What general film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

but there will always be others to take his place among the disenfranchised baristas and/or English majors.

LOL, spot on, dude.

Not into ole' Jean-Luc either, or Truffaut for that matter. Im sure they're great directors. But their material holds little interest for me. The best thing Truffaut ever did, to me, is his role in Close Encounters As sacrilege as that may sound to any franco/cinephiles.

... I guess the same thing that happens to every great director.... they eventually lose the touch.

For me I like Truffaut (as well as Louis Malle and JeanRenoir and Eric Rohmer and Agnès Varda and ...) better than Godard. I like French cinema for the most part. I think it is one of the most important cinematic countries along with Japan and US (though this varies widely depending on time period; Germany for example, especially in Berlin was an important part of cinema in the 20s and early 30s; I love HK cinema especially in the 80s and 90s and it's importance in transnational cinema is vastly underrated.)

[on the bottom statement] which is so surprising when you have directors like Akira Kurosawa who put out great to good material (especially Kagemusha and Ran) late in life (I still like Madadayo and Rhapsody in August). It makes me think that can a director who once had a touch get his touch back (I think so; John Woo's Red Cliff was one of my favorite films in the past several years); how long can a director stay viable. How long with Johnnie To stay interesting?

[RetroRobot]

Got in a few Umberto Lenzi flicks today...

Oasis of Fear aka An Ideal Place to Kill aka Dirty Pictures 1971- Not really a giallo, but still teetering on the brink. Not really a 'home invasion' flick, but still kind of one.... not really sure this film can be labeled actually. The dvd cover calls it sexploitation thriller, which I guess works. Although there aren't that much sex or nudity in it. At least not compared to other films that bears that label. Either way, it is quite entertaining. I've always liked Ray Lovelock in anything i've seen him in, and he's good here too. Ornella Mutti is a tasty little dish, and Irene Papas, while perhaps a bit past her prime here, still provides a sensual maturity that works for the story. Being Danish, it is fun seeing the two youngsters, Lovelock and Mutti, run around Copenhagen buying porno mags in sex shops, for further sale in the more puritanical and conservative Italy of that time. I think Lenzi's pacing is good, there's some real tension in some scenes and the eroticism doesn't feel forced. Which is kinda why I balk at label of sexploitation. Had only seen this oncebefore, I remembered surprisingly little from my first viewing, so it was equally exciting and satisfying, this time around.

Almost Human 1974- Hard edged cops n' crime flick with Tomas Milian as a psycho sleazebag criminal and Henry Silva as the dogged cop who wants to get him. I have a hard time buying Silva as a good guy when he is almost always the villain, but that's my own hang-up, he's very good here, as is Milian. Lots of in-your-face violence, seedy characters, blood n' boobs and all that jazz. The home invasion scene is particularly brutal and semi uncomfortable to watch. Not a typical example of the Poliziotteschi genre, as it is a notch above in every respective aspect, than most standard entries. It's a shame that Lenzi is synonymous with zombie and cannibal schlock when his earlier efforts showed a much higher quality of filmmaking. Though im sure rabid horror fans will disagree and call me cine-snob for that.

[RetroRobot]

[on the bottom statement] which is so surprising when you have directors like Akira Kurosawa who put out great to good material (especially Kagemusha and Ran) late in life (I still like Madadayo and Rhapsody in August). It makes me think that can a director who once had a touch get his touch back (I think so; John Woo's Red Cliff was one of my favorite films in the past several years); how long can a director stay viable. How long with Johnnie To stay interesting?

True, I shouldn't have said "every".

Some directors retain their magic touch, some lose it, some regain it, and some never had it to begin with.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

[on the bottom statement] which is so surprising when you have directors like Akira Kurosawa who put out great to good material (especially Kagemusha and Ran) late in life (I still like Madadayo and Rhapsody in August). It makes me think that can a director who once had a touch get his touch back (I think so; John Woo's Red Cliff was one of my favorite films in the past several years); how long can a director stay viable. How long with Johnnie To stay interesting?

True, some directors retain their magic touch, some lose it, some regain it, and some never had it to begin with.

Oh when will Michael Bay get it (small joke I actually do like The Rock and surprisingly recently enjoyed Pain & Gain of course I believe in fitness.)

Airport (1970: George Seaton)

Same review that I also put on kungfucinema. If I was to rate it it would be **½/****.

I watched Cavalcade (1933) last night so I might make a small review of it tomorrow. With that watching though I finally finished all of the Academy Award Best Picture winners. Yeah! It was one of my cinematic goals for this year. I've been waiting for this one to come out for ages and I finally bought the BD/DVD combo. Now I wonder what will win this year.

[RetroRobot]

That is quite an accoplishment.

Personally, I haven't cared about the oscars since the mid 90's. Or any of the back padding, self congratulatory award shows for that matter. I find them insufferable to watch.

My next goal is to make it all the way through Tommy Wiseau's The Room without A) Laughing. B) Facepalming C) Slashing my own wrists.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

That is quite an accoplishment.

Personally, I haven't cared about the oscars since the mid 90's. Or any of the back padding, self congratulatory award shows for that matter. I find them insufferable to watch.

My next goal is to make it all the way through Tommy Wiseau's The Room without A) Laughing. B) Facepalming C) Slashing my own wrists.

I don't take much stock in them. I never forgave them for giving Hoffman (Kramer vs. Kramer) Best Actor over Peter Sellers (Being There). But it has been something I wanted to complete for awhile. Now working on the nominations (and a hundred other lists).

Post on how good/bad you think The Room is. I'm not sure I'll ever get to it, but reading the reactions to it is interesting.

[RetroRobot]

I just remember Babe the talking pig movie being a best picture nom in '95 or so, That's where I threw in the towel. Im sure it's a fun film, but come on.... not exactly Animal Farm.

And remember when Crash won..... CRASH....CRASH!!!!

Honestly, I doubt I can make it through The Room, seeing that I could barely make it through Nostalgia Critic's review of it, due to the actual clips of the film making me wanna run into oncoming traffic. But we'll see.

[Markgway]

And remember when Crash won..... CRASH....CRASH!!!!

I thought Crash was a good film. Don't know if it was THE best of film of 2005 but if it wasn't then what was? I only saw two of the other nominees - Good Night and Good Luck and Munich. I liked both but not sure if either were more deserving than Crash? I didn't see Capote or Brokeback Mountain.

Oh when will Michael Bay get it (small joke I actually do like The Rock and surprisingly recently enjoyed Pain & Gain of course I believe in fitness.)

Have you heard Mark Kermode's review of Pain and Gain?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcHvRhq36hw

[RetroRobot]

Crash was trash! Poorly directed, some real bad performances from several actors and just a bunch of the most tired stereotypes ever. If you're gonna use stereotypes, at least do something interesting with them.

I don't remember who the other nominees were, but if Münich were in there, I would most def chose that over Crash any day.

[saltysam]

Batman:The Movie 2/5 i enjoy the 60's Batman but it definitely works better in 25 minute doses,stretching it to a 100 minute feature is too much in one sitting.

Ninja 2:Shadow of a Tear 2/5 passable actioner,fills 90 minutes ok.

[HungFist]

My next goal is to make it all the way through Tommy Wiseau's The Room without A) Laughing. B) Facepalming C) Slashing my own wrists.

This one got instant cult reputation in Finland when they showed it on a midnight film fest a few years ago. So popular that next year they showed it again... and apparently it was even more popular that time

I only ever saw Sion Sono's The Room...

Crash was trash! Poorly directed, some real bad performances from several actors and just a bunch of the most tired stereotypes ever. If you're gonna use stereotypes, at least do something interesting with them.

I don't remember who the other nominees were, but if Münich were in there, I would most def chose that over Crash any day.

Yep, my thoughts exactly. And yes, Munich was nominated the same year.

[RetroRobot]

I have tried to get through The Room twice, but despite the obvious comedic value, it's just SO bad, that it gets to be a chore after more than 20 minutes. It's fun to note that halfway through shooting, Tommy Wiseau had to change crew, since they called him on his utter ineptitude. How this could possible win the audience award at the 2004 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival is hard to fathom. Either the audience were having a laugh or they were really stoned.

[RetroRobot]

My Dear Killer 1972- Decent giallo with all the fixins'... black gloved killer, infanticide, cooky characters, Morricone/Nicolai score etc. George Hilton is a bit of a stiff actor, and it meanders in the middle part, but plotwise it's pretty solid. The big reveal at the end has a nice and clever build up, but a bit of a halfass pay-off, sadly. Middle of the road stuff.

Beast With a Gun 1977- When you can't get Franco Nero, you get Maurizio Merli.... and when you can't get Merli, well... then you get Richard Harrison, everyone's favorite IFD ninja. He's a bit dull, but gets the job done I suppose. Helmuth Berger on the other hand, is just vicious as the escaped psycho criminal. Blood, boobs and brutality... it's all there. Overall, a decent Poliziotteschi, but somewhat overrated, probably due to its short "cameo" in Jackie Brown.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

And remember when Crash won..... CRASH....CRASH!!!!

I thought Crash was a good film. Don't know if it was THE best of film of 2005 but if it wasn't then what was? I only saw two of the other nominees - Good Night and Good Luck and Munich. I liked both but not sure if either were more deserving than Crash? I didn't see Capote or Brokeback Mountain.

Oh when will Michael Bay get it (small joke I actually do like The Rock and surprisingly recently enjoyed Pain & Gain of course I believe in fitness.)

Have you heard Mark Kermode's review of Pain and Gain?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcHvRhq36hw

What is hilarious (especially given the conversation in this thread) is that in that interview Kermode namedrops Crash. He completely overreacts to this film that it makes me wonder what would happen if he watched something from Takashi Miike or if his head would explode if he watched Belgium serial killer film Man Bites Dog. Now there are certainly some morally questionable material in Pain & Gain, but the film never goes as far as anything from Tarantino in terms of sadism or misanthropic content.

Now on Crash. It was not my favorite film of 2005 (I still have not seen Munich so I cannot comment on that, I will eventually get to it as I work my way through all nominations ) but I did not dislike it though I would never give it four stars like Roger Ebert did. I liked Brokeback Mountain more than that. Some films from 2005 that I would pick over Crash: The Cave of the Yellow Dog, Grizzly Man, Danny the Dog, Election, History of Violence, Last Days, Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles.

[RetroRobot]

Münich is far from perfect, but the characterizations were very good, the tension in some scenes was nerve tingling and Spielberg's recreation of 70's Europe is thoroughly impressive. I felt like I was watching a gritty 70's movie. Great use of the right locations, authentic vehicles, tons of extras in period garb and some well done CGI. Making medieval flicks and the like is really just going to Romania or whatever, and filming in old castles and desolate planes. But going back 30 or 40 years, and in well known, highly populated urban areas and make it look convincing, must be a mammoth task.

[grim_tales]

Funny you mention Man Bites Dog, around 2000/2001(?) this was screened on Channel 4/Film 4's Extreme Cinema strand with Kermode introducing the film, which he did quite intellegently I thought (at the time I was studying Film Studies at college). He didnt seem to be foaming at the mouth about that.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

Funny you mention Man Bites Dog, around 2000/2001(?) this was screened on Channel 4/Film 4's Extreme Cinema strand with Kermode introducing the film, which he did quite intellegently I thought (at the time I was studying Film Studies at college). He didnt seem to be foaming at the mouth about that.

That rape/murder scene in that film was far worse than anything in Pain & Gain. Thanks for mentioning that.

Saw American Hustle in the theater yesterday. Still pondering that one.

[Markgway]

The CRASH Kermode was referring to was the David Cronenberg movie.

[Markgway]

Malone (1986-USA) **½

Ex-CIA assassin Burt Reynolds (and wig) takes on scummy right-wing "patriots" and wins.
Not bad of it's type, but more and better quality action would've pushed this up a notch.

[RetroRobot]

I love that movie.... no dvd though. Or is there? How did you see it Mark?

[saltysam]

I love that movie.... no dvd though. Or is there? How did you see it Mark?

http://www.amazon.de/Malone-Nichts-aufh ... rds=malone

http://www.amazon.de/Malone-Nichts-wird ... rds=malone#

[RetroRobot]

Cool, thanks. Im getting that.

[grim_tales]

Mr. Peabody and Sherman: 1.5/5

Overall probably one of the worst animations I've ever seen from Dreamworks. I thought at first it was like watching one of those horrible attempts to make education "entertaining" (or the other way round), but not only that, it doesnt even answer its own questions and inconsistencies (if Peabody is a dog and he just 'found' an abandonded boy, where did Sherman come from, and did he have parents?) Any question is just answered with 'I did X, and this happened'.
I did smile a few times though.

[HungFist]

Escape Plan (USA, 2013) [DCP] – 3/5
Unremarkable but solid prison escape thriller whose charm relies almost entirely on leading stars Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Neither are what they used to be, but since the younger generations have failed to produce any new action star of the same calibre it’s good to see them still on screen. Here the two play their roles straight – no retarded Rambo references or “I’ll be back” jokes – although with a sense of humour. Quite passable entertainment.

Snowpiercer (South-Korea / France, 2013) [DCP] – 4.5/5
Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s (Memories of Murder, Mother) English language debut is a stunning sci-fi dystopia based on a French comic book. The post apocalyptic film is set during new ice age and follows the last survivors of mankind who live in a giant train under a brutal military regime. It’s hardly a groundbreaking scenario for an intelligent sci-fi thriller, but rarely has it been done this well. From casting to directing and pacing, Bong is at the top of his game here, even outdoing his Korean films. The way the film builds is nothing short of masterful. Most remarkably, the film is insanely dark and pessimistic – it’s no wonder Harvey Weinstein tried to censor it for the English speaking markets. Lame, though mostly irrelevant CGI landscapes, and Tilda Swinton, are the only gripes.

[Markgway]

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009-USA) **½

A Dirty Shame (2004-USA) **