Movies you've just watched

[Shocky]

Tried watching Flashdance... This is not the worst movie I've ever saw (the cake is still in Batman And Robin, Superman IV and Saw 4's possession), but I did not get why it was so fuckin' popular and launched the careers of Bruckheimer/Simpson and Adrian Lyne rather than ruining them. The story is ridiculous (never heard of strippers who want to go in for professional ballet), but it's not even the issue... it's all about crappy, crappy, CRAPPY directing and a hell load of pointless moments. I don't believe that there was such a serious lack of good movies back in 1983, so that Flashdance became such a box office hit. Well, it is okay for a collection of 80s music videos (gotta admit, Jennifer Beals IS hot), but for a real summer blockbuster... nah

True that. Flashdance just isn't captivating. Poorly directed, boring shit. New stuff like StreetDance 3D and Step Up 3D blow it away in all levels, and I'm not kidding here. Somehow these dance movies of the 80'es seem to be untouchable by criticism - nostalgia is strong in clouding judgement. Take Wild Style (1983) for example, it's a prime example of _totally_ inane movie making, but because of street credibility reasons, it's treated as a classic. Luckily some movies got it right: Breakin'/Breakdance and Beat Street, those do the same thing but manage to include great dance scenes, awesome documentation of the times AND still manage to be highly entertaining and even touching movies.


As for Death Note, yeah, the first two films are good stuff. Sherlock Holmes of the anime times. But don't ever never watch the side story "L - Change the World", like someone stated earlier, that one is horrible crap in all aspects and has almost nothing to do with the previous films except for the character L, who is just thrown in a quickly written cash-in attempt.

[spadgy]

Where is the middle ground? Its either trash or fantastic

Dunno, I'll tell you when I find it.

In my experience of Skykid, he's always felt so-so about Mr Fievel Mousekewitz's work.

[Skykid]

Where is the middle ground? Its either trash or fantastic

Dunno, I'll tell you when I find it.

In my experience of Skykid, he's always felt so-so about Mr Fievel Mousekewitz's work.

I don't think we ever Discussed An American Tail did we?

[CMoon]

Hahahahahahahaha

Just watched Sugar Hill. It's a blacksploitation, voodoo zombie (plus just plain zombie), revenge flick. Amazingly, with all that shit going down, it's still surprisingly restrained, but definitely worth a watch coz it's streaming on netflix.

[njiska]

Just had a Swedish film weekend. Results:

Låt Den Rätte Komma In (English Title: Let The Right One In): Fantastic vampire/relationship movie. Dark and well constructed, though it feels like more of the novel should have been included to explain the back story between Eli and Håkan.

Män Som Hatar Kvinnor (English Title: The Girl With Dragon Tattoo): Absolute masterpiece of a film. Fantastic acting, cinematography and general presentation. Great character development and a plot filled with intrigue. By the end a series of good twists take place and everything comes together in a nice, plausible bundle.

Flickan Som Lekte Med Elden (English Title: The Girl Who Played With Fire): Not nearly as good as the first film, but still an enjoyable movie. Overall it just doesn't have the same grip and the first film and it seems harder to care about the characters.

Luftslottet som sprängdes (English Title: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest) Better and more involving than the second film, but still not as well put together as the first. This time the story feels tighter and again much of the intrigue of the first film returns. Great courtroom segment towards the end.

Still need to get around to watching Jag är nyfiken - blå (I Am Curious (Blue)). Watched Jag är nyfiken - gul (I Am Curious (Yellow)) a few years back but never saw it's companion piece.

[Siren2011]

I'm halfway into the Blair Witch Project and I just gotta say, somebody better kill the shit out of those kids. I'm rooting for you, Blair Witch!...Whoever the hell you are.

In all seriousness, the characters are unlikable, the whole concept is full of cheese, and the acting is atrocious. I just can't take a horror film seriously if it there isn't an overwhelming threat to likable protagonists. Otherwise it ends up being another "Scary Movie", in which case I couldn't care less about the fate of the main characters. I mean, a good ten minutes of this film consists of the kids bickering at each other over a map. Seriously?

[CMoon]

Have to agree. BWP was a neat idea as a concept, but it was so easy to hate the characters. Of course, it wasn't for the most part scripted, and a lot of the tension is absolutely real as the directors continued to relentlessly fuck with their actors. That said, it's really hard to imagine not being able to hike out of any situation like that--but that's where the supernatural part comes in oooooooooOOOOOOOOOOO

[DocHauser]

I hope nobody's gonna recommend anything by Piotr Szulkin. Utter me-too garbage in my opinion. Just everything that was wrong with this kind of SF in a nutshell. Polish SF flicks worth seeing: Sexmission (Seksmisja) and Kingsajz by Juliusz Machulski.

I have seen one Piotr Szulkin film, Golem, which I thought was really good, but then it's based on strong source material (Gustav Meyrink's classic novel). I have a couple more of his films that I haven't watched, 'O-Bi, O-Ba. Koniec cywilizacji' and 'Wojna światów - Następne stulecie.'

Sexmission was fun, maybe a bit too goofy and slapstick at times, but the plot ended up being unexpectedly strong. Another Polish sci-fi I'd recommend is Test Pilota Pirxa, based on a Stanisław Lem story.

[EinhanderZwei]

Have to agree. BWP was a neat idea as a concept, but it was so easy to hate the characters. Of course, it wasn't for the most part scripted, and a lot of the tension is absolutely real as the directors continued to relentlessly fuck with their actors. That said, it's really hard to imagine not being able to hike out of any situation like that--but that's where the supernatural part comes in oooooooooOOOOOOOOOOO

A good alternative will be 'The Last Broadcast'. This is historically the first documentary-style horror movie...

[Jon]

Just watched the Canadian zombie flick Pontypool and was pleasantly surprised. Interesting premise to say the least.

[DEL]

Shocky wrote;

nostalgia is strong in clouding judgement. Take Wild Style (1983) for example, it's a prime example of _totally_ inane movie making, but because of street credibility reasons, it's treated as a classic. Luckily some movies got it right: Breakin'/Breakdance and Beat Street, those do the same thing but manage to include great dance scenes, awesome documentation of the times AND still manage to be highly entertaining and even touching movies.

I disagree. Wild Style was good. I've rewatched it many times over the years. It featured real people in the scene at ground level. The writer Zephyr, Fab 5 Freddy, Busy Bee etc.
Whereas I rewatched Beat Street and found it boring as hell.

[Acid King]

A good alternative will be 'The Last Broadcast'. This is historically the first documentary-style horror movie...

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

[EinhanderZwei]

A good alternative will be 'The Last Broadcast'. This is historically the first documentary-style horror movie...

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

Didn't know that... Thanks for clarifying

[CMoon]

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

I've always avoided that film. Not that I have a weak stomach, but it still just doesn't seem like something I want to see.

[Acid King]

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

I've always avoided that film. Not that I have a weak stomach, but it still just doesn't seem like something I want to see.

While I understand the feeling, it's also a no shit landmark horror/exploitation film that's very much worth watching. It's very well made and is a pretty smart piece of filmmaking. What makes it infamous, the killing of live animals, is really what makes it work. Without the real violence, the fake violence wouldn't have nearly the same impact. The photography is quite nice and the look of the movie, the grain and the colors, is really something else.

[njiska]

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

I've always avoided that film. Not that I have a weak stomach, but it still just doesn't seem like something I want to see.

Same thought I had. Animal cruelty for amusement just doesn't sit well with me.

While I understand the feeling, it's also a no shit landmark horror/exploitation film that's very much worth watching. It's very well made and is a pretty smart piece of filmmaking. What makes it infamous, the killing of live animals, is really what makes it work. Without the real violence, the fake violence wouldn't have nearly the same impact. The photography is quite nice and the look of the movie, the grain and the colors, is really something else.

Actually raping someone on screen to show contrast violence would have a similar effect, but it's just not cool to do that for entertainment. Believe me I'm no tree hugger and I'm sure it's a fine example of exploitation cinema. But I just have no interest in any part of it for purely moral reasons.

[Skykid]

But I just have no interest in any part of it for purely moral reasons.

Are you a vegetarian?

[CMoon]

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

I've always avoided that film. Not that I have a weak stomach, but it still just doesn't seem like something I want to see.

While I understand the feeling, it's also a no shit landmark horror/exploitation film that's very much worth watching. It's very well made and is a pretty smart piece of filmmaking. What makes it infamous, the killing of live animals, is really what makes it work. Without the real violence, the fake violence wouldn't have nearly the same impact. The photography is quite nice and the look of the movie, the grain and the colors, is really something else.

Well, that's a pretty strong recommendation. Walk About has real animal violent/hunting, and it is one of my favorite films; though the animal cruelty has a meaning beyond violence itself. I'll keep the film in mind (as I always have), but don't know when I'll be in the mood.

[Skykid]

Well, that's a pretty strong recommendation. Walk About has real animal violent/hunting, and it is one of my favorite films; though the animal cruelty has a meaning beyond violence itself. I'll keep the film in mind (as I always have), but don't know when I'll be in the mood.

They hack the fuck out of some cow in Apocalypse Now.

[CMoon]

They hack the fuck out of some cow in Apocalypse Now.

True, but in my world, Walk About >>>> Apocalypse Now. I understand your world may vary.

[Never_Scurred]

...

[neorichieb1971]

Sanctum.

I think Skykid might be able to believe in it. Quite realistic circumstances, nice caves and a 2 hour survival quest of unexplored territory.

As for Death Note. I liked it because of the premise of it and the fact I wanted a Death God to clear this planet up. It gave me an ego trip.

[1up]

Also got another b-movie coming up next weekend and this is the playlist so far:
Friday 13th part 9
Halloween part 6
Poltergeist 2
Mystery Men
End of Days
Tucker and Dale vs Evil
Escape from New York
Megamind (not a b-movie but we all wanted to watch this)

B-movie marathon was awesome. Not a single movie this time was boring/so-bad-its-bad

Friday 13th part 9 was surprisingly awesome after not getting my hopes up too much after part 6+7+8 which were really really awful. Cheese factor was turned to 11 and it was more comedy/gore than typical slasher movies. IMO, this is one of the best Friday 13th.

Halloween part 6 was ok, but not great. Why wont Dr. Loomis die already?? Next time is Halloween H20 which is a breath of fresh air..

Poltergeist 2 continues where the first left off. It goes a little deeper this time explaining what happened etc. And that creepy tall skinny guy,... he scared the shit out of me as a kid, and I can feel that he still kinda does

Mystery Men, I had only watched this movie once before back in 1999 when it was released. Its a typical Ben Stiller movie with Ben being Ben. Think Dodgeball with a super hero theme.

End of Days was not as awful as I remembered. It was actually pretty entertaining, but still, the typical Arnold action movie.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil was the best movie of the day. I can see this getting cult status down the line. Horror comedy in the vein of Shaun of the Dead. If you get a chance to watch this dont hesitate.

Megamind was funny as hell. Ever imagine what happens when the super villain finally wins? Great watch and lots of laughs.

Unfortunately we were too tied to watch the last movie on our schedule, Escape from New York.

[Shocky]

Shocky wrote;

nostalgia is strong in clouding judgement. Take Wild Style (1983) for example, it's a prime example of _totally_ inane movie making, but because of street credibility reasons, it's treated as a classic. Luckily some movies got it right: Breakin'/Breakdance and Beat Street, those do the same thing but manage to include great dance scenes, awesome documentation of the times AND still manage to be highly entertaining and even touching movies.

I disagree. Wild Style was good. I've rewatched it many times over the years. It featured real people in the scene at ground level. The writer Zephyr, Fab 5 Freddy, Busy Bee etc.
Whereas I rewatched Beat Street and found it boring as hell.

Good that it worked for you. Granted, it's easily the most authentic of this bunch, and an important documentary of the times. Still; I just couldn't get over of how bad the improvised acting was, the sucky and amateurish cinematography and overall lack of structure and rhythm. It did have some promising scenes, especially when Lee Quinones went to meet the upper class art people, but even that was mostly destroyed by naive dialog or something - don't remember for sure, my dvd is missing. I lent it to someone years ago, but I'm not in a hurry to get it back... ever.

Cannibal Holocaust was released nearly two decades before the Last Broadcast.

I've always avoided that film. Not that I have a weak stomach, but it still just doesn't seem like something I want to see.

While I understand the feeling, it's also a no shit landmark horror/exploitation film that's very much worth watching. It's very well made and is a pretty smart piece of filmmaking. What makes it infamous, the killing of live animals, is really what makes it work. Without the real violence, the fake violence wouldn't have nearly the same impact. The photography is quite nice and the look of the movie, the grain and the colors, is really something else.

You forgot to mention the mind-blowing musical score by Riz Ortolani. Some of the tracks can be heard in YouTube, e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N42H2cvbcY

Because of the animal snuffing, I can't recommend watching the film.. or any film with actual killing of animals for art/box-office reasons. But do listen to the score.

[charlie chong]

meh the animals were deaded on camera by someone else many years ago and not even by the director but by the producer who added the scenes for the japanese market(according to director ruggero deodato anyways).It exists for better or for worse and you shouldn't let the footage get in the way of what is a very powerful film.
When i saw it first on a pirate vcd in 1998 it totally freaked me out because i had no idea of what was real or not and had never seen such brutality.The moral message in the film is total bull but whatever if you want to see a film that WILL freak you out and aren't bothered by the methods used to achieve said emotional state then you should give it a try.

Still it's not THAT disturbing there's plenty of films that have churned my stomach so much i had to switch off but this wasn't one of them.

[neorichieb1971]

I have an early release of the ten commandments (1956) on bluray. Gonna watch tonight.

[Skykid]

Not a film, but a documentary. My brother recommended a BBC series called Wild China so I rented it on Blu-Ray. I don't normally go in for 'wildlife' documentaries, but this isn't strictly a wildlife show, it has elements of the culture and civilisations in the far reaches of the country.

I can honestly say it's one of the most impressive documentaries of its kind I've ever seen. The imagery is incredible on Blu Ray, it's like you can put your hand into the TV it's so crisp. I was watching part four (of six) last night and they went out to the North past the great wall to desolate deserts that bridge the silk road and border the Gobi. They showed lost ancient cities and real paradise oases out in the middle of nowhere. It was incredible.

One thing I couldn't get out of my head was how similar some of it looked to Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus. I'll be damned if they didn't source footage and imagery of these places and recreate them in the game. Some of the locations were visually so close, and had the same haunting atmosphere it was too similar to be a coincidence.

That said, it brought up a lot from videogames I've played, including Zelda's nomadic planes n' stuff.

Anyway, the series is inspiring, I'd definitely recommend it if you want to see a hidden world that you had no idea exists. Makes me want to go travelling so bad.

[neorichieb1971]

Ten commandments - Blu ray 6k restoration done in 2010.

Some of the scenes where a background trick was used wields a very soft image. However, the other 99% of the movie looks absolutely fantastic. The movie was shot on 70mm stock in 1956 and painstakingly restored by Paramount to absolute perfection. The movie is on 2 blu rays as the feature is 3hr 39mins. Yul Brynner is one of my favourite actors from the period and he shines as Ramses with a toned body to die for (not that I'm gay or anything). Some of the beards are a bit silly and the Special effects are done in ways that you could have a crazy idea how they pulled it off. But honestly, its epic and the bluray does it justice. I'm going to give it 9.5/10.

The edition released in the USA that I got comes with the 1923 silent version of the movie on the bluray, a 2 discs DVD version and the 2 disc blu ray and a special features blu ray. So 6 discs in total. This is the bluray highlight of the year so far for me. Well recommended.

[CMoon]

I actually really love The Ten Commandments (and think it is far better than Ben Hur), but there's been too much else coming out to bother picking up the blu ray. It may still happen, but I'm not buying so many movies of late. Mostly just animation.

[drauch]

Cannibal Holocaust is a great film, but the animal killing doesn't make it "work". The camera blocking, the documentary-style footage, and the intense build up make it work. Look at Canibal Ferox, Jungle Holocaust, Man From Deep River, ETC that all have animal killing, yet they don't give off the same effect as Cannibal Holocaust does. It was years ago, so I don't really care if it was wrong or right, but all the directors that did it (mainly Deodato and Lenzi) were full of crap. Each one has an excuse or some wild story, depending on the interview of how it happened. What was really wacky is how Giovanni Lambardo Radice refused to kill an animal in Canibal Ferox, resulting in director Umberto Lenzi taunting him with "Do it. DeNiro would do it."