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

[Joey D]

Layer Cake

I bought this the other night from the bargain bin at Best Buy for $4.99, I figured Daniel Craig was good as James Bond so I would check out his other movie. I had seen this pop up on the BBC from time to time but never had a chance to watch it. I'm glad I bought it, superb movie. Craig plays a much better role in this movie, I guess because it's absent of Bond cheese.

9/10 👍 👍

 

[livemusic]

We watched "Atonement" on Sunday. At first it seemed pretty dull but it got better as the film advanced. I liked that one-camera long shot on the beach, must have been somewhat hard to make it work. I think some cigarette's brand was sponsoring the movie 'cause man did they smoke during it!

 

[V1P3R]

Invincible - 8/10

I caught the tail end of it, but I loved it. I hate football and I'm not really a Mark Wahlberg but this wasn't about either of those. This is a great inspiration! 👍

Edit: Elizabeth Banks is hawt too.

 

[YSSMAN]

Syriana

One of the great things about being a political science student is that foreign policy movies generally tickle my fancy. Anything having to deal with Russia or the Middle-East is usually right up my alley, and of course, Syriana was no exception.

Focusing on the performances is the wrong thing, its the storytelling that gets you excited. That being said, it was all very confusing until the very end... Much like the majority of American Foreign Policy.

*sigh*

If you're a poli sci nerd, you'll likely love it. Otherwise? Probably not.

7/10

 

[Diego440]

I'm not a poli sci nerd and I liked it... go figure

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm not sure if its everyone's cup o' tea though. Maybe I should re-phrase it and say "if you're even slightly interested in world affairs and care about what happens in the world you'll likely enjoy this movie," or something?

My brother could usually care less about whats going on even next door in Illinois, and he was pretty "indifferent" on this one (which like means he hated it).

 

[Danoff]

That being said, it was all very confusing until the very end... Much like the majority of American Foreign Policy.

*sigh*

Could have done without that comment.

I'm not sure if its everyone's cup o' tea though. Maybe I should re-phrase it and say "if you're even slightly interested in world affairs and care about what happens in the world you'll likely enjoy this movie," or something?

Somehow I imagine this isn't even close to true. Are you sure you didn't mean to say "if you think American foreign policy is utter crap you'll likely enjoy this movie"?

 

[Christhedude]

I recently watched the movie "Jumper" and i must say, it was really worth the money 👍

I recommend Jumper

 

[Danoff]

I recently watched the movie "Jumper" and i must say, it was really worth the money 👍

I recommend Jumper

Thanks for that in-depth review. I can't tell you how much you've energized me to go see that movie. I mean, I still know nothing about the movie, why you liked it, or have any idea whether I'd like it - but your endorsement is too hard to ignore.

 

[Touring Mars]

I watched an excellent movie a few weeks ago called The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. In a nutshell, Pete Perkins (Tommy Lee Jones) friend Melquiades is shot and killed in Texas by a border patrol officer, Norton (brilliantly played by Barry Pepper). When it becomes apparent that Norton has hastily buried the body and will not face an investigation or prosecution, Pete decides to take matters into his own hands and fulfill his promise to his friend that he would bury his body in his home town across the border in Mexico. He kidnaps the officer and forces him to dig up Melquiades' rotting corpse, strap it to a horse, and the three men (one dead) set off for the border.

In one scene, the three men are by a camp fire and Norton moves away from the increasingly odour-some corpse, only to be told to stay put by Pete... Norton then points out that "The ants are eating your friend", and Pete desperately tries to pick the ants off his dead friend's face... he resolves the problem by pouring alcohol over Melquiades' head and setting it ablaze, before dousing the flames with a rag! The scene is surreal, shocking, funny and curiously poignant - and although Melquiades' hair is badly singed, his face is not left much worse off than it already was! The journey continues and Norton makes a desperate escape attempt, only to be recaptured and forced to continue. Norton slowly grows to appreciate the gravity of what he has done by killing Melquiades, and gradually grows to respect the friendship and unflinching loyalty Perkins shows towards his great friend. When they finally reach the nearest town to their destination - Melquiades' fabled hometown, a lush paradise where his beautiful wife and children live - Perkins is perplexed to discover that the place doesn't really exist (except perhaps in Melquiades' romantic imagination) but insists that a tumble-down shack that he finds in the desert must be the remains of Melquiades' home. Norton respectfully plays along with the delusion and digs a grave for Melquiades - his debt paid, Perkins releases him from his shackles, tells Norton he is free to go, and rides off on his horse. Astonishingly, after his horrific ordeal, Norton asks Perkins if he'll be OK on his own...

The whole film is beautifully shot and the bizarre storyline and subtlety changing characteristics of the relationship between Perkins and Norton - from "kidnapper and captive" to something almost resembling friends (interspersed/juxtaposed with brief flashbacks to the relationship between Perkins and the enigmatic Estrada) - is superbly crafted from beginning to end.

But you don't need to watch it now, since I told you the whole story

 

[livemusic]

See what you did there, Danoff?

 

[YSSMAN]

Could have done without that comment.

Oh well. Too bad its the truth.

Somehow I imagine this isn't even close to true. Are you sure you didn't mean to say "if you think American foreign policy is utter crap you'll likely enjoy this movie"?

You could put it that way too, which again, is the truth.

*sigh*

 

[Danoff]

Oh well. Too bad its the truth.

Let's take it to the opinions forum - where I've already tackled your criticisms.

You could put it that way too, which again, is the truth.

So your assumption is "if you're even slightly interested in world affairs" = "if you think American foreign policy is utter crap", which is what I suspected. That's a awfully presumptive.

 

[555]

Seen quite a bit recently as i been ill, so here goes:

Breach - slow burner of a thriller with the brilliant Ryan Phillipe and Chris Cooper. Bit better than it seemed at the cinema. Very good performances, but could have been a bit better.
7/10

The Invasion - i know this got critically slaughtered when it came out, but i really liked it. It may be a rip off/slash remake of Invasion of the body snatchers (i dont know i havent seen it), but it reminded me alot of The Facutly. Nicole Kidman was gorgeous & Daniel Craig was good. Wasn't scary, but a good fun dumb popcorn film.
7/10

Hannibal Rising - This was more like a sub-par Saw movie, than a Hannibal film. But baring in mind i didnt like Silence of the Sheep or Hannibal, i dont really care. This is watchable, but far far to long. Gong Li is absolutely beautiful, but not the best actress with her broken English. The lead guy was good, but has a slightly odd accent.
6/10

Perfect Stranger - Im pretty sure this got critically panned too, but i like it. I dont like Halle Berry that much, her acting consists of making her eyes look like she's about to cry but dosen't. Bruce Willis is watchable, but its Giovanni Ribisi that steals this film, he is the most underrated actor in Hollywood, FACT! Oh and it has a good twist.
7/10

Mr Brooks - Very good film this. Which i think is the 1st time i have ever said that at a Kevin Costner film. It may go extremely slow, but it never seems like it (if that makes sense). William Hurt as Kevin's alter ego is really good, and Demi Moore is pretty good, even if her face looks a little odd sometimes. Very good film, but it could've done with ending a scene early.
8/10

Run Fatboy Run - Simon Pegg to my knowledge has made 4 films including this. This is his worst. Everybody (English anyway) knows the brilliant Hot Fuzz and the pretty good Sean Of The Dead. He also did the really good Big Nothing, which couldn't be spoilt even by his dire accent.
This however isn't a comedy. Its another one of those films thats funny for about 45mins then goes off on the sentimentality. Dissapointing given the reviews it got.
6/10


I also finished watching Season one of Bones. Very good programme this, i don't whats happened to season three, it finished about 6 episodes in on Sky One last year, and nothing has been heard of it since. I guess its something to do with the strike.
Anyway. I like Bones alot, the humour reminds me of Firefly. I like films/shows that aren't comedies, but are funny.
Not a single duff episode i dont think. I now have Season Two to start when im next bored.

 

[Danny]

I have to admit, I watched Penelope today.

Great film if you have young kids, a tad dull if it's you and your mates going to use up some time.

7/10

Nina Ricci is excellent in it.

 

[Diego440]

Lord of the Flies (1963) -- This is a movie to watch in segments. The shots are taken straight out of silent movies of the 20s, the acting is a big meh (well, there's only kids, so you can't expect that much) and Piggie's dialogues are the most annoying thing since Rosie Perez's laugh. Still, the movie follows the book very closely and the whole story comes out nicely. Too bad the soundtrack is basically African drums played ad nauseum. 7/10

 

[FoolKiller]

and Piggie's dialogues are the most annoying thing since Rosie Perez's laugh.

At least you get a payoff before it is all over. We watched it in my high school sociology class and we did more laughing than anything.

Still, the movie follows the book very closely and the whole story comes out nicely. Too bad the soundtrack is basically African drums played ad nauseum. 7/10

My biggest issue with Lord of the Flies, both book and movie, is that I believe it shows a sociological expectation that we have so far not seen happen in real life. In disasters people are more likely to help one another. When people become stranded in reality we hear amazing tales that rarely result in people trying to kill each other.

Granted the story was about a different time than today, but I often have trouble imagining people turning to tribal warfare. I think this shows that early sociologists had very little hope for humanity, and often wonder if it doesn't have something to do with the fact that some of the most popular sociological theories came about during or around times of war.

 

[Touring Mars]

When people become stranded in reality we hear amazing tales that rarely result in people trying to kill each other.

You haven't watched Big Brother, have you?

 

[TB]

You haven't watched Big Brother, have you?

As little as humanly possible.

 

[FoolKiller]

You haven't watched Big Brother, have you?

No, but I know the premise, at least of the American version, and I don't see how throwing strangers together, most likely specifically picked to try and create strife, in a non-life threatening situation can equate to a group of people, who often know each other already, in a life or death situation.

With as "real" as reality TV is I am inclined to imagine Lost being more plausible, pseudoscience and all.

 

[Diego440]

While I agree with your stancem FK, I have to say that (in my experience) people usually tend to be bad. Or rather, when faced with the choice of doing good and doing bad, they will more than likely seek personal fullfilment rather than improvements for everyone as a whole. Even if that personal fullfilment includes harming others. Being stranded on an island is something I haven't seen happen... and if it has, maybe they killed one another before help arrived?

I liked the movie, but in today's society I don't see it as happening. The kids would just go nuts and eat themselves when they find out there's no batteries for the PSP or any McDs.

With that said, I just watched a complete opposite:

Les Maîtres du Temps [Time Masters] (1982) -- French sci-fi animated movie with Moebius design. Looks extremely rudimentary when you're used to today's animation and CGI animation, but still the story is what matters here. As it usually happens, you expect an animated movie to be for kids, and this one isn't, although the subject is a kid. The story is about time travel and finding yourself... quite deep, tbh. One thing I've always liked about Euro Sci-Fi (vs. Asian or American Sci-Fi) is that spaceships have a "used" look... things are rarely shiny, but appear rusted and rough. All in all, a very good story, but arm yourself with a bit of patience, since the soundtrack is very synth-ish and scenes can get sluggish after a while. 8/10

Oh, and just because of FK's review, I'm getting King of Kong.

 

[Danny]

Bonnie and Clyde

Wanted to see this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint. A masterclass in classic film!

My only qualm would be it's genre. Or lack thereof.

 

[FoolKiller]

Being stranded on an island is something I haven't seen happen... and if it has, maybe they killed one another before help arrived?

I like to think it would be like Gilligan's Island.

Oh, and just because of FK's review, I'm getting King of Kong.

👍

Unless you really enjoy documentaries I suggest a rental just because some people can't get into them, no matter the subject.

OK, well apparently everyone but myself thought watching Penguins stand in a blizzard for two hours was entertaining, but in general most people just can't get into documentaries. I guess there is an exception for cute animals and political false statements.

 

[Diego440]

I like documentaries. No probs. The Penguins one (March of the Emperor?) was entertaining, although cruel.

 

[Delphic Reason]

I like documentaries. No probs. The Penguins one (March of the Emperor?) was entertaining, although cruel.

March of the Penguins


I just watched "Reign Over me"

Some of the dialogue was just a bit too lengthy for the emotional impact intended. The plot had some odd pacing issues, among other irregularities, and a few characters that really weren't necessary, (other than to show the struggle both of the main characters go through, which is done fine without them). However, all in all, I was pleasantly surprised. Adam Sandler's acting, in a serious role, was better than expected (although, some scenes retained his comical style, just barely muffled as to not be quite so noticeable). A good, albeit strained, first attempt at a serious role (No, I don't count "Punch Drunk Love").

6.75/10

 

[a6m5]

Bonnie and Clyde

Wanted to see this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint. A masterclass in classic film!

My only qualm would be it's genre. Or lack thereof.

I saw like just part of this film, once. When I was in grade school. I need to see it, too. 👍

Night Watch - (6/10)
So, I don't get Russian style. That's cool. But the feeling that this was a very dark rip-off of Underworld is hard to ignore. Of course, there are no Lichens in this story though. It is your usual vampires trying to bring about the end of the world nonsense.

I'm gonna have to stick up for Night Watch here. I think Underworld would be more of a ripoff in the sense that it was another Hollywood cookie cutter style movie I've seen about million times before. First time I saw Night Watch, I didn't know what to expect next. The film was definitely rough around the edges, but I thought the plot, SFX, etc., were very stylish, refreshing & unique.

Rambo IV/4.
Useless, a huge let down for the old Rambo series lovers.
6/10

I don't know about the "Rambo series lovers". First one is an absolute classic though. I'd still like to see the new one sometime.

 

[Delphic Reason]

Just watched "The Mist".

Frank Darabont. I am astounded.


I think Rimmer said it best when he said "What a load of rubbish. I consider it an insult to my backside, having to have sit here, growing carbuncles through such girlie adolescent schoolgirl mush".

Ok, so it wasn't necessarily "girlie", or "mush" (at least not in the traditional sense). The overall message remains apt.

Where to start...

How about the hideously contrived story. I was aware going into this, that it was more of a traditional horror story. I mean, even the name is a throwback to the old horror movies of the 50's and 60's. Considering Darabont's last two Stephen King collaborations were outside of the horror genre completely ("The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile"), it's not too hard to see why this didn't gel as well. I had heard the writing was a bit cookie cutter. I was not quite prepared for the formulaic plot, cheap Hollywood stereotypes, and cheesy hackneyed situations.

Then there's the special effects. These were obviously lifted , nay, ripped from some 70's Japanese monster movie, coated with modern day spit and polish, and spread onto the screen with the finesse of a hippo on ice.

There's more, but what's the point? You get the drift.

Frank Darabont.... I'm calling your mother. This behavior is unsubstantiated. Now go sit in the corner until your parents arrive.

I'm gonna have to stick up for Night Watch here. I think Underworld would be more of a ripoff in the sense that it was another Hollywood cookie cutter style movie I've seen about million times before. First time I saw Night Watch, I didn't know what to expect next. The film was definitely rough around the edges, but I thought the plot, SFX, etc., were very stylish, refreshing & unique.

I would agree with most of your statement. Most assuredly. I found underworld to be a pretty typical over-the-top Hollywood fantasy thriller. Which is fine, if that's something you enjoy. It's not for me. "Night Watch", was a bit pretentious, but had a much more sincere delivery, and the gritty indie style camera work (probably because it was an independent film) somehow gave the film a slight edge in believability. Not that all the situations seem plausible, just that they are shot, and acted, in a more believable fashion.

 

[a6m5]

I loved the Mist. It was trash alright, but it sure was my kind of trash. The climax was unbelievably weak though, even for a film like that.

 

[Diego440]

The climax in the original story was like "hey... hey ehey hey! No look here Stevie, you go sit on the desk and finish this, because if you were too lazy to do it in the first place, you shouldn't have published it at all!!"

 

[Delphic Reason]

The climax in the original story was like "hey... hey ehey hey! No look here Stevie, you go sit on the desk and finish this, because if you were too lazy to do it in the first place, you shouldn't have published it at all!!"

Indeed.