Movies you've just watched

[superpretendo]

Me and the wife watched our nightly October horror movie- tonight was " Sleep Tight", an awesomely messed-up Spanish Horror film directed by Jaume Balagiero. We both really enjoyed it!

In the spirit of Halloween, does anyone have any recommendations for some lesser-known horror gems we may have passed up? What are your faves?

[GaijinPunch]

Saint Vincent

Usual funny shit by Bill Murray. Really glad I went and saw it.

[Vexorg]

Cowboys and Aliens: **1/2

I was warned going in that this one was stupid, and I'd say that was a pretty fair assessment. Still, it was reasonably watchable as a mindless action flick, even if it took 25 minutes to even get to the actual plot, at which point they pretty much threw out all the character development that had happened before that anyway, and then declared pretty much everyone but the headliners cannon fodder.

[Skykid]

Guardians of the Galaxy

Yeah, I enjoyed it to a point. Just kicked back and sucked in the IMAX of it: pretty colours, nice sound, lots of explosions. But while it was competent and therefore watchable, I'm really beginning to feel the formula strongly with Marvel movies. I appreciate they're getting to a stage where they're making better stuff than some of the cruder one-shots in the mid-00s, but it's all starting to fall into a very specific set of rules that don't seem to have much in the way of original expression. I mention this in slight disappointment, since GotG actually had a ton of possibility outside of what it achieved. I liked the characters (the green Avatar was a bit bland but the rest were cool) and the 80s theme and accompanying music had an incredible early spark that fizzled out by the end.

Ultimately the theme was interesting, a good departure from general superhero fare and a neat comic book to adopt, but by the end when I'd been fed all the humour - that kind of slapstick bantering that seems really easy to keep regurgitating - and glossed over at all the lasers, blowing up spaceships and generic-looking bad guys, I felt it was all a little underfed in the scriptwriting imagination department.

Could have been great, could have been worse.

[Ixmucane2]

The Equalizer

Excellent action scenes, too much violence, and a brutally straightforward (or maybe straightforwardly brutal) plot: a protagonist who kills bad guys because he can, just to make the world a better place.

How many people will be inspired to become vigilantes?

[Acid King]

Yesterday afternoon I went to see FW Murnau's Faust accompanied by a live organist playing a 1923 Wurlitzer theatre organ. It was fucking amazing.

[Mischief Maker]

Yesterday afternoon I went to see FW Murnau's Faust accompanied by a live organist playing a 1923 Wurlitzer theatre organ. It was fucking amazing.

I remember watching that movie and being so frustrated at the ending:

Spoiler

The Devil clearly won that bet in the end.

But the angel went and nixed on the deal because fuck it. Why did the fact that Faust fell in love with that chick have any bearing on the bet?

And if God never intended to honor the bet, why did he let Satan kill half the town in the first place?

[Acid King]

Yesterday afternoon I went to see FW Murnau's Faust accompanied by a live organist playing a 1923 Wurlitzer theatre organ. It was fucking amazing.

I remember watching that movie and being so frustrated at the ending:

Spoiler

The Devil clearly won that bet in the end.

But the angel went and nixed on the deal because fuck it. Why did the fact that Faust fell in love with that chick have any bearing on the bet?

And if God never intended to honor the bet, why did he let Satan kill half the town in the first place?

I agree. I wasn't satisfied with the ending either. I would have stopped the movie right after...

Spoiler

...Faust threw himself on the funeral pyre and the two of them burned. I think Mephisto lost because the wager, according to the angel in the beginning of the movie, was whether or not Mephisto could "destroy the divine in Faust". Faust's last act of love is what sealed the deal, but I agree it's bullshit. Faust didn't deserve any redemption. He sold his soul basically for pussy, he used magic to ruin a young woman's life, and abandoned her to be ostracized and suffer as an outcast, only to be put to death for the death of his bastard child. Fuck him, man.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

^ Everything I've heard about Sin City 2 sounds shit, which is completely unsurprising because the first one was shit.

Only difference is lesson learned: Will not be trusting Rodriguez with anything again and will not be spending money on his movies.

No, the first one is awesome, one of my top 10 of all time.

It's absolute crap and I hate it, but I think we've had this discussion before.


Piranha

Widdout the 3D. Hills Have Eyes remake director remakes this fish-death extravaganza in a similarly broad fashion. Respect to his casting, it's quite good, and he has a thing for mixing it up with no-name actors. There was a touch of 80s about the kid whose ma is the sheriff living in a quaint beach house by the... beach. Not so much with the Spring Breakers, a pure T&A spectacle of tanned proportions, and Kelly Brook, who is just proportions.

But Ving Rhames and Christopher Lloyd were smart choices, and Lizzie Shue wasn't bad either. And did I see Richard Dreyfuss singing something familiar? All in all a totally tongue in razor-sharp cheek gore-in-water festival with young drunk people being stripped to the bone in seconds, total absurdity shot and edited in an enjoyable fashion, and a predictable but welcome final gag.

For what it was, it wasn't bad.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Machete In Space as shown in the 2nd Machete Kills sequel...yep, another Rodriguez action/parody flick with his own film studio, Troublemaker Studio. Has that strong SW:TESB feel/vibe going on with some the background props.

The sequel of Piranha 3DD sequel (released a mere two years later in 2012 considering the first one was released on the silver screen back in 2010) wasn't too bad...has the usual T&A fanservice to oogle at (just like with the first flick). And the return guest appearance of Christopher Lloyd in this new-fangled Piranha sequel for film character continuity to bridge the gap/tie-in between the two Piranha flicks for good measure. Watch the ending credits of Piranha 3DD for some of the hilarous out-takes is always good for a chuckle or two. It doesn't take itself seriously just like with the first flick.

That shapley lass known as Gianna Michaels (portrayed as the para-sailing girl) in the first Piranha 3D flick -- is a well known porn star, indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Skykid]

^ 3DD was barely watchable. I didn't get to the credits, it went off after just past the hour mark.

[KindGrind]

Just watched Snowpiercer.

And odd mix of good and bad. I had trouble believing the idea of the train as an okay choice for a survival vehicle. The acting wasn't excellent and the script wasn't particularly well-written, so I doubt this will go down in history as something memorable. A bit overlong for my tastes as well.

Some ideas were interesting, mind you, but that's it. Good set pieces. I've seen reviewers on rottentomatoes (95% fresh) compare this favorably to Brazil and Blade Runner, which is ridiculous. People get excited when a new sci-fi movie released isn't utter crap, but let's not kid ourselves. It will take more than a Day After Tomorrow / Unstoppable hybrid to top the classics. Still, enjoyable. Somewhat recommended.

[Skykid]

^ 100% agreed.

[drauch]

Yesterday afternoon I went to see FW Murnau's Faust accompanied by a live organist playing a 1923 Wurlitzer theatre organ. It was fucking amazing.

Nice! That's probably my favorite Murnau after Sunrise. Wish someone would do something like that around here. Probably hasn't been a silent film shown in my city since the fucking 20s.

[boagman]

Some ideas were interesting, mind you, but that's it. Good set pieces. I've seen reviewers on rottentomatoes (95% fresh) compare this favorably to Brazil and Blade Runner, which is ridiculous. People get excited when a new sci-fi movie released isn't utter crap, but let's not kid ourselves. It will take more than a Day After Tomorrow / Unstoppable hybrid to top the classics. Still, enjoyable. Somewhat recommended.

I again tried watching some of "Blade Runner" today. Just can't get past the ennui. I'm coming up blank trying to think of a movie that bores me more, and faster than that one. There's only so much patience I've got.

[Skykid]

Some ideas were interesting, mind you, but that's it. Good set pieces. I've seen reviewers on rottentomatoes (95% fresh) compare this favorably to Brazil and Blade Runner, which is ridiculous. People get excited when a new sci-fi movie released isn't utter crap, but let's not kid ourselves. It will take more than a Day After Tomorrow / Unstoppable hybrid to top the classics. Still, enjoyable. Somewhat recommended.

I again tried watching some of "Blade Runner" today. Just can't get past the ennui. I'm coming up blank trying to think of a movie that bores me more, and faster than that one. There's only so much patience I've got.

Amazing.

[rapoon]

Some ideas were interesting, mind you, but that's it. Good set pieces. I've seen reviewers on rottentomatoes (95% fresh) compare this favorably to Brazil and Blade Runner, which is ridiculous. People get excited when a new sci-fi movie released isn't utter crap, but let's not kid ourselves. It will take more than a Day After Tomorrow / Unstoppable hybrid to top the classics. Still, enjoyable. Somewhat recommended.

I again tried watching some of "Blade Runner" today. Just can't get past the ennui. I'm coming up blank trying to think of a movie that bores me more, and faster than that one. There's only so much patience I've got.

Amazing.

^ what he said.

boring? is there another bladerunner I don't know about?

OT:

The Signal

This is a difficult flick to write a synopsis for, as it completely changes tone 30 minutes in.
three friends are traveling across the country and they're repeatedly harassed by a hacker who lures them to an isolated location.
they awake in an underground facility, and that's when the films gets really fucking strange. it's not necessarily a "bad" film; the
production value and special effects are on par w/ "Monsters" (which I happen to love) and the acting is so-so. Laurence Fishburne was the
only recognizable name. personally, i enjoyed it but i'm hesitant to recommend it.

The Rover

10 years after a global economic collapse, a hardened loner pursues the men who stole his only possession, his car. Along the way, he
captures one of the thieves' brother, and the duo form an uneasy bond during the dangerous journey.

this australian flick was surprisingly well done. it's presented as a post-apocalyptic scenario, but it's not. it's more along the lines of a contemporary "wild west"
where structured law is absent and people simply take matters into their own hands. guy pearce is fantastic ("hardened" is an understatement. it's one of the best
depictions of the "guy who doesn't give a fuck" that i've seen). the soundtrack (ambient/drone) is beautiful and fits the movie perfectly. great ending.
in short: a bleak, hopeless movie about a guy who only gives a shit about one thing: getting his car back. if you liked "walkabout" and particularly "wake in fright", it's
worth checking out.

[spadgy]

RIPD. My wife made us do it. She said Jeff Bridges could pull anything off. The CGI rendered scenes were so awful I almost felt bad for the team behind it. It's as if they ran out of time or something. Some of the lighting effects were straight out of 1990's CGI.

It was a pretty bad movie in many places (Jeff Bridges and that CGI gun - oh dear) but it had something about it. A humour and world that had some charm. Don't take that as a recommendation. It's maybe a perfect movie for a Sunday recovering from the night before, when you just need to watch something shitty but fun.

[GaijinPunch]

Probably not worth it's own own thread, but the local theater here in the town of Los Gatos (also known as Silicon Valley Money) will be playing a bunch of old ass scary movies for Halloween weekend. Contenders are:

Psycho
Halloween
American Werewolf in London
The Shining
The Exorcist
Nightmare of Elm Street

...and Ghostbusters.

The upstairs theater is *dope*. It's like a gigantic living room, complete with recliners. Sneak in a flask and you're golden.

[DEL]

2 Guns - Fun film. Marky Mark was on top form. The Big Hit comedy style always suits him. I learnt something about Paula Patton the hot co-star, but I'm not gonna go into it

KindGrind wrote:

Just watched Snowpiercer.

And odd mix of good and bad. I had trouble believing the idea of the train as an okay choice for a survival vehicle. The acting wasn't excellent and the script wasn't particularly well-written, so I doubt this will go down in history as something memorable. A bit overlong for my tastes as well.

Some ideas were interesting, mind you, but that's it. Good set pieces. I've seen reviewers on rottentomatoes (95% fresh) compare this favorably to Brazil and Blade Runner, which is ridiculous. People get excited when a new sci-fi movie released isn't utter crap, but let's not kid ourselves. It will take more than a Day After Tomorrow / Unstoppable hybrid to top the classics. Still, enjoyable. Somewhat recommended.

Only watched 20mins of it so far. The typical grim near future Kabballywood theme that we see again and again. Anyway, I'll finish watching...

[Mischief Maker]

What everyone needs to understand about Snowpiercer is that it's a parody of Atlas Shrugged.

That's why it revolves around a supertrain run by an inexhaustible power source. And that's why Tilda Swinton is so heavily made up to turn her into the spitting image of Ayn Rand.

[Skykid]

Only watched 20mins of it so far. The typical grim near future Kabballywood theme that we see again and again. Anyway, I'll finish watching...

Kaballywood? I thought Snowpiercer was Korean?

[spadgy]

American Werewolf in London

One of my favourite films of all time. I scared very easily as a kid, but strangely this one I was fine with from a very young age.

"Did you hear that?"

[DEL]

Skykid wrote:

Kaballywood? I thought Snowpiercer was Korean?

Yes I see Mister HOST Song Kang-ho. South Korean it is. BUT the theme is Kabballywood for sure. Especially when you have club members in it like John Hurt and creepy Swinton.

Mischief Maker wrote:

What everyone needs to understand about Snowpiercer is that it's a parody of Atlas Shrugged.

That's why it revolves around a supertrain run by an inexhaustible power source. And that's why Tilda Swinton is so heavily made up to turn her into the spitting image of Ayn Rand.

Its worth looking up what the Ayn Rand Institute actually is. Very dark and evil. They espouse the regime you see in Snowpiercer.

[rapoon]

American Werewolf in London

One of my favourite films of all time. I scared very easily as a kid, but strangely this one I was fine with from a very young age.

"Did you hear that?"

my old man took my brother and me to see this as kids. i loved it.
my brother on the other hand had night terrors for months and to this day still can't watch it.

[KindGrind]

I again tried watching some of "Blade Runner" today. Just can't get past the ennui. I'm coming up blank trying to think of a movie that bores me more, and faster than that one. There's only so much patience I've got.

It's very interesting you mention patience here, because Blade Runner is in fact a very short movie. I've tried sharing with my significant other, but she ALWAYS falls asleep by the 45th minute, in the dark room at Tyrell Corporation. If she doesn't sleep by then, that scene in particular does it for her. This happened the last 3 times we watched this together. I've talked to other people about this, and it seems like the first 45 of this really does induce sleep in quite a lot of people. I find that fascinating, to be honest.

If someone would have told me the same about, say, 2001, I would have totally understood. 2001 is epic, layered, slow-paced, and takes its time. Blade Runner, on the other hand, doesn't. You don't have time for ennui... I know I don't. "It's not that I don't like it", says the g/f, "It's just kind of mesmerizing and tells me to go to sleep."

I would have taken a lot more of Blade Runner, but 2001 is excellent as it is. Brazil remains, for me, the best of the bunch though. Pure delight.

[rapoon]

speaking of 2001:

In cinemas: 2001: A Space Odyssey

[Skykid]

^ Awesome. Nothing like seeing it on the big screen. I caught the last re-release, probably about 10 years ago now. Happy to see it back again.

[Xyga]

It's very interesting you mention patience here, because Blade Runner is in fact a very short movie. I've tried sharing with my significant other, but she ALWAYS falls asleep by the 45th minute, in the dark room at Tyrell Corporation. If she doesn't sleep by then, that scene in particular does it for her. This happened the last 3 times we watched this together. I've talked to other people about this, and it seems like the first 45 of this really does induce sleep in quite a lot of people. I find that fascinating, to be honest.

If someone would have told me the same about, say, 2001, I would have totally understood. 2001 is epic, layered, slow-paced, and takes its time. Blade Runner, on the other hand, doesn't. You don't have time for ennui... I know I don't. "It's not that I don't like it", says the g/f, "It's just kind of mesmerizing and tells me to go to sleep."

I think it's because the movie is from a time when creating an atmosphere was still a thing, and it does it so well at times that I'm not surprised it's got some direct effects on the viewer's mind and body.
No scene puts me to sleep but there is just one thing that annoys me in the entire movie: that saxophone line.
I know it's perfect for a film noir, but it is bore-inducing.

[options]

I concur on Blade Runner. Zzzzz.... (but beautiful)

In other news... This Is The End

I'm late on this one. I laughed out loud a lot. Watching it in a packed theater on a Friday night when it was first released would've been really awesome, methinks, but I still enjoyed it all by my lonesome. I don't make a point to go out and see movies starring anyone from this cast specifically, but they rarely let me down when I do check 'em out. Looks like they had a ton of fun making this.

[Skykid]

I think it's because the movie is from a time when creating an atmosphere was still a thing

This is so true, and such a sad reminder that movies simply don't care anymore about cultivating atmospheric immersion. We have a great back catalogue, but I miss the way you used to be able to look forward to new worlds.

As a perfect simple example, Total Recall versus the vacuous remake.