wish Darabont made more movies.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

I've been waiting for his adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 for like 6 years.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Unbelievably boring. Nothing happens. Nothing. First hour: Edward kisses Bella. Jacob kisses Bella. Edward and Jacob fight a bit. Second hour: A 5-minute fight between some vampires and wolves. Edward and Bella get engaged. Jacob is naked the whole movie, by the way. That's an important detail.

Credits roll.

On my way out of the theater, a girl behind me said, and I quote: "That was the greatest movie I have ever seen in my entire life. And the one before this was New Moon."

Shore's score wasn't even good, barely decent. Some workings with Jacob's boring theme, and that's it. Desplat's score for New Moon crushes this. I haven't read any of the books or seen any of the other movies, but why the hell are the vampires made out of like quartz?

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

did you get dragged to it by a girlfriend or something?

[Andy 4,147]

That was my exact same response to the film.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

did you get dragged to it by a girlfriend or something?

No, it was the only movie I was mildly interested in that I haven't seen. I was closing booth operator, so once I start the last movie of the night I have 2 hours to do nothing. That's when I pick a movie and get paid to see it. So even though it sucked, it wasn't a waste of time.

[Morlock 11]

Sneakers

Still excellent. I cannot wait for Alden Robinson's long-awaited next movie, and I would also support an expanded release of the score if it's ever released.

I'm with you. Alden Robinson has only made 4 movies, and I've only seen 3 of them, but each one was far better than the synopsis suggested (The first episode of Band of Brothers is pretty good, too).

Just watched The Mist a second time. Didn't like it much when I saw it a couple of years ago, but you know, on second thoughts methinks that flaws aside; it's a gem. It'll be regarded as a bit of classic in years to come, just wait and see. Brilliant performances, deliciously creepy special effects and an almost believable "what if" premise which genuinely terrifies the imagination, The Mist is a terrific little genre movie.

I wish Darabont made more movies.

I agree on most counts- I just think he showed far too much of the creatures. Have you see the black and white version? I don't know if it's better...but it sure is a lot of fun.

I've been waiting for his adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 for like 6 years.

The original is enough for me.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

I've been waiting for his adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 for like 6 years.

The original is enough for me.

If you've read the book then you would know that it isn't. Very dated, and due to the lack of special effect technologies back then, a lot of important stuff was cut.

[A24 4,348]

Frank Darabont is also producing Zack Snyder's The Illustrated Man (Ray Bradbury). Now that I gotta see!

I agree with Quint on The Mist.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

Zack Snyder is directing an adaptation of The Illustrated Man?!

[Morlock 11]

I've been waiting for his adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 for like 6 years.

The original is enough for me.

If you've read the book then you would know that it isn't. Very dated, and due to the lack of special effect technologies back then, a lot of important stuff was cut.

I don't think it's dated, and I don't really care about getting the most faithful adaptation. I care about the best, most cinematic, most poetic adaptation. I doubt Darabont in the year 2010 can get closer than Truffaut to that.

[A24 4,348]

Koray isn't looking for those things, Morlock. He just wants convincing FX, a Zimmer score and a guiding hand to lead him through the film.

[Quintus 5,399]

@Morlock

I didn't realise there was an older version of The Mist, is it a different story [to the Stephen King one] entirely?

[A24 4,348]

@Morlock

I didn't realise there was an older version of The Mist, is it a different story [to the Stephen King one] entirely?

No Quint, it's a B&W cut of the same film. It's on the 2-disc DVD. Darabont wanted The Mist to be in B&W but the studios wouldn't have it.

[Quintus 5,399]

Wow, I had no idea. Does it have some novelty value or is it a genuinely superior experience? I imagine a black and white version to be too obvious in it's motivations - it's homage to B movies, too corny. I think the colour version allows the audience to come to their own conclusions as to whether the movie is serious, or whether or not it might just have a wicked sense of humour. I imagine much of that stuff went over the heads of some viewers - those happy to just take it al quite literally. In black and white, it may well have gone the way of an Ed Wood movie.

It think the studio was right to assume that it's target audience would be unlikely to 'get' it.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

It sounds to Tarentino-esque.

[Morlock 11]

It's fun. So Steef...seen any good Uruguayan movie recently?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Tonight I'll be watching La Noche que Nosotros nos Morimos De la Naranja. About a group of Uruguayans who are picked of one by one by a large, powerfull and very fast Orange beast!

[A24 4,348]

I love the part of the beast's trainer ... CreamersAlejandro or something. Great actor!

Wow, I had no idea. Does it have some novelty value or is it a genuinely superior experience? I imagine a black and white version to be too obvious in it's motivations - it's homage to B movies, too corny. I think the colour version allows the audience to come to their own conclusions as to whether the movie is serious, or whether or not it might just have a wicked sense of humour. I imagine much of that stuff went over the heads of some viewers - those happy to just take it al quite literally. In black and white, it may well have gone the way of an Ed Wood movie.

It think the studio was right to assume that it's target audience would be unlikely to 'get' it.

I haven't seen it but I'm afraid that you're right about it. I like the colors. I have no wish for the B&W version.

[Morlock 11]

Tonight I'll be watching La Noche que Nosotros nos Morimos De la Naranja. About a group of Uruguayans who are picked of one by one by a large, powerfull and very fast Orange beast!

And handsome. Don't forget handsome.

[Marian Schedenig 8,211]

The young lady with the...uzi. Is she single?

C'mon Abby, the FBI'd give him twins.

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

Predators.

The first 30 mins. or so are a tad mundane. But once the first Predator arrives, it becomes a really entertaining sci-fi action/adventure flick. Lots of nifty fights, chases, deaths and dimly illuminated spaceship interiors galore. A near-perfect Friday night at the movies. It comes recommended.

[QMM 4]

Predators.

The first 30 mins. or so are a tad mundane. But once the first Predator arrives, it becomes a really entertaining sci-fi action/adventure flick. Lots of nifty fights, chases, deaths and dimly illuminated spaceship interiors galore. A near-perfect Friday night at the movies. It comes recommended.

I didn't care for it that much and the ending left a bad taste in my mouth. Surprisingly enough, except for the two electric guitar parts the score was one of my favorite bits.

[Trent B 337]

Back To The Future...one of my top five favorite movies of all time. One thing I noticed the score in the film it almost seems much brighter, or the highs were boosted higher than what you hear on Intrada's CD. Unfortunately I think all three Back To The Future scores in the films are like this.

I even remember for BTTF Part 2 sometimes the music will end up distorting for some weird reason but on the foot-warmer it isn't like that.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

Wow, I had no idea. Does it have some novelty value or is it a genuinely superior experience? I imagine a black and white version to be too obvious in it's motivations - it's homage to B movies, too corny. I think the colour version allows the audience to come to their own conclusions as to whether the movie is serious, or whether or not it might just have a wicked sense of humour. I imagine much of that stuff went over the heads of some viewers - those happy to just take it al quite literally. In black and white, it may well have gone the way of an Ed Wood movie.

It think the studio was right to assume that it's target audience would be unlikely to 'get' it.

the black and white version comes of more frightening in tone that does the color. Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

Not quite...

[JoeinAR 1,949]

Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

Not quite...

really, I grew up on the stuff. How bout you.

[A24 4,348]

And yet, you think Schindler's List is a weak and poor film.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

Not quite...

really, I grew up on the stuff. How bout you.

I'm the same. I grew up on Universal horror and SF (as well as general B&W movies), and I adore everything from M and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari to The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms to Freaks to Night of the Living Dead. I wish more horror was colourless.

[Marian Schedenig 8,211]

I agree on most counts- I just think he showed far too much of the creatures. Have you see the black and white version? I don't know if it's better...but it sure is a lot of fun.

Somehow I missed this before.

Having read the short story a few months before seeing the film, I agree there were too many creature FX. It starts out very well but gets somewhat cheapened by the excessive creature shots.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

Not quite...

really, I grew up on the stuff. How bout you.

I'm the same. I grew up on Universal horror and SF (as well as general B&W movies), and I adore everything from M and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari to The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms to Freaks to Night of the Living Dead. I wish more horror was colourless.

me too, at last check I have about 100 movies in b&w in my collection. I need to add The Old Dark House, and complete my Sherlock Holmes(Basil Rathbone) collection. I need to find a dvd of a B picture called Split Second.

[A24 4,348]

Having read the short story a few months before seeing the film, I agree there were too many creature FX. It starts out very well but gets somewhat cheapened by the excessive creature shots.

It's necessary for the plot.

[Marian Schedenig 8,211]

It wasn't* in the written story. You "see" fewer creatures there, and that's what makes them frightening. It's not a bad movie, but I was expecting a bit more from Darabont.

*) necessary, that is

[Ollie 1,059]

Course I love black and white horror better than anyone on this board.

Not quite...

really, I grew up on the stuff. How bout you.

I'm the same. I grew up on Universal horror and SF (as well as general B&W movies), and I adore everything from M and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari to The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms to Freaks to Night of the Living Dead. I wish more horror was colourless.

Count me in as well.

[Quintus 5,399]

You guys failed to mention the greatest black and white horror of all: The Thing from Another World, tut tut.

I'll have to see for myself, but I seriously doubt the black and white version of The Mist meets the tonal requirement for the kind of schlock I have in mind. It's too well made and self aware to be considered anything but a deviant one-off.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

Predators

Absolutely terrible. From Adrien Brody's stupid Batman voice to the "fuck this, fuck that, fuck you you fucker!" dialogue. I don't understand how scripts like these get the OK from studios and producers. I don't have a problem with bad language, but I have a problem when it's there for the sake of having it. None of it felt natural. Debney's score sucked, I don't know why I keep having moderate expectations from him. I never liked him before, and none of his recent work is changing that. Acting is generally bad, but you can't do much with the dialogue they were given. Topher Grace is just Eric Foreman, which is unfortunate because I like him and think he has talent. The rest of the cast is forgettable, but the one actor that nails it is Laurence Fishbourne. He was the best part of the entire film. Some of the concepts and art direction are good, but overall this leaves a lot to be desired.

Bring on Inception, because so far I think this is the worst summer for film in a long time.