Movies

[Victoria]

I will second that for the The Illusionist (watched for third time last night)....

Romantic, but the pseudo-Crown Prince Rudolf story was like a really bad Arthur Schnitzler novela. All it needed was a S

[docblackrock]

Shame Children of Men's release in the US was ill-timed, although ultimately, it's not as good as I first thought it was. And why are films set in the future all grey, depressing, rubbish-strewn. What, was Tide with Bleach suddenly outlawed from existence? The same fate dealt to Mach3 razors...

Finally got round to seeing that recently, and despite the prescence of my old North London neighbour Clive, I hated it.....a lot. Dark and unrelentingly depressing hole-ridden plot with a crappy ending, one of those films where you feel like suing the producers for stealing two hours from your life

Contrast it with another plot/setting-similar film I also only got round to watching a couple of weeks ago (timely too ) - V for Vendetta. Superb stuff. Everything Children of Men should have been, but wasn't.

[dieselpower]

OMG a real live film critic! I am a real live amateur film critic and can appreciate what you say about indies. I was working in Ireland some time ago and found the Irish film institute just round the corner from where I was staying and saw that "Little Miss Sunshine" was showing. At the time I had not heard of it, as I said previously I have become very jaded with the cinema after having grown up during the last great period of Hollywood film making (the '70's) and thought, what the hell, I'll give it a try. Well, you know the rest.... very good film indeed.

[Victoria]

Finally got round to seeing that recently, and despite the prescence of my old North London neighbour Clive, I hated it.....a lot. Dark and unrelentingly depressing hole-ridden plot with a crappy ending, one of those films where you feel like suing the producers for stealing two hours from your life

I am all over apocalyptic Orwellian visions in film -- as I hinted in my Blade Runner allusion to Ryyannon. And Brazil the Gilliam film, wonderful.

But Children of Men had a dagger-point message without much subtlety. It also had discrete supporting performances, even with the always affable Michael Caine (wearing an odd stringy Jimmy Saville wig).

Contrast it with another plot/setting-similar film I also only got round to watching a couple of weeks ago (timely too ) - V for Vendetta. Superb stuff. Everything Children of Men should have been, but wasn't.

Wanted to like V for Vendetta. And I do. But though Hugh Jackman held me spellbound, the ultimate vision of Britain in the throes of Fascist dictatorship (with obvious allusions to today's situation) is just another hysterical overreaction similar to when you are stopped by a copper on the motorway, and you call him a jackbooted Nazi.

Moderation is a big plus for me, in all strata of life.

[Victoria]

Well, you know the rest.... very good film indeed.

Didn't like it.

But thanks for the compliment!

Just remember, yes, I am a student of film. My knowledge of it is a little more acute than others. But that doesn't mean my opinions are written in stone. They're just my impressions.

As they say, everyone's a critic, and opinions are like a-holes. Some stink. Err. Or something.

[docblackrock]

I am all over apocalyptic Orwellian visions in film -- as I hinted in my Blade Runner allusion to Ryyannon. And Brazil the Gilliam film, wonderful.

But Children of Men had a dagger-point message without much subtlety. It also had discrete supporting performances, even with the always affable Michael Caine (wearing an odd stringy Jimmy Saville wig).

Wanted to like V for Vendetta. And I do. But though Hugh Jackman held me spellbound, the ultimate vision of Britain in the throes of Fascist dictatorship (with obvious allusions to today's situation) is just another hysterical overreaction similar to when you are stopped by a copper on the motorway, and you call him a jackbooted Nazi.

Moderation is a big plus for me, in all strata of life.

Two things....

1. Michael Caine - affable?

2. Hugh Jackman isn't in 'V' at least not the version I saw - Hugo Weaving you mean.

[dieselpower]

The fact that you didn't like it doesn't make it a bad film. I didn't like 'The Third Man'. I know you're not saying it was a bad film but the implication is there. Care to back the statement up? Go on.... I dare you....

[docblackrock]

Who? Me? Children of Men you mean? Ok, lumpy plot, some hammy acting (Caine), pointless dialogue, exposition for sake of it, lack of score, no payoff ending, director (who has a great reputation) self-indulgently awful. Will that do?

[dieselpower]

I have a great home theatre, and a nice (though not Plasma screen) huge television set in my library/comp/family room.

Oh dear. I am with David Lean when it comes to film watching - there is only one way, and that is through a projector, there is something about that beam of light going over your head that makes the experience magical. TV's? Not acceptable.

[dieselpower]

Not you Doc, was referring to vbarretts dislike of 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Will use quotations in future.

[V]

Well I will not suggest anything you probably have seen or will see...

But if you are really interested to see a 'FILM' try to rent the DVD of '12:08 East of Bucharest'

And because probably people won't know what that is check here:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1208_east_of_bucharest/

It is a black comedy related on the revolution and the after-Ceausescu era in Romania. I loved it.

Btw.. Vic is interesting to see someone else for whom films are something more than a hobby

I am a dreamer who grew up watching Geoffrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi over and over again so it was inevitable to be involved with visual arts.

I am preparing a short-film at the moment which will be finished next April.

Anyway.. my favourite movies of all time..

Gerry, Koyaanisqatsi, Nostalghia, Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring, Wings of Desire, The Ninth Gate, Eyes Wide Shut, Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, Goodbye Lenin, The Seventh Seal, Mulholland Drive, Lord of the Rings and many more.. Those were just the ones I' ve seen more than 10 times each

Of course I can also enjoy watching Matthew Barney's films... that I would not suggest people to see

[V]

Both VERY interesting. (about Apocalypto and Pan's Labyrinth)

Well Apocalypto was just ok but Pan's Labyrinth was bloody amazing for its genre.. Can I have an A grade for it please?

[a german in denmark]

....If you haven't committed suicide after seeing it, try the director's cut of Blade Runner for its soothing music by Vangelis, the perfect visuals, the more than decent performance by Harrison Ford, the absolutely stunning 'Rachel' and the total ambiguity of the replica/human storyline....

I so much second that, ryyannon. It's one of my all time favourits. Here's some good news for us BR-buffs: http://www.br-insight.com/ ... Just in time for Christmas

I am all over apocalyptic Orwellian visions in film -- as I hinted in my Blade Runner allusion to Ryyannon. And Brazil the Gilliam film, wonderful.

Terry Gilliam, yeah, I loved Twelve Monkeys. Brat Pitt's performance is hilarious...

Other movies I liked this year:

* Das Leben der Anderen

* Blood Diamond

* The last King of Scotland

* Notes on a Scandal

* Stardust

* Fracture

* The Illusionist

* Children of Men

Cheers,

Volker

[Victoria]

Two things....

1. Michael Caine - affable?

Well, I know he and his wife pretty well...they're practically my neighbours in SoBe, and British tourists are entranced when they see him standing on a street corner in Miami Beach, and say, "Wotcha!", in good East London greeting.

I think he portrays an affability onscreen that is hard to characterise as anything else. He's not amusing. He's not proficient. He's not roguish. Those are usually the British character actor stereotypes. He's simply affable.

Case in point, Little Voice and The Prestige. Perfect character actor roles for him. Another actor might've made them much more hammy. I dare not think what Jacobi might've made of them...

2. Hugh Jackman isn't in 'V' at least not the version I saw - Hugo Weaving you mean.

So it is. Wish I could use the 4:00 AM posting time as an excuse, but then I'm fairly sure my film review of it was a little more professionally and accurately written than one for a rep watch forum.

[Victoria]

I so much second that, ryyannon. It's one of my all time favourits. Here's some good news for us BR-buffs: http://www.br-insight.com/ ... Just in time for Christmas

Thanks! I appreciate the link!

Other movies I liked this year:

* Das Leben der Anderen

Loved it. This is in English "The Life of Others", just in case they don't see it in the German title at their usual rental haunts.

* Blood Diamond

Lot of people preferred DiCaprio in the Departed. Maybe I'm one of them, because it's rare to see him really dig inside as an actor (I had such high hopes for him after "...Gilbert Grape"). After The Titanic, it's either been a pet project of his, or a run of cash-the-paycheque films. Glad he got back on track with the otherwise superficial The Aviator.

But I greatly enjoyed Blood Diamond. TIA. Heh.

* The last King of Scotland

My favourite film of 2006, next to Pan's Labyrinth. A horror show that actually just scratched the surface of Amin.

* Notes on a Scandal

Intricate drama. Dench's repressed pseudo-lesbian longings versus the superficial lifestyle of a dilettante artist. My favourite scene is Blanchette's (when not?) throwing herself to the braying media, as a sacrificial lamb. That encapsulated the media's need for sensationalism tied to its subject matter's toying with them, for their own purposes.

Not sure I liked it, but it's haunting.

* Stardust

Thanks! I emailed my agent last night asking for a screener after Sin22 mentioned it.

(Yes, I can't wait until 18 Dec. when it comes out in DVD )

* Fracture

* The Illusionist

* Children of Men

Again, I like popular fare. Very much, but so far, very few people here have mentioned the real gems of 2006.

Army of Shadows. I realise it was done in 1969 (IIRC), but Melville's film wipes the floor with any of the ones mentioned so far, including mine.

The Dardenne Bros' L'Enfant -- magnificent. They conceive the best blue-collar, marginalised people in society roles anywhere, at the moment. Affleck should be so lucky.

And no one mentioned Half-Nelson, which Ryan Gosling owned.

I couldn't believe the same dynamically internalised junkie actor in Half-Nelson, was the soppy internalised cardboard stickfigure in Fracture (this may be why I really dislike Fracture, and others don't. I've also never seen The Notebook).

Those are the best films of last year, according to my lights. I'll do a round-up of 2007 in December.

[Victoria]

Well I will not suggest anything you probably have seen or will see...

But if you are really interested to see a 'FILM' try to rent the DVD of '12:08 East of Bucharest'

Thanks, V! Trust you to come up with this suggestion. I have the advance screener for this, somewhere.

I also loved The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, but it was ill-promoted around the world as a "comedy".

It's not a HAHA kind of comedy, but a Swiftian satire which is not for all tastes. A friend of mine, who went based on its comedic label, asked me if I were deranged that I thought so highly of it, because there was barely a belly-laugh during the film. It really makes a difference when you go in knowing what you'll get...

It is a black comedy related on the revolution and the after-Ceausescu era in Romania. I loved it.

Yes! I am so looking forward to seeing this. As you may know, my Oxbridge degree was based both in modern Romanian history and Nazi-era film, so anything related to Romania gets my attention. Thanks for mentioning this, V. It makes me think even more highly of you, if that were possible.

You probably have, but do see Lucian Pintilie's The Oak (Balanta). The one he did with Kristin Scott-Admin (does that woman speak every language?? She's married to a French doctor, but I've seen her handle French, German, Spanish, Romanian with equal ease) called An Unforgettable Summer, was interesting too.

Btw.. Vic is interesting to see someone else for whom films are something more than a hobby

Thanks, V.

I appreciate others who care for films too. I mean, it doesn't matter if its Transformers or Army of Shadows. If you are the kind for whom movies matter in life, you're my kind of person.

I am a dreamer who grew up watching Geoffrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi over and over again so it was inevitable to be involved with visual arts.

I am preparing a short-film at the moment which will be finished next April.

Magnificent! Just don't tell me the title, as I might have to review it one day.

Anyway.. my favourite movies of all time..

Gerry, Koyaanisqatsi, Nostalghia, Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring, Wings of Desire, The Ninth Gate, Eyes Wide Shut, Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, Goodbye Lenin, The Seventh Seal, Mulholland Drive, Lord of the Rings and many more.. Those were just the ones I' ve seen more than 10 times each

Ahh Wings of Desire.

Of course I can also enjoy watching Matthew Barney's films... that I would not suggest people to see

May I suggest Edward Burns' films? He specialises in Irish-American films, because that's who he is. But they are so much better than just that. They're not glossy like the Departed was, nor are they faux-gritty like Affleck/Damon's Southie characterisations.

He gets in their characters' guts, since the Irish are walking internalised emotion that never surfaces, except when they're hanging by the last thread. I love that.

[TeeJay]

TeeJay: You got that right about Transformers and Megan Fox. Just got the DVD last night and rewatched the movie.

Well, I have to admit, shamefull as it is, I do rather enjoy Michael Bay's movies... (Especially the Bad Boys movies and The Rock) I wasn't so much impressed with the technical aspects of the film (ie the shifting angles) but as something I could just sit down, take with a pinch of salt and enjoy, I'd say it ticked all the boxes. Interesting fact, when Bumblebee 're-formats' into the new Camaro, that wasn't actually a production car, but essentially a 'kit car' (with parts provided by the parent company) and those nice rims... Not actually allow wheels, but cunningly engineered 'hub caps'. The thing that gives it away, (pause the DVD when he first pulls up and the wheel is right near the lens) is that the 'brake rotors' don't have brake calipers

[hambone]

Hugo weaving a jack-of-nine tales and a plethora of skooby doo doo. Movies are for entertainment, so let's not try

to analyze them so much or someone is liable to have a cereberal hemmorage, which will be seen as a comedic overture.

[Guest TTK]

I think he portrays an affability onscreen that is hard to characterise as anything else. He's not amusing. He's not proficient. He's not roguish. Those are usually the British character actor stereotypes. He's simply affable

I think that must be the understatement of all time.....and really condescending to a fine actor......YES...luvvy....he's an ACTOR....you know ACTOR....as in Larry's response to Dustin in Marathon Man...!

Dustin Hoffman had either stayed up the whole weekend to prepare for a scene where his character had done just that, or had run around the block for a scene where he was supposed to be out of breath. Olivier was amazed at this behaviour; Hoffman asked how else it could be done. Olivier’s response: "Try acting, dear boy." !

Caine was and is a fine actor by ALL standards......like most actors he put bread on the table with low grade fare such as The Swarm etc etc.....but your assertion that he is merely affable ....is ...well......laughable......my dear.....!

Roguish.....see Alfie / Zulu / Get Carter / Educating Rita .....!

Proficient...see The Man Who Would Be King / The Ipcress File / A Bridge Too Far / Dressed to Kill....!

Amusing....see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels / Without A Clue.....!

I could go on.....but what's the point.....you've undoubtedly confused him with Hugh Linney......or....Hugo Jackman...Laura Weaving.....!

@r11co.....priceless.......those fingers look familiar......

Edited November 14, 2007 by TTK

[dieselpower]

He was rather good in Educating Rita as well. Not a lot of people know that.

[Ham 'n' Pickle]

Watched a preview of Beowulf on Monday and have mixed feelings about it.

The 'hook' of 3D isn't played up very much in the trailers or the poster material, I don't know if the maker/producers were thinking people would be put off by the gimmick or not but to be honest this was probably the best part of it for me.

Some of the scenery and the action sequences are pretty good and some of the CGI modeling is exceptional but this is then balanced out by the poor 'acting' skills of the CGI characters and the too-simplified version of the story. Some of the CGI actors were modeled very well, (Anthony Hopkins character), whilst some were poor, (all but the first view of Angelina's human persona).

There are some great moments of mirth, (a buxom serving wench in 3D is a sight to behold), and Grendel is very well modeled and voiced.

There were also some very obvious nods to 3D with spears thrusting out of the screen and objects being thrown about, (very much like the early 3D films - "Look at that out THERE !!!"), but as I hadn't seen anything modern in 3D this was a reasonably spectacular presentation.

Not sure I would watch it again at home, (or at a non-3D cinema - don't know too much about the technology used but you still have to wear glasses, polarized lenses rather than the comic-book red/green ones of the past), due to the story and lack of dramatic acting but it was certainly worth a watch once at the cinema.

Ham 'n' Pickle.

[V]

May I suggest Edward Burns' films? He specialises in Irish-American films, because that's who he is. But they are so much better than just that. They're not glossy like the Departed was, nor are they faux-gritty like Affleck/Damon's Southie characterisations.

He gets in their characters' guts, since the Irish are walking internalised emotion that never surfaces, except when they're hanging by the last thread. I love that.

You are welcome Vic..

Burn's films (like Looking for Kitty) are just low budget independant style films.. They have an audience but not the same as Barney.. Barney is making Visual Art whatever that means..

I wouldn't expect, even from film critics, to understand Mathew Barney's works... hence the bad reviews.. You have to be an artist with the contemporary meaning of the word to understand it.

There is a huuuuuuuge difference between making 'movies' and making 'visual art' with video as the medium.

[V]

Thanks, V! Trust you to come up with this suggestion. I have the advance screener for this, somewhere.

I also loved The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, but it was ill-promoted around the world as a "comedy".

Then you should see it... Not very similar to the Death of Mr. Lazarescu.. This one had better performances from the actors but the feeling of 12:08 leaves a more easy to swallow story, not so tiring and with better cinematography.

Also that's the problem with different cultures.. Something is comedy to one and maybe be drama to another.

I have to dissapoint you a bit here but unfortunately I do not trust film critics a lot..

In things that I tend to develop my own opinion this is the only opinion I take into consideration. Nothing is bad or good before I see it myself..

[ehtolcad]

Darjeeling Limited was excellent if you're a Wes Anderson fan, Fred Claus was cute for a holiday movie, and American Gangster was probably the best of the bunch with the exception of Russell Crowe's poor rendition of a New York cop. It's too bad that the DVD rip of American Gangster leaked before it came out in the theaters, or else I'm sure it would have made quite a bit more at the box office. Not bad for me, but you know what I mean...

[Victoria]

Well, I have to admit, shamefull as it is, I do rather enjoy Michael Bay's movies...

Oh come on, TeeJay.

Not every director has to be mind-alteringly intellectual. Some have vision, some don't. I wouldn't have given Sidney Lumet Transformers to direct, just as surely no one would trust James Cameron/Michael Bay and that ilk to direct, "12 Angry Men".

Don't be embarrassed by thinking it's shameful to enjoy a popcorn film. Entertainment is a good thing too, right?

(Especially the Bad Boys movies and The Rock) I wasn't so much impressed with the technical aspects of the film (ie the shifting angles) but as something I could just sit down, take with a pinch of salt and enjoy, I'd say it ticked all the boxes. Interesting fact, when Bumblebee 're-formats' into the new Camaro, that wasn't actually a production car, but essentially a 'kit car' (with parts provided by the parent company) and those nice rims... Not actually allow wheels, but cunningly engineered 'hub caps'. The thing that gives it away, (pause the DVD when he first pulls up and the wheel is right near the lens) is that the 'brake rotors' don't have brake calipers

Wonderful! Thanks for the info. I will be buying the DVD (well, "pre-viewed" from Blockbusters when it hits $9.99, as is my wont) and re-watch Transformers with this in mind.

I like how Megan Fox is a greasemonkey, since I don't know the least thing about cars.