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

[Jacob]

My only gripe is that the film suffered from a lack of space battles, only one existed and it was less than 2 minutes long, but I guess Star Trek isn't just about the battles.

I agree with you regarding everything else, but... really?? I thought there was plenty of "space battles" compared to what has usually featured in the films and the series... But maybe that's just me. I think the sheer amount of action sequences in the film were proof of the fact that this film (while providing good entertainment) is a bit too focused on action to be true to what Star Trek is about, so I didn't miss more action at least.

 

[shmogt]

Space battles lol. Don't usually hear that one when requirements for good movies. Haven't seen it yet so can't say agree or disagree.

 

[Pagey279]

I too watched this

And it was magnificent. Benedict Cumberbatch was sublime, he makes such a good baddie, his career will surely sky rocket from here.
It was all round an amazing film, I couldn't take my eyes from the screen and had to sprint out the cinema at the end with my bladder seconds from bursting because I didn't want to miss anything.

I loved the first one, and loved this one even more, that's all I will say as it's only just been released. But it's definitely a must watch, film of the year so far.

9.5/10

 

[livemusic]

Are these Star Trek movies recommended for someone like me, whom never watched the series or movies before? Or will I be completely lost?

 

[David]

Are these Star Trek movies recommended for someone like me, whom never watched the series or movies before? Or will I be completely lost?

As far as action/scifi movies go, I don't think you'll have any problem enjoying them regardless of your knowledge of the series. I think they definitely throw some in-jokes to the long time fans but that shouldn't really detract from your experience. The first movie from a few years ago was a reboot and a fresh start for the original characters, so at any rate you shouldn't be lost at least.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I just watched Pitch Black and The Chronicles Of Riddick this week with a friend that has never seen them. I have always enjoyed the movies and he also enjoyed them. Looking forward to Riddick 2013 toward the end of the year. 👍

 

[livemusic]

As far as action/scifi movies go, I don't think you'll have any problem enjoying them regardless of your knowledge of the series. I think they definitely throw some in-jokes to the long time fans but that shouldn't really detract from your experience. The first movie from a few years ago was a reboot and a fresh start for the original characters, so at any rate you shouldn't be lost at least.

Thanks, think I'll try them out soon.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

I was going to ask about the recent Star Trek films as well..as i havent seen the tv series nor the earlier films, but i think i might give the recent ones a go now after reading your post David 👍

 

[Diego440]

All That Jazz (Bob Fosse, 1979) -- Director/choreographer Bob Fosse tells his own life story as he details the sordid life of Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider), a womanizing, drug-using dancer. Quite a depressing but brilliant character study shown in an extremely negative light, with great acting and superb direction, mixing fantasy seamlessly with reality. The songs are great and catchy, even if musicals aren't you thing, plus there's a fair amont of sensuality, even by today's standards. Still, it's not a movie for everyone, and I think they overdid it a bit with the hallucinatory images. This is a true gem of the 70s. 8/10

Seul Contre Tous (a.k.a. I Stand Alone) (Gaspar Noé, 1998) -- A horse meat butcher's life and mind begins to breakdown as he lashes out against various factions of society while attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter. And once again Gaspar Noé goes overboard with his depiction of the many thoughts and endless rants that go through a man's head as he thinks and overthinks situations. The plot and action of the movie works great for a few scenes, but something that defines Noé is his inherent overuse of the elements or gimmicks he has working for him in a certain movie. It's a very well made movie, but not recommendable to anyone who uffers from a hyperactive nervous system; If you have a strong stomach and love great filmmaking, though, I'd definitely recommend this artistic, sadistic shocker. 5.5/10

 

[Mike Rotch]

Prometheus

I won't rehash the story as I am sure we have all seen it, but wow. How to take an interesting concept, throw away any philosophical storyline (apart from the last minute) and add in your hum-drum hollywood mangled plot and there you have it. I was really disappointed as the building blocks for a great movie were all there; interesting concept, great special effects, ok cast. But it's as deep as a coin. Such a shame. 4/10

 

[FoolKiller]

Prometheus

I won't rehash the story as I am sure we have all seen it, but wow. How to take an interesting concept, throw away any philosophical storyline (apart from the last minute) and add in your hum-drum hollywood mangled plot and there you have it. I was really disappointed as the building blocks for a great movie were all there; interesting concept, great special effects, ok cast. But it's as deep as a coin. Such a shame. 4/10

Their problem was trying to tell two stories.

 

[DK]

Are these Star Trek movies recommended for someone like me, whom never watched the series or movies before? Or will I be completely lost?

I just saw Star Trek ID today, even though I've never watched Star Trek before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the ending was slightly dragged out, and I found Chekhov's accent a bit dodgy, I'd still give it a 9/10. Cumberbatch truly stole the show as "John Harrison" - only a few villains have managed to pull off a more menacing aura than him, while at the same time avoiding becoming a 2D villainous caricature.

 

[Yukon]

Are these Star Trek movies recommended for someone like me, whom never watched the series or movies before? Or will I be completely lost?

As others have said, absolutely Yes.

I went to the cinema tonight to see it and I've never watched Star Trek before. Except from when I was younger and my parents would watch it on TV, but I don't remember any of that.

It's a really great film though, I liked it a lot.

 

[FoolKiller]

Star Trek : Into Darkness - 8/10

Despite the naysayers, I didn't waste my money. This was a good film. It is designed to be both a call back for old Trek fans and a good film for people new to the series. I saw it in IMAX 3D. I'm not sure it benefitted from it too much, as it didn't seem to be shot with 3D in mind. But it does make space seem vast when you appear to be looking into a hole full of stars.

The acting was good and the writing was mostly good. I probably could have rated it higher if I hadn't been a die hard Trek fan in the past (I even went to a convention once) and didn't see certain physical acts performed that shouldn't have been possible by real or Trek physics.

Overall it is a great film and I won't say too much because the surprises for Trek fans are sometimes huge.

I found Chekhov's accent a bit dodgy,

I imagine there is a bit of an issue being that it is a Russian-born actor, raised mostly in the US by Russian parents, who then is trying to emulate Walter Koenig's original bad Russian accent, created at the height of the Cold War, when most people didn't have a lot of friendly ties with Russians. The scary thing is that it might be the actor's real accent, since all his roles as an American have been done with a low-guttural voice, likely developed to hide his accent.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

A few films i saw at the weekend..

Here comes the boom-this is about a once great school biology teacher who takes up cage fighting to help the school raise the cash to save music class from being scrapped, he was a college wrestler and he starts in the smaller fights to work his way up to the undercard of a major UFC bout in Vegas...stars..Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler and many UFC fighters and media making an apperances as themselves...the films is ok, there are some funny moments (it is a comedy!) the fight scenes are realistic, but the big problem is that its a 12, which means its a film about a violent sport thats aimed at families!!...5

Any Given Sunday-So this film follows an American football team as they try to get to the end of season playoffs (the Miami Sharks), theres the under-pressure ageing coach (Al Pacino), the young owner who inherited the franchise from her dead father (Cameron Diaz) and a an up-and-coming egotistical quaterback (Jamie Foxx)...also stars Dennis Quaid LL Cool J and Aaron Eckhart...this is a really strong sporting drama, which has one of the best motivational speeches ive ever heard in cinema...7

Sunshine-Sci-fi film set in the future, as the sun is dying the earth suffers a permanent solar winter, a team of scientists and astronauts set off on a journey to the sun in order to lauch a massive bomb deep into it to kick start it, the film follows them as they suffer problems along the way, stars... Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans and Michelle Yeoh....its a really good sci-fi drama/thriller from acclaimed British director Danny Boyle....8

 

[Youngun]

Films i've seen recently

Vehicle 19 - didn't know what to make of this to start with. It's paul walker not in a tuned skyline blasting round the streets. It's him in a rental, thats been tied with some bad, corrupt cops that where trying to destroy the package in the rear that was linked with a huge story, that includes the chief of african police, gets out. But the story comes to light when he finds the package and finds out why its there. Suddenly on the run from the countries police to get the package to the court house and makin it public before the package is affected just the day before, all is not lost in the fight to get this story out as he finds hold enough evidence to get him off.
Tried to give as little away as possible. 5/10

Escape Planet Earth (Cartoon) - this was a fun family film all about how the little guy of the family can still make a big difference. I found it a little loopy but little comedic element held its own, my brothers and sisters loved it (well they love anything). It's was almost an 'aliens in the attic' remake in toon. But the story didn't really sleep but aimed at kids, it wouldn't. 7/10

Side Effects - This (not sure if same producer) was filmed in a similar style to Contagions. Very back and forth, with twist in the middle. The story starts simple, ok life, 'Channing Tatum' is in prison, gets released but things go pear shaped where life is changing for the both and her mind goes cho-cho. Starts taking anti depressants and commits murder. Police have only one suspect but she blames the drugs, goes public and the Dr who was treating her 'Jude Law' is put under pressure but almost turns detective to work out that it not about a murder, but about something completely different. The end is a big twist compare the start which brings in 'Catherine Zeta Jones' deeper in to the story line. 7/10 not a must see but a good watch.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Source Code

I had been intending to watch this for a while, but it slipped off the radar and I only recalled it when searching for top 10 sci-fi movie lists on the internets. Without giving too much away, it is about a soldier who finds himself part of a pilot test run by the military, whereby he is re-inserted into a past timeline to determine who bombed a commuter train.

There are a lot more plot twists and storylines then that indicates, and it was one of the better sci-fi films I have seen recently. Gyllenhall can be a bit of a mixed bag actor, you never if a particular role will be great or a misfire, but he suited this one, and Vera Fariga - she plays the pained controller well. I'd recommend this one - 8/10.

 

[Yukon]

Unchained Django

I loved this movie. Certainly one of my favourites. I've always been interested in American History and this was definitely an insight, to say the least. It's set in 1858 during the times when slavery was rife and racism seemed like a one of most normal practices in everyday life.

I loved the fact it was set like an old Western. With men riding horses and having their rifles and pistols always at the ready. The Saloon scene was particularly well done. The movie is also quite a long one, stretching to just under three hours, which I liked.

Oh, and just remember. The D is silent.

 

[Diego440]

Kick-Ass (Matthew Vaughn, 2010) -- Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. This movie definitely kicked my ass, by being insanely funny throughout, with a great story and pretty fun too. Very well written and it manages to combine the good dialogues with some reasonably over the top violence and comedy, which is strange for a movie to be able to do all those and manage to pull it off well enough. Gret direction and pretty good acting, even by Nicolas Cage (*cringe*). I was expecting this movie to be some lame attempt at comic-book greatness and to fail miserably, but it actually turned out great, even venturing into being a movie about finding your identity and daring to do something no one else will. 9/10

The Losers (Sylvain White, 2010) -- A CIA special forces team are betrayed and left for dead by their superiors, galvanizing them to mount an offensive on the CIA. Also based on a comic, and one I had actually read and liked before. The thing is, if you know it's a comic or based on a comic, and take it from that standpoint, this movie can be great, but if you take like just anotehr action movie, it really doesn't work because it's not really original at all, even if it's still fun. There's really nothing to hate in it, there's likeable characters and some odd plot twists that don't play out well, yet the actors seemed well at ease with their roles and there's some fun chemistry between them. The pace is tight and quick, and some scenes are a bit annoying with the camera movement, but in general, I'd say it's entertaining as long as you're not expecting anything grand. 6/10

Missing (Costa-Gavras, 1982) -- When an idealistic writer disappears during the Right Wing military coup in 1973 Chile, his wife and American businessman father try to find him. As much as there are movies featuring the actions of dictatorships and their ability to silence and disappear people, this movie amazed me when the object of the US and its participation in the Pinochet coup and later 17-year dictatorship is clearly shown. This is the type of movie that is very firmly based on the truth and the subsequent reaearch proves it's all too true and all too real, in a way that Costa-Gavras will perfectly document it. Especially when you are led to believe the US is a strong friend and ally of all democratic countries. After this movie I'd never take most of that for real. I think Chile is one reason, that the US doesn't sign the treaty for the international court, because guys like Kissinger had to be scared, that he has to take responsability for Chile and Vietnam. It's the type of movie that will have you googling the characters and realize that the events took place in 1973, the movie is from 1982 and even in 2012, it's still having history written through more and more circumstances coming to light. This is the best political thriller ever made. 10/10

 

[shmogt]

Missing (Costa-Gavras, 1982) -- When an idealistic writer disappears during the Right Wing military coup in 1973 Chile, his wife and American businessman father try to find him. As much as there are movies featuring the actions of dictatorships and their ability to silence and disappear people, this movie amazed me when the object of the US and its participation in the Pinochet coup and later 17-year dictatorship is clearly shown. This is the type of movie that is very firmly based on the truth and the subsequent reaearch proves it's all too true and all too real, in a way that Costa-Gavras will perfectly document it. Especially when you are led to believe the US is a strong friend and ally of all democratic countries. After this movie I'd never take most of that for real. I think Chile is one reason, that the US doesn't sign the treaty for the international court, because guys like Kissinger had to be scared, that he has to take responsability for Chile and Vietnam. It's the type of movie that will have you googling the characters and realize that the events took place in 1973, the movie is from 1982 and even in 2012, it's still having history written through more and more circumstances coming to light. This is the best political thriller ever made. 10/10

Watched this. Same thoughts. Never trust US.

 

[FoolKiller]

The Hunger Games - (6.5/10)

I am not quite sure why this story is being told. I've seen or read this tale about 50 times. Without reading the books I am willing to bet that our main character, Katniss, goes on to inspire some kind of revolution. You know, like Spartacus, Gladiator, The Running Man, etc.

Anyway, it was getting predictable. After at least the mid-point of the story I was saying what would happen next. Then there were certain points that were just bad movie making. When someone dies a cannon goes off. They say it, they show the technician that makes it happen preparing one, and it happens 19 times. 22 people died. Apparently, if you get killed in a fast-paced action scene, with others, you don't get cannons. I give one a pass because we were having hallucinogenic dreams of 75 years earlier (she's 15 or 16).

Then there are sponsors. I have no clue what the purpose of the sponsors thing was other than to present multiple cases of dues ex machina. The problem was that every time she got sponsor help it came from the one guy telling her how important sponsors are. If he could do it repeatedly, then why tell her about getting sponsors over and over and over in training?

Now, one guy is really good at camouflage, because he used to decorate the cakes at the bakery back home, and can paint himself to look like anything, like a tree. But back home is a place where people either starve or hunt squirrels. A place like that has a bakery with a cake decorator?

The final straw for me was the ultimate reality TV cliche. She has a boyfriend back home. She kisses the boy in the game. We see boyfriend back home getting mad while watching. Then at the end boyfriend sees her in person and is all smiles again.

All that said, it was enjoyable and fun. I've enjoyed watching kids fight to the death since Lord of the Flies. If you don't think too much, want some mindless action, and don't need a real resolution of any kind, then enjoy.



And I took a half point off for making Elizabeth Banks look ugly.

 

[Joel]

My biggest issue with that movie was the shaky cam. It was really hard for me to tell who was who, I'm colourblind to begin with so it's hard to tell from the coloured armbands and then the whole movie appears to be filmed by giggling 13 year old girls whenever there's an action sequence.

If it weren't for that, I'd probably score it around where you did, it's not an awful action movie and it's kinda fun in a silly way, but it was pretty hard for me to pay attention and understand what was going on when the camera was darting all over the place between 6'2"ish blond haired guy to 6'3"ish blond haired guy during the last fight sequence.

I also remember seeing a few picture poking fun at the guy decorating his arm from his experience with decorating cakes. "I decorate the cakes at home, conveniently they look like trees".

 

[Solid Lifters]

Moonrise Kingdom Drama/Comedy/Romance Score: 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1748122/

Classic love story of two problematic, crazy kids in love. Set in the mid '60's in a make believe island town somewhere in the East coast United States(RI). Funny, cute, dramatic and heartwarming. Great movie that shouldn't be missed.

 

[Louie_Schumii]

21 & Over (2013) - Is this movie a fair representation of college life in the U.S. or just a set of cliches plucked out of the ideal student life and put into a movie?

In any case it was a good way to pass the time. 7/10 for me.

 

[FoolKiller]

What to Expect When You're Expecting - (6/10)

My wife chose this film to watch. I thought it would be absolutely horrible, but it was just slightly horrible. What this film did correctly was show pregnancy from multiple angles, ranging from a miscarriage to the absolutely perfect and easy birth. For people who have had kids there are moments that you will recognize and enjoy. But then the story itself, the personal lives of the characters, and the much of the dialogue is pointless and annoying.

The best part for me was Dudes Group. No such thing exists in my life, but their conversations sound very familiar to when my friends and I do get together and drink. The best bit coming when Chris Rock (unimportant side character that delivers wisdom and comic relief) reveals that while they blow off steam and complain, they are truly happy for the first time ever.

All that said, I don't suggest watching it to anyone not hanging out with a woman.

 

[Youngun]

Jack the giant slayer. (7/10)

I thought this was a good very good twist on a kids story line. Even the bit incorporating current day events with a certain jewel that was linked to an old artefact. Started off in one of those split screen moments that mirror each other but are currently, no way related then there story intwine to create the fantasy story but it seems theres a traitor among the human race which leaves jack no choice but to become the hero and win her heart. All seems on the edge for most of the end third of the film but with an obvious finish. Still a good film for family, i thought, similar style to Warm bodies which funnily enough had the same lead male.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

The Impossible-really enjoyed this last night, if you havent seen it then you really should!, Its about a family of five (husband, wife and thre boys) who get caught up and separated during the Asian tsunami of 2004, the tsunami scenes are brillaintly shot and one of the young actors playing one of the boys gives a fantastic performance, easily the best film ive seen this year so far!-9

 

[Yukon]

The Impossible
Go watch it!

The Impossible...easily the best film ive seen this year so far!-9

Gangster Squad

I remember at the beginning of the year, when I was looking forward to seeing two films. One being Django, and the other being this, Gangster Squad. They both looked brilliant and they've both lived up to my expectations. This is such a brilliant movie, so classy yet so brutal. It's well worth the watch.

After seeing Drive a couple of years ago, I've come to the conclusion that Ryan Gosling just can't star in a bad movie. He just can't. He plays his cheeky, playboy and no-care type attitude very well as the movie progresses but also manages to bring in an essence of violence, which I could best describe him as being a bit of a dark horse. Few of the other main characters know what he's about to do next, what he's thinking and how he approaches everything in his life. It's all so relaxed to him.

Sean Penn, too. Wow. The way he's portrayed Mickey is incredible. A very shallow man, ruthless. He'll do anything to be the best there is. A fighter, unwilling to lose - or even, ever give-up.

Gangster Squad is certainly my favourite movie of 2013 and up there as one of all time favourites. I'm glad I bought this in Blu-Ray first, worth every penny.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Ive seen a lot of mixed 3 star reviews of Gangster Squad since it came out in cinemas...

 

[Yukon]

I don't tend to watch a movie based on whether or not the review is good. If it looks interesting to me, I'll watch it. If not, then I won't, unless a friend recommends it to me and they're sure I'll like it.

We seem to have similar opinions on movies, that's why I felt Gangster Squad was worth the mention in this thread.