Movies you've just watched

[Acid King]

The Big Combo - An excellent noir from the director of the Gun Crazy. This movie just oozes style. The way the shots are composed, the use of light and silhouettes, it's just a pitch perfect example of film noir and is worth watching for that reason alone. The story is typical obsessive cop vs evil gangster, but the cinematography and direction is so good it elevates what would otherwise be an unremarkable story. Richard Conte plays the fast talking sociopathic mob boss, who just dumps out choice hard boiled dialogue, and Lee Van Cleef appears as one of his henchmen. Two pretty interesting factoids about the movie; First, theres the implied oral sex scene, supposedly one of, if not the first, in a mainstream American movie, and second is the obviously homosexual relationship between the two cronies, something that was also pretty ballsy for the time.

Dark Passage - Bogart and Bacall star in this brooding noir about a prison escapee falsely convicted of murdering his wife. It's a nice slow burn with some interesting cinematography. The first third of the movie relies heavily on first person shots and obscures the protagonists face until he gets a new one via plastic surgery. Nice movie.

The Sniper - The first movie in a five film box set I received as an early Xmas gift. This movie from 1952 follows a Zodiac-style serial killer who randomly picks off unsuspecting women with his rifle. It's framed as a sort of exposé about "sex criminals" but never really delves in to why the killer kills. It's a pretty good thriller regardless though, as the killer fights his urges only to become increasingly unhinged and violent.

DOA - I'd heard a lot about this movie but hadn't gotten a chance to watch it til recently. Really, a superb B-noir thriller. The movie follows a man who has been poisoned and only has a week left to live, setting off a furious search for the man who poisoned him. It lacks in style but makes up for it witha great conspiratorial tone. The introductory scene is just pulp perfection.

"I want to report a murder."
"Sit down. Where was this murder committed?"
"San Francisco, last night."
"Who was murdered."
"I was." ::dunnnnn dunnnn dunnnn::

I got a big stack movies for Xmas I can't wait to dig in to.

[JBC]

The Purge: Anarchy

I liked it a lot, much better than the first. These movies have a sort of John Carpenter vibe about them & it's even stronger in this one. It's no masterpiece of any of the genres it dips into by any means but I think it deserves better than the ratings it's received thus far. Finally an annual series that actually has some potential.

I really think a lot of the criticism comes from the implausible premise but to bash it would be to miss the whole point of the fiction. Can we get a comic book series now?

[drauch]

DOA - I'd heard a lot about this movie but hadn't gotten a chance to watch it til recently. Really, a superb B-noir thriller. The movie follows a man who has been poisoned and only has a week left to live, setting off a furious search for the man who poisoned him. It lacks in style but makes up for it witha great conspiratorial tone. The introductory scene is just pulp perfection.

Watched this about a week ago myself. Damned enjoyable, just a shame it fell into the public domain category. Just wish they would have kept that goddamn whistle out of the beginning!

Nice haul! I've got a lot of those myself, but can't say I've watched any because I'm a hoarder dolt with too many goddamn movies.

[Acid King]

Public domain is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it makes some pictures more available to people who want to watch them, on the other hand, it also means they probably won't get the restoration treatment they deserve. Some of the big stuff does, the Big Combo was remastered for DVD, and the Naked Kiss got an awesome treatment by Criterion, but the public domain versions, especially the Naked Kiss, look fucking terrible.

[drauch]

Yeah, very true. I picked up the old Image DVD of D.O.A., which is supposedly the best one out there, as they usually did a pretty good job. Image quality is much nicer than anything else, but the sound is still dreadful. Had to crank my TV up to hear them talk, but goddamn, every time there was music it scared the shit out of me, for that portion was turned up big time on the release. Still, it's an uncut print that looks nice, so can't complain there. Just wish someone could give it the proper treatment at some point. I'm glad everyone can see a lot of silent and early films for free, but it's always a bit of a bummer that most public domain versions are heavily cut or are simply unwatchable from such poor transfers. Guess it at least can peak the interest of a budding film fan to search out nice prints by Kino, Criterion, Eureka, etc. if they enjoy.

[spadgy]

Been wanting to see that for quite awhile. A lot of the Ealing stuff is out of print over here, sadly. Looks like I'm going to have to track down some DVDs from your domain, which there seem to be a ton of. How'd you view it yourself?

I'd actually just watched it on iPlayer (the BBC on-demand service that lets you see/listen to all TV/radio content broadcast on BBC channels over the past two (sometimes more) weeks). So Whiskey Galore has been on the BBC recently. However, the iPlayer website is typically blocked to non-UK users, being public-service/license funded, but I guess there must be some way around that.

I could not, of course, recommend invading the Big British Castle in such a way!

[lilmanjs]

Yeah, very true. I picked up the old Image DVD of D.O.A., which is supposedly the best one out there, as they usually did a pretty good job. Image quality is much nicer than anything else, but the sound is still dreadful. Had to crank my TV up to hear them talk, but goddamn, every time there was music it scared the shit out of me, for that portion was turned up big time on the release. Still, it's an uncut print that looks nice, so can't complain there. Just wish someone could give it the proper treatment at some point. I'm glad everyone can see a lot of silent and early films for free, but it's always a bit of a bummer that most public domain versions are heavily cut or are simply unwatchable from such poor transfers. Guess it at least can peak the interest of a budding film fan to search out nice prints by Kino, Criterion, Eureka, etc. if they enjoy.

My mother saw that one and loved it very much, but I'm not sure who released it as I know it was part of a combo pack, only split up since it was rented from the library. This year has been a ride through film noir from the 40s and 50s thanks to my mother loving that kind of stuff and wanting it. The Film Noir Classics II seen a few posts back has nothing bad in it. As does the first volume in that series as well. So much stuff seen that it would take me forever to figure out all the stuff seen this year. Though lots of 20th Century Fox and WB archive stuff. Laura is a movie that stands out in my mind though. A true classic and I think its considered film noir.

[Ixmucane2]

Gone Girl
Best film of the year, particularly recommended if you are about to marry. Its main limit is that the tone is so implacably too close for comfort that it is unlikely to become a cool and beloved cult classic.

A superior genre (thriller/crime, but realistic enough to cause genuine fear and horror; it could really happen to anybody), excellent photography and acting (Ben Affleck as the handsome insensitive husband with about two expressions, Rosamund Pike as the beautiful and distant wife that smiles too much, and everyone else), suitably unpleasant music by Trent Reznor, and a very good story that balances mystery, attention to details, social commentary, madness, and putting the audience in front of a moral mirror.

[drauch]

Yeah, very true. I picked up the old Image DVD of D.O.A., which is supposedly the best one out there, as they usually did a pretty good job. Image quality is much nicer than anything else, but the sound is still dreadful. Had to crank my TV up to hear them talk, but goddamn, every time there was music it scared the shit out of me, for that portion was turned up big time on the release. Still, it's an uncut print that looks nice, so can't complain there. Just wish someone could give it the proper treatment at some point. I'm glad everyone can see a lot of silent and early films for free, but it's always a bit of a bummer that most public domain versions are heavily cut or are simply unwatchable from such poor transfers. Guess it at least can peak the interest of a budding film fan to search out nice prints by Kino, Criterion, Eureka, etc. if they enjoy.

My mother saw that one and loved it very much, but I'm not sure who released it as I know it was part of a combo pack, only split up since it was rented from the library. This year has been a ride through film noir from the 40s and 50s thanks to my mother loving that kind of stuff and wanting it. The Film Noir Classics II seen a few posts back has nothing bad in it. As does the first volume in that series as well. So much stuff seen that it would take me forever to figure out all the stuff seen this year. Though lots of 20th Century Fox and WB archive stuff. Laura is a movie that stands out in my mind though. A true classic and I think its considered film noir.

Very cool. Laura is a favorite of mine as well. I'd love if my parents were a bit more into film. Dunno where I got the bug myself, because it definitely wasn't through them. I try and get them to watch stuff, mainly things they saw growing up, but it usually proves frustrating on my part as they speak out during films about what characters should do, or laugh at bits that aren't intended to be humorous. My Mom does like Hitchcock, at least, so I try to squeeze one in every once and awhile.

[lilmanjs]

Very cool. Laura is a favorite of mine as well. I'd love if my parents were a bit more into film. Dunno where I got the bug myself, because it definitely wasn't through them. I try and get them to watch stuff, mainly things they saw growing up, but it usually proves frustrating on my part as they speak out during films about what characters should do, or laugh at bits that aren't intended to be humorous. My Mom does like Hitchcock, at least, so I try to squeeze one in every once and awhile.

That is a shame that they don't like movies. My parents go each Friday night to see a movie, and I rent stuff from the library for my mother each week. I've gone through a good bit of Film Noir from Japan as well this year, but its surprising how good movies used to be. I guess back in the day Columbia was the studio that produced the greatest Noir stuff, that or they know how to pick them for their collection releases. Some of the 20th Century Fox stuff wasn't so great, but House of Bamboo was decent enough that I'd recommend it.

[chempop]

The Machine - Awesome. Basically a live action anime, but somehow great.

[spadgy]

Tyrannosaur - Not anything to do with dinosaurs. A 2011 drama about cycles of violence and abuse, in a way. So brutal, relentless and unpleasant, at first I was almost tempted to switch off, casting it aside as 'nasty and nothing much else'. But I'm so glad I stayed with it. Such a brilliant bit of film making. Very straight up, honest, well crafted and captivating. Thought provoking and terrifying too. Treat yourself to watching it.

[BIL]

Enjoyed that one myself spadgy. Strong stuff.

[neorichieb1971]

Spirited away
Turbo
War Horse.

Just going through some old blu rays I never got round to watching.

[spadgy]

Enjoyed that one myself spadgy. Strong stuff.

Strong indeed. Harrowingly strong!

[GaijinPunch]

A superior genre (thriller/crime, but realistic enough to cause genuine fear and horror; it could really happen to anybody), excellent photography and acting (Ben Affleck as the handsome insensitive husband with about two expressions, Rosamund Pike as the beautiful and distant wife that smiles too much, and everyone else), suitably unpleasant music by Trent Reznor, and a very good story that balances mystery, attention to details, social commentary, madness, and putting the audience in front of a moral mirror.

Spoiler

My feminist friends would kick me in the balls, but it is basically a theatrical take on the phenomenon known as crazy pussy.

[BrianC]

Big Hero 6 and the third part of the Hobbit. I liked the former much better, but I didn't dislike either. Interesting seeing the actor who played Slade on Arrow as an orc.

[Lord Satori]

Just saw the latest Hunger Games movie. I really enjoyed it, and am definitely going to see the second part when it comes out. Though the cliffhanger was kinda "meh" in my opinion. Yes, I guess I want to know how the particular scene ends, and I'm curious to whether something stupid happens or not (not going into any more detail), but the way it was presented seemed like it was supposed to be mindblowing. Though it's entirely possible that I misinterpreted it.

[JBC]

I finally did PPV instead of just waiting.

As Above So Below. The last half is better than the first, but the first half is so weak it takes away from any interest I could still have in the backstory of the catacombs. It gets good but I prob only liked parts because of my own personal interest in caving & cave movies. I can't stand it when they use found footage as an excuse for a cheap film. It doesn't even try to come off as actual found footage, with unnecessarily captured dialogue between characters & stupidly unrealistic yet oh so cinematic setups for characters to meet. There's a lot of overacting & it's very forced. It's not great, watch it free or don't bother.

Now for some Australian horror which is always good. I'm gonna get Crawl Or Die, The Babadook, Lemon Tree Passage, & Wolf Creek.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Apparently, the Aussie horror flick by the name of Wolf Creek got a proper sequel that's aptly named Wolf Creek 2 for 2014, indeed.

Upon checking out the 1985 sci-fi/horror hybrid flick of Lifeforce, it had an original June 1985 theatrical release in the USA playing at the usual local movie houses and drive-ins. With an overall $25 million dollar budget, that was an not too shabby amount to get the film made and released to the general public in those days -- it tanked "big time" at the U.S. film box office during it's initial film debut. Sadly, I did not get the proper chance to see it on the big screen back during the summer of 1985 (despite seeing the notable theatrical posters hyping it up during that particular point in time with the famous & unforgettable tagline: "In the blink of an eye, the terror begins"). It wasn't until a little bit later (or rather a few years down the road) that HBO was showing it on cable, that I got the chance to see it from beginning to end (given the fact that it was the theatrical version shoehorned into the typical 4:3 TV screen presentation so prevalent back in the mid-1980s). With the French actress, Mathilda May, posing in her birthday suit for a good portion of the film, she certainly has the goregous & to-die-for sexy hour-glass figure with the usual ample T&A to adore from a distance -- akin to being able "to look at but not touch" type of mentality/vibe if you will). The Director's Cut of Lifeforce clocks in at a whopping 2 hours and 10 minutes but has yet to surface for general distribution/release -- how about it, MGM and/or Shout Factory?.

You might recall the famous American based Fangoria horror magazine with it's full-color spread coverage of Lifeforce on the magazine rack stand for sale/or reading at your leisure at bookstores chains like Walden's, Stacy's, D.B Dalton's, etc (which in retrospect, didn't dissapoint upon checking it out in it's entirety).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[SuperGrafx]

Trading Places

I guess it's sort of a New Year's Day tradition for me to watch this.
Still great after all these years.

[Leandro]

The Expendables 3. This is the one I enjoyed most out of the three. 6/10

I hate that Kellan Lutz kid

[Necronopticous]

My wife & I watched Andrzej Zulawski's 1981 mindfuck marriage horror film Possession earlier this evening, right after waking up from an awkward post-new-years-party nap. 2015 is off to a strong start.

[drauch]

Watched that and his film The Most Important Thing: Love last year myself. Awesome director. Such strong performances in Possession, as well as in Love. He really knows how to get what he needs out of his actors/actresses, so much that it completely drains them, which is quite understandable after viewing them, especially Possession.

[spadgy]

22 Jump Street. Puerile, silly and hammy, but I'll admit it had me laughing a hell of a lot. With reasonably tight scripting and a joke cannon firing rate somewhere close to Naked Gun's, it was a perfect New Year's Day recovery film. And the ways it toyed with the notion of movie sequels and rehashing the concept of 21 Jump Street was a lot of fun.

[system11]

Watching "The Interview".

It's shit. I don't know why I'm still watching it, I think just so the initial 45 minutes weren't wasted time.

[spadgy]

I guess if any film had a lot of hype to live up to, it's The Interview.

I just watched Argo last night. Better than I expected, and utterly engrossing, if a little confusing at first.

Oh - and I watched Wayne's World for the first time in a long time. I wouldn't say it's not aged well, but so much that seemed so fresh way back feels so familiar, over quoted, or commonplace elsewhere these days, its more apparent to me now that it is a film of its time (than my last viewing, maybe ten years ago).

[options]

Daybreakers

Vampire movie with an interesting twist—vamps are the 'regular' ones and humans are in the minority. More than a few similarities with Gattaca (also starring Ethan Hawke).

Not mind-blowing, but entertaining for what it is. Touches on issues like corporate greed, mistrust between different groups, police states and how quickly people reveal their ugly true nature when the chips are down. Probably more relevant now than in the year it was released.

[Ixmucane2]

Big Hero 6

One of the finest superhero films ever; it does almost everything right, with some interesting new ideas.

• No supernatural or paranormal elements (with very vague hints of one or two possible slight exceptions), only exceptionally smart and resourceful people. Thematic coherence benefits greatly.
• Excellent science fiction, with a smooth combination of well founded real-world extrapolations, exaggeration and amazing superscience. All important, meaningful, and treated according to canonical stereotypes (for example, the villain could be defeated by an obvious, easily realizable large-scale application of his characteristic technology, but the heroes prefer a more adventurous approach).
• A firm stance against violence. In a certain important scene about halfway, seeing people who behave normally (restraining an irate companion who wants to kill someone) and realizing it's abnormal becomes an heartbreaking deconstruction of a century of films and comic books.
• An equally serious and positive treatment of death and bereavement, including thoughtful running gags.
• Stan Lee.
• A particularly fun main character.
• Beautiful action scenes, particularly the first flight over the city of Hiro and Baymax (which exceeds the feeling of exhilarating power of the fairly similar scene of skyscraper jumps in Sam Raimi's Spiderman).

[boagman]

Watching "The Interview".

It's shit. I don't know why I'm still watching it, I think just so the initial 45 minutes weren't wasted time.

Oh, I made that same mistake with "Reservoir Dogs". I'm now old and smart enough to know that it's okay to shoot a dying horse.

To quote David Spade: "Oh, I just remembered: you're boring, and my legs work."

I have no problem turning off a lousy movie or walking out on one, like "The American" starring George Clooney, which is just freaking terrible.