Movies you've just watched

[EmperorIng]

Sounds good enough for a watch with friends, with drinks involved. They never want to watch my movies anyway. Can you believe they disliked Death Race 2000? Oh, the humanity.

[rapoon]

die hard 4..... die hard 5..... hmmm, which is better?

it's like asking what's tastier: a soupy bowl of diarrhea or a nutty turd in a hotdog bun.

they both suck ass because they are die hard 4 and die hard 5.

[Ixmucane2]

Edge of Tomorrow
A rare example of a film that is actually much better than its trailers suggest: it is about repetition, and trailers cannot afford to be repetitive.
What's really good is the writing: there are great variations on the theme of reliving the same day over and over again, and they are told very well; there is the right place for beautiful action scenes, humour, and reflection; the plot makes sense (even at the end, when it devolves into a rather commonplace heroic suicide mission to save the world), the time loop gimmick is explained and exploited very thoroughly, all technology in use (the setting is in the very near future) is particularly realistic and low-key, the lack of significant plot holes is exhilarating.

Special effects are highly believable and realistic: most are things that could be actually built, with the obvious exception of the glowing major aliens.
Editing is another very strong suit, particularly all the cutting and skipping across different time loops.

Jesus Christ, it's not THAT good. You make it sound like some kind of original masterpiece. It's better than average run-of-the-mill Hollywood, and credit where due, enjoyable enough - but not without myriad weaknesses. And it's teeming with plot holes.

You tend to hate films you don't like and clearly you expected something different; I'm more inclined to forgive problems whenever I find even a little greatness.
For example, acting is indeed bad; Tom Cruise is adequate as a jerk (like in Tropic Thunder) but not as a hero. It simply isn't a disgusting defect to me.
The actual disagreement between our tastes regarding Edge of Tomorrow is limited to design:

The promise of the design and visual concept is baked up to about half its potential. It's really all about the suits and the bitch sword - remove those from the set and it would look pretty generic. The alien design is also average at best.

You apparently demanded something more novel, fancy and spectacular, while I find the homely and restrained weapons, combat, even aliens, a wise and appropriate choice because it's a particularly realistic film, with a very close future setting and a "standard" alien hivemind invasion that departs from basic clichés only in a single special feature.

This film is only "some kind of original masterpiece" relative to the normal quality level of Hollywood scripts; effectively telling a coherent story should be the starting point of cinema, the foundation of memorable scenes, exceptional quality, profound meaning etc., but so many scripts are ruined by idiots that not only having a smart story but presenting it in a skillful and interesting way counts as a great success.

[z0mbie90]

die hard 4..... die hard 5..... hmmm, which is better?

it's like asking what's tastier: a soupy bowl of diarrhea or a nutty turd in a hotdog bun.

they both suck ass because they are die hard 4 and die hard 5.

Die Hard 4 is easily better then 5. While I don't think 4 is an peticular good film I could atleast watch it. Die Hard 5 I just went out of the room and don't ever ever wanna look at again!

[GaijinPunch]

Die Hard 4 is easily better then 5. While I don't think 4 is an peticular good film I could atleast watch it. Die Hard 5 I just went out of the room and don't ever ever wanna look at again!

Die Hard 4 was PG-13. Thus, it was not Die Hard.

[Mischief Maker]

Die Hard 4 was PG-13. Thus, it was not Die Hard.

Now I have a taser. Ho Ho Ho

[Skykid]

Die Hard 4 is easily better then 5.

It's not.

Edge of Tomorrow
A rare example of a film that is actually much better than its trailers suggest: it is about repetition, and trailers cannot afford to be repetitive.
What's really good is the writing: there are great variations on the theme of reliving the same day over and over again, and they are told very well; there is the right place for beautiful action scenes, humour, and reflection; the plot makes sense (even at the end, when it devolves into a rather commonplace heroic suicide mission to save the world), the time loop gimmick is explained and exploited very thoroughly, all technology in use (the setting is in the very near future) is particularly realistic and low-key, the lack of significant plot holes is exhilarating.

Special effects are highly believable and realistic: most are things that could be actually built, with the obvious exception of the glowing major aliens.
Editing is another very strong suit, particularly all the cutting and skipping across different time loops.

Jesus Christ, it's not THAT good. You make it sound like some kind of original masterpiece. It's better than average run-of-the-mill Hollywood, and credit where due, enjoyable enough - but not without myriad weaknesses. And it's teeming with plot holes.

You tend to hate films you don't like and clearly you expected something different; I'm more inclined to forgive problems whenever I find even a little greatness.
For example, acting is indeed bad; Tom Cruise is adequate as a jerk (like in Tropic Thunder) but not as a hero. It simply isn't a disgusting defect to me.
The actual disagreement between our tastes regarding Edge of Tomorrow is limited to design:

The promise of the design and visual concept is baked up to about half its potential. It's really all about the suits and the bitch sword - remove those from the set and it would look pretty generic. The alien design is also average at best.

You apparently demanded something more novel, fancy and spectacular, while I find the homely and restrained weapons, combat, even aliens, a wise and appropriate choice because it's a particularly realistic film, with a very close future setting and a "standard" alien hivemind invasion that departs from basic clichés only in a single special feature.

This film is only "some kind of original masterpiece" relative to the normal quality level of Hollywood scripts; effectively telling a coherent story should be the starting point of cinema, the foundation of memorable scenes, exceptional quality, profound meaning etc., but so many scripts are ruined by idiots that not only having a smart story but presenting it in a skillful and interesting way counts as a great success.

Realism.

Are you using this word with any kind of seriousness, or in jest? There's nothing in EoT that has any semblance of 'realism', nor does it attempt to. It's by and large total comic book fiction stuffed with nonsenses and implausibility that's a far, far cry from commandeering any real-world credibility. Had you read my quote you would have seen those flaws identified already, and only a handful at that.

Regarding acting, Cruise is not who I'd pinpoint for outright failure, I don't know why you're referencing him. It's the supporting cast that are laughably bad, amateurish performances gnashing around amateurish dialogue.

As I said, I enjoyed it for its theme and basic entertainment factor, but the details you're putting on a pedestal are largely as flimsy as everything else in the Hollywood blockbuster spectrum. You've percieved a level of quality that doesn't exist.

[nasty_wolverine]

...

You know, not everyone has to share your opinion or point-of-view. If he says that he "felt" the movie was realistic enough, he has complete right to do so, regardless of how you feel about its realism, and regardless of how realistic it objectively is.

There will always be things that some love and others hate.

Also, are movies really supposed to be completely "realistic". I thought the whole point of fiction (movies/books/videogames) was to be about something that cannot happen in reality. But, once the basic premise is defined and accepted, the material kicks it in the balls and really jars your suspension-of-disbelief then its really a flaw. eg. basic premise states time travel is impossible, characters time travels freely.

[Skykid]

...

You know, not everyone has to share your opinion or point-of-view. If he says that he "felt" the movie was realistic enough, he has complete right to do so, regardless of how you feel about its realism, and regardless of how realistic it objectively is.

What are you talking about? It's not objective: it either is or it isn't realistic. In this case the latter.

No-one needs to share my POV, I'm just stating my case in a small minority war to chip back at the daily increasing falsehoods spuriously blabbered with regard to commerical factory film. It's like swimming upstream in a monsoon but I'll keep fighting the good fight in the name of education.

There will always be things that some love and others hate.

Like I said, in the name of education.

Also, are movies really supposed to be completely "realistic".

No, that's the point I was making. No-one suggested the problem was a lack of realism, just a forum member incorrectly concluding that any existed.

But, once the basic premise is defined and accepted, the material kicks it in the balls and really jars your suspension-of-disbelief then its really a flaw. eg. basic premise states time travel is impossible, characters time travels freely.

That's part of the movie's problem. The actual reason for the time reset is utterly tenuous at best, and all wrapped up in two short sentences where you're just meant to say "oh, so that's it." Of course it's a means to an end: you need to accept it as sci-fi nonsense, implausible as it is, otherwise you won't be able to do your Groundhog Day thing. But don't expect any stoking of the grey matter, it's predictably thin stuff.

And as aformentioned, it's loaded with holes and stupidity, but entertaining enough in the handling that you can glaze over for a moment and get past them.

[Vexorg]

How To Train Your Dragon 2: ****

Even though I never saw the first movie, I enjoyed this one more than I expected to. The flying scenes were done quite well, and although the aesthetics are quite different, I found myself reminded a lot of games like Panzer Dragoon by this. There are a couple of places where the CG feels like it breaks down a bit, but that's just a minor nitpick. Also, Toothless is just a really well-done character.

[nasty_wolverine]

...

To be honest, i generally categorize movies into three categories:
1) Not worth my time: movies that really dont allow me to suspend my disbelief. unfortunately thats 99% of current movies, 100% of anything by Michael Bay.
2) Okay Movies: movies i can watch once and enjoy, may be watch once more if I am drunk and people insist.
3) Good Movies: movies that i can watch once every 2-3 months.
4) Great Movies: The kind of movies I have seen more times than I can remember. I think I have seen some more than 20-30 times. Big Lebowski is one that I have probably seen more than 50 times, mostly because all my friends and me love it, and we used to end up playing it every time got together for a drink. Transpottings' another one that i can watch again and again.

I do agree with the fact, that what hollywood has been churning out lately has been mind numbing crap, with a few inbetween okay and good movies, far few inbetween great movies.

edit: lately i prefer watching stand up comedy more than watching movies. If dont know already, watch Dylan Moran. Man. Irish. Legend. i recommend "Black Books".

[MX7]

I always suggest not using the word 'realistic' with regards to films as they are intrinsically 'unrealistic'. Even a Ken Loach film, with its naturalistic dialogue and kitchen sink setting has a narrative that will begin, gain pace and conclude within around 90 minutes.

A better way to think about film is through the idea of verisimilitude, or their 'respective' realism. Yeah, a laser firing through the vacuum of space wouldn't make a sound. It wouldn't even make much of a sound on Earth. But a sci-fi film would seem less like its respective and established version of the truth if that was the case. And it would be boring.

Personally, the ultimate acid test of verisimilitude is 'can I surrender to this film? Can I get lost in it? Does it present a satisfying world with its own internal logic, a compelling world with its own idiosyncrasies, flaws and frustrations?

In terms of sci-fi, I've never encountered a more simultaneously engrossing and disorientating version of the truth than Gibson's Neuromancer. I'd absolutely love to see a film or TV show that could even approximate the deluge of information that book thrusts on the reader. The Mamoru Oshii films Ghost in the Shell, Innocence and Avalon come pretty close. A few more play lip service I guess.

Sorry, this is a bit of a Regalsin post. Too much paperwork today, would rather be watching films and getting trashed on Sierra Nevada Torpedo.

[rapoon]

watching tonight for the first time.

[Aguraki]

Like I said, in the name of education.

you remind myself younger.
idk how old u are but with age I gave up on that and now I like die hard 4.
imagine...that can happen to you too

[drauch]

watching tonight for the first time.

You're in for a treat! Bluray or bust; don't even bother with the abortion that is the old releases, as well as the new DVD that came out simultaneously with the BD.

[GaijinPunch]

How's the soundtrack? Cover looks dope.

[drauch]

How's the soundtrack? Cover looks dope.

Amazing. Not my favorite soundtrack of theirs as far as general listen ability, but it perfectly sets the mood and the tension throughout.

[Skykid]

Like I said, in the name of education.

you remind myself younger.
idk how old u are but with age I gave up on that and now I like die hard 4.
imagine...that can happen to you too

Holy fucking nightmare captain. Never!

[jonny5]

2012 - a cinematic masterpiece. The story, the acting, the CG, all top notch!! Once again, John Cusack reprises his role as the part time dad, full time wacky writer, and this time he helps save the world! Don't want to give away any plot twists, but shit explodes and stuff.

Fell asleep for the end though, probably finish it tonight.

[Xyga]

So I was curious about that Godzilla... my Dog, it's so bad it made me sad.
Seriously. It's the kind of shit that make you lose faith in humanity.

[Lord Satori]

Wow, seriously? I acknowledge that it has its faults, but don't you think that's an overreaction?

[Skykid]

Wow, seriously? I acknowledge that it has its faults, but don't you think that's an overreaction?

No.

I already told you, you don't have the ability to see the flaws. Not a sleight, just an observation.

[lilmanjs]

Bayside Shakedown: The Movie

Watched the series this is based off a while ago and finally am watching the movies. Really liked this one quite a lot since they were able to do what the series did so well. Tense moments and great humor go hand and hand in this movie. That lady who ran the website that is mentioned in the movie though, she creeped me out quite a lot. I can only assume that the second movie is even better.

[rapoon]

How's the soundtrack? Cover looks dope.

Amazing. Not my favorite soundtrack of there's as far as general listen ability, but it perfectly sets the mood and the tension throughout.

watched the BD last night. awesome movie. score fit the atmosphere perfectly.

[Moniker]

The Raid 2 (Amazon Instant Video)

Holy fucking shit. Doubled everything the first had to offer. Not least because they got rid of the odd color desaturation of the first. Also, Rama becomes Mad Dog. Although, the original remains more iconic and compelling; mainly because it came first, but also because it had a clearer purity of purpose.

Spoiler

Had to IMDb Prakoso to figure out that Mad Dog hadn't somehow survived. Was expecting the whole time that he would pull down his collar, Hang 'em High style, and see fluorescent bulb scars. I also wish they had done more with Rama's brother, but eh.

Anyway, any fence-sitters need to get both of these, stat. The best of both action and kung-fu worlds. I hope the director doesn't get stuck with making endless Raid sequels.

Spoiler

The ending obviously indicates another sequel. That being said, wouldn't mind a trilogy.

[BIL]

Rewatched the original Phantasm. Still so good, a sad nightmare via loveable 70s b-horror. As leering and grasping as Mike's boogiemen are, the underlying themes of loss and mortality resonate well. Most enjoyable on both literal and more nebulous levels.

V can do whatever, really (though I am looking forward to seeing it). There's great sentimental value in the cast getting closure (Angus Scrimm introduced the copy of the DVD I watched - such a grand old chap), but the sequels will always be peripheral to what works best as a bad dream on film.

[Sly Cherry Chunks]

^I marathonned all four last week. Great stuff but that first one really is in a league all of its own. V is welcome, it has that straight-to-DVD look (was that the lady in lavender in the trailer?) but I actually thought IV made for a good finale with its recycled footage from the 70s.

[BIL]

Yeah, seems it's her! Gang's all back. Or "her," brr. So malicious and passively terrorising, her last scene in the original.

I liked IV's conclusion a lot, bitter futility and cold comfort in an almost cosmic horror tone. The sequels do have their share of memorable material. Rosary lynch!

"You think when you die you go to heaven? You come to us!" *bionic eyebrow*

[rapoon]

The Raid 2 (Amazon Instant Video)

Holy fucking shit. Doubled everything the first had to offer. Not least because they got rid of the odd color desaturation of the first. Also, Rama becomes Mad Dog. Although, the original remains more iconic and compelling; mainly because it came first, but also because it had a clearer purity of purpose.

watched last night and was disappointed when compared to 1st.

[Skykid]

Bad Milo



An absolute tribute to the Henenlotter canon, this is actually a little bit good. A clear metaphor for the burden of stress, the ultimate bowel movement becomes a vengeful killer.

Impressively, this is well cast, funny, with amusing improvisation and totally nutcase plotting. They also use puppetry/animatronics over CG, in 2013 - I can't believe my eyes.

For a film that's basically about a guy who needs to take a serious shit, it's 100 times more accomplished in its goals than Godzilla on an absolute fraction of the budget.

Yeah, it's dumb as they come, but If you're basket case for Basket Case it's a must-see.