Now Showing - What We Watched [Text View] - Page 27

BasementBob

12-09-11, 10:22 PM

Watched Colombiana (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OK725M)
4.1/5 (amazon 3.8/5, imdb 6.1/10, 28% Rotten Tomatoes)

Really good.

Action throughout. Well put together. Good filming. Stuff to look at.
It's a bit formulaic, and it's not Hitchcock, but I think it still qualifies for 'a plot' throughout.

Reminds me of the emotions I had watching 007 films in the 60s and early 70s.

She's a tiny gal, so most of her actions are using force multipliers. Her tinyness is also a force unto itself, given some of the tiny places she gets into. Once she's pitted hand to hand against an unsurprised opponent, and he throws her into the wall repeatedly and pulls her around by her long hair, only to be done in by a toothbrush and front slide removal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7lOuzNr3Tw) (in the script "she empties her gun into him" (http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Colombiana.html) -- obviously a last minute directoral replacement which wasn't a great choice)

The action, ... Cataleya seems to be both omniscient and omnipresent, capable of arming or disarming any device, adept at crawling through or climbing over any obstacle in her path without ever smudging her sexy eyeliner. In fact, there's only one scene where she seems to be in any real danger: a visceral, bruising sequence of hand-to-hand combat featuring towels and toothbrushes reminiscent of the third "Bourne" movie.

From writer/producer Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Leon The Professional, The Transporter series, Taken, District B-13, La Femme Nikita ) comes Colombiana. Zoe Saldana plays a young woman who has grown up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents’ deaths.

Actress Zoe Saldana was in Takers, and The Losers, and Avatar and Star Trek (as Uhura). Can't say I liked her in any of those. But I think she nailed this one.

"Colombiana" certainly didn't impress critics. Entertainment Weekly's Keith Staskiewicz reported, "It turns into the same silly stuff we've seen before, a dish of revenge served not so much cold as reheated." Diva Velez of The Diva Review wrote, "Wrapped in B-movie trappings from its cliched script and implausible scenarios to less than thrilling action, the best thing 'Colombiana' has going for it is the lovely Ms. Saldana, who deserves much better than this." New York Post's Kyle Smith said, "Luc Besson keeps ralphing up scripts about beautiful lady killers, but that doesn't mean you have to keep seeing them."

A few reviewers out there cheered on "Colombiana." New York Daily News' Elizabeth Weitzman stated, "Zoe Saldana makes being an action hero look so easy in 'Colombiana,' you have to wonder why more actresses don't try it." Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter related, "There are guilty pleasures to be had in this frenzied B starring Zoe Saldana, who gives an acrobatic performance that makes the overcooked material watchable." Glenn Kenny of MSN Movies said, "All killers should look this good doing their dirty work. It'd be a better world."

Moviegoers enjoyed "Colombiana" for the most part. Shad M. said, "What a good way to end the 2011 Summer Movie Season with an action/thriller film... The story, script, characters, and everything the film have to offer really shows how a mediocre film like this one can really stand out from the others. Zoe Saldana... played her character Cataleya at a top level. Overall, the film is something moviegoers will probably like. It's a pretty kick awesome girl action movie!" Thomas V. commented, "Good script, and well acted. Lots of action kept your attention." Melanie S. stated, "It was a blast...literally! It did everything a movie in that genre is supposed to do. Jolie may want to watch her back."

A few members of the movie audience felt Colombiana's mission of revenge was a failure. Liam G. complained, "Zoe Saldana is a convincing action movie heroine, but Oliver Megaton's revenge thriller is filled with horribly filmed and edited action scenes for the most part, unnecessary sub-plots and nothing to make us interested in the story or characters." Zainab O. stated, "SO cliched, predictable [and] cheesy. Very disappointing, the script and direction just sucked." Beau R. expressed, "Columbiana should never have been made. It's just a mundane Jolie movie without Jolie. The story sucks, the setting sucks, the performers suck. Unnecessary waste of time and money."

BasementBob

12-10-11, 03:04 AM

Watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWZW4W)
3.0/5 (amazon 4.3/5, imdb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 83%, Decent Films (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/riseoftheplanetoftheapes) C+)

A prequel to "Planet of the Apes (2001)", and having little in common with the "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)", I thought the first half of the film was interesting and perhaps this would be a popcorn worthy film, but the last half really didn't engage me. Ironically I know someone who found the first 45 minutes boring, but liked the last half. Your mileage will vary.

During the final credits, the end of mankind is signified by an airplane pilot spreading a man made desease world wide; leaving the planet available for the apes.

Although both the 1972 and 2011 share a common premise -- the end of the world is mankind's own fault -- the 1972 it was slavery and civil rights and big brotherism with a little Einsteinian physics and the fluke of our place in the evolutionary ladder thrown in for good measure, whereas in the 2011 it's mega pharmaceutical companies doing bioengineering and biowarfare and the lesser man's man's inhumanity to man that is the downfall of our species.

The Ape CGI needs a bit more work.

I suspect that people who haven't seen the 1970's versions, will enjoy this 2011 version more than I did.

The original Planet of the Apes films were NEVER about apes. They were about humanity; man's good going hand in hand with his evil(with apes as stand-ins for our society). Not understanding that is missing the point entirely, like this simplistic, clichéd, very predictable film did.

the old Planet of the Apes movies. They were original and a little philosophical, the movies made you think about what really makes a person a person. These originals gave me a look at cultures very different from my own. The apes were people yet not people.

tony123

12-10-11, 06:30 AM

RTROSE

12-10-11, 07:00 PM

cuzed2

12-11-11, 09:35 AM

RTROSE

12-11-11, 01:04 PM

The Adjustment Bureau - Netflix DVD - I have been looking forward to seeing this and was pleasantly surprised. I like the premise of the movie, but I like this type of movie anyway. It is nice to watch a movie (every once in a while) that doesn't (solely) rely on big explosions and special effects. While not as good or thought provoking as Inception I found it entertaining. I did find the ending a little weak and predictable. Not a buy for me but definitely worth a watch. 3/5

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

12-14-11, 07:42 AM

Watched 13 (2010) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IUIZ2W)
Nothing special. (a remake)
I haven't seen the original "13 Tzameti", but it's easy to believe it would have been better.
"a underworld game of Russian Roulette"

Watched Straw Dogs (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TK21WQ)
Nothing special. (a remake)
It's kind of funny. Most often the remakes have the same title, but completely change the story, and I dispise them because of it.
This one, keeps the original story with little change, which makes watching it pointless.

The parts that were changed, didn't help.
James Marsden is an ok actor, but he can't be as convincing as an unmanly bookworm as Dustin Hoffman was in the original film -- but at least he's physically smaller than Alexander Skarsgård.

BasementBob

12-14-11, 07:44 AM

BTW, those of you that liked Transformers, check out the youtube trailers for Battleship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDMXkPfxjOc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3646Zf8rg

And just to be silly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKNGu01NdQ

HopefulFred

12-14-11, 08:48 AM

Bob, your Mission: Impossible link is right on time. I've just rewatched MI:II and III and am headed out to buy tickets to Ghost Protocol (IMAX - hoping to get to see the prologue to The Dark Knight Rises!).

Mission: Impossible II has some great action (credit John Woo), but for me it's the weakest of the bunch. I'm bothered, among other things, by the irregular grain in the Blu-ray transfer. I'm sure it's mostly faithful to the film, but it distracts me.

Mission: Impossible III is a little weak on character, but J. J. Abrams does a nice job of telling a fairly succinct story. It's a shame the Phillip Seymour Hoffman doesn't get more to work with, though he is good in some scenes.

And speaking of good actors in sequels to movies: I just saw the trailer for the third Men in Black movie, due out this summer. The shtick from Will Smith looks predictable (not bad, necessarily), but watch all the way to the end of the trailer to catch a glimpse of Josh Brolin as Tommy Lee Jones - THAT will make the movie for me.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2656345625/

dc_pilgrim

12-14-11, 01:46 PM

My wife and I watched "The Help" on VOD. Its good. 4/5.

BasementBob

12-14-11, 11:42 PM

Josh Brolin as Tommy Lee Jones
Josh Brolin was in "No Country for Old Men" with Tommy Lee Jones.
Josh Brolin was in "In the Valley of Elah" with Tommy Lee Jones.

dfergie

12-17-11, 08:46 PM

Planet of the Apes 4.9 out of 5... loved the movie, effects and story. (and I watched the original at the theater when it came out);) good prequel imho.
Big 4 Disc 2 (Metallica) 4.5 out of 5 good music from an excellent band.

tony123

12-17-11, 10:22 PM

RTROSE

12-17-11, 10:27 PM

I'm on a roll of quality movies! The Help- All the technical aspects of movie making are done on a very high level. But more importantly, it moved me emotionally and spiritually. Just an amazing movie. I'll stop there for fear of rambling. :) Oh, don't miss the extras on this disc. Well worth it.

Wow 2 for 2. Should I go buy a lottery ticket? Quite a rarity for you Tony. Glad to hear that this is a good movie. The Mrs. wants to give this a watch. I know that with your ringing endorsement it now is a no brainer.

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

12-19-11, 11:21 PM

Super 8 - Netflix DVD - Hmmm......Well I was not blown away, but it was not terrible either. Meh I guess. For me it is definitely not a buy, almost did a blind buy, but would have been disappointed. A rent for sure, just don't expect a whole lot. FWIW my kids really liked it, and told me how good it was. Guess it will be a while before I listen to them again. If some of your first choices at the rental office are taken this might fill the bill, but only as a last resort. 2.75/5

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

12-20-11, 08:23 AM

FWIW my kids really liked it, and told me how good it was.

They say laughter is contagious.

I remember watching Undercover Blues (1993) in the theatre, and everyone in the theatre that day thought it was a great film. Funny too. Every time Muerte showed up the director had a Mexican acoustic guitar strum his arrival, a foreshadowing of Muerte about to suffer deservedly and comically in moments to come -- and like Pavlov's dogs when we heard that guitar for the 5th time on we started to smile and laugh. It was great.

Everyone I know who saw Undercover Blues (1993) for the first time on DVD, and some who saw it with a reserved/quiet theatre audience, seriously contends it might be in the 100 worst films of all time.

Schloob1

12-21-11, 05:37 PM

dfergie

12-22-11, 10:51 AM

JoeTiVo

12-22-11, 05:53 PM

Rare Exports (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1401143/) -- A Christmas Tale 4.4 out of 5, amazing PQ, good AQ, good and highly original story. The only minus is it is not in English, but that really doesn't take much away from the story.

+1. This was a great movie and has become one of our favorites. The boy is a wonderful actor and the movie really gives you a feeling of what it must be like in that locale. A superb twist on the normal Christmas movie.

RTROSE

12-23-11, 08:56 PM

Limitless - Netflix Streaming - I love the premise of the movie and the concept is a very interesting one, it just did not reach it true potential. It is a pretty good movie with some interesting visual effects but as it stands is is pretty much just a popcorn flick for me. I would hope that if I were able to tap my true potential though I would put it to use for helping mankind solve some major issues, not just involve myself in some self serving capacity to achieve more money and power. Well I hope I would anyway. 2.75/5

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

12-27-11, 12:20 AM

Well I'll be....here I was complaining about the Hollywood "pattern" when a surprise drops in my lap. Crazy, Stupid, Love- Smarter, funnier and more tasteful than anything I've seen in a long time. AND, WAIT FOR IT....a movie with something to say, and it's a POSITIVE message! By the end, I was motivated to be a better husband, father and friend.

This was a great example of handling adult themes in a tasteful way. Steve Carrel has shown his acting abilities are far broader than the casting he's chosen.

Highly recommended.

Agree 100%, one of my fave films of the year!!! The ending and the parent/teacher conference meeting as well had me rolling ;) A great romantic comedy and WAY funnier than IMO the yawner of a film Bridesmaids. Yes, I realize many here loved that film but it did nothing for me. Hyped up to be like The Hangover and had nothing for me.

Watched this just this evening and you guys are spot on. Very enjoyable movie and very entertaining. I should have been prepared for the plot twist, but that caught me completely off guard. This was watched three different times by different age groups and all liked it. Tony, I like you get tired of the same ole same ole, but this romantic comedy stands out as one of the really good ones. Definitely worth a watch. 3.75/5

Also watched Rise of The Planet of the Apes - BR - Christmas gift from my son who actually wanted the movie for himself. :rolleyes: The visuals and audio are pretty good but not outstanding. The initial jungle scenes are pretty to look at but then it settles into normalcy. This "prequel" has a pretty good premise however falls just a little short in execution. I agree completely with Basemen Bob on his assessment of the CGI Apes. In some scenes they just flat out look phony IMHO. Cesar the main character er ah I mean ape some times just plain looks creepy to me. I don't know if it is the blending of ape and human features, but all who watched the movie with me agreed about Cesar's "creepiness" Basically a good popcorn flick. 3.25/5

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

12-27-11, 11:12 AM

Crazy Stupid Love
Caught this one last Friday - It was nice to see some more tasteful material in this genre. Some good acting with some funny moments - glad we rented it (but also glad I didn't pay top dollar at the theater)

At the local theater watched:
the newest Sherlock Holmes with Downey and Jude Law, very good 4.0/5.0

And:
Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol
LOTS of intensity and action! a 4.25/5.0 - should make for a good BR release to work your subs.

BasementBob

12-28-11, 05:26 AM

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol
LOTS of intensity and action! a 4.25/5.0 - should make for a good BR release to work your subs.

from http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/missionimpossible4

Brad Bird’s "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" is so preposterously entertaining that it makes watching other recent Hollywood action spectacles feel like work. What in the last few years even compares to it?

The last Mission: Impossible installment, J. J. Abrams’s MI-III, had a few diverting set pieces punctuated by way too much grimness and suffering. Abrams’s Star Trek was a lot more fun, more because of the bold, witty script and wonderful performances than much memorable action. Chris Nolan’s Inception was visually and conceptually dazzling, and his Batman films are as good as comic-book movies get, but Nolan has yet to shoot a single action sequence as lucid and powerful as any of the string of authoritative set pieces that highlight Ghost Protocol.

Next to Ghost Protocol, most recent action flicks look either paltry (Iron Man, Salt), bloated (2012, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) or dreary (Robin Hood, Clash of the Titans). With the lone exception of the latest mega-blockbuster from one of Hollywood’s canniest veteran filmmakers—James Cameron’s Avatar—I can’t think of another recent action spectacle that looks so good or that handles action so well.

Quite an achievement for a director whose CV for the last 12 years consists of three animated films—even if those films are The Iron Giant and the Oscar-winning Pixar films The Incredibles and Ratatouille—and who is now venturing into live action for the first time.

cuzed2

12-28-11, 09:08 AM

Basement Bob,

Thanks for sharing that link to the decent films "blog-site". I bookmarked this resource for future use. It isn't very often that a reviewers opinion is similar to my own opinion :)

BasementBob

12-28-11, 10:40 PM

Watched It's a Wonderful Life (1946) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UHOWXI)
4/5 (amazon 4.7/5, imdb 8.7/10, rotten tomatoes 95%, Decent Films (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/itsawonderfullife.html) A+)

Jimmy Stewart almost destroys his home town by extending risky morgages to people unworthy of credit, and at the end the only thing that saves him is a huge public bail out.

Spaceman

12-28-11, 11:48 PM

We've watched a few of Santa's movies. So far...

Cinema Paradiso-BR International Theatrical version- (1989 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar) Bought this for the wife, after seeing it many years ago on the plane coming back from our honeymoon. The story was as great as I remembered, although a little slow at times. I would not recommend the director's cut, as it's even longer and ties up many loose ends that I think are better left to the imagination. 4/5

Tron-Legacy-I know I'm a little late to the party on this one, but like many others, enjoyed the stunning visuals (Olivia Wilde...) and the soundtrack. The story was not as bad as I expected based on some other reviews. 3.75/5

Dolphin Tale-Great family movie. 4.25/5

vespaguy

12-29-11, 09:59 AM

We've watched a few of Santa's movies. So far...

Cinema Paradiso-BR International Theatrical version- (1989 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar) Bought this for the wife, after seeing it many years ago on the plane coming back from our honeymoon. The story was as great as I remembered, although a little slow at times. I would not recommend the director's cut, as it's even longer and ties up many loose ends that I think are better left to the imagination. 4/5

Cinema Paradiso is one of my favorite films of all time. I just want to chime in to second your comment about the directors cut; it's completely unnecessary and, in my opinion, changes the focus of the film. Stay away, and watch the theatrical release.

Spaceman

12-30-11, 10:09 AM

Watched Date Night last night. Kept waiting for the laughs that were sure to come with Steve Carell and Tina Fey, but sadly, they didn't appear until the outakes that played during the closing credits. 2/5

RTROSE

12-30-11, 07:08 PM

I'm on a roll of quality movies! The Help- All the technical aspects of movie making are done on a very high level. But more importantly, it moved me emotionally and spiritually. Just an amazing movie. I'll stop there for fear of rambling. :) Oh, don't miss the extras on this disc. Well worth it.

The wife and I watched this last night. As Tony stated a very well done movie. The flow and pacing of the movie are excellent and a very sensitive subject matter is dealt with in a way where one can begin to get some insight on how things were at that time. While a serious movie there were some laugh out loud parts, and also moments where the behavior of the characters made me cringe. It is an excellent movie. 4/5

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

12-30-11, 07:48 PM

The wife and I watched this last night. As Tony stated a very well done movie. The flow and pacing of the movie are excellent and a very sensitive subject matter is dealt with in a way where one can begin to get some insight on how things were at that time. While a serious movie there were some laugh out loud parts, and also moments where the behavior of the characters made me cringe. It is an excellent movie. 4/5

Regards,

RTROSE

Tony / RT,

OK - I just checked out "The Help" on IMDB, Looks like this one goes on my list for sure.

Tonight our family movie is "Hanna", a bit late to the game, but better late than never. Also looks like one more local cinema visit this weekend, can't decide between "War Horse", and "Tinker Tailor...." ??

westgate

12-30-11, 08:46 PM

'we were soldiers', dvd, mel gibson, etc.

pretty intense vietnam war flick.

RTROSE

12-31-11, 09:35 AM

Tony / RT,

OK - I just checked out "The Help" on IMDB, Looks like this one goes on my list for sure.

Tonight our family movie is "Hanna", a bit late to the game, but better late than never. Also looks like one more local cinema visit this weekend, can't decide between "War Horse", and "Tinker Tailor...." ??

I don't think you will be disappointed at all. I vote for War Horse, if it is half as good as the trailers should be an excellent film. Not familiar with Tinker Tailor.

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

12-31-11, 10:11 AM

OK last nights HT viewing was "Hanna", this was a very good movie. I give it a 3.8/5.0 overall. Although not for the younger kids (violence gets a bit strong). There is some good acting, and a few quirky characters. The premise is very interesting, and then takes a very interesting turn near the end. As for audio quality I give it a 4.75/5.0, this might have just become my "go-to" LFE/sub-woofer test piece :)

dfergie

12-31-11, 10:54 AM

cuzed2

12-31-11, 11:01 AM

The flyover was impressive early ...
Last night my watch was Apollo 18, 4 out of 5, low budget thriller... first movie that actually made my jump in awhile...

This is good to know! Apollo 18 is also on my rent list - maybe tonight

BasementBob

12-31-11, 11:03 AM

Watched some old John Frankenheimer (director) movies. He was approached by Albert R. Broccoli to screen test for the role of James Bond in Dr. No (1962).

Reindeer Games 2000
Ronin 1998
Black Sunday 1977
French Connection II 1975
Grand Prix 1966
The Train 1964
Seven Days in May 1962
The Manchurian Candidate 1962

and this one:
The Man Who Never Was 1956

HopefulFred

12-31-11, 11:08 AM

"Hanna", this was a very good movie. I give it a 3.8/5.0 overall. Although not for the younger kids (violence gets a bit strong). There is some good acting, and a few quirky characters. The premise is very interesting, and then takes a very interesting turn near the end.

I think this is a fair description. Saoirse Ronan steals the show, though Eric Bana is solid and Cate Blanchett extraordinary, as usual. Check Ronan out in Atonement if you haven't; and I just saw she's in preproduction for a movie version of The Host. My wife has enjoyed that book (two or three times) and this will be a strong and interesting character. Hopefully Andrew Niccol (Gattaca) does a better job directing The Host than Joe Wright did with Hanna. I left Hanna thinking the story telling was reaching for too much, and was a little heavy-handed.

I hope you see Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy, becuase I'd love to read your opinion. I'm very hopeful for Gary Oldman that this will finally get him the Oscar recognition he deserves.

Fred

BasementBob

12-31-11, 11:10 AM

Watched The Guard (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WAP2U6)
2.8/5 (amazon 4.9/5, imdb 7.4/10, rotten tomatoes 95%)

An unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is teamed up with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is not your typical Irish Garda Guard. He is brash, uncaring but also may be a genius. When a murder and drug ring are shown to be connected the FBI send in agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) to help investigate.

Lots of swearing, which didn't bother me. Accents are a bit thick.
Crime drama, fish-out-of-water story, odd couple forced to work together buddy flick.
I just didn't feel it had enough of a plot to really pull it off. It's not as good as some television detective shows, although you couldn't do these sorts of things on series television every week either. Reminded me a bit of Fargo, but not as well done.

The Guard, has become the highest grossing Irish made movie ever at the Irish box office grossing 4.3 million Euros, beating the previous best, The wind That Shakes The Barley, starring Cillian Murphy. To put this this in an American context, it's about $1.50 for every man, woman and child in the country.

dfergie

12-31-11, 12:30 PM

This is good to know! Apollo 18 is also on my rent list - maybe tonightI'm a space nut and followed the space program devoutly in the 60's plus my Mom subbed to Life which had amazing shots from the moon landings... ;) HiDef critic pretty much slammed it, not sure if Ralph or Lee have reviewed or will here ...

BasementBob

01-04-12, 04:57 AM

Watched
- The Public Enemy (1931) 2/5
- The 39 Steps (1935) 2.3/5 Hitchcock
- Guns at Batasi (1964) 2.9/5
- The Wind and the Lion (1975) 3.3/5
- Sorcerer (1977) 2.6/5
- Judge Dredd (1995), in anticipation of the new one 2.8/5
- Speed of Thought (2011) 2/5
- Justified Season 2

The Public Enemy
James Cagney, story set 1909 to about 1930
Tom Powers and Matt Doyle are best friends and fellow gangsters, their lives frowned upon by Tom's straight laced brother, Mike, and Matt's straight laced sister, Molly. From their teen-aged years into young adulthood, Tom and Matt have an increasingly lucrative life, bootlegging during the Prohibition era. But Tom in particular becomes more and more brazen in what he is willing to do, and becomes more obstinate and violent against those who either disagree with him or cross him. When one of their colleagues dies in a freak accident, a rival bootlegging faction senses weakness among Tom and Matt's gang, which is led by Paddy Ryan. A gang war ensues, resulting in Paddy suggesting that Tom and Matt lay low. But because of Tom's basic nature, he decides instead to take matters into his own hands.

The 39 Steps
A man in London tries to help a counterespionage agent. But when the agent is killed and he stands accused, he must go on the run to both save himself and also stop a spy ring trying to steal top secret information.

Guns at Batasi
Regimental Sergeant-Major Lauderdale (Richard Attenborough) is a spit-and-polish, by-the-book disciplinarian, who seems like a 19th Century anachronism in a sleepy peacetime African outpost of the modern British Commonwealth. He is ridiculed behind his back by his subordinate NCO's and must play host to a liberal female MP making a tour of the base. However, when an ambitious African officer, who happens to be a protege of the MP's, initiates a coup d'etat against Captain Abraham, the lawful African commandant, the resourceful RSM uses all his military training to arm his men despite being under house arrest and rescue the wounded commandant from a certain firing squad. When Lt. Boniface, the leader of the mutiny surrounds the sergeants mess with two Bofors guns, it looks like Lauderdale will have to surrender unless he again disobeys orders and takes the initiative.

The Wind and the Lion
At the beginning of the 20th century an American woman is abducted in Morocco by Berbers. The attempts to free her range from diplomatic pressure to military intervention.
I saw a picture of Theodore Roosevelt awhile back and thought -- you know who'd be good to play Theodore Roosevelt (http://www.selfhelpdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Theodore-Roosevelt.jpg), Brian Keith (http://pics.livejournal.com/felaries65/pic/003kw6wz/s640x480). Also has Sean Connery and Candice Bergen.
And the rifle range on the white house lawn was interesting.
A few interesting quotes that seem almost prophetic.

Theodore Roosevelt: What do I want? I want respect! Respect for human life and respect for American property! And I'm going to send the Atlantic Squadron to Morocco to get that respect.
John Hay: That's illegal.
Theodore Roosevelt: Why spoil the beauty of the thing with legality?

Theodore Roosevelt: The American grizzly is a symbol of the American character: strength, intelligence, ferocity. Maybe a little blind and reckless at times... but courageous beyond all doubt. And one other trait that goes with all previous.
2nd Reporter: And that, Mr. President?
Theodore Roosevelt: Loneliness. The American grizzly lives out his life alone. Indomitable, unconquered - but always alone. He has no real allies, only enemies, but none of them as great as he.
2nd Reporter: And you feel this might be an American trait?
Theodore Roosevelt: Certainly. The world will never love us. They respect us - they might even grow to fear us. But they will never love us, for we have too much audacity! And, we're a bit blind and reckless at times too.
2nd Reporter: Are you perhaps referring to the situation in Morocco and the Panama Canal.
Theodore Roosevelt: If you say so... The American grizzly embodies the spirit of America. He should be our symbol! Not that ridiculous eagle - he's nothing more than a dandified vulture.

Sorcerer
A group of outcasts from different backgrounds/nationalities are forced by misfortune to work in a remote oil drilling operation in South America. When fire breaks out of control, four of the outcasts are given the opportunity to earn enough money to get out by transporting six crates of unstable dynamite through miles of jungle in two ancient trucks. Will they succeed and regain their honor and citizenship, or get blown up for their efforts? Roy Scheider.
If you like Ice Road Truckers, the bridge scene in this might be a must see.

Speed of Thought
Joshua Lazarus (Nick Stahl) possesses a special gift that enables him to read people's minds, and the government has trained him to use his ability for deadly missions involving national defense, all while telling him that it will ultimately destroy him --- but will it? When Joshua falls in love with Anna (Mía Maestro), another telepathic "scoper," he and his friend, Kira (Taryn Manning), must find a cure for their gift and expose the lies.

Justified
U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is a modern day 19th century-style lawman, enforcing his brand of justice in a way that puts a target on his back with criminals and places him at odds with his bosses in the Marshal service. That conflict results in a reassignment for Givens to the U.S. District covering the town where he grew up. He is an anachronism - a tough, soft spoken gentleman who finds his quarry fascinating, but never gives an inch. Dig under his placid skin and you'll find an angry man who grew up hard in rural Kentucky, with an outlaw father, who knows a lot more about who he doesn't want to be than who he really is.

Riveninside

01-04-12, 10:58 AM

apollo 18... not a fan... while i jumped a bit twice.. wasn't very good :(
also, you dont need the blu ray, it's all 60s style cameras, very grainy, nothing hi def related.

cuzed2

01-05-12, 08:47 AM

BB - You have peaked my interest with "Wind and the Lion". Have always been curious about the era of Teddy Roosevelt and the great White Fleet.

Riveninside - You are the second person to mention Apollo 18 and "jumping". Because of your disappointment, I will restrict this one to a rental

BasementBob

01-08-12, 06:10 AM

Watched Contagion (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00664AM5C)
3/5 (amazon 3.6/5, imdb 6.9/10, rotten tomatoes 84%)
Somewhat between an Irwin Allen diaster flick, and a Michael Crichton science thriller. Some technical realism around CDC protocols & equipment and virus microbiology.
Tense, a little scary, tightly scripted, and a good cast having a good acting day. I think it helped that I have a little cough today.
Not much actually happens though, so it's predictable given the premise that a significant chunk of the population is going to die of a pandemic. Hardware stores get robbed. Homes get robbed. Curfews are declared, movement is limited. Government conspiracies involving big pharma, internet scare stories about inoculation side effects, and patenting cures years before the epidemic breaks out and the cure is 'discovered'. That the ending actually worked in the film is a bit of a rehashed hollywood ending (reality is too harsh for most of us to accept?).
The message seems to be: buy your MREs, N95 face masks, bottled water, and hand sanitizer; and get your shots like everybody else.

The disease in the film is highly lethal, affects a very large number of people and has a short incubation period. In reality an infectious disease must have a long incubation period and less lethality than in the film to facilitate a sustained transmission. The real case makes tracking much more difficult, which is a central part of the film, therefore the filmmakers had to bend the facts. A virus depicted in the film could be easily avoided by simply staying at home for two weeks. After that, all the infected hosts would be dead. A truly deadly virus doesn't kill its host so quickly. The incubation period, when the host is highly contagious but showing no symptom, should be about a few months or a little more. By the time it breaks out, it would be too late as everybody would be infected and only the immune would survive.

When Alan Krumwiede is explaining what an R0 of 2 means on television, he claims that the number of cases daily will progress 2, 4, 16, 256, 65536 and so on. This is the quadratic series, and would mean that by the fourth day each person is infecting 256 others, and by the sixth day 4,294,967,296 would have fallen ill. The progression used in the movie seems geometric; i.e. 2, 4, 8, 16, 32... He later claims that it would take a month for a billion people to fall ill - this number is clearly based on the geometric number series, not the quadratic. Either that or thier R0 is too large. R0 for influenza is just below 2. In the devastating 1918 pandemic, it was likely above 3. With an R0 that high, the number of cases will grow exponentially, unless patients remain isolated or quickly receive effective treatment.

During the preliminary press conference at the CDC, Boston is listed as one of the first infected cities. Later on, a map is shown of infected regions around the world. It indicates that the only regions of Massachusetts infected are those regions west of the Connecticut River. Boston is approximately 100 miles east of the Connecticut River.

When Laurence Fishburne is describing the mortality rate of the contagion (one in twelve) the North American map clearly marks the only Canadian city as Toronto when in fact the location of the label is Montreal.

For the right killer for "Contagion," [the screenwriters] "I wanted to find a virus that would be especially nefarious in that it wouldn't show up in an unusual way, that could be misinterpreted in an emergency room 5,000 miles away from where a person originally caught it." Burns and Lipkin eventually focused on a pair of deadly, closely related viruses that primarily live in bats but occasionally infect people: Nipah, found in Southeast Asia, and Hendra, from Australia. With a screenwriter's glee, they genetically modified the fictional virus to let it spread readily through bodily fluids or coughing. Voila! A global killer.

BasementBob

01-08-12, 06:26 AM

Watched Killer Elite (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062P332Y)
2.4/5 (amazon 3.2/5, imdb 6.6/10, rotten tomatoes 25%)

Your basic B-movie action flick. "The Wild Geese" and "Dogs of War" are better. So are "Hanna" and "Colombiana", even "Shoot 'Em Up"

Robert De Niro's role is kind of dull, and Jason Statham and Clive Owen merely leverage their type cast from previous films.

Possibly a remake of the 1975 film by the same name staring James Caan and Robert Duvall, or the 1991 book "The Feather Men" by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

kezug

01-08-12, 07:59 AM

My wife and I watched Crazy, Stupid, Lovelast night as the reviews here on this thread were good. I really enjoyed this movie. I didnt try to break it down as the movie unfolded. I just let it tell its story and i took it all in. steve Carrell does a great job in his roll as do everyone else. I am not sure if I really like Emma Stone though as There is just something that bothers meabout her. but I digress (although she has me wanting to see more of her...weird).

The audio was doneextremely well. I could HEAR all spoken dialogue while not having to reach for the remote ONCE. Wish all movies were like this.

Thr PQ was sharp as well.

Oh and thanks to all who continously post on this thread as i often see movies recommended here that I neverwould have seen otherwise.

RTROSE

01-08-12, 12:52 PM

Cowboys & Aliens - Netflix DVD - Well I was actually looking forward to this movie. As many of you I like westerns and aliens, but have not actually thought about how the two would mesh together. In some regards this film really works for me, in others I thought it was a cobbled together mess of things. Overall I have to say I liked it, but not enough to go out and buy it (unless I can get it really cheap) which is kind of the litmus test for me. 3.25/5

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

01-08-12, 04:43 PM

tony123

01-08-12, 05:41 PM

Cowboys and Aliens- I agree with RT's comment that it was a mess of a story. 2 of 5 for me. Okay, 2.5.

BasementBob

01-08-12, 07:41 PM

Went to the local Cinema to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Have you seen "Smiley's People"?

cuzed2

01-08-12, 08:21 PM

No I haven't - perhaps it's an earlier version .. ?

BasementBob

01-08-12, 09:03 PM

No I haven't - perhaps it's an earlier version .. ?

Perhaps you were talking of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011, Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Mark Strong)"

I was thinking of these:

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (1979) (TV mini-series, staring Alec Guinness)

"Smiley's People" (1982) (TV mini-series, staring Alec Guinness)

RTROSE

01-08-12, 09:23 PM

I know it is a little off topic as we usually post about movies we have seen, but I know every once in a while a movie creates a little buzz or interest here (Avatar comes to mind) but I have seen the trailers for Red Tails (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifDg1iduG9M) and I am very excited to see this one. Looks like it is going to be pretty good. Or at least I hope it is.

Regards,

RTROSE

tony123

01-09-12, 05:46 AM

That's the first I see of Red Tails. Thanks. Looks really, really promising!

BasementBob

01-09-12, 06:26 AM

Red Tails (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifDg1iduG9M) staring Cuba Gooding Jr.

While you're waiting, you can watch on DVD The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRka1ZiN-Zo), staring Cuba Gooding Jr..

(Be careful not to confuse it with "The Tuskegee Airmen (2002)" which is a PBS special also on DVD)

cuzed2

01-09-12, 10:16 AM

tony123

01-11-12, 07:07 AM

RTROSE

01-11-12, 09:06 PM

Moneyball- Really enjoyed it! I'm not a baseball fan, but it still sucked me in. I'd like to continue to see Johah Hill in classier roles. He's typically the foul mouthed punk. Hope his agent sees the promise in this direction for him. I'll give it a 4 of 5.

Midnight in Paris- Interesting concept, but a real snooze fest. 2 of 5. Barely.

Added Moneyball to my queue! You'd better be right Tony! :D

Hey isn't that like three or four positive movies here lately? Some kind of run for you heh Tony?

Glad to see that you are finally hitting on some good ones.

Regards,

RTROSE

HopefulFred

01-12-12, 07:58 AM

Tony is right about Moneyball, but I'm not so optimistic about Jonah Hill. His performance was adequate, but he doesn't pull off subtlety as nicely as I would like in a dramatic role. Still, quite enjoyable.

RTROSE

01-13-12, 07:54 PM

Kung Fu Panda 2 - Netflix DVD - Well I know that I'm a grown adult (though Mrs RTROSE would beg to differ at times) but I still enjoy a good animated tail once in a while. Cars, Toy Story 1,2,3, Mega Mind, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, among others. Well as good as the original Kung Fu Panda is, Kung Fu Panda 2 is not. For me the sequel just did not have the magic that the first one did.

This film seemed to me more geared to selling happy meal toys and merchandise at the big box stores than a "movie experience". I know I'm being harsh but with as much potential as this franchise has, it was completely wasted on the second effort. Even the voice overs seemed lackluster and that "spark" they all had with the original. 2.5/5

Regards,

RTROSE

Dingaling2004

01-14-12, 05:22 AM

tony123

01-14-12, 06:00 AM

RT, I stand by Moneyball. And I'm with you on KFP2. I loved the first. This one was done just because they could.

No other movie in history felt like a campaign to sell toys more than Cars2. The first one has reached the pinnacle of movies in our house, but the second was junk. Sorry Greg. We're more particular on this thread. No "casual" viewing around here. ;) LOL

javry

01-14-12, 06:01 AM

While you're waiting, you can watch on DVD The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRka1ZiN-Zo), staring Cuba Gooding Jr..

(Be careful not to confuse it with "The Tuskegee Airmen (2002)" which is a PBS special also on DVD)

w/o giving the plot away, is Red Tails about the Tuskegee Airmen? I assume it's a play on the color of the tails of their planes.

BasementBob

01-14-12, 08:39 AM

Moneyball- Really enjoyed it! I'm not a baseball fan, but it still sucked me in.

Watched Moneyball (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060ZJ78U)
3/5 [amazon 3.9/5 mostly favourable the 1stars are about ultraviolet, 7.8/10 imdb, rotten tomatoes 95%, Decent Films: A (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/moneyball))

Aaron Sorkin wrote it, so the script is good, and the plot is tight, has a strong story arc, and it's quite watchable. The general manager's creative use of his limited powers was interesting in at least two different events. The film has an abundance of crass language, but generally showable to the relatives. The acting is pretty good as well.

But I wasn't rooting for the team, or the management, nearly as much as I was with The Replacements (2000, Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman). The person I was watching it with didn't notice the young all star had the same name as the general manager -- so I ended up explaining the film we just watched.

The statistical bit wasn't as interestingly portrayed as I was expecting.
From the advertisements, I thought it was also a illegal gambling to raise money for the team, which was subsequently invested in less famous players using the same actuality tables the gamblers were using resulting in an aggregate team rather than an few star team -- but there's no gambling, at least not in the Los Vegas sense.

BasementBob

01-14-12, 08:46 AM

w/o giving the plot away, is Red Tails about the Tuskegee Airmen?

Red Tails 2012 is a movie about a crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, who are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard.
-- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485985/

RTROSE

01-14-12, 09:09 AM

Well, I guess it's what they say... Your milage may vary. I watched Kung Fu panda 2 last night and again today with my 4 yo and we both really enjoyed it. For me, it had plenty of heart, and touched on a number of themes which kept my interest as a 'somewhat' adult. There was plenty of action, the surround (7.1) was unbelievable and the visuals were reference quality. Then again, I really enjoyed Cars 2 which received a bollocking by the critics. For what they are, I really enjoy them. Cheers all

That is what makes this forum, and this thread in particular so good as there are so many opinions on the movies out there. If we all agreed then what's the point.

I have watched several movies I would have otherwise passed on, just based on what people here have said.

So feel free to chime in and give your opinion. We won't flame you......Much......:D

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

01-14-12, 01:18 PM

Watched Real Steel (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004A8ZWWE)
3.9/5 (amazon 4.5/5, imdb 7.3/10, rotten tomatoes 59%, Decent Films: C- (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/realsteel))

Really enjoyed it! I'm not a boxing fan, but it still sucked me in. ( ;) )

The CGI is pretty good. Which really really helps, because without it this film would have nothing new.

cuzed2

01-14-12, 05:27 PM

Moneyball- Really enjoyed it! I'm not a baseball fan, but it still sucked me in. I'd like to continue to see Johah Hill in classier roles. He's typically the foul mouthed punk. Hope his agent sees the promise in this direction for him. I'll give it a 4 of 5.
.

Tony,
Watched Moneyball last night - We really liked it! I agree with your rating. However; I will hold out on collecting this one, at least until the sequel comes out featuring the Cubs :)

dfergie

01-14-12, 07:02 PM

Dingaling2004

01-15-12, 05:13 AM

That is what makes this forum, and this thread in particular so good as there are so many opinions on the movies out there. If we all agreed then what's the point.

I have watched several movies I would have otherwise passed on, just based on what people here have said.

So feel free to chime in and give your opinion. We won't flame you......Much......:D

Regards,

RTROSE

Thanks RT,
I was feeling a bit dejected after those cold, callous comments by Tony 123. If my memory serves me right, he's been known to serve up a few shockers in his time! cheers. Greg.

Warrior_Poet

01-15-12, 08:09 AM

Are there any threads dedicated to posting screenshots of different movies on their projectors?

tony123

01-15-12, 08:27 AM

Yes. Maybe even a whole forum if I remember right. Search screenshots in thread titles and you'll find it quickly.

Greg, I respect your opinions....even when you don't respect mine. :)

dc_pilgrim

01-15-12, 08:41 AM

Are there any threads dedicated to posting screenshots of different movies on their projectors?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=900831

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=778604

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=935620&highlight=screenshot

Warrior_Poet

01-15-12, 11:35 AM

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=900831

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=778604

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=935620&highlight=screenshot

There goes my afternoon.

RTROSE

01-15-12, 04:51 PM

The Tuskegee Airmen - Netflix DVD - Watched this based on BB's recommendation. Glad I did. This is a very good movie. This is not a "blockbuster" per se, more of a info drama type of story telling. It works in this instance. I am still amazed at the stereotypes these men had to overcome just to fight for "their" country. A very well told story. I definitely think this is worth a watch. 3.5/5

Regards,

RTROSE

tony123

01-15-12, 06:37 PM

Tonight is "Bad Teacher". Anyone that knows my preferences, can probably make a prediction on what tomorrows rating will be. Why do I keep renting these? Oh well, here's hoping for a surprise.

RTROSE

01-15-12, 07:23 PM

Tonight is "Bad Teacher". Anyone that knows my preferences, can probably make a prediction on what tomorrows rating will be. Why do I keep renting these? Oh well, here's hoping for a surprise.

I see a "bomb" in Tony's future. Although I have got this one in my queue as well. It may move up or down depending on what the review says.

Regards,

RTROSE

On a side note, I'd thought I'd share an opinion, nah actually a small rant. Mrs. RTROSE is a HUGE Twilight fan and she again watched one of the movies yesterday. I know they are HUGE and very poplar, but they are horrifically done films. IF you watch one it is hard not to notice just how badly they are done. The CGI is second rate, the acting is subpar, and the plot movement is riddled with problems. Yet with all of this they are huge blockbusters and money makers. I get a headache just thinking about them. Mrs. RTROSE knows how I feel about the movies, and kids me about he last one. Even she admits it was a terrible movie. Gee I can't wait! :rolleyes:

westgate

01-16-12, 07:06 PM

last night, the postman', w kevin costner.

BasementBob

01-16-12, 08:45 PM

Watched The Day of the Jackal (1973) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0783226853)

After watching The Battle of Algiers (1967) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002JP2OI), and Lost Command (1966) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000066C6H), both of which are somewhat about France's involvement in Algiers, and doing a little reading about France/Algiers; subsequently watching The Day of the Jackal again is like watching a whole new movie, at least the first quarter of the movie suddenly had more depth.

eljr

01-21-12, 07:42 AM

last night, the postman', w kevin costner.

is it true he always rings twice? :rolleyes:

BasementBob

01-21-12, 12:11 PM

Went to the local Cinema to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. If you are looking for action James Bond Style - this is NOT for you! However; if you like the cold war spy genre, with some very good acting, and a plot that has you constantly thinking you will probably really like this one. Most of this takes places in Budapest and England in the early 70s. The filming does a nice job of showing old gritty scenes, lots of grain, dark drab scenes and a cigarette smoke graininess of another era. A decent movie - for me a 3.75/5.0

Watched Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy (1979) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DXCO94)
Watched Smiley's People (1982) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DXCOKS)

Went to the local living room to watch them.

If you are looking for action James Bond Style -- this is NOT for you!
However, if you like the cold war spy game, with some acting (not sure if any of it was good, certainly not very good, but there was indeed some acting), then you will probably really leave this playing on your DVD player.

Some films are so enrapturing that when it's over you suddenly realize that you're in your home -- a fact of which, along with your existence, you have been utterly oblivious to for over an hour, and you have had no thoughts whatsoever, and you emerge certain that your expression must have been utterly blank for an hour as you were a dead puppet to your television. These films have a plot that has you constantly thinking: when will something happen? Is that snow or rain falling outside?

Most of this takes place in Budapest and England in the early 70s.

The DVD transfer is riddled with old gritty scenes, lots of grain, dark drab scenes and a cigarette smoke graininess of another era.

Since the first mini-series is about 5 hours long, and there are six suspects {Tinker, Soldier, Sailor, Poor Man, Begger Man, Thief}. I wonder if in the 2011 remake, being under 2 hours, if there are only three suspects.

Smiley is the polar opposite of James Bond. Physically unattractive, elderly, nonathletic, a cuckold many times over, not a master gunman, George Smiley nonetheless emerges as the quintessential master spy, with a razor sharp mind, always keeping his own counsel, and dissecting every situation with impeccable logic.

Some shows, like television's Colombo, you know who the bad guy is at once, and its just a question of waiting for him to be tripped up.
Others, use a technique to show that a bad guy is bad in the opening credits, and thereafter the good guy goes after him.
Yet in others, the hero has some wild bit of luck that enables even a comic to catch the bad guy.
None of that happens here, and that's why I didn't stop it -- his deductions, and manipulations, and questions, are minimalist and cerebral, to an extent that he is a man who can get things done, a superior man due to his intellect, but a vulnerable man taking calculated risks in the real world, an elderly man without power given to him by others nor physical skill or energy of youth, merely extremely wise but not preternaturally so.

Tinker, Tailor,
Soldier, Sailor,
Rich Man, Poor Man,
Beggar Man, Thief

Subsequently watched:
- Bridge on the River Kwai (with Alec Guiness)
- Man in the White Suit (with Alec Guiness)
- Cromwell (with Alec Guiness)
- Star Wars IV a new hope
- Moonraker (with Michael Lonsdale, who was in Smiley's People and Day Of The Jackal, Ronin, Holcroft Covenant)

RTROSE

01-22-12, 10:20 AM

Faith Like Potatoes - Netflix DVD - Based on a true story of a farmer and his family who flees from war torn Zambia to South Africa to start over. His journey is one of a physical travel as well as an emotional and spiritual one. While the films message is an excellent one. One must believe and trust in your faith to truly reap the benefits (obviously like planting potatoes) you have to wait for it to grow and mature. I loved the spiritual message in this movie. For that it gets a 4.5/5 I WANTED to really enjoy the movie, but for me the movie just did not work. It is choppy, and hard to follow. The audio is inconsistent and I found that I was hunting with the volume button throughout the movie. It is also done in a heavy accent which had me tilting my head often to understand the dialog. As a movie I only can give it a 2.5/5 maybe if I stretch it a 2.75/5. For the message I highly recommend it, as a movie sadly I just can't give it the same recommendation.

Courageous - Redbox DVD - Another movie with a very heavy spiritual message. However I must say that this movie is done much better than Faith Like Potatoes. This movie is done along the lines of Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel, with some of the same actors. This was done with more of an angle of reaching the masses with a very positive message so it does not have as much "in your face" preaching as the others do. Not that I mind that at all, it just is not there as strongly. If you enjoyed Fireproof and Facing the Giants, you will like this one as well. It is a good stand alone movie as well and you can tell they did their best to tailor a movie with a strong positive message that would reach the "masses" not just the "fanatic religious nutcases" for that I highly commend them. I highly recommend this movie, and again proof that to have a good movie you need more than just big explosions and scantily clad women to make an excellent movie content counts. 4.5/5

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

01-22-12, 10:26 AM

Watched Drive 2011 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064NTZJO)
2/5 (amazon 4/5, imdb 8.1/10, rotten tomatoes 93%)

Violence, nudity, car chases -- what's not to like?
Well, pretty much most of the film is dull, and the character's are not fun.
I think the 1star reviews at amazon are more reflective of the film I watched than the 5 star reviews there.

The someone-else's-wife with hero's relationship is weird. Half the film is a potential love story, but the two characters feel unconnected to each other throughout.
I found the pointless city flyovers to be cinematographically more interesting than the scenes of the plot.
The protagonist's character and abilities are pretty much set for the first 90% of the film (able car driver against police or stunt driver or race track, silent type, a little illegal behavior related to work but otherwise stronger ethics demonstrated in tough situations than many he's near), and then in the last 10% he changes into Last Action Hero -- weird.

This is not on the level of The Transporter (2002), which is what I was expecting, even though the budgets were similar.
The 1978 film "The Driver" with Ryan O'Neal is also better in my opinion -- although most disagree.

J_P_A

01-22-12, 07:56 PM

Bob, your last name isn't Ebert is it by any chance? Your reviews are always comprehensive and well written. I actually check for your reviews before watching a movie now.

Keep up the good work!

Edit: I figured I'd go ahead and add my latest movies since I was posting anyway.

Thor - 3/5

This movies just wasn't as good as I hoped, and not up to the same quality as movies like Iron Man. Granted, I didn't have the benefit of surround sound or a projector, but some of the acting and characters were just too goofy (for lack of a better word) for my taste. For me, the action scenes were a bit of letdown as well. With that said, this movie was still fun, and I'd recommend it if you haven't seen it, and are just looking for something to watch.

Super 8 - 3/5

I liked this movie a little better than Thor. I felt like the characters were easier to get attached to. This is a typical J.J. Abrams flick, and if you've watched much of his stuff you probably won't be too surprised as the movie unfolds. This movie had a lot of potential, but the acting and the plot just weren't quite strong enough to elevate it to a 4.

BasementBob

01-22-12, 11:03 PM

Watched Watched Scorpion King 3 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TK0WG8)
2.6/5 (amazon 2/5, imdb 3.8/10, rotten tomatoes 16%)

Not a great plot, alright not a good plot either, but there is a B movie grade one, albeit with lots of plot holes.
Not great lines, but there are B grade lines.
The so so action fills in the gaps. The elephants are underutilized.
I think it's a direct-to-dvd release.
I was looking forward to the sword-fight between the two gals, and it was pretty much as I expected, with flowing hair and flowing dress bits -- a sword dance more than an ok sword fight.

Done by the people who did The Mummy, and somewhat in the same universe as The Mummy, so a Book Of The Dead makes an appearance.

The trailers before the movie on the BluRay looked boring. A couple films I had seen that were in fact boring. And one recommended that I get a film that's actually in my queue -- "The Thing".

The last trailer was a film in a medieval setting with a bunch of sword fighting and I thought "Well, that one looks good." Then the PLAY button appeared, and I realized it wasn't a trailer, but the opening menu to the BluRay's main movie itself. And I thought 'well, that works out well'.

Possibly the worst bit of acting that Billy Zane has done in a while, and that might be saying something.
Ron Perlman was ok -- he's bad in some movies, good in some movies, in this he was acceptable.
Bostin Christopher as Olaf on the other hand was quite entertaining.

"I will return to my Olga and my 17 daughters. I still await a son!"
"Not for a lack of trying."

--------

Watched The Thing (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067QPVD2)
2.95/5 (amazon 3.5/5, imdb 6.4/10, rotten tomatoes 49%)

Actually not too bad. On an order of magnitude similar quality level to The Thing (1982) and The Thing from Another World (1951), although those are classics and this won't be. In any event I suspect just about anyone that liked The Thing 1982 could easly sit through this version.

The actors did fairly well, but you don't really get attached to any of them so you don't feel shock or tension or loss when they die -- probably the director's fault. And you know going in that, as a prequel, you've already been informed that they're all going to be dead.

It's a prequel to John Carpenter's The Thing (1982), so it ends with the helicopter with two non-English-speaking Norwegians chasing a sled dog with a rifle, where John Carpenter's The Thing (1982) begins with a helicopter with two non-English-speaking Norwegians chasing a sled dog with a rifle.

007 quality cinematography (video, images, camera work, scenes, equipment). The Universal logo of the 1990s is used instead of the current (2011) logo. She's the only one wearing a coat rated for the arctic, which makes some sense since the film was shot in British Columbia.

The CGI teeth reminded me of the spiders that I hated in Lost In Space (1998). The creature is certainly otherworldly, but nothing really new -- although probably enough to instill a nightmare to children.

The new spaceship is odd/wrong, and different in a few ways from the prior ones. Some say it reminds them of the Jupiter 2 in Lost In Space (1998), but I didn't get that impression.

The Thing (1982) was trounced in the press, and didn't get a lot of fans in theatres.
The Thing (2011) was trounced in the press, and didn't get a lot of fans in theatres.

If you haven't seen The Thing (1982), DO NOT WATCH The Thing (2011) first.
You may watch the 1951 or the 1982 in either order, but the 1982 must be seen before watching the 2011.

The sets are so meticulosly replicated from the 1982 production that it's scary. Even down to the iconic scene
In the first film, when Mcready is walking through the Norwegian base, all burnt out and destroyed, he comes across an axe in a wall. This is the axe that Joel Edgertons character uses to dispatch one of the hands crwaling along the wall before Mary's character burns it. She tells Joel to leave it there, to be found by Kurt in 1982.
The room that the block of ice was kept is also replicated perfectly, right down to the hole in the roof caused by the Thing as it bursts out of the ice in 2011. Kurt sees bright light beaming down onto the block of ice in 1982 that was only just brought back to the ice station only 24 hours before, through the gaping hole the roof, explaining the reason why the hole exists in the first place.
The grenades shown to Mary by Lars, the Norwegian who speaks not english, all plays out in the 1982 film.
The remains of a Thing discovered in 1982 by Kurt and later brought back to the U.S. station and examined revealing the famous Rob Bottin creature with the two merged heads is featured in 2011, showing who was the poor unfortunate who ended up being said creature.
The ship under the ice..! Ever wonder how the ice was so perfectly cut away to reveal the ship in 1982? Answered.
Ever wonder how the ship got under the ice in the first place. Answered.
Who was the Norwegian shot by "el-Capitan" in the first film. Answered

nameneeded

01-24-12, 11:24 AM

First movie on the projector for me was Bunraku (http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3866598425/) IMDB 6.1, RTA 3.2

Stars Josh Hartnett, Ron Perlman, Gackt, Woody Harelson and a couple of scenes with Demi Moore.

Hard to describe the film aside from it is a revenge film. The style is a mix of Sin City, Dick Tracey with a bit of Kung Fu Hustle and many Hong Kong Action Theatre (HKAT) films.

Just a fun flick. I give it a 4/5.

alittletank

01-25-12, 07:23 PM

dfergie

01-25-12, 07:29 PM

Soul Surfer
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596346/

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie because I didn't go in expecting to enjoy the movie. IMO it was well done and even somewhat inspirational.

4/5 stars ****This really is a good movie that gets overlooked...
My next watch hopefully will be UP3D, got the disc in today to view Friday night... I have The Lion King & Open Season 3D discs waiting also.

Brad Horstkotte

01-25-12, 09:41 PM

Watched Ink (2009) (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt1071804%2F&ei=-8kgT5ysJ6bKiQKwo6jUBw&usg=AFQjCNGz61jy9SwmYKUZ0tTG58izihmLAw) a couple nights ago. I really enjoyed it, right up my alley as a fantasy / alternate reality kind of piece. To me a 4/5. I plan to watch it again soon, since when it finished, I understood how the plot lines connected, but I'm sure I missed some of the earlier "hints" in the movie.

BasementBob

01-26-12, 12:11 AM

Watched: Westworld (1973)
Watched: The Terminator (1984)
Watched: Man With One Red Shoe (1985)
Watched: Tai Pan (1986)
Watched: T2 Judgement Day (1991)
Watched: Guarding Tess (1994)
Watched: Transporter (2002)
Watched: The Librarian (Quest for the Spear) (2004)
Watched: Deja Vu (2006)

About 20 minutes into Terminator2 Sarah mentions the company

SILBERMAN: But you've told me on many occasions about how you crushed one in a hydraulic press.

SARAH: If I had, there would have been some evidence. They would have found something at the factory.

SILBERMAN: I see. So you don't believe anymore that the company covered it up?

So I took out the disk mid movie, and put Terminator1 back in and went to special features and watched the deleted scenes which I'd never seen before. There are seven, but two of interest, the first is "Sarah Fights Back" where she pretty much lays out the plot for the second half of Terminator2, and "The Factory". In "The Factory" it turns out the company with the hydraulic press is Cyberdyne Systems. The machine being destroyed in the factory where it all would start for it. The time loop is created. John Connor has to send his father back in order to be conceived, and SKYNET has to send back the Terminator so it can be created from its own technology.

The Librarian has some similarities to the series "Warehouse 13" and the series "Friday the 13th" (1987-1990).

BasementBob

01-27-12, 03:36 PM

We've all seen,
DVD first relesae,
director's cut (e.g. Kingdom of Heaven which is an hour longer and better)
Faux director's cut (e.g. Alien, in which the DVD called 'director's cut' was actually a recut media release)
special edition
Extended edition
Director's Cut Special Edition
Donner Cut (Superman II)
remastered
HD-DVD version
BluRay version
subequent 3D relesae
Re-Dux (e.g. Apcolpyse Now, as far as I know ReDux is not on BluRay...yet)
extended release (e.g. Dune with the drawings)
full screen cropped
widescreen cropped
original theatrical aspect ratio
letter boxed
anamorphic
superbit
unrated edition
TV-14 edition
George Lucas new versions of the film with changed story and wrecked special effects

Or fun release schedules like:
Barney Miller Season One Box Set
Barney Miller Season Two Box Set
Barney Miller Season Three Box Set
Barney Miller The Complete Series with Seasons One through Eight.
(never a release of Barney Miller Season Six Box Set)

and so on

With corresponding complaints about why didn't they release the full version immediately. Why do I have to buy the one I don't want first, and then buy the good one years later.

Well, here's another one.

There will be a Star Trek The Next Generation BluRay Complete Set out in a while.

but, folks, for now we have
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Next Level [Blu-ray] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064NLQYG/)

Welcome to the next generation of Star Trek: The Next Generation, like you’ve never seen or heard it before! For the first time ever, you can experience some of the show’s most important and beloved episodes in glorious 1080p high definition, with true high definition visual effects and digitally remastered 7.1 sound – or with the original audio. You’ll witness new picture detail and depth you haven’t seen before, and enjoy spectacular visual effects that have been painstakingly re-created from the original film elements…not upconverted from videotape! This “Taste Of TNG” is a glimpse of what the upcoming complete season Blu-ray releases of TNG will be like, and will transport you to the next level.

Episodes included are:
- “Encounter At Farpoint” – the groundbreaking pilot that started it all.
- “Sins Of The Father” – Back in the Klingon Empire, Worf faces a charge of treason, and defends his father’s honor.
- “The Inner Light” – Picard lives a lifetime – in an instant – on a long-dead planet, whose inhabitants want only to be remembered.

Brad Horstkotte

01-27-12, 05:10 PM

Does it come with a big red sticker on the box that says "DO NOT BUY"?

RTROSE

01-27-12, 05:22 PM

Does it come with a big red sticker on the box that says "DO NOT BUY"?

Now THAT is funny.

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

01-27-12, 07:59 PM

Watched: War of the Worlds (1953)
Watched: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956, staring actor Sam Peckinpah as Charlie the meter reader and Morticia Addams from The Addams Family)
Watched: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978, Donald Sutherland)
Watched: Invaders from Mars (1986)
Watched: Puppet Masters (1994, Donald Sutherland)
Watched: Invasion (Top of the Food Chain, 1999)

[Watched is perhaps not the right word. I was in the same house while they played. Nonetheless, what I saw was good. Top of the Food Chain is always good for a minor laugh.]

westgate

01-27-12, 08:15 PM

jeff bridges 'crazy hearts', here at the nursing home.

RTROSE

01-27-12, 08:25 PM

Watched: War of the Worlds (1953)

I absolutely LOVE this version of the War of the Worlds. There is just something about this movie that resonates with me.

Regards,

RTROSE

kezug

01-28-12, 03:10 PM

HopefulFred

01-28-12, 03:51 PM

And the girl who played Hit-Girl reminds me of watching Natalie Portman in The Professional...she is that good!

Chloë Grace Moretz (http://http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1631269/) is quite good. She gives a fun natural performance in a small role in 500 Days of Summer (http://http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1022603/)(a really fun and authentic movie). And she's landed a number of big parts, including leading roles in Let Me In (http://http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228987/)(2010, not the original - 2008) and Scorsese's Hugo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970179/). Someone to watch, for sure.

BasementBob

01-28-12, 06:58 PM

Watched In Time (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWZW7O)
3.7/5 (amazon 3.2/5 even distribution, imdb 6.6/10, rotten tomatoes 37%, Decent Films C+ (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/intime))
Budget: $40,000,000
PreDVD Gross: $103,200,000 (6 January 2012)

A mix of
- Gattica (hmm, same director)
- Bonny and Clyde
- a few reasonable car chases
- an excuse to put a lot of 25 year olds on the screen
- an excuse for every time cliché ever. “Time is money”
- Logan's Run The Television Series

Lots of plot holes, but from the moment I met his mother I was willing to forgive a lot.
I didn't know the name of the lead actor, and I think that helps a lot.

In the not-too-distant future the aging gene has been switched off. To avoid overpopulation, time has become the currency. The rich becoming essentially immortal, while the rest beg, borrow or steal enough hours to make it through the day. He ends up on the run from a police force known as 'time keepers'.

Dingaling2004

01-29-12, 05:02 AM

RTROSE

01-29-12, 07:37 AM

I am not sure why i took so long to finally watch Kick-Ass but my wife and I really enjoyed this one. I really had no clue what to expect from this movie but i am glad i finally watched it and I strongly recommend anyone who likes a different spin on things along with violence gore and profanity! Tis movie was done well! And the girl who played Hit-Girl reminds me of watching Natalie Portman in The Professional...she is that good!

I can't help but think that Hit Girl reminds me of Bindi Irwin of the crocodile hunter fame on crack. Bizarre but compelling to watch. I loved this movie too!

Yup,

Kick-A$$ is one of those "surprising" films that you don't expect much out of and then BAM it delivers. This movie is not what I consider "my cup of tea" type of movie but yet I really liked it. I think it is a lot like some other movies that have that distinct "love it or hate it" line. Hangover was the same for me as well. I love the movie, but it was not my typical type of movie I usually watch.

If you two have not seen Sucker Punch, you might like it as well. Hey it has chicks and guns. What's not to like. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

tony123

01-29-12, 08:01 AM

RTROSE

01-29-12, 08:53 AM

I have the same issue with both kickass and hangover. The concept that it's okay to put kids in movies doing adult things. A baby masturbating? Really? Isn't that illegal to film? And having an adolescent girl with a mouth like that?

I liked both movies otherwise, particularly kickass, but I can't support Hollywood and society crossing this line. It's just not funny, and A good step in the direction of child porno.

Tony,

Which film was this in, as I don't remember it? As you know you and I pretty much see eye to eye on most of the films we see. There are somethings that if they would just leave out of the film, it would be a much better product and the only thing you loose is the "shock value". As for the "foul mouthed girl" have you heard teens talking in this day in age? Maybe not to this extreme, but it is rough. Not saying it is right by any means, but I feel this is becoming more the norm than the exception to the rule. Unfortunately money speaks and people vote with their wallet and these films make lots of money so Hollywood continues to make them.

There are many films that come to mind that have an "R" rating that would have been just as good if not better if "toned down" somewhat. Obviously this is just my opinion.

Up for viewing next is Dolphin Tail or is it Tale? Anyway here is hoping that it is a redeeming story with lots of positive elements and feelgood moments. I can hope right?

I also made a blind purchase on Real Steel, I'm hoping this one delivers as well.

Regards,

RTROSE

westgate

01-29-12, 11:00 AM

'the hive', w tom wopat. bunch of ants want to take over some island.
almost good. :cool:

BasementBob

01-29-12, 12:28 PM

'the hive', w tom wopat. bunch of ants want to take over some island.
almost good.

Have you seen Meteor (2009) with Billy Campbell and Marla Sokoloff?
It's almost bad.

5.5) divinely inspired
5) excellent
4) very good
3) good
2) not awful
1) bad
0) almost bad
-5) 37% of viewers commit seppuku (hari kari) during the film. 22% report bleeding eyes and ears due to self mutilation for self preservation. Spin doctors boast of 50% survival rate.
-10) caused the distruction of the universe. See phenomonology for your current perception.

tony123

01-29-12, 12:55 PM

I couldn't resist, and realize this isn't the place to stage my platform. it is so true that the only thing you'd loose if toned down would be shock. The baby scene is at the restaurant in The Hangover. They take his hand and do the motion while making jokes.

Dolphin tail will please you for being wholesome, but it was a bit overboard tacky. :)

Back to your regular program.

Dingaling2004

01-29-12, 01:27 PM

I couldn't resist, and realize this isn't the place to stage my platform. it is so true that the only thing you'd loose if toned down would be shock. The baby scene is at the restaurant in The Hangover. They take his hand and do the motion while making jokes.

Back to your regular program.

Hi Tony,
I actually really enjoyed the Hangover. It brought some sort of originality to the whole male road trip genre. However, I do have to agree with you on the baby incident. There are some things that just need to be off limits to Hollywood and this is one of them. Its not a movie for children in any way, but it's something that I think all adults can do without seeing. Just unnecessary given the number of other laughs in what was otherwise pretty funny (yet shocking) entertainment.
I most certainly have a problem with the uber violent Hollywood fare these days. Seems that grotesque violence is accepted ( look at the Saw franchise and hostel films) but these are deemed to be mainstream teen viewing. Desensitizing kids to such violence will lead to a whole generation of affected people. I'm not proclaiming a return to the 1950's, but unless it's historical or important to show the violence (saving private Ryan et al) do we really need such grotesque images confronting us every day?
Again, you're probably right, this is not the platform. But there are gaping double standards which really should be addressed.
Just my 2c.

RTROSE

01-29-12, 05:32 PM

Hi Tony,
I actually really enjoyed the Hangover. It brought some sort of originality to the whole male road trip genre. However, I do have to agree with you on the baby incident. There are some things that just need to be off limits to Hollywood and this is one of them. Its not a movie for children in any way, but it's something that I think all adults can do without seeing. Just unnecessary given the number of other laughs in what was otherwise pretty funny (yet shocking) entertainment.
I most certainly have a problem with the uber violent Hollywood fare these days. Seems that grotesque violence is accepted ( look at the Saw franchise and hostel films) but these are deemed to be mainstream teen viewing. Desensitizing kids to such violence will lead to a whole generation of affected people. I'm not proclaiming a return to the 1950's, but unless it's historical or important to show the violence (saving private Ryan et al) do we really need such grotesque images confronting us every day?
Again, you're probably right, this is not the platform. But there are gaping double standards which really should be addressed.
Just my 2c.

Hear, hear......Well said. I don't want to go back to the 50's either (unless it is in a Delorian). But I especially want to say that I'm 100% in agreement with your statement regarding Saving Private Ryan, and The Passion of the Christ as well to name another one. I thought that the level of violence and how it was important to the events of the story being told was appropriate and in no way resembled a "slasher" type of film.

On a side note, I can't remember the baby scene in The Hangover at all. Curious that I wouldn't as that would have really grabbed my attention. Hmmmmm.....Interesting.

Now off my soap box and back to movie reviews........GO!

Regards,

RTROSE

nameneeded

01-29-12, 07:35 PM

Just watched The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pom_wonderful_presents_the_greatest_movie_ever_sold/). Documentry done by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, 30 Days) and it is awesome. All about product placement in the movies we love. I finished it on Netflix minutes ago.

Dingaling2004

01-30-12, 05:41 AM

Just watched cowboys and aliens on bluray. Not quite sure what to make of it. The word that keeps coming to mind is bizarre. I love westerns and I love sci-fi but would never have thought to put them together. It was interesting and actually pretty enjoyable. Daniel Craig is a sure bet when it comes to acting... Yet to see him in a bad movie and IMHO is way up there in terms of the best in the Bond franchise. Harrison Ford does a good job as well. Technically, the film was excellent. Fantastic cinematography and surround sound usage. Great extension in parts as well. This was a blind buy and I will watch it again. Now that I know what to expect I may find more in the film to enjoy. I think it's s pretty solid 7.5 /10.

kezug

01-30-12, 07:30 AM

I couldn't resist, and realize this isn't the place to stage my platform. it is so true that the only thing you'd loose if toned down would be shock. The baby scene is at the restaurant in The Hangover. They take his hand and do the motion while making jokes.

Dolphin tail will please you for being wholesome, but it was a bit overboard tacky. :)

Back to your regular program.

An interesting set of posts following my comments on Kick-Ass. I, for one, hated, absolutely hated Hangover. I usually like movies like that but Hangover just did not appeal to me at all.

I do have Dolphin Tail in queue and will be watching it this weekend.

tony123

01-30-12, 08:45 AM

tony123

01-30-12, 08:47 AM

Mr. Poppers Penguins- I think it was good for the kids, but for me....not enough "nut jokes". :)

Courageous- Very much enjoyed this one! Got it as a gift for my birthday and am sure to watch it many times. Good to see Sherwood Films progressing in their film making. Facing Giants is still my favorite of theirs.

cuzed2

01-30-12, 09:35 AM

Rented Real Steel over the weekend. I'm usually skeptical and worry that I will be let down when a movie has widespread phrase. No need for me to have hesitated with this one. A very good family popcorn flick (4.0/5.0). The idea of robot boxing in the near future is believable (in this movie 2014 is referenced as the recent past). That said; here is the hokie part >> the vehicles shown in this movie are all dated, however at least the PCs, remote handsets, and smart phones appeared to be futuristic. The audio was not quite a bass workout but it was indeed worthy. I rented this one, and should have bought it, still might..

RTROSE

01-30-12, 06:38 PM

THIS POST SOUNDS PREACHY. SKIP IT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MOVIE REVIEW

I've been posting from the iPad and am new to "thumb typing". So I was shorter and less articulate than I wanted to be. But several of us are on a similar page here.

I have absolutely no issue with violence or language from the likes of SPR and Gladiator, etc. It has a purpose for the story. Kick Ass would have been better for me if the girl had been a bit older. What was she in the story? like 12? I think the actress is 12 if I'm not mistaken. Outside of her age, it was a fantastic movie!

Anyway, it seems the last several dozen comedies we've seen tend to throw one or two lines in that would make most people cringe with shock. I know that line happened when my wife and I turn and look at each other with that "did he just say that" look. :)

It sure enough seems to be what sells these days. But, my Daddy always taught me that just because everyone else is doing it doesn't make it right. Crossing those lines is a slippery slope, and I need to do a better job of predicting where the slopes are. For instance, we have not and will not rent Hangover II. I know I'm missing some genuinely funny moments, but that may be the price to keep the trash out of my house.

It at first seems an easy solution to say it's your choice whether you rent something or not. But they hide this crap in things you wouldn't suspect. All the innuendos in kids movies. I can't think of an example, so I'll make this scene up. Take a movie like "Cars". It would be typical Hollywood to throw in a joke about Mater's big lug nuts. It means nothing to the kids, so they must think that the parents in the audience need a nut joke? Really, I'm sitting there with my two six year old boys....I DON'T NEED A NUT JOKE! I can laugh at a nut joke as much as the next guy, but I'm usually not with the guys when at a Disney film.

+1 Well said.

Mr. Poppers Penguins- I think it was good for the kids, but for me....not enough "nut jokes". :)

Courageous- Very much enjoyed this one! Got it as a gift for my birthday and am sure to watch it many times. Good to see Sherwood Films progressing in their film making. Facing Giants is still my favorite of theirs.

I figured you would really like Courageous. It is a really really good film.

Rented Real Steel over the weekend. I'm usually skeptical and worry that I will be let down when a movie has widespread phrase. No need for me to have hesitated with this one. A very good family popcorn flick (4.0/5.0). The idea of robot boxing in the near future is believable (in this movie 2014 is referenced as the recent past). That said; here is the hokie part >> the vehicles shown in this movie are all dated, however at least the PCs, remote handsets, and smart phones appeared to be futuristic. The audio was not quite a bass workout but it was indeed worthy. I rented this one, and should have bought it, still might..

Blind buy for me, have not had a chance to watch it though. My son said it was really good though, but he is 13 and some of his other "recommendations" have been a little suspect. ;)

Dolphin Tale - Netflix DVD - Well if you are looking for a "Family Friendly" film that will basically appeal to all but the most hardened family members this just might be the movie for you. This movie has lots of positive elements, very little or maybe even no cursing, no violence to speak of, and can be a little sappy at times. A feel good story that doesn't throw the typical Hollywood message in your face repeatedly. I can recommend this to even your 80 year old grandma. I would rate this a 3.5/5 on the story and a 3/5 for the visuals. You have a great excuse to have some stunning ocean footage, but the thing I kept thinking was that the CGI dolphin's were just so so done. Of course Mrs. RTROSE did not comment on the CGI, she though it all looked great. Sigh, sometimes I wish I could just watch a film and yet not "watch" it. :rolleyes:

Regards,

RTROSE

kezug

01-30-12, 07:14 PM

javry

01-31-12, 08:12 AM

getting ready to watch Red tonight. Has anyone seen it?

dfergie

02-01-12, 12:18 AM

Transformers 3- 3D Good Depth, excellent sound, good supersized popcorn flick...

dfergie

02-01-12, 12:19 AM

getting ready to watch Red tonight. Has anyone seen it?Saw a clip on the CES demo disc, it is on my to watch list...

RTROSE

02-01-12, 09:14 PM

Red - Netflix DVD - Well I was completely expecting to get a popcorn flick and that is exactly what Red is. Nothing super special, but overall an entertaining movie. Did like the scene where Willis calmly gets out of the car as it is spinning round and the rear bumper of the car just misses him and fires off more rounds than the magazine could possibly hold. To his credit I think there is a reload there, maybe not, I can't remember. Grab the popcorn and a few buddies or brews or whatever and enjoy. 3.5/5

Regards,

RTROSE

This was my take. FWIW YMMV

Regards,

RTROSE

BasementBob

02-01-12, 10:47 PM

getting ready to watch Red tonight. Has anyone seen it?

Red 2008 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0972883/)
Red 2010 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/)

I'm sure you'll enjoy either of them.
Both are equally good, in very different ways.
My reviews are here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19834644#post19834644).

Dingaling2004

02-01-12, 10:52 PM

[QUOTE For instance, we have not and will not rent Hangover II. I know I'm missing some genuinely funny moments, but that may be the price to keep the trash out of my house.[/QUOTE]

You didn't miss anything on hangover 2. It was more of the same formula from the first but without the laughs. And more crude. Most of the funny parts were on the trailers and by the time I saw those parts in the movie they had lost their amusement value. Rest easy my friend - you missed nothing!

Dingaling2004

02-02-12, 04:26 AM

Watched Sucker Punch. To preface, the only thing I knew of this film was what I had seen on Scuba Steve's home theatre demo disc. All I can say is WOW.... It sure has been a week for bizarre movies, following on from Cowboys and Aliens. This is one of those films that I just lost myself in for the whole movie and when the credits started rolling, I took a deep breath. Ultra violent, with plenty of adult themes, it was like matrix mixed with Moulon Rouge and a million other strange parts that came together to become an interesting viewing experience. I really liked it actually, and although the ending was a little predictable, I thought that the movie had a fairly positive message of self empowerment. One of the lines from the film was 'if you don't stand for anything.... You'll fall for everything'. It ain't Socrates but it's an interesting and thought provoking film... If you can get past the violence. 7.75 out of 10.

tony123

02-02-12, 07:24 AM

Thanks Greg, I'll sleep better now. :)

When I first read you were reviewing Sucker Punch I immediately thought of how much I did not enjoy it. Then I read your comments and got to thinking....Is my wife influencing me that much? I mean, it was good looking, aggresive, half naked women running around with guns??? Why would I be so hard on it?

Honestly, I (we) must recognize the conditions when we watch and review a movie. I'm sure Sucker Punch would have gotten a higher rating from me if it had been Greg and I with a few beers. But it wasn't...it was my wife and I with a glass of milk and her piercing glares.

I remember my own comments when first seeing "Pulp Fiction" as a single, young 20 something. I loved it! Thought it to be a brilliant commentary on the current numbness to violence. I wonder if I first saw it today as an old, whipped bald dude what my reaction would be? Senseless violence? probably.

PS: I have a wonderful wife. I only made her out to be evil for purposes of this post. ;)

hanesian

02-02-12, 09:35 AM

Honestly, I (we) must recognize the conditions when we watch and review a movie. I'm sure Sucker Punch would have gotten a higher rating from me if it had been Greg and I with a few beers. But it wasn't...it was my wife and I with a glass of milk and her piercing glares.

A lot of truth to this notion of one's enjoyment of movies being influenced by who we are watching with.

Years ago when my then 12 year old son kept wanting to watch ridiculous juvenile "comedy" movies, I invited him to instead watch some "classic" juvenile comedy movies that were actually clever and funny, so we rented The Jerk. Before you know it Steve Martin's character is discovering what his "special purpose" is for, thanks to his new girlfriend in the circus, including direct references to BJs and related activities. My son just looked at me as he walked out, saying, "This movie is gross!"

As funny as it was in a certain sense, I had to agree that what I fondly recalled as funny from my wayward youth did not exactly fully translate to what was funny to watch with my impressionable kid. Still some classic hilarious lines, but as a movie, not quite so great.

I learned from that to preview "favorite old movies' from my younger days before watching them with the kids, and that my then kid had better judgment than I thought he had. :o

Plus, I learned that I don't need anything! Just the ashtray, this paddle game, and the remote control, and the lamp, and that's all *I* need. ... ;)

tony123

02-02-12, 10:00 AM

Hanes! Good to hear from you. It's been awhile. I was wondering where you were. Great post. :)

BasementBob

02-02-12, 02:41 PM

Sucker Punch I immediately thought of how much I did not enjoy it.
I also did not enjoy Sucker Punch.
I saw it alone, therefore neither your wife nor my girlfriend were present with me while I watched it.

Honestly, I (we) must recognize the conditions when we watch and review a movie.
A movie I really enjoyed in the theatre was Undercover Blues (1993) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108442/). The audience laughed and participated and had a great time. The director had the audio track do a Mexican classical guitar strum announcing the arrival of the comic evil character Muerte resulting in the Pavlovian viewing audience doing a cheer. No one, not a single person, I've ever met outside of that one presentation who's seen the film enjoyed it.

RTROSE

02-02-12, 06:18 PM

Sucker Punch - Redbox DVD - Wow where to start. This movie really impressed me. On the surface this movie is cool with chicks (ok hot chicks), guns (ok big guns), dragons, aircraft, and explosions (ok big explosions). On the surface it is a pretty good pop corn flick for sure. However there is a much darker side to the movie just below the surface with the whole house of ill repute vibe, and the insanity side of things being bantered about. This movie is visually stunning and done very well, I don't have a problem with the "reality meter" either as this is all in a girls imagination to escape her real life horror. I can see where this is not everyone's cup of tea, but for me an excellent movie. 4/5

Regards,

RTROSEThat was my take on Sucker Punch. I found a good deal and bought it on BR. I liked the story, but it truly is a reference disc as well so that was another reason I bought it.

I too totally agree who you watch a movie with makes all the difference in the viewing experience. I know Mrs RTROSE would not like say Sucker Punch, 300, or Zombie Land and I could not imagine sitting with her while watching said movies, just not her cup of tea. Like you Tony I too have a wonderful wife, she would not even sit though these movies to give me the ol evil eye. I end up watching these types of movies alone late at night when the rest of the family is asleep.

I enjoy all types of movies and don't limit myself to one particular type of movie. I get movies that I don't think I'll like, that I enjoy, and vice versa. I also see movies with several different types of hats. One of those hats is looking purely at the visual or aural impact of the film. It may be a crap film with a so so story line but have great visuals and and awesome audio track (Tron Legacy for example) so when I watch a movie I am evaluating it on several different levels.

Now speaking of movies up next the original Tron.

Regards,

RTROSE

Brad Horstkotte

02-02-12, 06:52 PM

re: Sucker Punch - it wasn't what I expected exactly, but I enjoyed it - in fact, I've watched it three times. Loved the audio and video, and I love heavy "suspension of disbelief" fantasy stuff, so right up my alley. Definitely a dark theme to it, but I'm OK with that - but certainly not everyone likes that.

It may be a crap film with a so so story line but have great visuals and and awesome audio track (Tron Legacy for example) so when I watch a movie I am evaluating it on several different levels.

Now speaking of movies up next the original Tron.

Regards,

RTROSE

I enjoyed Tron Legacy a lot too - the story was a little cheesy, as was the CGI of the young version of Jeff Bridges - but the visuals were otherwise great, and the soundtrack is AWESOME.

I haven't watched the original Tron on the big screen HT - but in previous airings on the little screen, it just didn't hold up to the passage of time very well. Same with Logan's Run - although the wet girl in the cave and Farrah sure still looked nice.

Oh, and one more thing:

He hates these cans!!

BasementBob

02-02-12, 11:06 PM

Watched Sanctum (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UA8D2S/)
2.9/5 (amazon 3.1/5, imdb 5.7/10, rotten tomatoes 30%, Decent Films F (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/sanctum))
I found it quite watchable, but apparently most did not.
This is the fictionalized story of Andrew Wight, who was leading an expedition into an underwater cave system in western Australia in 1988 when a cyclone struck, trapping 15 people underground. In real life most survived and got out in a few hours, in the movie most died and not well.

Watched Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CS45S8/)
3/5 (amazon 4.8/5, imdb 8.2, rotten tomatoes 100%, Decent Films A- (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/kindheartsandcoronets))
This is the one where Alec Guiness (Star Wars Obi Wan Kenobi) plays 8 parts.
I found it watchable, but a lot slower than many films these days.
It's a British crime comedy, where murder itself is a trivial offense compared to punctilious observance of the highest standards of Edwardian social rectitude.
Many find the main character witty, and the ending amusing (there's an american ending, and a british ending -- pretty much the same).

BasementBob

02-02-12, 11:49 PM

Watched Dark Fury - The Chronicles of Riddick (Animated) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GSVX5S/)
2.7/5 (amazon 3.7/5, imdb 6.7/10)
This bridges the time between the end of Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick.
The same actors that escaped from Pitch Black (Vin Diesel, Rhiana Griffith, Keith David) return to voice the parts.

"After escaping from a desert planet, Escaped convict Richard B. Riddick and his two companions, Jack and Imam are captured by a crew of bounty hunters of the vessel "Kublah-Khan" commanded by a imperial woman named Antonia Chillingsworth and her chief henchman Junner. Riddick discovers Chillingsworth has her own museum on-board and she collects the galaxy's most-wanted criminals and instead of delivering them to penal colonies and claiming the bounty, Chillingsworth turns them into living statues and Riddick is to become the latest addition to her collection."

Watched Anonymous (2011)
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068MNNOE/)
2/5 (amazon 3.8/5, imdb 6.9/10, rotten tomatoes 47%)
I found it kind of dull even with the Elizabethan sets, and the phony Shakespearean premise (that the collected works of Shakespeare were written by the Earl of Oxford) was too hard to swallow.

tony123

02-03-12, 06:40 AM

Now speaking of movies up next the original Tron.

Regards,

RTROSE

What hat do you put on to like that one !?!?!? :D

Lt.Aldo.Raine

02-03-12, 08:16 AM

Watched

http://images.static-bluray.com/htgallery/104781.jpg

J_P_A

02-03-12, 11:03 AM

What hat do you put on to like that one !?!?!? :D

I think this one would work! ;)

http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh418/j_p_a/DaftPunk.jpg

tony123

02-03-12, 02:49 PM

I'm always amazed at the resources of the folks on this forum! :) I think you found the perfect hat! LOL

J_P_A

02-03-12, 08:52 PM

I'm always amazed at the resources of the folks on this forum! :) I think you found the perfect hat! LOL

Sadly, the hardcore Tron fans will probably recognize the hat, but that was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post. I just couldn't resist.

RTROSE

02-03-12, 09:39 PM

Tron - Netflix DVD - It had been many years since I had seen Tron. Sadly even though it was technically on the cutting edge in 82' when it debuted it has not aged well. I think the acting and plot in the original is even weaker than the follow up offering. I know the audio and video are leaps and bounds different. Truly a different world we live in as my kids can't appreciate these "Classic" films like I can, they have been spoiled by modern day CGI and special effects and can't get past that to actually watch the film. I was hoping for a trip down memory lane, but I was actually on a journey to disappointment. I had thought about buying this on BR to complete the set, but I'll just have to pass on this one. The one thing I did really like though is all of the nods to the original in the latest offering. That was pretty cool to see all of those. Sadly 2.5/5

Revenge of the Nerds - Netflix streaming - It had also been many years since seeing this movie as well. This was also a trip down memory lane. This one though aged pretty well and still was very funny and entertaining to me. Forgot about a lot of the nudity and a full frontal shot as well. Aside from that it was a fun trip and had lots of memorable moments. I remember my favorite part was the musical they put on to win the home coming fair, and it still is actually. There is even a positive message at the end as icing on the cake. 3.5/5

Regards,

RTROSE

Tony, just for the record I switched hats several times watching Tron, I pretty much kept the "dunce" hat on for "Nerds"!

BasementBob

02-03-12, 10:00 PM

Watched A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006OFN070/)
1.2/5 (imdb 6.6/10, rotten tomatoes 69%)
Tasteless 'jokes' (language, sex, drugs, whatever). Baby exposed to all of it.
I watched in in 2D, most of the 3D I hated -- but the beer pong was good.
This time the pursuit is for a christmas tree.
Jordan Hinson (Eureka's Sherrif's daughter) makes an appearance.
Fortunately I didn't spend $24 to see it in the theatre; instead I spent $30 for the bluray, saving myself $-6.

tony123

02-04-12, 07:02 AM

Revenge of the Nerds- that takes me back too! I think the Halloween it came out, I was dressed as a nerd. Or was that all the other days of that year? :)

Bob, I figured as much with Harold and Kumar. That's one I'll be skipping! Thanks for the verification. LOL

Drive- I really liked Ryan Gosling in "Crazy, Stupid, Love". In this one, they took him back to that "man of few words but a charming smile" sort of character. I'm tired of them playing him this way. HOWEVER, I was tired, and this one did keep me awake! It was a bloody, show you everything, gangster type film. Almost on the graphic novel level with the violence. Somehow, it worked for me despite not being my usual thing. The audio track was very effective for me. Mostly dialogue (or lack thereof) but when the car chase and gun shots happened, they hit hard and were lots of fun. There were several gunshots that sent my wife to her feet! Fun!

Later today we have company coming for "Real Steel". We invited the Cub Scout group, and some of the parents said, "No way!". I'll write more on that one related to our recent conversations.

RTROSE

02-04-12, 07:40 AM

hanesian

02-04-12, 07:48 AM

Yo Tony!

If you're tired of seeing Ryan Gosling playing the same role, have you seen him in Lars and the Real Girl? Surprisingly good, and definitely not the same old role.

Oh, and no gratuitous sex at all.

tony123

02-04-12, 08:28 AM

Hanes, I never knew about that one. Just watched the trailer and it looks really good. I've added it to the list. Thanks.

BasementBob

02-04-12, 11:14 AM

I pretty much stay away from the Harold and Kumar films,

The first Harold and Kumar (Whitecastle) was good, despite the excessive use of drugs and profanity that makes it impossible to show to the family. I enjoyed it.

This latest one (Christmas) just never really got out of disgusting/offensive which were excessive. I could sit through it, I didn't take it out, but I can't recommend it, nor will I watch it again. More implied drug use than Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke (1978), multiplied by our free-er movie industry norms than 1978, but the kind of abuse of the freedom of speech of the kind that burned out the audience's willingness to sit through Andrew Dice Clay's performances. The bit with Jesus Christ as spoiled and vengeful rich kid was offensive, and drug abuse of an infant is not funny. Neal Patrick Harris was unexpectedly dull in this. And to suggest that Santa Claus brings babbies when everyone knows they come from Storks, well it's something with which I simply can't abide. If they'd scaled back a lot it could have been a Disney movie, and you're happy that Harold and Kumar are still good friends that look out for each other when the going gets tough -- I could still root for them, I just couldn't abide anything else.

As they go on their journey to the end of the night there are jokes that offend everyone, most but not all pretty coarse, and many misfiring. They're about religion (nuns in showers, paedophile priests, Christ phoning his father), sex and sexual embarrassment, drugs (a cute baby girl accidentally smokes pot, sniffs cocaine and swallows Ecstasy), obscenity and race (Harold and Kumar are equal opportunity satirists when it comes to racial stereotypes). In his third Harold & Kumar movie, the former child star Neil Patrick Harris does a turn as a sex-addicted bad singing star. The 3D is in your face – eggs explode on the camera lens, marijuana smoke floats from the screen into the audience. Few will find it funny, a fair number will find none of it so, and some will exit.

Not the worst film I've ever seen by a long shot. But certainly a let down.
If you must see it, consider waiting for it to be on television (HBO or something). I watched the unrated version, which presumably has something more offensive than the R rated theatrical.

BasementBob

02-05-12, 04:17 PM

Saw this "Swarm of Nano Quadrotors"
YQIMGV5vtd4
hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQIMGV5vtd4

And watched The Last Starfighter (1984) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087597/)
because the Quadrotor formations reminded me of the Kordon fighters being deployed and controlled by the mothership at the frontier.

Dingaling2004

02-06-12, 04:16 AM

RTROSE

02-06-12, 10:26 AM

Watched Ice Age 1,2 and 3. Embarrassed to say that I have seen none of these before and at 20 bucks for all three on DVD they were great value. To be honest, it took me a while to get past the voice of Ray Romano as the main character as I kept seeing him in his sitcom. However, I was pleasantly surprised by all three of these movies. The second and third installments were of the same high quality and these were great films to watch with my young boy. Animation is great, there are enough adult references to keep us older viewers interested and enough other stuff going on for the kids. Would I watch these movies again by choice.... Absolutely.

I too agree that this franchise is pretty good. The DVD transfers are really good and the snippets I've seen from the BR look even better. I do enjoy watching these films as well.

@BB

Those little quadrotors are very cool, thanks for sharing.

I really love The Last Starfighter. I know that the CGI shows it's age, but for me this will also be a classic that I'll enjoy for years to come.

Regards,

RTROSE

Dingaling2004

02-07-12, 04:37 AM

Ok, this is where it gets embarrassing. I'm on holidays at the moment, and as a bribe/incentive to get my 4yo out of the pool in the heat of the day (it's summer here in Oz) I purchased a few movies to watch on the ps3.

So, without further justification, staring at shoes, Rationalization or just plain red faced explanation, we have watched....

Alvin and the Chipmunks (bluray)
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 (bluray)
G-force 3d (bluray)
Meet the Robinsons 3d (bluray)

After watching the Ice Age trilogy, which I absolutely enjoyed, I had little expectations with either of the chipmunk movies. The first one was not as bad as I thought it would be. The 'squeakwel' was considerably less entertaining. What can I say? My son loved them both so I guess they are not aimed even close to my demographic.

G force was actually pretty good. I imagine the 3d is good as well but the apartment tv is not compatible. Kinda reminded me of the rodent version of Cats and Dogs.

Meet the Robinsons was an unexpected gem. Really enjoyed this one. Animation, story and audio were first rate. I am actually looking forward to watching this in the home theatre. it's amazing the quality of animation these days.

Well, hopefully this marks the end of my kids movie reviews.
Cheers all.

RTROSE

02-07-12, 07:22 AM

Ok, this is where it gets embarrassing. I'm on holidays at the moment, and as a bribe/incentive to get my 4yo out of the pool in the heat of the day (it's summer here in Oz) I purchased a few movies to watch on the ps3.

Meet the Robinsons was an unexpected gem. Really enjoyed this one. Animation, story and audio were first rate. I am actually looking forward to watching this in the home theatre. it's amazing the quality of animation these days.

Well, hopefully this marks the end of my kids movie reviews.
Cheers all.

No need to feel :o as I have two grown 13 and 16 year old boys (who could care less about those movies) and I still watch them. Films like Cars, The Incredibles, among others are reference quality and are good demo material for the HT. Or that is the excuse I use when I watch them on a regular basis.

Regarding Meet the Robinsons, Mrs. RTROSE and I were both pleasantly surprised by this one as well. It is a very good movie with excellent visuals and audio.

As you will see, many of these films will endure with you even after your little one outgrows them.

Regards,

RTROSE

dtesterunc

02-08-12, 04:49 AM

A Shine Of Rainbows

http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Rainbows-Connie-Nielsen/dp/B004IY6A0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328697793&sr=8-1

If you have not seen this movie it is a great one for the whole family. Really enjoyed it.
Will not do much for your speakers but the beautiful Irish country side and bright colors were gorgoues on the Panny.

Got to love that Irish accent!

Dingaling2004

02-08-12, 05:40 AM

Watched Snowtown, a true Australian story of multiple murders in South Australia and what became known as the 'body in the barrel' murders. As you can guess, the story is not a pleasant one. It deals with some shocking topics including molestation, desperate poverty, homophobia and some truly sickening sequences of sexual assault and violence. I guess I watched this as I remember when this story was reported and had an interest in finding out what really happened 'behind the headlines'. It's a chilling, gritty and shocking movie and whilst I found it pretty heavy going and I didn't necessarily enjoy the time watching, on a cinematic level, this movie is truly worthy of the many accolades it received. It's certainly not a movie that should be viewed by under 18s but for those who enjoy powerful and intense story telling, Snowtown should be on your list. Consider yourself warned however.

torrmar74

02-08-12, 09:07 AM

Watched Real Steel. The movie is a great family movie and the audio and video are good quality. Great father and son movie, I would highly recommend this movie to all.

Dingaling2004

02-08-12, 03:13 PM

Watched Real Steel. The movie is a great family movie and the audio and video are good quality. Great father and son movie, I would highly recommend this movie to all.

I am really looking forward to this one. It's winging it's way down under as we speak from Amazon. I had to buy it. Us Aussies are a pretty parochial bunch and Hugh is a very good actor (and performer). glad you enjoyed it.

BasementBob

02-09-12, 05:16 PM

A few Richard Attenborough films

Played: The Great Escape (1963)
Played: The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)
Played: Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Played: Jurassic Park (1993)

It never occured to me that Big X from Great Escape
http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsA/667-7628.jpg

was the same actor as Jurassic Park's
http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsA/667-10106.gif

cuzed2

02-09-12, 05:21 PM

I'm trying to remember his character on the '65 flight of the Phoenix (not the German model designer)??

BasementBob

02-09-12, 09:04 PM

Watched Court Jester (1956) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/079215519X)
3.5/5 (amazon 4.8/5, imdb 7.7/10, rotten tomatoes 95%)
Funny, amusing, and I can show it to the relatives.
Astounding aliteration.
21 year-old Angela Lansbury, long before she started writing about murder.

BasementBob

02-09-12, 09:17 PM

I'm trying to remember his character on the '65 flight of the Phoenix (not the German model designer)??

Navigator, and the guy who most visibly reacts upon finding out that the german makes toy planes.

tony123

02-09-12, 09:21 PM

Real Steel had a foul mouthed 10 year old and a storyline about as deep as a Sunday morning comic strip. Sorry, it only gets 2.5 from me.

Dingaling2004

02-09-12, 09:38 PM

Real Steel had a foul mouthed 10 year old and a storyline about as deep as a Sunday morning comic strip. Sorry, it only gets 2.5 from me.

Your Anti Australian star sentiments continue Tony! Next you'll be telling me that you found Gallipoli boring. Shame on you sir, Shame on you! ;)

tony123

02-10-12, 06:57 AM

Greg, the problem wasn't Hugh. There just wasn't a single part of the storyline that gave anything interesting and out of the box. If you would tell my seven year old boys to write a story about a Dad, a little boy and a boxing robot, they'd come up with something almost exactly like what we got. SPOILER Dad has to win over kids trust, robot struggles and comes out victorious in the final seconds against the champ. END SPOILER

The Lamp- Did this one on Netflix streaming. It really was good, in a Hallmark movie sort of way. It's a feel good story of how all our wishes are right in front of us to grab.

Not a movie, but my wife and I have started streaming the series "Parenthood". We're 4 or 5 episodes in and it looks promising so far.

BasementBob

02-10-12, 10:39 AM

re Real Steel

In my opinion, enjoyment of this film pretty much boils down to if you enjoy the robots or not. If you enjoy the robots you like the film, and if you don't enjoy the robots you don't.

This is because the rest of the story is at best sub-derivative of a hundred stories you've heard before, and not nearly as well done (plot, script, acting) as any of them, and there is little believable decency of characters struggling against bad external situations or organizations, and permenant personal growth is unlikely.

I enjoyed the robots, more than I liked the Transformers; but little else. It was enough for me to have fun, in a week of bad movies.

Enjoyment of the robots may be abated if as a parent with boys in the room, you spend the entire movie harping about if this is teaching them bad and uninspired behaviour. In which case the film could easily wander into walking disaster territory. It's why Decent Films (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/realsteel) gave it a -2 on the moral scale.

tony123

02-10-12, 11:35 AM

I agree Bob. And don't you go making my comments look all "hick" now with your big words. :)

I took most issue with the importance the plot put on money and gambling. Not earning money, but taking bets in shady underground fight complexes. It does deserve the -2 at Decent films.

sivartk

02-10-12, 05:59 PM

I watched Hot Tub Time Machine ($1.50 Blu-ray purchase at a Blockbuster going out of business). I would give it a 2.5 out of 5. Seemed like a bad parody of Back to the Future.

BasementBob

02-11-12, 01:32 AM

Watched Tower Heist (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004A8ZWWY)
3.3/5 (Amazon 4/5, imdb 6.5/10, rotten tomatoes 68%, Decent Films (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/towerheist) C[/url]
Yea Snoopy!
Good dialog, keeps up the pace, kind of fun.
Ben Stiller (pretty good film for him, on a par with Night At The Museum), Eddie Murphy (not his best film), Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni.
It's supposed to be action/comedy/crime, but I didn't really notice the comedy. Just a bunch of amatures taking on a guy who's worth either $600.00, $20 million, or more.
Two alternate endings.
Budget: $75,000,000
Gross (thus far): $78,009,155 (USA)

Dingaling2004

02-11-12, 05:48 AM

Watched Real Steel tonight. Firstly, from a technical viewpoint, I loved this movie. Being a bit of a diehard Transformers fan, I thought the cgi was pretty good. The audio quality in 7.1 was amazing. My seat shook with deep, tight bass with every step and punch of the robots. From a story point of view, I am going against the grain here and give this one a big thumbs up. It was a nice story. Of course it was formulaic but what would you expect from a Hollywood whose main purpose is to return monies to the big studios. Art house it ain't but this doesn't diminish the film for me. The characters really drew me in. It would be hard to like Hugh Jackman's character at the start of the film but by the end I felt an affinity. I know comments have been made about the potty mouth of the child actor but I counted only a couple of 'ass' and 'damns' in there. I know us Aussies are a little bit liberal over here with our colorful colloquialisms but I found no offense in the language used. Compared to what I hear coming from the mouths of 10-12 year olds these days, the kid is a choirboy! Not trying to flame any other opinions here. I guess this points out some of the differences between our countries and the applicable censorship standards and moral compasses. This film worked on a number of levels. The robots were fun diversions, but this film was really about the bonds between father and son, the true value of relationships, finding ones self in an often confusing world and even the prevailing of humanity over the technical marvels of today. I really enjoyed this film on a number of levels and whilst the outcome was always predictable, it wasn't ridiculously so (compared to much of the fodder being labelled films these days). Going with a solid 8.5/10.

tony123

02-11-12, 07:06 AM

Well, you are on the other side of the equator. So your thinking process is all backwards. ;) Glad you enjoyed it!

kezug

02-11-12, 07:22 AM

My wife and I watched Horrible Bosses last night. We seem to be on a comedy kick lately and the last movie we saw was Bridesmaid so I will comment on both quickly.

I was not that impressed with Bridesmaids. I found it entertaining but did not have many laugh out loud moments. It was good and I do appreciate what was done by having a raunchy comedy with all woman leads. I get that, but I didnt think it was all that funny.

Horrible Bosses really was fun to watch. I like Charlie Day and having him acting along Bateman and Sudaikis was just a riot. They had good chemistry and I thought that this movie was done well in the sense that they didnt have to go to the level of Hangover to try and be funny. It was just funny in parts and most important fun to watch. Especially Jennifer Aniston as one of the "horrible bosses". I was sometimes shocked and turned on ;) by her and her character. However, I hope this is not a trend character for Aniston, I would rather see her play more roles as she has done in the past.

Dingaling2004

02-11-12, 10:38 AM

Well, you are on the other side of the equator. So your thinking process is all backwards. ;) Glad you enjoyed it!

Backward thinking? Just because our water goes down the drain in the opposite direction to you forward thinking folks stateside doesn't mean we play Banjos. ;)

Seriously though, the LFE is pretty good on this one Tony. You gotta give me that.

tony123

02-11-12, 11:06 AM

I'm not saying it wasn't fun to watch and listen to. That it was.

I always picture a round table of writers brainstorming a storyline out. Maybe it doesn't happen that way? I don't know? I just wonder if anyone at the table speaks up to take the story in a challenging direction at all? Do they approach story writing as a craft? Or a means to a paycheck?

I get what you're saying. It was fun. It's so immensely rewarding when writers have a higher goal though.

Anyway, we're about to watch "Titanic" for the first time in a decade. Loved it back when. The kids learned a bit about it at school, so that spurred us to dust it off. Obviously a few scenes to cover their eyes for. :)

sivartk

02-11-12, 01:18 PM

Anyway, we're about to watch "Titanic" for the first time in a decade. Loved it back when. The kids learned a bit about it at school, so that spurred us to dust it off. Obviously a few scenes to cover their eyes for. :)

I thought about that a few weeks ago, but when I discovered my DVD version was non-anamorphic, it went back in the case. :p

tony123

02-11-12, 01:41 PM

We just paused for intermission....yes, ours is the same, and I almost put it back in the case too. It's terrible. But....it's nasty outside, so limited options. :)

dfergie

02-11-12, 02:39 PM

Titanic has been on HBO & Max lately, I archived but haven't watched as I'm waiting for the 3D theater release to re-watch... I have the special edition dvd with dts sound somewhere...

Nayan

02-11-12, 03:20 PM

Last night for our movie night we watched Mr. Poppers Penguins. I thought they did an awesome job with the penguins and the story itself was pretty good. Loved Angela Lansbury's role and I won't say anymore so I don't spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet :).

BasementBob

02-11-12, 10:50 PM

we're about to watch "Titanic" for the first time in a decade. The kids learned a bit about it at school

#16 maritime disaster.

1) Spanish Armada 20000
2) Wilhelm Gustloff 9300
3) MV Goya 8000
4) Junyo Maru 5620
5) MV Doña Paz 4341
6) SS Kiangya 3920
7) SS Thielbek 2750
8) Yamato 2500
9) SS Sultana 2400
10) SS Mont-Blanc 2000
11) Scilly naval disaster of 1707 2000
12) Bismarck 1995
13) Scharnhorst 1950
14) Le Joola 1800
15) Tek Sing 1600
16) RMS Titanic 1523

BasementBob

02-11-12, 11:05 PM

I always picture a round table of writers brainstorming a storyline out.

Sometimes that's good. Sometimes:

15 BUILDING THE BOMB

A screenwriter wrote to me marvelling that my name is in the writing credits of the god-awful 1994-released film Robert A. Heinlein's THE PUPPET MASTERS. After all, I seem like a sensible enough guy, and yet the film is piss-poor terrible. He was quite relieved to find out I know quite well that the movie is awful.

So here's how THE PUPPET MASTERS came to be. Let it serve as an illustrative example, a case study in the Hollywood development process. In its death, then, perhaps the film can find some meaning -- perhaps it can do some good.

Besides, you guys need to know what you're getting into. It certainly seemed like a good idea at the time: get the studio to buy the rights to Robert A. Heinlein's "The Puppet Masters" and adapt it for the screen. "There are whole sequences we can use straight from the book," I confidently told Executive Producer Michael Engelberg, standing in the parking lot outside the Team Disney Building. "We can get a great script done pretty fast." Several years, countless drafts and many screenwriters later, Engelberg would delight in reminding me of the conversation. Like I said... it seemed like a good idea at the time. My writing partner Ted Elliott and I had just finished working with Engelberg on an adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel, "A Princess of Mars". The studio was happy with it and us, and wanted to hire us for another project. So we pitched them THE PUPPET MASTERS. They bought the rights. We wrote the script, turned it in. And they hated it. Upon reading the script, the quote from then-Hollywood Pictures president Ricardo Mestres was, "I hated the dialog. I hated the story. I hated the characters. It doesn't work on any level." We were dumbfounded. After all, the story is pretty simple: alien slugs arrive on earth, ride on people's backs, plug into their brains and tell them what to do. Special agents Sam, Mary, and the Old Man try to stop them as they spread across the United States. Our screenplay was the same story we pitched, which was the same story of the outline we turned in. It was also the same story from the book they'd just spent so much money to own. Finally we realized: nobody at the studio had ever actually read "The Puppet Masters". So Engelberg talked Ricardo into belatedly reading Heinlein's novel. Word eventually came back that we had "stayed too close to the book," which Ricardo in fact didn't like, but it did have "a germ of an idea that was good." My partner Ted pointed out the irony: "So even though we 'stayed too close to the book' we somehow managed to cleverly exclude the one single 'germ of an idea' that Ricardo liked." Contractually we owed the studio a re-write on the project, which brought up the question, what the hell did they want us to do? Several things, in fact. Ricardo didn't want the U.S. President to be in the film. "Films with Presidents don't work," he informed us. Also, he didn't want the entire United States to be infected with slugs. That was too big -- he preferred just one small town. And he didn't like the story of the lead female, Mary. "She doesn't have to be connected to the plot," a female executive on the project told us, "in this type of film, the woman is just the hero's girlfriend." Finally, Ricardo really hated the spaceships. They were too 'flying saucer-ish,' too fifties -- he thought they would date the film. So how did The Puppet Masters travel to earth, if there were no spaceships? "Spores," Ricardo suggested. We pointed out that the film he was describing sounded suspiciously like INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. "Okay," he said, "why not have them come down on the space shuttle?" It was at that point that Ted and I bolted to the feature animation division for several months to re-write ALADDIN. Hollywood Pictures began searching for other writers to execute a draft of Ricardo's version of the story. It all probably should have ended for us then and there, and in some kinder, gentler alternate universe it perhaps did. But then Ted had an idea. "Whatever writers you hire," Ted told Engelberg, "why don't you suggest they set the story on an Air Force base instead of a small town." There were a number of advantages to an Air Force base setting. It hadn't been used before, at least not in this type of film. It had an intriguing mix of military (people with guns to fight slugs) and civilian (people we could put in jeopardy). And base-housing, even in normal life, has a slightly eerie quality, similar to what Heinlein created with his story. Finally, you could quarantine an Air Force base more convincingly than you could a small town. Engelberg told the idea to Ricardo, who loved it. Engelberg then asked us a favor: would we please do it?

Ted reminded him that he didn't make the suggestion with the idea of actually having to write the thing. Did we really want to be known as the screenwriters who screwed-up one of the great science fiction novels of all time? But Engelberg was persuasive -- if it wasn't us, then it would be someone else, perhaps writers not as good. Also... he never brought it up, but we did feel we owed him a favor for giving us a chance on A PRINCESS OF MARS. So Ted and I sat down and wrote what eventually became known as the 'B-version' of THE PUPPET MASTERS: a shuttle astronaut becomes slug-ridden on a satellite repair mission. The shuttle makes an emergency landing at White Sands, New Mexico. The slugs start spreading, eventually taking over the base. (We consoled ourselves that at least the monsters were the same, and we got to play out many of the same story beats that were in Heinlein's novel.) We turned the draft in and the reaction was positive. So now the project was back on track. And to be fair to Ricardo, the new screenplay did indeed read more 'like a movie,' i.e., something that could be filmed on a realistic budget. So everyone was happy -- Except Engelberg. To understand this, one must understand that Dr. Michael Engelberg is a hard-core, lifelong science fiction fan. His apartment is like a library -- crowded with shelves of books and magazines; you feel perhaps you should speak in hushed tones. He originally read "The Puppet Masters" as a kid when it was published monthly as a serial, eagerly waiting by the mailbox for each new installment. No matter how filmic our 'B-version' script was, it just wasn't Robert A. Heinlein. And that's what Michael really wanted to see. So using political machinations worthy of the Old Man himself (favours were called, strings at high levels were pulled) Engelberg engineered this result: Hollywood Pictures would go back to the book (and our first script) and develop the original story concurrently with the B-version. Whichever next draft turned out the best would be the film that would be made. Also, because the B-version was treated as a separate screenplay, we still owed them a re-write. So Ted and I were asked to revise the original story (which was the story we preferred anyway). Ricardo assigned new writers (James Bonny & Richard Finney) to the 'B-version.' They also got a director, Dan Petrie Jr. -- which shows which version Ricardo was backing. (For our B-version research, Ted and I had to violate national security and sneak away from an air museum tour at March Air Force Base. In contrast, Petrie and his writers received special passes to Edwards Air Force base and got to watch the shuttle land.) So that's how Ted and I found ourselves in this bizarre situation: we were working on a screenplay that the studio head didn't want, competing with other writers on the same project -- and they were working from one of our scripts! And since they had a director and we didn't, things weren't looking too good for Heinlein's original story. And rumour had it that Petrie was even changing the creatures -- he liked the idea of them going under people's skin, hiding out inside people's bodies. And since we were preoccupied on ALADDIN with story holes you could drive a truck through, they even got their draft in first -- a definite tactical advantage. But then a couple things happened. The studio felt somewhat indifferent about the revised 'B-version' script. Second, our revision was an improvement on our first effort (at least we like to think so). Third, another Body Snatchers remake was announced, and it was set completely on an Air Force base. And finally, Engelberg continued in his efforts to convince anyone who would listen that we should be doing the classic, original story. (Michael Eisner agreed, commenting that no one wanted another Bonfire of the Vanities.) Next, screenwriter David Goyer was hired to re-write our script (the revised original version). David did a great job, keeping stuff that was working, changing some elements that weren't. In many ways he improved on our efforts, putting together the best of any of the drafts up to that point. Amazingly, Ricardo was convinced, and the 'B-version' was officially killed. The green light flickered, and the search for a director was on. So next a director gets hired and he shoots the script, right? Not in Hollywood. What happens is this: the director gets hired (in this case, British director Stewart Orme) and he sits down with screenwriters of his choosing and decides what film he wants to make. All the screenwriting work up to this point is potentially moot. The director can (and usually does) throw out the existing script and start over from scratch. Which is just what Stewart decided to do. New writers were brought in (Neil Pervis & Rob Wade) and, with principal photography weeks away, a new script was commissioned, to be written under Stewart's direction. Writing screenplays under these rushed conditions goes a long way toward explaining the generally mediocre quality of films -- the screenplay that gets shot is quite often not the best version that was written. (This does not stop critics -- who generally have not read any version -- from sympathizing with directors and actors who must "struggle with a mediocre screenplay.") So it turns out that Stewart, too, has a thing against spaceships. His idea was that slugs would grow from a seed that was left behind by a streaking light. (The fact that this implied a functioning ship full of slugs flying around the earth didn't seem to bother him.) And like many people, Stewart was interested in the idea of a 'mother slug,' a concept that every writer along the way fought hard to keep out. Those and other new ideas frustrated Engelberg enormously. They were backwards steps, he felt, from Goyer's revision of our script. When Stewart's shooting script came in -- with principal photography just days away -- Engelberg was beyond frustrated, he was depressed. The script wasn't very good, he felt. Worse, it wasn't Heinlein. Enter Jeffrey Katzenberg. He read the shooting script and didn't like it. It wasn't the same movie he'd given a green light to. Katzenberg ordered principal photography moved back a month, and, in a rare move for a studio head, ordered the director to go back to a previous draft -- the Goyer revision of our script. David Goyer was re-hired (at a properly re-negotiated salary) and he and Stewart worked to bring Heinlein's original story to the screen. And that's the draft that eventually got shot (or mangled, as it turned out that Stewart couldn't direct his way out of a paper bag).

So it was that three years after our initial parking lot conversation, Engelberg escorted us on a tour of THE PUPPET MASTERS set, on the Warner Hollywood lot. We saw foam slugs being mass-produced. We saw Jarvis' apartment. We saw the situation room of the Section. We saw Donald Sutherland, cane in hand, personifying the Old Man. "Come look at the spaceship," Engelberg said. We followed him into soundstage one. And there before us -- -- was a slime-covered parking garage. "That's not a spaceship," I said. "Well," Engelberg said, a little defensive, "it's what we're calling the spaceship." I looked again. It was a parking garage -- cars and all -- draped by gooey alien stuff. "Looks like they went with the look of the Aliens set," Ted commented. "So there's no spaceship," I said. "Stewart calls it the nest," Engelberg said. "Ricardo wants to call it the brain coral. It's what the spaceship becomes. It's our spaceship." "It's not a spaceship. A spaceship takes off and lands. There's nothing here that can fly." "Terry, now you're being mean," Ted observed. "Okay," Engelberg admitted, glum. "There is no spaceship." I was greatly disappointed. Our original desire to do the novel was based on wanting to see seven great gangbusters sequences. For those who've read the novel, they are: 1.) Investigating the fake spaceship and the fake news broadcast. 2.) Sam gets taken by the slugs, goes over to their side. 3.) Sam sits down in Mary's place for the slug interview. 4.) Sam goes into slug-infested Kansas City, gradually becomes aware it's completely slug-infested. 5.) The President takes off his clothes in front of Congress. 6.) The ape, Satan, gets slug-ridden. And 7.) Sam and the Old Man go into the alien spaceship. These are, for me, the essential sequences of the novel. The first two made it into the film in some form, I think. The third got pared away by the development process, for no good reason that I can remember. The fourth -- Sam goes into Kansas City -- takes place at night, and doesn't have near the impact it should have had. In the book (and our script) Sam notices a swimming pool 'closed for the summer' and other details that tell him Kansas City is overrun. People are going about their business, controlled by the slugs. It had that twisted normalcy of excellent horror. In the film, it's just a war scene. The fifth cool sequence was cut by Ricardo. The sixth was pared down due to budget. And the seventh -- No spaceship meant no spaceship for Sam and the Old Man to go into. No throat-tightening claustrophobia, no slugs swimming in fluid, no victims hanging in suspended animation. And that's a damn shame.

So of the seven great sequences of the book, maybe two and a half of them got up on screen in some form. Not a very impressive score, and it was a horrendous fight to get even that. I've come to believe that making a film is like a massive version of throwing a dinner party -- you invite a lot of people and hope that it turns out good, but you can't really control it. And after everyone has left and you've got this big mess, you wonder if all the work was worth it, why you went to all the trouble. But -- I guess you have to think back on the highlights, and appreciate the small successes. There is now a Puppet Masters film. It has real Heinlein slugs in it and they take over a good part of the United States. I got to hold a slug in my hand, feel it wriggle. Actress Julie Warner took my then six year-old daughter by the hand and led her up onto the stage so she could see a slug close up. And Michael Engelberg, that long-ago kid waiting by the mailbox for the next installment, actually got to be ridden by a 'Master' in one of the scenes, a slug-infested extra. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Heck, maybe it was a good idea after all.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=cache:NQBZQaJM_HAJ:http://www.scriptconsultancy.com/7Resource/Downloads/Doc12Wordplay.rtf+%22puppet+masters%22+heinlein+%22Building+ the+Bomb%22&ct=clnk

http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp15.Building.the.Bomb.html

J_P_A

02-12-12, 03:13 PM

Real Steel - 3/5

This movie has been sitting on the counter for a few weeks now, and we finally got around to watching it. I'm a little hesitant to post my thoughts considering the wide range of opinions it has generated. But here goes anyway.

The beginning of this movie was a little slow for me, but it really picked up for the last half or so. I really enjoyed it, and had they been able to pick the first half up a bit, it likely would have scored the coveted 4/5 from me.

However, this movie has me a little conflicted. I absolutely hated the Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith because, in my humble opinion, the guy was a horrible father figure. Rather than just working hard for a living, he subjected his family to a lot of stress and misery like sleeping in a subway bathroom while he pursued get rich quick schemes with his entire life's savings. It worked out in the end, but only through sheer luck.

Fast forward to Real Steel, and I liked this movie even though the Hugh Jackman's character is a horrible father for many of the same reasons. Again he subjected his family to awful things while he pursued his get rich quick obsessions with gambling and boxing. I guess the difference is this movie is not based on a true story, and of course, there are fighting robots.

How can you not like fighting robots?

RTROSE

02-12-12, 05:21 PM

Real Steel - 3/5

This movie has been sitting on the counter for a few weeks now, and we finally got around to watching it. I'm a little hesitant to post my thoughts considering the wide range of opinions it has generated. But here goes anyway.........How can you not like fighting robots?

I for one will tell you don't ever hesitate to share your opinion here. I can't remember when anyone was flamed (for real) for their review of a film. I have said multiple times the sharing of reviews, perspectives, and opinions is what makes this thread so interesting. So review/share away.

Oh and regarding the robots? I don't know how anyone couldn't get into fighting robots. Cool! :D

Now for my review.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 - Bluray - I have reported before that Mrs. RTROSE is a HUGE Twilight fan. I have yet to go to the movies with her to see them, but I get roped into watching them with her at home. To be honest I could really just get rid of the whole series and never look back. They are basically trash as far as movies go. Predictable plot lines, hokey dialog, lackluster CGI, and IMO just plain bad movie making. However this installment is not as bad as the others actually. There are a couple of very nice views of scenery and this movie actually moved in a more logical manner than the others. Having said that, it is totally predictable and they spend way too much time on some of the plot lines and not near enough on others. I can say that watching this installment was not as painful as watching the others. However I still can't bring myself to give it more than 2.5/5 for fear of having my "Man card" revoked.

Watch only if you have to (Maybe a surprise movie date for Valentines Day to surprise the Mrs.), and watch at your own risk.

The Incredibles - Bluray - Wow, I watched this again for the umteenth time and each time I find it more enjoyable than the last. It just is a fantastic movie with reference audio and video all that and a positive story line too. If you don't have this on BR do yourself a favor and get it. You will not be disappointed.

Regards,

RTROSE

hanesian

02-12-12, 06:12 PM

How can you not like fighting robots?

I for one will tell you don't ever hesitate to share your opinion here. I can't remember when anyone was flamed (for real) for their review of a film. I have said multiple times the sharing of reviews, perspectives, and opinions is what makes this thread so interesting. So review/share away.

Oh and regarding the robots? I don't know how anyone couldn't get into fighting robots.

(Testing RT's premise about not getting flamed)

For me, robots (fighting or otherwise) in a movie automatically earns the same review Abraham Lincoln once gave for a book:

People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like.

Call me an old fuddy duddy, but I just don't "get" these robot movies like Transformers and Real Steel. I'm just not much of a science fiction guy obviously.

Flame on!! :p

RTROSE

02-12-12, 06:27 PM

(Testing RT's premise about not getting flamed)

For me, robots (fighting or otherwise) in a movie automatically earns the same review Abraham Lincoln once gave for a book:

People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like.

Call me an old fuddy duddy, but I just don't "get" these robot movies like Transformers and Real Steel. I'm just not much of a science fiction guy obviously.

Flame on!! :p

What are you?.......The Human Torch?

If you are not a Sci-Fi fan you won't get the reference, but that is OK and I don't think you're a fuddy duddy, to each his own. I don't like horror movies, never really have, probably never will, but I don't mind at all if you do and that's cool. No need for a flame proof suit here.

3TP39IFpzbw

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

02-12-12, 06:44 PM

Well, it's like Forest Gump's momma used to say, "boogers are good if you like that sort of thing."

I think she said that anyway.

javry

02-13-12, 04:19 AM

ok - way too many references to Real Steel. Guess I'll have to watch it tonight - hopefully.

audio/videoman

02-13-12, 04:48 AM

Spartacus Vengeance. Still entertaining, despite an unfortunate amount of cast turnover.

Total Recall. This is a heavily criticized transfer. Some of the early scenes do look truly horrific: the light level fluctuates oddly in certain spots; there is debris, hair, white spots, black spots, you name it, every possible problem is evident.

If you can hang on despite these issues during the first 5 minutes, the rest of the print is relatively clean.

No, the color doesn't pop the way it does on nicer, newer transfers. Contrast is low, and detail is far from spectacular. But it does not in any way look like SD. It just looks like sloppy, below average HD.

As far as the film itself, it's great entertainment. Highly recommended. I'll probably order up the UK version at some point.

cuzed2

02-13-12, 10:03 AM

This weekend:
Watched "Captain America", for me an enjoyable popcorn flick, I give it a 3.6/5.0. Was surprised they didn't mix the LFE hotter. They ere some scenes with some real bass potential, had these scenes been LFE emphasized this one would have been an easy 4.0

Also "Nine", didn't realize this was a musical, but still enjoyed - it especially for the musical scores. I am surprised this was rated PG-13, based on the adult "sexual-tease-scenes", should have been an R? I give it a 3.25/5.0.

RTROSE

02-14-12, 01:05 AM

Ok, I finally had the opportunity to watch Real Steel - BR - It was a blind buy for me and after all of the discussion here I was not really sure what to expect. Well call me a sucker for the underdog story, but I really liked it. I know it is a over worked, rehashed plot line, but with a little different spin on it. Tony with your assessment on the foul mouthed kid I was expecting a lot more language from his character, so on that front I was surprised there wasn't more, isn't that sad? On a audio/video standpoint I thought it was really well done. Like some others the LFE was not all that heavy, but the overall mix was good, and the robots were very well done. I was especially impressed in how well the "mirror/shadow" program was implemented. That integration was almost flawless. While I would not want my parenting skills to reflect Jackman's character and I would not want my children to talk to me the way Max does I think it reflects the two characters personalities/persona's even though I don't condone the behavior. It is a very good popcorn flick for me, but not for setting role model benchmarks. 4/5

Regards,

RTROSE

Dingaling2004

02-14-12, 05:05 AM

BasementBob

02-19-12, 12:10 PM

Watched Johnny English Reborn (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EPZ00M)
3/5 (amazon 4.2/5, imdb 6.2/10, rotten tomatoes 37%)

We're going to kick some bottom

Lots of fun. A little better than the last one I think. Certainly exactly what I was hoping for, and more than I was expecting.

Watch till the end of the credits.

tony123

02-19-12, 12:14 PM

Scorpian King 3 - Your guess is probably accurate. :)

Twilight- Breaking Dawn - For me, this franchise isn't so bad. The first was the best by far. This one is just a transition in the story really. I don't understand the love triangle though....if I were either of the guys I wouldn't tolerate it.

BasementBob

02-19-12, 12:53 PM

Watched Rum Diary (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ISJQBM)
1.7/5 (amazon 3.1/5 even split 1-5, imdb 6.5/10, rotten tomatoes 50%)
Blech
I was hoping for any of -- comedy, action, journalistic hunt -- and it didn't deliver those, nor did it deliver anything else.
What a disappointment, all of the best parts were in the trailer.
"It's colorful and amiable enough, and Depp's heart is clearly in the right place, but The Rum Diary fails to add sufficient focus to its rambling source material"
Sony continues to put out blu-ray releases that have lossless audio tracks corrupted with cinavia (Sony PS3 Playstation has software to handle it).

Watched Age of Heroes (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OTGS08)
2.6/5 (amazon 3.2/5, imdb 5.5/10, rotten tomatoes 40%)
More of a Saturday Afternoon Television Movie than anything else.
British action-thriller based on the real-life events of Ian Fleming's 30 Commando during World War II. It's no "The Heroes of Telemark", and Sean Bean tries in the first 80% of the film, but there's just not quite enough in the script/budget for anyone to work with to get it over that B/C-movie hurdle.
I bought it to see Ian Fleming portrayed, and he does make an appearance starting about half way through, although it wasn't the role I was anticipating based upon the advertisements.
Watchable, but I don't think I'd make any of my friends sit through it.
Today, many remember Ian Fleming (1908-64) as the author of such books as the James Bond series and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but less-commonly known are the details of his involvement in World War II. Fleming began as an intelligence liaison under the aegis of Rear Admiral John Godfrey, and then in 1942 formed a crack team of intelligence-based commandos, known as the 30 Assault Unit; its job involved operating near the front lines of battle to seize top-secret documents from enemy headquarters

BasementBob

02-19-12, 01:16 PM

Watched: Gotham (1988) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002CR03G)
2/5
Strange little private detective story with Virginia Madsen as the living breathing 10-year-dead ghost, and Tommy Lee Jones as the detective.

And then I went on another Invasion From Space movie bit:
Played: It came from Outer Space (1953)
Played: Target Earth (1954)
Played: This Island Earth (1955)
Played: Kronos (1957)
Played: The Blob (1958)
Played: Teenagers from Outer Space (1959)
Played: Lifeforce (1985)
Played: They Live (1988)

If you haven't seen They Live, well, get out there and consider it man. 3.4/5

Lifeforce is one of those films you can stand to watch every ten years. Sort of a vampires/zombies/beauties from space with terrible acting/direction. 2.7/5

Teenagers from Outer Space I thought would be more of a rebelious teenager story, perhaps in a Beach Blanket Bingo style's Motorcycle Gang, but it turned out to be more of an invasion sort of story which brought the score up to: 1.7/5

In the span of only a few hours The Blob killed and devoured more than 50 people, growing from the size of a softball to larger than a school bus. There is no known way to kill The Blob. Officer Dave of the Downington Police Department, who confronted the monster in 1957 stated, "I don't think it can be killed," pointing out that high voltage electricity, bullets and acid were useless in destroying it. The Blob was stopped only by freezing it with CO2 fire extinguishers for long enough to allow the military to fly it to the Arctic. Downington resident Steve Andrews, who was nearly killed by The Blob explained that the monster could only be contained, "as long as the Arctic stays cold". Global Warmists take note.

Kronos I played twice, first with the sound off and it was really good. Then I played it again with the sound on and it wasn't nearly as exciting -- basically the script trashed what were some interesting 1957 special effects. 2.2/5

This Island Earth shows up on regular television every few years so you've probably seen this one. Rex Reason's voice is memorable. It's an aliens-have-high-forheads movie. 2.2/5 "Dr. Meacham is chosen along with others by the inhabitants of the planet Metaluna to do research that will help save their dying planet. However, an evil scheme is uncovered by the suspecting Dr. Meacham when he discovers the Metalunan's plan to take over Earth. Dr. Meacham then escapes an exploding Metalunan built Earth lab along with Dr. Adams only to be kidnapped while flying away in a small plane. A flying saucer wisks both the scientists off to Metaluna where they are held accountable for blowing up the Metalunan Earth lab during their escape. They later escape there with the help of Exeter the friendly Metalunan. Metaluna then self destructs and the Doctors make it safely back to Earth"

Target Earth involves robots running around earth taking over, a couple that doesn't evacuate an occupied city, and Whit Bissell as a scientist. I don't know if this movie typecast Whit Bissell for sci-fi for most of his future memorable roles, but it's early enough in his career to have done it. 1.9/5 Watchable for enthusiasts.

It came from Outer Space actually has a bit of a plot and characters. The aliens look alien, and unlike The Puppet Masters (1994), they spent some money on a spaceship with a rather solid looking door. 2.7/5

tony123

02-19-12, 05:47 PM

The 5th Quarter- Recommended on this thread by David. Great story! Great movie! However....it was too much emotion for me to handle. I had to take myself out of the movie several times so I wouldn't drown in tears right in front of my family. It did serve as great illustration to our boys as to why they will receive a sharp "NO" when they want to ride in a car with their buddies.

The trailers on this disk showed several other interesting movies with positive messages. Why is it that the only place you see these sorts of films advertised is on these discs? Marketing budget? positive messages don't sell? Two I can think of that break that mold are "We are Marshall" and "The Blind Side".

Dingaling2004

02-21-12, 04:50 AM

Watched Lady and the Tramp on Bluray. This is the Diamond Edition with 7.1 sound, fully restored. For a picture of so many years, Disney have done an excellent job in bringing the PQ way up to scratch. The last time I saw this was on Videotape so the BD is a revelation. As you would guess, the 7.1 is hardly going to rock the house with its dynamics but it's not that type of movie. This is a movie that I enjoy each time I see it. A timeless story of a pedigree pampered pooch falling for a scruffy mutt from the other side of the tracks. This is still a great family movie and the introduction at the start from the great Walt Disney's daughter is very interesting. This is definitely a keeper.

BasementBob

02-24-12, 09:55 PM

Watched Immortals (2011) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWZW8S)
2.8/5 (amazon 3.3/5, imdb 6.3/10, rotten tomatoes 36%)

An ok addition to the various 'Zeus helps mortals' movies we've had through the years. Certainly lots of action and violence. Quite watchable, but not riviting. Moderately entertaining. Oracles, bows, titans, battles, revenge, Greek gods and impending wars, but predictable. Might be better in 3D. A lot of it is at night, so turn the lights out.
And as per hollywood tradition, they re-wrote greek myth because apparently it wasn't good enough to endure. And the Minotaur, oh come on. The bad guy is not the titan Hyperion, but just a guy named Hyperion. Noble-born hero Theseus, wasn't.

westgate

02-25-12, 03:11 PM

last pm, 'IRONCLAD' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-tpqF-zXuU), a middle ages swordfight fest.

BasementBob

02-25-12, 09:56 PM

Watched The Buccaneer (1958) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006H3KQIA)
3.4/5 (amazon 5/5, imdb 6.3/10)

Good film. I thought it was well directed.
Yul Brynner, Charlton Heston, Inger Stevens, E.G. Marshall, Charles Boyer,
and I almost missed her, Majel Barrett (Star Trek TOS's Nurse Christine Chapel) as Townswoman!

During the War of 1812 against Britain: General Andrew Jackson has only 1,200 men left to defend New Orleans when he learns that a British fleet will arrive with 60 ships and 16,000 men to take the city. In this situation an island near the city becomes strategically important to both parties, but it's inhabited by the last big buccaneer: Jean Lafitte. Although Lafitte never attacks American ships, the governor hates him for selling merchandise without taxes – and is loved by the citizens for the same reason. When the big fight gets nearer, Lafitte is drawn between the fronts. His heart belongs to America, but his people urge him to join the party that's more likely to win.

Facts were changed to protect 1950s sensitivities. Lafitte did have an affair with a Claybourne lady, but it was the Governor’s wife, not his daughter.
There was a “Dominic Yu” in Lafitte’s band of pirates, but modern research suggests “Yu” was actually an alias for Alexandre Lafitte, Jean’s older brother, from whom he learned the buccaneer’s trade.

The Buccaneer was Cecil B. DeMille’s last film. He was seriously ailing, and had to turn over direction of the film to his son-in-law, Anthony Quinn. DeMille oversaw production of the film, and appears in the prologue, but was unsatisfied with Quinn’s efforts as director, as well as the work of old friend Henry Wilcoxen as producer, and tried to change and improve the film during and after production. DeMille died in January, 1959, only a month after the film’s release.

Anthony Quinn plays the role of Beluche in the 1938 movie. For this one, he is the director. It is the only film he directed.

There is no historical evidence to prove that Lafitte actually was present during the battle.

Cecil B. DeMille’s prologue fails to mention the great irony of the Battle of New Orleans: by the time it was fought, a treaty to end the War of 1812 had already been signed in London. But word of the signing did not reach New Orleans until weeks later.

BasementBob

02-28-12, 08:51 PM

Watched Electric Dreams (1984) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001QXZ81G)
2.4/5 (amazon 4.5/5, imdb 6.0/10)
An artificially intelligent PC and his human owner find themselves in a romantic rivalry over a woman (Virginia Madsen).
The cello computer duet is the highlight of the film.

Watched Star Command (1996) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117729/)
3/5 (imdb 5.1/10)
It has that certain something. A lot of the story is pure fluff, feel-good TV with formulaic text, but the actors and actresses who are playing the roles manage to bring a degree of feeling to the proceedings.
A crew of space navy cadets on a training mission find themselves forced to fight an enemy fleet for real. They lose their senior officers (Morgan Fairchild, Chad Everett) in the opening battle, then through luck and guile try to defend a helpless colony. One little corvette (advantage speed, maneuverability) against five big cruisers (advantage armour, firepower, sensors).

Watched Starship Invasions (1977) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076760/)
3/5 (imdb 3.9/10)
Nobody on the planet seems to like this film but me.
To my mind, it's the ONLY film where the flying saucers fly correctly. When I was growing up, the reports of flying saucers constantly talked about how they turned without regard for physics, inertia -- instantly changing velocity, instantly changing direction.

None of the special effects crew are credited with staging space battles again. Ever.

http://www.jabootu.com/acolytes/bnotes/starship.htm

BasementBob

02-28-12, 09:00 PM

We are Marshall Another film based on a true story. A very good movie with a good message. I did find it a little slow in the middle, but finished strong but it was predictable, still enjoyable though. 3.5/5

Watched We Are Marshall (2006) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFBZCG)
3/5 (amazon 4.5/5, imdb 7.0/10, rotten tomatoes 49%, Decent Films B+ (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/wearemarshall))
I'd seen this before.
The scene in the film library of the opposing team, where they offer everything they know to the new Marshall coach, is always touching -- and to my mind more important than the ending.
Emotional, uplifting, and enjoyable.

gamer99

02-29-12, 05:45 AM

Twilight- Breaking Dawn - ...........if I were either of the guys I wouldn't tolerate it.

Not to mention you would either be a Ware-wolf or Vampire!

Last week I watched:
Ned Kelly (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113749/)
Mallrats (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277941/)
Mad City (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119592/)
Killer Elite (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1448755/)
Footloose (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068242/) I haven't seen the original (1984)

Yesterday:
Annapolis (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417433/)

NickTheGreat

02-29-12, 10:47 AM

tony123

02-29-12, 10:58 AM

Watched We Are Marshall (2006) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFBZCG)
3/5 (amazon 4.5/5, imdb 7.0/10, rotten tomatoes 49%, Decent Films B+ (http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/wearemarshall))
I'd seen this before.
The scene in the film library of the opposing team, where they offer everything they know to the new Marshall coach, is always touching -- and to my mind more important than the ending.
Emotional, uplifting, and enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this one. It was also Matthew McConaughey's finest piece of acting. I really dislike him in everything else he's done. But, he did such a fine job here that I wonder why he doesn't strive for better roles?

tony123

02-29-12, 11:00 AM

In Time- Great movie...no. Fun, yes! Justin Timberlake isn't half bad. It had the most "Sci-Fi" feel to it of anything I've seen recently. Maybe not a purchase movie, but definetely worth a rent!

BasementBob

02-29-12, 11:30 AM

It was also Matthew McConaughey's finest piece of acting.

I didn't really notice any great acting in that one. I don't think he really changes much from film to film, but the films certainly change (better/worse scripts, better/worse direction/production, better/worse co-actors). In each film he does, he starts by picking an emotion, and sticks with it throughout.

The main difference in my favourite 3 Matthew McConaughey films is hair:
- We Are Marshal (2006) - messy hair
- Sahara (2005) - nice hair
- Reign of Fire (2002) - no hair

Honorable mention
- A Time to Kill (1996)
- U-571 (2000)
- The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

I don't think Matthew McConaughey has ever won an oscar. He's acted with oscar winners. He's been directed by oscar winners. He's handed out oscars.

Matt Damon on Letterman impersonates McConaughey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qv9sixrdMU

tony123

02-29-12, 11:38 AM

LOL. By "his finest piece of acting", I was rating him against himself! No, I wouldn't give him an Oscar nod in the grand scheme of all acting. But "We are Marshal" and "U571" were respectable for me.

tony123

02-29-12, 11:42 AM

And that's a funny video! That was the first thing that struck me with WAM....he left his shirt on. :)

Dingaling2004

03-02-12, 04:05 AM

Have been watching Sons of Anarchy series 1-3 on Bluray. Riding a bike, I really enjoyed the series' on that level but it's a fascinating, yet dramatized insight into the goings-on of an outlaw motorcycle gang. Katey Segal (Peggy Bundy from married with children fame) plays the matriarch of a highly dysfunctional group who live life on a knife's edge, where competing gangs and alliances pose more of a threat than law enforcement. Ron Perlman, a genuinely intriguing actor who played Hellboy brings a strange mix of code, humanity and ruthlessness to his character. Much like the Sopranos, you know the main characters are crooked and ultimately amoral in their behavior yet you still feel an affinity for them. Says a lot for the quality of the writing. Takes a little while to get into it but the payoff is worth the effort. IMHO, one of the finest TV shows in a long time.

Dingaling2004

03-03-12, 05:13 AM

Watched the 2011 version of Footloose. Rented this with some reservation as I grew up with the 80's version and this was the cool movie way back when as a young teen. I was pleasantly surprised. Just different enough to make it interesting but adhered to the original enough to maintain it's integrity as a remake. Really enjoyed the soundtrack.... but prefer the original. It's in DTS 5.1 Master so the audio is certainly much better than the original. Picture is way better too. This doesn't pretend to be grand cinema but as a feel good movie experience with great music, some interesting reworking and pretty capable acting, this is a pretty good effort. I liked it. Solid 7.5 /10.

Also saw Mr Poppins Penguins. This was actually also pretty good. Jim Carey plays his usual character, just looking a little older. The penguins are great and the CGI really impressive. It has a nicely inoffensive storyline of a separated couple finding their feelings for each other again, set amongst property development, teenage kids and 6 pretty cool penguins. Worth a rental and probably a hit with the kids. Enjoyable. 6.5/10

kezug

03-03-12, 05:52 AM

In Time- Great movie...no. Fun, yes! Justin Timberlake isn't half bad. It had the most "Sci-Fi" feel to it of anything I've seen recently. Maybe not a purchase movie, but definetely worth a rent!

Why cant i find this on Netflix to rent?

Ignore this as i justfound it.

kezug

03-03-12, 05:56 AM

I watch Sucker Punch and have to say that i found the dialogue parts to be too soft but the rest of the Audio and Picture quality was top notch. I really enjoyed hearing my system 'sing'!

However as dream like as the story was it put me to sleep about1/2 way through. I just didnt have any connection to most if not all the characters. I felt like iwas watching hot chicks playing some fantasy Call of Duty game.

I was hoping for more but this one was underwhelming for me. On another note, the visuals were fun, spectacular at times and the girls all were hot, especially Carla Gugino!

CptnRandy

03-03-12, 08:39 AM

J_P_A

03-04-12, 08:13 PM

Puss in Boots - 2/5

This movie just wasn't as funny as I had hoped it would be. It may be that I'm not a cat person (you would have to meet the vicious beast that lives with us to understand), but I only found myself laughing a handful of times throughout the movie. It may have been that I set my sights a little too high as I was hoping for another Shrek, but I found myself bored enough that I was checking the forums for updates during the movie. It also may have been that I just wasn't in the mood for a comedy (i did have to convince myself to watch a movie last ight instead of going to bed early :o).

YMMV, but I was not impressed by this one.

EDIT: BTW, I love animated movies. Toy Story is one of the few movies I would give a 5/5.

Dingaling2004

03-04-12, 08:49 PM

We watched Hugo (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970179/) last night. It was delightful, beautiful. Highly recommended.

Although I really enjoyed The Artist, Hugo and Midnight in Paris are my personal best picture pics from last year.

Have this ordered on Amazon. Can't wait. Sounds like Hugo is one of those special movies you keep coming back to.
Cheers.

Dingaling2004

03-04-12, 10:53 PM

Watched Finding Nemo on DVD. We bought this for my son about two years ago and it's been missing for almost that long. Had cause to open up the casing on one of my old DVD players and found about 6 discs stuck inside. Long story short, have Nemo and a few other movies and they survived fine. I think little fingers were to blame. Needless to say, the DVD player went to electronics heaven.
This is still a great movie. On a 145 scope screen the picture on DVD is understandably soft.... Can't wait for when Pixar finally release the Bluray of this movie. Dynamically, this disc is awesome. Some of the bass gave the system a good workout, particularly the shark chase scene and when the submarine shifts. Really shook the room. If Pixar continue with the 7.1 DTS Master Audio transfer of late, this will be amazing. Really happy I watched this again. Still a favorite. 9/10

torrmar74

03-06-12, 05:17 PM

Watched Hugo and wasn't impressed at all. Besides the image quality of the film, i felt it was a bit dissapointing. I think that all the great reviews had me expecting much. Sorry to say maybe a 2/5 rating for me.

BasementBob

03-08-12, 08:06 PM

I survived The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003CXWS)
2.6/5 (amazon 3.3/5 even split, imdb 3.6/10, rotten tomatoes 6%)

By far, the best lunar film on August 16 2002 staring Randy Quaid and John Cleese with assistant director Frank Capra.
It has little to do with the 1966 novel "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert A. Heinlein or "The Long Run: A Tale of the Continuing Time" by Daniel Keys Moran -- I may be the only person to ever mention them in conjunction with Pluto Nash, but I think it's clear that all three have the moon in them.
Just put your expectations of aside and watch the movie, it's actually better than just about everything on television these days. Despite the staggering amount of money lost, this is not one of the all-time cinematic disasters.

Hillary Clinton, often a fan of Sci Fi writers, makes her appearance on the $10,000 dollar bill. And space suits look even dorkier than they did in cheap sci-fi films that get laughed at on Mystery Science Theater 3000.

It's Quaid who almost steals the show as the out-of-date robot. His wacky facial mannerisms and gigantic, perpetual grin (we're told he's high on a happy chip) are simple fun. It's just one of the strangest pieces of acting anyone's ever seen.

Alissa Kramer and Heidi Kramer (twins), also known as Star Trek Voyager's Delaney sisters, make an appearance.

Budget: $100,000,000 (estimated)
Gross: $4,420,080 (USA)

I am a huge fan of good, funny sci-fi flicks. I have to shake my head and wonder what the f*^k those folks that bashed this movie were expecting? I mean really. I was expecting (hoping for) complete silliness. This delivers nonsense in great heaps. If you are an Eddie Murphy fan, then this is Eddie at his most absurd! If you liked the Fifth Element, this is even better! The effects are great, the chick is FINE, and the jokes are non-stop. I laughed out loud I don't know how many times.

This film is so terrible that adjectives such as "stinking" and "abomination" flee for their lives when trying to describe its appallingness.
John Cleese does in fact make a cameo appearance in this flop. It is a tribute to the negative genius of the scriptwriters that he manages to deliver not a single humorous line during the entire shemozzle. Halfway through, I was rolling on the floor pounding my head in pain and yelling out for someone to give me a lobotomy, just so I wouldn't have to think about how lame and awful this movie was.

This "movie" wasn't even screened to critics prior to its release. It firebombed at the box office

First there was "Howard the Duck;" then came "Ishtar;" now we have "The Adventures of Pluto Nash," a film so misguided in its conception and so ham-handed in its execution that it can take its rightful place among the great cinematic blunders of all time.

The story is banal, the acting stilted, the humor nonexistent. Most shocking of all are the alleged "action" sequences, which look as if they were shot and staged by some precocious junior high school students working on a class project for extra credit. Murphy, Rosario Dawson, Pam Grier, Peter Boyle, John Cleese, and, above all, Randy Quaid - all fine actors under other circumstances - are made to look as ridiculous as possible, running around like mad trying to take all this seriously and pretend that they AREN'T stuck in one of the legendary bombs of all time.

I am delighted this movie is coming to DVD. It is absolutely awful--and sitting through it is like sitting through a 90-minute car wreck. The story is absurd and pointless, and it's fun to try and imagine at what point in filming Eddie Murphy gave up and just started to mail it in. Thanks to the DVD medium, not only can we watch this mess again and again (it's sure to become a cult classic), we can also gain some insight by listening to the director's commentary. [Except there's no director's commentary on my DVD] This is a movie that's so bad, so misguided, and so poorly executed that one can only wonder "what in the world were they thinking?!" Movies like that don't come along every day (or do they?) and you have to enjoy them while you can. This DVD is a MUST HAVE purchase!

Spoofed in
"Robot Chicken: I'm Trapped (#4.3)" (2008)
- The aftermath of "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" is shown when over 57 people killed themselves after watching the movie.

Rosario Dawson, Randy Quaid, and Eddie Murphy
watching the movie "The Adventures of Pluto Nash"
http://www.aisleseat.com/pluto.jpg http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/newsdesk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/clinton.jpg