What Movie Did You Just Watch? ... And Robin

[Goliath]

Ajami (2009)

Drama about the lives of several characters living in Israel and the Palestinian territories. How all the seemingly unrelated stories and characters interrelate becomes clear toward the end of the movie, when all events, that were not told in chronological order, are being tied up together. I found the first half to be slow and lacking in interesting events, but it improved a lot and proved to be worth watching after the first hour.

[PixarFan2006]

Decided to see Thor today. I had to see the 3d version so my mom and sister could see another movie that started around the same time.

I thought the movie was pretty decent for a comic book movie (though I personally never read any of the comics). All the actors were good, there was some good action scenes, some nice humor and even one reference to a certain Marvel character (Iron Man).

My main problem was the 3D. It made some scenes look too dark. It just seemed unnecessary like other movies released in 3D.

7.5/10

[Goliath]

Two very different movies...

She's Out Of My League (2010)

Totally predictable 'rom-com' about a nerd who's dating a hot girl, complete with predictable jokes, predictable sidekicks, predictable fake 'crisis moment' and predictable 'make up moment' --of course sparked by the main character's best friend who suddenly makes a 180 degree change of heart and convinces the main character to chase after the girl of his dreams. But all in all, it was decent enough for me to enjoy it. And I agree Alice Eve is pretty and all (I wouldn't kick her out of bed), but why is that every Hollywood movie's idea of 'the perfect girl' is the same standard-sized blonde-haired girl?

Der Baader-Meinhof Komplex (2008)

Amazing! What a great movie! It tells the story of the Rote Armee Fraction (RAF), an extreme-left terrorist group that had Germany in uproar in the 1970's. It's so well-done, the way the movie lets you see how the principal members (Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof) got to their idea(l)s and actions. It's really convincing the way it drags you into the world of the RAF. They were inspired by the Vietnam War, the struggle of the Palestinians, the assassinations of the Kennedys and King, and lots of other social issues. The first half of the film views events from their point of view, including the police brutality they undergo even before they had started their group.

But after several actions where no people got hurt and attacks on military bases, where people did die (but which is 'justified' in international warfare), several members of the RAF get arrested and convicted, and their main goal becomes assassinating the people who are responsible for that. That's where the film shifts radically and confronts the viewer with the horrible nature of the acts that the viewer gradually has come to accept because the RAF were the 'good guys' earlier on in the movie. Suddenly you realize what they're doing and how gruesome and disgusting it is, and how ideals and good intentions have escalated in cold-blooded murder to avenge their friends --it has nothing to do anymore with the 'good cause'.

Wonderfully acted, especially Moritz Bleibtreu, who plays Baader. Very strong, very convincing, very powerful. But really all of them really make you believe in them and their sincerity and their cause, yet they end up in prison, where they turn against each other and become petty, shallow shells of their former selves. That transformation was very well-done. Also my compliments to direction and special mention to the editor. Not a dull moment in more than two hours. Check it out.

[Lazario]

Freakishly similar to The Truman Show (even the ending is the same- with one person, one of the viewers, switching the TV), a "humorous" and sorta "dramatic" satire on the whole Real World phenomenon. Only, instead of the subject of the living-on-TV experiment being young people aged 18-25 (typical Mtv viewers?) it's a "typical American family." This has the novelty of being released 5 years prior to Truman. Oh, and there are cameos by Beverly Hills 90210 hearthrob Luke Perry and Who's the Boss?'s teen idol Alyssa Milano. Aside from that, this film is fairly bankrupt of apparent cleverness (the humor is usually derived by Bride of Chucky scream queen Jennifer Tilly's obsession with penises and frollicking with hunky naked men- hot? Yes; funny? No). Which is the only thing the filmmakers are using to hold it up. David Arquette plays the sole character in the film who attempts to get serious. Which alone is fairly ridiculous. The guy can't do brooding. Teenager, sure. Basically, that Roseanne episode about their family being picked for the Rodbell's television commercial was more insightful and clever than this film. However, damn the men are fine here! Especially Brian Bloom (GOD bless early-90's jeans!).

[Lazario]

Well... I've seen it. Now here comes the tricky part. How to explain it...

It's one of the best action dramas I've seen in a long time. The acting is superb. For the first 70 minutes, it's one of the most intense films of its' type- even I sat up a few times. And the writing is very smart. I highly recommend it as a viewing experience.

But, two problems...

1) It was advertised as a horror film. It isn't.

2) Despite its' story ties with the military and government weapons and bloodthirsty rednecks... there's no point. It's just: it happens, people die, and others try to survive. That's it.

For me, I want a horror film- not an action flick. And, I need brains in more than just the physical effect of the story's cause. I gotta have a POINT. Not just: it happens but it happens to smart people who you could force yourself to care about. That's realistic logic being applied to a genre based mostly in fantasy. Which they apply here to take the focus off of a basically weak premise. However, if this were advertised as an action film- the second problem would cancel the first one out.

[dvdjunkie]

Laz - you do know that this is a remake of the 1974 George Romero film of the same name?

I agree with you about this not being a horror movie, but you should find the original because it IS a horror movie.

[Lazario]

Laz - you do know that this is a remake of the 1974 George Romero film of the same name?

I agree with you about this not being a horror movie, but you should find the original because it IS a horror movie.

Yeah, I bought the Blue Underground DVD of the original back in... January '07, I think. Ha- if there was ever a classic 70's horror film that actually couldn't be hurt by a remake (well... there's also Sugar Hill and Shock Waves). But the ending of Romero's film is still better than the whole of the remake.

And I wouldn't have seen the remake were it not for the original. Though, also it was getting a lot of hype. And of all the post-28 Days Later hyped films I've seen from 2002-2009, from Wrong Turn to Haute (High) Tension to Saw to Wolf Creek to Splinter to Dead Snow to Trick 'r Treat to House of the Devil... well, this one was the only one to fully earn its' hype.

After this, though- it's back to Asia. Or the 80's. I haven't decided yet, though Tobe Hooper's The Funhouse was just put into the Watch Instant section a week or two ago.

[Goliath]

Changeling (2008)

Not by far as good as I had expected it to be, considered all the praise it has gotten. I liked it allright, but all in all it was a very conventional drama. I had thought Eastwood would do more with it. Angelina Jolie was outstanding in the leading role, however.

[dvdjunkie]

Fade to Black (1980)

This quirky little horror film was directed by Vernon Zimmerman and stars Dennis Christopher as a geeky, film nerd who lives with his crippled and abusive Aunt. He is ridiculed at his job, a delivery clerk in a film studio, because he is obsessed with movies and the actors in them. His tormentors end up paying the price when Christopher, wearing disguises as favorite film character, re-enacts a scene which always ends in death. Tim Thomerson play a detective on the trail of this elusive killer who leaves no clues. The climax of the movie comes atop the Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This is a very obscure little film, and didn't get a whole lot of play but it is pretty easy to find if you look in the right places. Highly recommended for those who like these little quirky horror films.

[BelleGirl]

Relative Values 2008

Enjoyable comedy starring Julie Andrews, Colin Firth, Stephen Fry, William Baldwin and Jeanne Triplehorn.

Felicity Marshwood (Julie Andrews) is the head of an English aristocratic family. (1950s) Her son Nigel couses great consternation when he decides to marry hollywoodstar Miranda Fraye, who turns out to be the sister of Felicity's maid Moxie. To make things even more complex, Miranda's ex-lover, the movie-star Don (William Baldwin) turns up to win her back.
Delightful farce that is well-acted.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Wow. I've waited to see this ever since it hit theaters and I just now was able to watch it. It's a wonderful film and quite emotional. I'm still amazed that people thought that the Holocaust was a good idea. I would definitely like to add this to my collection because it really is a great film. And I think I'll read the novel sometime soon.

[dvdjunkie]

Excalibur (1981) Blu-ray

One of my favorite films that Warner Bros. has finally released on Blu-ray and it looks even more magnificent!! Directed by John Boorman and starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicol Williamson with featured roles from Gabriel Byrne, Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson, this film tells, what has been said by many, the most true account of the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Very controversial at its time of original release, today it stands head and shoulders above the rest of the wannabes. Recommended viewing. Really good movie!!

[BelleGirl]

Excalibur (1981) Blu-ray

One of my favorite films that Warner Bros. has finally released on Blu-ray and it looks even more magnificent!! Directed by John Boorman and starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicol Williamson with featured roles from Gabriel Byrne, Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson, this film tells, what has been said by many, the most true account of the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Very controversial at its time of original release, today it stands head and shoulders above the rest of the wannabes. Recommended viewing. Really good movie!!

I have that movie too. it's one of the first dvd's I ever bought. But it was a long time since I last saw it!

[Scarred4life]

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas[...]And I think I'll read the novel sometime soon.

I've been dying to see this ever since I read the novel. You should definitely read it, I thought it was fantastic. Although, having not seen the movie, I can't really compare.

[ajmrowland]

^I only saw the movie and not read the novel, so no comparison. Really good movie though.

A Clockwork Orange-wow. This film is moving. A deep study of crime and punishment and the shocking realization the main character has of his place in the world.

[Chernabog_Rocks]

Misery:

I've been wanting to see this film for a while now, and finally broke down and checked out youtube which thankfully had it. I have to say I rather enjoyed the whole thing, Kathy Bates was really good in this and I can see why she won the Oscar. I know this is one movie I'll be working hard to find on dvd or blu to buy.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas[...]And I think I'll read the novel sometime soon.

I've been dying to see this ever since I read the novel. You should definitely read it, I thought it was fantastic. Although, having not seen the movie, I can't really compare.

The film really is fantastic so you should definitely watch it sometime. I've put a hold on the novel at the library so I'll probably be able to read it either this weekend or early next week. Apparently it's a faithful adaptation from novel to film, so I'm excited to see what was left our of the film.

[PixarFan2006]

Half-watched One Hour Photo on Cinemax this morning (I was on my DS when it was on). I thought it was okay from what I saw. Robin Williams was pretty creepy in his role as a guy who works in the photo department of a store and begins stalking a family.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Little Miss Sunshine

All of these films are great (especially LMS) and I'm very happy that I have them in my collection to watch repeatedly.

[dvdjunkie]

The Mechanic (1972)

I thought with the remake of this film being released this week on Blu-ray I would dig out the old original film directed by Michael Winner and starring Charles Bronson and Jan-Michael Vincent.

While telling basically the same story, I found that the original was done at a slower pace and was a little more methodical. Bronson is just great as Arthur Bishop, the killer for hire at a big price. Vincent plays the out-of-control son of Keenan Wynn, Bronson's latest target and after the deed is done, no one knows who did it, not even Vincent. After a few tests Bronson takes Vincent under his wing and teaches him just enough to keep out of trouble, but enough to turn the tables of Bronson in this twist ending. I won't spoil it for you, but if you have seen the 2010 version with Jason Statham and Ben Foster, you know what the twist is. Highly recommended viewing of the 1972 classic before you watch this newer remake.