What movies have you seen lately? Now with reviews!Movies 

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Trade - Film is about human trafficking. Women and children being kidnapped, then smuggled, sold to be sex slaves. Let me tell you, it was pretty devastating. You know crimes like this happen, but you just don't think about it. You don't think about it, because you rarely hear about it on the news. I got the impression from the film that the we don't do enough to police this type of crimes.

Props to the people who worked on this film. It's pretty clear that these people pushed to make a point with this film, and I think they did a good job of balancing entertainment, and sending a clear message.

Not for the younger kids, but I'd recommend this to everyone else. Especially the parents. Devastating. I'd give the film a just "B-", but this work is a lot more than that. 👍
 
Hadn't come across that before, will look out for it for my rental list 👍

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Iron Man (2008)

I had low expectations for this film, but I enjoyed it. I'd heard Robert Downey Jr. was excellent in the role of Tony Stark, and my sources were good - his performance lifts this film out of what could have been "close but no cigar" territory and into the "Entertaining" category. You are required to suspend disbelief alot, but as this is a superhero movie, it kind of goes with the territory. I felt that some parts of the film dragged on a bit too long, and that the key moments were a tad schmaltzy, but both are minor criticisms. My main dislike was that the peripheral characters are poor - I disliked Gwyneth Paltrow's doe-eyed sidekick. I reckon her character is intended to be a "strong" woman - a principled and steady influence on Stark's machismo and maverick nature, but instead she comes across more like his wet nurse. Also, Jeff Bridges is wasted and his role is so predictable, they might as well write it on the cover (no wait, they practically do!) All told, however, it's an entertaining film and I'd watch it again. Probably not going to make my "Wishlist", but a solid 7.5/10
 


Bobby (2006) -- Can someone explain why a movie called Bobby (referring to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy) has so little to do with Bobby himself. The movie's topic is about many people who were at the same hotel where RFK was killed, and their lives; some are more political, others none at all. The movie has a bunch of known actors, some very good... but I never really got into the movie. This is because the multiple strand style of telling a story isn't really the director's style (Emilio Estevez), so at times it seemed too carbon copied of the better performers (like Robert Altman). At a certain point, RFK is painted as a Ghandi, especially after he's shot, there's a very long sequence using his speech as a voiceover and all the blood and people wounded as a backdrop, which made me get really lost; I didn't know what to pay attention to. The movie does have its high points, and that's in the acting: Sharon Stone, William H. Macy, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Hunt, Elijah Wood, Demi Moore and a bunch of others, so there's some solid performances, but the movie also has 22 lead characters. And,t ruth be told, what movie has Lindsay Lohan in it and attempts to be taken seriously? 5,5/10
 


Amalfi

Of course, the setting of this movie is in Italy, with Rome and Amalfi playing a significant part so the scenes are gorgeous and if you have played GT enough it is good to see the city again, but what really caught me by surprise was the story.

A Japanese man working out of the embassy as part of the entourage to the Japanese minister who is attending the G8 summit in Rome gets tangled up in a case concerning the kidnapping of a Japanese citizen. While using the city's very elaborate and complex security camera system to try learn the identity of the kidnappers he uncovers a plot to ________________ (I am not giving anything away here, sorry.)

There were a few 'Aha!' moments when you notice something important that isn't just being handed to you by the scriptwriters, as well as using the first few scenes to set up the end without indicating they are doing so. You feel a sense of satisfaction as you discover the new twists along with the main character.

Very well written, acted, and filmed. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Sarah Brightman plays herself..

9/10

Very dialogue heavy. Subtitles are definitely a must. (My Japanese must be improving as I understood most of what was going on. yay me!)
 
Inglourious Basterds actually surprised me quite a bit. Usually, I HATE Tarentino but this was a great movie.

Brad Pitt did a good job of being the movie's comic relief. Although, carving swastikas in people's foreheads did seem a little... well... twisted.

And Hugo Stiglitz was a classic example of the good ol' bat 🤬 insane guy:D. Reminds me of Sphinx from Gone In 60 Seconds.:sly:
 
Speedy Samurai
There were a few 'Aha!' moments when you notice something important that isn't just being handed to you by the scriptwriters, as well as using the first few scenes to set up the end without indicating they are doing so. You feel a sense of satisfaction as you discover the new twists along with the main character.
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OMG!
Speedy Samurai
Very well written, acted, and filmed.
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OMG!
Speedy Samurai
Sarah Brightman plays herself..
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OMG!
Speedy Samurai
(My Japanese must be improving as I understood most of what was going on. yay me!)
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Yay you!

Seriously though, as someone who loves Japanese cinema(wonder why that is...), but not happy with the state they are in today, I was very excited reading this review. It was almost like I was reading about an Hollywood film, which would be a big step up for a film of this type from Japan. Also, one more "OMG!" for the story. I must see it!
 
Charlie Wilson's War - (2007) Biography/Drama Starring: Tom Hanks (Charlie), Amy Adams, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman

The 'based on a true story' about Texas congressman Charlie Wilson who started covert operations in Afghanistan to aid rebels fight the Soviets during the mid 1980's.

Charlie Wilson is a Texan congressman who likes sluts, scotch and shootin' down Soviets. He, along with the rest of the nation, was ignorant to the struggle and slaughter of the Afghan people. Pushed by a wealthy Texan friend who also holds disdain for Soviets, Joanne Herring (Roberts), Charlie visits Pakistan and then to Afghanistan to see what the evil Commies of the Soviet Union are doing.

With the aid of a CIA man, Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Charlie seeks support for providing the Afghan rebels with weapons that can stop the Soviets. In doing so, he changed the world forever by aiding in the destruction of the Soviet empire.

Excellent story. Excellent acting. Excellent characters. This movie was a joy to watch. It moves very quickly and never stalls. Not an action flick, which I would have liked a bit more of, but it's perfect for what it is; a great story.

9/10
 
Why did I assume "Charlie Wilson" was a crappy movie? I might have mixed it up with that John Cusack movie, I think it was called "War Inc".

I just checked the rottentomatoe rating, and it was 81% by the critics, and 88% by the fans. Very high rating. High rating + Tom Hanks= Must Watch! :D
 
Tom Servo


Before Sunset (2004) -- What if you could have a second chance with the one that got away? That's a question that always crosses my mind and it is only as I get older (and somewhat wiser), that that question may be even more important... provided you've fallen out of love in your relationship. And it all ties in with the fact that life's hard. It's supposed to be. If we didn't suffer, we'd never learn anything. These are all facts you never realise when you're younger, and if you are I wouldn't recommend this movie at all, because when you're young, you just believe there'll be many people with whom you'll connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times, and why you should really 'go for it' when you think you've found the right one. This movie made me think a lot, and it's why I'd recommend it to the people who fall within the category I mentioned previously. It's also quite short, at 80 minutes, so you shouldn't get too bored watching it. 9/10
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If you have seen Before Sunset you should see Before Sunrise which was filmed 9 years before this sequel. The original is amazing in my opinion, the acting standard is very high and its seems like all the dialogue was made up on the fly as they went along. The story is very fluid and there are sections of the film where there is no break in the shot for nearly 15 mins at a time.

There is one bit where they are on a tram with no break in shot from when they get on to when they get off. It was amazing seeing them not mess up their lines for a 15 mins take! Some hollywood stars have to have a 'cut' every 2 mins!

I totally stumbled upon these films when one was shown really late at night (started at about 1am). The sequel was shown the following week and they are up there will some of my favourite films ever. The original has a 100% rotten tomatoes score and only cost 2 mil to make, that really tells you something.

Robin.

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Invincible - (7/10)
The "Based on a True Story" of Vince Papale, the man who went from out of work, dumped by his wife, fan of the Philadelphia Eagles to a player on the Philadelphia Eagles team.

I am generally a sucker for a great sports movie. I love Rudy, Hoosiers, The Replacements, Field of Dreams, The Rookie, and even Any Given Sunday (OK, so that isn't great), and I will even go so far as to say that comedic sports films like Major League and A League of Their Own are high ranking on my list. Unfortunately, this is just a decent sports film. I figured that it couldn't be bad seeing as how it was the same team that did The Rookie, and I thought that this could easily be the NFL version of Rudy, but something was missing. Oh yeah, Football. I was watching a football movie and saw two full plays of NFL action. There were two montage scenes of him and his buddies in an empty lot, and a lot of training camp, but only two plays (one per game) from a three year NFL career. This movie is not about playing football, it is about wanting to play football. The moment we get to actually play the movie ends.

It is a good story and Whalberg didn't kill it for me. I was also surprised to finally see Elizabeth Banks in a non-comedy role that I didn't hate. But the execution and telling of the story was pitiful. In all honesty, had they not changed the story and kept the years he played for the World Football League's Philadelphia Bell they could have worked in more football.

Basically, this is football, Disney Family style. If you like a feel good movie see it, but if you want a good sports film go rewatch Rudy.
 
Robin.
If you have seen Before Sunset you should see Before Sunrise
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I think I mentioned that. I haven't seen it, though from what I hear, the topic's a bit different. Where Sunrise has more to do with what you want out of life and what you're going to do to get it, Sunset is more about the time that has gone by and how you'be not really done anything yet, just waiting to mature and get older, but not wanting to either. I'm worried I won't be able to relate much to the characters in Sunrise, since I felt much more identified with the characters in Sunset. Still, I've got it in line to watch sometime.

Solid Lifters
Charlie Wilson's War - (2007)
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Plus, the girls Charlie Wilson "dates" are very hot.

PureAwesomeness
Three documentaries recently: Tyson, Grizzly Man and Taxi to the Dark Side. All very good and highly recommended.
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Seen Taxi to the Dark Side... awesome documentary.
 
Robin.
The original has a 100% rotten tomatoes score and only cost 2 mil to make, that really tells you something.
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I don't recall ever seeing a 100% score, though there were only 32 reviewers. And it's got 95% from the community. Wow. 👍
 


Dirty Pretty Things (2002) -- Okwe, a kind-hearted Nigerian doctor, and Senay, a Turkish chambermaid, work at the same West London hotel. The hotel is run by Señor Sneaky and is the sort of place where dirty business like drug dealing and prostitution takes place. However, when Okwe finds a human heart in one of the toilets, he uncovers something far more sinister than just a common crime. I would recommend this one without hesitation, though I'd rather not uncover more of what it is about. Very well written and superbly acted. The ending is a bit predictable, but you'll only figure it out less than 15 minutes from the ending itself. The movie makes you continue to believe that cinema can still be political and make important points without hitting you over the head with a blunt instrument. Consider watching it with subtitles, since there are a lot of different and thick accents in the movie. 7.5/10
 


Gran Torino (2008) -- Many of us have seen it. We've all liked it; I won't be the exception. Loved the sarcastic nature of Eastwood. The mvoie has drama, comedy, and action and Clint Eastwood really creates a character that you care about and cheer for. 10/10
 
👍 Agreed...

World Trade Center (2006, Oliver Stone)

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This film was shown last night as part of Channel 4's season of films and documentaries marking the anniversary of the September 11th attacks in 2001. It is interesting to read our initial thoughts on this film, and contrast them to what the film actually delivered...

The first thing that strikes you about this film is that it is intended to capture the events from the perspective of a few of those tasked with dealing with the aftermath i.e. the port authority policemen. There is no politics, no conspiracy theories, no sensationalism - and for a movie about the immediate aftermath of a horrific assault on innocent people, there is very little shock factor. What "shock" there is is understated, subtle even - and is mostly seen written on the faces of the bewildered cops who have no idea what they are getting into.

The film shies away from confronting the true horror of the attacks, but delivers a genuine sense of forboding. The noises - the roar of the massive fires, the creaking and shuddering of the stricken buildings - and the feeling of total confusion is portrayed very well, and brings the reality of 9/11 closer without going too far. Tasteful and sympathetic, yet powerfully affecting.

The film tells the tale of a small band of police who survive the initial collapse, and how their families face not knowing what has happened to their husbands. As such, it is heavily biased toward the tiny percentage of those who ultimately faced a happy outcome. This isn't a serious criticism of the film, but it does give the film it's principle purpose - defiance and hope in the face of brutality. Perhaps the film doesn't focus enough on the pain and misery of the thousands of people who lost loved ones, but at the same time the film does address the issue with respect.

All in all, Stone is a masterful filmmaker who has a penchant for not letting facts get in the way of a good story - but on this occasion, I think he's done well. Obviously, it's a bit heavy going, but I reckon it's a fitting tribute to the bravery of those who attempted to help those trapped in the WTC, only to be killed in their hundreds when the towers collapsed. It's by no means my favourite movie - Cage is better than average but still annoyingly unconvincing - but it's a gripping film that demands your attention throughout. 7/10
 
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The Straight Story (1999, David Lynch)

Slow-moving (in more ways than one!) but thoroughly enjoyable true story of Alvin Straight's epic voyage to visit his ailing and estranged brother. Bereft of a driving licence, he drives the entire way on his lawnmower, with a massive trailer attached. Along the way, Straight encounters a variety of people, and his journey is symbolic of his life. Beautifully shot and containing some great shots of rural America, it's a moving and contemplative film that is quite different to what I've come to expect from David Lynch. 8/10
 
but more importantly, is it David Lynch-ish?

I saw this one last night:



The Hangover (2009) -- I'm not one to watch these types of comedies, since they're always taking cracks at idiocy and too obvious. I have to say this movie was an exception. It's also the first time I step into a movie theater in about 5 years, and I did so very skeptically about the movie. With that said, it was worth it; the movie is hilarious. It doesn't rely on stupid (maybe a couple of times) and the acting is superb. It's (surprisingly enough) #216 in IMDb's Top 250, and I give it a well worth 9/10
 
I've heard good things about this film already, but a Tom Servo 9/10 Rating means that it will almost certainly be added to the rental queue, post haste!

Tom Servo
but more importantly, is it David Lynch-ish?
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If by "David Lynch-ish" you mean pretentious, weird, aloof, confusing, non-nonsensical gibberish, then no... :P But it is thought-provoking, and the dialogue does have an almost "Twin Peaks"-esque feel to it that gives the film a distinct "fly on the wall" feel. I'd say it was the best Lynch film I've seen, simply because it is so unlike his other films!

edit: Coming soon, Life Of Brian Blu-ray review :D
 
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Just don't expect The Hangover to draw the same sentiment as does Schindler's List or The Godfather. The movie is good in its own sense. It's miles ahead of the usual comedy, but it's certainly not Oscar material (or Sundance, or Cannes... but certainly not Razzie either). It just blew me away... I was expecting a typical American comedy, but it was so much better.
 


The Savages (2007) -- I saw this movie on a plane about a year and a half ago, but I didn't really see it, since it was a 9-hour plane and I kept drifting in and out of sleep during it. One thing I noticed about it at the time was that it was filmed in Buffalo, where I went to college, so more than a few familiar places appeared in it. It also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, who I think is one of the best actors around right now. The movie is about a sister and brother facing the realities of familial responsibility as they begin to care for their ailing father. It's a bit depressing when you take into account that neither of them have achieved much in life, yet they're both around 40. The experience teaches them a lot (towards the end), but not without a price. All in all, it's a film about honesty. Despite the grim subject matter, there is plenty of humor, which mainly arises from the absurdity of situations that feel so genuinely familiar. All the performances across the board are fantastic also, every single person in the the film genuinely looks like the real article. It's a good thing this movie is slightly independent, since a more hardcore Hollywood budget would've probably ruined it. Still, not entirely my style. 7.5/10
 
Tom Servo


Gran Torino (2008) -- Many of us have seen it. We've all liked it; I won't be the exception. Loved the sarcastic nature of Eastwood. The mvoie has drama, comedy, and action and Clint Eastwood really creates a character that you care about and cheer for. 10/10
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Awesome film, I expected it to be different but even though it wasn't I wasn't disappointed by it and it is definitely a must watch.
 
I hear ya...

I'm more used to Eastwood in Dirty Harry-like characters, where in the end he'll kill all the bad guys, or at least die trying. The fact that he didn't in this one was kind of a let down, but at the same time before it happened I was thinking "if he kills them all, this is the crappiest movie in history"
 


The Way of the Gun (2000) -- Oh my... where to start? This movie had it all done to fail, and fail it did. Starting with Juliette Lewis, who always ruins movies for me; I'm not sure if it's her whiny voice or that she always plays an allagedly hot woman, which she's not, and the fact that she screams and whines excessively in this movie didn't help either. Then there was the 'Roadhouse villain' character of the victims in the movie, coupled with massively bad acting on the part of almost everyone involved. There are, however, a few gems in this movie; especially in the dialogues. Lines like

  • Karma is justice without the satisfaction. I don't believe in justice.
  • poe lee seear moo er toe
  • there's always free cheese in a rat trap

There's also an insane amount of plot holes and pointless scenes that make you go hmmm. There's also a guy who's been shot by a sharpshooter with a high-powered gun, and he bleeds out for no less than 6 hours, and he doesn't even look pale! Juliette Lewis though, bleeds for 10 minutes and she's already paper white.

I never thought I'd write such a long review for this movie, but it also has to do that I always wanted to see it, dunno why. And it was a major letdown. Though I thought it would be. 3.5/10
 
The Warriors - How it took me this long to catch this movie, I have no idea. First off, I must say, the Blu-ray picture was amazing. Beautiful transfer. 👍

The film itself, I'd give it a "A". It's damn near perfect, and although it was released in 1979, it has that beautiful early 80's feel to it. It also reminded me very much of Streets of Fire, one of my favorite guilty pleasures(another one coming up in response to Diego). Seriously, how had I not seen this movie until now? :ouch:


Touring Mars
edit: Coming soon, Life Of Brian Blu-ray review :D
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#9 on my Netflix queue. Also on Blu-ray. 👍
Tom Servo
3.5/10
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One of my favorite movies! :lol: I won't deny the movie is full of flaws, but for me, all that baggage adds so much 'camp' quality to it. And I just checked rottentomatoes, and it has 48% critics/67% public approval rate, when I thought I might be in a extreme minority who have liked this film. :D Considering the production quality, those ratings are unusually high. Maybe they like it for the same reason I love it.

P.S. It has one of the best openings of any films. :D:tup:
 
Flash of Genius - True story about the man who invented the intermittent wiper and his legal battle with Ford. A truly excellent movie with very good acting. No explosions, no gun fights, no nudity or sex - just a very good story. 9.5 out of ten.
 
a6m5
The Warriors - How it took me this long to catch this movie, I have no idea. First off, I must say, the Blu-ray picture was amazing. Beautiful transfer. 👍
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This is amazing! When I first started working here, since we're all about the same age, we were once talking about underrated movies and The Warriors was mentioned. We all agreed that it was an amazing movie... about a week later one of my coworkers "acquired it" and we all watched it on a friday afternoon... it was the typical old skool movie theater, with everyone one of us laughing and rooting for the gangs. It's one of those movies I'll never tire from watching.

a6m5
One of my favorite movies! :lol: I won't deny the movie is full of flaws, but for me, all that baggage adds so much 'camp' quality to it. And I just checked rottentomatoes, and it has 48% critics/67% public approval rate, when I thought I might be in a extreme minority who have liked this film. :D Considering the production quality, those ratings are unusually high. Maybe they like it for the same reason I love it.

P.S. It has one of the best openings of any films. :D:tup:
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Maybe that was the problem; At the opening of the movie I thought I was in for a good one. It had sarcasm, violence, political incorrectness and is was funny. The rest of the movie was a let down.
 

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