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

[HungFist]

Gone Girl (2014-USA) ***
Ben Affleck is suspected of murder when his wife Rosamund Pike disappears...
Ice-cold thriller from David Fincher boasts very good performances and is pretty engrossing for about two hours... but fizzles out with an unsatisfying conclusion.

I thought the ending was pretty great, but I can see why people would prefer something happier. I saw the movie just yesterday. Probably my favourite movie of 2014. The atmosphere was really great. Someone described it as "silent horror", and that actually makes a lot of sense if you've seen the movie...

Also saw Boyhood last week. Very good film, altough the Texas grandpa scenes gave me some allergic reactions. No offence to anyone from Texas, but that culture is just so, so far from my personal preferences. I once had a nightmare it was trapped in a bar in Texas. It was full of men in cowboy hats and Dolly Parton was there

Oh, and I was a bit distracted with the boy reading women's underwear catalogue at the age of 6 or 7. From my experience, that comes when you're 9 or 10 When you're 7 you should still be in the "Ew! Girls, Disgusting!" stage

Gone Girl (USA, 2014) [DCP] - 4.5/5

Boyhood (USA, 2014) [DCP] - 4/5

[saltysam]

The Man With The Iron Fists 2/5 while it's good to see a USA made big budget kung fu flick being made its a pity it wasn't a lot better.glossy,lots of action but forgettable.i liked the Russell Crowe little homage to Jim Kelly from ETD early on and any movie that has Jon T. Benn acting in the same scene as Pam Grier can't be all bad.

John Wick 3/5 loud violent actioner. I Liked it does what it says on the tin.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

I really enjoyed John Wick in the theater. When I rewatch it when it comes out on BD/DVD I hope I will have the same feel.

Both Gone Girl (only Fincher film I have not seen) and Boyhood I would like to see soon. Cowboy culture can be quite different depending on where you go in the US. I grew up on a farm and can tell you country cowboys can be quite a bit different from city cowboys and even then I would not use that dichotomy as a Bakersfield cowboy will be a lot different than one in Dallas.

Mr. Moto’s Gamble (1938: James Tinling):

The script for this film was originally written for Warner Oland and was titled at one point Charlie Chan at the Ringside. Oland was having both mental and physical difficulties (there is a nice extra on this disc which explains the whole situation) and after several attempts at filming the production was canceled. With a few rewrites (only a few), it was later recast as a Mr. Moto movie – the third in the series.

This is a hybrid of a Mr. Moto movies and Charlie Chan. If you had seen any of the other Moto series the character is a lot less Moto-like and, of course, more Chan like with several aphorisms (sometimes called Chanisms) throughout the film. I feel Peter Lorre makes it work well, though I can see why some have disliked this film because of the different feel to this (Moto is less vicious, more cerebral, though you do get a couple spots of his celebrated jiu-jitsu/judo throws in it).

The plot is a bit convoluted and revolves around gambling in the boxing world. A title contending match ends up killing one of the contestants and the other is arrested for the crime. Meanwhile many bets in different states knew the exact outcome – of course pointing to an inside job. The ending is particularly frustrating because logically it leaves a lot of loose ends while trying to be surprising. But the journey, for Chan and possibly Moto fans, makes this a worthwhile watch. I also tend to like early use of martial arts as well as boxing in film.

I am a Key Luke fan. He has an impeccable sartorial style which often outshines everyone else in the films he is in. These suits and combinations would still look splendiferous today. This was his last Lee Chan role for a while as, I believe, he choose not to work the role with Sidney Toler – the next Charlie Chan out of respect to Oland.

Look for an early supporting roles from Lon Chaney Jr. (a few years from being a star) and a youngish and in-shape Ward Bond as the Heavyweight champ who you get the feeling could flatten the challenger at any moment when he is fighting.

[Markgway]

I thought the ending was pretty great, but I can see why people would prefer something happier.

It wasn't that I wanted something happier - it's not like either lead character deserved happiness (one's a cheat, the other a killer). I just didn't buy into the way it played out. We know that Pike is a total psychopath and would do anything to keep her regained life, but there's no way Affleck would stay with a woman who was willing to frame him for murder and who recently murdered her ex with a razor blade in order to play victim. If he wanted a divorce BEFORE, what on earth would convince him otherwise NOW? His reputation? He's a nobody - who cares if he dumps his wife. The important thing is everyone knows he didn't kill her. Then there's the pregnancy... not sure when she had time to sticky a turkey baster up her you-know-what with the constant media presence. OK, so he can't proof she's crazy, but take her on in a custody battle... or cut your losses and go back to the nubile girl with the cum-on-me-tits.

I once had a nightmare it was trapped in a bar in Texas. It was full of men in cowboy hats and Dolly Parton was there

What was she singing...?

John Wick 3/5 loud violent actioner. I Liked it does what it says on the tin.

Really disappointed by this one.

[Markgway]

Dog Day Afternoon (1975-USA) ***
Al Pacino's attempt to rob a NYC bank (to fund a sex change for his gay lover) goes terribly awry.
Intense, gritty, profane hostage thriller; based on a true story(!).

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012-USA) **½
Two thirds a good movie with Ryan Gosling (posing as usual) as a daredevil motorcyclist turned bank robber and Bradley Cooper an ambitious, yet conflicted cop in the lead roles. The third act is unconvincing and terribly contrived.

[HungFist]

I thought the ending was pretty great, but I can see why people would prefer something happier.

It wasn't that I wanted something happier - it's not like either lead character deserved happiness (one's a cheat, the other a killer). I just didn't buy into the way it played out. We know that Pike is a total psychopath and would do anything to keep her regained life, but there's no way Affleck would stay with a woman who was willing to frame him for murder and who recently murdered her ex with a razor blade in order to play victim. If he wanted a divorce BEFORE, what on earth would convince him otherwise NOW? His reputation? He's a nobody - who cares if he dumps his wife. The important thing is everyone knows he didn't kill her. Then there's the pregnancy... not sure when she had time to sticky a turkey baster up her you-know-what with the constant media presence. OK, so he can't proof she's crazy, but take her on in a custody battle... or cut your losses and go back to the nubile girl with the cum-on-me-tits.

If I understood your advanced English correctly and you're asking when did she have time to get pregnant, wasn't that the ex who came inside her seconds before she slit his throat? She needed to get pregnant because she had faked pregnancy as a part of her disappearance plan. I guess Affleck eventually believed the baby was his own, although I agree that part wasn't necessarily very believable.

As for the ending, Affleck is supposed to be a bit dumb and confused (some nasty people say that's why Fincher cast Affleck ). I think part of him is scared of what she would do if he tried to dump her (obviously she's far more intelligent than he, and ready to kill, and he knows it), part of him feels responsibility over the child, and part of him feels he caused it all by being a shitty husband. I think it's believable enough, especially in the context of satire and pitch black comedy. And I also think the ending is pretty open... Affleck goes with it for now and she certainly has the upper hand, but we don't really know what's going to happen in the future.

[Markgway]

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011-USA-Germany) *
I managed less than 10 mins of this sickening torture porn trash before switching it off... possibly a new record.

[Markgway]

If I understood your advanced English correctly and you're asking when did she have time to get pregnant, wasn't that the ex who came inside her seconds before she slit his throat? She needed to get pregnant because she had faked pregnancy as a part of her disappearance plan. I guess Affleck eventually believed the baby was his own, although I agree that part wasn't necessarily very believable.

You did understand my advanced English correctly.
I seem to recall Pike telling Affleck that she had used his sperm sample, which he thought had been destroyed.

As for the ending, Affleck is supposed to be a bit dumb and confused (some nasty people say that's why Fincher cast Affleck ). I think part of him is scared of what she would do if he tried to dump her (obviously she's far more intelligent than he, and ready to kill, and he knows it), part of him feels responsibility over the child, and part of him feels he caused it all by being a shitty husband. I think it's believable enough, especially in the context of satire and pitch black comedy.

I never felt that Affleck was dumb, rather that Pike was incredibly smart. He never saw it coming... BUT once he knew what she was capable of would he take her back? I can't see it. Pike is very dangerous, which is just one reason why he should want well away from her... would you sleep next to a woman who might slit your throat in your sleep? The guilt thing - over the marriage and child - I don't buy. Affleck was a dick and I don't think that changed. He wants a kid... OK. But not under those circumstances. Sorry, just doesn't play for me.

And I also think the ending is pretty open... Affleck goes with it for now and she certainly has the upper hand, but we don't really know what's going to happen in the future.

There's nothing to indicate any future split or further planning on Affleck's part. He's made himself entirely vulnerable.

[HungFist]

You did understand my advanced English correctly.
I seem to recall Pike telling Affleck that she had used his sperm sample, which he thought had been destroyed.

Oh, I missed that somehow. Thanks.

[Tenchu1998]

I thought 'Gone Girl' was alright. Good entertainment and reflection of our current times, public perception and the media's role in shaping it. Many aspects of the actual story didn't feel believable to me, but it's part of the whole modern pulp fiction format of the story. Whatever baffling moments it has isn't the point of the movie, so I don't think they matter. In the whole, it is really about the spectacle that arises around this couple.

Rosamund Pike is quite incredible in this one, I will agree with the overall opinions. She is super hawt, too. I have always thought Pike has been hawt ever since 'Die Another Day' where she played a character with no character whatsoever, but she was always super hawt. Good she finally caught a role where she was able to utilize her acting ability. I hope she'll get more solid roles in the future - she is a gifted actress.

Otherwise, David Fincher keeps making these modern dramas and thrillers over and over again - 'Panic Room', 'Zodiac', 'Girl With That Dragoon Tattoo', 'Gone Gal'. And even 'The Curious Life of Benjamin Butler' was kind of a 'Forrest Gump' going backwards. 'The Social Network' was pretty awesome, though, but then he went back to making pulpy drama thrillers again.

'Seven' remains Fincher's best movie, in my opinion. The one with the most depth to it, in my opinion.

[Tenchu1998]

I recently watched: Enter the Void (2009, Director: Gaspar Noe)

I don't like to rate movies by numbers, though. I feel ratings are too static in proportion to a dynamic experience of a movie.

I liked the movie. I thought it had some very impressive visuals that made me feel sick afterwards.
The movie so clearly depicts the decadence human beings are capable of creating when seen through an omnipresent spirit.
The DMT trip is quite a frightening experience because of the lack of proper orientation during it.

The movie deals with the theme of sinking into McHumanity without orientation, taking the viewer down into this terrifying world with it. It's a trip into the void.

Very impressive visuals. Interesting themes surrounding human consciousness in this world of ours that denounces spirituality as merely an illusion created by carbon-based neurons in our brains. But the trip produces the visions, either way, and with the tragedies of our existence comes the suffering which we cannot negate.

Good movie. I recommend it.

[saltysam]

Alan Partridge:Alpha Papa 1.5/5 Steve Coogan's dj character stretched out to a 90 minute feature doesn't work.doesn't help that said character is an unlikeable arsehole for the most part.

Taken 3 2/5 Mediocre 3rd entry improves on the second one but that's damning with faint praise.plays like a big budget tv movie.

[saltysam]

Expendables 3 2/5 overlong 3rd entry is entirely watchable but forgettable.i think this series is going to remembered as one that should've been so much better.

[Markgway]

Expendables 3 2/5 overlong 3rd entry is entirely watchable but forgettable.i think this series is going to remembered as one that should've been so much better.

Agreed.

[Markgway]

Machine Gun Preacher *** (2011-USA)
Strong, worthwhile drama based on the life of Sam Childers - a hell-raising criminal turned Christian preacher who devotes his life to saving orphans in Sudan. Gerard Butler's best work to date.

All Good Things (2009-USA) **
Peculiar, unsatisfactory stab at Hitchcockian thriller; based on a true story.

[grim_tales]

Fistful of Dollars (1964): 4/5

Unofficial remake of Yojimbo is a fine Western in Leone's canon. The music is very good (though Morricone doesnt seem to be credited for some reason on the German BD).
I wonder if Tsui Hark ever saw this as OUATIC 2 basically uses the same plot twist with a 'bulletproof' metal plate

[Markgway]

Avenging Force (1986-USA) **½

[Markgway]

Foreign Correspondent (1940-USA) **½
American reporter Joel McCrea is sent to Europe to unearth a scoop on the impending war.
Muddled spy thriller has a few memorable bits, but remains disappointing by Hitchcock standards.

Killing Them Softly (2012-USA) **
Hitman Brad Pitt is sent to clean house after a underworld robbery.
And here I thought they stopped making lousy Tarantino wannabes in the 90s...

[HungFist]

Killing Them Softly (2012-USA) **
Hitman Brad Pitt is sent to clean house after a underworld robbery.
And here I thought they stopped making lousy Tarantino wannabes in the 90s...

I thought it was rather good despite its flaws and the ending was fantastic. I was kind more bothered by Gandolfini playing the Gandolfini role for the 15th time than any possible (I don't remember it well enough) Tarantino influences. It was based on a book written in the 70s, though. Aside changing the era, I'd love to know how much they changed the content/style and how much originated from the book.

I think I gave it 3.5/5. I'm sure I will watch it again some day.

edit: I did actually make the Tarantino reference:

Dominic’s characters tend to be a little bit too post-Tarantino / post-Sopranos

https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 51#p168151

[Markgway]

Evil Dead (2013-USA) **½
Five youths head to a cabin in the woods to... aw, fuck it, you know the drill...
If the goal of this satisfactory remake of Sam Raimi's cult horror was to unleash the bloodiest movie ever... they might just have succeeded; by the finale it's literally raining blood! Wildly OTT, unrealistic splatter doesn't quite patch over plot holes (just how do the last two or three victims get infected?), but scores points for injecting (a bit) more characterization than usual and offering a fresh perspective on familiar material (heroin addiction/withdrawal as demon metaphor, gender switch/reversal heroism). Doesn't know when to quit (especially in the Unrated version which delivers an unnecessary coda).

[HungFist]

Oh, you liked it. Cool

Though I find it bit ironic that of all the people on this forum, you're the one who saw the goriest version

[Markgway]

Oh, you liked it. Cool

Though I find it bit ironic that of all the people on this forum, you're the one who saw the goriest version

I don't mind gore, really, it's pornographic sadism I have an issue with.

Evil Dead is not 'torture porn'.

Any problems I had were plot related.

[Markgway]

Silent Madness (1984-USA) *½
A murderous psycho is released from a mental hospital due to a clerical error(!)
Nubile sorority girls beware!
Amateurish direction (and some terrible supporting performances) are as deadly as any of the killer's sharp implements.

[Markgway]

Alley Cat (1982-USA) **
Sexy Karate student turns vigilante to get revenge on the scar-faced scumbag who murdered her granny. Obviously trash and poorly made to boot, but there's a mindless appeal to this exploitation pic (which manages to fit in a lesbian shower scene).

[Markgway]

Toy Soldiers (1991-USA) ***½
Columbian terrorists take over a prep school for rich (and in a few cases troublesome) teens.
One of my favourite films; if you haven't yet seen it, stop what you're doing and go watch it. Now.

Gattaca (1997-USA) ***
Intelligent futuristic drama (with thriller subplot) in which Ethan Hawke poses as genetically superior Jude Law to fulfil his interplanetary travel ambitions.