Movie Review Thread

[econ21]

High Noon-A good 'ole fashioned western, and a mighty good one at that.

Yes, it's excellent - although I think at the time it was regarded as not being 'ole fashioned, but revisionist. The depiction of the townspeople as cowards foreshadows some of the Clint Eastwood/spaghetti westerns and the gradual disaffection with the Wild West myth that killed the Western. Apparently, High Noon annoyed John Wayne so much, he made Rio Bravo - where the Marshall is so kick-ass, he can rout the bad guys while turning down the offers of help from the townspeople. But to me, Rio Bravo is rather like a cartoon, whereas High Noon is real drama.

One thing I did notice that stood out to me was that(from what it sounds like anyways) is that 3:10 To Yuma seems to kinda resemble High Noon a little bit and especially the train station.

I never thought about that, but you are right. The original 3:10 to Yuma was a lower profile film than High Noon, but thoroughly enjoyable.

[Decker]

Yes, it's excellent - although I think at the time it was regarded as not being 'ole fashioned, but revisionist. The depiction of the townspeople as cowards foreshadows some of the Clint Eastwood/spaghetti westerns and the gradual disaffection with the Wild West myth that killed the Western. Apparently, High Noon annoyed John Wayne so much, he made Rio Bravo - where the Marshall is so kick-ass, he can rout the bad guys while turning down the offers of help from the townspeople. But to me, Rio Bravo is rather like a cartoon, whereas High Noon is real drama.



I never thought about that, but you are right. The original 3:10 to Yuma was a lower profile film than High Noon, but thoroughly enjoyable.

I watched it in my English class and my teach said that it came out during the time of McCarthyism and the director was blacklisted. So the film is seen as a kind of allegory of the Cold War and US foreign policy during the Korean War and that's probably one reason why John Wayne disliked it so much as he was quite the pro-American action hero kinda guy and totally macho too. And the townspeople thing is so true and you could almost feel for them at the same time you feel for the main guy. I thought it was pretty well done.

[Puzz3D]

Prix de Beaute (Beauty Prize) (1930) is a drama co-written and directed by Rene Clair and G.W. Pabst with Clair doing the first half and Pabst the second half. The film features Louise Brooks in her last starring role, since after this 3rd European film she returned to the USA and obscurity in a film industry that blacklisted her. Stunningly beautiful with very expressive face and eyes, she is effervescent in this film, and the final scene as poignant and mesmerizing as anything you're likely to see in cinema. Her acting sytle is of the silent era, but is understated enough to give her performance more of a natural impression. The character she plays is infinitely more likable than the one she played in Pandora's Box (1929).

The version available on DVD is sound dubbed in french, and has some syncronization problems since it was one of the first if not the first French talking picture. Brooks didn't speak french, so it's not her voice. It has some very nice singing by Edith Piaf, especially over the final scene. There is apparently a very well done restoration of the silent version of this film, but it's not available on DVD. This film also has quite a bit of mean spirited actions, intended as comedy, from the male protagonist towards another male character in the first half which is quite annoying. It's interesting to contrast the resolution of the narrative in Prix de Beaute with that of L'Atalante (1934) since both are about husbands who cannot really provide what the wife wants out of life.

While this version of Prix de Beaute on Kino is certainly worth renting, I would say the recent restoration of Pandora's Box by Criterion is a much better value for a purchase. Although it's still missing about 10 minutes of footage, I don't think there is a better version available.

[Puzz3D]

Severance (2006) directed by Christopher Smith, who also did the horror film Creep (2004), is a biting satire of corporate employees who work for a company that makes anti-personnel weapons. The satire quite funny in places, and a sombre aspect of responsibility for producing such weapons is also present. The filmmakers skillfully blend satire and horror elements, and this film has a lot more to say than what happens to a few corporate employees who go on a team building weekend in an Hungarian forest. The film is rated R.

[Marshal Murat]

Moliere
I enjoyed this movie immensely. Despite some sloppy translation (it was in French) I enjoyed it all. The scenery, dialogue, it was all very enjoyable.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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Thumbs up for High Noon. It's one of the two only Westerns (along with Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven) that I often return to watching again.

I'm starting to become a fan of Guillermo del Toro's works, after seeing his latest Pan's Labyrinth and earlier Cronos.

Other goodies, in no particular order:

• Dead Calm (Nicole Kidman, Sam Neil)
• Doctor Zhivago
• The Recruit
• A Farewell to Arms (David O. Selznick's 1957 version with Rock Hudson, Jennifer Jones and Vittorio de Sica)
• Animal
• Capitães de Abril (About the democratic military coup in Portugal, getting rid of Salazar and co.)
• January Man
• Million Dolar Baby

Recently seen The Rogue Assasin with Jet Lee and Jason Statham. Not an ordinary kill'em all; recommended. Spoiler hint:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expect something along the lines of Usual Suspects.

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[Decker]

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Thumbs up for High Noon. It's one of the two only Westerns (along with Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven) that I often return to watching again.

Haven't seen Unforgiven . I did see The Good, the Bad, the Ugly the other day tho, don't think I really need to give a super review for it tho as I am sure that most might have seen it. Let me say this....

You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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Unforgiven fits in the revisionist basket along with High Noon. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly stands somewhere in between.
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[Mouzafphaerre]

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Tonight seen Casomai.
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[drone]

Welcome back, Mouzafphaerre! It's been a while.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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Always a pleasure to be back, drone.
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[econ21]

I watched We were soldiers last night on TV.

Overall, it felt authentic - as you might expect, being based on the book of the Colonel commanding the battle. The only bit that did not ring true to me was the last day - with the American bayonet charge at dawn being a lure for helicopter straffing of the NVA base. That felt a bit "Braveheart", where the seemingly doomed Scots suddenly revealed their stakes/pikes to the charging English cavalry etc. Strangely, my impression at the end - when they showed the list of US dead - was how few Americans died (60 or so?) despite landing on top of an NVA division of 4000. Even the cut off platoon seemed not to have been wiped out. However, the film did depict sufficiently impressive US fire support (helicopters, artillery, napalm) to help me understand that.

Dramatically, I thought the film was well done. Even Mel Gibson, who I do not warm to, was rather good - he looked old and grizzled enough to be the hard-ass Colonel. The stand-out sequence to me was the telegrams coming by taxi and the Colonel's wife taking over their distribution. That was very moving, with Madeleine Stowe doing an excellent job. The contrast between the sleepy American suburbs and the hellish jungle combat was jarring and brought home the strangeness of men dying in a war thousands of miles away from home. The supporting actors were also good - Sam Elliot and the chap playing the journalist. The Vietnamese were portrayed as humans, although not given depth. A depiction of the war from the side of the NVA or VC soldier would be fascinating, although we may not see it until the Communist Party in Vietnam has fallen or reformed itself out of recognition.

I missed the opening 30 minutes or so, when they introduced the characters, so if I had seen it, I probably would rate it even higher. However, I would include it among the small set of authentic and well made war movies.

[Fragony]

I....am.....gratefull..........to...have served.....my country..........gasp



MAN that movie sucked jumbo-jets through a straw

[econ21]

I....am.....gratefull..........to...have served.....my country..........gasp

Well, I could not hear what he said, but yeah that sounds a plausible record.

I admit, I was a little in two minds about the film, as it could be seen as rather flag-waving. But then I read on a BBC blog a comment by someone claiming to the son of Snake, the brave helicopter pilot in the film. He made the interesting observation that all the lines that posters claimed were sentimental, overly patriotic or banal were things that the real people actually said or wrote. It seemed a valid point to me. 7th Air cavalry soldiers in war time in 1967 (or whenever) probably were a patriotic bunch.

I remember a writer saying about the American Civil War: the language and sensibilities of the people at the time were so sentimental and archaic[1], modern day readers could not accept it and so it had to be changed. Maybe something similar is going on here? Euro-weenies like you and I find it hard to stomach the language and mindset of those American soldiers?

The recent British film Atonement based on a modern novel but covering Dunkirk has received the opposite criticism from some in the UK - that by giving the character's "modern" sensibilities, it falsely gives them a lot of namby-pamby new age sensibilities and self-doubt, and fails to portrary the Dunkirk spirit of the real participants.







[1]This is my favorite example of such language - it is pretty sublime:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

July 14, 1861
Camp Clark,Washington

My very dear Sarah,

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days- perhaps tomorrow.Lest I should not be able to write again,I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more....

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing -perfectly willing- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government and to pay that debt...

Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break: and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard as it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might have lived and loved together and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly I would wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness...

But, O Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest of days and in the darkest nights...always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again...

Sullivan Ballou was killed at the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861

[Geoffrey S]

Couple of films need mentioning. Ran, for starters. Having told myself ages ago that I'd watch that movie someday, I finally did. And it is thoroughly worth every minute, every line, every expression. I've rarely, if ever, seen quite such a moving film and I recommend it to all, considering it among my most highly rated movies. Just free up about three hours and let it move you too.

Also, Dark City. I found it surprisingly good. It's flawed, and a bit too ambitious for its means, but there were many moments in which I found the genius shone through. Genuinely original, certainly worth seeing as long as you're willing to overlook certain issues.

Renaissance. Impressive CG, good music, and a decent plot. It's just not very original, and too rarely attempts to make good use of the tricks computer imagery can offer. Nice visuals though.

Malibu's Most Wanted. Well, bits of it. What I saw was rather funny to be honest, plenty of jabs at hip-hop culture.

[econ21]

I....am.....gratefull..........to...have served.....my country..........gasp

BTW, my hunch was right - the movie was authentic on those last words:

One reviewer, for instance, took umbrage with, among other things, the line in the movie where a dying Lieutenant Henry Herrick softly and proudly tells his buddies, "I’m glad I could die for my country." The reviewer saw this as offensively maudlin and false. But Sergeant Ernie Savage, who was there at Herrick’s side amidst the blood and gore, says it is true. According to Savage, "He was lying beside me on the hill and he said: ‘If I have to die, I’m glad to give my life for my country.’"

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/htherrick.htm

Wikipedia is quite good on the film - it agrees that the final bayonet charge was "overdramatised". Apparently fixed wing aircraft supported the attack on the NVA base, not the film's converted "attack helicopters".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Were_Soldiers

I still think it was a pretty good film. I'm keen to watch it again and may read the book.

[Decker]

BTW, my hunch was right - the movie was authentic on those last words:



http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/htherrick.htm

Wikipedia is quite good on the film - it agrees that the final bayonet charge was "overdramatised". Apparently fixed wing aircraft supported the attack on the NVA base, not the film's converted "attack helicopters".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Were_Soldiers

I still think it was a pretty good film. I'm keen to watch it again and may read the book.

Well, the heli support coulda been a budget issue or something of that source.

I watched We were soldiers last night on TV.

Overall, it felt authentic - as you might expect, being based on the book of the Colonel commanding the battle. The only bit that did not ring true to me was the last day - with the American bayonet charge at dawn being a lure for helicopter straffing of the NVA base. That felt a bit "Braveheart", where the seemingly doomed Scots suddenly revealed their stakes/pikes to the charging English cavalry etc. Strangely, my impression at the end - when they showed the list of US dead - was how few Americans died (60 or so?) despite landing on top of an NVA division of 4000. Even the cut off platoon seemed not to have been wiped out. However, the film did depict sufficiently impressive US fire support (helicopters, artillery, napalm) to help me understand that.

Dramatically, I thought the film was well done. Even Mel Gibson, who I do not warm to, was rather good - he looked old and grizzled enough to be the hard-ass Colonel. The stand-out sequence to me was the telegrams coming by taxi and the Colonel's wife taking over their distribution. That was very moving, with Madeleine Stowe doing an excellent job. The contrast between the sleepy American suburbs and the hellish jungle combat was jarring and brought home the strangeness of men dying in a war thousands of miles away from home. The supporting actors were also good - Sam Elliot and the chap playing the journalist. The Vietnamese were portrayed as humans, although not given depth. A depiction of the war from the side of the NVA or VC soldier would be fascinating, although we may not see it until the Communist Party in Vietnam has fallen or reformed itself out of recognition.

I missed the opening 30 minutes or so, when they introduced the characters, so if I had seen it, I probably would rate it even higher. However, I would include it among the small set of authentic and well made war movies.

Excellent review of one of the better movies on Vietnam(imo).

[doc_bean]

Spiderman 3 is horrible.

[caravel]

"A long time ago, in the underground realm, where there are no lies or pain, there lived a Princess who dreamed of the human world. She dreamed of blue skies, soft breeze, and sunshine. One day, eluding her keepers, the Princess escaped. Once outside, the brightness blinded her and erased every trace of the past from her memory. She forgot who she was and where she came from. Her body suffered cold, sickness, and pain. Eventually, she died. However, her father, the King, always knew that the Princess' soul would return, perhaps in another body, in another place, at another time. And he would wait for her, until he drew his last breath, until the world stopped turning... And it is said that the Princess returned to her father's kingdom. That she reigned there with justice and a kind heart for many centuries. That she was loved by her people. And that she left behind small traces of her time on Earth, visible only to those who know where to look." - El Laberinto del Fauno

An individual's perception of reality is subjective. The film seamlessly weaves together two different perceived realities with many parallel elements linking the two. I can't recall ever seeing it done as well as it's done in this film.

I must admit to be being a big fan of this film and pretty much anything directed by Guillermo del Toro. The Devil's Backbone is also a must see ghost story in an orphanage also set during the Spanish Civil War, by the same director.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I went to see Across the Universe the other day, and whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in the Beatles. It's essentially Yellow Submarine meets Moulin Rouge, with the cast singing a vast selection of the fab four's hits in new arrangements-with a little help from Bono and Eddie Izzard along the way. The story is slightly trite-Liverpool docker goes to the States to seek his estranged father, ends up living in the east village-but it really doesn't matter, as this is all about the musical numbers and the sumptuous visuals. Superb fun. Big fans will also revel in all of the in-jokes and sight-gags.

[Mouzafphaerre]

I must admit to be being a big fan of this film and pretty much anything directed by Guillermo del Toro. The Devil's Backbone is also a must see ghost story in an orphanage also set during the Spanish Civil War, by the same director.

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I saw El Laberinto del Fauno and Cronos, and loved them both, especially the Laberinto.
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[RoadKill]

3 best movies

Texas Chainsaw Masscre, Resident Evil, Pirates of the Carribian 2 Dead man's chest.

[Marshal Murat]

Hotel Rwanda

I was initially very skeptical about the movie when I first heard about it. I, personally, was very glad that I didn't see it when I heard about it.
No, really. I probably would've been too immature to understand the movie. As I watched it, it felt so real. So alive. So painful, terrible, sad, true, and repulsive.

I, as a man, have trouble admitting it, but I cried. I cried so hard, and it felt like such a catharsis. It was just an outpouring of emotion, grief, pain, and sadness. It was a life-changing movie, to say the least.

I suggest the movie. I advise you to watch it.

[Fragony]

Didn't do it for me, so forced. I found myselve not caring at all which is strange because terrible things happen.

[Conradus]

Went to see Resident Evil: Extinction the other day. The action was good, and the film contained more horror than the previous two. Only one remark: it was rather short and again it had an open-ending to allow more movies to be made.

[Bijo]

We Were Soldiers is one of the best Vietnam war movies I have seen, among Platoon and Apocalypse Now and some others I have probably forgotten.

[Decker]

Just saw The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller. Aaaand wholly moley, what a nutjob that was lol. Definitely not a date movie as I found out imo. Stiller was good tho but there were parts that were just crazy weird for me(personally).


And I also saw 3:10 to Yuma. A better than average Western movie than any of the recent ones(which ever those maybe- and the *blank* I aint talkin about BBM cuz that's just no), I wouldn't go as so far to say that it's the "best" movie of the summer or that it's the best western for that matter but, it definitely is one of the better ones made and the acting is top notch.

The two movies right know that I absolutely cannot wait for, is American Gangster and We Own The Night.

[Mouzafphaerre]

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The Legend of 1900 (

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

La Leggenda del pianista sull'oceano

)

Tim Roth was... I can't find any suitable words at all!
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[Fragony]

Dead Calm, what a great claustrophobic thriller, a shame about the ending that was no doubt forced upon the makers by suits. OWWWWWWW NICOLE KIDMAN

[Mouzafphaerre]

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Absolutely! One of the best Nicole movies.
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