What is the Last Film You Watched? - Part II

[tpigeon 3]

Amazingly, Karol, they're out there. Some claim to see right through it; I guess those of us who find too complex to easily pinpoint its meanings, themes, and messages are just not advanced enough to see how simple it really is.

Ted

[robthehand 3]

I loved 2001 before I could understand any of its meanings.

[tpigeon 3]

The point is that the film offers a wealth of ideas, themes, and concepts, many of which are abstract and difficult to verbalize so easily. I suppose everything is a matter of perception, and that the ideas of the film can be seen as complex or simple depending on the viewer. But it is my belief that the concepts in the film concern deeply philosophical and social questions and observations; and it communicates them all not through character or dialogue, but images and music. Perhaps I overcomplicate, but to claim it's simple is irresponsible.

Ted

[robthehand 3]

I wasn't claiming it was simple, I was just commenting that I found a lot in it to enjoy when I was too young to understand any other meaning it might (and does) have.

Now, I understand it differently every time I see it.

[Romão 2,274]

As Rob, it´s easy to become fascinated by the whole experience, even if you might not have a full grasp of all its ideas.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

It's a good film, and a visual joy.

Too bad you have to read the book to understand what the f**k it was all about.

[robthehand 3]

It's a good film, and a visual joy.

Too bad you have to read the book to understand what the f**k it was all about.

I've never read the book, but I've got a pretty good idea what the film's about.

[tpigeon 3]

I wasn't claiming it was simple, I was just commenting that I found a lot in it to enjoy when I was too young to understand any other meaning it might (and does) have.

Now, I understand it differently every time I see it.

Yes, I know. I was further clarifying my thoughts stated in the previous post having read yours. I know what you meant.

Ted

[nightscape94 965]

It's a good film, and a visual joy.

Too bad you have to read the book to understand what the f**k it was all about.

And that's the reason why I didn't enjoy 2010 all that much, because it explained too much. The reason I love 2001 is how it is able to explain or communicate to the audience without being fully aware of it. Learning comes after your mind deconstructs it, not because it was spelled out for you.

Tim

[Red 75]

Where for art thou Alexcremers?

[nightscape94 965]

Wherefore doesn't mean "where"

Tim, being picky

[Red 75]

Wrong sir! It does mean where!

Rabbit--being opinionated

[crocodile 8,020]

It's a good film, and a visual joy.

Too bad you have to read the book to understand what the f**k it was all about.

And that's the reason why I didn't enjoy 2010 all that much, because it explained too much. The reason I love 2001 is how it is able to explain or communicate to the audience without being fully aware of it. Learning comes after your mind deconstructs it, not because it was spelled out for you.

Tim

Yes, exactly. It is a film in a clearest form. Not a narrative in a traditional sense, but rather a visual expierence that doesn't need to be explained verbally. I love it for just that. Besides, you really need to see it more than once and this is more than in the case of most films around. As most of Kubrick's films.

I wish I could see it on big screen, even if the DVD release is gorgeous.

Karol, who considers 2001 to be the most (or one of) visually stunning things that were ever put on film.

[robthehand 3]

I saw the new Casino Royale. My comments are here.

I give it ****/*****.

[fommes 153]

It's a good film, and a visual joy.

Too bad you have to read the book to understand what the f**k it was all about.

The book is about different things than the film.

[tpigeon 3]

Last night, I watched Slither, which was thoroughly hilarious, gory, and scary at the same time. And I loved it. Horror movies have been so poor in recent years for two major reasons: first, they neuter the material to PG-13 status, and second, they take themselves entirely too seriously. So few directors today seem to understand that with films, you can convey feeling, intensity, exhiliration, and real excitement in more ways than using slow motion, rapid editing, and over-the-top music. Slither is so good because it does none of those things. It is a great homage while also kinda of original in its quirckiness and unabashed love of everything gooey and slithery. It was made by a director who understands, honors, and loves horror movies.

How strange that two of the best movies I've seen this year are horror films, the other being The Descent.

Ted

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

Superman: The Movie - Nothing much needs to be said anymore...except it made me feel good.

[Justin 2]

Downfall. As good as the first time. 5 out of 5.

Justin

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

X-Men 3: The Last Stand.

What could have been a very good film merely became just a good or decent film.

Running at some 104 min it's far too short for it's own good. and the different plot threads and host of characters new and old are rushed along.

Rogue was the central character in the first film, in this she has maybe 5 minutes of screentime. I would have liked to see more of her and her desicsion to take the cure.

Action scenes are pretty good, if a bit too crowded. The sequence in the Grey house is outstanding though.

The de aging CGI used in the opening scenes of the film didn't convince me, Stewart and McKellen looked too shiny, too digital. I'm glad Ratner didn't use this trick when he made Red Dragon a few years back.

Ian McKellen was superb as always but the material wasn't always up to his level, Stewart was good too. (I like the fact that Picard now has his Katra transferred into some braindead guy )

Famke Jansen looks stunning even when covered with layers of CGI taking Xavier apart, pity she doesn't actually do anything for most of the latter part of the film.

Halle Barry annoyed me more in this then the previous 2 films.

Music was very effective in the film, even if they toned down or removed a lot of the choir.

All in all a good action film that has interesting ideas but rather goes for the big effects scenes.

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

The de aging CGI used in the opening scenes of the film didn't convince me, Stewart and McKellen looked too shiny, too digital. I'm glad Ratner didn't use this trick when he made Red Dragon a few years back.

Hmm..I didnt notice anything wrong in the theater. Is it one of those effects which looks noticebly worse on DVD?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

I did not see it in the cinema, so I don't know.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

I didn't have a problem with it in the theatre either. Hm.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Well it didn't look 100% convincing on the 660 MB Divx file I saw.

[QMM 4]

Ian McKellen was superb as always but the material wasn't always up to his level, Stewart was good too. (I like the fact that Picard now has his Katra transferred into some braindead guy )

I for the most part didn't like the film that much and while McKellen was the standout (again) there were way too many groaner lines (Homo-sapians and their guns, in chess the pawns go first!) but the two scenes that he did just superbly were the one where he berates the spikey mutant about Charles and his last scene.

Saw Ronin.

That sums it up pretty well

[Marian Schedenig 8,212]

What could have been a very good film merely became just a good or decent film.

Agreed, but I say the same about the first two installments.

Rogue was the central character in the first film, in this she has maybe 5 minutes of screentime. I would have liked to see more of her and her desicsion to take the cure.

True. On the other hand, one of this films strengths was that it lived up to its title by actually focusing on the "X-Men" instead of just one or two characters. The first two movies had pretty much everyone except Wolverine and Rogue as either supporting characters or (e.g. Storm) as cardboard characters for action scenes.

Action scenes are pretty good, if a bit too crowded. The sequence in the Grey house is outstanding though.

Agreed.

The de aging CGI used in the opening scenes of the film didn't convince me, Stewart and McKellen looked too shiny, too digital.

It looked real to me, but while one of them really looked younger, the other one seemed totally unchanged to me.

Halle Barry annoyed me more in this then the previous 2 films.

I liked her, unlike in the first two films she a) looked good and B) actually acted.

Music was very effective in the film, even if they toned down or removed a lot of the choir.

The overuse of choir is one of the problems of the otherwise really good score.

My main complaint about this movie was that while it seemed to handle the general concepts well, it just had to throw in unbalancing bits like overly stupid one-liners every few minutes.

[Ollie 1,059]

Amazingly, Karol, they're out there. Some claim to see right through it; I guess those of us who find too complex to easily pinpoint its meanings, themes, and messages are just not advanced enough to see how simple it really is.

Ted

Yes heavens forbid there are intelligent people out there who find this film to be nothing special.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

The overuse of choir is one of the problems of the otherwise really good score.

This again?

overuse of choir? what does that mean?

I don't hear you complaining of overuse of string, or overuse of woodwinds in scores?

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

It still sounds like the choir in X3 is chanting "Beefcake, beefcake, beefcake," at times to me.

[Marian Schedenig 8,212]

Strings generally don't sounds as "massive" as a choir, particularly a bombast choir like the one Powell used. Anyway, if he had 100 strings playing over a score that mostly relies on piano, I'd probably complain.

It still sounds like the choir in X3 is chanting "Beefcake, beefcake, beefcake," at times to me.

At least part of the lyrics is the Dies Irae from the Requiem Mass. I haven't been able to make out all of them though.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

Yeah, I heard that. Nice nod to the X2 opening sequence.

[crocodile 8,020]

Star Trek: TMP

Believe it or not, it was my first time. I was really schocked that it was not an action picture. Tn fact, not counting the opening sequence, there are no action sequences at all! Which is strange if you think of it as a blockbuster s-f movie. I absolutely loved the film! It really has the sense of wonder and this alone is priceless.

Oh, and the Enterprise cue is wonderful in the context of the film (as is all of the score, by the way).

Karol, who now has to see the other nine ST movies.

[Morlock 11]

A whole bunch of films coming at you.

Saw an eclectic group of classics:

The Battle of Algiers. Powerful, powerful film. I was immidiately struck that this film was one of the best I've ever seen. An amazing depiction of the uprising by the Algerians against the French, within the city of Algier. It's just breathtaking, and caused me to ask myself all kinds of question regarding terrorism and occupation. It also features one of Morricone's best scores. ****/****.

La Dolce Vite. Local Cinematque is having a Fellini month, I'm tryign to catch a few of them. This was the first one I caught. First Fellini film I've ever seen. I must say, I wasn't quite prepared for it, and, I'll admit, I found myself occaisionaly bored in the film. I'm not sure it needed to be so long. But, that's a minor point. The film is filled with great images, and is rather affecting in Mastroiani's search for happiness. I was a bit unprepared for the non-linear, long-winded approach, so this first viewing was probably rather less effective than it would have been if I'd have known what to expect. Lovely Rota score.

Sunset Blvd.. I've said before everything that can be said about this film, the greatest ever made about Hollywood, so I'll just note specific things I noticed this time around- Erich von Stroheim's beautiful performance is really key to the film, and Waxman's score must be one of the finest golden age scores ever. I must have this score, the way he uses the two main characters theme and the chase theme throughout is fantastic, ending in the slightely grotesque version for the finale, echoing Norma's madness. ****/****.

.....and a couple of Guy Ritchie films:

Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two smoking barrles. I've made up my mind- both are terrific, but I like Snatch more. So much energy and inventiveness in both film, though, it's hard to choose. I think Brad Pitt, Dennis Farina and the Gypsys tip the scale for me. Pitt gives a great performance, IMO one of his most convincing. Two extremely entertaining films. ***1/2 out of **** for both.

......and a few miscellanious film:

Mississippi burning. The one great film I've seen by Allan Parker, depicting the unfolding investigation by two FBI agents (Willem Defoe and Gene Hackman) into the dissappearance of three civil rights workers. Great supporting work by Brad Dourif, R. Lee Earmy and Frances McDormand. ****/****.

Thank You For Smoking. Simply hillarious satire. It's kind of a lighter, far less scathing Lord of War, except it's funnier. Here's a film that's hinged entirely on script and performances, and it's got a great script and great performances. Aaron Eckhart is marvelous as the most self-confident person ever seen on film, and he is surrounded by a superb supporting cast, including J.K. Simmons as his boss ("We don't sell Tic Tacs, we sell cigarettes. And they're cool, available, and *addictive*. The job is almost done for us!"), Robert Duvall as the head of the Tobbacco studies, Rob Lowe as the head of a talent agency, William H. Macy as a senator ("The great state of Vermont will not apologize for its cheese!"), David Koerchner and Maria Bello as the MOD (Merchants of Death) squad, and Sam Elliot in a rather touching role as the former Marlboro man. ***1/2 out of ****.

And, finally, this isn't a film, but it's noteworthy as entertainment goes:

An Evening with Kevin Smith. A very enjoyable way to spend an evening. It's nearly 4 hours longs, but it's worth the time. Smith comes off very sincere and very, very funny. He offers insight into how his films got made, into some of the controversies, and just offers dozens of great stories and anecdotes (I loved his detailing of his sparring with Tim Burton). Essential viewing for all Smith fans.

[QMM 4]

Deja Vu

Really fine Tony Scott film, definately the best he's put out yet. I wont call it a "return to form" since I liked Domino as well but people will be happy that he tones down on his use of filters and changing the exposures. Also my favorite HGW score of the Tony Scott movies although most will think that John Powell scored it.

Definately a movie to be discussed after seeing it, and worth seeing twice.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

 And, finally, this isn't a film, but it's noteworthy as entertainment goes:

An Evening with Kevin Smith. A very enjoyable way to spend an evening. It's nearly 4 hours longs, but it's worth the time. Smith comes off very sincere and very, very funny. He offers insight into how his films got made, into some of the controversies, and just offers dozens of great stories and anecdotes (I loved his detailing of his sparring with Tim Burton). Essential viewing for all Smith fans.

I love the part were he tells us of his first sexual experience with his now wife...with a aching wound on his dick.

That's something I would do....

[pixie_twinkle 48]

Casino Royale. What an excellent film! It is a little front heavy in that all the main action set pieces are in the first half, but then it's the second half (starting with the Poker Game) that really makes the film. I give it 4/5. It certainly puts Die Another Day to shame, but also makes DAD seem more like a "typical" Bond film than it used to! Casino Royale is the biggest change to the Bond style to date, and with the ending suggesting that things will be back to normal for Bond next time round this was a very welcome movie.

[Morlock 11]

Also my favorite HGW score of the Tony Scott movies although most will think that John Powell scored it.

Well, that's rather faint praise, concidering his previous work for TS . I am a big HGW fan though, so would you mind elaborating a bit on what kind of score it is? (I assume it's nothing like Domino, which recycled the main titles from Man on Fire, and otherwise had no cue longer than 20 seconds long)

I love the part were he tells us of his first sexual experience with his now wife...with a aching wound on his dick.

That's something I would do....

That must be in An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder, as I don't recall hearing that one.

I saw Fellini's 8 1/2. Very good. Liked it more than La Dolce Vita. The main character being a director obviously gave Fellini a lot more to work with. Wonderful dialogue, very watchable. The dream sequences are great, I love the score. It doesn't leave you with as much to think about as La Dolce Vita, but it's one terrific ride.

Saw Disney's Tarzan. I'd seen it in the theater in 99', didn't like it then. This time around, it was actually quite good. Best looking 2D film I've seen from Disney, it is extremely vibrant. Nice characters, songs are good, if suffering from being overly-Phil Collins-ish. ***/****.

Saw Batman Begins for the fourth time. Flawed, yes. But still, an invigorating watch. It is so intelligently scripted and executed, so much good sense is in the film, in all the technicalities of bringing Batman into the 21st century, and specifically into the current climate of fear. Bale gives a great performance. Neeson is fantastic throughout, though his character is short-changed during the climax. And I loved Cilian Murphy, Caine, Freeman, Oldman and Tom Wilkenson, who I think it just marvelous as the mob boss. Paying specific attention to the score, I must say, I am liking and respecting it more and more. There's more going on there than you think, and a lot more going on if you thought it was just noise throughout. Those motifs are in there, and they are put to great use. It's a shame that the only music in the film people remembered was the string theme, which, though it is good, is never used with any form of subtlety, and sticks out compared to the rest of the score. We had the Burton/Elfman approach to Batman music, and it a classic, I think there is room for the Nolan/Howard/Zimmer approach. ***1/2 out of ****.

Saw The Matador again, a very cute flick from last year. Pierce Brosnan's best performance (Although he is pretty darn likable in The Tailor of Panama), Greg Kinnear is as solid as always. Good screenplay, a bunch of really satisfying scenes. Short, to the point, entertaining, doesn't wear-out it's welcome. ***/****.

And, in somewhat of a departure from my usual dose of Hollywood films/classics, I saw a local film, Someone to Run With. I rarely see Israeli films, and, if this film is indicative, I really should. It's a fine film, a tale of a 16 year-old girl who runs away from home, and enters a supposed Musicians shelter for homeless kids, which turns out to be a front for a drug operation. As it unfolds her story, it becomes evident that she dissappeared at some point, and the movie also follows a kid, who, as a summer job, takes dogs from the city's pound out in an attempt to find their masters. One dog turns out to be the girl's, and the dog leads him on a journey through Jerusalem to piece together what happened to the girl. A beautiful little film that uses locale of Jerusalem very well, and also exposes a stark, ruthless side to the city. If it ever gets to a theater near you, I recommend it. Hopefully it will, as generally the only Israeli films that get a world-wide release have some political agenda, which this one is mercifully lacking. ***1/2 out of ****.

[QMM 4]

Also my favorite HGW score of the Tony Scott movies although most will think that John Powell scored it.

Well, that's rather faint praise, concidering his previous work for TS . I am a big HGW fan though, so would you mind elaborating a bit on what kind of score it is? (I assume it's nothing like Domino, which recycled the main titles from Man on Fire, and otherwise had no cue longer than 20 seconds long)

Yeah his work for Scott hasn't really put out anything worthwhile, but I did like Spy Game. His work here is very close to the style of the Bourne movies, with it's main theme basically a variation of one of the bourne themes (which I still liked). There's some piano work that's similiar to his usual stuff and some nice action music, great with the Humvee chase, but most of the score is subdued strings but more thematic then he's usually done for Scott.

Edit: I dont know if you'll be able to listen to it but you can preview the soundtrack on iTunes.

[Ollie 1,059]

While not movies I watched all 6 episodes of Police Squad.

Too bad this series only lasted 6 episodes but there are some funny moments like the live freeze frames at the end of each episode and the celebrity guest star death sequence during the credits. Some of the jokes would find their way to the Naked Gun films.

[Red 75]

That must be in An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder, as I don't recall hearing that one.  

No, that was in there. I remember it.

Rabbit--who likes Smith's Superman and Tim Burton stories the best

[SturgisPodmore 0]

Recently saw Stranger Than Fiction, which I enjoyed very much, especially the scenes with Emma Thompson, who I'd never seen outside PoA. A-

~Sturgis

[Docteur Qui 1,544]

...especially the scenes with Emma Thompson, who I'd never seen outside PoA. A-

~Sturgis

You're missing out on quite an actor! She is stunning in most things she touches (or writes or directs).

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

Kruistocht in Spijkerbroek (Crusade in Jeans)

A European co-production based on a Dutch children's classic.

Nice production value, but director Sombogaart is clearly much more at home in intimate scenes between two or three characters. Whenever it turns small, it becomes interesting, but it feels like the film demanded a far more epic scope than it was given. It also needed to be a bit more violent. I think you needed that sharp contrast that the book provided.

The score was pretty good, but mixed a bit too loud. It's nice if you want to listen to the score, but when watching the film, the score imposes itself too much upon the viewer. And I have a sneaking suspicion the theme used for the crusade was based off of the PotC theme (temp tracking perhaps?).

Okay film, but nowhere near as good as the book.

[Marian Schedenig 8,212]

Watch ed King Kong (extended edition) last week. Having only seen the regular movie once, I noticed three new scenes, the third of which ("funny" soldiers during the final act) was rather lame. The other two, while not essential, were fine, the new introduction to the island's creatures being particularly effective.

And I still say the movie is great, and not too long. The movie certainly benefits from a very detailed first act. The island segment has endless action, but it actually works - and (sorry for the blasphemy) better so than the island segment in the '33 original. And as I said before, a movie which has a scene where a giant ape sliding around on a frozen lake in New York isn't ridiculous but actually touching must have done many things right. The acting is good, and Kong himself is 99% believable (the only problems are a few scenes of him jumping around - but he still looks solid and heavy in those, so it's still much better than it would have been just a few years ago). My brain refuses to believe his mimics are still CGI-produced. Oh, and as great as the T-Rex in JP was, it was rather limited - I find no flaws with the one in KK either. I know this will make me a heretic, but Kong is certainly a much better movie than JP. Fine score too, though it seems the CD has all the important material and the rest was mostly repetitions of that material in various forms.

The other movie I watched was just yesterday: An engaging spy movie with an outstanding lead actor, interesting characters, some exciting action sequences with great stunts and refreshingly few special effects and explosions. Plus a fine score and an amazing title sequence. Refreshingly few Hollywood cliches. Now who would have thought just a short while ago that this description would actually match a new Bond movie. 8O

Craig has been frequently called the best Bond since Connery. I'd go so far and say that he doesn't have to hide behind Connery. He does an outstanding job at portraying an ice cold killer who still displays some dry humour at times. Of course, it helps that he actually has an interesting character to portray. Eva Green is a great Bond girl. The train conversation was just brilliant (and though very different, still reminded me of North by Northwest). And after only hinting at the Bond theme throughout the entire score, Arnold's final moments truly shine. Though before I forget, the movie had one flaw: The final third was merely good, while the first two were really very good. Perhaps seeing it for a second time will change that impression, but after the first two very concentrated and balanced thirds, the finale just seemed to be somewhat unfocused.

Still, a clear recommendation, not just as a Bond movie, but as a movie.

[robthehand 3]

I agree about Casino Royale and King Kong (though I haven't seen the extended version).

I only saw KK in the cinema, but I plan to buy the DVD - do you recommend the extended version over the theatrical one?

[Marian Schedenig 8,212]

I liked the Triceratops scene. I disliked that third scene with the soldiers, but it was very brief. So overall, I'd say yes, but obviously I don't have a detailed memory and can't say if I spotted all the differences. Haven't checked out any extras yet either.

[Elmo Lewis 6]

Hannah and her Sisters - Fine, so I liked a Woody Allen movie. Let's not make a big deal about it. I only watched it because it had Michael Caine in it. And then there was Princess Leia and Marge Simpson, which always makes the screen time go faster.

Princess Bride - I had not seen this movie in my childhood, and I was fearing that, much like The Goonies, it would be dated and I'd feel detached from it. Well, the movie was dated all right, but I was sucked into it within 2 or 3 minutes after hitting the "play" button. Very very good, very honest and innocent movie. We need more like these nowadays. And I mean without Heath Ledger.

[nightscape94 965]

Parenthood. A Ron Howard directed film from the late 80s with a solid ensemble cast. They work with a great screenplay revolving around a very large, branched family, and how they each deal with the issues of, well....parenthood. Don't miss this one!

Tim

[SturgisPodmore 0]

I think the T-Rex in Kong has nothing on the one in JP, because the one in JP always looks real and tangible. I know it's easier to do those effects at night, but still, I think the JP T-Rex looks better than Kong's.

~Sturgis, who, though he thinks it is quite flawed, still loves Kong and its effects (plus its awesome score)

[robthehand 3]

Jurassic Park's T-Rex might be better, but King Kong is by far the better film. I just can't stand Jurassic Park (the film).

[Marian Schedenig 8,212]

JP is very flawed but fun. Kong has very few flaws. Regarding the T-Rex... I find the one in Kong perfectly believable. The JP Rex has the advantage of moving very slowly (which may look more believable to us who have never seen huge beasts at high speeds) and being mostly seen at night (and sometimes only partly, i.e. as a "real" model).