Dixon Hill 4,234 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 And the sequel, How To Train Your Dragon To Contemplate This On The Tree Of Woe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodBoal 7,538 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurmm 91 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy. A typically weak villain aside, this was pure escapism. It's been a while since I saw something this fun at the movies (last was maybe Tintin?), so much so that I'm planning on watching it again. I think I read a comment from one of you that this is a cross between Star Wars, Hellboy, and Serenity. I will agree to that. This could have been a 5 starrer if they had managed to juggle the near perfect tone/direction and cast with a stronger villain. Not that it matters much though when it's so much fun. That deadpan Drax guy was a hoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I found to be more like Spaceballs.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,715 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 The Guardians of the Galaxy: I really enjoyed this one without having any prior knowledge of this particular corner of the ever expanding Marvel universe and it was probably one of the most comic book like of the super hero movies from the Marvel saga thusfar in terms of spirit. In a way departure from Earth bound troubles gave it an interesting dimension. There is an awful lot of humour, which happily fits the characters quite well and they do mine it from their personalities and quirks and how badly they initially work together. But a lot of it helps to make the galaxy rattling events of the film not so onerous and gloomy. Great actors all around and even the animated ones seem to have genuine heart to them, which I guess means that the director/writer succeeded in suspending my disbelief for 2 hours. Also the film is written so that while Star-Lord is the main character all the others in the group are knitted in so that it does not feel that the writer/director is obviously offering them equal screen time but it all flows rather naturally. It is obviously a comic book story with all the blow heart grand standing and megalomanical fanatical villains but the film does it all with such glee it is fun to watch. Not a modern day Star Wars by any means in terms of impact but I found this movie simple old fashioned fun escapism.The Marvel Studios and their films have become this juggernaut that churns super hero universe films left and right and this movie felt just one more expansion to that bigger web of stories. The Infinity Stones are slowly coming together for the great Thanos saga I guess but it makes me wonder how many of these films will there be before they get to that absolutely ridiculously scaled piece of pure comic book extravaganza.And now for the usual film score lament/sermon of the day: Tyler Bates' music is largely wall paper and at times I wondered why did they even use music for scenes where the score battles millions of sound effects at the same time and is in effect used to plug any possible sonic holes in this carpet of sound. People should learn how and importantly where to use music to the best dramatic effect and not whisk it at every scene and see if it sticks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,234 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I have heard from reliable sources that film programs at certain top schools do not mention a single thing about music in their core curriculums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,335 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Saw Galaxy Of The Guardians. Overall, I though it was a little bit too much of everything, too noisy and jittery. Ultimately, I'm left with an experience that is too airy and fleeting, but ... I liked it (7/10): lots of humor, colorful and fun characters (yes, I loved the raccoon), elaborate settings, pure Saturday matinee escapism. In short, it's the new Flash Gordon (there's really no more need to remake that one, I suppose)! Also, the movie reminded me of Hellboy (2004). It feels like it's been made in the same spirit (similar vibe, tongue and cheek humor, dark yet colorful, a wild variety of crazy creatures and characters, et cetera). However, am I the only one who was losing attention during the big war battles with a gazillion flying objects? At that point I thought it was as boring as a Star Wars prequel. I'm much more in favor for scenes like 'Earl' and his whistle controlled arrow. Wasn't that great?! Anyway, that's my biggest complaint, the rest of the movie is really okay. Guardians Of The Galaxy is easily one of the best Marvel movies to date.Alex - somehow slightly disappointed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 It's Hollywood law to end on a big battle with spaceships, you know that. It was passable here, but really the last great spaceship battle finale was Independence Day, 20 odd years ago. That battle had excellent action storytelling. Avatar also got quite close, but the fireworks went on too long. Not good enough, Marvel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I'll be trekking out to the theater tonight to see GOTG with a bunch of friends, can't wait. The Long final battle with a million explosions in the sky is primarily what made Iron Man 3 a thumbs down for me. I strongly prefer the older Marvel films to the newer ones... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 The first 2 Iron Man films had the same final act problems that 3 had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,335 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 The Avengers had this problem too. It was even worse there since Whedon isn't that good at large action pieces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 At least he didnt resort to shaky cam and split second edits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,335 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Yeah, but during all that action, it felt like the actors didn't know what to do or what they were looking at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I think the final acts of Iron Man 1 & 2 are way better than 3's.I didn't care for The Avengers overall either, again mostly because of the endless third act (but also because of really weak villains and their motivation) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 The special effects in Guardians are at least superior to those other movies, so there's that. But yeah, some other way of ending these movies on a crescendo (if they must) needs to be considered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Anyone else looking forward to The Expendables 3? But worried about the cast though. Ford, Banderas, Gibson, Grammer. These are actors with actual credibility... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I think the final acts of Iron Man 1 & 2 are way better than 3's.I have to respectfully disagree. Can't remember the first film's final act, and the second one is outdone by Monaco sequence, easily. The finale of the third film compromises logic of script somewhat, but at least it's funnier. And yes, I do like the scene when Paltrow kicks Guy Pearce's ass. And at least there is no robots fighting in there - now that's boring.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 The Iron Man 3 finale has too many robots! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 It was, sure. But at the same time it all felt very tongue in cheek. As if Shane Black was making fun out of this blockbuster trope.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,335 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 People still contemplate about Iron Man 3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 It's up there with Bergman's and Godard's finest.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Only on JWfan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Anyone else looking forward to The Expendables 3? But worried about the cast though. Ford, Banderas, Gibson, Grammer. These are actors with actual credibility...I was, until I learned they'd knocked it down to a kiddie friendly PG rating. Part of the fun of the previous two movies was the insane cartoon violence, and with that significantly censored this time I'm thinking I'd rather not watch The A-team starring Stallone and Arnie.Maybe the blu will have the 'uncensored' version, in which they insert the cg blood and dismemberment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 yea, I recently saw that Expendables 3 was PG13 after the first two were rated R, and kinda thought to myself "WTF?"I've never seen any of the them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,335 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I saw the first one. It didn't leave a strong, lasting impression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I can't even remember what happened in the first one.Btw, this post has just taken me nearly 5 mins to post after pressing submit. The site has been really, really slow for a couple of days now. Last night it failed to load at all. Karol told me he's experiencing it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Guardians of the GalaxyMeh. It was fine I guess - fun, funny, and no doubt a GREAT cast (something Marvel has consistently gotten right in all of their films). The characters were great, and definitely unique. Loved Rocket and Groot the most, and Drax too. Quill and Zoe Gamora where kind of generic. All the villains and supporting characters where really great, especially Lee Pace as Ronan (took me half the movie to figure out it was Lee Pace!), Michael Rooker as the father figure, John C Reilly, Glenn Close, Karen Gillan, and even Josh Brolin as Thanos for 3 quick scenes.The beginning of the movie was very off-putting, for like 10-15 minutes you are repeatedly introduced to one character after another after another and it was a ton to keep up with. Eventually it settled down into a fairly straightforward plot though. The pacing was fine, and action scenes were fine, everything was really just that - fine. The weakest part is the script, not the actual dialogue spoken but the plot. It was absolutely NOTHING original, and was kind of a lot of The Avengers in a lot of ways.You're gonna have a good time at this film, but there is nothing groundbreaking here. It's very similar to all the recent Marvel movies.Teenagers are going to absolutely love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Does anyone ever expect anything groundbreaking from a Marvel flick? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Yeah, typical fodder is what they do, and have been doing for quite some time. You have to admit they're good at it as well.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I can't even remember what happened in the first one.Oh stuff!Explosions, fighting, people shot in the face!The first film had the right idea, but didnt quite have the cast and/or budget.The second one gets it right! Its fantastic.Not sure about the third. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I've enjoyed both so far, even went to the pictures to see 'em with my other half, she loves cheesy macho action movies almost as much as me which is great! But yeah, that PG rating is a bit of a downer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,234 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Anyone else looking forward to The Expendables 3? But worried about the cast though. Ford, Banderas, Gibson, Grammer. These are actors with actual credibility...I am actually. Haven't seen any of them yet, but the trailer for the third made it seem like such a damn good time, and at this point it's hard to think of someone who isn't in it. Seems fun. Maybe not "pay for a theater ticket to see it" fun, but "watch it later" fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 All the guns have been replaced with walkie talkies.Karo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Quint, it's PG13, not PG. There's a huge difference between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 But there is also a big difference between PG13 and R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Only Spielberg gets away with gore at that rating though, Jason. They'll be no fists ripping hearts out in this, sadly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,016 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 But there is also a big difference between PG13 and R.And that is what makes this film utterly pointless.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Only Spielberg gets away with gore at that rating though, Jason. They'll be no fists ripping hearts out in this, sadly.Temple of Doom was rated PG, not PG13. And that was 30 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Has there been another moment of extreme onscreen brutality in a family movie in that 30 years Jay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,364 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I would not call the heart ripping scene in Temple of Doom "extreme onscreen brutality" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodBoal 7,538 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 The second one gets it right! Its fantastic.The airport scene was bloody brilliant! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I would not call the heart ripping scene in Temple of Doom "extreme onscreen brutality"Plenty of Daily Mail readers would. And for once they might have actually been right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Is it true that the English public can only see the intended version of that scene since the Blu-ray release? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I think so. I'm still on the DVD boxset here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I remember watching it on the beeb in the 90's and just be appalled! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharkissimo 1,973 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Has there been another moment of extreme onscreen brutality in a family movie in that 30 years Jay?Possibly in animated films. I remember THE BLACK CAULDRON being controversial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Mark 3,631 Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share Posted August 13, 2014 Ah, I like how the threads were re-named Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,715 Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Does anyone ever expect anything groundbreaking from a Marvel flick?Yeah, typical fodder is what they do, and have been doing for quite some time. You have to admit they're good at it as well.KarolIt is a bit like reading their comics. You know what you are going to get and they usually more or less deliver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
publicist 4,643 Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 A very depressing doc posted on FSM about the bankruptcy of leading fx companies and how globalization kills american business: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,782 Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 I've still got the audio interview I did with Bill Westenfoffer last year somewhere. I should get it published someday. He was a tad deflective however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now