28 Film Discussion Threads Later

[Sven]

Kramer in general is bad news.

I still can't come to grips with this opinion. Ship of Fools, fool. Subtlety may be lacking, but his films are always exceptionally put together, and have their hearts in the right place. And usually feature excellent actors acting excellently.

[Russ]

I still can't come to grips with this opinion. Ship of Fools, fool. Subtlety may be lacking, but his films are always exceptionally put together, and have their hearts in the right place. And usually feature excellent actors acting excellently.
Inherit the Wind being a perfect example.

[soitgoes...]

Kramer is as subtle as a brick to the back of the head. Technically his films look amazing (Inherit the Wind, Judgment at Nuremburg). He pulled some of the best actors of the era to be in his films, but they are spouting the film's theme with gusto right off the bat.

[soitgoes...]

I Come with the Rain (Tran, 2008) *½I think I waned you about this one, but I'm curious to hear some thoughts. Even knowing it probably wasn't going to be as strong as his first three films, it was one of the most disappointing watches of last year. Be comforted in the fact that Norwegian Wood is better, but still with faults.

[transmogrifier]

I'm sick, and so when I'm sick I tend to revisit films I've seen before - comfort food, you might say.

Office Space - 47

I liked it a lot better in 1999, but it's so sad-sack and laugh-free. Slight and disposable. Mike Judge is a horrible director.

Oldboy - 92

Still brilliant. It's the genuine emotion wrung from pretty icky subject matter that gets me.

The Social Network - 68

Good start and finish, but the middle section draaags - second viewing didn't change that. Has nothing much to say about anything, really, but has a compelling lead character which gets it through

Everyone Says I Love You - 90

Close to Allen's best film, it has an unfussy charm and genuine levity - it seems that the whole cast just enjoys hanging out with each other (some of the overlapping dialogue scenes are pure Altman). One thing I've always wondered - why has Allen never worked with Goldie Hawn again? She is an absolute perfect fit for his dialogue and method of shooting, and she's luminous here.

[Spun Lepton]

Do you don't know about the ghost twist?

Brad Pitt's dead FOR THE ENTIRE MOVIE!!

Whattatweest!

[Ezee E]

On a related note, how do you think Philadelphia's going to look in 30 years? Probably about the same, I reckon.
I hope they remake it as a comedy like they did for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

[StanleyK]

For about 80 minutes, Come and See is one of the strangest, boldest, most formally daring films I've seen this year so far. The Possession-like roaming camera, the ethereal feel even amongst the bombing and bulets, all great stuff. Unfortunately, around the time the Germans actually enter the picture, they eat up the rest of the movie, and the last hour is devoted mostly to showing that the Nazis were, in fact, bad. The moment of the soldiers taking a picture with a gun to Florya's head is absurd enough to be compelling; the rest, from the rape-truck to the general watching the mayhem while eating lobster feel forced. The execution of the barn full of people is basically the summation of the last hour's MO. First, the Germans throw some grenades inside; then, they set it on fire; then, they clap the destruction; then, they shoot at it while laughing; then, they set in on fire again; then they lob some more grenades inside. I won't deny that it's a harrowing segment, but it kills the earlier experimentation and replaces it with a more predictable 'war is hell' theme. At least, the whole movie is consistently impressively crafted, but especially because of how great it started out, I ended up a bit disappointed.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm sick, and so when I'm sick I tend to revisit films I've seen before - comfort food, you might say.

Office Space - 47

I liked it a lot better in 1999, but it's so sad-sack and laugh-free. Slight and disposable. Mike Judge is a horrible director.

:rolleyes:

[baby doll]

Kramer in general is bad news.He did produce The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (even if he didn't direct it), and Inherit the Wind has some striking deep focus cinematography.

[Ezee E]

Damn you Netflix for cracking my Kung Fu Panda disc.

Can't say I'm in the mood for Biutiful.

[transmogrifier]

:rolleyes:

I was curious to see whether I would like it better seeing as I was only slightly yay the first time, and so many people seem to think it is awesome. But oh boy, it is very, very not awesome - it's a lazy high concept comedy (the hypnotism) with absolute no direction. I hated Livingstone's character - a whiny sad-sack turned irresponsible layabout.

[Spinal]

Watched True Stories for the first time since childhood, so it may as well have been a first viewing. Delightfully strange look at American culture through the eyes of Byrne playing a wide-eyed outsider. Though the film is probably too glib for greatness, it has its moments of sheer genius, exposing the peculiar emptiness and garishness of many American traditions. A bizarre fashion show at the local mall calls to mind Fellini's Roma and a dinner scene in which a husband and wife only communicate through their children is not too far removed from something out of Bunuel. In his humor, Byrne wields the deadest of pans, so it might not register with all viewers. But I greatly enjoyed the offbeat sensibility and the wry social commentary that is a good match for Byrne's iconic musical persona. Unfortunately, Byrne's music does not hit as palpably when performed by other people. But the group lip-sync of the hit "Wild Wild Life" is a definite highlight and probably the film's signature moment.

[baby doll]

I'm gonna side with Tranny on this one: Office Space is mediocre on every level.

[Ezee E]

Got into my Karagarga stuff... Mind Game it is.

This is some weird stuff.

[Dukefrukem]

I was curious to see whether I would like it better seeing as I was only slightly yay the first time, and so many people seem to think it is awesome. But oh boy, it is very, very not awesome - it's a lazy high concept comedy (the hypnotism) with absolute no direction. I hated Livingstone's character - a whiny sad-sack turned irresponsible layabout.

I don't think it's AWESOME, but I can definitely appreciate the humor in the movie since I work in an office. Maybe that's why it's a cult film?

[B-side]

So Blazing Saddles isn't very good.

[Qrazy]

On a related note, how do you think Philadelphia's going to look in 30 years? Probably about the same, I reckon.

It already looks that way.

[Qrazy]

For about 80 minutes, Come and See is one of the strangest, boldest, most formally daring films I've seen this year so far. The Possession-like roaming camera, the ethereal feel even amongst the bombing and bulets, all great stuff. Unfortunately, around the time the Germans actually enter the picture, they eat up the rest of the movie, and the last hour is devoted mostly to showing that the Nazis were, in fact, bad. The moment of the soldiers taking a picture with a gun to Florya's head is absurd enough to be compelling; the rest, from the rape-truck to the general watching the mayhem while eating lobster feel forced. The execution of the barn full of people is basically the summation of the last hour's MO. First, the Germans throw some grenades inside; then, they set it on fire; then, they clap the destruction; then, they shoot at it while laughing; then, they set in on fire again; then they lob some more grenades inside. I won't deny that it's a harrowing segment, but it kills the earlier experimentation and replaces it with a more predictable 'war is hell' theme. At least, the whole movie is consistently impressively crafted, but especially because of how great it started out, I ended up a bit disappointed.

Personally the last hour makes the film for me. It's not one of my favorite films, but it is the best depiction of war I've seen in a film. Most films that express 'war is hell' still employ techniques that make the action engaging or at least war violence aesthetically beautiful in places. This is the only (non-documentary) film for me that really demonstrates these atrocities for what they are.

[megladon8]

So Blazing Saddles isn't very good.


Thank you.

I think it's really weak, and just goes WAY downhill at the end.

Young Frankenstein for me, thank you very much.

[Spun Lepton]

Office Space? I can probably understand your dislike if you've never worked a corporate office job. Suffice to say it's dead-on in the way it skewers office politics and indulges in fantasies many an office worker has probably had.

Blazing Saddles doesn't need me to defend it, but I will say this: GTFO.

[B-side]

Thank you.

I think it's really weak, and just goes WAY downhill at the end.

Young Frankenstein for me, thank you very much.

I prefer that one by quite a bit as well.

I'm all for crass and crude humor, but Blazing Saddles just kinda missed the mark. The western is ripe for spoofing, and there are bits that work to skewer it, but frankly, the film as a whole just doesn't have the energy or wit to maintain itself. Plus, Cleavon Little is a boring lead.

[Sven]

Blazaing Saddles doesn't need me to defend it, but I will say this: GTFO.

Yeah. And the ending is one of my favorites. Dom DeLuise, come on!

[megladon8]

I'd watch Gene Wilder's Haunted Honeymoon a hundred times before I'd watch Blazing Saddles again.

[Spun Lepton]

I'd watch Gene Wilder's Haunted Honeymoon a hundred times before I'd watch Blazing Saddles again.

Fail.

[megladon8]

Fail.


Yeah, Blazing Saddles is quite the fail.

[Spun Lepton]

Yeah, Blazing Saddles is quite the fail.

As I said.


Blazing Saddles doesn't need me to defend it...

[Yxklyx]

Weekend:

The Winslow Boy
Kaboom
A Hole in My Heart

I think someone here liked A Hole in My Heart - could they reply with some words of encouragement?

[D_Davis]

I like Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Blazing Saddles is fantastic.

[Dukefrukem]

I like Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

This.

Both movies are superb.

[Russ]

I like Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.
This is correct. They're both comedy classics. I may slightly prefer YF but that doesn't diminish the greatness of BS.

And yes, I see what I did there. :)

[Scar]

Blazing Saddles is awesome.

[Mara]

Personally, I find Blazing Saddles to be very uneven. When it's bad, it's cringingly bad. But when it's good, it's Madeleine Kahn.

[StanleyK]

Personally the last hour makes the film for me. It's not one of my favorite films, but it is the best depiction of war I've seen in a film. Most films that express 'war is hell' still employ techniques that make the action engaging or at least war violence aesthetically beautiful in places. This is the only (non-documentary) film for me that really demonstrates these atrocities for what they are.

Fair. I was mostly disappointed that it veers away from the richer and more interesting first part, but I'm thinking that this jarring transition is itself the point. It's certainly a very sincere film; I felt a bit like I was being preached to, but never in the condescending manner of Hollywood, war films or otherwise.



Regarding Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, I saw both some time ago, and remember liking the former and hating the latter. I'm pretty sure if I saw them now, I'd dislike them both. The Producers, too.

[Mara]

The Producers, too.

The definition of uneven. Long stretches of boring, with a few scenes being gut-bustingly funny.

[StanleyK]

The definition of uneven. Long stretches of boring, with a few scenes being gut-bustingly funny.

Don't remember any of the latter; plenty of boring, though.

Honestly, I don't recall laughing more than once or twice at Young Frankenstein, either. The scene where Wilder gesticulates with a dead man's arms is good. The rest of the humor is stultifyingly obvious and predictable; I remember this exchange very well:

"We need to accept this failure with dignity and grace."

Right then you know he's going to break down most undignified-like. Sure enough, after a beat, he does. That's the punchline. Then when they start carrying him away Igor looks at the camera, rolls his eyes and goes:

"Quiet dignity and grace!"

That's the punchline, explained. I'm pretty sure the whole movie is like this; it tells you what the joke is going to be, then does the joke, then it makes sure you got the joke. Frankly insulting.

[Irish]

Gene Hackman says he's done with acting:

http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201106/gene-hackman-gq-june-2011-interview?printable=true

[Spun Lepton]

(*cracks knuckles*)

The sheriff is a ni--*GONG!!!*
What did he say?
He said the sheriff is near.
No, gone-blame-it dang-blammit! The sheriff is a ni -- *GONG!!*

[Qrazy]

Don't remember any of the latter; plenty of boring, though.

Honestly, I don't recall laughing more than once or twice at Young Frankenstein, either. The scene where Wilder gesticulates with a dead man's arms is good. The rest of the humor is stultifyingly obvious and predictable; I remember this exchange very well:

"We need to accept this failure with dignity and grace."

Right then you know he's going to break down most undignified-like. Sure enough, after a beat, he does. That's the punchline. Then when they start carrying him away Igor looks at the camera, rolls his eyes and goes:

"Quiet dignity and grace!"

That's the punchline, explained. I'm pretty sure the whole movie is like this; it tells you what the joke is going to be, then does the joke, then it makes sure you got the joke. Frankly insulting.

Not really insulting, that extremely blatant approach to comedy is pure Mel Brooks. Either you dig it or you don't. It helps if you were raised on it. Personally I find The Producers very dated, Young Frankenstein is hit and miss for me but Spaceballs and Blazing Saddles are gold.

[Sven]

Gene Hackman says he's done with acting:

http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201106/gene-hackman-gq-june-2011-interview?printable=true

Pretty sure he said this years and years ago.

[Sven]

That's the punchline, explained. I'm pretty sure the whole movie is like this; it tells you what the joke is going to be, then does the joke, then it makes sure you got the joke. Frankly insulting.

Different school of comedy. It's like twelve bar blues: you know when that E chord is coming, but it doesn't make it any less satisfying. Don't be insulted. That indicates that you're taking it too seriously.

[Sven]

And I feel I must vocalize some Producers love, lest the consensus becomes too incorrectly slanted. It's clearly a great film.

[Winston*]

I love The Producers also.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I'm not a big fan of the Brooks, but I enjoyed The Producers and Blazing Saddles. The latter's final act deserves some credit for being completely anarchic and completely hilarious.

[Winston*]

Did anyone see the musical remake of The Producers from a couple of years ago? Matthew Broderick gives one of the worst performances I've ever seen from an actual actor.

[Raiders]

No, but I did actually see Broderick and Lane on Broadway some years back (think it was their second run in 2004), and he was terrific.

[Derek]

And I feel I must vocalize some Producers love, lest the consensus becomes too incorrectly slanted. It's clearly a great film.

Truth. Producers and Blazing Saddles are easily my favorite from Mel. I like Young Frankenstein quite a bit, but I'd tag that one as uneven before the other two. At his best, Gene Wilder is among the best, and is probably the funniest, comedic actors out there.

[B-side]

I do love Gene Wilder.

[baby doll]

Office Space? I can probably understand your dislike if you've never worked a corporate office job. Suffice to say it's dead-on in the way it skewers office politics and indulges in fantasies many an office worker has probably had.I've worked in an office, and the movie still sucks.

[Sven]

Cellular ended up being okay, but it sure took its time warming up. Still a few too many stupid things to be very enthusiastic about it, though.

[soitgoes...]

Strange Illusion (Ulmer, 1945) ?
OMG! What's it going to be!?!?!

[Winston*]

The Road is an absolutely stunning looking film. I think this is just about the best possible adaptation of the book, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' oddly corny score aside (I'm a big fan of both otherwise). Thought the Malicky voice over worked suprisingly well.

[StanleyK]

Has anybody seen Bill Duke's Deep Cover? I watched it literally only because of the Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg song. On that front, it didn't disappoint; it's a great song. The film itself is a pretty silly and basic story; despite the uninspired direction and the voice-over which explains everything, it's pretty entertaining, but far from anything memorable. The song really is great, though.

Yeah, and ya don't stop
'cause it's 187 on a undercover cop!

[Watashi]

I want a remake of Happy Together featuring Michael Fassbender and Idris Elba.

[B-side]

OMG! What's it going to be!?!?!

I know you're excited, but you'll have to be patient.

[Spinal]

I think someone here liked A Hole in My Heart - could they reply with some words of encouragement?

This falls under the category of 'films I like that I can't reasonably expect others to enjoy'. But here you go (http://filmepidemic.blogspot.com/2005/12/hole-in-my-heart-moodysson-2004.html).

[Qrazy]

The Road is an absolutely stunning looking film. I think this is just about the best possible adaptation of the book, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' oddly corny score aside (I'm a big fan of both otherwise). Thought the Malicky voice over worked suprisingly well.

Book must suck then.

[Russ]

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/astrojester/RainbowThief.jpg


Huh. So, Jodorowsky's The Rainbow Thief was nowhere near the disaster I had been led to believe. True, this was one of his two 'for hire' movies (ie, directing someone else's material), but his stamp is all over the film. Particularly memorable are the opening scenes featuring Uncle Rudolph (Christopher Lee) as a wealthy eccentric, who surrounds himself with caviar-eating dalmations and busty hookers, while cavorting around in a motorized cart that has been decorated to look like a jersey cow (complete with saddle!), and being waited on by a man-servant who sports a parrot on his shoulder (Mr. Lee has never looked happier, btw).

But the film really belongs to Omar Sharif, who plays Dima, the titular thief. The film also features Peter O'Toole as Lee's nutjob nephew, who converses regularly with the sock puppet that he wears (a full size one, made out of his beloved,deceased Irish Wolfound). And 95% of his scenes are below the surface, in a sewer, where he's looked after by Sharif, who is led to believe that he's in line for part of the huge inheritance that is likely coming O'Toole's way. Dima makes his living above ground, thieving from carnival folk and street denizens as he takes the fruits of his labors to an ungrateful O'Toole.

That's the premise. It's actually much more accessible than it sounds. O'Toole's overacting is no surprise, but most of the film is left to Sharif who is actually quite effective, coming off as the "lovable rogue with a heart of gold." There is a christ-like parable present here, and a bit of the renouncing of worldly goods in order to enjoy a lifetime of purity and goodness, but thankfully there's enough of Jodorowsky's weirdness present to keep things interesting, if not always compelling. There's also a degree of sentimentality here that's not present in any of his other work. Still, for Jodorowsky fans, there's enough here to warrant a solid look-see.

[Raiders]

It's a damn shame the man may never make another fiction film again. Apparently he is going to be attempting to film an auto-biopic from his book, The Dance of Reality. He claims to have the whole town in Chile involved and ready to go. We'll see.

[Rowland]

I loved Hillcoat's The Proposition, but The Road struck me as sentimental, overly tasteful, and kinda phony in both its material and its aesthetic.

[Raiders]

I loved Hillcoat's The Proposition, but The Road struck me as sentimental, overly tasteful, and kinda phony in both its material and its aesthetic.

Not sure what you mean by overly tasteful or phony, but I kind of liked the overlying sentimentality. It contrasted really well with the father's tough love advice and those lingering visions of right before his wife abandoned them. I thought the film struck a pretty perfect balance between poeticism and griminess.

[Irish]

I loved Hillcoat's The Proposition, but The Road struck me as sentimental, overly tasteful, and kinda phony in both its material and its aesthetic.

Phony aesthetic? Could you expand on that a bit?

[Morris Schæffer]

http://s1.hbvl.be/imgpath/assets_img_gvl/2011/06/04/1894821/leslie-nielsen-koos-voor-scheetgrap-op-grafsteen_5_460x0.jpg

Good old Leslie

[transmogrifier]

Bunny Lake is Missing - 73

Noel Coward as vain, creepy, S&M afficiando (!) steals the show, but this is still an interesting exercise in paranoia and society's distrust of the "liberated" woman. Gorgeously lensed, with an ending that flirts shamelessly with being silly but somehow remains tense (though it appears that a lot of the characters were in fact robots), but it;s the supporting characters that sell it.

[Rowland]

Phony aesthetic? Could you expand on that a bit?I meant that in the sense that it felt over-polished, with vistas of destruction that could have been lifted from an Emmerich disaster blockbuster and slick imagery out of an over-produced Hollywood film, which I thought detracted from what should have been a more palpably doom-laden atmosphere.

[B-side]

A rewatch confirmed Three Crowns of the Sailor's greatness. Not as consistently brilliant as City of Pirates or Time Regained, but few films are. Labyrinthine narratives hide behind the haze of memory and fiction. The fiction must be viewed from all angles as the very environment is breathing; pregnant with ghost stories and characters long past. We know it's not real in the traditional sense, but we've no idea if anyone is really who they say they are and if the entire concoction is being manipulated by the various authors at every angle. Genre cliches are pulled in and toyed with to elevate the fiction's literary influences and all-encompassing nature. The sea is the centerpiece of so much of Ruiz's cinema.

[Mysterious Dude]

I meant that in the sense that it felt over-polished, with vistas of destruction that could have been lifted from an Emmerich disaster blockbuster and slick imagery out of an over-produced Hollywood film, which I thought detracted from what should have been a more palpably doom-laden atmosphere.
I agree with this. There's a wonderful exchange in the book:


What would you do if I died?
If you died I would want to die too.
So you could be with me?
Yes. So I could be with you.
Okay.

But somehow it's kind of ruined by appearing in context. In the book, it's nothing but dialogue, and it seems like real dialogue between a father and his young son. The movie, by necessity, adds props and costumes and such, and just diminishes the impact of the dialogue, in my opinion.

I think the movie would have benefited from a more modest approach, and less stock footage from Katrina and 9/11. I prefer Haneke's Time of the Wolf for apocalyptic cinema.

[Winston*]

I agree that the book is much more impactful. Still think the movie did an admirable job translating it.

The way those destruction vistas were shot doesn't really resemble an Emmerich movie at all.

[transmogrifier]

I've seen four David Lean movies now - and just by chance, I have rated three of them at 70.

That's consistency.

[Boner M]

I think I'm going to have to face the fact that Guy Maddin just leaves me cold, outside of My Winnipeg and Heart of the World. I was expecting Archangel to change things, but I still find his silent-film pillaging (here The Last Command, right down to a character being named Jannings) be nothing more than empty fetishism, with the cutesy humor only adding to the sense that he can't completely commit to a vision truly wrenched from the mind. It's just such wishy-washy cinema, where I find myself rather watching Kids in the Hall or an actual von Sternberg film rather than a distant echo of both simultaneously. Ehh, I'll watch Careful and Cowards... next, but I don't expect them to help matters.

[Boner M]

Also, Maddin = Tim Burton for eggheads.

[Qrazy]

I think I'm going to have to face the fact that Guy Maddin just leaves me cold, outside of My Winnipeg and Heart of the World. I was expecting Archangel to change things, but I still find his silent-film pillaging (here The Last Command, right down to a character being named Jannings) be nothing more than empty fetishism, with the cutesy humor only adding to the sense that he can't completely commit to a vision truly wrenched from the mind. It's just such wishy-washy cinema, where I find myself rather watching Kids in the Hall or an actual von Sternberg film rather than a distant echo of both simultaneously. Ehh, I'll watch Careful and Cowards... next, but I don't expect them to help matters.

Cowards was my first and is my favorite from him. I think you'll dig it. IMO he's much better when his silent film style is matched with no dialogue. Spoken dialogue in his films has a bizarre jarring effect which doesn't work for me at all.

[Russ]

Spoken dialogue in his films has a bizarre jarring effect which doesn't work for me at all.
Maddin had a weird habit of having his actors record the dialogue separately and then dubbing it back in during post-production, I think.


Of Maddin's features, My Winnipeg is my favorite, followed closely by Cowards and Careful.

Qrazy, have you seen My Winnipeg yet?

[Spinal]

Cowards is indeed one of his best. Have you seen Brand Upon the Brain?

[Qrazy]

Maddin had a weird habit of having his actors record the dialogue separately and then dubbing it back in during post-production, I think.


Of Maddin's features, My Winnipeg is my favorite, followed closely by Cowards and Careful.

Qrazy, have you seen My Winnipeg yet?

Nope, I started it quite a while back but got 10 minutes in and was too tired for it at the time.

[MadMan]

My local library is awesome. I found both Le Jetee/Sans Soleli and House (1977) Criterions on Friday, and rented both. Plus I'm finally going to watch a Renoir movie-Grand Illusion.

[Stay Puft]

Yo, what's up, Match Cut. I've been unplugged from the internet for two weeks. I had no idea what was happening in the world. I didn't even know there was a new X-Men movie playing in theatres. I wasted time watching the following films:

Meek's Cutoff - quite good, though initially frustrated by the ending. My roommate and I argued about it for half an hour afterwards and had a good discussion going that made me appreciate it a lot more in retrospect. Now itching to dive back in for another viewing.

Akira - The aforementioned roommate and I decided to watch Akira again. Because it is awesome. Best bit of dialogue I did not remember from previous viewings: "Leave Tetsuo alone. He's our friend. If anybody is going to kill him it should be us."

A Letter to Uncle Boonmee - decided to rewatch this because my recollection of it was hazy. Liked it a lot more this time, I think. Love the closing passages in particular. Awesome bit I did not recall: Dragonball Z poster in one of the huts.

Worldly Desires - got this from KG (er, before my internet was shut off obv), watched it, realized I still haven't seen Blissfully Yours and probably wasn't the best idea but oh well

Days of Heaven - first time viewing, at the Lightbox in Toronto. I can see the argument for this being Malick's best film. Overwhelming theatre experience... the sounds, the visuals. Speechless.

The Thin Red Line - second viewing, first in a theatre. Rough patches more keenly felt this time around, particularly some clunky exposition sequences that are so dull visually after Days of Heaven. But I remain more taken by this film, if that makes sense, because of the concept. This film contains an emotional weight that does not exist for me in his other films. Also still plenty of gobsmacking visuals. All those shots of cameras rolling over the hills and through tall grass... it's corny but in this theatre experience I felt I was drifting, transported. A powerful experience.

[Sven]

I've seen four David Lean movies now - and just by chance, I have rated three of them at 70.

That's consistency.

Break it down for me. I also think he's consistently impressive.

[Ivan Drago]

MTV and its audience has hit a new low.

[transmogrifier]

Break it down for me. I also think he's consistently impressive.

Well, I have Bridge at 79, Lawrence, Zhivago and Brief Encounter at 70, though I haven't seen Lawrence in eons. By the looks of it, Auckland's showing some Lean films later this month on the big screen, so I'll be able to rewatch Lawrence, and catch Ryan's Daughter and A Passage to India for the first time.

[Sven]

Well, I have Bridge at 79, Lawrence, Zhivago and Brief Encounter at 70, though I haven't seen Lawrence in eons.

Cool. I'm glad you like Zhivago. It gets too little love. I have a feeling you'll like Ryan's Daughter.

[transmogrifier]

Cool. I'm glad you like Zhivago. It gets too little love. I have a feeling you'll like Ryan's Daughter.

I only watched Brief Encounter for the first time yesterday, and while I was thrown by the framing device (I thought it was clunky at first, though the replaying of the final meeting at the end kind of made it worthwhile), I think I'll like it even better when I get round to watching it again - it's immaculately filmed and acted, after all.

Zhivago is getting played here as well, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again, but with 9 hours plus already set aside...I don't know.

[B-side]

2 minute long take clip I cut from Three Crowns of the Sailor. Pardon the BBCode. Haven't figured out how to fix that.

NIILtoNpT6I

[Ivan Drago]

Also, my first Tati film, Play Time, was a wonderful visceral experience, and a fucking amazing film.

[MadMan]

Obvious response: People still watch MTV? :P

Hey Stay Puft. Long time no see, man.

[soitgoes...]

2 minute long take clip I cut from Three Crowns of the Sailor. Pardon the BBCode. Haven't figured out how to fix that.

NIILtoNpT6IYour youtube name scares me.

[Winston*]

MTV and its audience has hit a new low.
Yeah, I was disappointed Tilda Swinton didn't win best actress too.

[Spinal]

Two awards for the Kick-Ass girl was probably a little much.

[Boner M]

Good awards, but Pedro Costa's speech was a little long.

[Yxklyx]

Two awards for the Kick-Ass girl was probably a little much.

I can't compare to the other nominees but she's a pretty incredible actress especially for her age.

[B-side]

Your youtube name scares me.

It's way old. It was a play on the AFI song "Miss Murder." Yeah.

[Dukefrukem]

I've been wanting to watch Screamers for 15 years ever since I saw TV trailers for it back in 1995. It was fun. Loved the practical effects. It could have been a neat franchise, kind of a cross between Terminator and the Matrix in space.

So basically Battlestar Galactica.

[B-side]

Wyler is impressing me. The Westerner is a great western with relaxed, confident direction and unique sensibilities. Granted, the material is largely typical of the classic Hollywood western, but this one just feels different. Brennan is fantastic as Judge Roy Bean, somehow imbuing his obviously villainous character with humanity borne of longing and an intense infatuation with a mysterious actress he's never met. And, of course, as Toland is wont to do, he shoots it beautifully.

[StanleyK]

I saw a movie called Something Like Happiness, which I don't suppose anyone's heard of. It has some nice artistry in its sense of frame composition, but it's otherwise completely unremarkable. A love triangle, handled with a modicum of subtlety which is generally not present in its American counterparts, but no less predictable or more engaging. I'm pretty sure this is the first movie I've seen from the Czech Republic, outside of some early Forman which I don't remember anymore; outside of him, is there something I should prioritize?

[soitgoes...]

I'm pretty sure this is the first movie I've seen from the Czech Republic, outside of some early Forman which I don't remember anymore; outside of him, is there something I should prioritize?Are you looking for Czech Republic or earlier Czechoslovakian films. I can't really recommend any of the former, but the latter there is a bunch of films I can recommend. Ucho, Closely Watched Trains, Carriage to Vienna, ...and the Fifth Horseman Is Fear, The Bells Toll for the Barefooted, Lemonade Joe, Diamonds of the Night and A Song About the Gray Pigeon are all fantastic.

[B-side]

Outside of him, is there something I should prioritize?

In addition to soitgoes' recs, I'd recommend The Party and the Guests, Witches' Hammer, The Hand and Herz's Beauty and the Beast.

[Raiders]

Definitely The Shop on Main Street. Better than the Formans and Closely Watched Trains for my money. Haven't seen any others.

[soitgoes...]

In addition to soitgoes' recs, I'd recommend The Party and the Guests, Witches' Hammer, The Hand and Herz's Beauty and the Beast.
Oh, a big yes to The Hand.

_qzvCZojnWQ

kGDV5kITcqg

[Derek]

Definitely The Shop on Main Street.

Seconded. My favorite of the Czech New Wave.

I'd also add Who Wants to Kill Jessie?, which is a ton of fun.

IMdB synopsis should sell a few of you: ""What if someone had an absurd dream and the visions ran out in the street?" a scientist asks Rose, a researcher who discovers a way to engender beneficial dreams (to produce contented, productive workers). There's a problem: after an injection of her elixir, dream elements become real. Rose learns this after dosing her husband Henry to stop his dreaming about Jessie, a curvaceous comic-book heroine who has anti-gravitational gloves he needs to study so he can solve a problem at the factory where he's chief engineer: Henry wakes up with Jessie asleep next to him pursued by a cowboy and a super hero. Jealousy consumes Rose. All this plus satire aimed at the Czechoslovak state."

[StanleyK]

Thanks y'all. I'll go with the ones I've heard of before first:

Closely Watched Trains
The Shop on Main Street
Who Wants to Kill Jessie?
Witches' Hammer

Also, I checked and remembered that Svankmajer is Czech, so there's at least a couple of shorts I've seen. I didn't care for Dimensions of Dialogue, but Darkness/Light/Darkness is great.

[Irish]

Closely Watched Trains

Haven't seen the movie, but if you're into this kind of thing: Check out the book. It's short-short and an incredible piece of writing, even in translation.

[Raiders]

Oh wait, I did not realize Jiri Barta was Czech. He's a must-see. In particular is The Pied Piper of Hamelin. I also really liked A Ballad About Green Wood and The Club of the Laid-Off.

Here you can view them all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZTm1GesIXU

[Watashi]

It's been posted everywhere. But not here.

She texted. We kicked her out. (http://drafthouse.com/blog/entry/she_texted._w.e_kicked_her_out )

[Ivan Drago]

It's been posted everywhere. But not here.

She texted. We kicked her out. (http://drafthouse.com/blog/entry/she_texted._w.e_kicked_her_out )

Ha, awesome!

And the one thing that irked me about the MTV Movie Awards last night was Twilight winning Best Movie again, despite being up against four better movies that made a splash in popular culture and the general public. I know it's the big thing, but still. . .

Ah well, they'll put the trophy right next to their Razzie, I guess.

[B-side]

I'd also add Who Wants to Kill Jessie?, which is a ton of fun.

You never mentioned this back when I watched it. Yeah, it's pretty neat. Love the dialogue bubbles.

[balmakboor]

A friend from Austin posted this on his Facebook profile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3eeC2lJZs&feature=player_embedded

I didn't know Kim Kardashian went to movies in Texas.

[Derek]

So...anyone heard about that theater in Texas that kicked a girl out for using her phone during a movie and then plays her bitchy phone message before every R-rated film? It's craaazy (http://www.randomfunnypicture.com/pictures/441srsly-u-guys.jpg)!

[Winston*]

Watched Game 6 because Ezee E reminded me it existed. Cool movie, though could've benefited a lot from less workmanlike direction. Some hip indie director really needs to give Michael Keaton his Lost in Translation or whatever.

[Qrazy]

So...anyone heard about that theater in Texas that kicked a girl out for using her phone during a movie and then plays her bitchy phone message before every R-rated film? It's craaazy (http://www.randomfunnypicture.com/pictures/441srsly-u-guys.jpg)!

Seriously guys fuck off with this shit already.

[Rowland]

Seriously guys fuck off with this shit already.What makes this funny is its seemingly misdirected indignation, emphasized with not one but TWO cusswords, presuming he didn't bother to follow Derek's link. Or else he harbors some serious ill will against those lolcats pictures, in which case I may sympathize.

[Ezee E]

Watched Game 6 because Ezee E reminded me it existed. Cool movie, though could've benefited a lot from less workmanlike direction. Some hip indie director really needs to give Michael Keaton his Lost in Translation or whatever.
Or any leading role for that matter. I wonder if he does Broadway or something. Never heard of him being hard to work with.

[Qrazy]

What makes this funny is its seemingly misdirected indignation, emphasized with not one but TWO cusswords, presuming he didn't bother to follow Derek's link. Or else he harbors some serious ill will against those lolcats pictures, in which case I may sympathize.

That is what makes it funny. The fact that I could pull off such elaborate and high brow humor while drunk off my ass is also a feat in itself.

[Irish]

http://i.imgur.com/Jxe0Y.jpg

A small collection of awesome behind the scenes snapshots from The Shining, Ghostbusters, Alien, Rio Bravo, Nosferatu, and more. Worth a look.

http://www.angusrshamal.com/best-of-bts-2/

[soitgoes...]

I didn't care for Dimensions of Dialogue...I just watched this, and it is awesome.

[Yxklyx]

I just watched this, and it is awesome.

That one's pretty good - my favorite of his is The Pendulum, the Pit and Hope. The other really good ones are Punch and Judy, A Quiet Week in the House and Down to the Cellar. Don Juan reminds me of South Park so much - they must have been influenced by it.

[MadMan]

http://i.imgur.com/Jxe0Y.jpg

A small collection of awesome behind the scenes snapshots from The Shining, Ghostbusters, Alien, Rio Bravo, Nosferatu, and more. Worth a look.

http://www.angusrshamal.com/best-of-bts-2/The link doesn't work for some reason.

[soitgoes...]

That one's pretty good - my favorite of his is The Pendulum, the Pit and Hope. The other really good ones are Punch and Judy, A Quiet Week in the House and Down to the Cellar. Don Juan reminds me of South Park so much - they must have been influenced by it.For some reason I've almost totally ignored Svankmajer.

[soitgoes...]

Yesterday I watched three more Anger shorts, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, Kustom Kar Kommandos and Lucifer Rising. It's funny that my expectations of how I would enjoy the three films turned out to be backwards. Kustom Kar Kommandos is my favorite. There isn't much to it, but what there is Anger presents perfectly. Such a beautiful little film. Not his best (the meatier Scorpio Rising is), but definitely his most fun film. Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome is obviously visually ahead of its time and immensely striking, but I have to admit that probably another viewing or two is in order appreciate it. Lucifer Rising ended up being the letdown. Maybe I just prefer my Anger films to have men polishing their machinery to 50's pop songs? Does that make me gay?

[B-side]

Yesterday I watched three more Anger shorts, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, Kustom Kar Kommandos and Lucifer Rising. It's funny that my expectations of how I would enjoy the three films turned out to be backwards. Kustom Kar Kommandos is my favorite. There isn't much to it, but what there is Anger presents perfectly. Such a beautiful little film. Not his best (the meatier Scorpio Rising is), but definitely his most fun film. Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome is obviously visually ahead of its time and immensely striking, but I have to admit that probably another viewing or two is in order appreciate it. Lucifer Rising ended up being the letdown. Maybe I just prefer my Anger films to have men polishing their machinery to 50's pop songs? Does that make me gay?

Kustom Kar Kommandos is 3 minutes of film perfection. Watching it in HD is some kind of metallic gay heaven.

[Russ]

Yesterday I watched three more Anger shorts, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, Kustom Kar Kommandos and Lucifer Rising. It's funny that my expectations of how I would enjoy the three films turned out to be backwards. Kustom Kar Kommandos is my favorite. There isn't much to it, but what there is Anger presents perfectly. Such a beautiful little film. Not his best (the meatier Scorpio Rising is), but definitely his most fun film. Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome is obviously visually ahead of its time and immensely striking, but I have to admit that probably another viewing or two is in order appreciate it. Lucifer Rising ended up being the letdown. Maybe I just prefer my Anger films to have men polishing their machinery to 50's pop songs? Does that make me gay?
Have you seen Puce Moment? If not, you should.

Great stuff.


LRm3B4T5SkU

[soitgoes...]

Have you seen Puce Moment? If not, you should.

Great stuff.


LRm3B4T5SkUYeah, I saw that when I had my first Anger binge. I like that one a lot too. I think Eaux d'artifice is my favorite of his early stuff.

[Qrazy]

I do not understand the appeal.

[Russ]

I don't understand someone who doesn't get the appeal, so I suppose that makes us even.

[Raiders]

I really love me some Anger. Nobody's mentioned Fireworks yet? Lurve that one. Obviously we all agree Scorpio Rising is the pinnacle.

[soitgoes...]

I do not understand the appeal.The appeal of Puce Moment or Kenneth Anger?

[B-side]

I really love me some Anger. Nobody's mentioned Fireworks yet? Lurve that one. Obviously we all agree Scorpio Rising is the pinnacle.

Yeah, Fireworks is real good. Scorpio Rising is my favorite so far.

[MadMan]

Despite the fact that I had to set my VCR (yes I'm too broke to afford DVR), I did manage to tape Shivers off of IFC last night. Netflix is lame in making me wait for it to be available.

Oh and a second viewing made me realize that Spartan is one of the best movies of 2004. I've only see it and Homicide from Mamet, however.

[Derek]

Obviously we all agree Scorpio Rising is the pinnacle.

It's not even his best film with "Rising" in the title. :)

[Qrazy]

The appeal of Puce Moment or Kenneth Anger?

Both.

[soitgoes...]

It's not even his best film with "Rising" in the title. :)Jesus, second to worst film from 1964? Luckily there's more right on this page than yours and Qrazy's wrong.

[Derek]

Jesus, second to worst film from 1964? Luckily there's more right on this page than yours and Qrazy's wrong.

And yet Lucifer Rising is in my top 5 of 1972. What to do!?

You also have to realize that second "worst" film in 1964 doesn't mean that much. I mean, there's a Bunuel film below that...none are truly bad. Scorpio Rising was also the very first Anger film I've seen, so I'm sure I'd get more out of it now.

[soitgoes...]

And yet Lucifer Rising is in my top 5 of 1972. What to do!?

You also have to realize that second "worst" film in 1964 doesn't mean that much. I mean, there's a Bunuel film below that...none are truly bad. Scorpio Rising was also the very first Anger film I've seen, so I'm sure I'd get more out of it now.I will forgive you. Qrazy on the other hand...

[Rowland]

Wow, Ong Bak 3 is spectacularly incompetent. I'm not sure if I even want to finish it.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Don't worry Qrazy dearest, I'm with you on the Anger hate.

[Mysterious Dude]

I watched Scorpio Rising in a class during college, and I found it so unbearable that I had to leave the room for a few minutes in the middle of it. The music made it particularly insufferable. At least David Lynch didn't ask me to listen to "Blue Velvet" in its entirety.

[Spun Lepton]

Wow, Ong Bak 3 is spectacularly incompetent. I'm not sure if I even want to finish it.

Did you see first two? I didn't like the first because of its slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-repetition of every action sce-sce-sce-sceeeeeeennneee ...

:frustrated:

GET ON WITH IT ONK BAG!!!

[Rowland]

Did you see first two? I didn't like the first because of its slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-repetition of every action sce-sce-sce-sceeeeeeennneee ...

:frustrated:

GET ON WITH IT ONK BAG!!!I saw the second, which I didn't like either, but this is much worse so far.

[soitgoes...]

The music selection in both Scorpio Rising and Kustom Kar Kommandos is one of the big reasons why I love both so much.

[Scar]

Did you see first two? I didn't like the first because of its slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-rep-slow-mo-repetition of every action sce-sce-sce-sceeeeeeennneee ...

:frustrated:

GET ON WITH IT ONK BAG!!!

Didn't care for the first one for those same reasons. Felt like a promotion reel for Tony Jaa. The second one had some pretty awesome shit.

[Ezee E]

Didn't care for the first one for those same reasons. Felt like a promotion reel for Tony Jaa. The second one had some pretty awesome shit.
Worked for me. Too bad I haven't seen any of his stuff since the one where he protected elephants.

[B-side]

The music selection in both Scorpio Rising and Kustom Kar Kommandos is one of the big reasons why I love both so much.

Yup. Great songs.

[Rowland]

Well, Ong-Bak 3 does get better as it goes. Check out this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmHXYAsZNdM) bad-ass fight scene.

[Sven]

Just watched The Monkees' Head. It is a very, very sharp picture.

[Rowland]

Well, Ong-Bak 3 does get better as it goes. Check out this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmHXYAsZNdM) bad-ass fight scene.Turns out that's about the only good scene, so I recommend watching this clip and skipping the movie, which is an absurdly overwrought patchwork of flashbacks to Ong Bak 2, endless training montages, and hypocritically self-righteous Buddhist sermonizing, replete with blurry fish-eye lenses, shoddy CGI, annoying comedic relief, and enough crude slow-motion to grind most of the film's momentum, fight sequences and otherwise, to a halt. Nevertheless, there's an unmistakably feverish conviction behind all of this bordering on delirium that, if nothing else, renders the film sorta fascinating from an auteurist perspective and endearing as an undiluted example of gonzo filmmaking.

[Boner M]

The Mirror - has there ever been a more effective testament to the importance of letting accidents shape the making of a film? Fascinating stuff, probably the quintessential Iranian New Wave film in that all the hallmarks of the movement are there.

[MadMan]

Just watched The Monkees' Head. It is a very, very sharp picture.It has its moments, but too many elements don't exactly work. I still like it, and I can admire what The Monkees were possibly trying to do, even if I can't say its anything more than decent.

[elixir]

I have vague recollections of watching Wallace and Gromit as a kid and being a bit creeped out by them and thus haven't sought them out really, which was a horrible decision, because Wallace and Gromit in The Wrong Trousers is wonderful--it's hilarious, fun, develops relationships in mere minutes, showcases great set-pieces (the train tracks being my favorite one) and has a great villain as well.

[Ezee E]

Spike Lee, where are thee?

Stop directing T-Mobile commercials!

[megladon8]

Went to the library to look at the used book section (which was horribly disappointing) and instead rented five Criterions...

Shadows (Cassavetes)
The Furies (Mann)
L'Avventura (Antonioni)
Young Törless (Schlöndorff)
Wise Blood (Huston)

[EyesWideOpen]

Spike Lee, where are thee?

Stop directing T-Mobile commercials!

He's been doing documentaries. If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise came out last year. It's supposed to be fantastic but I haven't watched it yet.

[B-side]

Went to the library to look at the used book section (which was horribly disappointing) and instead rented five Criterions...

Shadows (Cassavetes)
The Furies (Mann)
L'Avventura (Antonioni)
Young Törless (Schlöndorff)

Quality cinema right here. Enjoy.

[Ezee E]

He's been doing documentaries. If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise came out last year. It's supposed to be fantastic but I haven't watched it yet.
Meh. He had been doing documentaries his whole career while doing full-length movies. Not an excuse.

[soitgoes...]

Quality cinema right here. Enjoy.I've seen those four as well, and I'd be curious to see what Meg thinks of them. I wouldn't slap the word "quality" on the Mann or Cassavetes, but they should probably be seen.

[Derek]

Meh. He had been doing documentaries his whole career while doing full-length movies. Not an excuse.

:|

Yeeesh. The guy made a feature 3 years ago and has done 3 documentaries since then. It's beyond absurd for you to say it's "inexcusable" for him not to work as fast as he did earlier in his career just because you think he should. Scorsese took 4 years between The Departed and Shutter Island. Are you cool with that or should the old guy pick up the pace so you're not dissatisfied?

[B-side]

I wouldn't slap the word "quality" on the Mann or Cassavetes

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/64/Orrah_scowl.png

[Ezee E]

Shutter Island was in production only a year after Departed.

Spike's done one documentary (essentially a follow-up), an incredibly weak documentary on Kobe, a play (not directed by him), and commericials. No signs of a movie coming up either.

It's a little different.

[Derek]

Shutter Island was in production only a year after Departed.

Spike's done one documentary (essentially a follow-up), an incredibly weak documentary on Kobe, a play (not directed by him), and commericials. No signs of a movie coming up either.

It's a little different.

He's done three docs (If God is Willing..., the Kobe, and Passing Strange).

The problem's not so much that you're wondering what he's up to. It's that you're meh-ing him and saying it's inexcusable for him not to be doing features and docs since he did both simultaneously when he was younger. Had you chosen a jokey tone, I wouldn't care, but the unnecessarily haughty one comes of as a bit dickish.

[MadMan]

Yeah its not like Spike Lee is pulling a Terrence Malick on us. And hell, Malick made and released The Tree of Life only 6 years after The New World. He's improving! :P

[Ezee E]

He's done three docs (If God is Willing..., the Kobe, and Passing Strange).

The problem's not so much that you're wondering what he's up to. It's that you're meh-ing him and saying it's inexcusable for him not to be doing features and docs since he did both simultaneously when he was younger. Had you chosen a jokey tone, I wouldn't care, but the unnecessarily haughty one comes of as a bit dickish.

Good, because only one of those is worth seeing, and the rest is well below his potential. Even for documentary standards.

[B-side]

Silent Light (Reygadas 07) - 5.5

What is this silliness?

[Bosco B Thug]

What is this silliness? Who can ever say, really? The world so full of silliness?

But yeah, I was not into Reygadas's style. The story was quietly compelling, and I respect any film that announces itself an art film, but I mostly found Reygadas's shots and rhythms too intentionally awkward or over-emphatic. And sometimes I found them crass (a minute of POV-walking then extended lens flare making out? This film is a lens flare abuser, BTW). The film is respectable, but I don't think I'm going to be a Reygadas fan if all his films have this film's craft.

[Mysterious Dude]

I can't think of a movie I've seen in the last two years that was more boring than Silent Light. And the ending is just as false as when Carl Theodor Dreyer did it.

[B-side]

Who can ever say, really? The world so full of silliness?

But yeah, I was not into Reygadas's style. The story was quietly compelling, and I respect any film that announces itself an art film, but I mostly found Reygadas's shots and rhythms too intentionally awkward or over-emphatic. And sometimes I found them crass (a minute of POV-walking then extended lens flare making out? This film is a lens flare abuser, BTW). The film is respectable, but I don't think I'm going to be a Reygadas fan if all his films have this film's craft.


I can't think of a movie I've seen in the last two years that was more boring than Silent Light. And the ending is just as false as when Carl Theodor Dreyer did it.

Wow. So much wrong in just two posts.

[Derek]

Good, because only one of those is worth seeing, and the rest is well below his potential. Even for documentary standards.

And Miracle and Inside Man are among his weakest features, so I'm not sure I understand your point. Maybe a little time off will help him.


The film is respectable, but I don't think I'm going to be a Reygadas fan if all his films have this film's craft.

This is far and away his best film and I'd only rate it a point higher than you. I'd recommend reading Spinal's review of Battle of Heaven and then never watching it.

[Spinal]

I'd recommend reading Spinal's review of Battle of Heaven and then never watching it.

Boy, I was not happy (http://filmepidemic.blogspot.com/2006/08/battle-in-heaven-reygadas-2005.html).

[Derek]

Boy, I was not happy (http://filmepidemic.blogspot.com/2006/08/battle-in-heaven-reygadas-2005.html).

And rightfully so.


Unfortunately for viewers, he also has time to get busy with his tank-like wife in an explicit scene featuring about 500 pounds of combined nakedness (don’t ask). Where is all this heading? That’s the funny part. Nowhere!

This part still cracks me up. :)

[Boner M]

I hated Reygadas' Japon for many of the same reasons Spinal hated BiH, so I've avoided the former. But I really liked Silent Light. It might be 'transcendental cinema 101' but it's sooo beautiful.

EDIT: Also, this needs to be posted again

F_URf0Ky5oo

[Spinal]

Silent Light may very well be a much better movie. But I hold grudges, man. I don't like returning to my abusers.

[D_Davis]

The Troll Hunter was pretty dang sweet. Loved the special f/x work - truly stunning at times.

[Rowland]

I know Mike D'Angelo HATED Reygadas' first two films and then went on to love the shit out of Silent Light. I'll admit to really liking Battle in Heaven, maybe I was just in a pretentious mood that day.

[Bosco B Thug]

This is far and away his best film and I'd only rate it a point higher than you. I'd recommend reading Spinal's review of Battle of Heaven and then never watching it. Hmmmmm. Also, promise I didn't notice your Reygadas until I'd seen mine.


The rest is cinematic vamping as Reygadas hopes to accidentally stumble upon a captivating idea, an honest moment or a meaningful image. That sounds spot on (to a lesser extent) to what I got from Silent Light.


I know Mike D'Angelo HATED Reygadas' first two films and then went on to love the shit out of Silent Light. I'll admit to really liking Battle in Heaven, maybe I was just in a pretentious mood that day. It was good Silent Light was such a warm and touching movie. Battle in Heaven does not sound warm and touching... I doubt the leadenness of Reygadas's directing will translate well for me.

[Spinal]

But what does IMDb have to say about it?


This movie is not so good - compare it to a masterpiece by a real director (like King Kong or LOTR by the man himself) and you'll actually begin to understand the meaning of brilliant. This movie was sub-pornographic garbage. Mexico should be ashamed for being a country like this.


Now don't go attacking Mexico as a country. Your statement's ignorance is only surpassed by its arrogance. The fact that you hated this movie has nothing to do with Mexico as a country. If you meant that Mexico should be ashamed of having its name attached to this movie, then I must agree. But you have no right to insult Mexico that way...especially since you seem to like over-commericalized and current movies like King Kong and LOTR. If that's your great scope of reference when it comes to great film than you need to expand your little mind beyond Peter Jackson.

I'm not defending this movie (I thought it was crap). But the fact that it came from Mexico has nothing to do with it.



Why should I expand my scope beyond the "best director" of 2004? If all of these Mexican movies are so good, how come they aren't winning Oscars? So, commercial fare = bad, right? Then how come your precious Mexican artsy-fartsy superstar Alfonso Cuaron went on to direct a freakin' Harry Potter movie! I guess that counts as art in your book? Come to think of it 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' was also another load of disgusting Mexican pornography! I'd have to psychologize you, dude, if you like that stuff. Diagnosis: sick and perverted.


you just don't understand fine art. no big deal. just stick to adam sandler movies and you'll be fine.


I like Adam Sandler (I thought THE WATER BOY was genuinely funny) and I won't apologize for having simple tastes! At least, I'm not some elitist snob who fetishizes porno and thinks just because a bunch of dirty, fat folks get it on (on screen) in filthy settings in a filthy land where everything is depressing and ugly, that I think 'well, that must be art!' Maybe you don't get it! Art is something pretty that people like and can understand! This movie had no point as far as I could tell and it wasn't pretty! What was the point? Just compare it to some real high art like LOST IN TRANSLATION or GOODNIGHT AND GOODLUCK - those movies looked very pleasing to the eye, like the Sistine Chapel or the Mona Lisa. Also, you can understand thier "messages" and "themes." But oh, wow, some dude peed his pants. I guess that's just how it is in some parts of the world...


I AGREE THIS IS THE MOST BORING MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN


then you have never seen the new KING KONG. now THAT'S a boring movie.


There's no need to insult KONG. That's just mean.

[DavidSeven]

frederico_zamora totally got psychologized there, as promised.

[Bosco B Thug]

cougarfunderburg sounds like the worst person ever. I'd never want to get into a bathing suit in front of him/her.

<-- isn't Mexican!!

[Spinal]

cougarfunderburg sounds like the worst person ever.

What he lacks in compassion, he makes up for in moral certitude.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I watched Jaws with my son for the first time. He liked it a lot. Said it wasn't very scary, even though he jumped a few times. It's always easy to be brave when you're in the living room, but I'll be anxious to see how he reacts the next time we go to the ocean. I have a feeling it'll be knee deep at best.

[dreamdead]

Getting excited to see Starship Troopers on the big screen as part of AVClub's New Cult Canon (http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/features/the-new-cut-canon-presents-starship-troopers) series in Chicago. It'll be Sarah's first viewing of it, so I hope it plays well for her, but really, people, this should be awesome, even if the Q&A afterwards seems likely to disappoint and identify now-obvious points...

[elixir]

What's the consensus on whether to watch the short or longer version of Scenes from a Marriage first? (FWIW, I prefer the longer cut of Fanny and Alexander.)

Ah, and this makes me remember that a few hours back I was just thinking about how it's weird how much I love films in which directors reminisce their childhoods, The Tree of Life, Fanny and Alexander, The Mirror, Amarcord--I love them all. Are there any others?

[StanleyK]

Ah, and this makes me remember that a few hours back I was just thinking about how it's weird how much I love films in which directors reminisce their childhoods, The Tree of Life, Fanny and Alexander, The Mirror, Amarcord--I love them all. Are there any others?

The obvious, and probably best answer, is Truffaut's The 400 Blows.

[elixir]

The obvious, and probably best answer, is Truffaut's The 400 Blows.

Oof. I'm an idiot considering that's also one of my favorites. For some reason, I didn't group it in the same way...perhaps becuase the others are more rooted in historical periods...

[StanleyK]

I watched Godard's Les Carabiniers and Le Petit Soldat, and despite loving the latter, I couldn't find anything substantive to say about them, which breaks my 3-month streak of squeezing out at least one paragraph for everything I watch. Oh, well.

One movie I can comment on is Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which I didn't like. I can't stand it when a clearly sociopathic character's behavior is idolized by a film, much less when his antagonists are played as unsympathetic jerks to avoid any sort of criticism to his antics. The movie doesn't even attempt to pay lip service to the idea that one day, Ferris is going to have to grow out of his shit; any such depth is relegated to Cameron, which still doesn't help make him anything beyond one-note. Cinematically, it doesn't offer much beyond a few good visual gags, but I want to praise the museum scene (outside of the hard-to-believe notion that high-schoolers would ditch school to go to museums and fancy restaurants), where Cameron stares intensely at a painting, and we cut closer and closer from his face to the painting, which is eventually reduced to meaningless pixels. That was pretty clever. Mostly though, the movie is just really boring, seldom funny and often simplistic and wrong-headed; if I actually cared, I would be rooting for the little shithead to get caught.

[dreamdead]

Yay for Ferris disinterest. It tries to sustain itself through Broderick's charisma, but the characterizations, as is typical for Hughes' works, are all one-note, and if you don't fall for the charm, you become apathetic quickly.

[Mara]

One movie I can comment on is Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which I didn't like. I can't stand it when a clearly sociopathic character's behavior is idolized by a film, much less when his antagonists are played as unsympathetic jerks to avoid any sort of criticism to his antics. The movie doesn't even attempt to pay lip service to the idea that one day, Ferris is going to have to grow out of his shit; any such depth is relegated to Cameron, which still doesn't help make him anything beyond one-note. Cinematically, it doesn't offer much beyond a few good visual gags, but I want to praise the museum scene (outside of the hard-to-believe notion that high-schoolers would ditch school to go to museums and fancy restaurants), where Cameron stares intensely at a painting, and we cut closer and closer from his face to the painting, which is eventually reduced to meaningless pixels. That was pretty clever. Mostly though, the movie is just really boring, seldom funny and often simplistic and wrong-headed; if I actually cared, I would be rooting for the little shithead to get caught.

Huh... interesting. I just read two anti-Ferris articles, here (http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2011/01/20/totaling-the-ferrari-ferris-bueller-revisited/) and here. (http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/06/get-over-ferris-bueller-everyone/240155/)

[Irish]

Mostly though, the movie is just really boring, seldom funny and often simplistic and wrong-headed; if I actually cared, I would be rooting for the little shithead to get caught.

Most of the time I can see where you're coming from, but right now I'm at a loss.

The movie is a fantasy, nothing more. It doesn't pretend to any great emotional truth. Within the framework of the story, Ferris mostly operates as a trickster god. He's there to push Jeanie and Cameron to grow into their own identities and accept responsibility for their own desires (which neither of them are willing to do at first, because it's easier to blame Ferris for their own shortcomings. Okay, if there's one truth, it's about how the first step to adulthood is accepting your own bullshit and not laying it off on other people).

The movie doesn't have the emotional depth (and it doesn't attempt it) as Hughes' other movies, but that's fine. I wouldn't go looking for great truth out of The Blues Brothers or A Night at the Opera either, and I wouldn't think Groucho or Elwood sociopaths.

[Ivan Drago]

I didn't see The Blues Brothers for the first time until this past October. I thought the musical numbers went on for too long, and that the film itself was mildly amusing, apart from the third act which had me in stitches. I revisited it a few days ago, then again the day after, and it gets funnier and funnier with every viewing, and the musical numbers get even more awesome, apart from Aretha Franklin's.

[Russ]

the musical numbers get even more awesome, apart from Aretha Franklin's.
:crazy:

[Ivan Drago]

:crazy:

I thought it went on for too long, and something else about it didn't click with me. Not sure what, though.

[Grouchy]

In the realm of modern comedy, Extract is just about the worst I've seen. I'm not against Mike Judge's humor. I obviously liked Beavis and Butthead and was ok with King of the Hill without being a huge fan. But when he attempts some kind of sharp observation of society or the working world, well, he just isn't up to it. It's mostly cheap, derivative of other films (Jason Bateman playing the exact same character he always plays) and kind of mysoginistic, really. It's not something I often take issue with or even notice, to be perfectly honest, but it was kind of impossible to ignore in this case.

Blue Valentine was excellent. The only thing that brought it down a little for me was that I kept imagining the movie being even better with Heath Ledger on Gosling's role, which is obviously not anybody's fault. A strong sense of someone trying to incorporate or even mimick Cassavettes, to the point where it's like a modern take on that auteur's way of filming human drama. Nowhere near him on quality or depth, but the intentions are there.

Green Zone was pretty much a waste of time. I considered turning it off several times before it became obvious it was about to end. Not really a fan of Greengrass. I consider he emptied his trick box with the spectacular car chases back in The Bourne Supremacy. The film is interesting because of its politics and denounciation of the government lies that exist beyond every war effort, but in that sense, the message becomes very obvious in the opening 20 minutes of the film. The rest is pointless action that doesn't really expand beyond what any educated viewer can imagine for himself.

http://spontic.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/sexy_beast_ver11.jpg

By far the best movie I've seen recently has been Sexy Beast. The damn thing speaks for itself. I love it when a director relies on minimal plot but knows perfectly well that he can grab you by the throat with visuals and style and not let go until he's over. Not much happens and not much is really explained, more like implied, yet the film is completely engrossing. The actors are very well chosen, and obviously, the highlight of the show is Ben Kingsley as the man it's simply impossible to say no to. Very good characters and dialogue that proves that wit and mobster badass shit can be written from places very far from Tarantino.

Lastly, I saw Last Man Standing. On the basis of The Warriors, I expected to like it a lot more than I did. It's still OK. The problem is that Bruce Willis, while one of my favorite Hollywood actors, simply doesn't have the capacity of seeming otherworldly like Yojimbo or Clint Eastwood, so his character isn't all that amazing - more like a stereotypical hero, not even all that well drawn. Another big problem is that the sense of dread and danger is not handled well at all. We never sense Willis could be in trouble, even when he is. A hitman played by Christopher Walken is foreshadowed as a major villain, but the character turns out to be a bit of a clown. I was having trouble with the amount of bullets fired from all guns, but ultimately, the effect reminded me of early John Woo. It's a nice action flick if you don't expect it to be even reminiscent of something directed by Kurosawa or Leone. Then again, I didn't, and I was still kind of disappointed.

[Derek]

Blue (Jarman) - 7

Aw. At least you liked it. What was your favorite shot?

[MadMan]

I saw Sexy Beast maybe 3-4 years ago, perhaps even longer ago than that, and I thought it was really solid but I wasn't too impressed. Ben Kinglsey though was excellent, and Ray Winstone is probably one of the more underrated actors of the past decade.

[Irish]

By far the best movie I've seen recently has been Sexy Beast. The damn thing speaks for itself. I love it when a director relies on minimal plot but knows perfectly well that he can grab you by the throat with visuals and style and not let go until he's over. Not much happens and not much is really explained, more like implied, yet the film is completely engrossing. The actors are very well chosen, and obviously, the highlight of the show is Ben Kingsley as the man it's simply impossible to say no to. Very good characters and dialogue that proves that wit and mobster badass shit can be written from places very far from Tarantino.

Great movie.

I love how you can get into it as a gangster melodrama, but what it really is, in the end, is a love story.

[Grouchy]

Great movie.

I love how you can get into it as a gangster melodrama, but what it really is, in the end, is a love story.
Between Ray Winstone and his wife, right? Yeah, I thought about an interpretation of the film were basically, what the wife ends up shooting is not so much another character but the physical manifestation of the parts of his husband that could wreck their marriage. I got this idea from one of Kingsley's rants where he says to Winston that with his looks and profession he could get a much better-looking woman than his wife.

[Derek]

Great movie.

No. No no no no no no no no no!

But Kingsley is a lot of fun to watch.

[Irish]

Between Ray Winstone and his wife, right? Yeah, I thought about an interpretation of the film were basically, what the wife ends up shooting is not so much another character but the physical manifestation of the parts of his husband that could wreck their marriage. I got this idea from one of Kingsley's rants where he says to Winston that with his looks and profession he could get a much better-looking woman than his wife.

Yeah, exactly. And I like your interpretation quite a bit. Damn, I need to see this again.


No. No no no no no no no no no!

I'm sensing disagreement ... it's difficult to tell, though, because of your verbose, powerful rhetoric. Why not just cut out the flowery prose and tell us what you really think?

[Winston*]

"Turn this opportunity yes!"

Best performance.

[eternity]

Someone on here told me that Resident Evil: Afterlife was worth watching.

They lied.

[MadMan]

Someone on here told me that Resident Evil: Afterlife was worth watching.

They lied.:lol:

Blame Raiders, I think.

[megladon8]

Wait...there are people who don't like Sexy Beast?

[Boner M]

Ferris Bueller backlash is the worst.

[Ezee E]

Ferris Bueller backlash is the worst.

:pritch:

[Derek]

Wait...there are people who don't like Sexy Beast?

Well, there's me so it's a least a person. :)


Ferris Bueller backlash is the worst.

Uncle Buck backlash is worse.

[megladon8]

Young Torless is equal parts impressive and frustrating.

It's quite a beautiful piece of adolescent angst, with its themes perfectly summed up in Torless' conversation with his math teacher.

However, I found the film's editing to be...slightly annoying. It felt quite choppy, its rhythm all over the place like a drummer who cannot keep a beat. Everything from scenes to shots felt like they were cut at the wrong times, creating quite an awkward feeling.

[baby doll]

The celebration of mediocrity is the worst.Fixed.

[Boner M]

Fixed.
I know, it sucks how so many prefer Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

[baby doll]

I know, it sucks how so many prefer Planes, Trains and Automobiles.All of John Hughes' movies are mediocre. Apart from being a mediocre stylist, I don't even think he was much of a storyteller. (The delayed revelation about John Candy's wife in Planes, Trains and Automobiles is about as ingenious as he got.)

[Morris Schæffer]

http://www.empireonline.com/interviews/interview.asp?IID=1292

Interview with Renny Harlin. For those two people who might be interested. Bets are on Rowland and Madman.:D

EDIT: Ah, he's got a new flick coming out "Five Days Of August"

[Rowland]

Even though I find myself repelled by the preening adoration for Ferris amidst the I-Love-the-80's crowd and their mindless Ben-Stein quoting, the film itself is about as exuberant, playfully crafted, and cannily existential as teen movies get. It's the only Hughes movie I need, though I should probably revisit Planes, Train, and Automobiles to see if I was just being a grump with my apathetic first viewing, especially given that I kinda liked the concept better when Todd Phillips remade it with Robert Downey Jr. knocking the shit out of Zach Galifianakis.

[Qrazy]

Well, there's me so it's a least a person. :)



I don't care for it much either. It's mostly just an ugly pointless film.

[Qrazy]

Even though I find myself repelled by the preening adoration for Ferris amidst the I-Love-the-80's crowd and their mindless Ben-Stein quoting, the film itself is about as exuberant, playfully crafted, and cannily existential as teen movies get. It's the only Hughes movie I need, though I should probably revisit Planes, Train, and Automobiles to see if I was just being a grump with my apathetic first viewing, especially given that I kinda liked the concept better when Todd Phillips remade it with Robert Downey Jr. knocking the shit out of Zach Galifianakis.

Due Date is a terrible, terrible film.

[Ezee E]

Looks like you comic-con guys are getting the shaft this year.

Twilight, Three Musketeers, and The Darkest Hour?

Ew.

[Grouchy]

I don't care for it much either. It's mostly just an ugly pointless film.
Ugly? I've seen worse, but ok.

Pointless? You're wrong, friend.

[Spun Lepton]

It's the only Hughes movie I need, though I should probably revisit Planes, Train, and Automobiles to see if I was just being a grump with my apathetic first viewing, especially given that I kinda liked the concept better when Todd Phillips remade it with Robert Downey Jr. knocking the shit out of Zach Galifianakis.

Aww, hell naw.

Due Date was a wannabe, nothing more. Not even the cast could save the dull, flaccid, DOA script.

[Dukefrukem]

6 of my top 10 films of all time, are from 3 years in two decades.

[Watashi]

Looks like you comic-con guys are getting the shaft this year.

Twilight, Three Musketeers, and The Darkest Hour?

Ew.
There's a lot of shitty movies that get promoted at Comic Con. I don't go there for that.

[Qrazy]

Ugly? I've seen worse, but ok.

Pointless? You're wrong, friend.

Ugly in terms of content, pointless due to it's ugliness.

[Grouchy]

Ugly in terms of content, pointless due to it's ugliness.
Movies with ugly content are pointless?

...

What?

[MadMan]

http://www.empireonline.com/interviews/interview.asp?IID=1292

Interview with Renny Harlin. For those two people who might be interested. Bets are on Rowland and Madman.:D

EDIT: Ah, he's got a new flick coming out "Five Days Of August"That's a really cool interview, and even though Harlin isn't the greatest film maker ever, I've liked a lot of his movies. He makes fun popcorn films. His latest sounds rather interesting-I'll have to try and check it out.


Uncle Buck backlash is worse.:pritch:

Why the hell would anyone think that Due Date is a better movie than Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Due Date isn't as funny, nor does it have as big a heart. Oh and John Candy and Steven Martin>>>>>>>Zach whatever the hell his name is. This is coming from someone who liked Due Date, despite the fact that the last act was rather flat.

[Russ]

So, I guess the clue in the latest Criterion newsletter is supposed to be for the Three Colors trilogy (3 collars, get it)?

http://i4.cmail1.com/ei/r/19/2AD/9C9/045425/3_wacky_collars.jpg

[Qrazy]

Movies with ugly content are pointless?

...

What?

No, just this one.

[Ezee E]

There's a lot of shitty movies that get promoted at Comic Con. I don't go there for that.
But usually there's good ones.

[Watashi]

But usually there's good ones.
They don't announce what's going to be there until a week or two before.

[Russ]

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a modern comedy classic, structured almost entirely on the chemistry between its two main forces. It's not unlike one of W.C. Fields classics, that also featured a dominating presence struggling to stay a step ahead of all the adversarial elements that came his way. I don't understand why folks take Hughes to task (his direction was certainly passable) or criticize the screenplay (which is marvelous, imo) when the twin anchors of Candy and Martin are what ultimately elevate this film to it's deserved status.

Don't understand the haters.

[Qrazy]

Hey Russ have you ever seen Ishii's The Crazy Family? It's a bit dated and it's not especially fluid filmmaking but there's enough zany goodness there that I think you might find it intriguing.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087377/

[Spun Lepton]

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a modern comedy classic, structured almost entirely on the chemistry between its two main forces. It's not unlike one of W.C. Fields classics, that also featured a dominating presence struggling to stay a step ahead of all the adversarial elements that came his way. I don't understand why folks take Hughes to task (his direction was certainly passable) or criticize the screenplay (which is marvelous, imo) when the twin anchors of Candy and Martin are what ultimately elevate this film to it's deserved status.

Don't understand the haters.

Well said. Here is some rep for you.

[Russ]

Hey Russ have you ever seen Ishii's The Crazy Family? It's a bit dated and it's not especially fluid filmmaking but there's enough zany goodness there that I think you might find it intriguing.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087377/

Wish I could reply, "DL'ing", but, alas, links are broken :cry:. It's on my radar now, tho. Wasn't familiar with the director (except for always hearing about ED80k V - is that one also worthwhile?)

Btw, thanks for the reco.

[Qrazy]

Wish I could reply, "DL'ing", but, alas, links are broken :cry:. It's on my radar now, tho. Wasn't familiar with the director (except for always hearing about ED80k V - is that one also worthwhile?)

Btw, thanks for the reco.

I've only seen this one and Shuffle and I watched Shuffle on mute at a party... but what I saw I liked from a visual standpoint.

There's a working link on karagarga.

http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/3903/crazy7png1sa.png

[baby doll]

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a modern comedy classic, structured almost entirely on the chemistry between its two main forces. It's not unlike one of W.C. Fields classics, that also featured a dominating presence struggling to stay a step ahead of all the adversarial elements that came his way. I don't understand why folks take Hughes to task (his direction was certainly passable) or criticize the screenplay (which is marvelous, imo) when the twin anchors of Candy and Martin are what ultimately elevate this film to it's deserved status.

Don't understand the haters.I don't think W.C. Fields would've gone for the aforementioned revelation about Candy's character (or for that matter, all the clumsy foreshadowing beforehand). In any case, I don't think it's a bad movie (in fact, it's probably Hughes' best, rivalled only by Only the Lonely); it's just that whenever I hear one of Hughes' films referred to as a "classic," I throw up a little in my mouth. Certainly, he's nowhere near the level of an Ernst Lubitsch or a Billy Wilder, either as a storyteller or a metteur en scène. If you enjoy seeing Candy and Martin play off of each other (and I do, up to a point), the film provides a very pleasant evening of entertainment, but nothing more.

[D_Davis]

(except for always hearing about ED80k V - is that one also worthwhile?)


It's OK, but never really delivers on its promise of crazy energy.

[D_Davis]

Hey guys, what about The Great Outdoors backlash? Is that worst, better, or equal to Ferris Bueller backlash?

[Dead & Messed Up]

All of John Hughes' movies are mediocre. Apart from being a mediocre stylist, I don't even think he was much of a storyteller. (The delayed revelation about John Candy's wife in Planes, Trains and Automobiles is about as ingenious as he got.)

I dug the way that he never revealed Cameron's father in Ferris. Everything we know about the man comes from Cameron's perspective, and Cameron resolves his problem without an obvious dad-we-need-to-talk scene.

[Mara]

I really thought John Hughes directed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I guess it was Frank Oz.

[Ivan Drago]

My aunt always tells me I'm not a real movie buff because I haven't seen all of the John Hughes movies. Don't get me wrong, I love Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club, but I highly doubt that they propel him up there with Scorsese, Bergman and Godard.

[elixir]

Days of Heaven (Malick, 1978)(3rd) 8
Inception (Nolan, 2010)(3rd) 10

You are not a real movie buff. :P

[elixir]

But, yeah, I get a lot of "you haven't seen that?!?" from people who know I'm into movies.

[Watashi]

Le Samourai (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1967) 6

Elixir is not a real film buff.

[Irish]

Why on earth would you compare John Hughes to the likes of Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, Scorcese or Godard? Different times, different audiences, different intents. Definition of apples versus oranges.

During a Less Than Zero generation that made being disaffected into an art form, in a media culture newly saturated with MTV and home videogames, he actually connected to teens in an authentic way.

It's not complicated: Look at the state of teen movies before Hughes. Then look at them afterwards.

That's why his movies might be considered classics. It has nothing to do with blocking, mis en scene, or film theory.

It has to do with the message, plain and simple.

[Qrazy]

But, yeah, I get a lot of "you haven't seen that?!?" from people who know I'm into movies.

Ditto. I think it's just because we're always talking about films they've never seen so when they finally find one we've never seen they can hold it over us or some stupid shit like that.

[Spinal]

You are not a real movie buff. :P

I would rate those two about the same.

[elixir]

I would rate those two about the same.

Didn't the smiley indicate I was joking? Or maybe you are just making a comment. I actually don't even think those ratings are absurd, even if I disagree with them. Just making a bad joke.

[Qrazy]

I think they're absurd and that all three of you suck.

[Mysterious Dude]

It's not complicated: Look at the state of teen movies before Hughes. Then look at them afterwards.
I don't get it. Have they dramatically improved?

[Qrazy]

I don't get it. Have they dramatically improved?

Nope.

[Spinal]

Didn't the smiley indicate I was joking? Or maybe you are just making a comment. I actually don't even think those ratings are absurd, even if I disagree with them. Just making a bad joke.

I have a bad habit of reading threads from the bottom. Apologies if I missed the context.

[MadMan]

The current crop of teen movies makes me miss Hughes even more.

Anyone got any more Renoir recs? I watched Grand Illusion last night, and thought it was really great and quite moving.

[Derek]

Anyone got any more Renoir recs? I watched Grand Illusion last night, and thought it was really great and quite moving.

Rules of the Game, post-haste! Plenty of others to recommend, but those can all wait for now.

[Yxklyx]

...

Anyone got any more Renoir recs? I watched Grand Illusion last night, and thought it was really great and quite moving.

Renoir rules the '30s so anything from that decade. I prefer:

Boudu Saved from Drowning
La Bête humaine

[soitgoes...]

Renoir rules the '30s so anything from that decade.
Well let's not be so rash. A couple of his 30's films were meh, but he did indeed rule the decade.

[Ivan Drago]

I think they're absurd and that all three of you suck.

:sad:

[Derek]

Well let's not be so rash. A couple of his 30's films were meh, but he did indeed rule the decade.

And let's not try to convince Madman to watch a Renoir film that's not Rules of the Game until he watches Rules of the Game. I have a feeling anything after the next one will fall into the ever-growing that is Madman's "Meant to Watch, but Didn't Because I was Lazy" list.