Last Movie You Watched V. 1.0

[Crapshoot]

Stardust - 7.5/10 A modern fairy tale/love story. Some very good performances by actors both iconic and anonymous. A good mixture of serious story and silly fun. The movie dragged a bit in the beginning but became very good by the end.

Yeah, Stardust was funny enough to keep me entertained, and I also laughed at the over-the-top chick-flickery parts - my guess is Gaiman didn't go for that, and it was more of a Hollywood choice. I enjoyed the characters, especially the brothers, and thought it was generally well done. I do wish the lead character had some "character" beyond the standard cliche, but that was probably hoping for too much. As my friend put it, the romance had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

[Johnny93g]

Stardust 8/10- Very entertaining. Not as complicated as I thought it would be. DeNiro and Pfeiffer are both worth the price of admission

Superbad 5/10- Over the top. I've seen this movie many many many times, only with better taste. I have never had a 5 minute conversation with a male about erections. Who does??? Mclovin with the cops are the only reedeming scenes that make this watchable. I don't know, maybe i expected more with the huge advertising push it got. A poor man's american pie.

[ntndeacon]

Vertigo 9.5/10--Yea yea. I should have watched this movie long ago. Thanks to Blockuster online have fixed it. Always good to see Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak was fantastic.

[cthomer5000]

I definitely gave Stardust the benefit of the doubt. It's a very likeable, but certainly far from perfect movie.

[korme]

Unbreakable (2000) - I like the idea of the film. It was just too dark for me. It was from M. Night though, so it's no surprise- just not much a fan of his. 4/10

Superbad (2007) - Super awesome! Jonah Hill is great, and while I like Michael Cera his character did almost teeter on the line of too-loserish-to-pull-for... sometimes you just got to make the protagonist feel like the attention he is getting is actually deserved. All that said, I was rolling with laughter. 9/10

[Groundhog]

Unbreakable (2000) - I like the idea of the film. It was just too dark for me. It was from M. Night though, so it's no surprise- just not much a fan of his. 4/10

Definately disagree with this one. Shyamalan managed to turn an idea that's pretty silly - a "realistic" movie about a guy with superhuman powers - into a pretty darn good movie IMO. The sub-plots about the failed marriage, the son, and Samuel L. Jackon's characters history do a lot to make you care about them all and get a feel for what they are going through and their motives, and it's that darkness in the last half of the film that helps keep the film being "realistic" instead of silly.

Much like all of Shyamalan's films, could have done without the cameo by the director though.

I doubt Shyamalan will ever top this movie as far as my opinion on his films go. Unlike the Sixth Sense, holds up to repeat watchings too. The only one of his movies I have on DVD.

[Flasch186]

Children of Men 8 / 10

I really liked the acting in this movie that was definitely different than I expected. From the previews that I remembered I seemed to think it would be an action movie in the Clive Owen Drive faire but it was not. It was thoughtful and symbolic, apocolyptic yet realistic, Dark yet hopeful. I truly thought it was one of the better films Ive seen as of late.

[rowech]

Definately disagree with this one. Shyamalan managed to turn an idea that's pretty silly - a "realistic" movie about a guy with superhuman powers - into a pretty darn good movie IMO. The sub-plots about the failed marriage, the son, and Samuel L. Jackon's characters history do a lot to make you care about them all and get a feel for what they are going through and their motives, and it's that darkness in the last half of the film that helps keep the film being "realistic" instead of silly.

Much like all of Shyamalan's films, could have done without the cameo by the director though.

I doubt Shyamalan will ever top this movie as far as my opinion on his films go. Unlike the Sixth Sense, holds up to repeat watchings too. The only one of his movies I have on DVD.

M. Night needs to hurry up and live to his potential. The Sixth Sense was a fantastic movie in my opinion. Unbreakable was okay but I felt it was obvious the whole time. Some parts from Signs were fantastic. The part where they were in the basement to me was what tension was all about and the fact he got a theatre to jump just by walking something across the screen was fantastic as well. That movie fell dud at the end though.

[cthomer5000]

Definately disagree with this one. Shyamalan managed to turn an idea that's pretty silly - a "realistic" movie about a guy with superhuman powers - into a pretty darn good movie IMO. The sub-plots about the failed marriage, the son, and Samuel L. Jackon's characters history do a lot to make you care about them all and get a feel for what they are going through and their motives, and it's that darkness in the last half of the film that helps keep the film being "realistic" instead of silly.

Much like all of Shyamalan's films, could have done without the cameo by the director though.

I doubt Shyamalan will ever top this movie as far as my opinion on his films go. Unlike the Sixth Sense, holds up to repeat watchings too. The only one of his movies I have on DVD.

I'm a pretty big fan of Unbreakable. I think the only real failure is the very, very ending (like last 30 seconds of the movie).

[BrianD]

I doubt Shyamalan will ever top this movie as far as my opinion on his films go. Unlike the Sixth Sense, holds up to repeat watchings too. The only one of his movies I have on DVD.

I would go so far as to say this movie requires a repeat viewing. I didn't like this movie very much on first viewing probably because I was looking for a twist or something magical to happen. When I watched it the second time I wasn't distracted away from the story and was able to appreciate how good it was. I think it is a shame that The Sixth Sense was so popular and the first and best movie he is known for. The guy is an amazing story-teller but people spend too much time looking for a surprise ending and not paying attention to the story.

[BrianD]

Yeah, Stardust was funny enough to keep me entertained, and I also laughed at the over-the-top chick-flickery parts - my guess is Gaiman didn't go for that, and it was more of a Hollywood choice. I enjoyed the characters, especially the brothers, and thought it was generally well done. I do wish the lead character had some "character" beyond the standard cliche, but that was probably hoping for too much. As my friend put it, the romance had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Very true but at its heart, it is a fairy tale. I guess I didn't expect too much subtlety.

[miked]

Harry Potter and the Scrambled Plot (OoTP) 5/10- Maybe because I like the book, I found this movie near unbearable. It was a hodgepodge of bad acting, missing info and plot jumping. I understand it's hard to cram 600 pages into 2.5 hours, but give it a shot. A lot of the cool dialogue and subplots were seemingly missing and the acting was pretty bad. Except I enjoyed Luna to a degree.

Beerfest 8/10- It was stupid, but it knew it was stupid and made fun of it. I didn't like it as much as Super Troopers, but I was pretty entertained.

[cthomer5000]

I was on board with both Unbreakable and The Village in addition to Sixth Sense. The final act of Signs really disappoints, and I could never really buy into Lady In The Water...

overall though, one of the more interesting directors going.

[larrymcg421]

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (7/10)

I saw this at the Atlanta Film Festival a few months ago and it's opening in selected cities soon. This is a pretty interesting documentary about a controversial battle between two guys over the official all time high score on the classic arcade game Donkey Kong. It's funny and follows some interesting characters. Only problem is that it gets a little one-sided in the viewpoint of the two competitors (although not entirely without reason).

[Sgran]

Kung Fu Hustle (10/10) -- I saw this a while ago, but I haven't seen it on the list. Ebert said it best: "it's like Jackie Chan, meets Tarantino, meets the Matrix meets Bugs Bunny." When I say Jackie Chan, I mean the old Hong Kong movies about Shaolin temples and the loveable loser who becomes the master. I was laughing so hard at one point that I had to stop the movie, and some of the kung-fu scenes are the most original I've seen. I highly recommend you watch it in chinese with English subtitles.

[Scoobz0202]

Ocean's 13 - 7.0/10 - Enjoyable movie. Better then 12, not as good as 11. Not too sure if I would want to watch a 14, being that I have now seen the same thieving in three straight movies. I also did not like Ellen Barkin's role in this film. I don't quite know why, but she just did not seem to fit.

Transformers - 6.5/10 - The action was cool, yes. But the script I felt was horrible. The action alone was worth 6.5, and so was Megan Fox. Yet, and even though it is just an action film, the script could have been a lot better.

[larrymcg421]

Ocean's 13 - 7.0/10 - Enjoyable movie. Better then 12, not as good as 11. Not too sure if I would want to watch a 14, being that I have now seen the same thieving in three straight movies. I also did not like Ellen Barkin's role in this film. I don't quite know why, but she just did not seem to fit.


I completely disagree with this. This last one was pretty dull, just meandering along without any real vision or style. The 12th one had the guts to be different, coming up with a distinctive style and tone inspired by French New Wave cinema, and was alot more fun (example - the Julia Roberts lookalike scene with a Bruce Willis cameo).

[Pyser]

they didnt steal anything in 12! come on!!!

[Bonegavel]

300 8/10

For a movie where you know the ending (ie, they all die) it was still a great watch. The choice of actors was spot-on and the cgi is very well done.

I'm not frank miller kool-aid drinker but so far I've loved Sin City and really liked 300.

[MikeVic]

When do you guys usually watch movies? I'm not a really busy person or anything, but I can't find the time to watch movies... It's usually in a theatre, or once in a blue moon at home on a weekend night...

[rkmsuf]

When do you guys usually watch movies? I'm not a really busy person or anything, but I can't find the time to watch movies... It's usually in a theatre, or once in a blue moon at home on a weekend night...

stop golfing so much and you may have time

[MikeVic]

stop golfing so much and you may have time

!!!

I've golfed once! Maybe I can get some fancy golf bag that has a DVD player and screen in it. Like that guy in Caddyshack with the sound system.

[korme]

!!!

I've golfed once! Maybe I can get some fancy golf bag that has a DVD player and screen in it. Like that guy in Caddyshack with the sound system.

I find time to watch movies whenever I'm not around my friends. For instance I am spending the week with my mom, she's at work so I'm about to either find something on HBO on Demand, or watch a movie I own.

[BrianD]

Fracture - 3.5/10 Anthony Hopkins shoots his wife, but is he smart enough to get away with it anyway? I normally love courtroom dramas. I love to see if the criminal genius is smart enough to get away with it or if the investigators can figure it out. This movie should have been right up my alley. Sadly the "drama" was very slow and plodding and the finish was a giant letdown. It was bad enough that after the reveal happened I was immediately taken out of the movie to try to decide if it even made sense. Skip this movie if you get a chance.

[Chief Rum]

Definately disagree with this one. Shyamalan managed to turn an idea that's pretty silly - a "realistic" movie about a guy with superhuman powers - into a pretty darn good movie IMO. The sub-plots about the failed marriage, the son, and Samuel L. Jackon's characters history do a lot to make you care about them all and get a feel for what they are going through and their motives, and it's that darkness in the last half of the film that helps keep the film being "realistic" instead of silly.

Much like all of Shyamalan's films, could have done without the cameo by the director though.

I doubt Shyamalan will ever top this movie as far as my opinion on his films go. Unlike the Sixth Sense, holds up to repeat watchings too. The only one of his movies I have on DVD.

Agreed. This is my favorite Shyamalan movie.

[Chief Rum]

I'm a pretty big fan of Unbreakable. I think the only real failure is the very, very ending (like last 30 seconds of the movie).

Curious...

Are you talking about the very, very end, as in where they put up what happens to Samuel Jackson's character? Or are you expanding it a bit to include the entire last revelation? I thought the revelation was terrific and really tied Jackson's character into the story. But I do admit doing the "so and so was arrested and sent to a mental hospital" thing at the end was probably unnecessary.

[Chief Rum]

I would go so far as to say this movie requires a repeat viewing. I didn't like this movie very much on first viewing probably because I was looking for a twist or something magical to happen. When I watched it the second time I wasn't distracted away from the story and was able to appreciate how good it was. I think it is a shame that The Sixth Sense was so popular and the first and best movie he is known for. The guy is an amazing story-teller but people spend too much time looking for a surprise ending and not paying attention to the story.

Agreed here, too. It paled next to Sixth Sense at first for me (saw it in the theater). It was probably by seeing it on cable a couple years later, and watching it a couple more times that way, that I really began to appreciate what a terrific movie it is.

[Chief Rum]

I was on board with both Unbreakable and The Village in addition to Sixth Sense. The final act of Signs really disappoints, and I could never really buy into Lady In The Water...

overall though, one of the more interesting directors going.

You know, the ending of Signs is probably one of the most often quoted reasons for disliking it, and I can understand that. I wasn't a big fan of it either. But am I the only one for whom the ending didn't really detract from the other very excellent parts of the film? Even though I felt the ending was hokey, I still really like most of that movie.

[Pyser]

the pace and tone of "unbreakable" are fantastic. the highly stylized shots, the long takes, the color scheme...its m night's masterpiece. no question.

[korme]

Went to BB and bought 6 movies, intending to buy only 2 (and neither of those were in - The Believer / Squid & The Whale)... so I'll have some more reviews up tomorrow!

[thesloppy]

I have never ever gotten even a single moment of enjoyment out of an M. Night film. I can't get past the hushed and stilted dialog and what to my eyes seems like a complete lack of character development. The protagonist, hell the entire cast of characters, is pretty much exactly the same and from one M. Night movie to the next. Unbreakable was pretty much the worst of the bunch to me.

KID: {whispering} You're lifting the weights.
WILLIS: {whispering} I'm lifting the weights.
ME: ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzz

[cthomer5000]

You know, the ending of Signs is probably one of the most often quoted reasons for disliking it, and I can understand that. I wasn't a big fan of it either. But am I the only one for whom the ending didn't really detract from the other very excellent parts of the film? Even though I felt the ending was hokey, I still really like most of that movie.

If you've read what I write around here enough or by any chance heard the stuff I say on my podcast/sometimes real radio show... I'm quite OK with an interesting failure.

There is some additional value in a movie if I'm still talking about what was wrong with it years later. It's like the difference between your team getting destroyed in the playoffs or losing a heartbreaker. You keep talking about the close loss because of what might have been... it's more memorable, and it hurts a little more because so many things were right.

My big issue with Signs is the ultimate resolution is so laughable, i cannot believe M. Night saw fit to proceed with that script. There is so much good set up, so much good dialogue, that you just cringe when it all comes crashing down in a silly finale.

Ultimately the resolution to most movies will determine how I feel about it (rare cases to the contrary), but even if I ultimately give a movie a failing grade, it doesn't mean it's not worth watching.

I guess I respect the effort. I like directors/writers who are really shooting for something big, regardless of how it ultimately winds up. Outside of whether a movie works in its entirety, the question I usually come back to with a movie is "Is it worth thinking about?"

Movies can be good without getting a "yes" response there, but the common trait among basically every throughly bad movie to me is when that is a resounding "no.'

Ultimately I think Signs fails as a movie, but there are some great elements and it's at least worth thinking about the basic premise, or what you would have done differently to make the movie work, etc.

[BrianD]

If you've read what I write around here enough or by any chance heard the stuff I say on my podcast/sometimes real radio show... I'm quite OK with an interesting failure.

There is some additional value in a movie if I'm still talking about what was wrong with it years later. It's like the difference between your team getting destroyed in the playoffs or losing a heartbreaker. You keep talking about the close loss because of what might have been... it's more memorable, and it hurts a little more because so many things were right.

My big issue with Signs is the ultimate resolution is so laughable, i cannot believe M. Night saw fit to proceed with that script. There is so much good set up, so much good dialogue, that you just cringe when it all comes crashing down in a silly finale.

Ultimately the resolution to most movies will determine how I feel about it (rare cases to the contrary), but even if I ultimately give a movie a failing grade, it doesn't mean it's not worth watching.

I guess I respect the effort. I like directors/writers who are really shooting for something big, regardless of how it ultimately winds up. Outside of whether a movie works in its entirety, the question I usually come back to with a movie is "Is it worth thinking about?"

Movies can be good without getting a "yes" response there, but the common trait among basically every throughly bad movie to me is when that is a resounding "no.'

Ultimately I think Signs fails as a movie, but there are some great elements and it's at least worth thinking about the basic premise, or what you would have done differently to make the movie work, etc.

I've had this discussion with a number of people (and possibly you) before, but I really wasn't let down by the end of Signs. The ultimate resolution was weak, but then I don't think the movie was really trying to be an alien movie. The story of losing faith, personal redemption, and the belief that everything happens for a reason seemed to be much more important elements of the movie. The problem (I think) was that the movie was so heavily presented as an alien movie. The includes the previews as well as much of the first 2/3 of the movie. People were so focused on the aliens that they were disappointed when that story didn't have a great ending.

It wasn't a great movie, but I still watch it from time to time and quite enjoy it.

[Logan]

If you've read what I write around here enough or by any chance heard the stuff I say on my podcast/sometimes real radio show... I'm quite OK with an interesting failure.

There is some additional value in a movie if I'm still talking about what was wrong with it years later. It's like the difference between your team getting destroyed in the playoffs or losing a heartbreaker. You keep talking about the close loss because of what might have been... it's more memorable, and it hurts a little more because so many things were right.

My big issue with Signs is the ultimate resolution is so laughable, i cannot believe M. Night saw fit to proceed with that script. There is so much good set up, so much good dialogue, that you just cringe when it all comes crashing down in a silly finale.

Ultimately the resolution to most movies will determine how I feel about it (rare cases to the contrary), but even if I ultimately give a movie a failing grade, it doesn't mean it's not worth watching.

I guess I respect the effort. I like directors/writers who are really shooting for something big, regardless of how it ultimately winds up. Outside of whether a movie works in its entirety, the question I usually come back to with a movie is "Is it worth thinking about?"

Movies can be good without getting a "yes" response there, but the common trait among basically every throughly bad movie to me is when that is a resounding "no.'

Ultimately I think Signs fails as a movie, but there are some great elements and it's at least worth thinking about the basic premise, or what you would have done differently to make the movie work, etc.

Wholeheartedly agree on all points. There's a difference between not liking an ending and absolutely laughing at the direction chosen. I LOVED that movie up until the end and then it was like a punch of stupidity in the face.

[korme]

Easy Rider (1969) - After watching the film I am surprised it made AFI's Top 100. I understand the reasoning- it's a good look at the times, the drugs, and the undeserved predjudices in America. That said, it was nothing special and not even all that interesting. I thuroughly enjoyed Dennis Hopper's character, but Peter Fonda's I felt was quite lacking in personality. This movie might be one that deserves a more accurate rating after a second viewing. The end was a real shocker. 6/10

[bob]

Wholeheartedly agree on all points. There's a difference between not liking an ending and absolutely laughing at the direction chosen. I LOVED that movie up until the end and then it was like a punch of stupidity in the face.

So it has been a while since I have seen this - can you remind me the bad ending?

[korme]

Annie Hall (1977) - Classic Woody Allen; Diane Keaton is great. Many funny lines ("he kept saying 'jew eat yet', not 'did you'). It wasn't groundbreaking, however, and I think modern comedies are more funny (to each their own). Appearances from Chris Walken and Jeff Goldblum were nice surprises. 6.5/10

[Chief Rum]

Resurrecting The Champ-- 8/10

I recommend this one, but especially if you have ever been involved with journalism (as I have). Even without that background, I think most will get something out of this movie. Good performances by all (and, yes, including Hartnett).

The "twist" isn't all that surprising (by the tone of the film, you sorta see it coming). What makes the twist work is they work it into the film pretty well, IMO. Instead of Becoming The Story, the twist is just a key plot turn, which is a nice switch.

Oh yeah, and I would still pound bony Teri Hatcher any day of the week. :p

[korme]

Hey, do you guys know if The Darjeeling Limited is going to have a full-scale release or be limited (that's a rumor I heard)... I'd be very disappointed if that were the case.

[Karlifornia]

Resurrecting The Champ-- 8/10

I recommend this one, but especially if you have ever been involved with journalism (as I have). Even without that background, I think most will get something out of this movie. Good performances by all (and, yes, including Hartnett).

The "twist" isn't all that surprising (by the tone of the film, you sorta see it coming). What makes the twist work is they work it into the film pretty well, IMO. Instead of Becoming The Story, the twist is just a key plot turn, which is a nice switch.

Oh yeah, and I would still pound bony Teri Hatcher any day of the week. :p

Ever since being a 16 year old with a mr skin password, I have lost all desire to wank to Teri Hatcher and her fried-egg tits. I'm a boob guy..sue me.....we're all shallow in our fantasies

[WVUFAN]

Annie Hall (1977) - Classic Woody Allen; Diane Keaton is great. Many funny lines ("he kept saying 'jew eat yet', not 'did you'). It wasn't groundbreaking, however, and I think modern comedies are more funny (to each their own). Appearances from Chris Walken and Jeff Goldblum were nice surprises. 6.5/10

Annie Hall -- Ugh.

[Flasch186]

an Inconvenient Truth 7/10

A very good movie, statistics aside. The idea that the movie wasnt The slide show but was about Gore's life and charge to push this forward was a nice shine on this. Whether or not you believe the statistics, and I'll leave that for another thread, the movie is a nicely done documentary.

[Flasch186]

The Pathfinder 2/10

It should say something that the preview for the Nightwatch was better than this movie (the name could be wrong but it's a trilogy) or shall I say disc-o-crap.

For some odd reason the director chose to have the Native Americans speak English and have the Vikings be subtitled!! We could never get used to it. Were the fight scenes good and gory? sure, but the movie was a horrendous piece of crap. Run away Run away!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Strangers on a Train 8/10

A classic Hitchcock film. It lacks the star power of some of his other films, no James Stewart, no Cary Grant, no Grace Kelly, no Ingrid Bergman, but it's still a great, Hitchcockian yarn all the same. The villian of the movie, Bruno, is delightfully insane. It's a pretty fun ride and moves a decent pace. Definitely worth a rental if you're feeling like something a bit old school.

Ultraviolet 1/10*

I put the astericks by the rating because my review is based upon the 15 minutes of the movie that Lady H_B actually let me watch. She made me turn it off, saving me from myself. It was a movie that came out about 2 years ago or so. It started Milla Jovovich and it was some Matrix-esque type of fair in style (supposively), but it had something to do with vampires and antigens. It had a banner ad on this old site of ours for a few weeks at least.

Like I said, I only saw about 15 minutes of it. I would have watched only about 5, but I couldn't look away. It was like a train wreck of a movie. It's production values looked worse than "Terminator" (which I was watching just before I flipped to this piece of garbage). And Terminator was made like 22 years before this movie. In fact, a lot of the production values and acting reminded me of a local "film" some of my friends acted/wrote for. That "film" was shot with pretty much no budget. Ultraviolet was pretty much at that level. It was astoundingly bad. How it made it into theaters I will never know. It's worth watching for a few minutes just to see how piss-poor it all is.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Annie Hall -- Ugh.

I will never forgive Annie Hall for the fact that it beat "Star Wars" for Best Picture. I know it's an old, childish grudge, but I formed it when I first learned about this when I was a wee lad and must stay true to little H_B on this one.

[st.cronin]

Mississippi Masala - 8/10

Can't believe I had never heard of this movie before. On the surface its a romance, and a pretty good one. The ending sucked, but most movie endings do, so I don't usually hold that against a movie too much.

[BrianD]

Ultraviolet 1/10*

I put the astericks by the rating because my review is based upon the 15 minutes of the movie that Lady H_B actually let me watch. She made me turn it off, saving me from myself. It was a movie that came out about 2 years ago or so. It started Milla Jovovich and it was some Matrix-esque type of fair in style (supposively), but it had something to do with vampires and antigens. It had a banner ad on this old site of ours for a few weeks at least.

Like I said, I only saw about 15 minutes of it. I would have watched only about 5, but I couldn't look away. It was like a train wreck of a movie. It's production values looked worse than "Terminator" (which I was watching just before I flipped to this piece of garbage). And Terminator was made like 22 years before this movie. In fact, a lot of the production values and acting reminded me of a local "film" some of my friends acted/wrote for. That "film" was shot with pretty much no budget. Ultraviolet was pretty much at that level. It was astoundingly bad. How it made it into theaters I will never know. It's worth watching for a few minutes just to see how piss-poor it all is.

I actually rate this movie at an even 5/10...mostly because I walked out of the theater with absolutely nothing to say about it. It wasn't good and it wasn't horrible. It was pretty much just nothing. Some good sword fighting scenes, some good gunplay. Really it seemed like this movie was a video game in live-action form. It may have been the fact that it really didn't feel like a movie that kept it from being a bad movie.

[miked]

The Island- 5/10 Really I was bored last night and it was on. Pretty bad cross between The Matrix and Logan's Run type of thing. I like the cast ok, just the plot and overall direction seemed stupid. Some nice action sequences, but they were so hard to follow. About 30 minutes too long.

The Illusionist 6/10 This came out around the same time as that other magician movie, and I think that's the one I really wanted to see. This movie seemed kind of boring and most things were fairly obvious. They tried to have a Usual Suspects type ending, but it really wasn't done well and you knew what was going on the entire movie.

Pan's Labyrinth 9.5/10 Probably one of the best movies I've seen all year. Truly amazing film from a production/directing perspective and everyone gave great performances. I can't see why Babel won an award and this didn't.

[MikeVic]

It should say something that the preview for the Nightwatch was better than this movie (the name could be wrong but it's a trilogy) or shall I say disc-o-crap.

Was Nightwatch the vampire/demon movie? If so, I wrote a review somewhere in this thread I think.

[BrianD]

The Illusionist 6/10 This came out around the same time as that other magician movie, and I think that's the one I really wanted to see. This movie seemed kind of boring and most things were fairly obvious. They tried to have a Usual Suspects type ending, but it really wasn't done well and you knew what was going on the entire movie.


The other one was The Prestige...which I thought was a MUCH better movie than The Illusionist.

[sabotai]

an Inconvenient Truth 7/10

A very good movie, statistics aside. The idea that the movie wasnt The slide show but was about Gore's life and charge to push this forward was a nice shine on this.

I actually didn't like the autobiographical stuff. I thought it was pretty distracting (and ended up just fast-fowarding through the later segments). I would have much prefered it if that stuff was left out and they included more of his presentation.

[WVUFAN]

Was Nightwatch the vampire/demon movie? If so, I wrote a review somewhere in this thread I think.

It's based on a trilogy of books, and there's been two movies so far: Night Watch and Day Watch. The director of the two films is currently making his film American release, Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie, and based on the comic. The third book, Twilight Watch, hasn't been made yet.

The second movie is set for release on DVD in October.

I've read the books, they're dramatically different from the movies, and well worth checking out:

http://www.amazon.com/Night-Watch-Sergei-Lukyanenko/dp/0434014125/ref=pd_bbs_3/102-1577038-6925705?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188500819&sr=8-3

[Scoobz0202]

Hey, do you guys know if The Darjeeling Limited is going to have a full-scale release or be limited (that's a rumor I heard)... I'd be very disappointed if that were the case.

I read limited Sept. 28 then expands on Oct. 5. Expands to nation wide, I dunno. I would like to think it would be nationwide with Wes Anderson directing it, hopefully.

[korme]

The Last Detail (1973) - Jack, Otis Young, and Randy Quaid. Jack and Otis Young, part of the Navy, are supposed to escort Quaid to jail for committing some bullshit petty crime. They begin to feel for his character and want to show him some of the world before he has to do his time. It's actually quite entertaining, caught it on a whim. I love vintage Nicholson. "Well, kid, there's more things in this life than you can possibly imagine. I knew a whore once in Wilmington. She had a glass eye. Used to take it out and wink people off for a dollar." 7.5/10

[korme]

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) - Dusty Hoffman and Meryl Streep fight over custody of their 7 year old child. Streep, who was accustomed to doing the motherly things, leaves her husband and leaves him with all of her responsibilities over the next 18 months. Then she decides that she wants to raise him. Very good movie, really touching and emotional. 8.5/10

[cthomer5000]

Annie Hall is an awesome movie.

"Sometimes when I'm driving... on the road at night... I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The... flames rising out of the flowing gasoline. "

[korme]

Taxi Driver (1976) - De Niro is a discharged Marine who has overlying issues, starting with insomnia. He picks up cabbie work for the long hours through the night. Travis Bickle hates scum and filth and all the ruins of the nightlife of NYC and it eats at him, driving him to violence. He's quite an outsider and definitely has a skewed view of things. It's a classic old school movie, modern movie goers might call it slow, but the pace fits the idea - the gradual freefall into insanity. 8.5/10

[Lorena]

Shoot 'em Up - 9.1 / 10

As CT from The CT and Jivin Show (http://www.ctandjivin.com/main.htm) says, it was surprisingly entertaining. I wasn't expecting anything but came out with a WTF did we just watch feeling. The corny lines and ridiculous action scenes made this movie very fun to watch.

Leave your brain on pause for this one.

[cthomer5000]

Taxi Driver (1976) - De Niro is a discharged Marine who has overlying issues, starting with insomnia. He picks up cabbie work for the long hours through the night. Travis Bickle hates scum and filth and all the ruins of the nightlife of NYC and it eats at him, driving him to violence. He's quite an outsider and definitely has a skewed view of things. It's a classic old school movie, modern movie goers might call it slow, but the pace fits the idea - the gradual freefall into insanity. 8.5/10

A certain classic. The last college paper I wrote was about positioning this movie as a modern Western.

[Johnny93g]

The Assanation of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

8/10

It is very long, maybe too long, but it draws you in. This is the perfomance of Casey Affleck's career. Brad Pitt is excellent as well. It is very dark. There's alot of dialouge. The scenery is amazing, and it's just a very well told story. I really enjoyed it.

[korme]

Glad to hear Affleck delivers. I heard Shia LeBeouf was considered but they were afraid he was too young.

I eally want to see this and it's not playing anywhere near me. :/

[miked]

Flags of our Fathers- 6/10 I just didn't think it was all that great. Maybe I went into it with high expectations since Eastwood got nominations and awards and was pretty disappointed. It was boring, I almost fell asleep in a few parts, and the cutting back and forth just made me confused most of the time. At least it wasn't 3 hrs or something, but I was expecting better.

[mauchow]

Alpha Dog 7/10

While it wasn't what I expected I thought that a look at the true story from a different angle was refreshing once I understood that they weren't going the typical action/suspense route. Obviously, the actors did a good job because I found myself yelling at the screen and feeling emotions for characters. I DO recommend this movie as long as you dont go into it looking for the same hum drum suspense type flick.

I had no idea it was based on a true story.

I'm so pissed off right now. Like you said, I'm feeling emotions for everyone and practically yelling at the TV, too. $^%#! Damn.

9/10 I really liked it. I especially liked the part in the pool with the girls.

[Blade6119]

Equilibrium (2002)
9/10

Absolutely great movie...Christian Bale does a wonderful job as the conflicted hero and the action scenes are awesome. Interesting plot and in my opinion great cast that delivered some solid acting. Sean Bean's short role really set the tone for the flick, and i loved every minute of it. One of my favorite rentals in some time.

[Groundhog]

Hot Fuzz - 7.5/10
Thought this was good fun. It was like 5 different movies rolled in to one, and each one was entertaining.

The Hidden Fortress - 8.5/10
Great Kurosawa adventure flick. Toshiro Mifune is fantastic (as he always is when teamed with Kurosawa), and the two lowly peasants are good for a laugh. Not in the same league as Kurosawa's greatest films, but a very worthy 2nd tier.

[korme]

The Darjeeling Limited

OH wait it's also got a limited release......fuck

[MikeVic]

Equilibrium (2002)
9/10

Absolutely great movie...Christian Bale does a wonderful job as the conflicted hero and the action scenes are awesome. Interesting plot and in my opinion great cast that delivered some solid acting. Sean Bean's short role really set the tone for the flick, and i loved every minute of it. One of my favorite rentals in some time.

I saw this when it first came out to DVD. It boggled my mind how this was a straight-to-DVD release! Like you said, the acting is well done, the story is intriguing, the concept of their fighting is very cool, the scenery is cool, there's music, it seems like the movie had a decent budget to pull this off... so why straight to DVD??

[oliegirl]

I watched a great movie the other night...The Life of David Gale. Very moving, and great acting by Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney and Kate Winslet. Kind of a twist at the end, but I'd figured it out about halfway through the movie...still very good though, definitely something I'd recommend. Kind of heavy though, can't just halfway pay attention, and definitely not a movie you will laugh in.

8/10

[RendeR]

I watched Clue and the 1st 4 harry Poter movies this week. (I work nights in a PC lab, lots of dead time) Clue was of course awesome, Tim Curry simply rox. The HP movies were ood but nothing spectaclar, until you get to the Goblet of Fire. Holy shit that was a great movie. I was VERY impressed. And Enthraled to the point of rewinding and watching a number of scenes over again.

Ok so I'm boring and haven't seen anything unique, but hey I wanted to be included ;)

[MikeVic]

I watched a great movie the other night...The Life of David Gale. Very moving, and great acting by Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney and Kate Winslet. Kind of a twist at the end, but I'd figured it out about halfway through the movie...still very good though, definitely something I'd recommend. Kind of heavy though, can't just halfway pay attention, and definitely not a movie you will laugh in.

8/10

This was a movie that I watched awhile ago too. At the end though, it seemed like it you watched the movie from the start and knew the twist... some of the scenes wouldn't make sense. I've yet to re-watch it, but I recall thinking I figured out what was going to happen, then dismissed it since some other stuff wouldn't make sense for the characters to do if that were the case... and then the twist was exactly what I thought. So I was soured on the movie a lot.

[Chief Rum]

I saw this when it first came out to DVD. It boggled my mind how this was a straight-to-DVD release! Like you said, the acting is well done, the story is intriguing, the concept of their fighting is very cool, the scenery is cool, there's music, it seems like the movie had a decent budget to pull this off... so why straight to DVD??

My memory could be fuzzy, but I am pretty sure this hit the theaters. I remember seeing the ads and wanting to go see it, but never getting around to it (I later saw it on DVD, and liked it). I remember specifically about the TV ads comparing it to Matrix with its martial arts and technology and futuristic world. IIRC, it hit theaters (like in a usual dead time, like February), did poorly like most movies around that time, and was gone before you know it.

[sabotai]

Equilibrium was released in theaters, but it had a very limited release. According to imdb.com, it was only shown on about 300 screens.

[molson]

Finally got around to seeing Crash

Everyone's racist....The end.

This would have been a groundbreaking movie if released in 1958. Today, it just comes off like an grad school film student trying to say something "relevant". Really nothing interesting about it at all.

Still, good acting, and the last 45 moments or so did hold my attention. 6/10

[Pyser]

The HP movies were ood but nothing spectaclar, until you get to the Goblet of Fire. Holy shit that was a great movie. I was VERY impressed. And Enthraled to the point of rewinding and watching a number of scenes over again.

fascinating. easily my least favorite HP movie, but favorite book.

[korme]

Bottle Rocket (1996) - Wes Anderson's debut film. It isn't as polished as his others, but it still has the same quality and style to it. Owen & Luke Wilson are the co-stars, and were relatively unknowns at the time. It is a better second half, than first half. Owen Wilson's character Dignan is some of his best work IMO. 6/10

[thesloppy]

Dead Man's Shoes (2004) (http://imdb.com/title/tt0419677/) - I really enjoyed this, to the point that I've watched it 3 times in the last 5 days, which is pretty unusual for me even though I watch a lot of crap movies. At the same time, I don't know that I'd necessarily recommend it, as it's fucking brutal, and certainly not the feel good movie of the summer. I was mighty surprised to find a pair of my favorite songs (Smog and Will Oldham) in the soundtrack, which certainly figures into how much I loved this flick.

The plot is nothing remarkable, your standard revenge thriller witht he obvious comparison being the original 'Get Carter'. Paddy Considine, who also co-wrote the screenplay, stars as a soldier who returns from his enlistment to his small home town in Northern England in order to lay down a heaping helping of vengeance on the small-time thugs who brutalized his retarded brother. Yeah, I told you it was cheery. It's not entirely bleak though, as there are moments of humor and caring, and the band of 'thugs' are pretty laughable in their incompetence.

Certainly among the best movies I've seen in the last few years - 9/10

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[larrymcg421]

fascinating. easily my least favorite HP movie, but favorite book.

Wow, that's totally the opposite for me. That is the only book that completely dragged for me. It has a ton of problems, especially a twist ending that completely destroys the development of a character. I think the movie actually improved on the book in a number of ways, especially by cutting the Dursley's completely out and minimizing the involvement of the World Cup, which made absolutely no sense in the book. (You don't catch the snitch when down 160 points!)

[korme]

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003) - Clive Owen is the star in this one, and his character is quite the boring one. His brother (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) dies and he has to figure out why and what happened. When he does, his mission is to exact revenge on eventual bad-man Malcolm McDowell. Summararily average, which is too bad because the movie title is sweet. 5/10

[RendeR]

... minimizing the involvement of the World Cup, which made absolutely no sense in the book. (You don't catch the snitch when down 160 points!)


I thought the seeker that caught the snitch simply wins the game outright, no matter the score?

[larrymcg421]

I thought the seeker that caught the snitch simply wins the game outright, no matter the score?

Nope, it gives you 150 points and ends the game. So you definitely wouldn't want to catch it when down 160 points.

[CraigSca]

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) - DVR'ed this the other day because I'd heard about it and put it on my own internal checklist for "movies I must see before I die." Really, I couldn't finish it. Both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were completely over the top and the plot, to me, had some holes in it (i.e. Why didn't Joan Crawford yell out the window when she needed help?). The director also chose to throw things in your face when he could have been a little more subtle (Joan's character tries to gain the help of the next door neighbor by writing her a note, crumpling it up in a ball and throwing it out her window. Of course, when Bette Davis sees it, we're treated to "Pivotal Hollywood Movie Music #4" and a close-up of the ball at Bette's feet).

Only after seeing it, did I learn more about the movie - I seem to recall reading that even by 1962 standards it was considered a little campy, and the great fun of the movie is seeing these two old-school actresses who absolutely HATED each other work together. Apparently, in one scene Bette Davis is told to kick around Joan's body and she does so, too well, kicking Crawford in the face. (3/10)

[Karlifornia]

The Bridge (2006..I think)- Documentary by a guy named Eric Steel who set up cameras around the Golden Gate Bridge during daylight for an entire year. He caught many suicides on film (which they show), and there are interviews with family and friends of the deceased. There's even one fellow who survived the jump...It's pretty interesting to hear his thoughts post-auto de fe.

Not a real uplifting movie, as you can probably guess.

8/10

[terpkristin]

Nope, it gives you 150 points and ends the game. So you definitely wouldn't want to catch it when down 160 points.

Though that was a part of the book's development of Krum's character, that he realized Ireland was the better team, and wanted to end the game on his own terms by catching the Snitch. And then Hermione says something like, "Wow, that's very brave," and you get the jist that something may develop later (as we all know it does).

Hated the movie though. But my favorite movie in that series is one that I know a lot of people don't like, Prisoner of Azkaban. Oddly, the reason I don't like movie 4 (they changed too much, made it too Hollywood) are usually the reasons people give for disliking movie 3. Maybe I just like it because it has to do with time travel. ;)

/tk

[larrymcg421]

Though that was a part of the book's development of Krum's character, that he realized Ireland was the better team, and wanted to end the game on his own terms by catching the Snitch. And then Hermione says something like, "Wow, that's very brave," and you get the jist that something may develop later (as we all know it does).

/tk


That makes sense if they were down 300-0 or something, but they were only one lucky goal from having a chance to tie it with the snitch, or two from outright winning it.

[Pyser]

Hated the movie though. But my favorite movie in that series is one that I know a lot of people don't like, Prisoner of Azkaban. Oddly, the reason I don't like movie 4 (they changed too much, made it too Hollywood) are usually the reasons people give for disliking movie 3. Maybe I just like it because it has to do with time travel. ;)

/tk

i thought azkaban was widely accepted to be the best potter movie?

maybe im just stirring crap up here, since GoF is my favorite book, and PoA favorite movie so far...

[cthomer5000]

Bottle Rocket (1996) - Wes Anderson's debut film. It isn't as polished as his others, but it still has the same quality and style to it. Owen & Luke Wilson are the co-stars, and were relatively unknowns at the time. It is a better second half, than first half. Owen Wilson's character Dignan is some of his best work IMO. 6/10

Possibly Owen Wilson's best delivery ever is right after he's getting made fun of for wearing his banana yellow jumpsuit.. Luke Wilson says "forget about it man, did you see what they were wearing?"

"Yeah... it was awesome" or something to that effect. So freaking funny.

[korme]

Dog Day Afternoon (1975) - Based on a true story, two men rob a bank and subsequently hold it hostage. Starring Al Pacino, nominated for 6 oscars I believe. Pacino is just a classic actor, and he just sinks into the character of Sonny. The story wins with the way it makes you emphathize with Pacino's character. No music, which is sweet. Besides all of this, however, there is nothing particularly special about it. 6.5/10

[cthomer5000]

Dead Man's Shoes (2004) (http://imdb.com/title/tt0419677/) - I really enjoyed this, to the point that I've watched it 3 times in the last 5 days, which is pretty unusual for me even though I watch a lot of crap movies. At the same time, I don't know that I'd necessarily recommend it, as it's fucking brutal, and certainly not the feel good movie of the summer. I was mighty surprised to find a pair of my favorite songs (Smog and Will Oldham) in the soundtrack, which certainly figures into how much I loved this flick.

The plot is nothing remarkable, your standard revenge thriller witht he obvious comparison being the original 'Get Carter'. Paddy Considine, who also co-wrote the screenplay, stars as a soldier who returns from his enlistment to his small home town in Northern England in order to lay down a heaping helping of vengeance on the small-time thugs who brutalized his retarded brother. Yeah, I told you it was cheery. It's not entirely bleak though, as there are moments of humor and caring, and the band of 'thugs' are pretty laughable in their incompetence.

Certainly among the best movies I've seen in the last few years - 9/10

I've been telling anyone who will listen about this movie for 2+ years. I saw it at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2005. Paddy Considine is a bonafide super actor, and needs to get a lot more attention than he has. Be sure to check out In America if you haven't already.

[thesloppy]

Possibly Owen Wilson's best delivery ever is right after he's getting made fun of for wearing his banana yellow jumpsuit.. Luke Wilson says "forget about it man, did you see what they were wearing?"

"Yeah... it was awesome" or something to that effect. So freaking funny.

That whole scene is awesome. "This guy used to mow our lawn. Yeah, he was great..."

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[korme]

Reviewing Bottle Rocket on IMDB the other day was the first time I realized that Future Man was Andrew Wilson (the unknown Wilson!)

[cthomer5000]

Reviewing Bottle Rocket on IMDB the other day was the first time I realized that Future Man was Andrew Wilson (the unknown Wilson!)

His real life hand also has the BB in it on display in The Royal Tenenbaums (Ben Stiller's hand in the movie), IIRC.

[korme]

His real life hand also has the BB in it on display in The Royal Tenenbaums (Ben Stiller's hand in the movie), IIRC.

Correct. He also directed The Wendell Baker Story (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373445/), which I have been meaning to see, despite it's poor IMDb reviews.

[cthomer5000]

The Darjeeling Limited

OH wait it's also got a limited release......fuck

It's potentially the weakest of his films, in my opinion. At the very least it's certainly a Bottle Rocket vs Darjeeling matchup to decide which is his weakest film. It's still worth seeing, it's just not what I was hoping to see as his next release. It's a step backwards really.

[korme]

It's potentially the weakest of his films, in my opinion. At the very least it's certainly a Bottle Rocket vs Darjeeling matchup to decide which is his weakest film. It's still worth seeing, it's just not what I was hoping to see as his next release. It's a step backwards really.

Yeah, it is what I am figuring anyway. I have such high hype for it that it will probably be a letdown.

Then again, all of Wes Anderson's films are like wine- they get better with age and repeated viewings. We'll see.

[Pyser]

Then again, all of Wes Anderson's films are like wine- they get better with age and repeated viewings. We'll see.

precisely

almost not worth paying to see in a theater, since you know youll leave ambivalent at best. but watch it a few times at home, you love it

i did not like Zissou at all at first. now, i love it, and watch it fairly regularly.

[ntndeacon]

For Your Consideration- 5.5 outta 10

I was slightly disappointed by this flick. I expected it to be funnier. Right now this is the least of the Guest comedies.

[korme]

Dead Poets Society (1989) - It's a bit yawny at out set, and the plot takes a bit longer than I'd have liked to develop (perhaps because I'm tired), but the ending was superb. Robin Williams proves he can do well in serious roles well before Good Will Hunting came about, and there's a great young cast (Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles of note). 7/10

[Desmond]

I just watched Benchwarmers and it's fuggin awesome.

[korme]

Bought and watched my fourth Cameron Crowe movie in Say Anything (1989) - the least favorite of the four (Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, and Jerry Maguire being the others), John Cusack is a below average student with no dreams or career goals and falls in love with Ione Skye, a Grade A student. She has a very close relationship with her controlling dad, John Mahoney (Frasier dad), and he tries to keep them apart. But in the end... love conquers all, gotta love 80's teen romance. 6/10

[MikeVic]

Watched Idiocracy. It had funny moments, but not many laugh-out-loud ones. Felt a bit too short for an entire world to be introduced too. I would have liked to see more.

[Pyser]

Darjeeling Limited - 7/10

Found a lot to relate to, having 2 siblings myself. But as with all Anderson movies, need to see it at least one more time to really be focusing on everything else going on.

[Karlifornia]

Darjeeling Limited - 7/10

Found a lot to relate to, having 2 siblings myself. But as with all Anderson movies, need to see it at least one more time to really be focusing on everything else going on.

Watched this one on Saturday night. It would be interesting to see if Wes Anderson could do a movie that isn't about rich white people. I liked it, though.

[Young Drachma]

I'm going to see Why Did I Get Married, if only to have another week where the analysts are scratching their heads at how Tyler Perry movies consistently manage to open at #1.

I don't even like Tyler Perry, but for once a movie with an all black cast of decent caliber who are not a) struggling to get out of the ghetto b) in gangs c) having dance-offs d) needing white people to save them.

[larrymcg421]

Bought and watched my fourth Cameron Crowe movie in Say Anything (1989) - the least favorite of the four (Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, and Jerry Maguire being the others), John Cusack is a below average student with no dreams or career goals and falls in love with Ione Skye, a Grade A student. She has a very close relationship with her controlling dad, John Mahoney (Frasier dad), and he tries to keep them apart. But in the end... love conquers all, gotta love 80's teen romance. 6/10

Wow, gotta say you're way off the mark on this one. This is definitely the best of the four, with Almost Famous a close 2nd. Many classic moments in this one, from the Gas n Sip scene to the career speech to the iconic boombox scene.

[korme]

Wow, gotta say you're way off the mark on this one. This is definitely the best of the four, with Almost Famous a close 2nd. Many classic moments in this one, from the Gas n Sip scene to the career speech to the iconic boombox scene.

Maybe it reaches/connects to your era better than mine, but I disagree. I didn't say it doesn't have it's moments.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984) - Satire at it's finest. A director (he's done tons of commercials) sets out to follow a legendary UK rock band rooted in longevity, which are not so much dealing with their demise in a final US tour. It's funny how sorely you could relate the band's rise and fall to the actual success and demise of the hair band genre. All in all, many great moments. 8.5/10

[cthomer5000]

Bought and watched my fourth Cameron Crowe movie in Say Anything (1989) - the least favorite of the four (Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, and Jerry Maguire being the others), John Cusack is a below average student with no dreams or career goals and falls in love with Ione Skye, a Grade A student. She has a very close relationship with her controlling dad, John Mahoney (Frasier dad), and he tries to keep them apart. But in the end... love conquers all, gotta love 80's teen romance. 6/10

I got a question. If you know so much about movies, how come you're here on like... a messageboard on a saturday night completely alone...typing in your underwear... no actresses anywhere?

[oliegirl]

Wow, gotta say you're way off the mark on this one. This is definitely the best of the four, with Almost Famous a close 2nd. Many classic moments in this one, from the Gas n Sip scene to the career speech to the iconic boombox scene.

I'm going to have to second this, and go so far as to say that Shorty lost major cred with me for his review of Say Anything. That movie means so much to so many people who came of age (high school and college) in the late 80's/early 90's. A great movie...definitely better than Vanilla Sky, and I think at least as good as Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, and might be my favorite, though that would be more for sentimentality than anything else.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Please say anything other than Vanilla Sky was better than Say Anything.

[k0ruptr]

Jerry Maguire is so awesome though.

[korme]

I got a question. If you know so much about movies, how come you're here on like... a messageboard on a saturday night completely alone...typing in your underwear... no actresses anywhere?

The Jeremy Piven scene before he was Jeremy Piven!

[korme]

I'm going to have to second this, and go so far as to say that Shorty lost major cred with me for his review of Say Anything. That movie means so much to so many people who came of age (high school and college) in the late 80's/early 90's. A great movie...definitely better than Vanilla Sky, and I think at least as good as Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, and might be my favorite, though that would be more for sentimentality than anything else.

Well, I didn't come of age (High school and college) in the late 80's/early 90's. So there's your difference. To each their own.

[MizzouRah]

Vaccancy - 7
Disturbia - 8

Both of these movies are really good.

Edit: Vaccancy actually isn't as good as Disturbia, most will give it a 5 or a 6, but I love those type of movies.

[Johnny93g]

Vaccancy - 8
Disturbia - 8

Both of these movies are really good.

Vacancy is one of the worst movies i have ever seen. Just terrible, what did you like about it?

We own the night 7/10
This is a good movie. Nothing more, nothing less. It entertained me for 2 hours. Phoenix was great. I think his role was a very difficult one to play, and he pulled it off. This movie will be remembered for his performance.

[MizzouRah]

Vacancy is one of the worst movies i have ever seen. Just terrible, what did you like about it?

We own the night 7/10
This is a good movie. Nothing more, nothing less. It entertained me for 2 hours. Phoenix was great. I think his role was a very difficult one to play, and he pulled it off. This movie will be remembered for his performance.

I'm a sucker for movies like that - I've heard Wrong Turn 2 is bad, but I can't wait to see it. :)

6-7 might have been more appropriate

[cthomer5000]

Disturbia - 8

Both of these movies are really good.

Disturbia was pretty entertaining. I'm fully on-board with Shia LaBeouf and i thought the kid who played his friend was pretty damn funny as well.

[larrymcg421]

Yeah, I'm in the minority on Disturbia. I just hated how they took what was an interesting suspense story and turned it into a Friday the 13th ending. I did like Shia, though. He was also good in Transformers, another bad movie, and clearly has a good future.

[MizzouRah]

Disturbia was pretty entertaining. I'm fully on-board with Shia LaBeouf and i thought the kid who played his friend was pretty damn funny as well.

Agreed.

The ending had a kind of "let's get this movie over with" feeling to it to me, but overall it was entertaining.

[korme]

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) - More LeBeouf! Wow, what a movie. This is one of those movies that goes from his teenage years in Astoria to returning to the city he was raised in present day, 89 to 2005. The main character is played by Shia LeBeouf and Robert Downey Jr. It stories growing up in the lower class and the problems that come with it. I thought it was great. 8.5/10

[Johnny93g]

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) - More LeBeouf! Wow, what a movie. This is one of those movies that goes from his teenage years in Astoria to returning to the city he was raised in present day, 89 to 2005. The main character is played by Shia LeBeouf and Robert Downey Jr. It stories growing up in the lower class and the problems that come with it. I thought it was great. 8.5/10

I never heard of this movie, but now i got to watch it. I'm a believer that Shia is the real deal.

[korme]

Two Casey Affleck movies in 3 days, and the first two movies of his I've seen where he's the star/co-star.

Gone Baby Gone (2007) - A messed up mother with a drug problem loses her child to a kidnapper and the movie is a spiral of events in which the main character (Affleck), hired by the mother's brother & sister-in-law, sets out to figure out what in the hell happened. There are some great scenes in here and I think Travers even said there were quotes that were in "Pulp Fiction Hall of Greatness". Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris were also very good. One of my favorite movies of the year. 9/10

The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - I came into this having read a review from this thread that said it was slow so I was expecting that, and it didn't hurt the film in my eyes. Great depiction of characters here, really the kind of movie that tries to look into the soul of a human. It was a good film, not great. 8/10

[Johnny93g]

Two Casey Affleck movies in 3 days, and the first two movies of his I've seen where he's the star/co-star.

Gone Baby Gone (2007) - A messed up mother with a drug problem loses her child to a kidnapper and the movie is a spiral of events in which the main character (Affleck), hired by the mother's brother & sister-in-law, sets out to figure out what in the hell happened. There are some great scenes in here and I think Travers even said there were quotes that were in "Pulp Fiction Hall of Greatness". Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris were also very good. One of my favorite movies of the year. 9/10

The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - I came into this having read a review from this thread that said it was slow so I was expecting that, and it didn't hurt the film in my eyes. Great depiction of characters here, really the kind of movie that tries to look into the soul of a human. It was a good film, not great. 8/10


That must have been a great 2 days. I loved the Jesse James film, and i also loved Gone Baby gone. Ben Affleck needs to stick to writing and directing, because there is greatness in this. I have the feeling that this is the type of movie i will enjoy watching over and over again. Great acting, great casting, ecspecially in the supporting roles, and a real good score that set the mood.

[cthomer5000]

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) - More LeBeouf! Wow, what a movie. This is one of those movies that goes from his teenage years in Astoria to returning to the city he was raised in present day, 89 to 2005. The main character is played by Shia LeBeouf and Robert Downey Jr. It stories growing up in the lower class and the problems that come with it. I thought it was great. 8.5/10

This one fully falls into the "flawed but interesting" category to me. I found the modern day stuff that frames the movie basically pointless (yes i understand it's based on his actual life, but that doesn't necessarily make it worth watching)... and Rosario Dawson was just a bizzare piece of casting.

Worth watching, but 8.5 out of 10 is pretty nuts to me... though i see you give a movie you call "good, not great" an 8 just a few posts later. Perhaps you're just a little more leniant with your scale than I am.

[korme]

This one fully falls into the "flawed but interesting" category to me. I found the modern day stuff that frames the movie basically pointless (yes i understand it's based on his actual life, but that doesn't necessarily make it worth watching)... and Rosario Dawson was just a bizzare piece of casting.

Worth watching, but 8.5 out of 10 is pretty nuts to me... though i see you give a movie you call "good, not great" an 8 just a few posts later. Perhaps you're just a little more leniant with your scale than I am.

I'd say on any given day I definitely vary on how I rate my movies... sometimes the rating is based on rewatchability, other times it is rated more towards the work itself, also sometimes I try to consider the timeframe. I am no pro movie rater, so your mileage will vary with me. I never said I was perfect, I just like watchin' movies man. :)

Also, usually my ratings will fall from 6-9/10 if I like the movie at all. I only rate movies 0-5.5 if they are generally shitty and I usually don't go out of my way to watch movies that I can anticipate are generally shitty.

Ok, here's an example:

Just Friends (2005) - Ryan Reynolds is a fat kid from Jersey turned handsome, rich LA guy who is reunited with his High School crush (Amy Smart), who he could never get. Also starring Chris Kline as the asshole and Anna Faris as the dumb blonde... typically dumb laughs, awkward moments, and it's pretty average. 5/10


My scale is also a little skewed as I wish we would have started doing the ratings on the traditional 4 star scale.

PS- I agree that the stuff in A Guide... was much more interesting with the youthful portrayal in LeBeouf, but admittedly I am a pretty big Downey Jr. fan so I looked forward to the modern scenes as well. This was a very longwinded post.

[Scoobz0202]

You ever get to see The Darjeeling Limited?

[korme]

You ever get to see The Darjeeling Limited?

Not yet. The Assasination... just started playing in my area this week

[korme]

Sherrybaby (2006) - Follows a drug-addicted mother recently released on parole and trying to find a new, better life so she can raise her child and fight the urges of her past. Easy Mac said it was terrible, it wasn't terrible. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a pretty good actress. You can definitely feel for the character, as no one really has symphathy for her which makes fighting the urges of her old stress-reducing habits that much more difficult. It was ok. Oh, plus you see Maggie's tits in 4 different scenes. Splendid! 6/10

[Honolulu_Blue]

28 Weeks Later - This is the sequel to 28 Days Later, which was a nice, fresh take on the classic zombie movie. Many felt (and I agree) that 28 Days Later started out great, but fell apart at the end. 28 Weeks Later doesn't even have that going for it. Some where in there, there was a good film with some very cool scenes, unfortunately that good film got lost in a lot of silliness and some weak actors. It was a shame really.

A lot of the scenes reminded me of something you'd find in a video game.

"Oh no! The city is about to be bombed! You have 4 minutes to get to the clearing! Go!"

"Oh no! We can't take everyone on the chopper! You have to get to the soccer stadium! Run!"

"The army is coming! You have to drive out of the city, but avoid the gas! Drive!"

5/10.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Host - This is Korean horror movie of sorts. It's about this monster that emerges from some main river in Korean because of excess pollution. It kills a bunch of people and captures this young girl. The US military comes in and creates mass hysteria and shuts the city down claiming there is a virus. The girl's family, including her father, grandfather, aunt, and uncle escape from quarrantine and go look for her.

The characters were great. I really loved the family dynamic, especially when they were all together. The girl's angry, drunken uncle was by far my favorite character. The movie was rolling along nicely and then sort of took an odd turn and fizzled out a bit. Still, relatively entertaining for a Korean horror movie. The monster was pretty cool.

7/10.

[korme]

Dan In Real Life (2007) - Steve Carrell stars as the widowed father of three who writes a daily column giving advice to readers. The only problem is that sometimes he isn't listening to himself for his own problems. It's a romantic comedy that succeeds with Carrell's quirks but fails in the fact that Dane Cook has a decent sized role. Some pretty funny parts, but not enough worth the price of admission. 6/10

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - Wes Anderson's fifth feature, and it finally got to my area... the theatre played the short Hotel Chevelair before the feature, which was sweet (big Portman fan). This was classic Wes, same rotating camera and same quirks. I do not think it was his best in terms of comedy but like all of his movies there is underlying sentimentalism that makes it a good flick. 7/10

[rkmsuf]

Now how exactly did Dane Cook get famous? Never heard of the guy until the last couple years and everytime I see or hear him he comes off as a giant douchebag.

Those World Series commericals make my skin crawl with him.

[korme]

I first heard Cook my freshman year of college ('04) on a comedy cd, and admittedly he was fresh and funny... but his act is getting old to me now.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hot Fuzz (2007) - This is the second film written and directed by the same folks who brought us the wonderful Shaun of the Dead. It stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the same two leads from Shaun. The story is about a hard-core London super-cop, Nick Angel, whose arrest record is good (400% higher than average) that the London police decide to ship him off to Sanford, a small village in England, because he's making everyone on the force look bad. Angel arrives at Sanford and hillarity ensues.

Hot Fuzz is to the buddy cop/action films of the 80's and early 90's that Shaun was to zombie flicks. They are very close to being parodies, but not quite. Hot Fuzz is absolutely hilarious. There is an incredibly large cast of minor character, almost all of which have moments to shine. It's a genuinely funny movie with a sort of sweetness to it (and some incredibly violent/gory scenes) that works quite well. 9/10

[MikeVic]

Dane Cook was in that movie where Alba was wearning cute penguin panties, right?

[Crapshoot]

I got a question. If you know so much about movies, how come you're here on like... a messageboard on a saturday night completely alone...typing in your underwear... no actresses anywhere?

I love that movie.

[korme]

Dane Cook was in that movie where Alba was wearning cute penguin panties, right?

yea, Good Luck Chuck

[korme]

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) - Peter Sellers is straight up awesome. The humor in this took a bit for me to start rolling with, but admittedly, there is some good dark comedy here. It was ok, and cthomer is probably going to grill me for this, but I guess for me it just hasn't held up well over time. Maybe I need to watch it again. 6.5/10

[thesloppy]

I do not avoid women, Mandrake...but I do deny them my essence.

[Greyroofoo]

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) - Peter Sellers is straight up awesome. The humor in this took a bit for me to start rolling with, but admittedly, there is some good dark comedy here. It was ok, and cthomer is probably going to grill me for this, but I guess for me it just hasn't held up well over time. Maybe I need to watch it again. 6.5/10

I think you need to watch it again. When I first watched Dr. Strangelove I probably would've given it a 6/10. Although after several viewings I have raised my rating to 8.5ish.

[MizzouRah]

Wrong Turn 2 - 7/10 (better than the first and much more gore) I rate this types of movies high.. love 'em

Knocked Up - 9/10 my movie tastes are different than most, I laughed non-stop throughout this movie

[korme]

Just got back from a Hollywood Video Store Closeout sale.. makes me wish I went days earlier as it was pretty slim pickins BUT...

Art School Confidential... $1.99
World Trade Center... $1.99
Hollywoodland... $1.99
Disturbia... $3.75
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints... $3.75

All in all, 5 movies for a whopping $14.34

[Doug5984]

Grindhouse: Planet Terror - 6 / 10. It was funny, original, cool, overall pretty good- but it seemed to drag on a little to long towards the end.

Mr Brooks - 8 / 10. I really enjoyed this movie, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a smart suspense movie (At least that is how I would characterize it). I don't want to say much, because this is the type of movie that it is best to watch without knowing anything about it.

[WSUCougar]

The Illusionist: 7/10

It had a cool feel to it; I liked the music (which reminded me of a fantasy game soundtrack, although I can't place which one) in particular. Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti did good work. Solid, entertaining movie.

[OldGiants]

Movie I'm looking forward to seeing:

http://www.cinematictitanic.com/

No Mike Nelson, it seems, otherwise they're all back, mostly.

[VPI97]

Dead Man's Shoes (2004) (http://imdb.com/title/tt0419677/)
I rented this based on yours and Corey's recommendation and have to agree...really, really good movie. 9/10

[MizzouRah]

1408 - 5/10

Expected so much more from this movie.

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

American Gangster 7.5/10. Not quite the classic I was hoping for but a good movie nonetheless

[thesloppy]

I rented this based on yours and Corey's recommendation and have to agree...really, really good movie. 9/10

YAY! Glad to hear it. This is one of those movies that I have begun recommending to everyone I know, making myself (more) insufferable, so I'm glad to hear you liked it!

[korme]

I'm about to see Lars and the Real Girl... was going to go see American Gangster but just found out about this film- Ryan Gosling is the shit so he gets first dibs at the theatre.

[korme]

The Doors (1991) - Depressing movie about the tragic rise and fall of Jim Morrison. Excellent cast, great atmosphere to go along with the theme of the movie... the only gripes I had were that the beginning of fame/success was sped through - there was no thought process for picking the name "The Doors", he just had the name already, and "Light My Fire" and "Break On Through" were seemingly conjured up with ease and they were immediately successful. I wish it'd have been done a bit differently. Oh, and throughout the movie I kept wondering which drugs Oliver Stone was on while shooting the flick. 7/10

[Sgran]

Grizzly Man 8/10 -- Documentary about a b-level actor with emotional problems who decides to live in Alaska among grizzly bears. Maybe a little longer than it should be, but certainly entertaining. The guy was a freak, but he clearly was aware of what he was doing and the risks he was taking.

[terpkristin]

Fracture - 9/10

I saw this over the weekend with my dad, and truly enjoyed it. Crazy story, great acting. I like movies that have me guessing and second-guessing until the very end. The only reason it got a 9 instead of a 10 is that I actually did guess the ending/the way things went down, though I confess I didn't think that it could actually be what would happen.

I highly recommend this one.

/tk

[Pyser]

Eragon - 5/10

Not as bad a movie as everyone warned me. Clearly a LOTR rip-off, but written by a teenager....probably better than i can do now. definitely lacked an "epic" feel, but gotta put that on the director.

also, the dragon could "talk"? F that.

[korme]

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) - Ryan Gosling is the main star as a a completely shy and introverted 20-something in a small town, who isn't even comfortable around his neighbors- who happen to be his brother and sister-in-law. He is the type of person who is so bashful it seems as though he fumbles over the way to say hello, after what seems like a full minute of pause to gather his thoughts. Well this leads him to purchase a blowup doll. Only in that he has become so lonely that he develops a delusional illness in which he thinks she is real. This is only where the movie takes off, after that it is a ride with the brother (Paul Schneider, Jesse James), his wife, and eventually the rest of the small town to deal with how to help Lars gets through his delusions... There were parts of the movie where I was dying laughing. And there were parts were I felt sad for Lars. Ryan Gosling's performance was nothing short of Oscar worthy, right up there with his performance in Half-Nelson. I'm only not giving it a perfect rating because your average audience would never "get" it. 8.5/10

[RendeR]

I just watched WAITING...

I think I almost pissed myself when the rookie went off on everyone at the end. "That's like being the smartest kid with downes syndrome!...."

Fucking hilarious.

[k0ruptr]

1408 - 5/10

Expected so much more from this movie.

ARG +11111 me too , I waitin quite a while to see it and was expecting a TON more.

[Johnny93g]

American Gangster 8/10

I was really looking forward to this movie. It lived up to the hype. It had a old school feel. Denzel was excellent. I thought he was much better as the bad guy this time around as compared to his oscar winning role. (I film i didnt really like) It's about 180 minutes, but it flew by. It had a bit of a Departed feel to it.

[Johnny93g]

Fracture - 9/10

I saw this over the weekend with my dad, and truly enjoyed it. Crazy story, great acting. I like movies that have me guessing and second-guessing until the very end. The only reason it got a 9 instead of a 10 is that I actually did guess the ending/the way things went down, though I confess I didn't think that it could actually be what would happen.

I highly recommend this one.

/tk

Me and my buddy rented a movie last weekend. It was between this and 1408. Unfortunatly, we went with 1408. :mad:

[Young Drachma]

American Gangster 8/10

I was really looking forward to this movie. It lived up to the hype. It had a old school feel. Denzel was excellent. I thought he was much better as the bad guy this time around as compared to his oscar winning role. (I film i didnt really like) It's about 180 minutes, but it flew by. It had a bit of a Departed feel to it.

I saw it last week too and I agree that it was better than his character in Training Day and that in spite of the fact that it's hard watching Denzel play the bad guy, he does a pretty darn good job of making you believe he's that person.

It was a well done flick, no doubt. There were some parts that would've sent it to "classicville" for me, but...it'll hold up well as time goes on.

[MizzouRah]

Me and my buddy rented a movie last weekend. It was between this and 1408. Unfortunatly, we went with 1408. :mad:

Seems like we all agree about 1408.

Fracture is next up for me.

[korme]

How anyone would pick 1408 over Fracture to watch is beyond me!

[Johnny93g]

How anyone would pick 1408 over Fracture to watch is beyond me!

I know, I'm embarassed by it. Terrible judgment. 1408 could have been so much better. The concept is great.

[terpkristin]

Gosh, if you all hate Fracture now, I'm going to feel pretty guilty...

/tk

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

Just getting around to watching a few I've had on my radar for awhile

Zodiac 8/10 very interesting movie into one of the most famous unsolved cases

Babel 6/10 seemed like a poor man's Crash that didn't quite affect me as much

Tsotsi 10/10 very powerful movie, I really enjoyed this one

[Antmeister]

The Notebook 2/10

Argh! Chick flick alert! Chick flick alert! When my wife said she rented this, I thought she was joking at first. Either way, I figured I should watch this so that we can get a new movie instead of holding out on it.

All I have to say is that there was nothing in that movie that made you feel for any of the characters. While I must say that the acting was decent by the younger actors and superb by the older actors, the story was freaking predicatable and I couldn't help but to tell my wife what was going to happen next and, of course, I was dead on. She believes the movie is a 7.3/10. I couldn't disagree more. I was hoping for something huge to happen to make the movie salvagable, but I got nothing. I will not watch another chickie flick if she rents one. That was just way too hard to sit through while the wife is tearing up every 10 minutes.

[WSUCougar]

Apocalypto 7/10
Entertaining flick but didn't have the overall plot "oomph" to it that I expected. More of a one-man story - a jungle hunter who is captured by the Mayans in a brutal village raid and taken to their city to be a sacrifice. Freaky experience - the portrayal of the Mayan city is just wild - but then the movie sort of switches into a primitive version of Rambo. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

[Lorena]

The Notebook 2/10

Argh! Chick flick alert! Chick flick alert! When my wife said she rented this, I thought she was joking at first. Either way, I figured I should watch this so that we can get a new movie instead of holding out on it.

All I have to say is that there was nothing in that movie that made you feel for any of the characters. While I must say that the acting was decent by the younger actors and superb by the older actors, the story was freaking predicatable and I couldn't help but to tell my wife what was going to happen next and, of course, I was dead on. She believes the movie is a 7.3/10. I couldn't disagree more. I was hoping for something huge to happen to make the movie salvagable, but I got nothing. I will not watch another chickie flick if she rents one. That was just way too hard to sit through while the wife is tearing up every 10 minutes.

Why you gotta lie? I saw you wiping those tears you're not fooling anyone!

He ruined it for me with the loud sighs, the "give me the remote so I can forward it!" or when he ruined the "surprises"... all of 'em. Never again, never again.

Now I'm gonna make him sit through House of the Dead (http://imdb.com/title/tt0317676/).

[molson]

Grizzly Man 8/10 -- Documentary about a b-level actor with emotional problems who decides to live in Alaska among grizzly bears. Maybe a little longer than it should be, but certainly entertaining. The guy was a freak, but he clearly was aware of what he was doing and the risks he was taking.

That guy was a fruit loop. And not likable in the least. I was rooting for the bear.

[korme]

Just watched The Birds (63) for the first time, didn't like the ending. Anyone care to elaborate with spoiler tags why it ended the way it did?

Learn something new everyday too, that the main character chick is now Melanie Griffith's mommy.

[Groundhog]

He ruined it for me with the loud sighs, the "give me the remote so I can forward it!" or when he ruined the "surprises"... all of 'em. Never again, never again.


LOL... After ruining The Lakehouse by guessing it's "surprise" about 10 mins in, I'm no longer "allowed" (see: forced to) to watch chick flicks.

[MizzouRah]

The Notebook 2/10

Argh! Chick flick alert! Chick flick alert! When my wife said she rented this, I thought she was joking at first. Either way, I figured I should watch this so that we can get a new movie instead of holding out on it.

All I have to say is that there was nothing in that movie that made you feel for any of the characters. While I must say that the acting was decent by the younger actors and superb by the older actors, the story was freaking predicatable and I couldn't help but to tell my wife what was going to happen next and, of course, I was dead on. She believes the movie is a 7.3/10. I couldn't disagree more. I was hoping for something huge to happen to make the movie salvagable, but I got nothing. I will not watch another chickie flick if she rents one. That was just way too hard to sit through while the wife is tearing up every 10 minutes.

My wife would give it a 10/10 - she always has this friggin movie playing, argghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rowech]

Crash (8/10) -- Good movie, great performances, way over the top.

[Antmeister]

Now I'm gonna make him sit through House of the Dead (http://imdb.com/title/tt0317676/).

Little does she know that I can actually sit and enjoy a bad horror movie because you can treat it as an unintentional comedy. But sitting through a predicatable romance movie only almost makes you choke on your own vomit. :D

[Lorena]

Little does she know that I can actually sit and enjoy a bad horror movie because you can treat it as an unintentional comedy.

REEEEAAAALLLLLLLYYYYY???? You couldn't sit through Night of the Lepus which was a horribly awesome movie. Alright, you said it... you're in for a helluva lotta bad horror movies.

[Pyser]

No Country For Old Men - 9/10.

Simply outstanding. One of the best movies at desensitizing you to violence, while showing less and less. The Coen brothers take some big risks with this, and almost EVERYTHING is left to the viewer to figure out. The brothers are back. Thank god!

[korme]

Gonna see that one today if I can, Pyser. IMDB ratings are really favoring it and it was between this or Lions for Lambs which is getting mediocre reviews.

[rkmsuf]

Mannequin - 1987


kill me now.


although it's amazing how hot kim catrall was and kind of still is. and I had totally forgot james spader was in this.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Mannequin - 1987


kill me now.


although it's amazing how hot kim catrall was and kind of still is. and I had totally forgot james spader was in this.

I love Mannequin. I remember seeing it in the theaters. That Hollywood guy was hilarious.

[Butter_of_69]

Grizzly Man 8/10 -- Documentary about a b-level actor with emotional problems who decides to live in Alaska among grizzly bears. Maybe a little longer than it should be, but certainly entertaining. The guy was a freak, but he clearly was aware of what he was doing and the risks he was taking.

It was kind of fucked up when they showed the director listening to the tape of the guy being mauled to death. Somehow, it was more effective watching somebody listen to it than actually having listened to it.

[korme]

Lions for Lambs (2007) I can definitely understand why this has gotten mixed reviews and average ratings on IMDB. It's a very politically powered movie and if you take your own convictions into the movie then you will probably walk away rooting for the message or completely being disgusted by it. Luckily, I am not head over heels with my own stance on politics so I could go in and listen and watch without any bias. I thought it was a very good film, that ended perfectly. 8/10

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Lives Of Others (2006) This was the picture that won "Best Foreign Film" in this year's Oscars. It was a bit of a suprise to many since it beat out Pan's Labyrinth. After finally getting around to seeing this movie, it definitely deserved the award. The film is set in East Germany in 1984 and is about a Stasi (secret police) agent who is spying on a writer whom the Communist government believes maybe a dissident. The film is sort of half morality play/half thriller. It's essentially about two men's loss of faith in the Communist party (for very different reasons) and how their lives intersect. A very good film. 9/10

[korme]

3:10 to Yuma (2007) - Gotta say, I was disappointed a bit. It was a good movie to an extent, ruined by a shady ending and some odd casting choices. Of the two westerns, The Assassination blows this one away. Christian Bale is a fine actor. 6.5/10

[Scoobz0202]

I was just getting to post 3:10 to Yuma also.

3:10 to Yuma (2007) - I also felt the movie's ending was disappointing as well. I felt the movie was excellent up until the ending. I thought Russell Crowe and Christian Bale were awesome. I was also suprised with Ben Foster's performance. Like you said though, the ending did make me go what the fuck so.... 8/10

[Chief Rum]

Curious, but how did you both think it should end? I actually wasn't much surprised by any of it. Answer in spoiler fashion, of course.

[k0ruptr]

The last few movies I've watched are:

Meet the Robinsons
7/10 - I enjoyed it, animation flick, but good story and pretty funny

Reign over me -
8/10 I thought Adam Sandlers performance was great, Don Cheadle was ok. but the story was excellent.

Freedom Writers -
9/10 I thought It was a great great movie, brought me to tears at times.

[Scoobz0202]

Curious, but how did you both think it should end? I actually wasn't much surprised by any of it. Answer in spoiler fashion, of course.

I think the suspension of belief was just too much at the end of the movie. I understand that in Westerns your suspension of belief is supposed to be more leniant, but I felt some of the things that happened at the end were illogical.

[Chief Rum]

I guess I can see that if you refuse to accept the character Crowe has portrayed. But actually I felt he was the most consistent character in the movie. He was never concerned about going to Yuma, witness at the end when he whistles for his horse. Obviously, we can only draw from that the suggestion that he will escape. So it means nothing to him to put himself back in the cage, except as a respect for Bale's character. And that is one theme that is clear as the movie goes on: that for whatever reason, Crowe comes to admire Bale's stubborness and devotion to family and honesty. I suppose the Dr. Phil in us would suggest Crowe's character admires Bale's character for having the qualities he himself never had.

I thought it was a solid movie, with a more thought-provoking ending than you usually get from westerns.

[korme]

Chief-

I just felt it was a bit cheap in the fact that Crowe's character decided to perform the ultimate "take one for the team" moment and assist Bale's character in taking himself to Contention. Are we really supposed to believe that Ben Wade was so fond of Dan Evans that he would willingly throw all of his accomplishments away by going to prison, not to mention slay his entire gang because they shot Evans at the end?

I know we are supposed to get that he will escape a third time as he whistles for his horse, but even that felt cheap and silly.

If anything, Ben should have tried to escape the entire time he was being led to Contention, and hell, even him dissatisfyingly leaving with his gang after Charlie Prince killed Evans would have been better, IMO.

[Chief Rum]

Meh...I disagree. Charlie Prince needed to die. That alone was worth any illogical ending. And I suppose Wade's hinted at escape will go further with some than others. I felt the whole point of the movie up to the end was the relationship between Wade and Evans. And the end was where that relationship led. Consider exactly what you said. Wade could have escaped how many times? And he didn't. Why? I can only see two reasons. One, he respected Evans and wouldn't leave on his watch. And two, he never feared he could escape any time he wanted.

To each his own.

[korme]

To each their own indeed. :)

[Chief Rum]

Well, I average a movie a week and haven't added my thoughts in some time, so here's a rundown of movies I have seen that are still drawing at the box office (according to RottenTomatoes).

The Simpsons Movie (6/10) I thought this was relatively blah, and I am a longtime Simpsons fan. It had some moments, but really was only a bit better than current episodes, and a good deal less than it was at the height of its heyday. Still, I enjoyed it enough as a fan.

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix (8/10) Surprised this was still in any theaters. Is it possible to judge this outside of the books? I saw this before reading the book, and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the action, and the darker feel of the story, and put it as the best movie yet. I have sicne read the book, and the rest of the series. This hasn't diminished my good vibe from this movie, which largely held true to the book, but it's hard for me to look back on it now, having read the book, and remember how I felt about it coming out of the theater and not yet knowing the fate of Potter and his ilk.

The Kingdom (6/10) As a straight action film, I suppose I could move it up to a 7, as it entertains as that. As a statement movie about the political tensions in the Middle East, though, I think it overshot itself by a good bit. Even knowing the tendencies of action movies, BTW, it's beyond unbelievable how few enemy bullets find their mark in good guys. A Rambo movie would be embarrassed to have such a low bullet to blood ratio.

The Bourne Ultimatum (8/10) I thought this one moved the series much back to the feel of the original, which I enjoyed very much. There's a formula to these things. Conspiracy and deep-pocketed governemnt foes, a spy who can never be found or beaten, exotic locales and success against tremendous odds. Well, it works for me. I always liked Damon in this role. Nothing surprises, because this follows the previously set formula to a tee, but it's a fun ride.

Gone Baby Gone (8/10) I felt robbed by this one because I discovered the story is based on the fourth book in Lehane's series. Why not start with the first one? Could have been a good chance to have a nice thriller series with characters I enjoyed. Maybe the ones before this sucked? Anyway, this movie was an edge-of-your-seater whodunit kidnap caper, and as I said, the main characters were IMO likable (the good, good ones, there are a lot of flawed characters in here who are not much likable). Even the not so good guys, though, are well acted and drawn out. And this one actually surprises, because at the end it leaves you with an ethical dilemma that sticks with you long after you leave the theater. It was worth the time and money spent in the theater.

Michael Clayton (9/10) I started my own thread for this movie way back when. Not going to rehash much of that here except to reiterate that Clooney was brilliant. Some have said they were bored by it, but I was drawn in from the beginning and enjoyed every step of it. Doesn't apologize for its ugly view of the world, which can be a tough pill to swallow some days. But the dialogue was very well done and the acting was all around excellent. If you can follow the story (it can be a little difficult with all the legal ligno flying around), you will be rewarded.

No Country For Old Men (7/10) Okay, a lot of people who think they are smarter than me (and probably they are) love this movie. It's the same sort of people that say Children of Men is brilliant, another IMO flawed movie with some good characteristics. This is the same. The characters are exquisitely drawn out and well-acted. Some terrific dialogue in this one. The bad guy (well, the baddest baddie) is scarier than the boogeyman and just about as unstoppable. But at some point late in the movie you're asking yourself why you took this ride? Why did the movie makers make you care about anyone in this (and they do)? And then they sorta leave you hanging, searching for an answer with finality. I guess the Coen brothers made this for ultra-smart-people who have it all figured it out. I must not make the cut because I only wanted to know why it couldn't have ended with more answers than questions.

American Gangster (8/10) Denzel is always Denzel. No matter what character. Let's face it. He picks some good movies, flashes his smile and a wink and does his thing. And it works, because, well, we like him that way. I do anyway. So I'm not going to say his performance is great or this movie as a crime movie as any greater than some of the other crime movies I have seen. But I still enjoyed it, because I like crime movies and Russell Crowe actually does transform himself into his character and make me forget he's Russell Crowe. That alone is worth the trip. So don't expect Departed, Good Fellas, Godfather. But it's good if you're into the genre.

Beowulf (7/10) I swear for the first 15 minutes I assumed we got some animated short lead-in to the movie before I realized that's how they intend to show the entire movie. Once I got past that odd experience (as well as the obvious 3D moments, which are always odd and out of place when you're not seeing it in 3D), it was passable fare. Plus, if you like Angelina Jolie, you won't be disappointed. I mean if you like Angelina Jolie. Sometimes she's a little over the top for me in general (not just in this movie), but, damn, gotta give it up for a body like that. Anyway, it ended up being a decent enough action movie.

Enchanted (8/10) This is just a fun movie. Yeah, it qualifies as anywhere from a chick flick to a kiddie flick, but you can't help but smile through at least half of this. And it makes a lot of fun of the genre of animated princess fairy tales as it goes along without going too nuts with the jokes. The princess is suitably beautiful and well played (tough to pull off wide-eyed wonder and naivete, IMO, which is why I always thought what's-her-face from Friends who played Phoebe was the best actress in that series), and McDreamy at least sometimes makes you forget he;s supposed to be some huge Hollywood heart throb. It's predicatble, of course, but if you go to this expecting surprises, you probably need to re-assess what you're supposed to be surprised by.

[Calis]

Went and saw No Country for Old Men Wednesday night and thought it was fantastic. One of my favorites of the year. Superb acting job almost all around, except Woody Harrelson who I really have a hard time stomaching.

I'm a little biased because I'm a huge Cormac McCarthy fan and couldn't wait for this one to come out. I think the Coen brothers did an outstanding job adapting this for the screen, and it wasn't easy because the end of the book is so off the wall and jarring.

I can definitely see people being put off with the end, but I think it works pretty well for the message of the movie.

[Lorena]

Now I'm gonna make him sit through House of the Dead (http://imdb.com/title/tt0317676/).

House of the Dead - 3.5/10

I'm being waaaay generous here, but some parts were mildly entertaining. I get scared easily and this movie didn't even make me jump. We saw some behind the scenes features and I see why this movie was so low budget.. they hired production assistants as some of the zombies and training was a day of paintball. In between scenes they had footage of the computer game... yup, the computer game! Out of all the cast, maybe 2 actors were halfway decent.. but boy was it bad.

If you're gonna rent it, do it for the eye candy and boobies because there were lots of 'em.

[Johnny93g]

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) - More LeBeouf! Wow, what a movie. This is one of those movies that goes from his teenage years in Astoria to returning to the city he was raised in present day, 89 to 2005. The main character is played by Shia LeBeouf and Robert Downey Jr. It stories growing up in the lower class and the problems that come with it. I thought it was great. 8.5/10

Finally rented this one, and i loved it. Very powerful, surprisingly powerful as the story is fairly basic. I found myself caring about each character. It's a 9\10 for me, a mus buy. Brilliant.

[korme]

No Country For Old Men (2007) - Pretty good movie, much more simpler in the way of how the movie progressed as opposed to some of the others I have seen in theatres lately... this makes for the third initially limited-release movie I've seen in a about a month. Javier Bardem makes one hell of a psychotic murderer. He plays the character very well, a man who gets his kicks it seems with killing, and then carries on as though nothing has happened. Only two complaints, without giving away too much: at times, I had to question Brolin's motive, and the ending caught me by surprise. Not how, but when. 8/10

[sabotai]

House of the Dead - 3.5/10

Pretty much standard for a Uwe Boll movie.

[miked]

Smokin Aces 3/10, I should've read through this thread thoroughly. It was a truly truly truly truly bad movie.

Apocalypto 6/10. I actually thought this was a decent movie, but could've done with a little less. Looking back on Mel Gibson movies, this has apparently become the standard. I think he truly has some issues though, as these films just keep getting more unneccessarily graphic. I don't think Trey Parker and Matt Stone are that far off in their assessment. Liked the story, just thought it was all a bit much, and I'm usually not that way.

[MizzouRah]

Hostel 2 - 6/10 Well, you know me.. I love these types of movies!

I would give Hostel a 7/10.

[cthomer5000]

House of the Dead - 3.5/10

I'm being waaaay generous here, but some parts were mildly entertaining. I get scared easily and this movie didn't even make me jump. We saw some behind the scenes features and I see why this movie was so low budget.. they hired production assistants as some of the zombies and training was a day of paintball. In between scenes they had footage of the computer game... yup, the computer game! Out of all the cast, maybe 2 actors were halfway decent.. but boy was it bad.

If you're gonna rent it, do it for the eye candy and boobies because there were lots of 'em.

My favorite part of the movie is when they splice in what is basically an entire montage of the movie to that point compressed into about 2 minutes... the strangest thing I have ever seen... along with throwing in video game footage between scenes inexplicably.

[Lorena]

And next on my bad movies list:

Empire of the Ants (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075989/) - 6.3/10

Giant killer ants... that's all you need to know. The one thing that stuck in my head though were those giant, harry tentacles... but other than that, a pretty forgettable movie.

Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311361/) - 7.8/10 (Thanks MikeVic!!!!)

Oh.my.God... what a movie! The first part of it was kind of meh, but when Mexican wrestler Santo (which means Saint in Spanish) showed up to help, all hell broke loose for the vampires! You have a balding Jesus Christ killing vampires with toothpicks and a toilet plunger! The acting isn't the best (it is, after all a B movie) but the fight scenes were so ridiculous it made the movie laughable. We saw a bit of the behind the scenes and it was filmed in Ottawa with a $30,000 budget.

[Butter_of_69]

Enchanted

I'll give it an 8.

But I really wanted to post about this movie to mention that I have a new Hollywood crush... Amy Adams. Great performance, and great beauty.

[korme]

Inside Man (2006) - It's been nearly 8 years since I've seen a Spike Lee movie, so I didn't have any expectations going in. There was a lot of style and some obviously predictable things going on for this bank heist, but there was a bit of a twist and enough good things to keep me interested through 2 hours. I'm curious to see what others had problems with as it got 6's in this thread iirc. I'll give it a solid 7.5/10

[sabotai]

Inside Man (2006) - It's been nearly 8 years since I've seen a Spike Lee movie, so I didn't have any expectations going in. There was a lot of style and some obviously predictable things going on for this bank heist, but there was a bit of a twist and enough good things to keep me interested through 2 hours. I'm curious to see what others had problems with as it got 6's in this thread iirc. I'll give it a solid 7.5/10

I couldn't remember what I gave it, so I looked back. I originally gave the movie a 7, and now I'd probably upgrade it to an 8. One reason I don't like reviewing movies right after I watch them is because a lot of times my opinion either gets higher or lower of a movie after I had time to think about i, and after I saw it a second time, I thought more highly of it.

[Lorena]

Not movies, but we've been renting The Wire (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306414/) via Netflix and have caught up to Season 3.

Season 1 - 9.5

Season 2 - 9.3

Season 3 - 9.8 - Holy shit, talk about the unexpected.

It truly is an awesome show (Thanks CT!). It's more than just nudity, lesbianism, gun fights, drugs, or prostitution, it's about the comradery between cops and the ruthless tactics by the bad guys. It builds up on previous seasons so you can't just start at season 2 or 3. Great characters, lots of LOL and WTF moments.

The Wire people, rent it and be entertained.

[Logan]

Simply the best show ever made. I'm getting my roommate into it and we just finished the first episode of Season 2. I can't wait til we get to Season 3.

That said, Season 5 can't come soon enough.

[Cringer]

Did The Wire get better after season 1 or something? I remember watching most (I think) of season 1 and thought it was a decent show but not blown away.

[sabotai]

I still like The Shield more, but I thought The Wire was really good. I thought Seasons 2 and 3 were better than the first season, but not all that better. I'd give Season 1 an 8.5, and seasons 2 and 3 a 9.0.

[Lathum]

I am Legend 9.8/10

This movie was really incredable and unexpected. I don't wanna give anything away but go see this movie. It is one of the tensed I have even been during a movie, it was actualy stressful.

I was pissed about the dog

[Johnny93g]

I am Legend 7/10

Lathum, curious as to why you think it is so great. The first 2/3 of the flick were very good, but the last 20 minutes or so seemed rushed. The ending was very abrubt. It was entertaining for sure, and i would tell people to see it, but it aint even close to the best thing I've seen this year.

[Blade6119]

Freedom Writers -
9/10 I thought It was a great great movie, brought me to tears at times.
I was really suprised by this...a date of mine wanted to rent it, so we did and i expected it to be terrible. Needless to say, it was in my opinion a really great movie. Maybe its because i expected worse then nothing, but i really thought it was well done.

[thesloppy]

I am Legend 9.8/10

This movie was really incredable and unexpected. I don't wanna give anything away but go see this movie. It is one of the tensed I have even been during a movie, it was actualy stressful.

I was pissed about the dog

I haven't seen the flick, but about a week ago I saw a slightly extended ad on TV that contained a quick montage with Will Smith walking with his dog, then showing him screaming 'Noooo!', and then carrying his limp dog. WTF?? Any idiot could piece those images together and figure out what happened, and it was obviously a major plot point in the flick considering the dog is his only companion. I don't understand how that's good marketing.

[Butter_of_69]

I am in between the 2 folks who discussed I AM LEGEND above. Thought it was very good, but agree the ending seemed too quick. Also thought it might've been better with non-CGI infected survivors.

[Lorena]

Hard Candy

I can't even rate this movie it so psychologically messed me up. Ellen Page plays a 14 year old girl who meets up with a 32 year old photographer thru the internet. There were parts of the movie where I wanted to fast forward but couldn't. Helluva movie, the kind you can only watch once.

[JetsIn06]

Hard Candy

I can't even rate this movie it so psychologically messed me up. Ellen Page plays a 14 year old girl who meets up with a 32 year old photographer thru the internet. There were parts of the movie where I wanted to fast forward but couldn't. Helluva movie, the kind you can only watch once.

I've never posted in this thread, but I watch a hell of a lot of movies so I guess I should join the party, right?

I thought Hard Candy was very well done. It can definitely make you feel a little weird but in general I liked it a lot.

Althought this came out a while ago, I just saw Mr. Brooks last night, and actually liked it a lot. I thought it was gonna suck, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. 8/10

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've never posted in this thread, but I watch a hell of a lot of movies so I guess I should join the party, right?

I thought Hard Candy was very well done. It can definitely make you feel a little weird but in general I liked it a lot.

Althought this came out a while ago, I just saw Mr. Brooks last night, and actually liked it a lot. I thought it was gonna suck, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. 8/10

Just looked back at my review of this movie:

Hard Candy
7/10

It was an interesting twist on the who pedophile/cyber-stalker as predator theme. I found some of it a bit far-fetched and over-the-top, but the two leads were excellent. I think there were 5 speaking roles in the entire movie, three of which have about a total of 3 minutes of screen time.

Ellen Page (who played Kitty Pryde in X-Men 3) was really, really impressive. I thought Patrick Wilson (who's been tabbed as Night Owl in the Watchmen movie) was excellent in a pretty thankless role. I have to say, knowing he was going to be Night Owl distracted me throughout the whole movie. (I think he'll make a great Night Owl, but he was a little young and far too fit to play him., but he had the right look and solid acting chaps).

Between the solid performances of the two leads what the director did with color in the film, there are just a ton of very vibrant primary colors throughout (I'm sure there was a rhyme or reason to them, but I'd have to watch it again to pick up the pattern), it was decent enough.

Ellen Page is fantastic. I am very much looking forward to "Juno."

[Flasch186]

Monster Squad Exempt from score

Classic from the 80's:

Wolfman's got Nards
The name.....is.....Horace

A Guide to Knowing Your Saints 7/10

Really was some weird directorial choices regarding cuts and imagery. I guess it was good but it even seemed longer than it was which is not a good sign. the acting was on point and I have always been a fan of Chazz Palmienteri and he did not disappoint.

[korme]

is that an alternate to Recognizing your saints?

[Karlifornia]

Monster Squad Exempt from score

Classic from the 80's:

Wolfman's got Nards
The name.....is.....Horace

A Guide to Knowing Your Saints 7/10

Really was some weird directorial choices regarding cuts and imagery. I guess it was good but it even seemed longer than it was which is not a good sign. the acting was on point and I have always been a fan of Chazz Palmienteri and he did not disappoint.

Wolfman's got nards, bro.....You can't fade that.

[Flasch186]

is that an alternate to Recognizing your saints?

Probably same but im at work and just guessed at the name.

[korme]

Mr. Brooks (2007) - I remember reviews here being fairly positive... just watched it, and nothing about it was particularly memorable. I usually find something that I like in most movies, but here, there wasn't much other than your average suspense/thriller. By the way, Dane Cook is terrible. I can't stand him as an actor. You can tell that he's "acting," they say Tom Hanks is a great actor because you can see that he is listening to what the other actors are actually saying. There were blatant scenes (in the car) where I felt the absolute opposite with Cook. I think he successfully shaved a point off of my rating - 6/10.

[samifan24]

Waitress - The only reason I wanted to see it in the first place is because I have a huge crush on Keri Russell. It was quirky and different but not bad.

[ISiddiqui]

Forgot about this thread:

Letters from Iwo Jima - 9/10: A side you just don't see in mainstream American cinema. Usually movie makers aren't interested in showing a foriegn side that you know will lose and having to deal with that and make a last stand. Especially when that foriegn side is the Japanese in WW2 fighting against the Americans. The story is just brilliant as is the acting. The main general, knowing that he will die, but also knowing he has to fight to the last man as best he can, inflicting as much damage as he can, was just done very well. It's a part that can make or break a movie like this and Watanabee nailed it. Eastwood has made a number of great movies since "Unforgiven", but I think this may top them all.

[korme]

The Family Stone (2006) - Boo. The main character SJP was unlikable. Yet, this family that had never met her had no reason to shun her and thus were also unlikable. It was an entire movie of unlikable people. If I could delve into the plot more, I would, but let's just say the last 20 minutes would never happen under any circumstances. Stay away. 1/10

Juno (2007) - A bit too much low-brow humor than I would have expected after the superb Thank You For Smoking, but all-in-all it was a fun movie. Ellen Page is magnificent and Michael Cera is so natural in his own way, he steals scenes... It was a good movie to see on Christmas. 8/10

[Blade6119]

Heartbreak Kid (8.5/10) - I actually really enjoyed this movie, with some real laugh out loud moments. The final 10-15 minutes were more serious, but overall it was a really great comedy to me. I didn't want to rent it, but i was very pleasantly surprised.

[korme]

The Squid and the Whale (2005) - Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, who has helped Wes Anderson in the past on his movies... Anderson produced... my only complaint is that it was a short movie - 1:21 runtime. That movie though hit me on so many levels, the beginnings of parental divorce, with the parents turning on each other. The little kid was subtle and hilarious. 8.5/10

Edit- the little kid is Kevin Kline's son.

[Groundhog]

Alien vs Predator: Requiem - 4/10

Gets a few points for the shock factor in a couple of gruesome scenes, but outside of that you aren't missing very much if you don't watch this film. Predator may as well not have even been in the flick for all the relevance he had on the movie, and the alien/predator hybrid thing is hard to distinguish from a regular alien in the lighting used throughout its scenes. The storyline was near non-existent and it's obvious that a lot of scenes were cut from the film as characters are underdeveloped (ie. killed off after two scenes, when it's obvious you were meant to have cared about some of these people), and various plot points aren't resolved.

[Logan]

The Untouchables (1987) - 6/10

Wow, talk about disappointing. This was a movie that I was embarrassed to say I hadn't seen based on what I'd heard from others. Seems like the perfect set-up: Prohibition era, De Niro playing Capone, Costner, Connery, Andy Garcia, etc. I don't even think I can put my finger on what it was, but something definitely felt missing when compared to other mafia-style movies. And I'm not even talking about intense action, but something fell short. I thought much of the movie was just corny. I couldn't stop laughing at the Untouchables on horseback, teaming up with the Mounties. That final scene in the train station was ridiculously drawn out and annoying, with an anti-climactic finish. And the courtroom scene at the end was horribly unrealistic "We change our plea from not guility to guilty." (chaos ensues) Really, a lawyer can just do that against his client's wishes?

A real letdown for me considering I like De Palma's work, the entire cast, and the genre in general. I did think Connery deserved the Oscar for his role...one question though: did I miss something, or did we never find out how Connery was so plugged-in to Capone's world; i.e. heading right into the post office for the bust?

I'm sure this movie has it's fans on here, so I'd like to hear why you loved it...maybe I missed something.

[Chief Rum]

The Untouchables (1987) - 6/10

Wow, talk about disappointing. This was a movie that I was embarrassed to say I hadn't seen based on what I'd heard from others. Seems like the perfect set-up: Prohibition era, De Niro playing Capone, Costner, Connery, Andy Garcia, etc. I don't even think I can put my finger on what it was, but something definitely felt missing when compared to other mafia-style movies. And I'm not even talking about intense action, but something fell short. I thought much of the movie was just corny. I couldn't stop laughing at the Untouchables on horseback, teaming up with the Mounties. That final scene in the train station was ridiculously drawn out and annoying, with an anti-climactic finish. And the courtroom scene at the end was horribly unrealistic "We change our plea from not guility to guilty." (chaos ensues) Really, a lawyer can just do that against his client's wishes?

A real letdown for me considering I like De Palma's work, the entire cast, and the genre in general. I did think Connery deserved the Oscar for his role...one question though: did I miss something, or did we never find out how Connery was so plugged-in to Capone's world; i.e. heading right into the post office for the bust?

I'm sure this movie has it's fans on here, so I'd like to hear why you loved it...maybe I missed something.

Sorry to hear you didin't enjoy it. It's one of my "I can always sit down and watch it" sorta movies, although I would hesitate to call it one of the best mob films of all time or among my personal faves.

I think there was a whole "good ole boy" flavor to it that honestly worked a little better in the 80s than it does now, IMO. Back then, seeing them on horseback charging the bridge was fun and a bit unexpected. But, yeah, it looks silly now, just as silly as an accountant becoming a crime fighting crusader or the completely impossible ending you alude to in your first spoiler above (which always made me laugh because it was so ridiculous).

As for the train scene, well, I guess you and will have to disagree on that one. I love every moment of that scene whenever it's on. The tension is built up so terrifically. Even now, I always feel like screaming at the mother, "Get your freakin' baby outta here, lady!". And the way Stone takes out the last guy, with Ness just dropping his gun hand, not even pointing it anymore. That's just classic.

As to your question...

The main source is clearly his Irish police chief buddy, who obviously was on the take, but still was more comfortable among the Irish than the Italians. Remember, it's the chief that tells him about the bookkeeper being on that train. I don't know if we can say he's the source for all of Malone's tips, but he is for the main ones. My guess has always been that, as a veteran crafty beat cop, Malone had a number of sources he could go to for this sort of information.

[Honolulu_Blue]

As for the train scene, well, I guess you and will have to disagree on that one. I love every moment of that scene whenever it's on. The tension is built up so terrifically. Even now, I always feel like screaming at the mother, "Get your freakin' baby outta here, lady!". And the way Stone takes out the last guy, with Ness just dropping his gun hand, not even pointing it anymore. That's just classic.

I agree. The train station scene would easily be in my Top 20 movie scenes of all time. It's exceptionally well done.

"You got 'em?"

"I got 'em..."

"Take him."

[Raiders Army]

Alien vs Predator: Requiem - 4/10

Gets a few points for the shock factor in a couple of gruesome scenes, but outside of that you aren't missing very much if you don't watch this film. Predator may as well not have even been in the flick for all the relevance he had on the movie, and the alien/predator hybrid thing is hard to distinguish from a regular alien in the lighting used throughout its scenes. The storyline was near non-existent and it's obvious that a lot of scenes were cut from the film as characters are underdeveloped (ie. killed off after two scenes, when it's obvious you were meant to have cared about some of these people), and various plot points aren't resolved.

Interestingly enough, AvP was on TV last night on TBS I think. The action sequences were far better in AvP than AvP:R because you could tell what the hell was going on. That being said, I had no idea what the ending of the movie meant.

[Logan]

Sorry to hear you didin't enjoy it. It's one of my "I can always sit down and watch it" sorta movies, although I would hesitate to call it one of the best mob films of all time or among my personal faves.

I think there was a whole "good ole boy" flavor to it that honestly worked a little better in the 80s than it does now, IMO. Back then, seeing them on horseback charging the bridge was fun and a bit unexpected. But, yeah, it looks silly now, just as silly as an accountant becoming a crime fighting crusader or the completely impossible ending you alude to in your first spoiler above (which always made me laugh because it was so ridiculous).

As for the train scene, well, I guess you and will have to disagree on that one. I love every moment of that scene whenever it's on. The tension is built up so terrifically. Even now, I always feel like screaming at the mother, "Get your freakin' baby outta here, lady!". And the way Stone takes out the last guy, with Ness just dropping his gun hand, not even pointing it anymore. That's just classic.

As to your question...

The main source is clearly his Irish police chief buddy, who obviously was on the take, but still was more comfortable among the Irish than the Italians. Remember, it's the chief that tells him about the bookkeeper being on that train. I don't know if we can say he's the source for all of Malone's tips, but he is for the main ones. My guess has always been that, as a veteran crafty beat cop, Malone had a number of sources he could go to for this sort of information.

Good call on the spoilered part. I didn't make that connection despite them speaking a lot towards the end.

As for your take on the train station scene, I definitely felt the tension...but it was more from me waiting for it to end, and our opinions surely differ because of how we felt about the prior 1:45 of the movie.

[Flasch186]

Juno - 8/10

What a refreshing movie with some superb acting. Some of the scenes we're just incredibly well done and I highly recommend it. The main actress is spectacular in this and so is the ensemble cast. Go see this one.

[Calis]

Juno - 8/10

What a refreshing movie with some superb acting. Some of the scenes we're just incredibly well done and I highly recommend it. The main actress is spectacular in this and so is the ensemble cast. Go see this one.

Just saw this last night as well. I was really put off by the first few minutes and thought I was going to hate it. It seemed like it was trying way too hard to be hip, but I was very wrong.

Great movie, that lead girl was fantastic, and I love about anything Michael Cera does, and everyone else was great as well. No one stuck out as doing poorly or their character just falling flat. I was extremely impressed.

Highly recommend seeing it.

[Mustang]

Ratatouille 7.5/10 - Probably my least favorite of the Pixar movies and seemed to be the most kid orientated of the Pixar movies to date (for me at least). Not that I didn't like it but, with past movies, Pixar has set the bar pretty high and this one was more 'cute' than laugh out loud funny.

[korme]

I got a 30-movie box set for Christmas, and it contains:

12 Angry Men (1957)
The Alamo (1960)
Annie Hall (1977)
The Apartment (1960)
Battle of Britain (1969)
The Birdcage (1996)
Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Dr. No (1962)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
GoldenEye (1995)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
The Great Escape (1963)
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Marty (1955)
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
The Pink Panther (1963)
Raging Bull (1980)
Rain Man (1988)
Rocky (1976)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
West Side Story (1961)

Now I already own Hotel Rwanda, Raging Bull, Midnight Cowboy and Annie Hall. Also I've already seen Rocky, Goldeneye and 12 Angry Men. Any of these movies besides TGTBTU that I need to see immediately? :)

[Mustang]

Now I already own Hotel Rwanda, Raging Bull, Midnight Cowboy and Annie Hall. Also I've already seen Rocky, Goldeneye and 12 Angry Men. Any of these movies besides TGTBTU that I need to see immediately? :)

I'd go with Rain Man followed by Judgement at Nuremberg or Bridge Too Far although, I admit I'd eliminate a few just because I don't enjoy Woody Allen, Musicals or the Pink Panther...

[korme]

I'd go with Rain Man followed by Judgement at Nuremberg or Bridge Too Far although, I admit I'd eliminate a few just because I don't enjoy Woody Allen, Musicals or the Pink Panther...

Oops, must have skimed over it... of course I have seen Rain Man! :)

Not looking forward to the Pink Panther either..

[Honolulu_Blue]

Now I already own Hotel Rwanda, Raging Bull, Midnight Cowboy and Annie Hall. Also I've already seen Rocky, Goldeneye and 12 Angry Men. Any of these movies besides TGTBTU that I need to see immediately? :)

The Magnificent Seven.

[larrymcg421]

Ratatouille 7.5/10 - Probably my least favorite of the Pixar movies and seemed to be the most kid orientated of the Pixar movies to date (for me at least). Not that I didn't like it but, with past movies, Pixar has set the bar pretty high and this one was more 'cute' than laugh out loud funny.

That's odd, because I thought it was the most adult oriented of the Pixar movies and loved every moment of it.

[korme]

The Believer (2001) - Gosling before he was anybody, before The Notebook found him fame. Before I watched it I listened to Ebert's review who compared him to De Niro's Travis Bickle. That's some pretty high regard. This was a very powerful, gripping movie. If you don't know, Gosling plays a Neo-Nazi who is in fact Jewish. I loved the inner conflict of Gosling's character. Also, he's so articulate and charismatic that you almost forget you aren't supposed to like him. Pretty interesting. 8.5/10

[korme]

Sweeney Todd (2007) - I am not a fan of musicals. They are ok, but I struggle to keep full attention with all of the singing. In fact, I found myself just watchin helena's boobs when she was singing. Hey, she did say they flucuated in size throughout the movie (she was preggo for part of filming). I guess there just isn't much character development or a very deep plot and that turns me off. Still, it was a good movie, much more so in the second half. Well done job in the makeup department and it was a well put together movie. Burton does seem to have this niche locked down, but I have not been thrilled with his most recent movies, so why was I so excited to see this? 6/10

[Lorena]

Donnie Darko - 9.2/10

Funny, freaky, and some parts had me riveted. The smurfs conversation was ridiculous and I'll for sure be using "suck a fuck" thanks to this movie :D

[Groundhog]

Donnie Darko - 9.2/10

Funny, freaky, and some parts had me riveted. The smurfs conversation was ridiculous and I'll for sure be using "suck a fuck" thanks to this movie :D

My pick for favourite movie of all time would probably change each time I'm asked, but Donnie would certainly feature up near the top each time.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Superbad (2007) A hillarious movie. I loved it. I will buy the DVD at some point soon. It meandered a bit in the second act, but I really liked it overall. 8/10

[Buccaneer]

I don't watch movies much anymore, always waiting for some of the popular ones to come out on DVDs. I watched 3 popular ones that we got for Christmas:

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: Pirates 1 is one of my very favorite movies while I thought Pirates 2 was one of those movies that you could watch over and over. Pirates 3 certainly had the look of a very expensive movie - top notch sets designs, costumes, artistic details and of course, effects. Too bad the story was a convoluted mess that was hard to follow. But this was expected since the trend is always to try to be more of everything in sequels. 6.5/10

Ocean's 13: Ocean's 11 is also in my top 10 list and while Ocean's 12 was interesting and clever once I figured it all out, it was needlessly convoluted (there's that word again). I knew that they wanted to do Ocean's 13 straight but with more style and I think they definitely succeeded. It was quite well done, I was impressed after watching it. Al Pacino had a bigger part than I expected and you know I love watching him. 8.5/10

Night at the Musuem: I have put Ben Stiller on my 3 least favorite actors list but wanted to watch this to see "history come alive", as well as Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke. I guess the other attraction was that I liked Jumanji. I thought this movie was a simple, fun movie but life would be better if I never see Stiller again. Give me some gum-gum, dum-dum. 6/10

My son got Ratatouille and will watch that soon.

[Grammaticus]

Now I already own Hotel Rwanda, Raging Bull, Midnight Cowboy and Annie Hall. Also I've already seen Rocky, Goldeneye and 12 Angry Men. Any of these movies besides TGTBTU that I need to see immediately? :)

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. It might be the best western to date.

Also, A Bridge Too Far is an awesome "older" war movie.

[Buccaneer]

Can't believe I forgot the other popular one:

Harry Potter and the OotP: Saw this in the theatre, which was not my choice since I have a hard time understanding everything being said. Knew I would like it better seeing the DVD and I did. My original review (in the OotP thread) still stands - I am in the minority in believing that Stanton did not nail Umbridge (too prim and proper and forced cruelty). I also did not like how they changed some of the scenes (like after the DA got caught). The best thing I can say about this movie that it was clearly better than the GoF mess. 6/10

[Buccaneer]

One more that I watched earlier last month for the first time:

Walk the Line: I am a fan of Cash and thought Phoenix's and Witherspoon's performance were awesome. Parts of the movie was a little hard to watch and some parts of it got boring and dragged a little. I came away not wanting to see it again but definitely would not forget those two performances. 7/10

[Grammaticus]

Into The Wild (2007), 8/10

I just saw this one in the theatre. The main character Christopher graduates from Emory Univ. in 1990, sells all of his belonging and gives away his 24K savings. Then he treks across America bent on going to Alaska. He thinks careers are a 20th century invention and doesn't want one.

It is based on a true story and feels very real. I thought it would be some crappy feel good story. But I didn't walk away feeling that. It was pretty powerful.

[MikeVic]

Saw AVP:R and Juno over the last few days... AVP:R was ehh. I wasn't expecting much, so I wasn't disappointed. But there wasn't much great here. It just kind of existed. Some OK action, but it was really hard to see the Aliens and PredAlien. I really don't like the way action scenes are shot in a lot of movies. There were a couple of funny scenes too. I'd probably say 6.5/10.

As for Juno, I liked that movie a lot. Ellen Page is cute and I like Michael Sera. I'm a sucker for movies like this that have good comedy and some sappy stuff thrown in. I'd give it something like a 9/10. The White Stripes being mentioned was cool too. :)

[Karlifornia]

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story-7/10

Fun times! If you're at all a music fan, you should check it out. My favorite parts from the movie: "The wrong kid died!", Jack White as Elvis (esp. the part with the knife at the end), and when he ripped off Bob Dylan.