28 Film Discussion Threads Later

[Watashi]

Adventures in Babysitting, people.

[DavidSeven]

Adventures in Babysitting, people.

Plot summary actually sounds pretty on-point with what I'm talking about. I've only ever seen the opening of the film, which is all kinds of awesome.

[Qrazy]

What about Bringing out the Dead?

[DavidSeven]

What about Bringing out the Dead?

I can sort of dig it. It, however, takes place over the course of several days, does it not? Not to be too technical or anything, but being one night versus multiple does seem to change the essence of the picture. Also, part of me always wanted to say that Bringing Out the Dead was like Taxi Driver in an ambulance (though I actually think the former is a much better film). And I don't think I'm prepared to say that Taxi Driver and Eyes Wide Shut are cut from the same cloth.

[Watashi]

Training Day could work.

[DavidSeven]

Training Day could work.

Not surreal enough. Don't want to dilute the whole thing by stretching it to fit stuff in.

[Winston*]

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

[megladon8]

How about Running Time, the Bruce Campbell movie shot in real-time over a period of like 75 minutes.

[Qrazy]

This is a bit different but could sort of kind of fit... Odd Man Out.

[DavidSeven]

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

This works. Meg's post reminded me of Running Scared (Paul Walker version). Haven't seen it, but I think the previews gave it the vibe of this class of films. Anyone confirm?

[megladon8]

Oh! Oh! Oh!

Spirited Away!!

I win! I win!!

[soitgoes...]

Training Day could work.
That opens the door for films like Collateral too. While they both take place over a night's time (day for Training Day), I think straight crime/police films are their own entity.

Big Trouble has that strange-occurrences-that-keep-happening-over-one-night vibe to it. It isn't very good though.

[megladon8]

I repeat - Spirited Away!

And it's very surreal.

I win!!

:pritch:

[DavidSeven]

I repeat - Spirited Away!

And it's very surreal.


Perhaps too much so? These films still tend to be grounded in normal, everyday worlds, and that's probably crucial to their vibe.

[DavidSeven]

Big Trouble has that strange-occurrences-that-keep-happening-over-one-night vibe to it. It isn't very good though.

I want to say Big Trouble, though I haven't seen it, is in the class of pics like Go, The Hangover, and Very Bad Things. It seems to be its own distinct thing.

[Winston*]

Yeah, I don't think Spirited Away fits into this category.

Edmond's another one that fits, but it's terrible.

[soitgoes...]

I want to say Big Trouble, though I haven't seen it, is in the class of pics like Go, The Hangover, and Very Bad Things. It seems to be its own distinct thing.
Yeah, I guess it might be too broad in scope.

[transmogrifier]

Seriously, Quick Time, though it starts during the day. Still, I think it fits the genre (such as it is) perfectly.

[Russ]

The Warriors

[Boner M]

Seriously, Quick Time, though it starts during the day. Still, I think it fits the genre (such as it is) perfectly.
Quick Change?

[D_Davis]

Judgment Night

Haven't seen that since the theaters. I wonder if it's good?

[D_Davis]

The Warriors

Good one.

[Adam]

Go is worth watching, I think, for the Sarah Polley 1/3 of the story and a pretty great Timothy Olyphant performance sprinkled throughout. I'm not always convinced by Olyphant the wooden lawman but I'm never not impressed by Olyphant the degenerate sleazeball

[Qrazy]

Escape from New York

[transmogrifier]

Quick Change?

Stupid Apple.

[Ezee E]

Judgment Night

Haven't seen that since the theaters. I wonder if it's good?
Awful. Haha.

[B-side]

Dogtooth! Very cool. Very funny. Very surreal. Love it.

[D_Davis]

Just watched Tuvalu;what a wonderful film. Totally charming and creative, and the sound design is just fantastic. And my God, Chulpan Khamatova is a totally cutie.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Judgment Night

Haven't seen that since the theaters. I wonder if it's good?

I kinda enjoyed it, but it's really silly in spots, and Cuba Gooding Jr.'s heel-face-turn into a race-card-playing loon did not work.

[Spun Lepton]

It's been mentioned once recently, but whenever I think of After Hours, I always automatically think of Miracle Mile. The tone in Miracle Mile is a lot darker, but it's still comedic. I re-watched it again recently and was happy to see it still stood up, aside from all the goofy 80's styles and such. :D

I called movies like these the "one night in Hell" genre.

[balmakboor]

Saw Le Grande Bouffe today and loved it. It's a perfect companion to Salo or the 120 Days of Sodom and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. After seeing this and Dillinger is Dead, Marco Ferreri now looks to me like one fascinating dude.

[Sven]

For some reason, The Law is being released in theaters. I highly recommend anyone who can to see it. It's one of my very favorites.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/thelaw/

[B-side]

Je, tu, il, elle (Akerman, 1976) ***

Mm. I'm a fan of this.

[B-side]

Freddy Got Fingered still holds up after all these years. Still very funny, absurd, creative and energetic. The ways in which Tom Green plays on standard film cliches is a lot of fun. Tom Green's Gord character is a creator. His work and efforts are rarely understood, but his convictions are absolutely sincere. His plight brings to mind the continuing struggle of alternative art and that endless pursuit to please our parents. Gord's demeanor is playfully and self-reflexively espoused in his "backwards man" bit. He's ceaselessly strange, but even more so is he endearing. His only outlet is his creative work, something his father doesn't take seriously at all. In a particularly artistically inspired scene, after Gord mentions to his mother that she should explore her sexual appetite and date Greek men or basketball players, Gord is seen having a therapy session with his father and mother. Frustrated with his father's stubbornness and lack of sympathy for him, he claims his father is molesting his brother. Feeling cathartic that he's pushed a hurdle out of the way, he grabs the Greek statuette in the therapist's office and smashes the window, declaring his freedom. A misguided deed, no doubt, but that elation will soon be shared by his mother when she finally frees herself from the binds of her oppressive marriage. Inspiration doesn't always come from the most reasonable circumstances, or even ones you feel proud of in any way later. So, too, can the manner in which reconciliation occurs. His entire relationship with Betty is a hilariously over-the-top version of male sexual fantasy in which a woman desires no material wealth or security, but rather to simply continuously give her man oral sex. This relentless need to fulfill a quota or to satisfy those we care about mirrors Gord's struggle with his parents. Neither person needs to go to the lengths they do, but the need remains. And, at the end, in a funny bit of self-deprecation, upon Gord and his father's return home from being held captive in Pakistan, a member of a crowd holds up a sign that asks, "When the fuck is this movie gonna end?". :D

[Boner M]

Mm. I'm a fan of this.
It's really good. Nobody quite captures static/placid surfaces (both in terms of form and characters) masking intense, desperate interior lives like Akerman. The sex at the end, and especially the final cut-to-black are just perfect in their simplicity. As with Jeanne Dielman and Les Rendez-vous D'Anna, I like that Akerman never really vilifies her male characters - the truck driver's boorishness isn't all that different from the carnality of the main character that Akerman plays herself. Also nice to see Neils Arestrup (best known now as Cesar from Un prophete) as said truck driver - didn't recognise him until the credits rolled.

Hotel Monterey is a Michael Snow-inspired structural piece that is impressive considering Akerman was 22 when it was made, although I really don't think it needed to be an hour. Still, I can't fault any filmmaker who exhibits such a fascination with hotel corridors.

[B-side]

It's really good. Nobody quite captures static/placid surfaces (both in terms of form and characters) masking intense, desperate interior lives like Akerman. The sex at the end, and especially the final cut-to-black are just perfect in their simplicity. As with Jeanne Dielman and Les Rendez-vous D'Anna, I like that Akerman never really vilifies her male characters - the truck driver's boorishness isn't all that different from the carnality of the main character that Akerman plays herself. Also nice to see Neils Arestrup (best known now as Cesar from Un prophete) as said truck driver - didn't recognise him until the credits rolled.

Hotel Monterey was an impressive effort considering Akerman was 22 when it was made, although I really don't think it needed to be an hour. Still, I can't fault any filmmaker who exhibits such a fascination with hotel corridors.

I saw La chambre, which I really enjoyed, but that and Je, tu, il, elle do it for me Akerman-wise. Definitely need to see more.

[Fezzik]

Somewhat off topic (wait, can that happen in this thread?) but I needed to talk about this somewhere.

Last night, I got told by some friends of mine that I give off a "creepy Mr. Rogers" vibe because I love animated films.

This all occurred after someone said "You know what they say about laughter, dont you?" and everyone purposely gave wrong answers for a while to keep the joke going until I said "That its 10 times more powerful than screams?" which stopped the table cold.

I was told that I needed to stop watching the kiddie stuff because it will "rot my brain" and that I needed to watch more porn (seriously? yeesh). Then, when I tried to even explain (not defend, I don't think my love for the medium needs defending) why I like animated film as much as I do, I was told that I basically watch stuff intended for kids and most people will take that to mean that I'm into kids. Suddenly, an impromptu intervention had sprung up. Apparently, they really think this is a problem.

It was, frankly, one of the more hurtful nights of my life, and I really don't know how to go about responding, if at all.

Because nowadays, the ol' "if someone hurts you, you need to confront them about it" doesn't fly. You do it, and its turned around on you for being offended by "mere words" and suddenly you're the bad guy. No, that's not an exaggeration. Yes, its happened to me multiple times.

I am sorry if this is out of place, but you guys are movie lovers like me, so i felt more comfortable posting this here. If I was wrong in doing so, my apologies in advance.

[Grouchy]

Eh, but you know that's not true, right? You're not into kids, you have a genuine interest in animation and your friends are idiots.

I understand the last fact might be a tough nut to swallow, but it's the truth so I wouldn't worry too much about it, frankly.

[B-side]

Somewhat off topic (wait, can that happen in this thread?) but I needed to talk about this somewhere.

Last night, I got told by some friends of mine that I give off a "creepy Mr. Rogers" vibe because I love animated films.

This all occurred after someone said "You know what they say about laughter, dont you?" and everyone purposely gave wrong answers for a while to keep the joke going until I said "That its 10 times more powerful than screams?" which stopped the table cold.

I was told that I needed to stop watching the kiddie stuff because it will "rot my brain" and that I needed to watch more porn (seriously? yeesh). Then, when I tried to even explain (not defend, I don't think my love for the medium needs defending) why I like animated film as much as I do, I was told that I basically watch stuff intended for kids and most people will take that to mean that I'm into kids. Suddenly, an impromptu intervention had sprung up. Apparently, they really think this is a problem.

It was, frankly, one of the more hurtful nights of my life, and I really don't know how to go about responding, if at all.

Because nowadays, the ol' "if someone hurts you, you need to confront them about it" doesn't fly. You do it, and its turned around on you for being offended by "mere words" and suddenly you're the bad guy. No, that's not an exaggeration. Yes, its happened to me multiple times.

I am sorry if this is out of place, but you guys are movie lovers like me, so i felt more comfortable posting this here. If I was wrong in doing so, my apologies in advance.

I can understand why you'd be hurt, but it would probably be best if you shrugged it off. You know it's not true, like Grouchy said. Friends can be brutal when in groups, always trying to one-up another and all that. I'd suggest talking to them individually and letting them know that it hurts you when they do that kind of thing.

[Grouchy]

I can understand why you'd be hurt, but it would probably be best if you shrugged it off. You know it's not true, like Grouchy said. Friends can be brutal when in groups, always trying to one-up another and all that. I'd suggest talking to them individually and letting them know that it hurts you when they do that kind of thing.
Or simply take them off one by one. Make sure it doesn't link back to you.

[B-side]

Or simply take them off one by one. Make sure it doesn't link back to you.

That's a reasonable alternative. Certainly less confrontational.

[B-side]

Is it sad that I spent more time and effort writing that blurb up there about Freddy Got Fingered than I have writing about any film in months?

[Sven]

I am sorry if this is out of place, but you guys are movie lovers like me, so i felt more comfortable posting this here. If I was wrong in doing so, my apologies in advance.

Yeah, they suck. I hope to never stop loving animation, no matter my age. If I was there last night, you would've had my axe.

[D_Davis]

Yeah, they suck. I hope to never stop loving animation, no matter my age. If I was there last night, you would've had my axe.

And my bow.

[Spinal]

I wonder how many of them read Harry Potter books.

[Mysterious Dude]

And my bow.
And my gun. For shooting them.

[Watashi]

There's a beautiful creation that combines both animation and porn into one.

You should have told your friends that.

[number8]

Do they watch summer blockbusters? Because I'd probably say something about how that movie they liked is aimed at teenagers and it's really creepy that they go to movies to ejaculate simultaneously with a crowd of 13-14 year old boys.

[Sven]

Do they watch summer blockbusters? Because I'd probably say something about how that movie they liked is aimed at teenagers and it's really creepy that they go to movies to ejaculate simultaneously with a crowd of 13-14 year old boys.

This would not have been an at-all bad point to mention.

[megladon8]

I've had similar conversations with my friends about my love of comic books.

I get enough satisfaction from knowing that I'm fine and they're being ignorant assholes. I don't need to confront them.

[Spinal]

There's a beautiful creation that combines both animation and porn into one.

You should have told your friends that.

Probably not the best way to rectify a creepy vibe.

[Kurosawa Fan]

And my bow.

And my diversion.

[Ezee E]

Probably not the best way to rectify a creepy vibe.
Doubt that's what wats was going for.

I found it hilarious.

[balmakboor]

Or simply take them off one by one. Make sure it doesn't link back to you.

Hopefully, I'm understanding you correctly and you're advising him to off them one by one. "Friends" is being used here in a ridiculously loose manner.

Seriously, I can't even relate to this scenario. I'm 48 and have loved watching animation my whole life. And I've never been told by anyone that watching cartoons at any age is the least bit creepy.

[D_Davis]

Probably not the best way to rectify a creepy vibe.

Loli-hentai isn't creepy at all.

It clearly states at the beginning that the girls depicted are of age, and the drawings are doing those things of their own free will. Plus, from what I hear, anime-chicks totally dig tentacles, it's a cultural thing.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Good movie's a good movie. Not sure what's wrong with your friends, but I suspect they're dumb.

[DavidSeven]

Fezzik, your problem is not that you watch animation. Your problem is that you hang out with douchebags. Please rectify.

[Fezzik]

Thanks, guys for the kind words. I know there's nothing wrong with watching animation, but it means a lot to hear it from others I trust.

What hurt was that my friends would think that about me.

But alas, douchebags are as douchebags do, or some such.

I got some great laughs from this, too, so that helped :)

Thanks again.

[MadMan]

Some of the best movies ever made are animated. Not sure why people preceive that they are merely for kids anymore, especially what with animated TV aimed at adults-Adult Swim, The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, etc. Plus animated movies made by Pixar and others usually contain adult oriented jokes and references.

[balmakboor]

I think we've pretty well agreed that Fezzik's "friends" are idiots. I have a variation on the theme though that my daughter has dealt with.

She is a huge Manga and Anime fan and spends a fair amount of time teaching herself how to draw and animate in the style. She even fantasizes about moving to Japan some day and working at Studio Ghibli. She's in the 8th grade. I asked her if any of her friends are into Manga/Anime and she said, "None that I know of. But, dad, it's so uncool to even admit you like cartoons at school that nobody would say anything even if they did like it."

Silly me. I was going to suggest she start an Anime club.

[Adam]

I'm all for two pages of calling Fezzik's friends douchebags, but I've gotta say, I'm way too self-conscious and lame to see an animated movie in the theater alone

balmakboor, the deal with your daughter is probably more a virtue of her being 13/14, because at that age I think you're still just trying to awkwardly fit in to the crowd. At least for me, high school was kind of where everybody seemed to sort of blossom into their own individual and find real friends with similar sensibilities

[Qrazy]

Tell them you'll keep your animated movies and they can keep their Larry Clark films.

[Skitch]

I've had friends lay down similar nonsense with me as well. Mostly when their trying to burn me. I turn their logic back on them with their hobbies and entertainment tastes. Its never failed yet. Chin up Fezzik, friends are usually just people who know you well enough to put the spear where it will hurt most.

------------

Also, The Losers was pretty piss poor.

[NickGlass]

I haven't heard a peep from anyone regarding the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Isn't F for Fake a favorite around these parts? Plausible comparisons could be made; it's very fascinating and clever--even if targeting the art world is shooting-fish-in-a-barrel at this point.

Nonetheless, my theater experience with it was great, since a loud-mouthed, inane street art "expert" sitting behind me during the film pretty much validated Banksy's acerbic thesis on the art world.

[balmakboor]

I haven't heard a peep from anyone regarding the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Isn't F for Fake a favorite around these parts? Plausible comparisons could be made; it's very fascinating and clever--even if targeting the art world is shooting-fish-in-a-barrel at this point.

Nonetheless, my theater experience with it was great, since a loud-mouthed, inane street art "expert" sitting behind me during the film pretty much validated Banksy's acerbic thesis on the art world.

I'm a fan of F for Fake. When the movie plays anywhere near me, I'll check it out and most likely have something to say. Someone here in town already sent me a Twitter DM asking me to include it in our next film series.

[balmakboor]

I'm all for two pages of calling Fezzik's friends douchebags, but I've gotta say, I'm way too self-conscious and lame to see an animated movie in the theater alone

balmakboor, the deal with your daughter is probably more a virtue of her being 13/14, because at that age I think you're still just trying to awkwardly fit in to the crowd. At least for me, high school was kind of where everybody seemed to sort of blossom into their own individual and find real friends with similar sensibilities

I know my older daughter was able to loosen up and be herself more once she got to high school. She's never been one to much care about what her peers think though. My younger daughter has a much more turbulent social life.

[Raiders]

I haven't heard a peep from anyone regarding the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Isn't F for Fake a favorite around these parts? Plausible comparisons could be made; it's very fascinating and clever--even if targeting the art world is shooting-fish-in-a-barrel at this point.

Nonetheless, my theater experience with it was great, since a loud-mouthed, inane street art "expert" sitting behind me during the film pretty much validated Banksy's acerbic thesis on the art world.

Starts this Friday at the Landmark in DC. Probably won't be able to make the drive, but if I have the time I'll try it.

[Winston*]

If I leave the Andrei Rublev DVD I have in its sleeve beside my TV for two weeks and then send it back, can I count myself as having seen it? I say yes.

Done.

*dusts hands*

[Sven]

Done.

*dusts hands*

I don't see a rating for it in your sig.

[Spinal]

Book I'm Reading:
The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov

It's great!

And I will see the Banksy doc as soon as possible. Didn't know it existed until now.

That doc on Veit Harlan looks pretty good too.

[Ivan Drago]

There's a beautiful creation that combines both animation and porn into one.

Heavy Metal?

And not only do I still watch animation, I also have a few friends (1 female BTW) who are going into animation for a job. However, when we went to go see The Princess and the Frog in theaters, we had to see it sometime during the week instead of a usual Friday/Saturday night to "avoid looking creepy". :rolleyes:

[megladon8]

If someone at a theatre is going to judge me for being there, whether I'm alone or with friends, and regardless of what I'm seeing, I'll provide them with a nice clean spoon so they can eat my shit.

[Sycophant]

(1 female BTW)

o/

[Winston*]

Still don't think a grown man should see Princess and the Frog in the theatre by himself. I don't think seeing a movie is worth making others uncomfortable.

[Glass Co.]

Still don't think a grown man should see Princess and the Frog in the theatre by himself. I don't think seeing a movie is worth making others uncomfortable.

I saw Wall-E opening weekend alone while wearing a thick black hoodie and not having shaved in three days and I have never felt so shady in my life.

[NickGlass]

I enjoy John Waters' idea of going to see Alvin in the Chipmunks on opening weekend with nothing on but a big red "A" Alvin sweatshirt.

[Fezzik]

Still don't think a grown man should see Princess and the Frog in the theatre by himself. I don't think seeing a movie is worth making others uncomfortable.

Cliche, but... If others are uncomfortable with it, thats on them because of their own narrow minded perceptions.

I shouldnt have to change my schedule because some people are naive.

[megladon8]

Cliche, but... If others are uncomfortable with it, thats on them because of their own narrow minded perceptions.

I shouldnt have to change my schedule because some people are naive.


Indeed.

Thinking of a grown up in a poor/creepy light because they see an animated movie (really doesn't matter if they're alone or not) only shows your own insecurities and ignorance.

[Grouchy]

Yes, what the fuck. I really wouldn't even think about it if I went to see an animated movie by myself. Who cares?

Black Dynamite is hilarious, although it does become a bit too long which I also sort of espected. But really, there's so much about it that's awesome - the clothes, the saturated colors, the strange zooming and panning, the sex. It's an instant cult classic. I really dug the fact that it isn't an exploitation parody in the vein of I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!, by which I mean that it's not in the "genre + jokes" formula. It's an actual exploitation film and most of the humor comes from the exaggeration of things that actually occured in those films.

I also saw Crazy Heart. Not a big deal, but Jeff Bridges is very good and I'm glad of the recognition he got. Maggie Gyllenhaal is sexy. I like her.

[B-side]

Countdown to Raoul Ruiz's MC consensus. It starts on the 18th of December. If I'm the only one that's seen more than 2 of his films come consensus time, I will fight each of you individually.

[Rowland]

Red Planet (Hoffman, 2000) **½

The critical community seemed to bear some sort of inexplicable collective grudge against Mars movies this year. The direction isn't as polished or poetic as De Palma's Mission to Mars, but it remains an unjustly maligned adventure movie that is held together by a stark style, solid performances (I miss Carrie Ann-Moss), and several involving set pieces. The intrusion of a Terminator-style robot hunting down our protagonists on the planet is an unfortunately conceived creative decision, but it's hardly the focus of the film as I recalled it being, so I was instead surprised by how closely the movie adheres to a modicum of logic and genuine wit in how its narrative unfolds. The effects have aged pretty badly however, but this shouldn't be held too harshly against the picture, which works because of how little it depends on effects most of the time. In particular, how it solves the riddle of missing algae on Mars is a notably clever conceit.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (Waters, 2009) **½

Not half as bad as some typically hyperbolic reviews led me to anticipate, this works because it uses Matt McConaughey's (and Michael Douglas') inherent sleaziness to its advantage. We aren't meant to be charmed by his smug hedonism, which somehow makes him more likable, especially when he's put through the wringer A-Christmas-Carol-style. Surprisingly funny, fleet on its feet, and almost touching at moments, its most egregious missteps have to do with how nearly every female character is written and performed as either a shrieking harpy (the character of the bride in particular is intensely unlikable) or a vapid slut, and Asian caricatures are blatantly used for cheap jokes. No surprise then that this was written by the same dudes as The Hangover, though I actually like this better.


Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! (Hartley, 2009) ***

Fucking awesome. Even if one suspects most of these movies would be tedious at full-length, watching their best bits edited together and commented upon with such vivacity and personality is invigorating. It's as much about the revolution of genre filmmaking down under as it is an infectious ode to the sheer joy of gonzo filmmaking at its most defiantly unhinged.

The Last House on the Left (Iliadis, 2009) **½

The first half is surprisingly artful in its execution and somber in tone, grows less interesting in its second half but remains reasonably compelling and true to its ugly convictions. The obviously tacked on coda is hysterical, an unfortunate ending for a movie that begins with such a spectacularly evocative opening shot.

[soitgoes...]

Countdown to Raoul Ruiz's MC consensus. It starts on the 18th of December. If I'm the only one that's seen more than 2 of his films come consensus time, I will fight each of you individually.
There's a possible 10 weeks coming up where there will be fewer than 3 films qualifying.

I think maybe Boner (Derek?) might have your back on Ruiz though. I will have at least one seen by then.:P

[soitgoes...]

Red Planet (Hoffman, 2000) **½
When this and Mission to Mars came out, I think I felt this film was better. Then there was about a 7 year period where I couldn't for life of me remember which film was which. I have since have rewatched De Palma's film, and I'd probably say it is better. Not sure what I'm trying to say here.

[Rowland]

The only movie I've seen by Ruiz is, of all things, Shattered Image. It wasn't exactly good, but I have to say it was compulsively watchable.

[soitgoes...]

Yasuzo Masumura has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I didn't really know much about him before this past week, but then I went on a bit of a spree. All 6 films of his are fast paced, all less than 100 minutes. A couple of those films I think would have worked better if he devoted more time. Still it's refreshing when a director knows what he wants to say and doesn't dawdle. He starts every film off right in the middle of some action. It's disorienting, but hooks you right from the get go.

[B-side]

There's a possible 10 weeks coming up where there will be fewer than 3 films qualifying.

I think maybe Boner (Derek?) might have your back on Ruiz though. I will have at least one seen by then.:P

Heh. I'm only frustrated because I feel the need to spread the gospel of Ruiz!:D


The only movie I've seen by Ruiz is, of all things, Shattered Image. It wasn't exactly good, but I have to say it was compulsively watchable.

I believe that one is rather widely panned. The Ruiz of recent is a long way from the Ruiz of the 70s and 80s. Not that he hasn't produced great cinema past the 80s because he has, but his form is different, less experimental.

[B-side]

I believe that one is rather widely panned. The Ruiz of recent is a long way from the Ruiz of the 70s and 80s. Not that he hasn't produced great cinema past the 80s because he has, but his form is different, less experimental.

To expand on this, Time Regained is my favorite film of his so far, and it's widely available on DVD, so I'd really suggest everyone give that a shot. It's got Deneuve and Malkovich, what more could you want?

[baby doll]

Weekend:

Ajami (Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani)
L'épine dans la coeur (Michel Gondry)
My Dear Enemy (Lee Yoon-ki)
Rumba (Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, and Bruno Romy)

[Kurosawa Fan]

Watched Idiocracy today. It had a couple inspired moments, but too often fell flat and felt as dumb as the people it was taunting. After this and Extract, I'm beginning to question Mike Judge's talent.

[Bosco B Thug]

[B]The Last House on the Left (Iliadis, 2009) **½

The first half is surprisingly artful in its execution and somber in tone, grows less interesting in its second half but remains reasonably compelling and true to its ugly convictions. The obviously tacked on coda is hysterical, an unfortunate ending for a movie that begins with such a spectacularly evocative opening shot. The camera roving through the trees? Loved that shot. Also, the very similar roving movement going up to the red lakehouse. Last bit was an egregious "wth?"

[transmogrifier]

Watched Idiocracy today. It had a couple inspired moments, but too often fell flat and felt as dumb as the people it was taunting. After this and Extract, I'm beginning to question Mike Judge's talent.

Yeah, it was just not all that funny at all, a serious problem for a comedy. Still can't believe that so many people praised it at the time, because the attempts at humor are all so very, very uninspired. Good premise wasted mammothly.

[Raiders]

When this and Mission to Mars came out, I think I felt this film was better. Then there was about a 7 year period where I couldn't for life of me remember which film was which. I have since have rewatched De Palma's film, and I'd probably say it is better. Not sure what I'm trying to say here.

I turned Red Planet off after about 45 minutes. It was remarkably dull. Except for the moment they landed on Mars in a beach ball. That was funny.

[Ezee E]

I didn't even want to bother with Extract after hating Idiocracy so much.

[Skitch]

I think Red Planet receives an unfair amount of hate. I enjoy it. Idiocracy is amusing. Extract was an okay movie, but not much of a comedy.

[Spun Lepton]

Idiocracy is pretty damn funny. Extract is piss-poor and a bad example of what Judge is capable of. Don't write him off until you've watched King of the Hill.

[Philosophe_rouge]

I liked Last House on the Left (remake) a lot more than I thought was possible, I thought it was very well directed, especially the first half... lots of incredibly beautiful shots and great tension. This was actually my desk-top background for a while;

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/philosophe_rouge/lasthouseremake13.jpg

I liked the water stuff. *insight*

[Winston*]

It definitely doesn't sustain its length but I thought Idiocracy had some good funny in it. I liked the stuff about electrolytes.

[Spun Lepton]

It definitely doesn't sustain its length but I thought Idiocracy had some good funny in it. I liked the stuff about electrolytes.

The missle launcher coming out of nowhere had me rolling. "That's your car!"

[Skitch]

The missle launcher coming out of nowhere had me rolling. "That's your car!"

"GO AWAY, I'm 'BATIN'!"

:lol:

[BuffaloWilder]

My film festival coverage is up and running, folks. Give it a look see (http://www.einsiders.com/film-festival-coverage.html).

[MadMan]

Man, I haven't even seen Red Planet since I viewed it in theaters back in 2000. So I don't really recall the movie well enough to review it, although looking back I'm not sure if I really liked it all that much.

[balmakboor]

A couple weeks ago I expressed surprise that A History of Violence made the Film Comment top 10 of the decade. Well, I finally got around to rewatching it tonight and I'm no longer surprised.

[Pop Trash]

A couple weeks ago I expressed surprise that A History of Violence made the Film Comment top 10 of the decade. Well, I finally got around to rewatching it tonight and I'm no longer surprised.

I've found most Cronenberg flicks get better on multiple viewings. The first time you watch it following the plot and you are like "eh, that's not that great" but then all the usual Cronenberg themes come out: sex, death, body horror, outsiders wanting to be 'normal' (ala History of Violence) or 'normal' people becoming outsiders (ala Videodrome and The Fly). Good stuff. I can't wait for his take on Freud and Jung.

[Spun Lepton]

You see, a pimp's love is very different from that of a square.

Man, I could really go for a Starbucks, you know?
I don't think we really have time for a handjob, Joe.

Hey, uh... I'm actually supposed to be getting out of jail, not going back in...
Hey, guys, let this dumbass out!

Don't worry, scrote. There are plenty of 'tards out there living really kick-ass lives. My first wife was 'tarded. She's a pilot now.

Carl's Jr... "Fuck You, I'm Eating."

Tons of great lines in Idiocracy.

[Dead & Messed Up]

You see, a pimp's love is very different from that of a square.

Man, I could really go for a Starbucks, you know?
I don't think we really have time for a handjob, Joe.

Hey, uh... I'm actually supposed to be getting out of jail, not going back in...
Hey, guys, let this dumbass out!

Don't worry, scrote. There are plenty of 'tards out there living really kick-ass lives. My first wife was 'tarded. She's a pilot now.

Carl's Jr... "Fuck You, I'm Eating."

Tons of great lines in Idiocracy.

My favorite:

"You have to defend me - I'm innocent!"
"That's not what the other lawyer said!"

[transmogrifier]

You see, a pimp's love is very different from that of a square.

Man, I could really go for a Starbucks, you know?
I don't think we really have time for a handjob, Joe.

Hey, uh... I'm actually supposed to be getting out of jail, not going back in...
Hey, guys, let this dumbass out!

Don't worry, scrote. There are plenty of 'tards out there living really kick-ass lives. My first wife was 'tarded. She's a pilot now.

Carl's Jr... "Fuck You, I'm Eating."

Tons of great lines in Idiocracy.

Then why did you quote the dull ones above? :)

[Grouchy]

So I just watched We Own the Night for the first time. I'd seen bits and pieces of it because it's always on tv, but never the whole thing which is no damn way to see a movie. It's very good stuff. What would you guys recommend as my next James Gray?

[Derek]

What would you guys recommend as my next James Gray?

Two Lovers

[Ezee E]

I've only seen We Own The Night and Two Lovers. Fairly sure I'd be disappointed with his early efforts.

[Winston*]

I've only seen We Own The Night and Two Lovers. Fairly sure I'd be disappointed with his early efforts.
They're both good films, tho. If you liked We Own The Night, you'll probably like them.

[transmogrifier]

Good to see Ang Lee's Ride With the Devil get the Criterion treatment, seeing as it is easily his second best film.

[Boner M]

Weekend (well, more like next 7 days)

Breakin' + Return of the Living Dead double bill on big screen
The Aviator's Wife
Paisan
Hard Labour
Copland
Days of Being Wild (rpt)
Maybe Iron Man 2 but early word has been lukewarm, and I wasn't too hot on the first, and after Kick-Ass of seeing hyped films a week before their US release has worn off.

[B-side]

Weekend (well, more like next 7 days)

Breakin' + Return of the Living Dead double bill on big screen
The Aviator's Wife
Paisan
Hard Labour
Copland
Days of Being Wild (rpt)
Maybe Iron Man 2 but early word has been lukewarm, and I wasn't too hot on the first, and after Kick-Ass of seeing hyped films a week before their US release has worn off.

Strange. I think you forgot to type out "Time Regained" in your list there.

[Boner M]

Strange. I think you forgot to type out "Time Regained" in your list there.
Can't find it/can't download.

[B-side]

Can't find it/can't download.

Then it's strange that you forgot to type out "*insert Ruiz film title that you have access to here*" in your list up there.:D

[Winston*]

Rewatched Porco Rosso, hadn't seen it in years. Very charming film, really funny also. I think this is a movie even Miyazaki haters would like.

"How did you become a pig?"
"Oh well, you know.."

[transmogrifier]

Rewatched Porco Rosso, hadn't seen it in years. Very charming film, really funny also. I think this is a movie even Miyazaki haters would like.

"How did you become a pig?"
"Oh well, you know.."

Even KF? Because he's curmudgeonly.

(PS Porco Rosso is maybe my third favourite Miyasaki after Spirited Away and Laputa...)

[Kurosawa Fan]

Even KF? Because he's curmudgeonly.


Well, take comfort in the fact that I won't even give it a shot.

[Raiders]

Speaking of my boy James Gray, I (finally) watched Little Odessa last night (I've had it from Netflix for like six weeks). Yeah, it was great. As inevitable and archetypal as all his work, and certainly as indebted to 70s downbeat cinema as any of his films. His strength is not in the narrative, but in the small interactions that feel remarkably real and lived-in. If he is ever able to get The Lost City of Z financed and out of pre-production, it'll be interesting to see how he transfers his close-knit familial, inner-city stylings to such a project, if he can at all.

[bac0n]

Watched Kung Fu Hustle last night for the first time in awhile. Man, such a fun film. Such great, creative fight choreography by our man Yuen Woo Ping. I hope Stephen Chow makes another film like this or Shaolin Soccer again, and soon.

[Kurosawa Fan]

You guys are trying to bait me, aren't you?

[Grouchy]

Watched Kung Fu Hustle last night for the first time in awhile. Man, such a fun film. Such great, creative fight choreography by our man Yuen Woo Ping. I hope Stephen Chow makes another film like this or Shaolin Soccer again, and soon.
True that, my good sir.

[Raiders]

Watched Kung Fu Hustle last night for the first time in awhile. Man, such a fun film. Such great, creative fight choreography by our man Yuen Woo Ping. I hope Stephen Chow makes another film like this or Shaolin Soccer again, and soon.

How different was CJ7?

[B-side]

I liked CJ7.

[Grouchy]

Me too, but it was a different thing.

[Ezee E]

CJ7 is a very entertaining kids movie.

WEEKEND:
Shadow of a Doubt
Shop on Main Street
Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

[balmakboor]

Rewatched Porco Rosso, hadn't seen it in years. Very charming film, really funny also. I think this is a movie even Miyazaki haters would like.

"How did you become a pig?"
"Oh well, you know.."

PR is the one Miyazaki my daughter doesn't much like. It falls somewhere in the lower half for me.

[bac0n]

CJ7 is a very entertaining kids movie.

Precisely. My daughter watched it every day for about a week. Chow plays more of a supporting character in this film.

[number8]

Yeah, it was just not all that funny at all, a serious problem for a comedy. Still can't believe that so many people praised it at the time, because the attempts at humor are all so very, very uninspired. Good premise wasted mammothly.

You talk like a fag and your shit's all retarded.

[Henry Gale]

You talk like a fag and your shit's all retarded.

My first wife was 'tarded. She's a pilot now.

[Skitch]

:lol:

Well played 8.

[D_Davis]

Watched Kung Fu Hustle last night for the first time in awhile. Man, such a fun film. Such great, creative fight choreography by our man Yuen Woo Ping. I hope Stephen Chow makes another film like this or Shaolin Soccer again, and soon.

It was on cable a few weeks ago. Stopped what I was doing, a commercial came on, and I ran downstairs, grabbed the DVD, and through it on. It's one of those movies.

[Sycophant]

Idiocracy I had a lot of hopes for. It was pretty painful. I can't help but wonder if Mike Judge had a better movie before Fox cut it up, but maybe he really didn't. The case for that present in the current version of the film isn't so convincing.

[transmogrifier]

Kung Fu Hustle is headache-inducing, and basically an atonal hum of colourful banality.

But, on the plus side, I like the word "hustle". Hustle, hustle, hustle...

[Sven]

Kung Fu Hustle is headache-inducing, and basically an atonal hum of colourful banality.

Calling Kung Fu Hustle "banal" is just wrong, even if you don't like it. Both in content and execution, I bet you couldn't name me three movies like it (that are not also directed by Stephen Chow). And "atonal"? There are legitimate criticisms out there for this film, so why not use some of those?

[Spun Lepton]

Observe and Report wasn't nearly as dark as I was lead to believe. Either that, or my definition of "dark comedy" is significantly darker than most other people's. Sporatically funny, with Anna Farris stealing a lot of scenes.

Rogan and Farris making out immediately after she barfs was probably my biggest belly-laugh, although I was sickened by it ... which is probably exactly what they wanted. :D

Always happy to see Ray Liotta getting work.

6/10

[Ezee E]

Shadow of a Doubt may me middle of the line Hitchcock, but it still shows how good of a director he can be with the material he's given. Imagine what he could've done with CGI if it was around.

[Sven]

Shadow of a Doubt may me middle of the line Hitchcock

Oh no you di'n't...

[Ezee E]

Oh no you di'n't...
It's still good. Just no Rope, Lifeboat, Psycho or Notorious to me.

[Sven]

It's still good. Just no Rope, Lifeboat, Psycho or Notorious to me.

You put it over Rope? Interesting. Love them all (though don't tell anyone that despite having owned the DVD since it came out, Lifeboat is one of the four Hitchcock films I have yet to see).

What were your reservations?

[Ezee E]

You put it over Rope? Interesting. Love them all (though don't tell anyone that despite having owned the DVD since it came out, Lifeboat is one of the four Hitchcock films I have yet to see).

What were your reservations?
I put it under Rope. Those are what I think are Hitchcock's masterpieces that I've seen from him.

First, what I will say is that I liked that things were changed up a bit this time. Instead of the wrongfully accused, it's waiting for the absolute guilty to be found out. While not as thrilling as the movies I listed before, it remains engaging. It's surprising because the cast is somewhat weak, especially the kids, something that I think Hitchcock can't direct well, and that the setting itself is pretty low-scale for a Hitchcock film.

There's a few others I like a bit more than this, but it's still certainly good, I won't deny it that.

[megladon8]

I love Hitchcock. Every time I see one of his films I'm left feeling amazed by every aspect of it.

He truly was one of the great masters of the medium.

[Mysterious Dude]

I thought Joseph Cotten was a pretty silly villain.

- "They're alive! They're human beings!"
- (looks straight at camera) "Are they?"

[transmogrifier]

Calling Kung Fu Hustle "banal" is just wrong, even if you don't like it. Both in content and execution, I bet you couldn't name me three movies like it (that are not also directed by Stephen Chow). And "atonal"? There are legitimate criticisms out there for this film, so why not use some of those?

Nah, I stand by my choice of words. KFH is cartoonish shtick of the type I've seen a million times before in, well, cartoons and in Korean "comedies".

Atonal in that it screeches, it doesn't sing.

[B-side]

Atonal in that it screeches, it doesn't sing.

You know what? You don't sing.

Yeah. I went there.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I thought Joseph Cotten was a pretty silly villain.

- "They're alive! They're human beings!"
- (looks straight at camera) "Are they?"

I remember loving the film, so now I'm curious to rewatch it. Although I think Uncle Charlie has a good point there.

[transmogrifier]

You know what? You don't sing.

Yeah. I went there.

Maybe, maybe not. But it still doesn't make KFH any better.

[B-side]

Maybe, maybe not. But it still doesn't make KFH any better.

True. The two are not directly related. The defense rests, though, that you don't, in fact, sing.

[Derek]

I thought Joseph Cotten was a pretty silly villain.

:crazy:

[kuehnepips]

I love Hitchcock. Every time I see one of his films I'm left feeling amazed by every aspect of it.

He truly was one of the great masters of the medium.

Agreed. Watched Frenzy last night after many, many years and although I knew the film: Suspense!

[kuehnepips]

This weekend I'll be drinking my fav. beer in my fav. pub: U fleku in Prague. Envy me.

[Winston*]

Tony Manero - Why am I subjecting myself to this horrible movie?

[Boner M]

Tony Manero - Why am I subjecting myself to this horrible movie?
Cuz it's actually a pretty good movie.

[Winston*]

Cuz it's actually a pretty good movie.

Finished it. Disagreed. Did not need that ugliness in my life.

[Boner M]

Finished it. Disagreed. Did not need that ugliness in my life.
Don't make me defecate on your expensive clothes.

[balmakboor]

I understand Shadow of a Doubt was Hitchcock's personal favorite of his own works. For me, it's one of his films that beautifully married his technique, his themes, and a script with great dialogue. It sits just below Rear Window on my scale.

Btw, I saw the Vivre sa vie Blu-ray last night and I can feel a new personal favorite film happening.

Tony Manero is out on DVD now? I've been wanting to see that for ages.

[Raiders]

Fuck you guys, dammit.

[bac0n]

This weekend I'll be drinking my fav. beer in my fav. pub: U fleku in Prague. Envy me.

Shut up.

[Rowland]

Fuck you guys, dammit.http://www.getsmileyface.com/sm/crazy/686.gif

[kuehnepips]

Shut up.

:lol:

I would pass you a bottle, but this beer is brewed there and ... yes, everyone drinks it there. No bottles, nowhere.

Come, and see.

[NickGlass]

:lol:

I would pass you a bottle, but this beer is brewed there and ... yes, everyone drinks it there. No bottles, nowhere.

Come, and see.

I feel like my time in Prague was a missed opportunity, now. I'm sure it's better than Staropramen (but many more korunas). I went to plenty of bars in Prague, but I'm not sure if I can name one. I remember Bohemia Bagel.

[Ivan Drago]

Fuck you guys, dammit.

:lol:

[bac0n]

:lol:

I would pass you a bottle, but this beer is brewed there and ... yes, everyone drinks it there. No bottles, nowhere.

Come, and see.

Yeah yeah yeah. One of the things I wanna do before I die is enjoy a pilsener from the source, in the land that invented the stuff.

[NickGlass]

Yeah yeah yeah. One of the things I wanna do before I die is enjoy a pilsener from the source, in the land that invented the stuff.

They have vending machines with Pilsner Urquell in them. It's absurdly wonderful.

[bac0n]

They have vending machines with Pilsner Urquell in them. It's absurdly wonderful.

shut up.

[kuehnepips]

shut up.

Exactly. No one buys beer from vending machines.
You get it served from the brewing master, from the urquell so to speak.

EDIT: I guess I'll get a "shut up" for this post.

[Ezee E]

Fuck you guys, dammit.
I've never seen FGF, but I always assumed it was a prank set up by some film friends of mine that have good taste, and say that they like this movie.

I haven't fallen for it. I've seen the preview, and that's good enough to know it's wretched in this case.

[Rowland]

Yawn.

[number8]

It really bothers me that people think I'm joking when I say that Freddy Got Fingered is brilliant.

[Raiders]

Yawn.

Hey, I gave it a fair chance. But I'm sorry. It is remarkably, painfully unfunny. In fact, I'm positive it isn't even intended to be funny. But there's nothing else there. I think Ebert is right, that this film one day (today apparently) will be regarded as some landmark in neo-surrealism, but the day will never come when it can be properly called a comedy. It is the definition of just not my kind of film. The envelopes it pushes do not get delivered to me.

[Rowland]

Freddy Got Fingered may be demented, but as I've seen someone rightly observe, nothing in the film is really as weird as the hostility of its reception. Vadim Rizov wrote a defense of the film on the IFC site recently, and he made an interesting point in suggesting that it would play far better today than it did at the time, now that its dadaist style of humor has become more acceptable in the media landscape, debuting as it did around the same time as the infancy of Adult Swim. As he also notes, what makes the film particularly effective is how it actually works better than most ostensible "gross out" comedies as an almost tender work of emotional honesty and naked soul baring. You may love it or you may hate it (I wouldn't begrudge those who do), but it's difficult to argue that the film isn't blazingly auteurist and altogether sui generis in its warped vision.

[Spun Lepton]

The reviews for Furry Vengeance are overwhelmingly BAD? Gol-dangit, I was expecting this to be the big #1 box-office draw of the year! :sad:

[D_Davis]

The reviews for Furry Vengeance are overwhelmingly BAD? Gol-dangit, I was expecting this to be the big #1 box-office draw of the year! :sad:

It'll still be #1 this weekend - watch.

[Spun Lepton]

It'll still be #1 this weekend - watch.

If parents are taking their kids to see a movie this weekend, it'll likely be How to Train UR Dragon again.

[Spinal]

If parents are taking their kids to see a movie this weekend, it'll likely be How to Train UR Dragon again.

The Secret of Kells just opened here. I'm thinking that.

[Spun Lepton]

It'll still be #1 this weekend - watch.

It was going with a strong 0% on RT until our local moron at the St. Paul Pioneer Press called it "clever." If you haven't figured it out, the reviewer for Pioneer Press is a dumbass. But, I would expect nothing less from somebody who lives in St. Paul. :D

[Kurosawa Fan]

The Secret of Kells just opened here. I'm thinking that.

Seriously, the Dragon film is very good if Kells doesn't work out.

[Winston*]

Seriously, the Dragon film is very good if Kells doesn't work out.

And Kells isn't very good.

[Spinal]

Seriously, the Dragon film is very good if Kells doesn't work out.

My wife already took the boy to that one. She's getting more clever about snagging the good movies.

[Kurosawa Fan]

My wife already took the boy to that one. She's getting more clever about snagging the good movies.
:lol:

Nice. My wife doesn't care for kids films unless they're Pixar. Not so great for me, since everything else is a crapshoot.

[Spinal]

:lol:

Nice. My wife doesn't care for kids films unless they're Pixar. Not so great for me, since everything else is a crapshoot.

*thinks about recent Pixar releases*

*decides not to say anything*

[Kurosawa Fan]

*thinks about recent Pixar releases*

*decides not to say anything*

Agreed. My wife loved Up, but that was one I wouldn't have minded skipping after the fact. Cars too. In fact, Ratatouie was underwhelming as well. WALL-E gets better with every viewing though.

[Watashi]

Cars is better than How to Train Your Dragon.

[Grouchy]

Actually, Shadow of a Doubt is my second favorite Hitchcock after Vertigo - which is my favorite movie. I think everything about it is brilliant and that it's probably the best script the Hitch ever worked with. I think it's a great deal better than films like Rope or Lifeboat.

Taking back the conversation about movies that are embarassing to watch in theaters alone, I went to A Single Man by myself. I didn't give a damn, but I didn't like the smile in the girl that sold me the ticket.

The movie was very good. I loved the absurd level of detail in reproducing the '60s, since I'm usually a fan of thorough production design. The story might be a little self-important, what with the operatic music and close-ups, but it has a number of great scenes, specially the one with Julianne Moore. The key thing, however, is Colin Firth and the awesome way in which he builds the character from inside out. I didn't like the way it ended because I thought the character development had completely reached its zenith before

the guy dies of a random stroke. Oh, the unforeseeable twist of fate!

But at the same time I understand that it's a novel and if it ends that way in the book, it would be too much of a departure to change it.

[Spinal]

Agreed. My wife loved Up, but that was one I wouldn't have minded skipping after the fact. Cars too. In fact, Ratatouie was underwhelming as well. WALL-E gets better with every viewing though.

But hey, we get to look forward to Toy Story 3. Yea!

:|

[Spun Lepton]

Agreed. My wife loved Up, but that was one I wouldn't have minded skipping after the fact. Cars too. In fact, Ratatouie was underwhelming as well. WALL-E gets better with every viewing though.

An image of what a possible Kurosawa Fan might look like ...

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/7/7f/TF1-MuppetsTV-PhotoGallery-39-Statler.jpg

:)

[Raiders]

Well, I am of the opinion Toy Story 2 was better than the first, so who knows.

[Spun Lepton]

Well, I am of the opinion Toy Story 2 was better than the first, so who knows.

Agreed!

[Watashi]

Well, I am of the opinion Toy Story 2 was better than the first, so who knows.
Well yeah. That's common logic.

[Derek]

Cars is better than How to Train Your Dragon.

I haven't seen the latter but Cars was truly awful. I can't imagine anyone but a Pixar apologist thinking otherwise.

Oh wait... :)

[Sven]

I haven't seen the latter but Cars was truly awful. I can't imagine anyone but a Pixar apologist thinking otherwise.

You know that I am far from a Pixar apologist, but I can think of four Pixar films worse than Cars. Which is not to say I like it. But it has some impressive animation.

[Watashi]

I haven't seen the latter but Cars was truly awful. I can't imagine anyone but a Pixar apologist thinking otherwise.

Oh wait... :)
I think Cars is barely passable, but it was more of a knock on the lameness of How To Train Your Dragon. I am befuzzled by its popularity with critics and audiences.

[megladon8]

I think the Toy Story films are bottom-rung Pixar.

And yeah, I know I'm alone on that one.

[Derek]

You know that I am far from a Pixar apologist, but I can think of four Pixar films worse than Cars.

But surely you concede that none of them has a single scene worse than the "Our Town" montage, right?

[Sven]

But surely you concede that none of them has a single scene worse than the "Our Town" montage, right?

Off the top of my head, I cannot. Maybe the climax of Up!...? Maybe the scene where the rat finds out he can control humans with their hair? But you're likely right. That is a miserable scene.

[Watashi]

However, a Mater-centric Cars 2 will undoubtedly blow goats.

I've already expressed by deep concerns with Pixar going the easy sequel route with their next films. I understand story is what matters to Pixar, but when interesting stuff like Newt gets scratched and gets replaced with Monsters Inc. 2, I just can hope that Pixar branches out. At least starting next year, they'll be doing 2 films per year.

I have major worries about Toy Story 3, but apparently the early word is really positive and say the trailers are misleading.

[megladon8]

I've never, ever understood peoples' problem(s) with Remy controlling Linguini by his hair.

This criticism ranks up there with the guy I knew who hated Superman Returns because "it's physically impossible for a human body to take flight! IMPOSSIBLE!"

[Watashi]

Off the top of my head, I cannot. Maybe the climax of Up!...? Maybe the scene where the rat finds out he can control humans with their hair? But you're likely right. That is a miserable scene.
This is a miserable post.

[Watashi]

Funny how Sven can't seem to grasp the ideas of Remy's hair-puppetry in a slapstick animated film, but has no problem with accepting any of Crank's reality.

Seriously, Svenny, I know you're a smart dude.

[Sven]

Funny how Sven can't seem to grasp the ideas of Remy's hair-puppetry in a slapstick animated film, but has no problem with accepting any of Crank's reality.

The conceit, which I otherwise don't mind, lacks imagination. I'm saying that the scene where it is discovered is a not good scene.

Plus, Crank and Ratatouille are working on different pages entirely. Weird point to try to make. But I appreciate the compliment, which I, of course, reciprocate! :)

[Watashi]

The conceit, which I otherwise don't mind, lacks imagination. I'm saying that the scene where it is discovered is a not good scene.
It's just a goofy scene really. It's one of Ratatouille's least offensive moments to be singled out by a hard-nosed curmudgeon like you. :)

[Spinal]

This criticism ranks up there with the guy I knew who hated Superman Returns because "it's physically impossible for a human body to take flight! IMPOSSIBLE!"

But ... but ... but ... Superman isn't human .... :confused:

[Sven]

It's just a goofy scene really. It's one of Ratatouille's least offensive moments to be singled out by a hard-nosed curmudgeon like you.

I'd say it's pretty critical scene to the point of the movie, actually. Narratively and, given how it establishes the communication between the brain and the hands, thematically.

[Winston*]

I think that guy could have thought of a better reason to hate Superman Returns. Like because it was really boring.

[Spun Lepton]

You know that bit in Tom and Jerry where Jerry throws the anvil at Tom, and when it hits Tom, he shatters like glass, and in the very next scene he's fine? God, I just couldn't keep watching after that. So unbelievable. The talking duck was cute, though.

[Spinal]

Oh, this is one of my biggest pet peeves. When someone criticizes a film's lapses in internal logic and someone else is all like 'movies aren't always realistic!'

[Winston*]

Is any of Tom and Jerry actually good, like how Bugs Bunny cartoons can be actually good? Or is it all the same?

[Spun Lepton]

I loved Tom and Jerry as a kid, and I still enjoy it. So, I might not be the right one to ask. That said, the earlier cartoons were definitely superior to the ones that were made in, say, the 50s and beyond.

Spinal, just calm down, brah, take a chill pill. I'm just kidding around.

[Spinal]

Is any of Tom and Jerry actually good, like how Bugs Bunny cartoons can be actually good? Or is it all the same?

It's kind of a poor man's Tweety and Sylvester, which aren't the greatest of Looney Tunes characters to begin with.

[Raiders]

It's kind of a poor man's Tweety and Sylvester, which aren't the greatest of Looney Tunes characters to begin with.

And Sylvester and Tweety were a poor man's Puss N' Booty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr_IsVvLf74).

[Winston*]

And Sylvester and Tweety were a poor man's Puss N' Booty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr_IsVvLf74).
NSFW?

[balmakboor]

Every once in a while I'll see a movie for the first time and then I'll watch it over and over and become obsessed by it because it just seems so damn perfect to me in every frame. That's happening to me right now with Vivre sa vie.

[Sven]

Every once in a while I'll see a movie for the first time and then I'll watch it over and over and become obsessed by it because it just seems so damn perfect to me in every frame. That's happening to me right now with Vivre sa vie.

Seems that your top ten is much different now than when I last noted it. Playtime really is untouchably great.

[balmakboor]

Seems that your top ten is much different now than when I last noted it. Playtime really is untouchably great.

A top 10 is starting to seem ridiculously small nowadays. I've had to lose some films that've been on my list for ages like Gimme Shelter and Slacker. And I'm still playing around with Dillinger and Salo, trying to decide where or if they belong. Now I have to fit Vivre sa vie in somewhere and I plan to re-watch The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie this weekend. I have very fond memories of that one.

But yes, Playtime is pretty much in a league of its own.

[Raiders]

While only running 68 minutes and essentially a youth buddy comedy, Shane Meadows' superb Somers Town likely has a more resonant picture of disenfranchised youth and immigrant life than his previous This Is England (still excellent). Turgoose is a damn fine comedic presence and some of the little scenes in this film (the wheelchair chauffeuring, the laundry raid, the rocking horse moping) are damn pitch-perfect. With the exception of the overlong reverie at the end (though Meadows smartly colorizes it, owning up to his own rose-colored glasses), it is an immaculately constructed film; a short and sweet story far funnier than I expected and every bit as folksy and gritty as his previous efforts.

[B-side]

Turgoose

Heh. This name makes me smile.

[Yxklyx]

A top 10 is starting to seem ridiculously small nowadays. I've had to lose some films that've been on my list for ages like Gimme Shelter and Slacker...

Not a fan of Linklater but Slacker was pretty awesome.

[Skitch]

Catching up on the last few pages...

8, I don't think you're joking when you say Freddy Got Fingered is brilliant. I just think its the wrongest opinion I've ever heard. ;)

Cars is barely passable. It would be the bottom of my Pixar list. Didn't we do this about a year ago?

Ratatoiulle is one of the best. Pixar movies are based on nonsense...and a mouse puppateer is too much? C'mon.

[B-side]

So my first experience with Sirk was a very good one, possibly even great one. Where to next, my fellow film fans (alliteration ftw)?

[Sven]

Pixar movies are based on nonsense

I will accept that Pixar movies are motivated by and frequently exemplify nonsense.

[Yxklyx]

So my first experience with Sirk was a very good one, possibly even great one. Where to next, my fellow film fans (alliteration ftw)?


Well, I prefer Magnificent Obsession. Mind, you just have to go with the plot no matter how crazy it gets. The movie borders the absurd and the sublime.

[baby doll]

After Imitation of Life, my favorite Sirks are The Tarnished Angels, All That Heaven Allows, Written on the Wind, All I Desire, and A Time to Love and a Time to Die in that order. Magnificent Obsession and There's Always Tomorrow not so much.

[Raiders]

The Tarnished Angels is my favorite Sirk, and like baby doll I too don't care for Magnificent Obsession.

[Sven]

Showed Miller's Crossing to the missus a couple of nights ago. Now that's a movie! Byrnes's eyes at the end send a positive chill. The stagey tableaus seem a little out of place, but there are only a couple of those (the shot of the boy taking Rug's toupee with the dog in the background and the Danny Boy scene, both of which are finely executed, but are too adamant on emphasizing the film's film-ness). Strange, lovely movie, with an enticing emotional life. I love the question at its center: what is Tommy's motivation? The manner in which the film comments on and clarifies that question is not like any other film I've seen.

[Wryan]

The House of the Devil builds magnificently but ends a little silly. Would rather watch stuff like this than current shit, though.

[B-side]

The Tarnished Angels it is. Thanks, folks.

[Pop Trash]

J. Hoberman and A.O. Scott are big fans of Freddy Got Fingered. I think they rightfully regard it has some kind of neo-dadaist art (along with say Jackass). It's like Hollywood just threw some money at Tom Green and were like "the kids like you, we don't know why...but make whatever fuckin' movie you want."

[megladon8]

Watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for what felt like the first time last night. I've seen it once before, but it was probably 10 years ago, so this was all new to me. Had completely forgotten about the great supporting cast - Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, Vincent Schiavelli, Brad Dourif.

Acting, writing, direction, all top notch.

Felt it was a tad naive at times. But the overall "message" was honorable and true to a point.

Louise Fletcher plays the cold, uncaring Nurse Ratched wonderfully, and Jack Nicholson's description of her as "something of a cunt" certainly rings true.

Great film. Not sure I love it as much as I love Forman's Amadeus, but there's not much I love that much.

[megladon8]

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5517/fandf.jpg

[MadMan]

It's still good. Just no Rope, Lifeboat, Psycho or Notorious to me.I haven't seen Lifeboat, yet. But I think Shadow of a Doubt is better than the other ones you mentioned.

As for Pixar, they're, well, awesome, of course. But I still am in no rush to watch Cars.

[soitgoes...]

Kurosawa's The Idiot is an interesting film. At times I felt it was edging towards greatness, other times it was just outright mediocre. The film, which is based on Dostoevsky's novel, was heavily edited at the demand of Kurosawa's studio bosses. Still clocking in at just under 3 hours the film does feel like it is uneven, especially during the first half hour where we get title cards to explain large chunks of the film that have been excised. This gives the film serious pacing issues right from the get go, as well as undermines character development, which for a film like this is crucial. Still, what we are left with is for the most part special. Setsuko Hara plays against type, as a completely unhappy and perpetually kept woman. She almost always is great, but here she occasionally slides into melodramatic overload. The true star of the film, over the likes of Hara, Mifune and even Kurosawa is Masayuki Mori, who plays the title character. I've seen him in a few other films, but never has he made an impression like in this one. Timid, honest and forthright, he does a great job as he descends into madness.

I really would love to see the full version of this with its missing 100 minutes. This film had all the components to being something special. I don't think it would have approached upper tier Kurosawa films, but it definitely would be one of his more highly regarded works. Yet another cinematic "what if."

I'd be interested in others thoughts on this film. I've not read the book, so I'm unsure at how close Kurosawa kept to it.

[Russ]

Gonna watch Bakshi's Coonskin tonight. Been wanting to see it for ages. Anybody seen this one? Sven?

[Skitch]

I will accept that Pixar movies are motivated by and frequently exemplify nonsense.
That works.

*thumbs up*

[Russ]

Coonskin (Ralph Bakshi, 1975) *** ½ / ****

Ostensibly a poweful statement on racism, Bakshi's satire of Disney's Song of the South is a condemnation of a racist society (the story is updated to an urban setting in Harlem), and, as a film, it's one that's seething with anger, as evidenced by the hyper-exaggerated grotesqueries that comprise the various stereotypes of all ethnicities and sexual persuasions. There are some misfires but overall this is as close as Bakshi will ever come to a masterwork. The mix of live action and animation is daring and clever and the provocative nature of the film is brilliantly realized with the impeccable vocal talent of Barry White (!), Charles Gordone, and Philip Michael Thomas (as Bear, Fox and Rabbit, respectively). However, Scatman Crothers all but walks off with every scene he's in, in addition to his singing and scatting appearance over the opening credits with the song, "Ah'm a Nigger Man."

This is the first Ralph Bakshi film I've seen that I thought was near great (or even good -- I've never really been a fan). Sensitive folks, beware.


WgdMJDD6oYQ&feature=related

[Spaceman Spiff]

Yeah Coonskin is great. What other Bakshi have you seen Russ? I like everything he's done (that I've seen) to varying degrees. I still think American Pop is his masterwork.

[Sven]

You remember when I had that shot of Scatman as my avatar?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/iosos/avatars/coonskin.jpg

Hot damn, I love this movie. I'm so happy you do too, Russ. Not so keen on your dislike for Bakshi, which seems very weird given your tastes. Have you seen Hey Good Lookin'? It is also difficult to come by, but is very, very good. And of course, American Pop transcends.

[Adam]

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss47/adamstone20/Mobile%20Uploads/Kynodontas2-2.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss47/adamstone20/Mobile%20Uploads/MyRabitHoppy.jpg

Dogtooth somehow justifies the existence of both Sylvester Stallone and Flashdance

Also, there's a cafe by my school that showed a random program of short films and one of them was My Rabit Hoppy, which is the most glorious 4 minutes of anything, ever

[Russ]

I do want to see both Hey Good Lookin' and Heavy Traffic. It's been a long time since I've seen the others (Fritz the Cat, Wizards, The Lord of the Rings, Fire and Ice), but from what I remember, I wouldn't put any of those in the same class as Coonskin.

Funny about American Pop -- I just knew when this film first came out that I would love it. I saw it in the theater when it came out in 1981 and a couple more times since, tho not in a while. It was everything I wasn't expecting, and not really in a good way. Worst of all, I found it boring. I just couldn't relate to it on any level (very surprising, being a music aficionado and all). I was profoundly disappointed that I couldn't find anything in the film that appealed to me.

Of course, I wouldn't say no to a rewatch one of these days.

[Raiders]

I intensely dislike Bakshi, but I'll admit American Pop was vastly better than I expected it to be. I agree with some of Russ' criticisms, though.

I guess I need to check out Coonskin at some point.

[balmakboor]

Tonight, I rewatched Jackson's King Kong for the first time since its opening theatrical weekend. And I have to admit that every minute worked for me this time around. He really did a marvelous job of locating the heart of the story as a reworking of the Beauty and the Beast romance and it's the quiet moments against sunsets between Kong and Anne like the one where she does her vaudeville act for him on the cliff ledge and the ice skating scene that worked best for me.

It also convinced me -- even more so than Avatar -- that the time has come for the version of Tarzan of the Apes that I've dreamed about since childhood.

[megladon8]

The ice skating scene in Jackson's King Kong made me laugh really, really hard.

[D_Davis]

I really love the voice work in Bakshi's work. It's got a natural feel to it, from the way it is acted all the way to the way it was produced and mastered. It just sounds really good.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I agree that the tender, quiet moments in King Kong work really well. I'm hard on it for being overlong, but it does carry much of the adventurous spirit of classic movies by O'Brien and Harryhausen. Also, that bug scene is one of the creepiest things I've seen in years. Goddamn bugs.

[transmogrifier]

The Lovely Bones was very bad, and pretty much everything Jackson critics savage him for, but King Kong is awesome big budget spectacle, with a lot more heart to it than Avatar, to name one not-so-random example.

[Winston*]

The heart that King Kong has is a stupid heart. She's in love with a monkey!

[Spinal]

The ice skating scene in Jackson's King Kong made me laugh really, really hard.

It's one of the more risible scenes of recent memory.

[Derek]

The Lovely Bones was very bad, and pretty much everything Jackson critics savage him for, but King Kong is awesome big budget spectacle, with a lot more heart to it than Avatar, to name one not-so-random example.

I like that Jackson took almost the entire length of the original film just to get to the island. Seriously, whenever I feel like life is going by too fast, I can put on the first half of King Kong and time moves infinitely slower. Kinda cool.

[B-side]

King Kong > Avatar

http://www.martingordon.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/the_more_you_know.jpg

[Spinal]

King Kong > Avatar


Giant ice skating monkey vs. jacking into beasts with your hair. This is a tough call.

[DavidSeven]

The heart that King Kong has is a stupid heart. She's in love with a monkey!

This.