Movie Review Thread

[Fragony]

Mouza: You're far kinder to 300 then I am. For myself, it was one of the crappiest movies I've ever seen -- it easily makes it onto my "Worst 10" list. Aside from the (admittedly superb) cinematography, I can't see anything good about that film.

It intentionally awful it's awful in the first degree. I was actually dissapointed that it wasn't worse, I was expecting pure testosteron after the THIS IS SPARTA!!! jokes on youtube and it didn't deliver but still a hilariously homosensual RAAAAAAAAAAAWR

[Mouzafphaerre]

Mouza: You're far kinder to 300 then I am. For myself, it was one of the crappiest movies I've ever seen -- it easily makes it onto my "Worst 10" list. Aside from the (admittedly superb) cinematography, I can't see anything good about that film.

.
Actually that's what I say with the much better wording of yours.
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[Fragony]

Infection. Is green goo in a japanese hospital scary?

yes.

[Spino]

It intentionally awful it's awful in the first degree. I was actually dissapointed that it wasn't worse, I was expecting pure testosteron after the THIS IS SPARTA!!! jokes on youtube and it didn't deliver but still a hilariously homosensual RAAAAAAAAAAAWR

I'm glad I'm not alone on this. I found 300 to be highly entertaining but not in the 'quality cinematic' sense. 300 was a pre-teen/teen action flick to the nth degree, so much so that it became a showcase of cheesy absurdity wrapped in a unintentional comedy. Not that the movie was a total writeoff; the direction was quite good, the visuals were stunning and the writing was ok at times. The director's insistence on having Gerard Butler scream out many of his lines only pushed the movie deeper into the realm of silliness.

Iron Man - I loved the 1st half/two thirds of this film only to be seriously let down by the underwhelming & terribly cliched final act. I don't know if I'm completely sold on Downey as Tony Stark but he did a fine job and proved especially adept with the humor. Overall I did enjoy it, much more than the Spider Man flicks.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I was expecting a climactic battle of titans in the third act; Iron Man's brains & speed versus Iron Monger's brute force and toughness. Instead I was treated to a terribly predictable console boss battle where the protagonist relies on a tired plot device to win the day. And Tony Stark revealing Iron Man's true identity during the press conference was too much to bear. I'm not a purist but could we please try and follow the comic a little more closely?

There Will Be Blood - Great film and superior to "No Country For Old Men" but it sports one hell of a strange ending that feels completely out of place.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I have yet to have someone offer an adequate explanation as to why Daniel Plainview would even bother to murder Eli once the former revealed he, once again, had the upper hand over the latter. Eli proved once again he had no prayer of competing with Daniel on his Machiavellan home turf. Even for the brief moment when Eli did have the upper hand it was due entirely to Daniel's murderous 'indiscretion' which led to his public confession, the outcome of which ultimately led to a pivotal moment that brought about a positive turn in Daniel's life (the return of his adopted son). I guess what I was expecting a more appropriate ending, perhaps one that dealt in greater detail with Daniel's tragic disownment of his adopted son, as as opposed to a scene that felt tacked on and smacked of a writer's desperate bid to end the film with a bang.

[Puzz3D]

There Will Be Blood - Great film and superior to "No Country For Old Men" but it sports one hell of a strange ending that feels completely out of place.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I have yet to have someone offer an adequate explanation as to why Daniel Plainview would even bother to murder Eli once the former revealed he, once again, had the upper hand over the latter. Eli proved once again he had no prayer of competing with Daniel on his Machiavellan home turf. Even for the brief moment when Eli did have the upper hand it was due entirely to Daniel's murderous 'indiscretion' which led to his public confession, the outcome of which ultimately led to a pivotal moment that brought about a positive turn in Daniel's life (the return of his adopted son). I guess what I was expecting a more appropriate ending, perhaps one that dealt in greater detail with Daniel's tragic disownment of his adopted son, as as opposed to a scene that felt tacked on and smacked of a writer's desperate bid to end the film with a bang.

I thought the ending was great because

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

it reveals how completely ruthless an entrepreneur Daniel Plainview was. When he was talking to Henry he could think of no reason why he despised people, and didn't see that it was a subconscious repression of empathy for other people so that he wouldn't feel guilt about exploiting them. In Daniel, this repression was so complete that that he had no regard for human life, and he didn't even care about the kid. He only raised the kid because the presence of a young "son" would give him leverage in negotiations with people by making it appear that he was a "caring" person. This is why he got so mad at the Union Oil man who suggested that Daniel take the $1 million offer and get out of the business to spend time doing things with his "son". It's also why he could so easily disown his "son" once the kid wanted to establish his independence and become an insignificant competitor in the oil business. Daniel would now have no family to leave his money to, but he didn't care about that since he was a completely self centered individual.

I don't think that Daniel wanted the kid back after he sent him away to boarding school, but Eli's congregation forced him to take him back. He had to take him back to get the rights to the land for the pipeline, and you could see by the end of the film that the son's return wasn't the positive turn in Daniel's life that it appeared to be. You could see that the kid despised being used by Daniel and that he wasn't going to buy back into the charade in that scene the day he returned, and he continued to fake not being able to talk most likely from shortly after the time of the accident. Remember, Daniel left the kid and went back to work on the burning well even though the kid was seriously injured. There was nothing Daniel could do about the burning well at that moment, but to Daniel the well was more important than making sure that his "son" was going to be ok. I think at that moment the kid realized that Daniel didn't really care about him, and he became spiteful of Daniel's acceptance of Henry. Lack of empathy is also why Daniel could kill Eli for almost no reason with no remorse whatsoever. Ironically, he killed Eli because he got mad that Eli tried to hustle him the same way that he had hustled countless other people, and he will get away with it because his butler will help him cover it up. This film is full of people who are out for personal gain. I believe that, in general, selfishness goes a lot deeper in people than they are willing to reveal, and that's the theme of this film.

[Kamakazi]

Post your movie reviews on any movie you like/dislike. I'll start off with the movie Underworld.

I watched Underworld over the weekend on TBS and I thought it was absolutely great. I think some parts were edited (more gory parts), which is a bit disappointing, but hey, it was still great.

Beckinsale in the tight leather suit helped to make this movie better! ;)

Something about the plot makes me love it and craving more. Fortunetly I saw Underworld right after the theater release of Underworld: Evolution (new one).

It's rated R, but I'll find a way in!


Now you guys think of a movie you've seen rescently and tell us about it.

Lol if you like here in that movie see the 2nd one.... =)

I recently watched the kingdom.....It was really good except some of the blood and guts parts looked totally fake...overall thoughg it had a good plot and a lot of action

[seireikhaan]

The Happening.

Utterly insane movie. Gotta say, if I got caught in something like that, I would be scared as hell. Acting was pretty good, I thought, but I'm still trying to decide as to whether or not to recommend. It definitely wins my vote for most bizarre movie of the year award, though.

[Kralizec]

Indiana Jones 4
It had its good moments but they were completely overshadowed by the bad plot, the cliches, sheer lack of plausibility (even when measured against the other Indie movies) etc, etc. 4.5/10

The Getaway
Crime flick with a great cast, good dialogue and pretty thin plot (well, the last is to be expected with this kind of film) 7/10

[Fragony]

The Happening.

Utterly insane movie. Gotta say, if I got caught in something like that, I would be scared as hell. Acting was pretty good, I thought, but I'm still trying to decide as to whether or not to recommend. It definitely wins my vote for most bizarre movie of the year award, though.

From what I heard of it my kind of movie, love the we-are-so-screwed genre.

Something different, Realm of the senses, or why porn can be classy. Incredible movie, great camara great actors great everything, and you will never look at a hardboiled egg in the same way that I promise.

10/10

[Puzz3D]

From what I heard of it my kind of movie, love the we-are-so-screwed genre.

Well, a lot of people are going to feel like they're the ones who got screwed paying $10 to see The Happening, but I actually liked it because it has a 1950's sci-fi feel to it due to the B level acting, the mysterious nature of the threat and the human interest aspect that M. Night Shyamalan always puts in his movies. There is quite a bit of symbolism in the film concerning man's relationship to nature. The small amount of graphic violence in the film is there for shock value, but I don't think the film succeeds as a thriller. There is almost a complete absence of drama except right at the end, and no scenes of panic. Everyone seems very well behaved in the midst of this life threatening situation unlike 1950's sci-fi films. The premise has a weak scientific basis and is hard to swallow, but it's a thought provoking if simple minded story.

Something different, Realm of the senses, or why porn can be classy. Incredible movie, great camara great actors great everything, and you will never look at a hardboiled egg in the same way that I promise.

10/10

Check out the film Tokyo Decadence (1992) as well.

[Soulforged]

Well, a lot of people are going to feel like they're the ones who got screwed paying $10 to see The Happening, but I actually liked it because it has a 1950's sci-fi feel to it due to the B level acting, the mysterious nature of the threat and the human interest aspect that M. Night Shyamalan always puts in his movies. There is quite a bit of symbolism in the film concerning man's relationship to nature. The small amount of graphic violence in the film is there for shock value, but I don't think the film succeeds as a thriller. There is almost a complete absence of drama except right at the end, and no scenes of panic. Everyone seems very well behaved in the midst of this life threatening situation unlike 1950's sci-fi films. The premise has a weak scientific basis and is hard to swallow, but it's a thought provoking if simple minded story.

After seeing that movie, and seeing how Shyamalan is begining to fail over and over again with every release, I think I'll start a recollection of signatures to ban Shyamalan from the face of cinematography. I don't want to spoil anything for people who are willing to waste money on this piece of crap, it's enough to say that the protagonist talks with a plant. The film is a series of disconnected events and experiments on grotesque deaths, false drama, and bad acting, this goes from disjointed to over the top in a snap, and that's actually all that it says and all it represents, a snap.

[Puzz3D]

After seeing that movie, and seeing how Shyamalan is begining to fail over and over again with every release, I think I'll start a recollection of signatures to ban Shyamalan from the face of cinematography.

The Happening cost $60 million to make, and it looks like it will gross around $75 million in its theatrical run. Of course, that doesn't all go back to the producers because the theater owners get a cut, but there will be DVD sales later. So, Shyamalan's career isn't finished yet, but he's getting close to being finished.

[Peasant Phill]

Did anybody see 'hostel'?

Granted I didn't watch the whole movie (I got bored which is very rare for me) but it must be one of the most pointless movies I've ever seen. It's not something I would normaly watch but my girlfriend wanted to see hostel and I tought that Tarantino would stand for some quality.

The movie had abslutely no plot other then horny American students on vacation in a Europe of every possible stereotype. The characters have no motivation to do anything and so they don't. To camouflage the absolute lack of story/build up the movie shows more breasts than soft porn.

The other thing are the details that annoyed me endlessly. It's like the witer, director and producers just didn't do more effort than absolutely necesarryand used reasons and motivations I would only dare to use if I was piss drunk and wanted to get it over with.
The movie starts in Amsterdam where they apparently speak German. How hard is it to find Dutch speaking actors in the USA? How hard is it to chack which language people speak in the setting of your mvie for that matter.
Then our 'band of heroes' goes to Slowakia because someone told tem there was a hostel there where they could get laid as easily as we can blink. And why is this? because apparently all the men went to fight in a war that to my knowledge doesn't exist.

At that time the torture (the whole raison d'être of this film) started but it was already to late for me. As I said I was already bored and no amount of gore could have saved the film.

[Fragony]

The movie complete denies itselve the power of suggestion, it's a bit cheap the torture scenes aren't very effective, not scary but very bloody, it's just not fun to watch. Still it's a must have for the collector it's a bit of a modern horror-classic. I am undecided, watched it twice, hated it the first time but kinda apreciated it the second time. The movie does have this raw energy.

[TevashSzat]

Just say Fight Club last night.

I must say, it is a brilliant movie. The twist between the two main characters towards the end is pretty amazing, yet obvious too. It makes alot of statements and does so well even though I might not agree with them.

The only thing I didn't really like about the movie is its feel. It is too dark for me, but I suppose thats just me since the movie is supposed to be that way

[Marshal Murat]

Kung Fu Panda
Good movie, excellent art, good plot. Unfortunately, you feel like you're watching Crouching Skywalker, Sleeping Vader. It gives a great message not only about personality but the implaccability of fate. Very good movie to laugh a little.

[Quintus.JC]

Just watched The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Good film for the family, but the plot was definitely not as good as the first one. Still good though, the final battles against the Telmarines were brilliant. plus a wonderful credit song.

Edit: Just for a thought, for anyone who watched the film, doesn't the Telmarine charging formation resembles that of the ancient Romans. The Testudos, separate regenments similar to legions, carro-ballistas and catapults etc.etc.

[Decker]

Just saw Mongol last Sunday. Was quite an interesting movie and provided interesting background on the great Genghis Khan. I'd recommend it tho, I'd have to see it again because it had a lot of good elements in the movie that made it pretty good all around. there was good action and story plots between the different characters that moved in and out of the main plot. Apparently it is part of series chronicling Khan's life as he moved across that part of the world. It's not for everybody but if you can't see in the theater, then try and rent it on DVD or buy straight up. 91/2/10

Saw Happening. Really interesting movie. Though, it was quite easy to figure out what was causing the problems, I found how the main characters and the other people dealt with what was going on. To me, the way the people dealed and acted towards "the happening" would make for a great book...not based off of the movie. Overall it was a fun and entertaining movie to watch, tho there were parts which felt like I was watching some of his other movies. I'm not sure I'd recommend it, maaaaybe rent it but I'm not gonna watch it again if I can help it. 6/10

[seireikhaan]

The Happening cost $60 million to make, and it looks like it will gross around $75 million in its theatrical run. Of course, that doesn't all go back to the producers because the theater owners get a cut, but there will be DVD sales later. So, Shyamalan's career isn't finished yet, but he's getting close to being finished.

Shyamalan's already working on his next film.

[Geoffrey S]

In Bruges. Can't think of anything that wasn't good in the film. Truly an ensemble piece, with fantastic acting by all, including Farrell. The star of the film is the script - at times, laugh out loud hilarious, at others, so shocking it made me cringe. Probably not a film for the sensitive.

Seriously, go watch it. On par with No Country for Old Men, and Bruges is a stunner.

[Decker]

In Bruges. Can't think of anything that wasn't good in the film. Truly an ensemble piece, with fantastic acting by all, including Farrell. The star of the film is the script - at times, laugh out loud hilarious, at others, so shocking it made me cringe. Probably not a film for the sensitive.

Seriously, go watch it. On par with No Country for Old Men, and Bruges is a stunner.

When did that come out??

[Geoffrey S]

I honestly don't know. It's recent. Only just out in the Netherlands, it was busy in the cinema. Wiki states that it got a limited february release in the US, and was out recently in the UK.

[Fragony]

When did that come out??

Never heard of it but going to watch it for the setting alone, Brugge is simply gorgious, could very well be the most beautiful town in the world. And I am talking towns not city's that would be Paris

[Geoffrey S]

Should like the film for that alone, then.ovely camera work.

[Marshal Murat]

Went to see WALL-E today, and I have to say it was excellent. It was cute without being sickening, cautious without being a fear-mongering, and reminiscent of an Arthur Clarke adventure.

[Fragony]

Atonement, uhm, wow. As in wow.

[seireikhaan]

Hellboy II: The Golden Army
An extremely enjoyable fantasy movie. Had some truly great moments in it. Quality action, a couple surprises, some very good acting on most parts parts(its sorta tough to grade the acting of some, seeing as they weren't exactly human), and some very good humor as well, surprisingly enough. I'd heartily recommend it to anyone.

[Puzz3D]

Wanted (2008) is an action picture starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. The action is very over the top matrix style with quite a few bullet time sequences, and extremely frenetic jump cutting during the actions scenes to the point where you can't follow the action in some places. The action scenes are full of impossibilities, but that is apparently due to it being a film adaptation of a graphic novel where impossible things happen. In retrospect, apparently the action is supposed to be taken as humorous, but the actors play their parts dead seriously. Since the screenplay was mediocre, I didn't really like this film very much, although, I wanted to like it. The convoluted plot has a terrible flaw in it as well if you think about it. To top things off, Angelina Jolie did not look very good in her closeups. She looks underweight, and it makes her face seem older than she is. This film is based on a graphic novel with which I'm unfamiliar, and that may be why I couldn't get on track with this film. My friend was confused as well, but he did say it seemed as thought it was supposed to be humorous.

[Kralizec]

Frank Herbert's Dune (2000; by John Harrison)
The only reason I didn't pick this one up as soon as it came out on DVD was because I thought I would probably dissapointed (I thought that David Lynch' take on the story was absolutely horrorible)

As it turns out though, I'm mostly pleased with it. It bent the original plot in several places and shuffled some of the lines from character to character, but justifyably in most cases and it didn't prevent me from enjoying it.
For people who haven't read Dune this miniseries should still be enjoyable, maybe moreso. A drawback is that it doesn't do a good job of showing how important the spice is and that the whole imperium is basicly a conservative feudal society with rigid, planet bound castes. Both are mentioned but not properly emphasized.
There are a few things from the novel that have been left out wich IMO shouldn't have been, but I'll not delve into that.
The acting is decent enough most of the time, a few quirky bits of overacting here and there though. The woman who played Mohiam was the only one I thought was really bad; while the Baron Harkonnen's portrayal was excellent.

Anyway, it's a miniseries with easily 4 hours of viewing so take that into account. I got my copy for 9 Euro so that shouldn't stop you.

[Kralizec]

Yikes, double post!

This is England
Nice movie, something of a British parallel to American History X (though by no means a copy)
7.5/10