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

[Romão 2,274]

Saw this film last night. A beautiful looking effects reel, but not much more than that. There just isn't enough meat to the bone behind the high concept premise, to justify its 90 minute running time. Score was one of the worst I've heard in a long time.

That's pretty much my opinion. It's still worth a look, though, I'd always recommend it

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Iron Man 3

Whatever Marvel is paying Robert Downey Jr for these films, it's more then worth it, once again he caries the entire film with his effortless style and suave.

This first follow up to The Avengers was written and directed by Shane Black, and like Joss Whedon before him he has been able to but his signature stamp all over the film.

The style is the film is highly reminiscent of Kiss Kiss Bang bang, highly irreverent, with quirky dialogue and and characters who are a little too smart for their own good. Two of the big action scenes also evoke Blacks Lethal Weapon 2 script. And ofcourse the film plays around christmas time.

Blacks style fits very well with RDJ's acting, and indeed the best scenes are of him out of the suit, not bashing anyone's head in

The script is a LOT more cohesive then that of Iron Man 2, and Tony isnt as much as a annoying jerk that he was in that film. Some interesting choices were made.

For the largest part of the film, the Iron Man suit...or suits, do not work properly at all, leaving Stark to trust on his wits, people skills and engineering prowess. The film understands very well that Stark is a bigger star in the film then Iron Man and does a great job in keeping him out of the suit as much as possible.

The Mandarin, an old enemy in the comics, very much a asian/chinese stereotype is completely re branded her as a rather weird Bin Laden clone with an very pronounced Appalachian dialect. This is obviously done to make the film more marketable in China (they even shot footage just for the Chinese release with an extra character who is only seen briefly in the "normal" cut). The cowboy accent was obviously done to avoid offending any other country or ethnic group.

This would be a really lame cop-out if it wasn't for the actual reveal of The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley with obvious delight. The confrontation between him and Stark is the film true genuinely surprising scene.

That is good, because for all it's irreverent style, the script is basically just another variation on what we have seen in the previous two films. Incredibly rich villain with an old axe to grand against Tony Stark, plots involving treachery, weapons and eventually a big shoot out in the old abandoned harbour, straight out of TV cop show land. (or Lethal Weapon 2).

While for most of the film its a good idea to have Stark out of the suit, by the time the big climax begins, about 42 suits show up and start bashing the enemy. Stark wears some of them briefly, but to be honest none of them make much of an impression. The main suit used throughout the film is a redesign that lacks the iconic Gold/Red look of the first 3 films, and the comics.

This and the rather messy choreography make the third act rather a let down.

The best 2 action scenes are the attack of the mansion (bog-standard, and ripped from Lethal weapon 2, but it works on an dumb action epic level) and the skydive rescue late in the film. That's actually a very well conceived and staged scene.

Like I said above, Downey Jr is in great form, which is good, because he is really the only interesting character in the film. (apart from Ben Kingsley I guess) Paltrow is once again OK as pepper, but Stark's former one night stand played by the gorgeous Rebeca Hall is rather wasted, and while Guy Pearce is good in being both charming and oily as Killian, the characters offers nothing we haven't seen a million times before.

The movie is well shot without being actually visually remarkable. The special effects are once again outstanding (though just a tad belong The Avengers standards). The choppy editing in the action scenes made things hard to follow in 3D, it's a little better in 2D.

Brian Tyler's score feels more like an extension of The Avengers sound then the hard rock style of the previous. It works very well in the film and has a catchy, if unremarkable theme.

That's basically the film in a nutshell, a lot of fun, but ultimately unremarkable.

[Hurmm 91]

It plays out for the most part like a thriller instead of an action movie, but does revert to action tropes in key moments. In that sense it's quite unique, but ultimately like you said it just doesn't leave much of an impression.

I watched THE WORLD'S END. Whoa, what the hell happened? This turned out to be extremely disappointing, with nary an inspired moment found throughout the runtime. Shaun and Hot Fuzz could be argued to be a tad overrated, but they were undoubtedly funny and witty. There is no wit to be found here... and the whole pub crawl premise? It isn't developed in the slightest bit to amount to ANYTHING, god knows why they even bothered with such a premise, such is the insignificance of it in the movie. There is nothing to tie that premise with the alien invasion, which incidentally is nothing remarkable, just rather turgid and regurgitated. Think of the aliens here as the zombies or bad villagers from the earlier movies, but less fun. And Nick Frost's role is miswritten (or he is miscast), so he's also not much fun here.

The most disappointing movie of the year, I'm afraid.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

It plays out for the most part like a thriller instead of an action movie, but does revert to action tropes in key moments. In that sense it's quite unique, but ultimately like you said it just doesn't leave much of an impression.

Yet somehow this became the 5th most successful film of all time....

[Hurmm 91]

It plays out for the most part like a thriller instead of an action movie, but does revert to action tropes in key moments. In that sense it's quite unique, but ultimately like you said it just doesn't leave much of an impression.

Yet somehow this became the 5th most successful film of all time....

It's sometimes pointless and futile to dissect the patterns and behaviours of typical consumers... Iron Man 3 was the fist big blockbuster of 2013, and people just lapped it up, I guess. Also it was probably partially riding on the success of The Avengers.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Well, obviously the success of The Avengers + the appeal of Robert Downey jr + the fact that is was released without much competition = big f*cking hit

Marvel's strategy of releasing outside of the summer blockbuster season definitely pays of. Thor 2 is making real money to. Though it wont make Iron Man 3 bucks.

[A24 4,326]

Gravity.

I don't want to go over the top with praise but... probably one of the best things I've ever seen in the cinema. The first film where I can truly say that the 3D made a difference.

What's the second best thing you saw in cinemas?

I don't know, I've never ranked them and as you can see (or maybe you can't) I haven't actually said what the best thing I've seen in the cinema was.

You think it's probably Gravity. Perhaps you took my question too literally, so let me formulate it differently, what are some of your other favorite movies?

[Bilbo 3,709]

Gravity.

I don't want to go over the top with praise but... probably one of the best things I've ever seen in the cinema. The first film where I can truly say that the 3D made a difference.

What's the second best thing you saw in cinemas?

I don't know, I've never ranked them and as you can see (or maybe you can't) I haven't actually said what the best thing I've seen in the cinema was.

You think it's probably Gravity. Perhaps you took my question too literally, so let me formulate it differently, what are some of your other favorite movies?

No, I said it was probably one of the best things I've seen at the cinema not that it was probably the best thing I've seen at the cinema.

I also said nothing about favourite films. I really enjoyed Gravity and it was a great cinematic experience but it is far to early to say it was on of my favourite films.

Basically, from what I can tell you just didn't like Gravity.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Alex has not seen it.

He will only see it once it comes out in inferior 1080p so he doesnt have to leave the house.

The most visually celebrated film in years, and Alex passes up on yet another opportunity.

[Bilbo 3,709]

I for one am glad I left the house and handed over my €6.80 to see it in 3D.

[Romão 2,274]

It's more expensive than that here in Portugal (7.8 €). How do you explain that?

[A24 4,326]

Gravity.

I don't want to go over the top with praise but... probably one of the best things I've ever seen in the cinema. The first film where I can truly say that the 3D made a difference.

What's the second best thing you saw in cinemas?

I don't know, I've never ranked them and as you can see (or maybe you can't) I haven't actually said what the best thing I've seen in the cinema was.

You think it's probably Gravity. Perhaps you took my question too literally, so let me formulate it differently, what are some of your other favorite movies?

No, I said it was probably one of the best things I've seen at the cinema not that it was probably the best thing I've seen at the cinema.

I also said nothing about favourite films. I really enjoyed Gravity and it was a great cinematic experience but it is far to early to say it was on of my favourite films.

Basically, from what I can tell you just didn't like Gravity.

I was just curious to know some of you other good experiences at the cinema or what some of your favorite movies are but nevermind.

Like Steef said, I didn't see Gravity. Looking forward to see it in 1080p!

[Bilbo 3,709]

It's more expensive than that here in Portugal (7.8 €). How do you explain that?

Student discount! It would have been over €9 in Dublin mind (with a student discount).

[Marian Schedenig 8,172]

I paid somewhere between €25 and €30 to see it twice. 2nd time was in IMAX though.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Pretty normal

[JoeinAR 1,949]

I was just curious to know some of you other good experiences at the cinema or what some of your favorite movies are but nevermind.

Like Steef said, I didn't see Gravity. Looking forward to see it in 1080p!

yeah but you could have seen it where it was intended to be seen on the big screen. you'll experience it in a small setting by comparison.

[Wojo 2,453]

Only the theatrical version was intended to be seen in the theater. If he waits for the video, then that was intended to be seen on the wee wittle scween.

[A24 4,326]

I think I'm pretty much aware that my plasma screen is smaller than a theater screen. I'm sure they made the film in a way that it would look good in a home theater as well. After all, it's how filmmakers will be viewing their own films once the days of the premiere are gone.

Alex

[Koray Savas 2,251]

12 Years A Slave

The most harrowing experience I've had with cinema since The Thin Red Line.

[Jay 37,281]

I've heard it takes a lot out of ya.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

It's a lot to take in, but McQueen's genius comes in how he slowly builds everything without you realizing it. It's like drinking a lot and then feeling it all hit you at once. That's pretty much what happened during the pivotal climax. I was in tears. He's clearly influenced by Malick, he works in the same vein. Incredibly arresting with the camera. My only gripe was this industrial type of music that played in a couple part towards the beginning. There's a clear connection towards the infamous Inception bram but it felt more dissonant and mechanical, like something out of There Will Be Blood. I thought it didn't fit with the scene at all.

[KK 3,307]

Nice. Really looking forward to watching this movie.

And I heard Zimmer's braams were in this movie. I wonder how they'd work in context given the type of film this is.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

I addressed that in the same post above

[KK 3,307]

Lol right oops. Don't know how I missed that

I still haven't seen McQueen's Shame. Something I must fix soon.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

I bought Hunger awhile ago, time to give it a spin. Shame is still expensive.

[crocodile 7,982]

Just came back from the 3D showing of Gravity. I liked the experience more than I liked the actual movie. It's the concept that makes it involving and that is both good and bad. Sure, the visuals and spectacle is great, but the script is still average at best. Same comfort food sentimentality all over again not to alienate major audience and bring some box office money. Understandable, but disappointing. It would have been bearable, if not for the constant assault of Sandra Bullock's nasal voice - gives the whole thign a somewhat unintentional slapstick quality - wish she could just shut up. And that's the problem with this film as a whole, it's too talky. Plus, I saw Clooney and Bullock on screen, not their characters. But, again, they probably needed names to sell this thing. Marketing, again. Ultimately the story is just an excuse to show off some amazing visuals. Still, good to see an actual s-f film again and if anybody is to watch this, make sure it's on a massive screen. But can't see a lot of repeat viewing value in it.

Semi-detached, semi interested. That's what my experience was overall.

If I ever want to watch George Clooney in space, I'll go with Solaris. A much more intelligent film. And score, too.

Karol

[Dixon Hill 4,232]

I agree completely. It was a well made film, sure, and an experience in the theater. But the massive hype eludes me.

[crocodile 7,982]

I managed to stay away from all the reviews, threads and trailers (except the one with this long take), so me viewing it was completely fresh and unobstructed by anything.

Oh and the score is shit.

Karol

[King Mark 3,624]

Blue is the Warmest Color.

Not the kind of movie I'd normally see but the performances were praised (for good reason) and I felt like seeing something more artsy

Also it's nice to watch a love story that ends tragedy, like it usually does in real life. . When you get dumped or can't get to the person your in love with, you live with the pain day in and day out forever. much better than Hollywood films that always have a happy ending.

Still waiting for a friend to see Ender's Game...I can't wait

[Marian Schedenig 8,172]

Semi-detached, semi interested. That's what my experience was overall.

You must have seen a different movie then me. No, the script isn't perfect, partly because of the constant talking - but the problem with these kinds of films is that they can't avoid that*, and given the circumstances, I think it was handled very well.

*) I still have weird memories of James Stewart talking to a fly in The Spirit of St. Louis.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

Understandable, but disappointing. It would have been bearable, if not for the constant assault of Sandra Bullock's nasal voice - gives the whole thign a somewhat unintentional slapstick quality - wish she could just shut up. And that's the problem with this film as a whole, it's too talky.

Finally someone understands!

Blue is the Warmest Color.

Not the kind of movie I'd normally see but the performances were praised (for good reason) and I felt like seeing something more artsy

Also it's nice to watch a love story that ends tragedy, like it usually does in real life. . When you get dumped or can't get to the person your in love with, you live with the pain day in and day out forever. much better than Hollywood films that always have a happy ending.

I want to see this one too. It was getting a lot of bad publicity for the subject matter, people calling it pedophiliac pornography. It just seems to me that people need to grow up.

[King Mark 3,624]

Well it's not something that crossed my mind when I saw it . It's not like it's the first time we see teens having sex in a movie. But it is somewhat a bit soft core porn in parts

[Koray Savas 2,251]

The issue is that one girl is 15 and the other is like 27, though in France the legal age of consent is 15, but then you got the age discrepancy thing. Whatever, it's rated NC-17 for a reason. But then people start going why do we rate two women making love NC-17 when we allow gruesome torture and violence to pass as R and blah blah blah; and then Nova Scotia comes up with a feminist rating system and oh look I think I've gone cross-eyed.

[King Mark 3,624]

Whatever, both girls involved are way passed puberty so it's fair game for anyone to think they look hot, especially since they're having sex on screen. And the younger one is 17 in the film not 15. A new trend in the past few years is critics starting to throw the word "pedophilic" around (and wrongly correlating "pedophilia" with "under 18 years old") just to make the person who goes to see the film feel guilty about it .

The NC-17 I think is because it's full nudity and if you spliced the sex scenes together it would be like a soft core porn film

[Koray Savas 2,251]

Well she's 15 in real life; and of course the NC-17 is because of full nudity.

[King Mark 3,624]

Well, the audience in the theater didn't all consist of old guys in brown trench coats

But seriously it's a good film but very long at 3 hours

[Matt C 452]

Rage of the Yeti

There's a perverse pleasure in watching TV actors slumming it in disposable SyFy Z-grade monster movies, as in "Wow, Robin Hood is in this?" or "Wow, isn't Gimli getting enough residual checks from LOTR?". But, as far as SyFy 'movies' go, it's not bad -- director/co-star David Hewlett recognizes the silliness of the whole thing and rolls with it, $1.8M budget and all. As a result, there's some genuine laughs (both intentional and unintended) and it passes by entertainingly fast. (It helps if you have some drinks and friends on hand.)

But I felt bad for Jonas Armstrong. You can tell he did it for the money, and he looks uncomfortable.

[A24 4,326]

The Conjuring: Pretty good and cozy ... still, most of the time you're scared because of sudden loud music or sound fx. 7/10

Alex

[Jay 37,281]

The Shining (1980)

My first time ever seeing it. Unfortunately I watched the "International Cut" and not the "normal" version, so I haven't seen the "whole" movie yet I suppose (See a listing of the differences here: http://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=1215)

Anyway, I loved the film. Talk about a killer spooky/creepy atmosphere. I can tell much from this film has been copied/imitated in the years following, though I dunno if anyone's ever pulled it off as successfully as it is here. The music was awesome, damn near spot on every time, the movie is spotted very well. Kubrick does a great bit of suddenly inserting shocking footage in the middle of a long slow shot that works very well every time. And the now-iconic shots of the blood coming out of the elevators, and the twin girls standing in the hotel hallways were just fantastic to see in context.

The story is simple but effective. I did think that Jack went too quickly into crazy town, and was a total douche to his wife before his first encounter with spirits, but maybe some of that is worked out better in the full movie.

I'll definitely be watching this one again, great film.

[Marian Schedenig 8,172]

Kubrick does a great bit of suddenly inserted shocking footage in the middle of a long slow shot that works very well every time.

It's the way he keeps drawing out those long shots for an eternity before the inevitable shock cut you know is coming that makes it so tense for me.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

I agree with Jason's review. Not a perfect film, but when it comes to atmosphere....

[A24 4,326]

What is "a perfect film"? I can't find the definition in the dictionary.

[Neimoidian 14]

What is "a perfect film"? I can't find the definition in the dictionary.

Check under J like Jaws or E like Empire Strikes Back

[A24 4,326]

I predicted people would say "look under Jaws and Raiders Of The Lost Ark".

[BloodBoal 7,538]

JWFANers are like a well-oiled clock: always so predictable...

[A24 4,326]

Into The Wild: Not a perfect film ( ) but boy, when it's good, it's really good! By the way, it's now the favorite movie of me son.

8/10

Alex

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

My son, not me son....

[A24 4,326]

It's Irish, me boy.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

On JWfan we speak English!

[crocodile 7,982]

These days it's more Common Speech, though.

Karol