Movies you've just watched

[Ed Oscuro]

Hahahaha, I don't know. Myths and fairy tales have a kind of illogical mystery to them that I think Legend captures really well. It also has a little D&D questing feel to it that I don't mind. I wouldn't call it a vapid film.

Well, although Scott the director has always been overshadowed by Scott the artist, I'm still a sucker for his visual creativity. In many cases, that's enough to make the film worthwhile for me. All of this discounting Blade Runner, of course, which is fantastic through and through.

This, I couldn't stand to watch the film past the first cottage scene because I just couldn't engage with the dialogue, but damn did it look good. The opening shots of the forest were amazing.

Guess I'll have to find Excalibur now. Hmm, I gave up on Dark Crystal when the one disgraced character tries to convince the good guys to be "friends" - yeah...maybe I could find some time to watch all of these back to back.

but fuck, watching chambara flicks by Hideo Gosha instead sounds so much better

Speaking of which, I got something wrong earlier: Three Outlaw Samurai eventually spawned a television series around 1970 - not the other way around - and I found a place that sells it! It is good that they kept Nagato Isamu, but I really liked the actors for the two samurai (although the title is "three outlaw samurai" in the West, Mr. Nagato's character says he is a peasant in the film). I looked at IMDB for the name of this series but they don't have it - "three outlaw samurai" is just the title to get name recognition from Westerners, obviously, but I don't care to guess if this series ever got any other NTSC-U region release.

Are we gonna have this conversation again?

[drauch]

Man, I hate Legend. I think it's a terrible flick. Fairy attractive movie spoiled by silly dwarves and fluffy fantasy. Not my cup of manly joe.

[Skykid]

Well, sorry disappoint (Cmoon specifically) but Dark Crystal is boring. In-fact, its pacing is largely its problem, since design wise it's sumptuous. But the voice acting has issues, noticeable from the word go with all those old evil vulture things waffling incessantly over each other: it's like an improv class gone wrong, and there's no discernable dialogue thread or direction to hold on to. This contributes to the pacing issue, since there's very little in the way of discourse around which to build a memorable scene. Compared to Krull, where they did a superb job of rounding off an enormous ensemble of characters, here they couldn't muster a connection with a handful. The main dude is totally soft too, he's not cut from the cloth most 80's heroes should be (no pun intended). There's very little about him to like, tbh, and I really didn't click with their puppet designs - they just look bizarre and ugly. Was nodding off by the end, felt like it went on for an eternity. I wouldn't recommend this over similar ilk, Neverending Story or Labyrinth.

But Excalibur, fuck yes, superb recommendation. I have to watch this again... After Willow and Conan.

[SharkSkin-Man]

Return to Oz.
Hugely underrated, really rather dark and bleak for a kids film (apparently closer to the tone of the books than the original) and as a result holds up better when viewed as an adult.

[Raytrace]

I dunno what's going on with me, I'm having some sortof late midlife crisis - watched this yesterday:



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0924461/

I did enjoy it overall, but I think the antagonism to Powell & Peralta was a bit much (especally in my new found softness towards them after watching 'Bones Brigade').
and the attack on Woodstock was pretty nasty. Still definitely an entertaining watch, and as I kinda stopped skating just as it all was really taking off (I do reember SMA World Industries decks though), I never put two and two together that Big Brother Magazine and therefore basically Jackass are descendent from World Industries.

This guy doing the IMDB review is kinda wrong here I think:

'H-Street is also one of my other rubs with this documentary. H-Street was a skater-owned company, released amazing street-skating videos shot on tape and did all this BEFORE Rocco and World Industries.'

as far as I remember yes 'Shackle Me Not' did have street skating in it, and it was brilliant, but there was definitely ramp stuff in it too. All that is said in the documentary is that it was the first skatevid released which was only street-skating, which is probably true.

[DEL]

Speaking of skatepark-related movies, I recommend Joe Kid on a Stingray, the history of BMX:
http://www.joekidonastingray.com/
Not sure if there are any other BMX freestylists on this forum though...? If so, its pretty great.

In other news, I'm re-watching 50 Dead Men Walking, which is a surprisingly good movie.
Still yet to watch The Dark Knight RISES/Lucifer RISES, but fully intend to

[CMoon]

Well, sorry disappoint (Cmoon specifically) but Dark Crystal is boring.

No worries, it is definitely a flawed film. I give it an enormous amount of points for being so visually creative.

I wouldn't recommend this over similar ilk, Neverending Story or Labyrinth.

Yeah, either I like Dark Crystal a LOT more than you, or you like these other two films far more than I do. Actually, I've never seen Neverending story, so that isn't fair, but I've no love whatsoever for Labyrinth short of the Jennifer Connelly appreciation.

But Excalibur, fuck yes, superb recommendation. I have to watch this again... After Willow and Conan.

Then watch Zardoz; but shit, you gotta get through Conan the Destroyer and Willow first. Hope you got some major alcohol reserves on hand.

[EmperorIng]

ZARDOZ


ZARDOZ

ZARDOZ SPEAKS

THE GUN IS GOOD

(The gun is good!)

THE PENIS IS EVIL

(The penis is evil!)

GO AND KILL

Lol, "beyond 2001" my ass.

===

I watched Excalibur as a high-schooler but could only laugh at its over-acting (particularly the beginning "NO ONE CAN HAVE EXCALIBUR BUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE") and was not impressed. Maybe it's time to give it a second chance.

[Skykid]

Yeah, either I like Dark Crystal a LOT more than you, or you like these other two films far more than I do. Actually, I've never seen Neverending story, so that isn't fair, but I've no love whatsoever for Labyrinth short of the Jennifer Connelly appreciation.

Labyrinth is just Jim Henson doing a similar thing better. As a kid it was intoxicating, as was Jennifer Connelly. However, ogling her now feels positively illegal. God damn age and ethics.

Oh, and if you dig visual wonder and don't have a hang up about the target audience, Neverending Story has some stand out moments.

Then watch Zardoz; but shit, you gotta get through Conan the Destroyer and Willow first. Hope you got some major alcohol reserves on hand.

The 24 hour store will help me make it out the other side.

[Raytrace]

ZARDOZ


ZARDOZ

ZARDOZ SPEAKS

THE GUN IS GOOD

(The gun is good!)

THE PENIS IS EVIL

(The penis is evil!)

GO AND KILL

Lol, "beyond 2001" my ass.

===

I watched Excalibur as a high-schooler but could only laugh at its over-acting (particularly the beginning "NO ONE CAN HAVE EXCALIBUR BUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE") and was not impressed. Maybe it's time to give it a second chance.

both great films, both filmed here in Ireland

[Raytrace]

Oh, and if you dig visual wonder and don't have a hang up about the target audience, Neverending Story has some stand out moments.

Neverending Story is brilliant - the book is even better though, as is the other Michael Ende book 'Momo'.

[CMoon]

ZARDOZ

The funny part is how similar this film is to Excalibur. A lot of the lines of dialogue are the same and some of the themes and situations are the same. Boorman was clearly in the same mindset while making both films, though he had much more money to do Excalibur. Both films use a certain sort of speech which is completely unreal, and Boorman seems to use this purposely to indicate the mythic nature of these films--Zardoz is more myth than sci-fi. Closer to Beowulf than 2001.

Really hate how Zardoz has and always will be marred by that line about the penis, instead of remembered for its dense plot, clever use of sequence changes that require multiple viewings to perceive, and some in-camera special effects that were actually pretty impressive for that period--especially given how the film was made on a shoe string budget.

It's definitely a flawed film in a lot of aspects, but it is also a much better film (with a smarter plot) than people seem to be aware of. Because it isn't camp and takes itself seriously, it seems only that much more laughable to most viewers. *sighs*


***

Regardless, I still don't get how Labyrinth > Dark Crystal, but I have a feeling it probably depends on which one you saw as a kid. I saw Dark Crystal in the theatre but only saw Labyrinth a year ago. I imagine if I'd not seen either, they would probably both be pretty inexcusable now.

[EmperorIng]

I laugh at Zardoz precisely because it takes itself seriously with its ridiculous plot and characters, who are oblivious to how goofy they look. That dude with the painted-on mustache especially cracks me up.

I'm not saying the film doesn't have its merits, but it is a film that is very easy to laugh at, and that's where I get my main enjoyment from.

[system11]

Labyrinth is just Jim Henson doing a similar thing better. As a kid it was intoxicating, as was Jennifer Connelly. However, ogling her now feels positively illegal. God damn age and ethics.

It's just an amazing film, I actually don't know a single person who doesn't like it. For more guilty Connelly ogling, you should check out Phenomena. If you like Italian horror it's good stuff, but make sure you watch the original, not the mangled US version 'Creepers'. Nice soundtrack by Goblin too (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyRsOJo0fo)

Oh, and if you dig visual wonder and don't have a hang up about the target audience, Neverending Story has some stand out moments.

Artax in the swamp. Anyone who works in a corporate setting will identify with the horse. I'd go as far as calling Neverending Story a masterpiece.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I laugh at Zardoz precisely because it takes itself seriously with its ridiculous plot and characters, who are oblivious to how goofy they look. That dude with the painted-on mustache especially cracks me up.

I'm not saying the film doesn't have its merits, but it is a film that is very easy to laugh at, and that's where I get my main enjoyment from.

Watching Zardoz when it first debuted on the venerable DVD format, it was truly a WTF!? moment with all it's weird idealogy amongst some of the characters. Not to mention some female background characters are quite stacked as well.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[CMoon]

I laugh at Zardoz precisely because it takes itself seriously with its ridiculous plot and characters, who are oblivious to how goofy they look. That dude with the painted-on mustache especially cracks me up.

I'm not saying the film doesn't have its merits, but it is a film that is very easy to laugh at, and that's where I get my main enjoyment from.

Watching Zardoz when it first debuted on the venerable DVD format, it was truly a WTF!? moment with all it's weird idealogy amongst some of the characters. Not to mention some female background characters quite stacked as well.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Well yes, Zardoz is a great film if you enjoy looking at half naked women. And if you don't enjoy seeing Charlotte Rampling's breasts you're gay.

As far as the wierd clothes/make-up, its the same rationale as the weird costumes of the rich/elite in the hunger games. It is meant to be obnoxious and laughable--especially the fake mustache, c'mon. At the same time, the film is riding on the coattails of the 60's freakout scene, and actually hits the mark pretty well. That Boorman chose to make out his perpetual 3000 year old time capsule of humanity as a hippy love-in commune, and then show it self-distructing--its ideals utterly collapsing--probably felt quite pointed in '73.

Dunno, Zardoz does this weird thing of being high and low brow at the same time. I said it wasn't camp, but on some level it certainly is. They knew they were being weird and obnoxious, but they also knew they had a serious plot they were working with and the film has some good actors and is executed skillfully. You decide.

[Raytrace]

Artax in the swamp. Anyone who works in a corporate setting will identify with the horse. I'd go as far as calling Neverending Story a masterpiece.

even Limahl couldnt ruin it!

on the subject of Labyrinth, anyone from Ireland or with a knowledge of Irish sport must agree with me that Eamonn Dunphy is clearly related to this lad:

[Raytrace]

I laugh at Zardoz precisely because it takes itself seriously with its ridiculous plot and characters, who are oblivious to how goofy they look. That dude with the painted-on mustache especially cracks me up.

I'm not saying the film doesn't have its merits, but it is a film that is very easy to laugh at, and that's where I get my main enjoyment from.

Watching Zardoz when it first debuted on the venerable DVD format, it was truly a WTF!? moment with all it's weird idealogy amongst some of the characters. Not to mention some female background characters quite stacked as well.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Well yes, Zardoz is a great film if you enjoy looking at half naked women. And if you don't enjoy seeing Charlotte Rampling's breasts you're gay.

As far as the wierd clothes/make-up, its the same rationale as the weird costumes of the rich/elite in the hunger games. It is meant to be obnoxious and laughable--especially the fake mustache, c'mon. At the same time, the film is riding on the coattails of the 60's freakout scene, and actually hits the mark pretty well. That Boorman chose to make out his perpetual 3000 year old time capsule of humanity as a hippy love-in commune, and then show it self-distructing--its ideals utterly collapsing--probably felt quite pointed in '73.

Dunno, Zardoz does this weird thing of being high and low brow at the same time. I said it wasn't camp, but on some level it certainly is. They knew they were being weird and obnoxious, but they also knew they had a serious plot they were working with and the film has some good actors and is executed skillfully. You decide.

honestly I know so many people who were extras on that film, half of fuckin Dublin at the time was in it...

[GaijinPunch]

Guess I'm the odd man out again. Films in this thread I've yet to see:

Labrynth
Dark Crystal
Never Ending Story
Legend

I did, however, see Krull in the theater but I don't remember much of it.
I'm quite familiar with this gem though.

[Skykid]

Artax in the swamp.

The exact bit I was thinking of. In terms of narrative and visual resonance, that must be a prominent scene for people. Damn I miss the 80's.

[rapoon]

only thing I can remember from Labyrinth (besides Connelly) is Bowie contact juggling.

Dark Crystal - so-so story. imaginative, genius visuals. And 99% of the time, naysayers dislike it cause they
had nightmares as a kid.....

[GaijinPunch]

Connelly ever show her cans? Quite liked her in Requiem of a Dream.

[rapoon]

Connelly ever show her cans? Quite liked her in Requiem of a Dream.

negative ghostrider. you get some full back nudity of her in "Once Upon A Time In America".

[cj iwakura]

One of many reasons she's my favorite actress. She personifies elegance(for the most part, let's pretend RFAD never happened).

Also another reason Dark City is my favorite film. Well, either that or Ghost Dog, it's variable.

[rapoon]

Ghost Dog - what an awesome movie. fav Jarmusch flick outside of "Down By Law"

[njiska]

Connelly ever show her cans? Quite liked her in Requiem of a Dream.

Yes, many times:
- The House of Sand and Fog
- The Hot Spot
- Inventing the Abbotts
- Waking the Dead
- Mullholland Falls

Kind of a fan of her work.

[Skykid]

Connelly ever show her cans? Quite liked her in Requiem of a Dream.

Yep and they're not bad. In some weird dream sequence where she's sitting topless on a beach next to some other chick. Dunno what the film is tho, only went for the scene.

[GaijinPunch]

Yep and they're not bad. In some weird dream sequence where she's sitting topless on a beach next to some other chick. Dunno what the film is tho, only went for the scene.

Great, now I'm worse off than I was.

[njiska]

Yep and they're not bad. In some weird dream sequence where she's sitting topless on a beach next to some other chick. Dunno what the film is tho, only went for the scene.

Great, now I'm worse off than I was.

That's The hot Spot

[GaijinPunch]

With Don Johnson in the lead... can't go wrong there!