.Besides I was just pointing out the LG BH200 when it comes to BDs is a very respectable choice.
What general film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
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grim_tales
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Apocolypto: 3.5/5
The recreation of such an ancient world in this film is amazing, the attention to detail is incredible with the costumes, sets etc and having the film in Mayan language makes it authentic. However, as with The Passion, that is probably one of the most (only?) "interesting" things about the film (along with the violence if thats your bag, its not for the squeamish). I felt the film didnt have much real story and it "felt" like a 2 hour film, the last chunk of the film is little more than an extended chase, exciting though it is.
Is the film saying its the Mayans own fault its civilization was destroyed? When the Conquistadors turn up, theres nothing left to do and they dont even do anything?
The recreation of such an ancient world in this film is amazing, the attention to detail is incredible with the costumes, sets etc and having the film in Mayan language makes it authentic. However, as with The Passion, that is probably one of the most (only?) "interesting" things about the film (along with the violence if thats your bag, its not for the squeamish). I felt the film didnt have much real story and it "felt" like a 2 hour film, the last chunk of the film is little more than an extended chase, exciting though it is.
Is the film saying its the Mayans own fault its civilization was destroyed? When the Conquistadors turn up, theres nothing left to do and they dont even do anything?
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bradavon
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FYI regarding Iron Man:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost ... tcount=902GizmoDVD wrote:A small bump due to Paramount recalling Iron Man on Blu-ray...
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bradavon
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Agreed. It's nothing more than a flashy B-Movie. It looked great but has little depth. Not a keeper IMO. The Passion is much better, but not a keeper either.grim_tales wrote:I felt the film didnt have much real story and it "felt" like a 2 hour film, the last chunk of the film is little more than an extended chase, exciting though it is.
Not the Mayans but Mankind in general, we're doomed to destroy ourselves. The Conquistadors inclusion is pointless really, they serve little purpose.grim_tales wrote:Is the film saying its the Mayans own fault its civilization was destroyed? When the Conquistadors turn up, theres nothing left to do and they dont even do anything?
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grim_tales
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Mama Mia: 5/5
Glorious music and songs, imaginatively staged numbers and a fine sense of fun are present in this film. I loved it! While Pierce Brosnan sings like a lawnmower and Colin Firth sounds rather nasal when singing "Last Summer" on guitar (in a funny way, the casting of actors who sing like us plebs works and adds to the fun), Meryl Streep has an excellent singing voice, and I also thought the actress playing the daughter sang well!
The passionate renditions of The Winner Takes It All and Thank You For The Music are my highlights, and yet some uptempo songs are great too (Waterloo, Lay All Your Love On Me etc). I also think there are 1 or 2 touching moments in the film.
Camp as Christmas it may be, but you will leave the theatre smiling.
Delightful.
Glorious music and songs, imaginatively staged numbers and a fine sense of fun are present in this film. I loved it! While Pierce Brosnan sings like a lawnmower and Colin Firth sounds rather nasal when singing "Last Summer" on guitar (in a funny way, the casting of actors who sing like us plebs works and adds to the fun), Meryl Streep has an excellent singing voice, and I also thought the actress playing the daughter sang well!
The passionate renditions of The Winner Takes It All and Thank You For The Music are my highlights, and yet some uptempo songs are great too (Waterloo, Lay All Your Love On Me etc). I also think there are 1 or 2 touching moments in the film.
Camp as Christmas it may be, but you will leave the theatre smiling.
Delightful.
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saltysam
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The Brave One blu-ray 2/5
Dark,depressing but ultimately flat vigilante thriller.Jodie Foster is always worth watching but this is just a rehash of vigilante movies we've seen before,adding a bit of pontificating and soulful music into the mix to make it seem worthy.overlong to,Charles Bronson did it better in half an hour less running time.
Dark,depressing but ultimately flat vigilante thriller.Jodie Foster is always worth watching but this is just a rehash of vigilante movies we've seen before,adding a bit of pontificating and soulful music into the mix to make it seem worthy.overlong to,Charles Bronson did it better in half an hour less running time.
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HungFist
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Lorna’s Silence (Belgium, 2008) – 2/5
Director pair and brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s film follows and a foreign woman who marries Belgian drug addict only to achieve the country’s nationality. As expected, the film is a very European character drama with some slight crime film connections, but fails to achieve a great level of detail. It keeps your interest up till the end, and comes with adequate performances from the leads, but ultimately doesn’t leave you with much worth remembering.
Martyrs (France, 2008) – 3/5
The French have worked hard in the recent years to put out some of the most hard hitting horror movies on the market. But Martyrs needs a big warning stamp attached to its film reels; it is makes films such as Haute Tension and À l'intérieur seem harmless joyrides in comparison. The ultra strong thriller opens with montage showing its main characters, two young women, being tortured by an unknown organized group when they were children. The actual storyline picks up frome here and is better left unrevealed. Undeniably Laugier makes some bad misjudgements along the way, but the entirety, even described as existential by some, is fascinating. The experience is likely to be stronger than the last 100 movies you saw put together.
Heartbeat Detector (France, 2007) – 2,5/5
A surprising connection between modern, male oriented company world and crimes of the past is found this social noir. The overlong piece could do with 20 minutes of trimming, but the execution is stylish, and one can’t deny the film’s merits in introducing an interesting theory. Those who take cinema too seriously will probably grow a healthy bunch of gray hairs before the ending credits roll.
Captain Abu Raed (Jordan, 2007) – 1,5/5
”Jordan’s Amelie”, sone critic praised. The good meaning film follows an old man who delights the kids of the neighborhood by telling them made up stories of his adventures as a flight captain. In reality the poor man is a cleaner at the airport. The hopelessly sugary film later takes a turn into darker family hell territories, without much success. Syrup is cheaper at grocery store, and can be served in smaller portions. Abu Raed runs over 100 minutes. Still, with Nadim Sawalha’s cordial performance you don’t feel like bashing the film completely.
Three Monkeys (Turkey, 2008) – 2,5/5
A few years ago I saw Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Climates (2006). Back then I thought this director could easily reach greatness if given a more minimalistic screenplay to work with. Three Monkeys unfortunately takes the wrong path with family drama of a man who takes the blame for fatal traffic accident intead of his boss, and his wife and son now left alone while the father is in prison. However, Ceylan’s use of 2.35:1 aspect ratio is often impressive, and the intentionally slow and detailed pace deserves recognition. The slight disappointment is more because of the director’s huge potential than the film’s failures as an individual product.
The Art of Crying (Denmark, 2006) – 4/5
Crying is fun in this pitch dark comedy from Denmark. The recipe to success is good poker face. Pulsing with seeming Nordic realism - that soon turns out wicked irony - the story of a ”normal” 1970 family takes all the more shocking – and hilarious - turns as it advances. Taboos are broken in the process, and the film is accompanied with a beautiful piano music and countryside setting. Performances are terrific throughout. An intelligent comedy with bite, for once.
Occident (Romania, 2002) – 2/5
Cristian Mungiu’s debut film found a new life in the festival circuits after the directors 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days was crowned in Cannes last year. Occident is a small drama comedy, decently entertaining and most definitely worth a recommendation for the director’s fans, but fails to be anything exceptional. It will probably find it’s fans nevetheless. To me perhaps most memorable about the film was a couple of great moments with the playful soundtrack.
Gomorra (Italy, 2008) – 2,5/5
No romanticizing in this Italian mafia pic. With a wide variety of characters and determination to aim at maximum level of realism, Gomorra sacrifices entertainment values a few times along the way, but definitely offers something to think about when leaving the theatre. Because of the scattered structure I also suspect that the film might hold up better on a repeated viewing. Those interested in the subject will probably gain their reward immediately.
Cargo 200 (Russia, 2007) – 3,5/5
Soviet Union. 1984. Not a very good time and place, according to Aleksei Balabanov’s new film which, for some reason, I thought was about illeagal army operations. This turned out false assumption, for the most part. Rather than telling an important story it’s a fraction of hell, a few randomly chosen dark days in the countryside, later clashing with bleak industrial views. Balabanov steers the pic with great originality; it is impossible to foresee the upcoming events. Even more impressive is the terrific soundtrack. Characters and actors are good enough, although the female lead doesn’t always convince. Dark humour is constantly present.
Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! (AU, 2008) – 2,5/5
Mark Hartley’s doc introduces the audiences to Australian exploitation films from nudie features to nature splatter and carsploitation. A large number of films are referenced, with a huge amount of fun clips that make you want to add some Aussie trash to your dvd shopping list, but the approach could be more indepth. Interviews consist mostly of 10 second speeches from the filmmakers, and Quentin Tarantino, who shares is enthusiasm in his usual motormouth fashion. Perhaps most memorable stories are shared by Dennis Hopper and his co-workers. We also learn that Wang Yu was an asshole with big ego.
Son of Rambow (UK, 2008) – 1,5/5
This was a viewing decision I stared regretting already before film started. Originally I thought the idea of a British film where two kids who get to see The First Blood and start making their own adaptation sounded good. Obviously a result of exhaustion (in the lack of better excuses). The film provides a few good laughs, but is safely made family entertainment from a big studio with no courage or wits for a single surprising turn.
Director pair and brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s film follows and a foreign woman who marries Belgian drug addict only to achieve the country’s nationality. As expected, the film is a very European character drama with some slight crime film connections, but fails to achieve a great level of detail. It keeps your interest up till the end, and comes with adequate performances from the leads, but ultimately doesn’t leave you with much worth remembering.
Martyrs (France, 2008) – 3/5
The French have worked hard in the recent years to put out some of the most hard hitting horror movies on the market. But Martyrs needs a big warning stamp attached to its film reels; it is makes films such as Haute Tension and À l'intérieur seem harmless joyrides in comparison. The ultra strong thriller opens with montage showing its main characters, two young women, being tortured by an unknown organized group when they were children. The actual storyline picks up frome here and is better left unrevealed. Undeniably Laugier makes some bad misjudgements along the way, but the entirety, even described as existential by some, is fascinating. The experience is likely to be stronger than the last 100 movies you saw put together.
Heartbeat Detector (France, 2007) – 2,5/5
A surprising connection between modern, male oriented company world and crimes of the past is found this social noir. The overlong piece could do with 20 minutes of trimming, but the execution is stylish, and one can’t deny the film’s merits in introducing an interesting theory. Those who take cinema too seriously will probably grow a healthy bunch of gray hairs before the ending credits roll.
Captain Abu Raed (Jordan, 2007) – 1,5/5
”Jordan’s Amelie”, sone critic praised. The good meaning film follows an old man who delights the kids of the neighborhood by telling them made up stories of his adventures as a flight captain. In reality the poor man is a cleaner at the airport. The hopelessly sugary film later takes a turn into darker family hell territories, without much success. Syrup is cheaper at grocery store, and can be served in smaller portions. Abu Raed runs over 100 minutes. Still, with Nadim Sawalha’s cordial performance you don’t feel like bashing the film completely.
Three Monkeys (Turkey, 2008) – 2,5/5
A few years ago I saw Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Climates (2006). Back then I thought this director could easily reach greatness if given a more minimalistic screenplay to work with. Three Monkeys unfortunately takes the wrong path with family drama of a man who takes the blame for fatal traffic accident intead of his boss, and his wife and son now left alone while the father is in prison. However, Ceylan’s use of 2.35:1 aspect ratio is often impressive, and the intentionally slow and detailed pace deserves recognition. The slight disappointment is more because of the director’s huge potential than the film’s failures as an individual product.
The Art of Crying (Denmark, 2006) – 4/5
Crying is fun in this pitch dark comedy from Denmark. The recipe to success is good poker face. Pulsing with seeming Nordic realism - that soon turns out wicked irony - the story of a ”normal” 1970 family takes all the more shocking – and hilarious - turns as it advances. Taboos are broken in the process, and the film is accompanied with a beautiful piano music and countryside setting. Performances are terrific throughout. An intelligent comedy with bite, for once.
Occident (Romania, 2002) – 2/5
Cristian Mungiu’s debut film found a new life in the festival circuits after the directors 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days was crowned in Cannes last year. Occident is a small drama comedy, decently entertaining and most definitely worth a recommendation for the director’s fans, but fails to be anything exceptional. It will probably find it’s fans nevetheless. To me perhaps most memorable about the film was a couple of great moments with the playful soundtrack.
Gomorra (Italy, 2008) – 2,5/5
No romanticizing in this Italian mafia pic. With a wide variety of characters and determination to aim at maximum level of realism, Gomorra sacrifices entertainment values a few times along the way, but definitely offers something to think about when leaving the theatre. Because of the scattered structure I also suspect that the film might hold up better on a repeated viewing. Those interested in the subject will probably gain their reward immediately.
Cargo 200 (Russia, 2007) – 3,5/5
Soviet Union. 1984. Not a very good time and place, according to Aleksei Balabanov’s new film which, for some reason, I thought was about illeagal army operations. This turned out false assumption, for the most part. Rather than telling an important story it’s a fraction of hell, a few randomly chosen dark days in the countryside, later clashing with bleak industrial views. Balabanov steers the pic with great originality; it is impossible to foresee the upcoming events. Even more impressive is the terrific soundtrack. Characters and actors are good enough, although the female lead doesn’t always convince. Dark humour is constantly present.
Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! (AU, 2008) – 2,5/5
Mark Hartley’s doc introduces the audiences to Australian exploitation films from nudie features to nature splatter and carsploitation. A large number of films are referenced, with a huge amount of fun clips that make you want to add some Aussie trash to your dvd shopping list, but the approach could be more indepth. Interviews consist mostly of 10 second speeches from the filmmakers, and Quentin Tarantino, who shares is enthusiasm in his usual motormouth fashion. Perhaps most memorable stories are shared by Dennis Hopper and his co-workers. We also learn that Wang Yu was an asshole with big ego.
Son of Rambow (UK, 2008) – 1,5/5
This was a viewing decision I stared regretting already before film started. Originally I thought the idea of a British film where two kids who get to see The First Blood and start making their own adaptation sounded good. Obviously a result of exhaustion (in the lack of better excuses). The film provides a few good laughs, but is safely made family entertainment from a big studio with no courage or wits for a single surprising turn.
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grim_tales
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Bugs Bunny's 3rd Movie: 1001 Rabbit Tales: 2.75/5
All right I guess but nowhere near as funny as The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie, there are far better cartoons they could have chosen to illustrate fairy tales - Bugs Bunny and The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Rabbit, etc. Still, at least you get to see the classic of classics - One Froggy Evening, in its near entirety.
All right I guess but nowhere near as funny as The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie, there are far better cartoons they could have chosen to illustrate fairy tales - Bugs Bunny and The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Rabbit, etc. Still, at least you get to see the classic of classics - One Froggy Evening, in its near entirety.
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HungFist
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It's easy to see why it's receiving good reviews. It's a crowd pleaser. But that's exactly what I didn't like about it. It chooses such safe path that it ultimately started irritating me. The ending was the worst part. I really felt like a was taken as an idiot.
Although afterwards I've felt I was maybe a bit too harsh on the film. But that was partly because I was harsh on all the films. But I think I can live with myself
Although afterwards I've felt I was maybe a bit too harsh on the film. But that was partly because I was harsh on all the films. But I think I can live with myself
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Killer Meteor
- Hail the Judge!
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grim_tales
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luckystars
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- Posts: 1893
- Joined: 12 Sep 2005, 09:01
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grim_tales
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luckystars
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luckystars
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American Werewolf in London: 3/5
Disappointing. Expected far more effects and Directorial flare. Turned out to be goofy trash.
Disappointing. Expected far more effects and Directorial flare. Turned out to be goofy trash.
Last edited by luckystars on 05 Oct 2008, 21:36, edited 1 time in total.
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bradavon
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DangerousLeeHandsome
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The Midnight Meat Train - 0/5
Just a downright bad, bad film. Bad acting, bad dialogue, bad cinematography. I literally do not know what happened at the end because the entire scene was lit so poorly I couldn't see a damn thing! Possibly the worst film I've seen this year.
The Proposition - 4/5
Didn't expect much. Not a fan of Westerns but this was quite a brilliant movie.
Just a downright bad, bad film. Bad acting, bad dialogue, bad cinematography. I literally do not know what happened at the end because the entire scene was lit so poorly I couldn't see a damn thing! Possibly the worst film I've seen this year.
The Proposition - 4/5
Didn't expect much. Not a fan of Westerns but this was quite a brilliant movie.
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Killer Meteor
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Ah you and your overrated....bradavon wrote:Sadly I felt pretty much the same. The last 10 minutes are classic but 10 minutes doesn't make a movie. When we first see the werewolf it's cool too but again it's not enough.
It's seriously overrated. I don't get the excitement for it. The dialogue is awful in places too.
I love it. The UN joke, the visitations, the double nightmare, the stalking on the subway and the hilarious theatre scene. Plus Jenny Agutter nude! What's not to like?
bradavon wrote:
but I guess you're more intelligence than me.
but I guess you're more intelligence than me.
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luckystars
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I dig you on Jenny Agutter nude, but does that maketh the movie?
Natural Born Killers 3.5/5
It felt it impenetrable from the off, and a mixed bag stylistically. The editing was at times effective, sometimes distracting, as if Stone didn't have a clear idea of his vision. Very haphazard. That overall killed it for me, as I found nothing to get into, other than try to enjoy a relatively mundane story. It reminded me a lot of Killing Zoe - violent and anarchic without any real justification. Robert Downey Jr. Was the best thing in it for me
Natural Born Killers 3.5/5
It felt it impenetrable from the off, and a mixed bag stylistically. The editing was at times effective, sometimes distracting, as if Stone didn't have a clear idea of his vision. Very haphazard. That overall killed it for me, as I found nothing to get into, other than try to enjoy a relatively mundane story. It reminded me a lot of Killing Zoe - violent and anarchic without any real justification. Robert Downey Jr. Was the best thing in it for me
2010 - The return of the HK movie industry
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bradavon
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Agreed.luckystars wrote:I dig you on Jenny Agutter nude, but does that maketh the movie?
The theatre scene was rubbish. I cannot even remember the stalking scene and I only saw it (for the first and last time) a few weeks ago.
Ah you and your banal replies. I'm not the only one who uses it, get over it. It's an accurate response, most people who've seen it for some reason love it.Ivan Drago wrote:Ah you and your overrated....
I think this was great, lots of fun. I've seen it a few times and always enjoy it.luckystars wrote:Natural Born Killers 3.5/5
And just for "Ivan the terrible", as I know he really loves me saying it: It's very underrated
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