Movies you've just watched

[Mortificator]

I've only seen The Village once, and I liked the early parts quite a bit, more so than The Sixth Sense. The damper for me was that the scenario revealed by the twist was less interesting than the overt scenario. I'd have to rewatch to see how I feel about the first portion of the movie while knowing what's really going on.

[Skykid]

I've only seen The Village once, and I liked the early parts quite a bit, more so than The Sixth Sense. The damper for me was that the scenario revealed by the twist was less interesting than the overt scenario. I'd have to rewatch to see how I feel about the first portion of the movie while knowing what's really going on.

Yes, I think a lot of people felt that way about it. Generally speaking it's a very well directed film with good performances from its cast, and William Hurt was an excellent casting decision. For me The Village in particular is like a Twilight Zone episode, in that the twist is simple but heavy, rather than the convoluted stuff in the previous films. But I know why on initial viewing it will either sit well with you or take you out of the movie you were watching, but I think on repeat all of that settles itself.

For me the low points for Shyamalan were Lady in the Water and The Happening; but I never thought either of them were badly directed movies. I didn't care for them much, but I've seen worse. I'd probably rate The Happening over Lady in the Water because the entire movie is one enormous metaphor that went over everyone's heads. Lady in the Water is also metaphorical but it's mostly just nonsense.

[copy-paster]

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

Fun action movie, almost like 'videogame' movie with rail shooter as the genre. Some memorable scenes too, like the parachute fight and the sex scenes. Worth watching.

[Mischief Maker]

For me the low points for Shyamalan were Lady in the Water and The Happening; but I never thought either of them were badly directed movies.

When multiple scenes that are supposed to evoke horror instead evoke laughter, your direction sucks.

[boagman]

For me the low points for Shyamalan were Lady in the Water and The Happening; but I never thought either of them were badly directed movies.

When multiple scenes that are supposed to evoke horror instead evoke laughter, your direction sucks.

I had long since stopped giving him chances after "The Village". I'd rather burn my money than spend it on one of his movies. My version of The Impossible Choice: You Must Pick One: 1. Watch any MNS movie after "The Village" OR 2. Watch any PIXAR "Cars" movie.

Oh, but I'm *certain* that Will and Jaden were *terrific* in "After Earth". Absolutely positive about that. Nothing else could be the case.

[neorichieb1971]

The blind woman scene killed the Village for me. Whilst I understand why they sent the blind woman I find it extremely difficult to believe they would do that.

I actually preferred Wayward Pines s1 to the village. Which is another Twilight Zone esque show done by the same director. Forget S2 though, what a crap shot that was.

[Skykid]

For me the low points for Shyamalan were Lady in the Water and The Happening; but I never thought either of them were badly directed movies.

When multiple scenes that are supposed to evoke horror instead evoke laughter, your direction sucks.

Yeah, The Happening was failed in concept. The problem is that it was too bold in terms of combining mainstream Hollywood with pure metaphor and expecting everyone to lock into that. Hitchcock's The Birds, for example, was metaphor masquerading as a Hollywood scare flick, and therefore satiated the audience's basic needs, whereas The Happening is almost literal metaphor played out scene by scene without ever informing the audience of its goal. People were bewildered and I can't blame them for that - I'm surprised it even got out the studio gate in that cut to be honest.

The blind woman scene killed the Village for me. Whilst I understand why they sent the blind woman I find it extremely difficult to believe they would do that.

For the sake of fiction I don't have a problem with that at all. Without spoiling anything, the blind girl was the only choice that they had.

The Village is an interesting one for me actually because on initial viewing in the cinema I didn't like it. Could get into it because of some dumb fucking kid sitting in front of me. But I was convinced the film wasn't very good and told everyone I didn't think much to it until someone convinced me maybe three years later to watch it again. The second time I just found it a very well directed movie.

Shyamalan, for all his detractors, is still a director and can handle cinematography, mood, tension and even scriptwriting to a degree that's above the average Hollywood coke snorting fuck job. Regardless of the success of his various ventures, he still strikes me as someone passionate about their work.

Even After Earth, which was dire for the first 30 minutes and had an awful lead, still managed to pick up and gain momentum at around the 40 minute mark, eventually being entertaining, if nothing else. I haven't see the Last Airbender but I heard it offended a lot of people - that said I'd be surprised if it fell down in areas of direction, editing etc, because he can handle those. Script is the main problem in my opinion. Not easy to ever get around a bum script.

[NYN]

Funny. Almost threw a fit some days ago about The Village. It was just a moderate small talk about film, really.
And then I broke out. The "twist" I could six-sense then and there, and it's not my main issue. It's how it sticks out of the mud, so I'm not going to get compelled to see it again. Ever.
My frustration about it is how I'm not able to explain why any audience should find the whole film interesting after the reveal. Why bother with the scheme? Why give any further chance to the director on oh-so-similar future projects? Who banks the dude? Honks me off 'till I laugh about it.

[Squire Grooktook]

because the entire movie is one enormous metaphor that went over everyone's heads.

The Happening is almost literal metaphor played out scene by scene without ever informing the audience of its goal.

I remember it being the opposite. Almost everyone got the "message". Because it was painfully heavy handed, blunt, and utterly ridiculous in delivery and backing premise.

That and the unintentional comedy that Mischief Maker mentioned.

[Skykid]

because the entire movie is one enormous metaphor that went over everyone's heads.

The Happening is almost literal metaphor played out scene by scene without ever informing the audience of its goal.

I remember it being the opposite. Almost everyone got the "message". Because it was painfully heavy handed, blunt, and utterly ridiculous in delivery and backing premise.

That and the unintentional comedy that Mischief Maker mentioned.

That's interesting, but I can understand that too, depending on how you look at things (you know most people took it literally though, right?)

Out of curiosity then, what was the metaphor you were aware of on first watch?

Funny. Almost threw a fit some days ago about The Village. It was just a moderate small talk about film, really.
And then I broke out. The "twist" I could six-sense then and there, and it's not my main issue. It's how it sticks out of the mud, so I'm not going to get compelled to see it again. Ever.
My frustration about it is how I'm not able to explain why any audience should find the whole film interesting after the reveal. Why bother with the scheme? Why give any further chance to the director on oh-so-similar future projects? Who banks the dude? Honks me off 'till I laugh about it.

Not really sure what you're talking about, but I can see that if the twist doesn't work for you it reduces the entire thing to a flatline. The same can be said of all twists though.

He bankrolls himself currently, Hollywood won't produce him anymore. The Visit isn't a bad self production, and was received quite favorably.

[NYN]

Not really sure what you're talking about, but I can see that if the twist doesn't work for you it reduces the entire thing to a flatline.

That's it. Where is the fun in a film when I don't want to see it again?

The same can be said of all twists though.

There are twists and turns that feel rewarding for me as a viewer.
Did you think of the end of The Usual Suspects as a bummer because, whatever conclusion you draw, it's not what it seemed to be?

He bankrolls himself currently, Hollywood won't produce him anymore.

That could make it interesting, from a creative point. But I'm not.

[Squire Grooktook]

because the entire movie is one enormous metaphor that went over everyone's heads.

The Happening is almost literal metaphor played out scene by scene without ever informing the audience of its goal.

I remember it being the opposite. Almost everyone got the "message". Because it was painfully heavy handed, blunt, and utterly ridiculous in delivery and backing premise.

That and the unintentional comedy that Mischief Maker mentioned.

That's interesting, but I can understand that too, depending on how you look at things (you know most people took it literally though, right?)

Out of curiosity then, what was the metaphor you were aware of on first watch?

*Disclaimer: I didn't actually see it, just going by friends reactions at the time, and it has been a while. Though I have seen parts of it.*

If I remember correctly, it was a very explicit environmental aesop, where the plants had deliberately evolved to kill us because of our environmental abuse and overpopulation. There may be other layers to the film (in fact, you have me curious now), but the heavy handed and cheesy execution of that particular idea definitely rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

To further the Hitchcock comparison, it's as if The Birds had introduced exposition at the end of the film to make it unmistakably clear that "the birds are trying to kill us because of our hedonistic abuse of the planet! Repent!" with a technobabble explanation ("the birds developed a hivemid from exposure to a radioactive spill!") that surgically removes any tantalizing mystery or ambiguity from the equation.

[GaijinPunch]

Almost a whole page dedicated to arguably poor films.

Cars

And on that note

Cars 3

My kid wanted to see this so I went. I heard 2 sucked ass (wasn't it dubbed as Pixar's first bad movie?) so wasn't expecting much. It was tolerable... a few giggles here and there, but holding it up to the holy grail Pixar franchise (Toy Story) it falls super short. Similar caliber but not quite as good as Inside Out, which I found quite overrated. The only other animated film I've seen with my son in recent years was Big Hero 6 which kinda sucked.

I make him watch an episode of Ultraman with me each time I see him. Yes, the original. It's in Japanese though so he'll sit through it.

[Zen]

Even though it might not be my personal favourite of his, Unbreakable (2000) is perhaps his "best" film (whatever that might mean).
The Village (2004) would be very close to top position, in my opinion ( sorry boagman ). Fantastic mood, an ensemble cast inspiringly chosen, fantastic dark fairytale story.
The "creatures" were marvellously handled (Shyamalan has a real eye for that type of thing) The "twist"/ending was of course, it's weak spot. I personally do not have any issue with what the twist was. It was the way the twist was revealed that was the let down.

Of course it is easy to critique without giving alternative ideas. Here's my "treatment" of the the reveal;

Spoiler

While the "Elders" created and were the only ones aware of the "secret", I would have had one of the younger gen knowing the secret from the start.
We, the audience, would know this young gen is aware of a secret but ,of course, we would not be told what it was.
If handled correctly, this could have brought even more unease to the proceedings but more importantly, it would be an effective plot devise, explaining why this "innocent" would make the reality breaking decision to go against the village rules and go for help.
We, the audience, would still not know what all this meant, until perhaps the last few frames of a scene, where the injured Lucius Hunt is being treated and there, in someone's hand, is a fleeting glimpse of a . . . . hypodermic.

Black screen/silence aaaand into the score.
Gives me the fucking chills, man. Where do I pick up my check?

[Mischief Maker]

Out of curiosity then, what was the metaphor you were aware of on first watch?

Spoiler

You mean the theory that the whole film is a metaphor for depression?

[Zen]

Out of curiosity then, what was the metaphor you were aware of on first watch?

Spoiler

You mean the theory that the whole film is a metaphor for depression?

Was never able to digest the theorising myself. Felt very much like trying to make silk purse out of a sows ear.

I'm surprised it even got out the studio gate in that cut to be honest.

(Pardon me while I shift into full conspiritard mode here )
There really is no excuse for The Happening (2008). It is beyond reason why it exits at all. Then again, we may not be in full possession of the facts.
Not to be overlooked (although it has entirely been so) is the significator - "marky-mark".The conspicuously cast. The Teflon turd.
Why would Shyamalan "willingly" cast him? The answer to this would, in my humble opinion, shed much needed light on the whole affair.
Reminds me of Blomkamp and the "script" for Elysium (2013) with the upshot being the surreal spectacle of the final edit, wherein a director seemingly sabotages the "message" of his own film.
Just my opinion, of course but then again, most people never realised that the mob ran boxing or that all "games" are rigged.
Brings to mind "the music industry". . . . sweet mother of God . . . . Only Dante could do it justice.

(conspiritard mode off. I think.) Then again, maybe its just a really bad film.

[WelshMegalodon]

I make him watch an episode of Ultraman with me each time I see him. Yes, the original. It's in Japanese though so he'll sit through it.

Hey! That's the guy from Kamen Rider... and V3... and X... and Amazon... and Stronger.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Finally checked out the sequel to the John Wick mythos with John Wick Chapter 2 flick. They certainly pulled out all the stops with the high-speed car chases, stylized gun fights, and close-quarters fighting one-on-one and with multiple attackers type of action scenes. And the body count goes up into the stratosphere, indeed (easily over hundred bad guys or who's involved in the mysterious assassins' guild with the High Table and it's twelve seats). A close-quarters fight scene involving a lowly pencil makes it's debut in this JW movie as well -- actor Keanu Reeves insisted that it be staged/filmed. The eventual conclusion leads up to a possible 3rd John Wick sequel that will be quite something to behold (assuming if it does get "greenlit"/made which would be a no-brainer). The director, Chad Stahelski, said that he didn't want another repeat of the 1st John Wick film -- so that meant taking the John Wick character into a new direction with the choices that he makes during the course of this second outing (and affecting his status within the underground world).

And so with the 12th seat at the High Table vacant once more along with the Camorras family/group wanting to get their wish to see John Wick retired once & for all, a third sequel would certain make sense to tell the further adventures of Johnathan Wick aka legendary hit man "The Boogeyman" as a befitting trilogy if you will.

I like how there's a weaponry shop that caters to the assassins' guild with the latest in weaponry inside each hotel throughout the entire world and is all paid for with those gold coins as the proper form of currency. I like the insider nod of the classic Commodore computer used to sent out the orders for a "contract" + with the use of the old-school switchboards -- still works like a charm (if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[lilmanjs]

Code of Silence
Chuck Norris is actually good in this movie. A cop who goes against the police force after a botched mission. Well, he's going after the bad guys during the whole movie, but at one point because he goes against the cops, he pretty much is left on his own to take care of the bad guys. The action is set up by the plot nicely. I don't see why this gets bad reviews. Its a good movie that looks really good on Blu-ray.

[BrianC]

Robin Hood (Disney animated)- Not as good as the Errol Flynn movie, but still very nice. Cast is mostly excellent, though Mr. Haney from Green Acres is the Sheriff of Nottingham. I especially like this version of Prince John who has a tendency to suck his thumb. Terry Thomas as Sir Hiss and John Harris as Little John the are also great. The songs aren't bad either. I love how the minstrel is both a narrator and character in the movie. The b/w Mickey Mouse cartoon on the Blu-ray is also good stuff with an early appearance of Goofy when he was called Dippy Dawg.

Ghostbusters - I have seen this before and couldn't resist watching again. Hilarious movie.

Double Indemnity - Excellent movie with a not so clean cut Fred MacMurray. Edward G. Robinson and Barbara Stanwick are also great.

Coconauts - Classic Marx Brothers

[Skykid]

Even though it might not be my personal favourite of his, Unbreakable (2000) is perhaps his "best" film (whatever that might mean).
The Village (2004) would be very close to top position, in my opinion ( sorry boagman ).

You don't need to apologise to him, when it comes to film he doesn't know what he's talking about. But yes, it's a superbly directed and handled film and I'd agree it's probably alongside Unbreakable- certain aspects perhaps superior - but the twist does kill the momentum flat dead. I find it works better on repeat though.

It's a bit like From Dusk Til Dawn; the first time you see it you're really into it until it turns all vampire movie and ruins the fun you were having with the first part. But when you know what's coming the whole thing is a riot.

[GaijinPunch]

It's a bit like From Dusk Til Dawn; the first time you see it you're really into it until it turns all vampire movie and ruins the fun you were having with the first part. But when you know what's coming the whole thing is a riot.

I find the inverse better. I had an idea of where it was going but I've shown it to friends that had no idea and they flip the fuck out... but not in a bad way.

[Skykid]

It's a bit like From Dusk Til Dawn; the first time you see it you're really into it until it turns all vampire movie and ruins the fun you were having with the first part. But when you know what's coming the whole thing is a riot.

I find the inverse better. I had an idea of where it was going but I've shown it to friends that had no idea and they flip the fuck out... but not in a bad way.

Depends on your disposition; I remember enjoying it all first time. But I just screened the movie for 12 folks, many of which had never seen it, and they commented that they preferred the first half. They had no inkling what was coming mind you. The spun out faces were priceless!

[Skykid]

Not really sure what you're talking about, but I can see that if the twist doesn't work for you it reduces the entire thing to a flatline.

That's it. Where is the fun in a film when I don't want to see it again?

I find even great twists hamper a film on repeat viewing. But again, I feel it's a well made enough movie and the twist is basic Twilight Zone stuff. It's short story fiction. It didn't offend me.

He bankrolls himself currently, Hollywood won't produce him anymore.

That could make it interesting, from a creative point. But I'm not.

You're not what? Interesting?

The Visit is worth a watch. It's a fun movie, and I usually hate the found footage style stuff.

Out of curiosity then, what was the metaphor you were aware of on first watch?

Spoiler

You mean the theory that the whole film is a metaphor for depression?

Did you google that and get Den of Geek's interpretation as the first hit on the page? Because I've seen various theories go around regarding the metaphor, and that wasn't the first.

*Disclaimer: I didn't actually see it, just going by friends reactions at the time, and it has been a while. Though I have seen parts of it.*

If I remember correctly, it was a very explicit environmental aesop, where the plants had deliberately evolved to kill us because of our environmental abuse and overpopulation. There may be other layers to the film (in fact, you have me curious now), but the heavy handed and cheesy execution of that particular idea definitely rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

To further the Hitchcock comparison, it's as if The Birds had introduced exposition at the end of the film to make it unmistakably clear that "the birds are trying to kill us because of our hedonistic abuse of the planet! Repent!" with a technobabble explanation ("the birds developed a hivemid from exposure to a radioactive spill!") that surgically removes any tantalizing mystery or ambiguity from the equation.

And that's exactly what I mean. The movie's metaphor isn't environmental.

[soprano1]

Robin Hood (Disney animated)- Not as good as the Errol Flynn movie, but still very nice. Cast is mostly excellent, though Mr. Haney from Green Acres is the Sheriff of Nottingham. I especially like this version of Prince John who has a tendency to suck his thumb. Terry Thomas as Sir Hiss and John Harris as Little John the are also great. The songs aren't bad either. I love how the minstrel is both a narrator and character in the movie. The b/w Mickey Mouse cartoon on the Blu-ray is also good stuff with an early appearance of Goofy when he was called Dippy Dawg.

One of my favourites when i was a kid, my dad used to rent the damn vhs tape all the time. Animation is very good too, so fluid! Must look amazing on blu-ray.

[Squire Grooktook]

And that's exactly what I mean. The movie's metaphor isn't environmental.

The moral/environmental theme (along with some vague notions about spirituality/science) is definitely the first and foremost idea of the film from what I can tell, explicitly and unambiguously layed out as it is, and is definitely a major point of ridicule regardless of what may lay deeper below the stupid.

Genuinely curious what you think the actual metaphor was though. Again, I haven't seen it, but I'm tempted to suggest you're giving the conception of a poorly conceived schlocky horror film more credit then it's worth.

Also for the record, I do agree that M.Night isn't that bad. And I'm glad he appears to be making a comeback in terms of quality as of late.

[Xyga]

Faust (1926)

I think it's the original restored version I've just watched, supposed to be the best available, yet I couldn't help but be underwhelmed by the poor picture quality in some scenes.
e.g when they're flying around the world; it is so dark and blurred you can barely see the model scenery at all. Yeah I know the fog/mist is intentional but it's really the PQ here that seems to be the problem. Maybe there aren't any better preserved samples anymore, too bad.

Absolutely great piece of cinema in any case, it's almost unbelievable how low film making has fallen compared to relatively early works like Murnau's where tons of things feel like firsts and experiments. Too many moments where you think "this is so raw and simple yet any attempt at refining it probably would have made it worse".

[Skykid]

Genuinely curious what you think the actual metaphor was though.

Spoiler

More than one, but I initially interpreted it as a metaphor for love, or at least love being the cure for human emotional ailments, including depression. For example the old woman in the house is immune to the effects of the epidemic because she is isolated from people, but then she ends up sleeping with mannequins, which points to her emotional disorder. And in the middle of the movie is a big American house called the "perfect house", but inside it's all plastic and people are being killed by their lawn mowers - a metaphor for the American Dream. It's definitely attempting too much, which is why I keep saying it was flawed in concept out the gate.

Again, I haven't seen it, but I'm tempted to suggest you're giving the conception of a poorly conceived schlocky horror film more credit then it's worth.

[/quote]

Shit no. I already said it was a failure and I didn't like it - I ranked it alongside Lady in the Water as his worst attempt. It's not a movie I enjoyed much or would care to watch twice. I just think it's disliked for the wrong reasons, generally.

It's certainly not a "schlocky horror film" either; it's a misstepped attempt to branch out into independent film territory without having the right concept or subtlety, while burning the Hollywood money pot for no good reason.

[xxx1993]

Baby Driver was pretty fun to watch. It had a kickass soundtrack for sure, though.

[lilmanjs]

Three
Johnnie To misses the mark here. The score is done nicely. About all I can say as I fell the heck asleep before any real action happened. This was more of a hospital drama than a tense crime drama. Heck the dude who was taught how to slide out of his vest and was running around the hospital stealing keys was more interesting than the actual main plot. There's action somewhere in this, but it took so long to get anywhere close to it I fell the heck asleep. I'm glad I only rented this from the library and didn't actually buy it based on Johnnie To's name.