(fairly) Recent Movies

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(fairly) Recent Movies; (Oh wow, syko started a topic! :O )
Topic Started: Jan 20 2007, 02:31 AM (2,088 Views)
syko	Jan 20 2007, 02:31 AM Post #1
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	At the request of our dear admin, here is (yet another) place to discuss recent movies! I copied and pasted my brief critiques from the other thread and have even included some more! I've also decided to implement a rudimentary, highly fluctuating rating system! Lucky you! How the ratings work: They are 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and ten, respectively, also being the lowest... I mean highest! 1 - I despise this movie. There isn't more to say, and the only reason it doesn't have a zero is because I'm not going to take the time to speculate upon absolutes in my grading system! 2 - This movie was hardly like a movie at all. Avoid it if possible. 3 - There were one or two good moments. The rest was utter crap, either because it was boring, horribly done, or just plain stupid and cliche'd. 4 - The bottom line for quality. The movie was, at the very least, entertaining. 5 - Middle of the road. It isn't horrible, but it is by no means excellent. 6 - Though 5 may be middle, 6 is what an average movie should be. It is entertaining, well done, and unique enough to provide some lasting memories which stand out. Below 6 the movie isn't really worth seeing. 7 - It is better than average and, depending on your tastes, certainly worth seeing. 8 - This is what a true film should be. It is unique, entertaining, and does something that makes it truly worth watching. 9 - They rarely get better than this. This is where most Oscar movies would fall, or simply those that are really acknowledged for a particular aspect. Most of the time, it has to be very well rounded for me to place it this high. 10 - This is a flawless film. There is absolutely no way you could hate it, and, if you did, then you don't understand films at all! Of course thats my personal opinion, so, if I ever did give something this, you would probably absolutely hate it. (Don't worry, I doubt I'll be giving one this. ) Since I only ever bother talking about movies I actually like, (because really, who wastes even more time discussing a horrible movie after they just watched it?), you can expect to never see below a 4, but also probably not above an 8, unless I absolutely adore it. Just for simplicity's sake, the actual reviews will in a separate post.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


syko	Jan 20 2007, 02:32 AM Post #2
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	(Listed alphabetically) - Blood Diamond: As action dramas go, this is a very amazing movie. Though it is long and feels almost too real at times, the sheer accuracy and provocative messages intertwined within the captivating plot make it a very memorable movie. While the basic plot itself is not that great, the wonderful writing, uniquely stereotyped characters, and sheer drama of the created (and actually vividly realistic!) situations make this movie stand out as one of the year's greats. My rating: 8.5. This really is a wonderful and very powerful movie with a clear message which is captured in every aspect of the plot, but not in a way that derails the plot or makes the struggles of the characters less important. If you aren't in the mood for an intense and moving film, you probably shouldn't see this. But otherwise, it is a great experience. - Casino Royale: I'm actually a big Bond fan and have see all of the movies multiple times, as I thoroughly enjoy the series (well, maybe not the Roger Moore ones .) As Pierce Brosnan was my personal favorite Bond, I was very sad to see him replaced by a new guy, and a blond one at that! But I still saw the movie, and, despite my best attempts to hate Daniel Craig, he was actually the part I liked the best! The movie itself was not that great. As Bond movies go, it was very scattered and, though done well, seemed too incoherent to really be memorable. It was also far longer than it had to be, as it diverged into focusing on his personal love rather than the actual story (which is not a bad thing, but rather something that you don't really want from 007.) The villain was also.... well, he and his plot kind of sucked. My rating: 6.5. This is not a particularly great Bond movie. While it does have its fair share of action, romance, and witty remarks, the plot itself is what really makes Bond movies stand out to me, and this one just falls short in that department. However, if there is any reason to see it, it is for Daniel Craig's performance, because he, in my opinion, perfectly captured the character of James Bond in every aspect of him, from his speech patterns, to his movements, to his expressions. - Children Of Men: Near apocalyptic scenarios for humanity are a pretty common theme in films and have certainly been done time and time again. However, none (that I have seen) have so perfectly captured the true feel of the situation as this movie did. Mix in the unique explanation for the scenario (that no children have been born in two decades) and you have a very different movie. Without giving away too much, I'll just say that the entire movie is one intense ride from (near) beginning to end, and it will leave you thinking about quite a lot. My rating: 9. I absolutely adore this movie. I love Clive Owen anyways, and he was particularly great in this film. I also love interesting perspectives of humanity, and this one's pre-apocalyptic glimpse of an orderly chaotic future was captivating and intriguing. Also of note was the extraordinary cinematography; it was all done in hand-held cameras, with amazingly choreographed scenes taking you from a peaceful discussion to running through a war-ravaged, blood covered street, all in a near-disturbingly real and natural procession. I really liked this movie, and, though it does offer a very abject perception of humanity's future, it also attributes some hope in doing so. - Pan's Labyrinth: A fantastic blend of high fantasy with blindingly true reality from the perspective of an imaginative, young girl who becomes caught in the midst of a small post-WWII struggle between a fascist Spanish captain and Communist rebels. It has a couple of intensely done parallel stories and the imaginative fantasy of the girl's world blends wonderfully with the harshness of reality. It's only real downside was that it is all in Spanish with English subtitles, but it pulls you right in and is done so well that you don't really notice. My rating: 7. This is a very interesting movie and probably deserves a higher rating, because it was very well rounded. I, however, was a little disappointed with its presentation, as, from what I had gathered from the previews, I was expecting it to be a lot more philosophical and surreal. Those are just my tastes, though, and that may very well be a bonus to you. - The Good Shepherd: This is a very good movie. It is also a very long movie (I think 168 minutes.) It is a very long and a very good movie - an epic in pretty much every way. There isn't much to say without giving away some facet of its insanely interwoven plots, but the acting is terrific (Matt Damon does a particularly amazing job as a quiet, 'perceived' superhero) and it is very well done. You definitely have to be in the mood for this one, but if you are, I highly recommend it. My rating: 8.5. This is the kind of movie that should really be accompanied by a long list of awards. It is an epic, very long, and, if you aren't prepared, pretty boring. However, if you take the time to watch it and really pay attention, it truly is a wonderful achievement. Certainly not for the light-hearted movie-goer. - The Holiday: I've actually seen a lot of romantic comedies, and, though most have good, intriguing stories and little, quirky occurrences which make them memorable, this one transcends the rest simply because of the sheer chemistry of the movie. It's one of those rare films that actually succeeds in carrying on two intertwining plots while not overly stressing them together - it is almost two great movies in one. Add in some extremely hilarious Hollywood commentary and the wonderful acting all around (okay, I admit I saw it mainly for Jude Law, but everyone else did a wonderful job too!) and this is a really great movie, even if you don't like romantic comedies (which you don't, but I'm imagining that someone other than just Peter is reading this ) My rating: 8. I'm tempted to give it a 9, but I'm not really sure if any of the performances or other aspects of the story are really that great. They were of course exceptional, but perhaps not award worthy. Even so, as romantic comedies go, this was a very good movie than even someone who absolutely hates the genre could extract some amount of entertainment from. (I thought about going even further back through the year and writing about a few other good movies I saw, but myeh.)
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 21 2007, 10:51 PM Post #3
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Two of those I want to see, the others, I'm not so eager, and The Holiday I have seen, and I'd give it a 7. I loathe any kind of romantic comedies, and while it had several stale parts in it, it did do a lot of new things, thing which we'll see in every other romantic comdey thus forward, much like what You've Got Mail did to the genre. God I hate this genre more then any other one. I'm not a big fan of Bond movies, I could tolerate them, and well with a new Bond, and the way action movies have been going lately, I'm not the least bit interested in this, while it may be a good movie, I'm not seeing anytime soon, I hope. Blood Diamon, I want to see, but not as much as I want to see Children of Men, sadly these'll be movies I'll have to watch by myself, because my family is into romatnic comdiees, and epic movies, everything I like they find boring.:( Anyways, I'd love to talk about movies, but I haven't seen any most haven't already seen....welll I'll post two. InsideMan: About a group of robbers, who attempt to do the perfect crime, and almost pull it off, except, well I dont 'want to give it waway, the guy kinda figures it out. Very good, with a bit of action, though there were some parts that I didnt' like, and it was really unorginal in its presentation. good movie, just nothing new. 7.5 And... World Trade Center. I'm not a big Nicholas Cage fan, his movies are fairly boring comedies, and feature strong language, and sex. I dont' like either really. But this movie was good, and Cage pulled a fairly different roll, and turned this movie into something okay. What made it great was the music, and the presentation, half the movie they are just stuck in a hole, and it keeps you wanting to watch. Scary and emotional, I recommended it, though it did tend to drag on a little, but not enough to make you stop watching, or even want to stop watching, though I did wish it would just get going a little faster. 8.0
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 22 2007, 12:59 AM Post #4
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Well I understand your feelings about Romantic Comedies, though I personally enjoy the genre, so long as theres something special about the movie. Or if it has good characters. As far as Casino Royale goes, I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like Bond movies. Its in no way the best, though Daniel Craig should still be congratulated for his portrayal. Blood Diamond is kind of an epic, I think you could get away with convincing yur family to watch it. But then its pretty intense and has a lot of violence. And Chidlren of Men is a great movie! Make them watch it! InsideMan - I saw it a while ago. I was expecting a lot more from it than what I want, especially with such a great cast (again, I really like Clive Owen! ), so I was pretty disappointed with it. I'd probably give it a 6.5, just because it seemed like it was trying really hard to do something different but then never really succeeded. World Trade Center - I never saw this, and I still don't really want to. Don't get me wrong, I love well done movies about memorable events, especially when they focus upon the individual humanity amidst the tempest of pain and death (much like Blood Diamond does), but it just doesn't really appeal to me. I'm sure its a great movie, and Nicholas Cage can be a good actor when he needs to be (Adaptation and Moonstruck are evidence enough), but meh.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 22 2007, 10:18 PM Post #5
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Well in WTC, Nicholas Cage wasn't the only good actor. Okay I liked, the acting that movie was nothing short of average. I was manily excited about the way it made you feel, not becase it was the WTC and 9/11, but becasue two guys surived to see the light of day again, against impossible odds. I'll have to poke and prod my family into seeing these two movies, are there any sex scenes, because if so, then I'm not recommending the films for them to watch.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 22 2007, 11:00 PM Post #6
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	None of them has a sex scene in it. Blood Diamond had a part where it looked like it was going to, but it showed the characters bonding in a better way. Children of Men does have a brief part of nudity in it, but its not anything offensive (still probably not good for a family, though ). Oh yes, and, since there's not really any point in having a different thread to discuss older movies, we might as well do it here. Speaking of which, I just watched Titanic today - I forgot how good that was. Definitely a 9, possibly even a 9.5, though I'm not sure.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 23 2007, 10:44 PM Post #7
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	I'll just rent them from my local machine. Titanic, was not one of my favirotes, good, but not great, and it's been so long, that I guess I really can't judge it anymore. Defintly too long to watch again, we have it on VHS, two tapes!
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 24 2007, 02:23 AM Post #8
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Yah, I just watched it for the first time in I guess about 10 years. Of course, if you don't like romances or drama, then I guess it wouldn't be good aside from the story of the Titanic itself, but then the entire reason that movie is so epic is because of its execution. It focuses on a much smaller and isolated story within the event which you become personally attached to (much like what you described in World Trade Center), thus making everything seem that much more intense and relatable. Very good movie... sniffle.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 24 2007, 10:13 PM Post #9
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	You cried? THe only time I've cried was in the movie The Green Mile....oh God, why did they have to kill the insane guy. If you haven't watched I suggest it, 8/10.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 25 2007, 04:32 AM Post #10
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	I havn't seen all of it, but I've seen bits and pieces of it occasionally. I'll see it someday.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 25 2007, 10:30 PM Post #11
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	It's good. I need to think of more good movies, but my family hates good movies, so this'll be a very good challenge for me.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 25 2007, 11:27 PM Post #12
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Well good luck with that. Its never a good thing when you don't have anyone to watch movies with or, even worse, when everyone you have to watch movies with has entirely different tastes than you. Oh yah, and the next post is reserved for you! Because I sense a review coming along tomorrow...
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 26 2007, 10:49 PM Post #13
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Why would I review that, we both saw it? And we discussed it heavily. I'll give it a rating though, for good measure.^_^ 8/10...Great Acting, Pretty Good Presentation (parts we're just boring and usual, parts were really great!), Some parts seemed cut short, or extended to long.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 26 2007, 11:10 PM Post #14
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Thats what I as going to give it! (The "it" being "The Last King of Scotland", in case somebody who doesn't know is reading. :rolleyes: )
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 28 2007, 01:11 AM Post #15
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Great minds think alike. (Syko and me, in case somebody who dosen't know is reading.)
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 28 2007, 01:14 AM Post #16
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Great eyes... see the same movies? ("me" being Peter Griffin, our lovable admin, formerly known and still referred to by some as the now antiquated Goblinhunter, for anyone still unsure.)
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 28 2007, 11:20 PM Post #17
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Fine eyes whatever! Wait what? Anyways... anyone see good movies lately.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 29 2007, 12:51 AM Post #18
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	I just watched Thelma and Loise, which was actually very good! Not that you'd care, but its a rather old film about two "normal" women who go on a harmless vacation so that they can unwind and end up being fugitives in three states! I give it a 9.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Jan 29 2007, 10:21 PM Post #19
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Never heard of it. Uhm...I just watched the Sixth Sense. 9. Excellent movie, but I'm sure you all know all about it.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Jan 29 2007, 10:44 PM Post #20
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Sixth Sense is a great movie! Today I watched "The World According To Garp" which was one of the strangest movies I have ever seen; I love strange. You would probably really like it, because it has some unparalelled comedic sequences. However, it does have a lot of sexual stuff in it, so I don't know. I give it a 9.1, just because it would be weird (?) to have three nines in a row.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Feb 2 2007, 11:16 PM Post #21
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	weird. I haven't watch any weird movies, so if I ever see it, I'll watch it. And that is a very weird title, so it must be good!
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Feb 2 2007, 11:45 PM Post #22
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Oh yes, it was quite good. Robin Williams was perfect for the part, Glenn Close did an excellent job as his mother, and John Lithgow performed particularly comically as... well, you'll just have to find out. Today I watched "Girl Interrupted," a story about a young woman (Winona Ryder) who tries to kill herself and is thus placed in a mental institution where she meets a myriad of wacky and interesting characters, among which an even crazier woman (Angelina Jolie) stands out as her "role model." It probably sounds boring, but it had terrific acting, wonderful character development, and a very intriging perspective. Another 9, I'm afraid.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Feb 3 2007, 11:43 PM Post #23
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	Sounds interesting. Today I watched about 20% of Happy Gilmore. 5.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


syko	Feb 4 2007, 01:54 AM Post #24
Self-Proclaimed Lord of Pointless Spamming Posts: 28,280 Group: Elite Member Member #3 Joined: February 4, 2005	Indeed. I saw "The Illusionist" again today. Its a pretty good movie, though it's generally slow, boring, and way too predictable. But still, the idea is pretty good, the acting is pretty solid (I like Edward Norton, but he wasn't particularly astounding. Paul Giamatti did a good job, though,) and it has some interesting magic tricks. I give it a 6.
	Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, blind to the choices presented, wandered into the middle.


Peter Griffin	Feb 4 2007, 10:27 PM Post #25
Administrator of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Posts: 23,617 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 3, 2005	I'm not all that interested, there really isnt' anything out that is interesting. Meanwhile I watched Open Season today. Not great, cliched, but pretty okay. 4/10.
	Deep Thoughts By Peter Griffin What the heck is a turtle dove? Obama '08


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