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

[Beat TG]

I ended up liking The Last Stand quite a bit.

Yeah, I can understand that. I did enjoyed the action but the story felt pretentious to me. Like it was just there to serve Arnie what he is known for, not to tell an actual story with him and the cast. Actually, that's how I felt about the Expendables movies as well (although to a lesser extent). Escape Plan gave me that though which is why I really liked it.

[RetroRobot]

Star Trek the Motion Picture - 1979

Can never make up my mind about this one. Im not a "Trekkie" by any means, but I own the original run of feature films ('79-'02) and enjoy most of them. Im not quite sure what they were going for with this first entry. Too esoteric to be considered mainstream entertainment, and yet the studio must have bumped this up from proposed tv show to feature film based on the strength of Star Wars, Close Encounters etc. So what exactly they were shooting for, I don't know. The pacing is brutally slow at times, even by 70's standards, and the reverance for the Star Trek iconography and characters is at times more hurting than helping. It's a noble effort, but I think they realised its shortcomings as they cranked up the entertainment value substantially with the following entries. I don't hate it, but not loving it either as I do the so called trilogy (Wrath of Khan, Search for Spock, Voyage Home). It has interesting ideas and themes, but the bright spots are perhaps too spread out, and it needed some trimming and more action if you ask me.

[Markgway]

Priest (2011-USA) **½
Exciting, visceral vampire actioner, marred by excessive CGI.
Characters and background are a bit thin, too (perhaps the result of pre-release cuts?).

Air Force One (1997-USA-Germany) **½
Harrison Ford IS Mr. President in fun, but barely credible action flick... with an extra side of cheese.

Disclosure (1994-USA) ***½
Classy, sexy, topical thriller strongly written, acted and directed.

[RetroRobot]

Feeling a bit down lately, so I need some light entertainment to brighten my day....

Taking Care of Business aka Filofax- 1990

Jim Belushi breaks out of prison to go see the Mets in the world series, and comes across a left behind filofax/day planner belonging to businessman Charles Grodin. So obviously Belushi assumes Grodin's identity and lives it up, while Grodin suffers. No knee slapping material in sight here, but very enjoyable and amusing in a low key way. Belushi is the lovable goof and Grodin is... well, Charles Grodin. I've only ever seen him play one kind of character, the rather boring straight man with repressed anger seeping out at opportune moments. Oh, and the lovely Loryn Locklin in her black bikini is probably the high point here, so make of that what you want.

Out on a Limb- 1992

Quite underrated comedy with Matthew Broderick chasing Heidi Kling to get his wallet back, which has in it some important info regarding a big business deal.... whatever. Jeffrey Jones plays twins, where one kills the other one and assumes his identity in a very funny performance, and then there's the two Jims, drunken yokels who makes me crack up in every scene they're in. All harmless fun, but very entertaining and laugh out loud funny when the Jims are on screen.

Doc Hollywood-1991

Michael J. Fox is heading for a promising carreer as a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills when he crashes his car in small town South Carolina, and has to work as a doctor there for plowing the local judge's white picket fence. I sometimes forget what a great comedic performer Fox was back in the day... both verbal and physical. All the quirky characters are fun, Julie Warner is quite fetching, Woody Harrelson as a hillbilly is good, and just a basic sweet story with fine actors and fun gags.

Brain Donors- 1992

A 90's update of the Marx Brothers style of comedy and a pretty funny one at that. Most people I know who have actually seen this seem to hate it. I love it, but then again, I love the Marx Brothers. And sure, this is not up to the same standards, but close enough. John Turturro does his best Groucho as Roland T. Flakfizer, ambulance chasing lawyer, and the late great Mel Smith is very good as Rocco Meloncheck, slob cab driver. Lots more characters, a plot that leans on A Night at the Opera and tons of ridiculous gags and jokes, of which about 95% are hilarious. It's not high minded stuff, but you can kinda tell that from the title.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

I should check out Brain Donors one of these days. I'll buy it if I see it used. I've seen all of The Marx Brothers (with exception of the very last film all three were in but not together The Story of Mankind, I will have to buy that MOD soon.)

I hate feeling down (not sure who likes it except for a few goths and other masochists) and when I do I tend to watch more comedy. I've seen both Taking Care of Business and Doc Hollywood a few times (own both on DVD.) I've been on both Jim Belushi and Michael J. Fox kicks so I have seen a lot they have been in.

Star Trek The Motion Picture: Not badly done, but doesn't feel as much as a Star Trek film as the later ones. Part of this has to do with Robert Wise (who I normally really like as a director; every autobiography I have read from the crew talk about this) who did not understand the Star Trek universe. It is probably among the Star Trek films (not counting the last two) that I revisit the least.

[RetroRobot]

Brain Donors is hard to find these days. Had to track down a second hand copy from Canada to get mine. I have tons of unwatched comedy stuff from the 80's and 90's in my dvd piles that I never seem to get through, unless im in the right mood. Although these were all re-watches, but not ones I haven't seen that often. I likes me some light fluff when im blue.

Regarding Star Trek, I really like the finale and some bits and pieces, but yes, it is a bit of a misfire. Love the "trilogy" though, as I said. Part 5 directed by Shatner is close to, if not completely unwatchable, and the 90's offerings are hit and miss. I like the classic crew better than Picard and co.

You should check out Out on a Limb if you can, and then save it for a rainy day. The two Jims will put a smile on your face, guaranteed.

[Markgway]

I'll always remember Julie Warner's introductory scene in Doc Hollywood!

http://www.break.com/video/ugc/julie-wa ... ood-588063

[Markgway]

Running Scared (2005-USA-Germany) ***

Ultra-violent, ultra-profane gangster thriller distinguishes itself by making its protagonists journey thru an urban nightmare analogous to the childlike POV found in fairy tales (most obviously in the creepy Hansel and Gretel segment). Writer-director Wayne Kramer threatens to go over-the-top throughout (and arguably does... and often) but plot wise only the final reel coffee shop showdown seems a bit like overkill (they should've found a better and smarter way to resolve that particular loose end). Generally regarded as the late Paul Walker's best work. The always excellent Vera Farmiga also deserves mention.

[RetroRobot]

I'll always remember Julie Warner's introductory scene in Doc Hollywood!

Ah yes, back when tits in PG-13 flicks were no big deal. I could have sworn that you saw her in full figure, bush and all on the Danish VHS version from back in the day, but that may just have been my teenage imagination running wild. Though I still recall it that way, but no such thing is found on the dvd.

[Markgway]

Bulletproof (1987-USA) *½
Gary Busey IS McBain in hilariously bad cold war-era actioner.

[Shingster]

Ah yes, back when tits in PG-13 flicks were no big deal.

[Markgway]

These tits you could show in a 'U' certificate.

[Markgway]

Dream Demon (1988-UK) **

Muddled Brit horror captures nightmare logic with arresting visuals; but its script needed a lot more work.

[saltysam]

Gravity 3/5 i enjoyed it but massively "overrated" @tm Brad....very well done and for a change quite short for a studio tentpole movie.

[Markgway]

I think I'm the only person who saw GRAVITY and felt completely unmoved by it. I checked my watch numerous times even at 90m. Take away the admittedly impressive SFX (and, yes, I saw this in 3D which was a waste of time as far as I'm concerned) and what do you have? A half hour of Sandra Bullock whining and whimpering. How is this a great film? If Michael Bay was listed as director critics would be lining up to call it a soulless piece of popcorn entertainment. I didn't HATE the movie. Frankly it was far too innocuous and routine for that. I was just... bored. A more interesting movie about isolation in space? Try MOON.

[RetroRobot]

I thought it smoked pole. And no, I didn't see in a theater or in 3D. But if a movie needs that to be good, then it's not a good movie to begin with. Bullock was a pathetic and Clooney was smarmy as always. Nice visuals, i'll give it that.

[Markgway]

I thought it smoked pole.

The Skin I Live In (2011-Spain) **½

Dark, disturbing psycho-sexual-drama from Pedro Almodovar turned out to be even more effed-up that I expected with a sick twist you wouldn't find in a mainstream Hollywood movie. Uncomfortable viewing, but gripping and provocative all the same. If you like the idea of Frankenstein meets Oldboy this might be up your alley. Elena Anaya is strikingly beautiful.

[grim_tales]

I thought it smoked pole.

Never heard that one before

[RetroRobot]

Less Than Zero- 1987

This film hits me like a ton of bricks every time. Partly due to Thomas Newman's score which, in my mind, is one of the most beautiful film scores ever composed. But also because I can draw parallels to my own youth (no i've never owed James Spader money or sucked cock for crack) but the whole vibe, the ill-fated friendship, the dysfunctional romance, the drugs.... I can relate to it all. Also I think the three leads play it with real heartfelt emotion and deep sadness. Great performances by McCarthy, Downey Jr. and Gertz who is so freaking hot in this. Plus, Spader as a massive douche is always fun. One of my all-time faves.

Fletch Lives- 1989

I love 80's Chevy Chase... the dry wit and dead pan delivery cracks me up every time. Most of his 80's flicks are pretty stupid, but he makes em' work. The send-up of the south in this one is clicheéd, but very funny, and I actually like this more than the first Fletch film.

The Hard Way- 1991

Michael J. Fox as a pampered Hollywood actor and James Woods as a hard-ass New York cop, teaming up to catch a serial killer. Why don't they make movies like this anymore? Great action comedy where both actors get to shine. Love Fox's wimpy rich boy character and no one can fire off rapid, angry dialogue like Woods. Love this movie.

[grim_tales]

I remember really enjoying that (Hard Way), what a fun movie.
Is there a Blu Ray?

[RetroRobot]

Couldn't tell ya'... but I doubt it.

[Markgway]

There's no BD yet for The Hard Way. Universal prefer to repackage the same dozen titles over and over...
I also liked this film, except for one significant misstep when James Woods makes Michael J. Fox think he's killed an innocent person. That was incredibly cruel and unforgiveable. Otherwise, it's good fun.

Fletch Lives I watched half of and gave up on... not my cup of cha. Chevy Chase can be funny but most of his films weren't.

[saltysam]

Force:Five 2.5/5 Early 80's American actioner Gets an extra half star from me for nostalgia purposes,saw this on the Odeon Liverpool back in the day,the projector broke down with 20 minutes left Directed by Robert Clouse and a cast including Joe Lewis,Bong Soo Han,Richard Norton & Benny Urquidez.Mediocre action though and the plot is a total ETD rip off...still i like it the new Scorpion dvd release looks great.

Machete Kills 1.5/5 Didn't expect this sequel,despite it's fun sounding title the best part about it is the trailer for the proposed 3rd entry.glossy but boring,poor Mel Gibson is really paying the price for his misdemeanours.

Dial M For Murder 2/5 Sub par Hitchcock imo,well made and acted but rather plodding and (unsurprisingly given it's origins) rather stagey.

Strangers On A Train 3/5 Decent Hitch thriller with excellent performances and a great climax.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2/5 Daft actioner passes 90 minutes but you won't remember much about it a few days later.

Alice,Sweet Alice 3.5/5 Excellent mid 70's slasher has stood the test of time well,poorly represented on home video down the years,the new 88 films DVD though not fantastic is probably about the best it's gonna get. The performance of Paula Shepherd in the title role of 12 year old Alice (she was 19 at the time) is excellent and i'm surprised she never made a career for herself.

[RetroRobot]

True, Mark.... that particular plot point always struck me as unusally cruel and far fetched. Even by a hardened sourpuss like John Moss. And the way they all laugh about it behind his back..... not cool, dudes.

Im watching The Secret of My Success right now. Haven't watched it in some time.... Helen Slater was really cute as Supergirl, as mindblowingly awful as that film was, but here she just looks frumpy and boring. I know she's supposed to be a Wall Street professional of the 80's but come on..... those outfits and gigantic specs is not doing her any favors. Thumbs down to the wardrobe department. Fox is good though. I love when is "conducting" his neighbours loud love making. I can relate.... the couple in the apartment under mine recently got divorced, and the guy kept the place and now has a new girlfriend....... geeez, keep it down, people.

[RetroRobot]

I love Dial M for Murder.... would probably give it 3/5 if I had to.