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

[TheSequelOfDisney]

A bunch of random ones:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - The Disney version that I finally got on DVD. It was just as good as I remembered (I haven't watched it in awhile). Of course, my favorite parts were Out There and Hellfire. I find it much more of a deeper story and is just as great as the previous films that totally overshadow this movie (which is completely unfair).

Company: A Musical Comedy - It was hilarious. Sondheim's music is superb as always. Raul Esparza was great as Bobby and Heather Laws was fantastic as Amy (Being Alive and Getting Married Today are my favorite songs, along with Angel's Another Hundred People).

A Raisin in the Sun (2008 version) - It was just okay. I hated P. Diddy's character and I don't think he acted very well, either (which he should since he was on Broadway doing the same play). The saving graces were the three female leads: Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad and Sanaa Lathan. They were all wonderful and gave amazing performances.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - This was the first time I have ever seen this and I have to say that I didn't really like it that much. Most of the songs weren't that great and Tim Curry was completely creepy. A lot of the characters, too, couldn't sing very well. The film was so weird and far out there that I couldn't even comprehend what was really going on. The only two songs that I liked were The Time Warp and Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me. Richard O'Brien definitely wasn't a great singer and neither was Susan Sarandon. I don't really understand what "camp" is, but apparently this is chock full of it. Maybe I don't like camp, cause I didn't particularly like this film at all. This was only in preperation for Glee's Rocky Horror Show episode.

The Producers (2005 version) - This one was much better than Rocky Horror, even though there were some uncomfortable scenes. Most of the actors could sing well (sorry Uma) and the acting wasn't half-bad. I don't think I would watch it again, but it would have a much better chance of a rewatch than Rocky Horror would.

[littlefuzzy]

The Producers (2005 version) - This one was much better than Rocky Horror, even though there were some uncomfortable scenes. Most of the actors could sing well (sorry Uma) and the acting wasn't half-bad. I don't think I would watch it again, but it would have a much better chance of a rewatch than Rocky Horror would.

Have you seen the original? The remake can't hold a candle to the original... The Producers (1968) is one of about 30 movies I've rated a 10 - Mel brooks has a couple of other showings in that list as well: Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

I gave the remake 6 stars... For whatever it's worth, I didn't care much for the Music Man remake with Matthew Broderick either. Actually, the original version of that is also rated a 10!

[Lazario]

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - This was the first time I have ever seen this and I have to say that I didn't really like it that much. Most of the songs weren't that great and Tim Curry was completely creepy. A lot of the characters, too, couldn't sing very well. The film was so weird and far out there that I couldn't even comprehend what was really going on. The only two songs that I liked were The Time Warp and Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me. Richard O'Brien definitely wasn't a great singer and neither was Susan Sarandon. I don't really understand what "camp" is, but apparently this is chock full of it. Maybe I don't like camp, cause I didn't particularly like this film at all. This was only in preperation for Glee's Rocky Horror Show episode.

I can understand where you're coming from. I personally thought Tommy stunk. And will never feel the desire to re-visit A Clockwork Orange. Cult classics, musicals or just 70's, can be polarizing to say the least. But, and I don't have any experience with Glee, I doubt Glee is the first thing people think of when they think of rock & roll. They're going to have their work cut out for them if they think either they can match the original power of the soul-drive to those songs or overpower the original performances with some dinky piano arrangement, a chorus of singers, and dance numbers. Why do they even bother to try copying things like this, artists like Madonna, etc.? Is our Remake-Happy culture to blame? They are producing these... "tributes" in a polluted sea. So, the material they have to put together a re-do / tribute is weak and insufficient anyway. They shouldn't bother trying.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

Have you seen the original? The remake can't hold a candle to the original... The Producers (1968) is one of about 30 movies I've rated a 10 - Mel brooks has a couple of other showings in that list as well: Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

I gave the remake 6 stars... For whatever it's worth, I didn't care much for the Music Man remake with Matthew Broderick either. Actually, the original version of that is also rated a 10!

No, I haven't seen the original. In fact, I don't think I've seen a single Mel Brooks film before (which I probably should have by now). The 2005 version was just okay and I'm not too big of a fan of it. It's a nice little film, but it was probably better suited to stay on Broadway (of course, the reason to make the film is to allow those to see the play if they can't get to New York). I've never really liked any Music Man to begin with, so I can't really comment on any of it.

I can understand where you're coming from. I personally thought Tommy stunk. And will never feel the desire to re-visit A Clockwork Orange. Cult classics, musicals or just 70's, can be polarizing to say the least. But, and I don't have any experience with Glee, I doubt Glee is the first thing people think of when they think of rock & roll. They're going to have their work cut out for them if they think either they can match the original power of the soul-drive to those songs or overpower the original performances with some dinky piano arrangement, a chorus of singers, and dance numbers. Why do they even bother to try copying things like this, artists like Madonna, etc.? Is our Remake-Happy culture to blame? They are producing these... "tributes" in a polluted sea. So, the material they have to put together a re-do / tribute is weak and insufficient anyway. They shouldn't bother trying.

Well, you also have to see that, like I said earlier with The Producers, that some people haven't heard the songs that the cast sings in the show. I know that I probably only knew a handful or two of the songs that they have sung. The creators are using the songs (though not really in the second half of the first season) to help the story move forward. It also allows the audience to hear new/different music for the first time. And, I understand about the "tribute" episodes. I don't really care for them unless the songs help the story. The Power of Madonna episode made little to no sense and it seemed like a waste of an episode. The only good things that came out of it was that I learned some new songs (the only Madonna song that I knew previously was Material Girl and Like A Virgin from watching Moulin Rouge) and Madonna got a lot of new people listening to her music and buying her CDs. I thought Glee was a total mess when the second part aired, but I think the main objective is to get people listening to different styles/genres of music. Now for Rocky Horror Picture Show, I didn't particularly think that the people had sung very well (except for maybe Tim Curry, but he was so odd to me that it was hard to see past the hooker clothes). I don't know if the Glee members can sing any of the songs better (though I think they could). The only confirmed songs for the episode is Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me (which Susan sang okay, but wasn't that fantastic) and The Time Warp. Now, I know you've never seen it, but Jayma Mays will be singing it and I think she has about the same vocal range as Sarandon. Neither of them are that great of singers, but then again, the song isn't that great to begin with. Maybe I just don't like the film enough. Maybe I just don't care to like it. But it just didn't sit well with me and I don't think I'll be watching it any time soon. Though I am still wondering what's so great about it that has made such a huge fan base. This and A Nightmare Before Christmas, too. I just don't understand it.

[jpanimation]

The Hurt Locker (2008) 7.5/10 - It was good but not Best Picture worthy (considering some of it's competition). At least Avatar didn't win it (a legitimate concern, since the Academy seems to get it wrong more than they do right). Anyways, it concentrates on 3 soldiers in particular and how they deal with the stress of disarming bombs in Iraq. It was entertaining, kept my attention all the way through but started to get a little too familiar towards the end. I've heard many people (on IMDB) complain about the inaccuracy. I've never served, so I wouldn't know, and am glad as I was able to enjoy the movie for what it was. Don't expect anything really BIG to happen, just the collective experiences. I felt the acting was great (I have to say it, Guy Pearce is completely wasted here but LOST fans will be excited to see a cameo by Evangeline Lilly) but the direction/editing was a little weird at times. Anyways, it was entertaining.

[Chernabog_Rocks]

Been watching a few movies for the first time lately. Just finished watching Avatar.

It's...a visually pleasing film. But I felt it took a long time to get to the ending, and by then my intrest was faltering. Perhaps more viewings later on will change how much I enjoy it *shrugs*

To touch upon a few notes for previous ones mentioned the other day.

Trick'r'treatHm. I enjoyed it a fair bit. A lot more than other horror movies I've seen recently. I rather enjoyed the little demon, Sam? I liked how the four stories were taking place generally at the same time, though the slightly skewed continuity made it hard to track.

Pollyanna A really good film, and was surprised at it's length. I actually enjoyed the character Aunt Polly, as well as Nancy. The cook is really familiar to me, yet I can't quite place where I have seen her before.

Clue It was really slow to get going, but once it got going I had a lot of fun watching it. Not the most hilarious movie ever, or amazing, but a fun watch regardless. Bit of a shame the characters didn't also wear their iconic colors as well, but that's hardly something to majorly detract from the film.

[Flanger-Hanger]

The cook is really familiar to me, yet I can't quite place where I have seen her before.

You might recognize her from Mary Poppins, or at least I'm 99% sure it's her.

And what's not to "get" regarding The Nightmare Before Christmas Sequel? It's a elaborate animated film about arguably the two most popular holidays with a memorable song score.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

And what's not to "get" regarding The Nightmare Before Christmas Sequel? It's a elaborate animated film about arguably the two most popular holidays with a memorable song score.

I just don't understand how it's so popular. I get that there are two popular holidays involved and the score/song is good, but I don't think it's particularly that wonderful. The story is original and it's an okay film, but I wouldn't classify it as a "classic" film. Maybe it's just because I don't like it much that I disconnect from it a little. The material is kind of weird (to me) and it's not really my cup of tea unless it's in October. I don't know, I guess I'm just weird.

[PeterPanfan]

Ugh, I like TNBC but it is not amazing. Just because Tim Burton directed it means nothing. He hasn't had a really good movie since Ed Wood.

[Avaitor]

Ugh, I like TNBC but it is not amazing. Just because Tim Burton directed it means nothing. He hasn't had a really good movie since Ed Wood.

Burton didn't direct it. He produced the movie and wrote the original storybook it was based off of, but Henry Selick was the director.

[ajmrowland]

also, wasnt Ed Wood after TNBC?


James and the Giant Peach-light fun. i never liked the bugs when I was younger, so no nostalgia to boost it here. the picture quality was noticeable right from the logo, but i'm not gonna complain too much. the live action segments were pretty decent, but when people arent screaming at the bugs, I find that unrealistic. but who's to expect realism out of a movie where insects grow to six-feet and become quite intelligent. it's clear burton had much less influence on this one. I also kept getting distracted by the skellington pirate captain. I actually liked the combination scenes of the Real and Animated. i dont know why such transitions get me, but they do.

3.5/5

[Lazario]

Ugh, I like TNBC but it is not amazing. Just because Tim Burton directed it means nothing. He hasn't had a really good movie since Ed Wood.

Agreed. And I didn't even like Ed Wood.

Or Nightmare, very much - if truth be told.

[PixarFan2006]

Have you seen the original? The remake can't hold a candle to the original... The Producers (1968)

I agree. The remake was okay, but it can never top the original with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. The best part of the remake was Will Ferrell as Franz

The last movie I watched was about half of Pulp Fiction (1994) Wednesday night. It's a really good movie. The reason I stopped it halfway in was because it was late and I was tired. I have seen it entirely before.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

I just watched The Secret Life of Bees, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite character was May Boatwright. She was so charming yet complex. The rest of the women (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson) were great as well. I was also surprised at how good Dakota was. There are two commentaries on the DVD so I'll be watching those later and I also plan on reading the novel by Sue Monk Kid. It should be a good read.

[ajmrowland]

Inception....................................................................

[Margos]

Notorious - This is my second Hitchcock film! I loved it! I really enjoyed the camera angles in the scenes where she learned that she was being poisoned. Really, all of the dramatic tension was played up so that you really felt it, and I very much enjoyed that. Especially in the scene where Alex was in the wine cellar. I really like Alicia's character, but I thought the guy that was her contact was a douchebag. Well, until the final scene where he rescued her and admitted he loved her. But still, I hated him and his stupid "emotional constipation" (to quote Disney's Tarzan) until that point. Oh, and I was also a little confused by the ending. I mean, it just cuts off so abruptly! I really, really wanted to find out what happened next! (But not sequel-wise. That would be ridiculous.)

Autumn Sonata - Wow, I almost cried at this one. It was so different from the other Ingmar Bergman picture I've seen (The Seventh Seal), but it was still really good. Swedish is actually a pleasant language to listen to, even if you can't understand a word of it. It was funny, though, during the scenes with Charlotte on the telephone, that my ears actually had to adjust back to English, because after not hearing it for a while, I got a little confused as to where the subtitles had gone and what the heck she was talking about, and then I realized... "Hey, I can understand her!" But anyway... I just wished that some of the things in it were more developed. Like, how exactly did Eva's husband feel when she learned about her previous relationship and the abortion? And what was wrong with Helena, anyway? I didn't quite understand. But the scene where Eva bared her heart to her mother.... That was some powerful stuff. And the fact that Charlotte remained basically unchanged afterward.... Man, it really got to me. It reminded me a little of my mother and I, to be honest. And that made it a little disturbing. But still a very good film!

[Escapay]

Someone was watching the Ingrid Bergman marathon on TCM last night.

albert

[Avaitor]

Excellent. I recorded Casablanca and Notorious from that myself. I never tire of these movies.

[Goliath]

Casino (1995)

I've tried to watch this Scorsese film before, but turned it off after an hour. I tried again last night, but was bored by it. Yes, it does have some pretty intense and very violent action scenes. It also has big conflict between the three main characters which makes for some very intense scenes. It also has Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone who are *becoming* their characters. But this only starts to get interesting after almost two hours. Before that, it's all voice-overs about the way the casino works, and who is who, and how these thousand characters interrelate and how they manage to steal so much money... talk, talk, talk. This is easily Scorsese's second-weakest film. The weakest being The Departed, the inferior remake of Infernal Affairs, for which he received his long overdue Oscar for Best Director.

The battle of Algiers (1966)

A very impressive film about the war in Algeria between colonial power France and the independance movement FLN, in the 1950's and 60's. The power lies in the fact that the film is careful to depict the tragic consequences of the actions of both sides. While taking a pro-FLN stance (in my opinion), the movie also shows the human tragedies after the bombings or drive-by homocides of the FLN. It makes for a very balanced film, about a conflict that was still very fresh when it came out in 1966. Most roles where cast on location, filled by non-professional actors, which gives it more authenticity. The music by Ennio Morricone adds to the fact that one can almost 'feel' the tension portrayed in the film. It also shows some very cruel torture tactics that the French used, which makes you wonder if the Bush-administration saw this movie, because they're almost identical to what happened in Abu Graib, Guántanamo Bay and the several CIA 'dark sites'...

[zackisthewalrus]

I haven't posted on here, so I'll just post all of the films I've seen for the first time since my last post.

Toy Story 3 - 10/10, Loved it!

Weird Science - 4/10, A very random, odd 80s film. Wasn't really a fan.

Despicable Me - 7/10, Entertaining and occasionally funny, better than most of the crap put on the market.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - 9/10, I loved it. I had been warned ahead of how out there it was, and I just loved it! My friend and I might go to a midnight show soon...