What is the Last Film You Watched? - Part II

[QMM 4]

Just bought the WOTW dvd and am currently in the process of watching it, killer sound design

Max

[Elmo Lewis 6]

Taxi Driver. My roommate's friend, who was watching it next to me, said he understood Travis all along.

[Justin 2]

Mystic River. *Some Spoilers*

This was the first film I'd seen with Eastwood behind the lense and overall I thought the film was pretty good. Sean Penn is wonderful through the film and very much deserved his Oscar. Tim Robbins is touch and go through much of the film. His performance improves for the second half. The story centers around three men who's lives are all effected by the death of Penn's daughter. An interesting sub plot revolves around the idea of child molestation against robbins character. Kevin Bacon plays the straight man of the picture, buddied up with Lawrence Fishbourne (who I found surprisingly good) they make a good team. The film is well shot however I wasn't sucked into this one as much as other murder dramas/thrillers like Seven and The Pledge.

The build of suspicions against Robbins' character is well paced and never seemed like Eastwood was trying to convince you that he was the killer. I was very convinced myself which made the finale all that more dramatic. The motivation for the two boys that ended up doing the deed I thought was a little thin and not clearly explained. Was it an accident? Did they mean to killer her? The end of the film has a few pacing problems. The emotional climax is the confrontation between Penn and Robbins' characters paralleled with Bacon finding the real killers. After that there are two final scenes, one between Penn's character and his wife which doesn't make a whole lot of sense and doesn't seem like it added anything to the film emotionaly and the final exchange between Bacon and Penn during the parade which I thought was poigniant but not worth dragging the film on for another 5-10 minutes. Other than that a very solid film. Eastwood's score is well orchestrated from what I could hear. His theme was very simplistic something I don't think I'd enjoy on album. However, in the film is works quite well. A solid picture that brings up some interesting issues.

Justin

[A24 4,331]

Mystic River. *Some Spoilers*

This was the first film I'd seen with Eastwood behind the lense and overall I thought the film was pretty good. Sean Penn is wonderful through the film and very much deserved his Oscar. Tim Robbins is touch and go through much of the film. His performance improves for the second half. The story centers around three men who's lives are all effected by the death of Penn's daughter. An interesting sub plot revolves around the idea of child molestation against robbins character. Kevin Bacon plays the straight man of the picture, buddied up with Lawrence Fishbourne (who I found surprisingly good) they make a good team. The film is well shot however I wasn't sucked into this one as much as other murder dramas/thrillers like Seven and The Pledge.

The build of suspicions against Robbins' character is well paced and never seemed like Eastwood was trying to convince you that he was the killer. I was very convinced myself which made the finale all that more dramatic. The motivation for the two boys that ended up doing the deed I thought was a little thin and not clearly explained. Was it an accident? Did they mean to killer her? The end of the film has a few pacing problems. The emotional climax is the confrontation between Penn and Robbins' characters paralleled with Bacon finding the real killers. After that there are two final scenes, one between Penn's character and his wife which doesn't make a whole lot of sense and doesn't seem like it added anything to the film emotionaly and the final exchange between Bacon and Penn during the parade which I thought was poigniant but not worth dragging the film on for another 5-10 minutes. Other than that a very solid film. Eastwood's score is well orchestrated from what I could hear. His theme was very simplistic something I don't think I'd enjoy on album. However, in the film is works quite well. A solid picture that brings up some interesting issues.

Justin

Except for the film's very ending and score, I was quite impressed with Mystic River. I thought Robbins was great (he kept me guessing all the way through). The good thing about this film's photography lies in its rare use of close-ups. Movies today tend to guide the audience too much. A close-up of this, a close-up of that (look, people, he's sweating!!!). The purpose of this it to try and keep the audience's attention. I thought that was very brave of Eastwood not to participate in that. It was almost old skool cinematography combined with hip coloring. I've forgotten all about The Pledge but many moment of Mystic River will remain in my mind forever.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[Morlock 11]

Season 6 of The Simpsons finally came out on DVD here today (that box sure is ugly ) and I watched the first disc. Great to see those classics again. The Halloween Special is a hoot.

Those Halloween Simpsons Specials, are they popular? I always regarded them the lesser episodes.

Me too, I don't understand why the have become so popular. Generally one segment of each episode was good, at most.

Except for the film's very ending and score, I was quite impressed with Mystic River.

I was floored by the film. Like you said, it has moments and images that will stick with me forever. I do have some problems with it, but none of them are too crucial, except for the ending of it. Those last few minutes are so out of place and run contrary to the rest of the film. I still don't understand it. Just cut out those couple of minutes, and you've got a perfect filmic experience.

That being said, I still think the film is excellent, my favorite of Eastwood's to date.

Since I saw it I've been thinking a lot about Lord of War, and I really think it is an excellent film. I strongly recommend it.

[Elmo Lewis 6]

Miller's Crossing. I am now an official Coen fan. The sequence where Leo escapes death (after Tom and Verna kiss) from two killers, then jumps out the window just in time before he gets of an equally killer car, and then lights up his cigar again... You can't do better than that.

[A24 4,331]

I still don't understand it. Just cut out those couple of minutes, and you've got a perfect filmic experience.

It baffles me too. I wish I could cut it myself. The film just didn't need it. IMO, the street scene with the marching band would've been a great ending.

Lord of War is on my list as future rentals, even though his previous film S1m0ne was a pure waste of time.

[Morlock 11]

The man's certainly got taste. Miller's Crossing is my favorite Coen Bros movie after Big Lebowski. That scene with Finney in particular is probably my favorite scene in the film- having 'Danny boy' in the background is the kind of brilliant touch that makes the Coens who they are.

[A24 4,331]

Miller's Crossing. I am now an official Coen fan. The sequence where Leo escapes death (after Tom and Verna kiss) from two killers, then jumps out the window just in time before he gets of an equally killer car, and then lights up his cigar again... You can't do better than that.

That reminds me that I should buy the DVD. How's the picture quality, Ender?

[Elmo Lewis 6]

It was decent enough for me to not notice. It was projected to us in class, so it was a relatively big screen.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Monty Pythons The Meaning Of Life.

A very good film, closer to the original series then The Holy Grail and Life Of Brian in that it's basically a collection of sketches tied together (though sometimes a bit loosely) by the concept of The Meaning Of Life.

The 17 minute opening film directed by Terry Gilliam is a visual piece of art and has some great Korngold-like music by John DuPrez, but runs a tad long perhaps, great use of miniatures though.

The actual film is directed by Terry Jones, in a more straight forward style.

Highlights, the Birth In The Third World and the Protestand View sketch following that, John Cleese is hilarious in the Sex Education Part ("Stroking the clitoris? how about a kiss, boy?"), and of course you can't leave out the Mr Creosote stuff.

[Justin 2]

I find The Meaning of Life to be exactly like the show in that it should never have been made into a feature motion picture. It'd be a great 3-part episode of the show but I can hardly sit through the whole thing.

Justin - Who MUCH prefers Holy Grail and Life of Brian.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

See review thread.

I've also finished watching season 6 of The Simpsons and am now on to the commentaries. I didn't remember this much ass-kissing from previous series.

They praise John Williams, though. While his name isn't mentioned, Groening comments how he loved the theme from Lost in Space.

I've yet to watch the commentary on The Springfield Connection, which has the "John Williams must be spinning around in this grave" quote. Maybe there's more on that one.

[Morlock 11]

Seeing the bad trailer for the terrible looking Yours, Mine and Ours remake inspired me to see the original again. I just love this movie. A witty, well written, wonderfully acted, innocent comedy that works very well concidering that it's an unmistakable product of it's time, 37 years ago. Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball are wonderful here, an inspired bit of casting. The kids are all good, and Tom Bosley is great in his little role. I find it quite surprising that despite it's age, despite the genre, despite the stereotypes (Van Johnson's smart alecky side kick, Fred Steiner's 60's comedy score), this movie is really, really funny. The dialogue works. The jokes are often hillarious. Once you concede certain things at the begining of the movie- the plot seems believable, the characters' development does not seem foreced, though that's most probably because everyone in the film is so likable.

A lovely family film.

[Morlock 11]

Ender's post got me to pop Miller's Crossing in again. The film has it's slow spots, certainly, but it's got so many brilliantly shot, acted, written, scored scenes that are masterpieces of pacing. The scene where Leo kills the men attacking his home. The scene where John Polito first sees Tom, and has him beaten up. In general, all John Polito's scenes. The scenes showing the police department and mayor on either sides. The scene with Sam Raimi. All the scenes in Miller's Crossing. The scene where Casper kills The Dane. The scene with Tom, Bernie and Casper in the stairway. The final scene between Tom and Leo. All absolutely breathtaking scenes. The film may slow down a bit in the scenes with the dame, but just about everything in between is one of the best films I've ever seen.

[HPFAN_2 0]

Lord of the Rings Return of the King

Peter Jackson's direction is so repetitive it becomes cliche. He can't tell drama without slow motion it seems. Nice action scenes and a really tight plot though.

[nightscape94 965]

I've yet to watch the commentary on The Springfield Connection, which has the "John Williams must be spinning around in this grave" quote. Maybe there's more on that one.

From memory, none of the participants stop and say anything extra about Williams. Many of the season 6 commentaries talk about the Earthquake that hit Los Angeles that year.

Tim

[Hitch 57]

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER:- Good only for the ample use of Amsterdam locations ("and as we head down the Amstel, you will see....ohh" and Sean Connery's bulging waistline. John Barry's sparse score does it little justice. That casino music is soooooo annoying.

[nightscape94 965]

The Ice Harvest. This movie was nothing like I had expected. Honestly, I didn't know anything about it outside the trailer, which did a good job of keeping certain aspects hidden. I hate trailers that disclose every single plot device. But when I saw it, I was surprised that it was hardly a comedy (considering it was made by Harold Ramis). The humor was very odd, it's hard to describe. It's funny in the same way Fargo is funny (if you catch my drift). Some of the comedy is intentionally uncomfortable.

It was a very good movie that is helped by the presence of John Cusack of Billy Bob Thorton. And when Randy Quaid comes in...oh boy, it got even better . The whole film has a noir quality, and acts like one of those old time capers at some points.

Everything takes place over the course of one night, and Oliver Platt plays a drunk during all of that time. He's a scene stealer. Connie Nielsen is even made up to look like one of the sirens of the 50s, and she plays the part well. The last 30 minutes are amazingly tight and well played, not only by all the actors involved, but also directorially.

If you remember, Cusack and Thorton were in Pushing Tin together, and it was fun to see them again.

Tim

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

Thunderball

Gorgeous Bondgirls in this one. And a pretty good movie as well.

[Lurker 5]

Thunderball

Gorgeous Bondgirls in this one.

My 2 favorite Bond girls.

Neil

[Justin 2]

The Limey. *Some Spoilers*

Inspired to see because of Soderbergh's success with Solaris and Out of Sight, I went into this film expecting something spectacular. Perhaps that's part of the reason why I'm not immediately turned on by The Limey. The film is short (running only 89 minutes) and doesn't have a major film company attached to it. Visually, it's wonderful. Beautifully shot and edited, visually, the film sucks you into the (somewhat shallow) psychology of the main character. Terrance Stamp gives an adequate performance although many of his lines seem to be delivered in a somewhat flat way.

It's hard to describe the film. It centers around Stamp who plays a British Ex-Con, seeking revenge for the death of his teenage daughter. For some reason the film just doesn't give him good motivation to go on the horrendous killing sprees that he does in the film. It doesn't give you any real psychological reason for why he wants revenge so much. I kept expecting a big reveal at the end or a plot twist but it turns out that the girl was killed for some fairly basic reasons that I was already expecting. Without any real pay off to all the build up I felt rather disappointed to an otherwise engaging film. I doubt many if any here have seen it, I only got it because of Soderburgh's attachment to the project. Cliff Martinez's music is actually not half bad. The theme is surprisingly well thought out and expressive. Overall, not a bad film there are some truly engaging scenes but overall the film will fade from memory save a few of the exemplary visuals.

Justin

[nightscape94 965]

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. Korean film directed by Chan-Wook Park, who did Oldboy (if you saw this one, and enjoyed it, then what are you doing sitting on the couch! Go rent the other film immediately!). Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is set at a much slower pace, but the story is even more convoluted. It almost requires two viewings to gather everything to where it makes sense. Every piece of information that is thrown at you is hardly digested before the film turns on you. Almost everything that happens is unexpected. The movie is very depressing, and you really feel for the characters.

The movie is about a deaf/mute named Ryu whose sister needs a kidney transplant. In order to save her, he chooses to do the wrong thing. And what basically follows involves kidnapping, suicide, the organ black market, accidental drowning, bloodly triple homicide, electroshock torture, and gratuitous vengeance....

Tim

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

A romcom?

[nightscape94 965]

In a twisted kind of way, sure.

[Romão 2,274]

Monty Pythons The Meaning Of Life.

A very good film, closer to the original series then The Holy Grail and Life Of Brian in that it's basically a collection of sketches tied together (though sometimes a bit loosely) by the concept of The Meaning Of Life.

The 17 minute opening film directed by Terry Gilliam is a visual piece of art and has some great Korngold-like music by John DuPrez, but runs a tad long perhaps, great use of miniatures though.

The actual film is directed by Terry Jones, in a more straight forward style.

Highlights, the Birth In The Third World and the Protestand View sketch following that, John Cleese is hilarious in the Sex Education Part ("Stroking the clitoris? how about a kiss, boy?"), and of course you can't leave out the Mr Creosote stuff. 8O

The ending did it for me. First, that amazing Grim Reaper sketch. And lastly, that guy singing in heaven, and all of the sudden, these disco-sound violins enter...it's just hilarious.

[Elmo Lewis 6]

This weekend I was exposed to the whole Rambo trilogy, one film each day. I don't think I have a cure now, I'll be in "fascist macho" mode for the rest of my life, will I?

[Justin 2]

I'll be in "fascist macho" mode for the rest of my life, will I?

You seem to think that this is something new to your life?

Justin

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

This weekend I was exposed to the whole Rambo trilogy, one film each day. I don't think I have a cure now, I'll be in "fascist macho" mode for the rest of my life, will I?

"I'm your worst nightmare..."

[Elmo Lewis 6]

Indeed.

[Justin 2]

The Machinist. *Some Spoilers*

I rented this film mainly based on reviews from Morlock and Alex. I'd not really even heard of the film outside of them. So I went into it not really knowing what to expect. There's probably no one single thing that I can complain about this film. I can't think of a single scene that didn't really work. It had me guessing all the way to the end. Personally I found it to be quite brilliant in most parts. There are some moments of complete surprise and total horror. At first I thought that when Reznik killed Ivan that he had killed himself since till then it seemed like Ivan was him. Then for a brief moment I thought that the hangman's note was going to say "Trever" but then I realized that I spelled Trevor wrong....

Bale is overall quite good. He plays much of the film quite flat which I think works for the character he gets a little dull in a few scenes, I thought. Roque Baños' original score is wonderful in the film. Almost Hitchcockian in it's orchestration I really think the score was totally nailed in this film. Because of the constant music it really keeps the feel of the film almost like a nightmare always bringing that fantasy element into it, even. The direction is great but what really makes this film succeed is the writing. A wonderful script from start to finish. One of the best films I've seen in quite a while.

Justin

[nightscape94 965]

This weekend I was exposed to the whole Rambo trilogy, one film each day. I don't think I have a cure now, I'll be in "fascist macho" mode for the rest of my life, will I?

Murdock...I'm coming for you!

Tim

[Lurker 5]

I saw a gorgeous brand new 35mm print of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom last night.

Neil

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Cool!

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

You Only Live Twice

Donald Pleasance is still my favorite Blofeld. I love the look they gave this character that has been hidden in the shadows for the past three movies.

[Lurker 5]

I still like Savalas. You always felt like he could kick Bond's ass.

Neil

[robthehand 3]

No-one's beaten Anthony Dawson/Eric Pohlman yet IMO.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

Savalas was great too. But I love that this mysterious evil force is actually a small disfigured man. Yet thanks to Pleasance's performance he's still a menacing guy.

[Orson 1]

Enduring Love.

I had not heard much about this film, except for a recommendation from a friend. Thought it was unique and a bit intense at times. I liked Daniel Craig in it, but I kept thinking to myself that I can't believe this guy is the new Bond. It was also nice to see Samantha Morton with a full head of hair.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

I still like Savalas. You always felt like he could kick Bond's ass.

Neil

Yeah but he plays him more like a hoodlum, a street tug, instead of a brilliant leader of a vast crime organisation.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Watching the last part of Rambo III.

Continues in the footsteps of Rambo: First Blood part II were Rambo is a comic book like superheroe, instead of the tragic figure he was in First Blood.

The film is pretty entertaining, but the second one was more memorable because it had a James Cameron script with some really bad dialogue.

The score by Jerry Goldsmith is top notch, but the film makers felt the need to reuse portions of First Blood Part II for the finale, which for me is a real distraction.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

I was surprised when I first saw the original how tragic a character John Rambo really was. I thought it was a pretty good movie (better than I expected at least) and a statement about the war that was, again, different than what I expected.

I actually couldn't sit through the first sequel. I haven't even bothered having a go at part 3.

[Justin 2]

Enduring Love.

I had not heard much about this film, except for a recommendation from a friend. Thought it was unique and a bit intense at times. I liked Daniel Craig in it, but I kept thinking to myself that I can't believe this guy is the new Bond. It was also nice to see Samantha Morton with a full head of hair.

I just saw a trailer for this. Doesn't look bad.

Justin

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Rambo: First Blood Part II is a really brilliant BAD film.

It's rather dumb, exploitive with some very memorable bad dialogue.

"I want, what they want, and every other guy who came over here and spilled his guts and gave everything he had, wants! For our country to love us as much as we love it! That's what I want!"

But on it's chosen level the film works, and it has The Mother Of All action scores.

PS. I can't get over how silly the final showdown between Rambo and the villian is.

A helicopter and a tank playing chicken, did anyone in the film know that a helicopter can fly over the tank?

[A24 4,331]

Enduring Love.

I had not heard much about this film, except for a recommendation from a friend. Thought it was unique and a bit intense at times. I liked Daniel Craig in it, but I kept thinking to myself that I can't believe this guy is the new Bond. It was also nice to see Samantha Morton with a full head of hair.

I just saw a trailer for this. Doesn't look bad.

Justin

Not bad but it starts with the climax (the first 10 min. are truly amazing) and sorta goes downhill from there.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

the first 10 min. are truly amazing) and sorta goes downhill from there.

Reminds me of some of the sex I had...

[QMM 4]

Star Wars Ep III

Feel better about it since I saw it on opening night (Probably since I was in pain constantly in my stormtrooper garb) but I still don't hold it nearly as high as most people do, best of the prequels but that's not saying much.

Max

[Orson 1]

Enduring Love.

I had not heard much about this film, except for a recommendation from a friend. Thought it was unique and a bit intense at times. I liked Daniel Craig in it, but I kept thinking to myself that I can't believe this guy is the new Bond. It was also nice to see Samantha Morton with a full head of hair.

I just saw a trailer for this. Doesn't look bad.

Justin

Not bad but it starts with the climax (the first 10 min. are truly amazing) and sorta goes downhill from there.

----------------

Alex Cremers

It really kept my interest despite the fact that it got a little repetitive at times. I must say however that I was quite grossed out with the that kissing scene at the end.

[robthehand 3]

Just watched Tim Burton's "The Nightmare before Christmas" on TV. Only one set of adverts!

I'd forgotten how good this movie was.

[Lurker 5]

I saw an almost perfect 35mm print of Back to the Future last night.

Neil