What Non-Disney Movie Did You Just Watch? - The Prequel!

[AwallaceUNC]

The Searchers (1956).

Good assessment. I had a similar reaction when I saw it earlier this year, which I posted about somewhere in one of these threads. Care to give an example of a "Spaghetti Western"? I'm not very familiar with the genre.

Hmm what have I seen?

Hugo the Movie Star (Jungledyret 2- den store filmhelt) - Review posted on UD

Go, Hugo, Go (Jungledyret) - Review posted on UD (part of the Hugo the Movie Star review.

Get Shorty - I found this to be a fairly enjoyable flick, though not amazing or anything. There's a slickness to the tone that is engaging. I wish I had followed it a little more closely, as I feel that I missed somehting in the resolution. I will move on to Be Cool soon.

Bewitched - I was initially very excited upon hearing the news of this project... but when Jim Carrey was traded for Will Ferrel and a straight movie adaptation was traded for a TV show remake-inside-a-movie gig, I was disappointed and stayed away. However, having now seen it, I have to say that I loved it! Using a remake of the show actually turned out to be refreshing and it allowed them to put in all sorts of treats for fans of the show. Every single performance was spot-on (and it was cool to see Kristin Chenoweth in a movie), and the way that they mingled Bewitched lore with "reality" in the movie was brilliant. I can see why people who don't know much about the show would feel lost, but as a big fan, I loved it. My only wish is that a Larry character could have been included... I'm not sure why he wasn't. While a more literal adaptation of the show would still be cool to see, this one worked quite welll.

Oh yeah, it also has one of the best soundtracks I've heard in a long time. I'm gonna have to buy that one.

Raging Bull - I watched this for class and had previously read a textbook chapter on it that insisted it had a "homosexual subtext" to it, which the author claims was admitted to him in private by Scorcese himself (but then, the author of this book has thus far found a homosexual subtext in EVERY movie he has discussed and claims that (paraphrased) "repressed homosexuality can be found in every film, just as it can in every person." So as I watched it, I saw where that could be a legitimate reading -- though by no means an authoratitive one -- but then, my viewing had been colored by that theory to begin with.

It was an okay movie... certainly not the kind of thing that generally appeals to me. Great performances though, and I always like to see Joe Pesci. I don't know that I see the reason for all its esteem, but it was captivating to some extent, I suppose. Perhaps the true story that is its basis was a little more relevant in 1980.

Rent - Great songs (for the most part), but way too many of them (and I think this is the first time I've made that complaint about a movie). Other than that, it's a pretty hollow movie. There's no reason to sympathize for or care about the characters, and we're supposed to believe that they are such a close family of friends without ever seeing that. There's virtually no plot and I didn't care for the political messages that dominated the movie from beginning to end, either. While I still put The Brothers Grimm as the worst movie I've seen from 2005, this goes in at #2. I am, however, now happy to own the soundtrack (I hadn't been before when I heard it without seeing the movie).

-Aaron

[Luke]

Good assessment. I had a similar reaction when I saw it earlier this year, which I posted about somewhere in one of these threads. Care to give an example of a "Spaghetti Western"? I'm not very familiar with the genre.

The best examples I can think of as far as Spaghetti Westerns go are the films in Sergio Leone's "The Man with No Name" Trilogy. They are <i>A Fistful of Dollars</i>, <i>For a Few Dollars More</i>, and the widely-considered apex <i>The Good, The Bad and The Ugly</i>. They're not a trilogy in a traditional sense, but Clint Eastwood plays a similar/same character in each and they're closely thematically related. Definitely give <i>The Good, The Bad and The Ugly</i> a watch at least. Chances are you'll probably want to see the other two after it, and while they're not as good, they're still extremely involving.

I agree with you on <i>Bewitched</i>, but trading Carrey for Ferrell gets a big in my book, even if Carrey looks more like Darren. I don't understand all the hate for it, but I'm guessing some of it originates from those who adore the series and feel like the movie cheapens it.

[AwallaceUNC]

Thanks for the explanation/recommendation.

I agree with you on <i>Bewitched</i>, but trading Carrey for Ferrell gets a big in my book, even if Carrey looks more like Darren.

Yeah, the appearance was my beef with Carrey leaving, and that he seems more Darren-esque. I like both Will Ferrel and Jim Carrey quite a bit, but the former can sometimes get excessively silly when he has too much screen time (i.e. <i>Old School</i>), so I was worried this would happen here. But it didn't- he was great and very funny, even if we didn't see much of him actually as Darren.

And oh yes, speaking of Will Ferrel, I also finally saw Wedding Crashers (Uncorked Edition). In the great 40 Year-Old Virgin vs. Wedding Crashers debate, I side with the former, but I thought this was pretty funny too. A pretty standad Wilson/Vaughan/Ferrel-type comedy, but that's usually not a bad thing.

-Aaron

[Lazario]

Raging Bull
-- but then, my viewing had been colored by that theory to begin with.

Sounds like that was the point. There's no way you would have watched the movie and said to yourself, "I think there just might be some (so-and-so, you can actually add anything here really and have it fit) hidden in it's subtext," without that idea already planted in your mind. I think this author's point was obtained more in the abstract viewer mode. He seems the type who looks for sexual context in everything... Whether he was or not, there are investigators like this. Freud, for instance.

[RJKD23]

Diary of a Mad Black Woman: I don't know about the film... I was pretty touched by it, but disappointed. Mostly because I was expecting <i>more</i> comedy. But it was more romance!

[Robin Hood]

Just finished watching Funny Farm.

[Loomis]

Good assessment. I had a similar reaction when I saw it earlier this year, which I posted about somewhere in one of these threads. Care to give an example of a "Spaghetti Western"? I'm not very familiar with the genre.

The best examples I can think of as far as Spaghetti Westerns go are the films in Sergio Leone's "The Man with No Name" Trilogy. They are <i>A Fistful of Dollars</i>, <i>For a Few Dollars More</i>, and the widely-considered apex <i>The Good, The Bad and The Ugly</i>. They're not a trilogy in a traditional sense, but Clint Eastwood plays a similar/same character in each and they're closely thematically related. Definitely give <i>The Good, The Bad and The Ugly</i> a watch at least. Chances are you'll probably want to see the other two after it, and while they're not as good, they're still extremely involving.

Thanks for the nod. Luke's mentioned the three most famous Sergio Leone films, but I'd also like to plug his other masterpiece, Once Upon a Time in the West. It sees Henry Fonda as the bad guy, with Charles Bronson as the hero, and draws together all the best elements of all of Leone's films (including an unforgettable Ennio Morricone score).

I should add that "Spaghetti Westerns" get their name as they were largely Italian films made about the old west. The Italian film industry at the time enjoyed a success, and then saw COUNTLESS imitations. Westerns were huge in Italy at the time, and while many were forgettable, the ones mentioned above are keepers.

Anyhoo, I just watched Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003). It is an excellent documentary about the 'new Hollywood' of the 1970s, featuring directors such as Scorsese, Coppola, Peckinpah, Polanski, Dennis Hopper and Robert Altman to name just a few. A great analysis of a time when studios gave way to directorial ego, and how they regained control (for better of for worse). The wake of films like Jaws and Star Wars, when studios really realised just how much money could be made off a "B" movie, is still felt today. Only regret is that even at 118 minutes, it was too short.

Rating: A

[AwallaceUNC]

Sounds like that was the point. There's no way you would have watched the movie and said to yourself, "I think there just might be some (so-and-so, you can actually add anything here really and have it fit) hidden in it's subtext," without that idea already planted in your mind. I think this author's point was obtained more in the abstract viewer mode. He seems the type who looks for sexual context in everything... Whether he was or not, there are investigators like this. Freud, for instance.

Agreed. My point really is that had I watched the movie, and then been presented with his interpretation, I might not have found it as resonant. But you hit the nail on the head with Freud... the offer quotes him extensively throughout the whole book.

-Aaron

[Lazario]

But you hit the nail on the head with Freud... the offer quotes him extensively throughout the whole book.

Why does that not surprise me? As a firm believer in psychology, and a disbeliever in the degree to which Freud expounded his sexual obsession, I have to say that a guy like that just finds sex if he's looking for it. It's hard to give that sort of method validation. I truly feel he was the type to congratulate himself if no one else had... He takes a lot of the integrity out of psychology by expecting everyone has sexuality at the root of all their subconscious thoughts. This author you mention for instance may go on and on about repressed sexuality but I can't imagine his point adds much credibility to this study. But to know more, I guess I would have to know his reasoning for searching for all this hidden sexual context...


Something to Talk About was just on TV. I watched the whole thing.

[Loomis]

As a companion to Fellini's 8½, I watched All That Jazz (1979).

Many have compared the two films as they are both semi-autobiographical films about filmmakers (in this case, Bob Fosse) making films, and both feature intsense and self-reflective moments of hallucinatory imagery. Like most people, I'm left wondering whether or not this is a work of genius or one of the most pretentious pieces ever produced. There are certainly some great musical numbers in there, and the dream sequences are colourful and powerful. However, I think the film loses a bit of momentum in the second half, and does dip into the 'pretentious' side of art. Still, an ambitious film which might not always be successful, but is still a visual treat.

Rating: B+

[NarniaDis]

The Water is Wide (2006) - Hallmark Hall of Fame - #54

Great Movie, what I've come to expect from Hallmark.

NarniaDis

[Disney-Fan]

Catwoman - I was left with just one question: Why on earth would someone make a movie like this? Even the one-liners are poorly delivered. 2/10

[Loomis]

Kandahar (2001) (Viewed 26 February): As part of my ongoing attempt to expand my movie horizons, I watched this Iranian-French coproduction about a Afghani-Canadian woman who tries to return to Taliban controlled Kandahar (in Afghanistan). Her sister has written that she will kill herself in three days time, and so now she must journey across unfamiliar country in disguise to reach her in time. The film's slow pace allows for a lot of lingering on the effects of the harsh poverty; landmines and treatment of women. In this respect, the film remains relevant a few years on, and will continue to remain relevant for years to come. However, even with a brief running time, the film drags in the middle. The downer of an ending seems to undermine the struggle the lead character went through. While I wasn't expecting a happy ending, the film was suddenly cut short. Maybe that was the point, but it left me feeling cold. Thought-provoking, although ultimately a victim of the telling.

Rating: B-

[Evil Genie Jafar]

Well, I've been watching a LOT of anime these days in order to make some reviews for a site:

I've watched:

Spirited Away, Blood: The Last Vampire, Witch Hunter Robin and right now finishing Devil Lady (so I can start another series).

[memnv]

Superman - The Movie

[Lazario]

I'm on a bit of a kick right now, watching classic films I've never seen before. And since I work at a video store, I have an unbelievable selection at my fingertips - and I rent at a discount.

Citizen Kane (A+)
Singin' In the Rain (C+)
Father of the Bride (original) (C)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (A)

[RJKD23]

Rent - Great songs (for the most part), but way too many of them (and I think this is the first time I've made that complaint about a movie). Other than that, it's a pretty hollow movie. There's no reason to sympathize for or care about the characters, and we're supposed to believe that they are such a close family of friends without ever seeing that. There's virtually no plot and I didn't care for the political messages that dominated the movie from beginning to end, either. While I still put The Brothers Grimm as the worst movie I've seen from 2005, this goes in at #2. I am, however, now happy to own the soundtrack (I hadn't been before when I heard it without seeing the movie).

-Aaron

total agreement with you on that Aaron. It had too many songs...
Haha, the opening scene was the best one. But seriously...ehh. Would not consider buying or owning it unless it was free.

[memnv]

Just watched:
Napolean Dynamite
and
The Frisco Kid

[Loomis]

I just watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. My in-depth review can be found here:

http://www.dvdbits.com/reviews.asp?id=3229

[Enchantress]

Star Wars: Episode IV

This was my first ever viewing of an original Star Wars movie, I'd seen the prequels, but had never seen the originals.

Anyway, yeah it was good, I'm not a huge starwars fan, but I enjoyed watching it. Hopefully watch the other two in the not so distant future.