What Movie Did You Just Watch? - Shh! It's Starting!

[Widdi]

Iron Man 2: Better than your average superhero flick, but not quite as good as the first one.

Make sure you stay till the end of the credits for a teaser scene for the next movie in the Avengers series.

[jpanimation]

The Terminal- I bought the DVD for Bobby for Christmas a couple years ago, and we finally got around to watching it last night. I really liked it- it was cute, funny, and emotional, all in one film!

You know, this movie gets a lot of shit from critics and the general IMDB goer but I really liked it. I wasn't really happy with the ending but I was thoroughly engaged with the characters and the story being told.

Nocturna (2007) 5.5/10 - I first got interested in this film after Cartoon Brew had an article on Headless Studio's new demo reel. I was soo incredibly impressed with the quality of animation I saw from this Barcelona based studio that I went out of my way to find anything I could from them. I quickly learned that the studio itself really hasn't 'done' anything and that everything in the demo reel was just concepts for projects they'd like to make with proper financing (I'm a Monster, their first film, has gone into production). So with all of my disappointment, I found the one movie the studio founders worked on from way back in 2007, Nocturna. I was extremely disappointed to say the least. It's very much a kids film and very much amateur hour. The character designs, while creative, felt bland and awkward (unappealing in general). The animation isn't nearly as good as what I saw in the demo reel, although impressive at times, especially with the character designs. The story and character development all just seemed really half-baked. It's just filled with one-demential characters, some lacking personality, and the tiny bit of character we see from the main protagonist isn't even established until the very end. The whole thing just felt like a water-downed, less mature, version of Coraline. In many ways it suffered from the same problems Ilion Animation's Planet 51 did, as neither lacked in good animation, but both had fairly bland characters, bland stories, and really needed more time invested in those departments. At least Planet 51 never bored me, unlike Nocturna, but the latter gets props for attempting originality.

The Lovely Bones (2009) 6/10 - I really wanted to love this movie but I think it was taken in the wrong direction. I agree with ajmrowland and his assessment of this movie. I also never read the book and found the movie largely underwhelming. Its seems to be ALL story (mind you, a beautifully shot one with some nice imagery) but it never really explores the characters as much as I’d like. To quote ajmrowland, “The movie feels like a dream, in the fact that instead of reveling in the scares or the drama, it never really tries to make you feel any emotion in particular.” That’s kinda my problem with it. It remains too neutral, never diving into these characters and giving us something to emphasize with. It’s just a nicely told story with maybe one momentary thrill. I really feel he should’ve told the story in a different manner, maybe holding some information back to create suspense or drama, instead of revealing her death and killer from the start. This isn’t to say I hated it, far from it, but it’s just not something I’m attached to or excited to watch again.

I personally don’t think it deserves the hate it gets. It’s a lovely looking film, very artistic, and it's all acted well enough. Apparently the universal backlash was enough that Peter Jackson had to come out to defend it by saying he has no regrets. Far from bad but easily disappointing.

[PeterPanfan]

Iron Man 2 - I left my thoughts in the appropriate thread.

[Lazario]

Damn this thing is quirky. I noticed about a dozen new things I never noticed before (all in the space of a couple minutes - watch that "House of cards" scene at least two times and pay attention) yesterday when I popped this disc in for the heck of it and didn't expect to finish it (thought I was going to be too busy). It's also to-the-point and very smart. And unlike so many movies "like" this in the new-millennium, this one goes for big, loud musical numbers and lots of style but it adds to the fun instead of distract. This is an excellent example of what the goofy new-millennium comedies should be. Oh, and they didn't try to sell this based on stars. Neither did the first movie. They just got together a really good cast. I freaking love that. Where did that go?

[UmbrellaFish]

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time

When this movie came out, it was the only big thing we had to discuss on UD, and discuss it we did! It's hard to believe it's been three years since its release...

Anyway, it was praised for being a unique breath of fresh air, and I had fond memories so I picked it up and watched it again.

Let me start off by saying the opening is so silly and sappy, it's beyond belief. And "Perfectly Perfect" is just the start of a series of horrible songs, although I do have a soft spot for "At the Ball" and the closing Hayden Paniterre song. The script, too, is a hit and miss. Sometimes it's witty, sometimes it's just poor. But for the most part, those are the only major downfalls of the film.

The animation is very nice, particularly when Cinderella is about to be shipped off. There is more emotional power in that scene than any scene in the original movie, but to be honest, Cinderella and Cinderella III are so incredibly different, that it's not in the least bit fair to compare the two.

Character development made a huge leap with this film. Cinderella becomes much more interesting than she ever was before, and Prince Charming actually gets a personality (although it's pretty much Prince Eric's, I mean, they even have the same voice actor!). Speaking of Prince Charming and Prince Eric's similarities, it's always bugged me how Sebastian always pronounced "Ariel" as "Arielle" and that's how he said her name when he whispered it into Eric's ear during "Kiss the Girl". But does Eric call her "Arielle"? No. But the mice tell Charming that Cindy's name is "Cinderelly", and that's what he calls her.

Granted, Ariel couldn't have corrected Eric's mispronounciation of her name like Cinderella could, but it would have made more sense...

To wrap it up, Cinderella III was a great sequel. You can tell the animators and the creative team really put some thought into the film. Is it perfect, no. Can it be incredibly banal? Yes. But does it have a maturity and character development no other sequel before or after it brought to the table. Definitely.

[ajmrowland]

I personally don’t think it deserves the hate it gets. It’s a lovely looking film, very artistic, and it's all acted well enough. Apparently the universal backlash was enough that Peter Jackson had to come out to defend it by saying he has no regrets. Far from bad but easily disappointing.

Could you link to that?

[jpanimation]

I personally don’t think it deserves the hate it gets. It’s a lovely looking film, very artistic, and it's all acted well enough. Apparently the universal backlash was enough that Peter Jackson had to come out to defend it by saying he has no regrets. Far from bad but easily disappointing.

Could you link to that?

Jackson makes no apologies for the film, which comes out Tuesday on DVD and Blu-ray.

"I wouldn't change the film. The film is very much what we set out to make," he said in a phone interview from his home base in New Zealand, where he's engaged in pre-production on a version of "The Hobbit" to be directed by his friend Guillermo del Toro. "I don't know what I'd do differently."

[Goliath]

There is more emotional power in that scene than any scene in the original movie, but to be honest, Cinderella and Cinderella III are so incredibly different, that it's not in the least bit fair to compare the two.

Yes, it's very fair to compare the two films. The original is a classic film of beauty, warmth and heart. The sequels are cash-cows; cheap cash-ins that are produced without any artistic effort behind it.

[UmbrellaFish]

There is more emotional power in that scene than any scene in the original movie, but to be honest, Cinderella and Cinderella III are so incredibly different, that it's not in the least bit fair to compare the two.

Yes, it's very fair to compare the two films. The original is a classic film of beauty, warmth and heart. The sequels are cash-cows; cheap cash-ins that are produced without any artistic effort behind it.

I think that's an unfair assessment. Sure, I'll give you that the majority of the cheapquels are just that, but the latter few, Bambi II, Cindy 3, and TLM 3 were above average. For God's sakes, Andres Deja volunteered to work on Bambi II!

However, I won't say that the world would have been a worse place without the sequels...

And I stand by what I said. The original Cinderella is indeed a heartwarming fantasy, definitely superior to the sequel, but the quirky sort of quasi-sci fi film Cindy 3 is, it is not. I know it's blasphemy to proclaim a sequel good at anything, but give credit where credit's due.

Anyway, just watched Marie Antoinette. I love it. I think the costumes and scenery are gorgeous, and the glimpse at court life fascinating. I know the soundtrack is controversial, but I think the rock furthers Coppolla's message of Antoinette as a modern teen... Just a very pretty film...

Now about to watch Monster-in-Law. I'm a sucker for a Jenny Lopez movie, and as added benefit it has Jane Fonda, Wanda Sykes, and Elaine Stritch.

[PeterPanfan]

The Bounty Hunter - I went with a friend that just got back from vacation, and it was absolutely horrible! No saving graces, no funny moments... I actually fell asleep for a few minutes! Not recommended.

[ajmrowland]

There is more emotional power in that scene than any scene in the original movie, but to be honest, Cinderella and Cinderella III are so incredibly different, that it's not in the least bit fair to compare the two.

Yes, it's very fair to compare the two films. The original is a classic film of beauty, warmth and heart. The sequels are cash-cows; cheap cash-ins that are produced without any artistic effort behind it.

Whoa, hold your horses. There has to be SOME artistic effort that went into story-we are talking about something produced by John Lasseter, anyway(*flameshield*)-even if the movie is a cash-in. I know that most sequels even for new movies are inferior, but I also know when haters go too far, and you just went there. I havent even seen the movie, so discredit me if you like, but all animated movies have some effort put into making them. Some have little story, some are a mess, and some are great.

EDIT: thx for the link, JP! It's very interesting how many filmmakers are criticised to the point that they're forced to defend themselves.

[IagoZazu]

The Great Mouse Detective- First time I saw this, and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. I got around to borrowing the DVD from the library and saw it just to see for myself why everyone likes it around here, and now I understand. Some very clever and witty moments, and the final battle was awesome. Although not as underrated as The Black Cauldron, it does need to have more recognition.

[slave2moonlight]

The Great Mouse Detective- First time I saw this, and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. I got around to borrowing the DVD from the library and saw it just to see for myself why everyone likes it around here, and now I understand. Some very clever and witty moments, and the final battle was awesome. Although not as underrated as The Black Cauldron, it does need to have more recognition.

Though I haven't watched it in a while, I think it's a better film overall than the Black Cauldron. Not that there aren't things I love about the Black Cauldron (Eilonwy being one of the major ones, but other things as well). I just think Great Mouse Detective has a more "finished feeling to it overall as a work of storytelling. Something about Black Cauldron (though I applaud it for all its cool edginess/darkness) seems to be lacking, and the pacing seems flawed. Though, I haven't watched IT in a while either. At least, not this year, but probably more recently than GMD.

[slave2moonlight]

Yes, it's very fair to compare the two films. The original is a classic film of beauty, warmth and heart. The sequels are cash-cows; cheap cash-ins that are produced without any artistic effort behind it.

Whoa, hold your horses. There has to be SOME artistic effort that went into story-we are talking about something produced by John Lasseter, anyway(*flameshield*)-even if the movie is a cash-in. I know that most sequels even for new movies are inferior, but I also know when haters go too far, and you just went there.

Yes, sometimes it's all too obvious when a movie is simply falling victim to prejudice. Direct to video sequel = Cash In = effortless crap. When you read a comment like that, well...

Anyway, it's been a little while since I've watched Cinderella 3, but I remember that the only thing I really didn't like about it was the overly cutesy, kiddie-aimed opening. In retrospect, I feel like that may have been a tongue in cheek joke, trying to throw you off of what's about to come, or at least trying to stress how much Cinderella gained and is suddenly about to lose, but the possibly intentional cheesiness of it doesn't work because we are so used to seeing previous Disney direct-to-video fiascos with unintentional cheesiness. You start to worry, "Is this going to be another Scamp?!!" (Incidentally, Scamp wasn't all together terrible and had better animation than some too, but the flaws, including the cheesy musical numbers, were just so bad, and I had such high hopes for a Scamp movie; He had his own fame in comics and deserved his own movie). However, once one gets through that super-sweet opening of Cinderella 3 that is so high on cheese, it really becomes a great movie! I don't recall the songs, and I seem to remember having issue with one of the stepsisters being a good singer (too good for her, anyway), and I definitely don't like to consider the film as official continuity since it essentially erases the end of the original classic. Still, it is a very enjoyable sci-fi adventure, Cindy is more of a dreamgirl than ever in this, and I wouldn't have minded more direct-to-video films of this quality.

In respect to previous ones though, I won't say this one is the overall best. I think that would probably be Bambi 2. The only flaw I can recall in Bambi 2 was the inclusion of modern songs, which to me threw off the seamlessness of it taking place in the middle of the first film. Otherwise, I'd call it a masterpiece! And there have been other great DTV sequels from Disney, amidst all the half fails and epic fails. Extremely Goofy Movie was another good one, and Lion King 2 is actually pretty great as well, despite being more obviously direct to video. I have a few nit picks about Lion King 2, but great in general. There were other good ones too, but I've gone over this all before.

[jpanimation]

Kick-Ass (2010) 8.5/10 - I know it's cliché to say this but the movie kicked-ass. It totally blew away my expectations. The movie was almost nothing like what the trailer had me thinking it would be. The main character and his friends were almost dead-on representations of my brother's friends. The firs 30mins of the movie are absolutely brilliant and had the whole theater laughing. Just so much unexpected shit happens. After that, it never really recovers back to the same level brilliance as the beginning but it still stays great to the end. The villain was threatening and deadly (played well by Mark Strong, whom you may remember was the villain in Sherlock Holmes). Fortunately, Big Daddy (Nick Cage) and Hit Girl are more threatening and more deadly (Nick Cage is a total bad-ass in this movie). Actually, as much as I like the main character of Kick-Ass, I'd have to say Big Daddy and Hit Girl steal the show. The only thing that almost ruined the whole thing was the ending involving a certain flying device (a fucking JETPACK with some terrible James Bond type-campy green-screening), which was annoying because up to this point the rest of the movie felt pretty grounded in reality, and the very last line of the movie delivered by Red Mist was just WAY TOO lame. Everything else is amazing and I can't remember being this satisfied leaving a comic book movie since Sin City back in 2005.

Iron Man 2 (2010) 7/10 - it starts off-well enough. We have RDJ back, doing his fantastic Tony Stark persona he established in the last movie, and we are introduced to what seems to be a great villain named Whiplash (although never called by his villain name in the movie, simply known as Ivan Vanko, played by Mickey Rourke). After a great scene with Stark telling off the 'dick' senator and his weasel rival Justin Hammer, we are then introduced to another great plot line, Tony Stark is rapidly dying from blood poisoning caused by his power core. Unfortunately, about half-way through the movie all of this perfect setup is for not, as everything starts to fall apart. The interesting villain Whiplash becomes a background puppet being used by Hammer, there is a ridiculous fight between Rhodey and Stark in their suites, and the Avenger characters start to take up too much time. I really feel like Hammer was the main villain, even though he's just a rival who wants to make a contract with the government. Whiplash should've been the main villain, he was smart, had some great motivation, and was extremely dangerous (not just annoying like Hammer). We needed a villain that was a threat. For some reason, when they recast Rhodey as the tiny Don Cheadle, they felt the need to rewrite his character. Cheadle in this movie just plays Rhodey completely military strait, no longer the casual guy who was looking out for Stark (Howard and RDJ played off each other for comedy and had chemistry). Hell, Cheadle never really gave the impression they were friends (lacked chemistry?) and is pretty much an ass to Stark in this movie. I really didn't like that change. I also felt we didn't see enough of Pepper Pots in this one. As much as I liked Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury cameo in the first film, it should've ended there. We got the point, they didn't need to keep taking the movie's plot off-course constantly just to set up the Avengers movie. He just made way to many appearances that were unnecessary. As for Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, what a fucking joke. She's a terrible actress and was SOO bad in the role; neither convincing as a Russian (couldn't handle an accent, could she?) or as a threat (with the fight scenes being completely unbelievable and I wasn't the only-one laughing at what was passing as "fighting"). The movie really lost direction towards the end. If they cut the Avenger stuff (bye bye Jackson and Johansson, you're not missed), concentrated on Whiplash instead of Hammer (we needed the smarter more-threatening villain), and kept Rhodey the same as the first (both actor and characterization), then it could've been one of the best super-hero movies ever.

It had many of the things that made Spider-Man 2 so great (smart-motivated villain, hero encountering a personal crisis) but also shared many of the things that made Spider-Man 3 a bust (too many throwaway characters, mishmash plot). I'd put it right between those two, as it wasn't as good as 2 but not as bad as 3 (or not as good as X2 but not as bad as X3). Just to put it in Marvel Comics perspective.

[Widdi]

^^ Spider-man is also a Marvel Comic.

[Goliath]

I havent even seen the movie, so discredit me if you like, but all animated movies have some effort put into making them. Some have little story, some are a mess, and some are great.

I haven't seen it either, but it's the second direct-to-dvd sequel to a classical movie that was made 50 years ago. 'Nuff said.

I just watched two classical films that I should have seen years ago already, being a film scholar and all. But anyway, it's incrdible that I didn't see them before. One I enjoyed mildly and the other I hated, despite its excellent reputation.

Rebel without a cause (1955)

The James Dean picture. Unfortunately, I had to watch it in full-screen (no cinemascope version), so I didn't see the film in its full glory. But it's unlikely I'll watch it again. It was mildly amusing, and well-acted (especially Dean of course) but at other times it also was over-the-top, over-acted and overly dramatic. Exciting moments were the knife fight, the bet, the confrontation between Dean and his dad. All in all, I found there to be too little story to justify the two hours lenght.

Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope (1977)

I completely hated this! I had thought I would, but I still wanted to watch it. because this film was such a major turning point in the history of Hollywood and had such a huge cultural impact. I was surprised that it had managed to become such a huge hit, because I couldn't understand why audiences didn't walk out after the first 15 minutes. The general rule in a Hollywood film is that you have to grab the attention of the audience in the first 15 minutes. But the first 25 minutes were filled with irritating robots that did nothing but making stupid souds or incredibly lame jokes. We also got to see a lot of strange creatures that spoke in a Chip -and Dale-voice.

Apart from a short scene with princess Leia, I didn't see why this would make audiences continue to watch. I thought I nearly died laughing when Darth Vader first appeared. I had this image built in my head because of the reputation of the character, but when he appeared it was such a disappointment. I tried to concentrate on the story and I really tried to get into it. It started to get somewhat interesting with the introduction of Obi-wan Kenobi, but I got thrown out of the story with all the ridiculous creatures and puppets. Jabba the Hut was the last straw. From there on, I couldn't take this film seriously anymore.

I sat it out, but the only way to keep me entertained was trying to figure out what 'the Empire' or 'the Force' could be metafors for. Was 'the Empire' a metafor for the Soviet-Union or China, in the Cold War era? Communism outlaws religion; 'the Force' is dismissed by Vader's captains a "just an old religion". But ultimately the Empire is hit hard because of Luke's faith in 'the Force'. Would the message be that the godless communists could be defeated by a strong god-fearing America? Luke hears Kenobi's voice during his mission to nuke the Empire. Kenobi lets himself get killed by Vader before Luke's eyes. Could Kenobi stand for Jesus Christ?

There must be dozens of books written on this subject. I have to check them out.

[jpanimation]

Oh man Goliath, those are two of my favorite movies

Oh well.

I was lucky enough have my first viewing of Rebel Without a Cause be in HD widescreen and it looked fantastic. While I won't say it's as great as some hype it up to be (AFI), I really did enjoy it, and like it best of the James Dean three.

I don't know what to tell you about Star Wars, I guess it's just a different taste in movies, but I sure love it. I take it you watched the "Special Edition," as you won't find Jabba the Hutt in the original, and most people can't stand it. Although, I seriously doubt watching the original film will suede you into liking it. I can tell you George Lucas is a Buddhist and he tried to put that into the film (if that helps you with your religious analysis of the movie).

[Goliath]

I don't know what to tell you about Star Wars, I guess it's just a different taste in movies, but I sure love it. I take it you watched the "Special Edition," as you won't find Jabba the Hutt in the original, and most people can't stand it. Although, I seriously doubt watching the original film will suede you into liking it. I can tell you George Lucas is a Buddhist and he tried to put that into the film (if that helps you with your religious analysis of the movie).

I just finally catched this film on television (has been on a million times before) and I didn't know it was a 'Special Edition'. It has Jabba the Hut in it, but there had been a lot of puppets and muppets in it before that point. I just can't take it seriously. Maybe, had this been an animated (hand-drawn) movie, it would've worked better. It wouldn't look as childish, I guess, since I don't think of the aliens in Lilo & Stitch as ridiculous. But seeing Harrison Ford talking to these puppets with a straight face made me crack up.

Then again, not even an animated movie could have made up for the total lack of interesting characters, character development, decent plot or any suspense at all. At the point where the characters almost get crushed between the two moving walls, I already didn't care anymore. I just can't see why I should be sympathetic to Luke Skywalker (the blandest character ever, and even his name is too cheesy) or Princess Leia (could've been an interesting heroïne, but was reduced to damsel in distress). The scene where the rebels are trying to blow up Vader's ship (or station, whatever) was supposed to be the high point of the film, but I just couldn't figure out what it was that I was watching. Looked like a primitive computer game to me.

The analysis, well... that's what a film scholar does almost automatically. But it helps if the movie is dull and it's the only thing to keep you entertained. Interesting that you mention Buddhism. The good old Christian USA against the godless Communist Empire is the most obvious metafor for a sci-fi flick made during the Cold War, of course. I'm 30 years behind my time since I'm sure that analysis has already been made a long time ago. But maybe there's no "deeper meaning" behind it. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and when watching the film, it's hard to believe this was *not* intended as a movie for 8 year olds.

jpanimation, if you thought *I* trashed your favorite film, you should read some of the comments on IMDb. I'm being gentle with you!

[Lazario]

Not nearly as sophisticated as the original Muppet movies, but still a great deal better, smarter, and less irritating than the majority of family films from the mid-90's to today. The human characters are significantly weaker than the puppet characters, Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus were nowhere near as likable as I remember them being, and the entire scene of the Dodo family is tedius and slows down the movie. On the plus side, the music was well written and performed (especially Bert and Ernie's awesome "Upside Down World" - the best scene in the movie - and the country song and I've never been a big country fan), the playful suspense was a lot of fun, the guest stars / cameos were entertaining (dig Sandra Bernhard 4 years before her breakout role as herself in the documentary Without You I'm Nothing), and the Grouch Diner scene has always been a personal favorite ("where's my jell-o-o-o-o-o-o-o?!").