Movies you've just watched

[lilmanjs]

Mongolian Ping Pong. A kids movie shot in the remote grasslands of Mongolia. Ohh my word is this movie a beauty to watch. Not because of the fact its a kids movie in the middle of nowhere, but they use the surroundings quite well. There are lots of wide shots with only a couple kids or adults in them and you just get a sense of how huge the land is and how the clouds can make it look like a different planet almost. The best shot is one where the sun is coming from off-screen towards what looks like a bunch of clouds ready to drop a thunderstorm, but what you get is a very defined rainbow for the entire shot. As for the plot, it does its job of making you laugh. A ping-pong ball floats down a river and a kid sent to get some water ends up grabbing it and then the rest of the movie is pretty much trying to find out what it is. Worth a watch just for the scenery.

[drauch]

Don't listen to Drauch, he likes Red Sonja!

Laughed IRL

Bastards!!!! I'm too tired to fight back and I have company coming over. Consider yourselves LUCKY.

[CMoon]

(RE: Royal Tenenbaums)

2nd viewing might help, or maybe the plot just isn't clicking with you. Not weird just for weird's sake. This movie didn't click the first time with me either. That said, there are a lot of people who will never enjoy Wes Anderson films; I don't see any point doing forced repeat viewings if you don't enjoy what he does.

well maybe I will, because I DO love Rushmore.

Worth clarifying; I hadn't seen either Rushmore or RT in years, saw both over the last week. Loved both. Is it multiple viewing or age?

[Raytrace]

Worth clarifying; I hadn't seen either Rushmore or RT in years, saw both over the last week. Loved both. Is it multiple viewing or age?

probably a bit o' both :p

[RGC]

.

[Raytrace]

Now give TDL another chance. It's no Rushmore (I'm now thinking that's WE's best work), but I found it to be yet another one of his I connected to much more on second viewing. I've still not seen Bottle Rocket, have you?

yeah I saw about 50 minutes of Darjeeling Limited on TV and I thought that was ok.

No I've never seen Bottle Rocket, I might give it a go eventually, but I have tbh, these days 97.5% of all my TV/Movie viewing is anime, in fact the next non anime I plan to watch, is a live action of an anime:

Space Battleship Yamato :p

[CMoon]

Funny how threads go; just watched Galaxy Express 999 ('signature edition' I think.) I keep trying to jump into Leiji Matsumoto filmography a bit more, but always found Arcadia of My Youth was my favorite and everything felt more distilled. 999 is obviously very different and shouldn't be directly compared to Arcadia, but I like this period of anime and while 999 is slow to take off I feel overall it is one of the better anime I've seen. With Matsumoto films it seems like the big question is how well the schmaltzy-ness works for me. In Arcadia, it goes well beyond absurd and becomes a thing of manly epicness. With 999 I just had to switch gears and realize this is a very different kind of story.

Why have I waited so long to see these films? Mostly it has come down to availability. Up until recently it was so hard to get a lot of these movies, while now many are streaming on youtube.

[Raytrace]

Funny how threads go; just watched Galaxy Express 999 ('signature edition' I think.) I keep trying to jump into Leiji Matsumoto filmography a bit more, but always found Arcadia of My Youth was my favorite and everything felt more distilled. 999 is obviously very different and shouldn't be directly compared to Arcadia, but I like this period of anime and while 999 is slow to take off I feel overall it is one of the better anime I've seen. With Matsumoto films it seems like the big question is how well the schmaltzy-ness works for me. In Arcadia, it goes well beyond absurd and becomes a thing of manly epicness. With 999 I just had to switch gears and realize this is a very different kind of story.

Why have I waited so long to see these films? Mostly it has come down to availability. Up until recently it was so hard to get a lot of these movies, while now many are streaming on youtube.

yeah I have just completed all of Yamato except 2520, I am now watching 2199 and shall watch 2520 (mainly out of curiosity after that.

I do like Arcadia Of My Youth a lot, but overall the original TV series is my favourite and the 'Captain Herlock' OVAs - which are incredible, but a bit too dark in feel.

GE999 is imo sublime, I have yet to undertake the mammoth task of watching the series, which shall be my second biggest after LOGH...

[Ixmucane2]

Oz the Great and Powerful

I didn't dislike this film as much as most of my friends. It shows many typical faults of Hollywood style, but on the whole it makes sense; particularly as a film about cinema, a less pretentious fantasy counterpart of Inglorious Basterds.

The main recurring problem is lack of explanations about the land of Oz (and lack of amazement on the part of Oz the magician): the breathtaking but absurd CGI scenery, the political divisions (Glinda appears to rule a land of munchkins and other quaint people, her sisters seem to own Emerald city, the status of China Town is left uncertain), the presence of witches, flying monkeys, and many other things remain completely and disturbingly unjustified.

There are significant pacing problems and many obvious plot developments, but also many good choices, a satisfactory fidelity to the books, and the refined touch of Sam Raimi.

Regarding the cast, James Franco pushes so much towards the immature asshole part of his character that the general impression is unpleasant and unsympathetic; the three witches have an easier job.

[Skykid]

The Hobbit

Yeah, it's only just come out here. I enjoyed. More LOTR's basically, it's consistent in its themes, visuals, scripting and atmosphere, something the SW prequels couldn't achieve.

Acting wise, McKellen is god, and the brief but ever reliable Ian Holm is a treat, but, and even though I appreciate non-celebrity names, most of the cast is a bit duff. The Dwarf King is a very weak actor, like an even worse Sean Bean (not sure how possible) and the band of dwarves are up and down, just fulfilling their role as background noise/light relief. Bilbo basically is Tim from The Office. I wasn't particularly sure as an actor if he had any range, and he doesn't, basically reprising his slightly nervous, inquisitive nature from The Office within Tolkien's world. Not terrible, just nothing special. Golem (Serkis) is excellent as ever.

Jackson added a fuckload of stuff to the film that just isn't in the book in an attempt to pad it out across three films and make it tie much more closely to LOTR than the novel ever did - but it's not done badly. It's believable enough and well written enough that the various new plot threads work, even though some of the book's jovial nature has been sacrificed for a more solemn and dark series of events.

Good though, looking forward to Mirkwood.

[trap15]

Patlabor 2

We were set to watch Blubberella tonight, but about 20 minutes in, 4 of us decided it was too awful even for movie night, so we watched Patlabor 2 instead.

I need to rewatch this very soon! Absolutely gorgeous artwork and animation, and an interesting (if a bit confusing) plot. Have to watch it again, because maybe I'll get the plot better the second time around.

For now, giving it about a 3.5 on the CMoon scale. Maybe a bit higher.

[boagman]

Watched "Lawless" tonight, which was a free rental from Redbox.

And I *still* feel ripped off. I know how badly the folks out there are going to want a Tom Hardy movie to be good, and I'm certainly one of them. Folks: sometimes actors just make bad decisions, and this is one of them for him. There isn't much about this movie that's redemptive, and yes: I realize that this movie has Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, and Jessica Chastain. It's just a *lousy* movie on all fronts. Jessica Chastain goes topless if that makes wasting two to three hours of your life worth it. I would staunchly disagree with that idea.

Oh, and Shia LeBeouf? YOU STILL CAN'T CONVINCE ME THAT YOU'RE MORE THAN TWELVE YEARS OLD. Stop sucking at acting. Thank you.

[system11]

The Bay - **

It's in obnoxious 'found footage' style, but it had a decent story and was suitably horrific in the right places. Thankfully very little in the way of ridiculous swinging camera effect that they mostly suffer from.

[SuperPang]

Bilbo basically is Tim from The Office. I wasn't particularly sure as an actor if he had any range, and he doesn't, basically reprising his slightly nervous, inquisitive nature from The Office within Tolkien's world. Not terrible, just nothing special.

Bit harsh. He may not be DDL but he does what he does very well, especially in Sherlock. I could watch the banter between Freeman and Cucumberpatch all day long.

[Skykid]

Bilbo basically is Tim from The Office. I wasn't particularly sure as an actor if he had any range, and he doesn't, basically reprising his slightly nervous, inquisitive nature from The Office within Tolkien's world. Not terrible, just nothing special.

Bit harsh. He may not be DDL but he does what he does very well, especially in Sherlock. I could watch the banter between Freeman and Cucumberpatch all day long.

Hmm, didn't think that was an unfair appraisal. He's not bad, and certainly likeable, just always plays different characters in exactly the same way. Lacking range is a common issue with actors.

[EmperorIng]

My father fell asleep during the theater showing of the Hobbit.

The way he explained it, was "If you've seen one seen of dwarves eating and drinking, you've seen them all"

The first third of the movie dragged a bit, though it was nice and atmopsheric, but I felt once they finally got out the darn door, the movie improved immensely.

Though I have to laugh at that hardcore, heavy-metal orc they put in the movie to have a bad-guy. The guy sounds like he should be in a Scandinavian metal band... AZOG THE DEFILER.

[xbl0x180]

Bilbo basically is Tim from The Office. I wasn't particularly sure as an actor if he had any range, and he doesn't, basically reprising his slightly nervous, inquisitive nature from The Office within Tolkien's world. Not terrible, just nothing special.

Bit harsh. He may not be DDL but he does what he does very well, especially in Sherlock. I could watch the banter between Freeman and Cucumberpatch all day long.

Hmm, didn't think that was an unfair appraisal. He's not bad, and certainly likeable, just always plays different characters in exactly the same way. Lacking range is a common issue with actors.

The American equivalent of him would is maybe Michael Cera, who plays the same dorky, dweeby guy in every movie. They actually make Elijah Wood look like Laurence Olivier by comparison

[CMoon]

Just watched the new Ghibli film 'From Up on Poppy Hill'. You know there is a let down coming when the first thing people talk about is how nice it is to watch beautiful 2D animation on the screen again. Poppy Hill was a really pleasant experience and it DOES make me want to punch every 3D animator in the face, but does that mean Poppy Hill is a good movie? I actually rather enjoyed it and I'm glad I live in a city where I can see these films on the big screen, but Poppy Hill is up against some of the best animated films of the last 30 years--and Goro does well to describe his father as a very high wall. Jesus, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. Regardless, Poppy Hill falls squarely into the camp of films like Whisper of the Heart and Only Yesterday (I haven't seen the later.) It is realistic without a hint of fantasy, and this may lead you to question whether it should even be an animated film. However, Poppy Hill is about a time and place, and the animation serves to recreate it. When that uncanny Japanese love of architecture kicks in, an old high school building can seem as fantastic as the palace from Spirited Away. In other places too, recreating the hustle and bustle of a 1960's Japan may have simply been impossible--and animation comes through in other ways, lending the right color and mood that might never be accomplished with live action.

Where Poppy Hill comes up short, IMO, is in the 'wonder' department. Even Whisper of the Heart which pretends at least for a while to be a film devoid of magic ultimately reveals the most amazing possibilities just inches below the surface of a dull world. Instead, Poppy Hill offers a slim, wispy plot that will not really be interesting to younger people, but will be too sentimental for adults. I suspect the real market here is an older Japanese audience that is nostalgic for this period. I genuinely enjoyed a lot of what the film had to offer, but I couldn't imagining filling seats with this delicate story about high school romance and (apparently the main gist of the film), the sense of historical loss when Japan apparently decided to put a lot of things behind them after WW2. A good film, but not as captivating as watching a pig pilot a red airplane!

[RGC]

.

[rapoon]

"The Thin Red Line"

I've seen an ungodly number of War films and this is easily one of my favorites. It often feels very disconnected
at times, clocking in at over 3 hours (I would love to see the original 5 hour cut). The cast is incredible, particularly in hindsight (Nolte, Penn, Caviezel, Cusask, Brody, Reilly, Harrelson), even Jared Leto has a tiny role. In a film that tries to approach the duality of man and associated inner struggles during War, Jim Caviezel as Pvt. Witt is one of the most beautiful characters I've seen. There are no heroes, no villains (the Japanese are portrayed as no less human than the Americans). The soundtrack (Hans Zimmer) is one of the most powerful I've heard since "The Mission" (Ennio Morricone). It has it's faults: it's long, very slow at times and lots of voice-over (wouldn't make sense without it). Regardless, it's an amazing movie and I have a much greater appreciation for it than when I first saw it in 1998 (same year that Saving Private Ryan was released).

side note: Terrence Malick directed "The Thin Red Line". He also directed "Badlands" (1973 Martin Sheen. I can't recommend this enough...). Tarantino was obviously inspired when writing "True Romance" as was Zimmer. "You're So Cool" is nothing more than a rendition of Carl Orff - Gassenhauer from "Badlands"

[GaijinPunch]

Die Hard on BluRayz

Needed to fight jet lag, so popped this in. The BR set was really cheap so I got it, even though I care little for 2 and 4. Anywho, it was awesome, of course.

[GaijinPunch]

The Silver Linings Play Book

I watched this on the plane which reminded me of why I hate Pan & Scan so much. If I was smart I'd have loaded it on my iPad. But, I'm stupid.

Pretty well done, and I'm glad they didn't sacrifice the script for a PG-13 rating. Best thing I've seen DeNiro in in ages, even though I'd rather see him kicking ass. Note that I have a friend that whacks off to Philadelphia, so I think I might have been swayed in favor of the movie due to all the OCD people and their love of their city.

Would watch again w/ the woman. I think Bradley Cooper did a good job of expressing an anti-social disorder. After having a decent level of experience with them, I think I can say this.

[drauch]

"The Thin Red Line"

I've seen an ungodly number of War films and this is easily one of my favorites. It often feels very disconnected
at times, clocking in at over 3 hours (I would love to see the original 5 hour cut). The cast is incredible, particularly in hindsight (Nolte, Penn, Caviezel, Cusask, Brody, Reilly, Harrelson), even Jared Leto has a tiny role. In a film that tries to approach the duality of man and associated inner struggles during War, Jim Caviezel as Pvt. Witt is one of the most beautiful characters I've seen. There are no heroes, no villains (the Japanese are portrayed as no less human than the Americans). The soundtrack (Hans Zimmer) is one of the most powerful I've heard since "The Mission" (Ennio Morricone). It has it's faults: it's long, very slow at times and lots of voice-over (wouldn't make sense without it). Regardless, it's an amazing movie and I have a much greater appreciation for it than when I first saw it in 1998 (same year that Saving Private Ryan was released).

side note: Terrence Malick directed "The Thin Red Line". He also directed "Badlands" (1973 Martin Sheen. I can't recommend this enough...). Tarantino was obviously inspired when writing "True Romance" as was Zimmer. "You're So Cool" is nothing more than a rendition of Carl Orff - Gassenhauer from "Badlands"

Yeah, The Thin Red Line is pretty ace, but you can kind of tell Malick had lost some of his touch that made Badlands and Days of Heaven so magical. Line is still a phenomenal film, although some of the narration comes off as a bit pretentious and superfluous at times. The New World kind of slacks even more, but is still enjoyable. I'm almost afraid to see The Tree of Life. I don't think I've heard but a few positive things from credible sources and fans of Malick.

[lilmanjs]

my parents saw tree of life. a movie that made no sense and they said randomly had dinosaurs(sp?) at one point. They said anyone with half a brain would turn it off.

[Ixmucane2]

my parents saw tree of life. a movie that made no sense and they said randomly had dinosaurs(sp?) at one point. They said anyone with half a brain would turn it off.

I didn't see this film, but I'm aware of a telling anecdote: it was shown several times in Bologna with transposed reels before someone noticed the mistake; serious public mockery ensued because the incident didn't happen in a monkey-managed multiplex but at the Cineteca Comunale, a world-class institution.

[Skykid]

Die Hard on BluRayz

Needed to fight jet lag, so popped this in. The BR set was really cheap so I got it, even though I care little for 2 and 4. Anywho, it was awesome, of course.

"Now I know what a TV dinner feels like."

Such an amazingly sharp script in that movie... Such an amazing movie full stop.

The 5th one is shit, but marginally less shit than the 4th (yes, I was surprised).
I suppose that's some kind of recommendation if you just want to see John McClane shoot people for a couple of hours and try to ignore all the shit padded in-between.

My biggest peeve is that Willis can still do it. He's not so old that he's past one-liners and attitude, yet they continue to blow such a golden opportunity on bog-standard, unimaginative Hollywood dirge. It's a similar pain to Indy Jones 4 tbh, I really don't think Ford has another one in him.

[boagman]

It's a similar pain to Indy Jones 4 tbh, I really don't think Ford has another one in him.

Oh, geez...IJ4 was a far, far worse movie than AGDTDH was. I could sit through AGDTDH without any real issue, though I know I smirked quite a bit. IJ4 actively pissed me off at most every conceivable point...it was like Spielberg and Lucas were *trying* to flip me off through the screen. I could have made a better IJ movie using broken Shrinky Dinks from my childhood. IJ4 is *abysmally* bad. About the only thing I appreciated was the fact that they gave Indy a chick (actually, "returned" would be a better word) who was basically "correct" for a guy his age instead of trying to link a man now obviously scratching his golden years with some 24-year-old hot body.

Garbage script/plot, a complete waste of Blanchett and Hurt, some of the most insulting CGI b.s. I've ever seen in a movie, and once again: Shia LeBoeuf making me wish "acting" had never been invented. Shia and Tom Cruise need to be put into a cage with only one of them exiting alive...this would be something that could only improve things.

I'm not defending AGDTDH as being "good"...heck, no. But I'd watch AGDTDH 25 times before I'd watch IJ4 again.

[MX7]

Very excited about Spring Breakers. I thought Harmony Korine slipped into sentimental mediocrity with Mister Lonely, which was made more distressing by the fact that this was the guy who directed Gummo. Then a few years back he released Trash Humpers, which was pretty much as perfect as a film could be (if like me your idea of perfect is found VHS footage of old men fucking bins). So the idea of Korine directing an absudist exploitation film is pretty welcome stuff.

[Skykid]

I'm not defending AGDTDH as being "good"...heck, no. But I'd watch AGDTDH 25 times before I'd watch IJ4 again.

Yes, I suppose on reflection DH5 didn't offend me as much as Indy4, although I have no idea quite why that is, because it's still a barrel of shit and I'm not sure I'd ever be able to sit through it beyond perhaps one repeat viewing.

This is the state of things these days - take whatever we can get and try to find reasons to be happy with it. What a sorry situation.

The only 80's IP that has ever been done justice was Rambo. Then Stallone went on to make the Expendables, both of which are such unutterable garbage I can scarcely believe it's the same director.

[boagman]

The only 80's IP that has ever been done justice was Rambo. Then Stallone went on to make the Expendables, both of which are such unutterable garbage I can scarcely believe it's the same director.

See, now, I haven't seen either Expendables movie, so I'm just not able to confirm or deny them. They admittedly *look* like silly garbage, but not having actually viewed the beasts, it's hard to be harsh without firsthand knowledge.

And thank you for making me feel old by referring to "Rambo" as an "80's IP". I had to actually think about the dates for First Blood and such, and you're right: Brian Dennehy and an almost teenage David Caruso definitely fall back into that territory.

Oh, and you're totally right about the original DH's script...it's an absolute marvel of great lines. It's also one of the "sweariest" movies I've ever really seen. I'm always amazed when I come back to an actual "R" rated version of it after having not seen it for years, or having only seen it on television. They're practically *making up* new swears in that movie. And of course, nothing ever tops YKYMF.