Bullets 'n' Babes

That's part of boxing. It gets them ready for the fight. Much like the haka in Rugy.

Pineapple Express: 4/5

Finally saw this today and thought it was great, lots of really funny bits! It's quite long for a comedy, but I didn't feel that it dragged (unlike Knocked Up, for instance).

Perhaps I'm thinking of Joe Frazier, Yi
No denying Ali was a great sportsman though

Yi-Long wrote:I don't know. Like I said, I see those things in the context it was in, at that time of his life, in that era in American history.

His comments were at best extremely unhelpful at a time when Civil Rights leaders were fighting for black acceptance in society. At worst they were poisonous and an insult to everything Martin Luther King - a truly great black man and positive role model - stood for.

Also, like I said, I certainly don't agree with all his statements at the time (when he was a bit more outspoken and radical).

A bit? Have you heard his views? He was very clear.

I don't think he gets away with it 'cause he's black', but because there's a very real truth behind his accusations and fears and anger, that especially at that time wasn't being acknowledged enough by the main public. HE was the person (or at least one of the most important and outspoken persons) who MADE it into a subject that was going to be adressed and talked about.

Sorry, but that's a bollocks excuse. You could then argue that anyone being racist is a positive if it gets the subject addressed. Not that it did. His vile words were taken at face value and swept under carpet. It encouraged seperatism and encouraged a generation of young black men to develop a chip on their shoulder. Ali didn't want to mix with whites... strange then he DIDN'T choose to move to Africa to be with "his people". I guess being in a "white country" paid too well.

Sometimes, if you want people to listen to what you have to say, you need to raise your voice or slam your hand on the table, to get everyone's attention.

And sometimes what people say is just plain wrong. If Bob down the road said it he would be wrong... Ali just the same.

grim_tales wrote:Ali was racist in a way (or derogatory at least) to George Foreman (I think?) - wasn't Ali accusing him of being a white guy's lackey?

Joe Frazier.

Ali said any black man who supported Frazier was an "Uncle Tom".

Nice guy, huh?

Ah yeah that's it, Joe Frazier. Thanks Yi, Mark.

I don't agree with him saying that.

Ali is also a truly great black man, let's not get away from that. Many great people have strong beliefs we may not agree with.

True.

Markgway wrote:

Yi-Long wrote:I don't know. Like I said, I see those things in the context it was in, at that time of his life, in that era in American history.

His comments were at best extremely unhelpful at a time when Civil Rights leaders were fighting for black acceptance in society. At worst they were poisonous and an insult to everything Martin Luther King - a truly great black man and positive role model - stood for.

I disagree. First of all, many MANY white people HATED Martin Luther King and his 'dream. Right now, yeah, everyone think he's so great, but at that time, when MLK was shot, there were white people out in the streets celebrating and ridiculing and taunting black people ("where's your leader now!?!?").
MLK WAS great man, but Muhammad Ali was a different kind of great man. He didnt ASK for equality. He stood up, and DEMANDED equality. In an era where black people were still denied access to restaurants, movie-theatres, whatever.... and in an era when black people were beaten down and killed, for standing up, he stood UP. Just for standing up, he was already a great man. And then he opened his mouth, spoke his mind, demanded equality and respect! And he MADE the whole world listen.

As always, when so many are wrong, and so few are standing up for what's right, it will always take a while before that person will get the respect and acknowledgement he deserves. He risked his LIFE for standing up for his beliefs, and not all of them I agree with, and not only did he stand up tall and proud, he kept walking the streets, among the people, without bodyguards or police-protection (except for maybe major events, or when he had his whole draft-trial).

He was absolutely right in standing up for 'the black man', and he was right when he called 'the white man' the devil. He doesnt mean EVERY white man is evil, or a devil, or wants to kill him. He means that throughout history, black people have suffered because of the white people. He's right. That's history. He comes from hundreds of years of slavery, racism, discrimination, with just a fraction of the white people coming up for the black man's rights.
We all can pretend we should get over that... but seriously, if your own parents and grandparents and their folks all have been used and treated as 3rd rate citizens or slaves or whatever... wouldnt you have a slight chip on your shoulder!?

Also, like I said, I certainly don't agree with all his statements at the time (when he was a bit more outspoken and radical).

A bit? Have you heard his views? He was very clear.

Again, I've heard his statements and know what he said. Like I said, there was an era when he was a bit 'too' radical in his beliefs, probably fueled by the Nation of Islam. I know you have always been n extremely nuanced person, Mark(!), so it might be hard for you to imagine, but sometimes some people speak from the gut, instead of from the brain.

I don't think he gets away with it 'cause he's black', but because there's a very real truth behind his accusations and fears and anger, that especially at that time wasn't being acknowledged enough by the main public. HE was the person (or at least one of the most important and outspoken persons) who MADE it into a subject that was going to be adressed and talked about.

Sorry, but that's a bollocks excuse. You could then argue that anyone being racist is a positive if it gets the subject addressed. Not that it did. His vile words were taken at face value and swept under carpet. It encouraged seperatism and encouraged a generation of young black men to develop a chip on their shoulder. Ali didn't want to mix with whites... strange then he DIDN'T choose to move to Africa to be with "his people". I guess being in a "white country" paid too well.

Ow yeah, it paid really well when he was broke for 3 years and wasn't allowed to fight inside the USA(!)
If he wanted to, he could have moved to any muslim country at that time, and he could have lived like a king. He didnt, cause America was and is his home, and I guess he loves it, but felt and probably still feels it can still improve.

Not everyone who's racist has an actual good argument behind his/her racist comments. 'Niggers must die cause they be stealing our jobs' isnt a valid reason.

Once again, when you only listen to the soundbites, Ali might seem racist. I very much doubt that the people who knew him in real life (many of them white), would ever think of Ali as being a racist. They KNEW what he was talking about, in a bigger picture. Ali was known to judge a person based on his/her actions, not by the colour of his skin.
He might have kicked a few white shins here and there, but he also kicked very hard against black shins when eh felt he needed to.

Not only did he demand respect for him and his people... he also demanded self-respect from all people.

Sometimes, if you want people to listen to what you have to say, you need to raise your voice or slam your hand on the table, to get everyone's attention.

And sometimes what people say is just plain wrong. If Bob down the road said it he would be wrong... Ali just the same.

If Bob has a point, Bob is right. If he doesnt, he could be wrong.

Ali's actions spoke even louder than his words. You can judge him by what he said and is mostly taken out of context, or you can judge him by how he has always lived his life, and he has many many friends, of all colours and creed.

Personally, I 'judge' him on both, and although I don't agree with every statement or action he ever made, I do have the ability to all see it in the bigger picture, I know in what context he said it, in what era he said it, in what phase of his life he said it, and how he explained and nuanced his statements when asked to.
Some people will ONLY care about the short 'shocking' soundbites, and that's their business, but I do hope you realise that a few quotes doesnt mean you know the guy and what he really thinks. I'm pretty sure we can make a selective compilation of quotes from every member of this board, and portray them to be however we like them to be portrayed, cause we are all human, and we all aren't always nuanced, rational, or 'complete' in all our statements or opinions.

And anyone that doesnt agree with that last bit should be shot in the face. Obviously.

bradavon wrote:Ali is also a truly great black man, let's not get away from that. Many great people have strong beliefs we may not agree with.

Like Hitler? Stalin maybe?

Yi-Long wrote:First of all, many MANY white people HATED Martin Luther King and his 'dream.

Of course. Because he was right and the racists were afraid of him. They killed him to keep him quiet. He used his intelligence and decency to further his cause and was a far greater man than any of his detractors.

MLK WAS great man, but Muhammad Ali was a different kind of great man. He didnt ASK for equality. He stood up, and DEMANDED equality.

Ali was a self-publicist. Ali cared about Ali. He demanded attention to further his career. The man's political views were nothing to hold up as ideal. There's simply no way you can compare him to an altruist like King.

In an era where black people were still denied access to restaurants, movie-theatres, whatever.... and in an era when black people were beaten down and killed, for standing up, he stood UP. Just for standing up, he was already a great man. And then he opened his mouth, spoke his mind, demanded equality and respect! And he MADE the whole world listen.

Yes, he was so proud of being who he was that he changed his name and adopted the racist policies of The Nation of Islam (who used him as a mouthpiece - Ali was less smart than most people think and his witty speeches were scripted for him by his spiritual leaders). Ali didn't promote racial equality, he promoted racial segregation. Can't you see the difference?

He was absolutely right in standing up for 'the black man', and he was right when he called 'the white man' the devil. He doesnt mean EVERY white man is evil, or a devil, or wants to kill him. He means that throughout history, black people have suffered because of the white people. He's right. That's history. He comes from hundreds of years of slavery, racism, discrimination, with just a fraction of the white people coming up for the black man's rights.

Sorry, but that's such bullshit. If Ali was as articulate as you say then he was then you wouldn't need to clarify his arguments for him. He said "white man" and meant it. Ali was a racist but happy to take white man's money. He made it fashionable to blame the white man for everything and because of that black people turned themselves into victims. Something bad happened? Shit, must be the white man's fault. If my great grandfather hadn't been a slave I'd be happy in my life. Bullshit then, bullshit now. Slavery was a dreadful thing and NO ONE here would disagree with that, but slavery was also started in Africa by BLACK MEN. Should we ask black people to apoligise to themselves?

We all can pretend we should get over that... but seriously, if your own parents and grandparents and their folks all have been used and treated as 3rd rate citizens or slaves or whatever... wouldnt you have a slight chip on your shoulder!?

Sure. But that wouldn't make me a great man. Nor would I pretend to be. Trying to forge something positive would. The Civil Rights leaders of the 60s suffered racism but STILL kept fighting for their rights and they were winning. The Ali effect was negative as was Malcolm X and The Black Panthers. Militants all.

Again, I've heard his statements and know what he said. Like I said, there was an era when he was a bit 'too' radical in his beliefs, probably fueled by the Nation of Islam. I know you have always been n extremely nuanced person, Mark(!), so it might be hard for you to imagine, but sometimes some people speak from the gut, instead of from the brain.

If Ali had come out and said "I was wrong" I'd respect him for that. If he'd come out and said "I was young, angry, and foolish" I'd respect that. He never did. He's still called Muhammad Ali. You know his real name came from that of an abolitionist? That's right - an anti-slavery campaigner. Yet he changed his name. Disrespect? You bet. If he really cared about such issues he would've considered the name (his parents gave him) an honour.

Some people will ONLY care about the short 'shocking' soundbites, and that's their business, but I do hope you realise that a few quotes doesnt mean you know the guy and what he really thinks. I'm pretty sure we can make a selective compilation of quotes from every member of this board, and portray them to be however we like them to be portrayed, cause we are all human, and we all aren't always nuanced, rational, or 'complete' in all our statements or opinions.

Right. But nobody has ever called me a hero. And I've never advocated racism in the way Ali did. You're right. There's more to the man than just his racism but can a man be "great" or "a hero" have once promoted such vile viewpoints? I can't think of someone like that as a hero. Black, white, yellow, or green. It's the worship and whitewashing (no pun intended) I find most objectionable. Ali may not have been a bad person at heart - but the things he said and actions he took DAMAGED black and white relations in America. He legitimised the illigitimate and for that he can't be forgiven.

Markgway wrote:Ali didn't want to mix with whites... strange then he DIDN'T choose to move to Africa to be with "his people". I guess being in a "white country" paid too well.

He had a white trainer (Angelo Dundee) and was friends with Howard Cosell. While there's no doubt Ali held some very racist beliefs when he was mixed up with the Nation of Islam, he wasn't really the gibbering, drooling, raging racist you would try to make us believe.

I never ever said Ali was "gibbering, drooling, [or] raging" so please do not put words in my mouth. My arguments are clear and the facts speak for themselves. I haven't said anything (that I'm aware of) that's untrue.

JCVD - 4.5/5
The opening action sequence is better than all his films of the last 10 years or so together. And who said Van Damme can't act? In a 7 minutes monologue, where he looks into the camera and speaks to the audience, he explains, he laughs and he cries. What a great actor he has become. Maybe because he got a character face as he got older. Please Van Damme, keep it up this way.

Markgway wrote:Like Hitler? Stalin maybe?

As far as I'm aware Ali didn't kill millions/thousands of people .

Taken (France, 2008) – 3,5/5
Pierre Morel takes a huge step up from Banlieue 13 with this action thriller. Taken is an old school revenge / one man rescue mission film that takes itself serious enough. No one liners, no sentimentalism, no rap music on the soundtrack. Only the ending goes a bit too over the top compared to the rest of the film. Liam Neeson is terrific in the lead role, giving a performance far better than what you usually see in the action genre. And, despite the ridiculous pg-13 rating this is not a kids film at all. Both US and UK theatrical versions are cut, and even with the more graphic violence toned down 13 feels far too low for a humor free film full of prostitution, drugs and torture.

Title: FRIDAY THE 13TH - THE FINAL CHAPTER

Version: Unrated Workprint

Rating: */****

Comment: Shit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhS3K0Iz ... re=related

The 39 Steps (1935): 4/5

I'd never seen this but thought this was a very good thriller with some great suspense moments from Hitchcock (like the scenes on the train) and some good comic scenes too.
I know it was 1930's so I dont know if it was the quality of sound or manner of speech that bothered me but it was sometimes hard to understand what was being said. The sound was pretty quiet.

Always wanted to see the 39 Steps. Got a free DVD of it from one of the Sunday papers but haven't got round to watching it yet.

Hancock. 4/5

Wasn't expecting much from all the negative reviews I'd read but I really enjoyed BOTH halves of this film. I didn't find the change in tone all that jarring and do we always need a solid bad guy? People complian when super hero films are formulaic and they also comlpain when they're not.

I enjoyed Hancock, despite the jarring Good to see a fairly original superhero flick

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): 3/5

Sometimes I felt the film was so ponderously slow and drawn out, in some sequences not much actually happens. The minimal dialogue is quite jarring at times too (for a lot of the film it feels like a silent film!)
However the effects and scope are really impressive (especially for 1968), for example the spaceships and computers, and the justly famous Dawn of Man opening with the monkeys. I loved some of the music used in the film (eg The Blue Danube by Strauss), it really added to the atmosphere.
However, I was left wondering what the point of the film was. Did the part of the film with HAL the intelligent computer dsiobeying Dave's orders when it overhears Dave talking about disconnecting HAL imply it is in man's nature to corrupt and no technology will ever be perfect? HAL said no 9000 series had ever made an error, but his twin 9000 series machine did something different to him. And just what was the ending about? What did it mean?

Your rating of 3/5 upsets me

I believe the ending is intentionally vague and cryptic and is about human evolution, I'm sure you'll be able to find loads of theories on the IMDb boards

Maybe 3.5/5, I'm not sure It confused me quite a bit!
Yeah I thought evolution is in there somewhere and its something to do with that, as it starts off with The Dawn of Man and then ends in space...

grim_tales wrote:Sometimes I felt the film was so ponderously slow and drawn out, in some sequences not much actually happens. The minimal dialogue is quite jarring at times too (for a lot of the film it feels like a silent film!)

I found this so effective and powerful. Their was plenty of language being conveyed, it just wasn't vocal.

grim_tales wrote:However, I was left wondering what the point of the film was.

This is only my point of view as it is deliberately vague but it's about the creation of man from ape through to human form, through to the evolution of man as great explorers and finally into another being entirely. It's all incredibly deep. If you want another point of view, ask Romero. He thinks it's tosh.

grim_tales wrote:Did the part of the film with HAL the intelligent computer dsiobeying Dave's orders when it overhears Dave talking about disconnecting HAL imply it is in man's nature to corrupt and no technology will ever be perfect?

I guess so. I've not really given that part of the film much.

To be honest 2001 is about what "you" make of it. There's really no right or wrong answer (other than Romero's saying it's tosh and isn't deep at all).

grim_tales wrote:And just what was the ending about? What did it mean?

I don't fully get the sequence in the room but I believe it's again man evolving into another entity entirely. It's all very biblical. Take how an old man appears one minute, signifying age, then another child "like" creature" appearing looking down on the earth beneath it.

It's certainly and outstanding film and way better than 3.5 out of 5. I think you should check it out again in maybe a year. I didn't think much of it the first time I saw it, I was much younger then though.

grim_tales wrote:It confused me quite a bit!

You'd be lying if you said it didn't.

grim_tales wrote:as it starts off with The Dawn of Man and then ends in space...

Exactly. Here's a good essay on 2001:

http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/rev ... FID=132770

Yeah it's definitely better than a 3 or 3.5/5, but Grim's given an honest account of what he thought of it, I only hope that he enjoys it more on another viewing sometime, I love this film so much

Its a 0 out of 5, its pure bile.

Apart from the music, the films shit beyond words.